Tallassee Tribune Feb. 12 2025

Wiginton announces campaign for Tallassee mayor

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Joey Wiginton wants to see Tallassee thrive.

He moved to Tallassee from Montgomery about 30 years ago with his wife Nancy.

“We wanted to get out to find a place to raise our children,” Wiginton said. “All five of our children graduated from Tallassee schools with a great education. It served as a great launching pad for them.”

Wiginton believes Tallassee is a great place to live and raise a family. He has announced his

See CAMPAIGN, Page A6

WILLIAMS | TPI

Tallassee resident and business owner Joey Wiginton has announced his intentions to be on the municipal election ballot as a candidate for mayor. He will hold a formal announcement event at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Restoration 49.

Tallassee child sex crime defendant pleads guilty in federal court

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It took at least five different agencies working together to arrest a Georgia man for child sex abuse.

WILLIAMS

SCHOOLS, FIRE DEPARTMENT LOOKING AT CO-OP PROGRAM

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Staffing is an issue for many fire departments, especially volunteer departments. It’s no different for Tallassee.

the school system a teaching unit. Rogers has worked to create a curriculum over the last decade.

“This plan has been vetted through the Alabama Fire College,” Rogers said.

Through career tech education, the Alabama Department of Education currently has a program but it requires a teaching unit. Rogers presented a model that serves the same purpose with little cost to the school system.

fire and police at its Elmore County Technical Center, which uses a certified teaching unit to teach the class. Under the Tallassee program, students would report to the fire department to work under Rogers and other firefighters.

“It’s a combination of work and study,” Rogers said.

“We’ll get them through the curriculum to become certified as volunteer firefighters and firefighter two, as well as EMT basic.”

Darvin Williams, 27, of Douglasville, Georgia, was apprehended Feb. 1, 2024, in Union City, Georgia. He was charged in state court in Alabama with second-degree rape, four counts of second-degree sodomy, electronic solicitation of a minor, interference with child custody, facilitating travel/enticing a child for immoral purposes and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.

Like many volunteer departments, age is becoming an issue of its responders and there is a low participation among younger people in the fire service. To help address the issue, the Tallassee Fire Department is seeking a co-op program with Tallassee City Schools to build interest in volunteer firefighting. Deputy Tallassee fire chief David Rogers officially presented the idea at a recent Tallassee City Schools board meeting.

Tallassee Police Department investigators worked with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Fulton County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. According

See CRIME, Page A6

“We have been working on this for the last 12 years to build and bridge the gap between the fire service and Tallassee High School,” Rogers said.

If started, the program would be one of only three in the state and it does not cost

“Our program is a collaborative effort between students, parents, the school and the fire department to create a co-op fire science program based on the curriculum of the Alabama Fire college and approved by the state department of education,” Rogers said. “This program will be a work study based program that will provide a career pathway for students to enter the fire and EMS related fields.”

Elmore County Schools has a public safety program with

Rogers and the Tallassee Fire Department are gauging interest now to be able to work with Tallassee High School on scheduling for the students. There would be an orientation in the summer with the program officially kicking off at the start of school in August.

The program would be open to only juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 GPA. There is a possibility it could be open to homeschooled students.

Obituaries

SUSAN GLASS

After a life filled with love, faith, and devotion, Susan Glass entered into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ on February 2, 2025. She firmly believes she is not truly gone but waiting for the day when her loved ones will join her in eternity. Susan’s faith is the foundation of her life, and she lived as a true servant of God. Through her discipleship, kindness, and unwavering belief in Christ, she touched lives across the world. The outpouring of love and support from so many, both before and after her passing, is a testament to the reach of her faith and the impact she had on those

DR. JAMES “HOWARD” TEEL

Dr. James “Howard” Teel, 94, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Louisville, KY. Howard was born on December 1, 1930 to the late Thomas Green and Vivian James Teel. He was raised in Elmore County, AL, where he graduated from Tallassee High School and was a member of the 4-H Club. He attended Auburn University and earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard College (now Samford University), an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in international health from the University of Louisville. Howard dedicated his life

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

FEB. 9

• Theft was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

FEB. 8

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Delta Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gantts Mill Road.

• Gunshots were reported on Highway 229.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Roberts Street.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Whatley Drive.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Dolan Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue and Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

around her. Born to N.E. and Margaret Strickland, Susan was a woman of deep conviction and compassion. She was married to the love of her life, James Glass, for 47 wonderful years, sharing a home built on love and a steadfast commitment to their family and faith. She leaves behind a family who cherished her: her children, Jamie Gelhaus (Chris), Erin Harrell (Trevor), Laura Fagan (Matthew), and Davis Glass (Lauren); her beloved grandchildren, Tristen Gelhaus, Tyler Fagan, Rhys

Fagan, Elijah Harrell, Madelyn Harrell, and Juniper Glass; and her brother, Nade Strickland (Cindy). She was preceded in death by her parents but carried their love and legacy with her always. Visitation will be held at 9:00 am with a Celebration of Life at 10:00 am, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 1279 Friendship Road, Tallassee, AL 35078. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Planting Roots (https://plantingroots.net).

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

to helping others. Throughout his career in international public health and social ministries, he lived around the world including Louisville; Bangladesh; Haiti; Washington, DC; India; Nigeria; and Kuwait. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church. Howard will be remembered for his gentle spirt, his sense of humor, and his love for the Auburn Tigers and the Louisville Cardinals. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his

wife Clara “Maxine” Teel; his brother Edison; and his son David. Howard is survived by his four children, Becky Teel, Kathy Zimmerman (Mike), Marcia Daoud (Edward), and Steve Teel; his four grandchildren, Chelsea, Matt (Amanda), Tim, and Mark; and his great-granddaughter, Allison. He is also survived by his sister, Shelby Hamilton; and brother, Randal (Dodie) Teel; and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Highland Baptist Church, 1101 Cherokee Rd, Louisville, KY 40204. A celebration of Howard’s

life will be there at 11am. An additional celebration of Howard’s life will be held at Linville Memorial Funeral Home, 84632 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic, AL 36024 with visitation at 9am and funeral service at 10am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Burial will follow in Bethlehem East Baptist Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Highland Baptist Church or Hosparus Health. Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial. com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Cypress Street.

• A juvenile complaint

was reported on Hickory Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious person was reported on East Patton Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on North Mackenzie Street and Noles Drive.

• A noise complaint was reported on John Street. FEB. 7

• A noise complaint was reported on John Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hillcrest Street.

• A verbal altercation was reported on McNeal Street.

• A reckless driver was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious person was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Gunshots were reported on Rifle Range Road. FEB. 6

• Gunshots were reported on John Street.

• A domestic incident

was reported on Eubanks Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on McKenzie Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on South Central Boulevard. FEB. 5

• A suspicious person was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.

• A verbal fight was reported on James Street. FEB. 4

• A domestic dispute was reported on James Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue and James Street.

• Theft was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.

• A child custody dispute was reported on North Johnson Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Macedonia Road.

• Harassment was reported on Weldon Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Highway 229. FEB. 3

• A domestic dispute was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Greenwood Drive.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Notasulga Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Third Street.

• Forgery was reported on Burton Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Lakewater Drive.

ADOC stops trespassers, drugs from entering prison

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Two men are in the Elmore County Jail facing drug trafficking charges after attempting to smuggle narcotics into a state prison.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, the Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division Central Region K-9 team received information relating to individuals trespassing at the Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore.

“The team immediately responded and intercepted the suspects, who were attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison,” an ADOC release said.

Two suspects were taken into custody and identified as Kemari

Rashaun Green, 21, of Tuskegee, and Shaquan Laray Horton, 33, of Harvest. Officers also located large quantities of contraband to include trafficking amounts of controlled substances in the suspects’ vehicle. The contraband included marijuana, methamphetamine, various pills, fentanyl, knives, cell phones and cash.

Green and Horton were transported and booked into the Elmore County Jail with assistance from the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.

Green and Horton were charged with trafficking marijuana, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking ecstasy, trafficking hydrocodone, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime and first-degree promoting prison contraband.

This was a collaborative operation between LESD K-9 Bureau, ADOC’s Contraband Interdiction Team, and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing by the ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division, and additional charges are pending at this time. Green and Horton have $4.5 million bonds available to them.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

There’s no down time at the shelter

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

What goes on in our shelter on a daily basis?

The public sees our pets online after they have completed stray hold, medical treatment or recovery from malnutrition/neglect and after they have been cleaned up, vaccinated and generally recovered from any negative health issues they might have had. What the general public does not see is the day in, day out work our staff is doing to help so many pets recover from neglect, starvation, sickness, injuries and overall mistreatment that may have gone on for a significant period of time before they came to us. And when it comes to puppies and kittens, all will receive a minimum of two complete sets of vaccinations (some will end up with four sets just depending on how long they are with us), dewormings and parasite treatments to give them the best chance of getting and staying healthy until they go to their forever homes

On any given day we will likely have more than a few pets recover-

ing from issues such as mange, respiratory infections, severe flea and tick infestations, intestinal parasites and poor nutrition. Pets with acute injuries are not uncommon and necessitate quick trips to area veterinarians to get the appropriate diagnosis and care. We seem to always have dogs undergoing heartworm treatment (three pending right now). Long-term neglect is not fixable overnight, so it is not uncommon for us to have a pet a month or more before it is recovered and ready to be placed for adoption.

Infestations of external and internal parasites (fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, etc) can leave pets anemic and weak from the loss of blood. Young animals are at special risk and our staff often has to work fast as heavy loads of roundworms, hookworms, fleas can lead to death if not rapidly dealt with, but we also have to be careful not to shock their system so multiple de-wormings are very often required.

Refeeding a starved pet is not just putting food in front of them as they may need multiple small meals during the day to get their

recovery started. And if a pet is not eating well, you may find our staff doing special concoctions like rice and boiled chicken, hand-feeding, bottle-feeding – whatever it takes.

Many, many cats and kittens come to us with upper respiratory issues that can be from contagious cat diseases or just bad overall health from poor nutrition, internal and external parasites, and stress. Goopy eyes and runny noses are more the norm for large numbers of kittens during kitten season, and our kitty quarantine area is generally full during those months as we work to help many of these kittens get well enough to be placed for adoption.

What about all of those puppies and kittens too young to be without a mother?

Our staff whips up kitten and puppy meals geared to their needs and that means a lot of goopy foods and dirty puppy and kitten faces needing cleaned up after they eat throughout the day. That is a lot of puppy and kitten cleaning going on depending on the time of year.

If we have a nursing mother that is able and willing to take on new

babies it makes life a lot easier and we are certainly grateful for some wonderful mother dogs and cats who prove to be incredible moms.

Of course, our foster families are unsung heroes as they take on babies to raise until they are ready to find their new homes.

Shelter work is a lot more than just putting food and water down daily. There are medications, vaccinations and parasite preventives to be given, feeding to be monitored, baths to keep them clean, grooming to be done on long/matted coats, illness/injury issues to be dealt with, exercise to help their physical and psychological health, behavior assessments so that we can help pets and adopters find great matches and lots of documentation to go along with it all.

Exercise is vital for dogs and this is where our volunteer dog exercisers shine as they help us ensure our dog’s mental health by giving them daily physical exercise.

Spay/neuter surgeries have to be scheduled with all the accompanying paperwork followed

Pet of the Week - Kevin

Kevin is a 3-year-old male Basset/Lab looking mix who weighs 39 pounds, so he’s just a perfect size – not too big, not too small. He was brought to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. Kevin is super sweet, obsessed with tennis balls and playing fetch, loves toys and is great with other dogs.

The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are

by photography sessions so the world can see our wonderful pets online. Of course, helping a potential adopter meet the pet they may adopt is the goal of all of this work so that we can turn our focus back to all those still coming in so we can start the process all over again.

What this means is that there is truly very little ‘down’ time in a shel -

ter as there is no end to caring for 200-300+ pets every day. But you can trust that our staff is there to help all that come to us to the best of our ability as we all love animals and work to find them better futures.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

$100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Kevin or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

Prison design to solve some staffing issues

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The advertisements are everywhere from the Alabama Department of Corrections seeking staff for its prisons.

Members of the legislature say the prisons are operating at about half staff. Over the last decade, ADOC has tried to rectify staffing issues through higher pay and incentives. But even that is not getting enough people to sign up.

“We’ve totally changed our marketing on how we’re trying to recruit people, but we still are barely able to just move the needle in a positive direction,” State Sen. Clyde Chambliss said.

There are public image issues where some ADOC staff have been accused of smuggling contraband into the prisons. Attempts to use drones and other means to deliver narcotics, weapons and phones behind the fences of prisons have been documented. See PRISON, Page A5

Our View Opinion

Pop culture brings us together

Every year, award shows come and go. Superfans watch excitedly to see if their favorite singer wins an award, and others watch just to keep up with the banter. Like clockwork, social media blows up with either celebrations from fans or disappointment. Despite whether or not you think someone should have won an award, this presents an opportunity to learn about a different artist, or a different music style you might not have discovered otherwise. While arguments might come about surrounding outcomes of an award show, remember it is just an award show. The value of a piece of art should not be determined by an award or how many people like it; rather, it should be enjoyed for what it is — art.

Instead, enjoy award shows for what they are. Funny moments transformed into memes weeks after the show, thrilling performances done by artists and other key moments are what should be remembered from award shows. After all, they’re what bring us together after the show. Despite unwanted outcomes, these moments give us opportunities to use today’s pop culture as a way to garner discussions with others who have similar interests.

While the awards might not always go the way we want them to, award shows give us the opportunity to build community and discuss varying opinions. At the end of the day, awards won are not what matters. What matters is appreciating the hard work put in by the artists.

17 Springs will be impactful

Get ready Millbrook, Elmore County and the River Region. The opening of the second phase 17 Springs next week will prove to be a decisive moment in the growth of Elmore County.

With its fields, courts, track and fieldhouse 17 Springs will attract sports teams from across the state and Southeast with its easy access. On top of that, it will have a retail district with hotels to capture tax dollars from guests who will be visiting the complex. Those guests will also visit other parts of Millbrook, Elmore County and the surrounding area.

The more than $100 million price tag to create a tennis complex and diamond fields worthy of hosting NCAA tournaments, soccer fields to attract regional youth, high school and college tournaments and a stadium and fieldhouse complex to host football, track, basketball, wrestling and volleyball is expensive. But it will soon show its value.

It has already taken about half of the Blue Gray Tennis tournament from Montgomery. It is also forcing Montgomery to look at refurbishing its parks such as Lagoon Park just to stay on the radar of tournament organizers.

It will also allow the growth of youth sports locally through an adequate facility to learn and train.

The tax dollars it creates are funding quality of life projects across Elmore County.

Many have questioned why Elmore County, the City of Millbrook and others have so heavily invested in the project. To me the answer is clear. Because of my son and travel soccer

I have had the opportunity to travel around to many athletic parks and fields.

Some have just one field carved into a hill. We arrive just before the game and leave soon after. Most often we spend our money on food elsewhere.

Others are fields created by a parks and recreation department but lack parking and facilities to host the tournaments its 14 fields contain. We pack our lunch and a tent for shade between games.

Others such as the Hoover Met have us spending a few hours there. There is some food there and nearby shopping.

However, this past weekend we had a chance to see 17 Springs on steroids at the LakePoint Sports park just north of Atlanta. It’s a 1,300 acre complex that we really only saw a small part of. We saw and played full field soccer on its eight MLB regulation baseball fields. The park has shaded fullchair back seating. There are cameras and radar guns to watch and measure pitchers and batters.

There were also games on several multiuse fields.

At any given time there were 20 or more soccer games going on at once. All the fields were lit with LED lighting and covered in artificial turf to help with maintenance and playing soon after rain. There is also a 170,000 square foot facility with a wooden floor for 12 simultaneous basketball

games or 24 volleyball games. The complex also has 10 beach volleyball courts and three small lakes with cable drives for wakeboarding.

There are partnerships with Publix, Academy, Wilson, Coca-Cola and local vendors. There are restaurants such as The Varsity and Chick-fila in the complex. There are hotels, a bowling alley and gas stations.

I could see where an athlete and parent could stay for days. In fact I talked to one this past weekend at LakePointe that has. He has a son who plays travel baseball. Last summer alone, he traveled from Alabama and spent 20 nights in the complex. He worked remotely in between games using the complex’s Wi-Fi network, even from the stadium seating.

The park’s location has a chance to capture teams from Chattanooga, Atlanta, Charlotte, Birmingham, Huntsville and more. The father saw teams come from Dallas, Indiana and further in his time there.

I can only imagine what 17 Springs will do with its central location and commercial district that is nearing completion.

I thought 17 Springs was a large project until LakePointe. Given its central location just a couple hours from anywhere in Alabama and even Atlanta, my fear now is 17 Springs might not be large enough.

Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff.williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.

The Book of Love

Iwonder who wrote the book of love?

This week, we have another one of those hijacked holy days, like Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day, that have origins on the Christian calendar but got secularized.

Saint Valentine lived during the 200s, and his story as a defender of romantic love has been told for nearly 2000 years.

Valentine was a bishop in the Roman diocese of Terni. He was born and raised in Interamna, and spent his life and career there.

In those days, Roman rulers frowned upon marriage because they felt that soldiers who got married would turn soft and not be the warriors the Empire needed them to be. Valentine, however, performed dozens of undercover weddings and got himself in trouble. Valentine loved God and he loved people, and was always available to lend assistance to anyone who was in love.

Claudius II was leading Rome at the time, and it was still illegal to be a Christian. As a matter of fact, Claudius was well known as a persecutor of Christians.

On February 14, 273 (AD), Valentine was temporarily in Rome when he was captured and thrown into jail. Claudius actually took a liking to his prisoner – until Valentine attempted to convert the Emperor to Christianity. Claudius had Valentine condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs. They stoned him. But miraculously, these efforts failed to kill him. Soldiers then dragged Valentine outside the Flaminian Gate, where he was beheaded.

The story of Valentine, martyred on the Flaminian Way, became legendary. Around the 14th Century, Geoffrey Chaucer and his circle of friends began researching the story and helped to build upon Valentine’s legend in their writings.

In 1836, Fr. John Spratt, a famous preacher from Ireland, was given a reliquary from Pope Gregory XVI. The reliquary was placed in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin, where it has remained to this day. It features the remains of St. Valentine and a small vessel of his blood. While the world may see Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to indulge in candy and give cards to classmates, it is interesting to note that the man who gave the holiday its name actually sacrificed himself many years ago. He did it all for love.

Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.

Lots of firsts at Mt. Vernon for Valentine’s Day

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Mt. Vernon has reopened and new things are coming.

After its rebranding as the Mt. Vernon Performing Arts Center, it is aiming to bring new experiences to the area — starting with a Valentine’s Day event.

“We will have reserved seats and food,” Mt. Vernon co-owner Joey Wiginton said.

Monday workers were pulling the current tags marking seats to get ready for new ones printed Tiger Paw.

“They will be riveted on before the show on Friday,” Wiginton said. “The first two rows are for VIP tickets.”

Mt. Vernon is partnering with Louie’s Chicken Fingers of

Tallassee to be the first establishment to cater food in the theater.

“It’s their first real catering job,” Wiginton said. “They will do a great job with it.”

While this event might bring a series of firsts to the area, it is giving the Sweet Young’ins a chance to celebrate something they’ve done for the past five decades — sing. Alongside the Sweet Young’ins, Mother Moon Pie and Dr. Sam will give performances as well.

Tickets are $60 for regular admission and $75 for VIP in advance. The day of the show prices are $70 and $85 for VIP. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Agape of Central Alabama.

“It should be a good date night for Valentines,” Wiginton

said. “We want to showcase downtown Tallassee and the other businesses in town.”

Mt. Vernon is also in the process of working with Tallassee City Schools to host students for field trip rewards.

The next big event at Mt. Vernon will be showings of Gone With The Wind.

“A lady came up and suggested it,” Wiginton said. “I said why not? She even came back and said she has all this memorabilia from. She wants us to display it.”

Plans are still in the works for Gone With The Wind.

“We want to do it in April,” Wiginton said. “It’s a busy month with holidays and such. We are thinking of two showings in one day. With it being four hours lo

Enhance Elmore will soon be in hands of legislature

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Local bills concerning the seven funding measures in the Elmore County Commission’s Enhance Elmore will be in the hands of the Alabama legislature this session.

Elmore County chief engineer Luke McGinty told the commission at its Monday meeting the local delegation had been apprised local legislation was forthcoming on the matter.

“We have a couple more weeks of required advertising,” McGinty said.

Once the advertising requirement is met the bills could be handed over the legislature. At that point it is on the legislature time frame which normally means unanimous consent from the Elmore County delegation before the bills reach the floor for a vote.

Only then could the commission vote to enact five of the seven funding measures in Enhance Elmore. The commission could then also set a date for the two funding measures that require a public referendum.

The commission approved bids for a new athletic plaza between the baseball and football fields at Elmore County High School as part of Phase 2 of the Quality of LIfe projects across the county.

The commission is also attempting to get residents and volunteers to participate in the Elmore County Cleanup Weekend April 4-6. It is a cause that has been championed by commissioner Henry Hines.

“We’ve already gotten several teams to sign up,” Hines said.

“Elmore County High School has challenged other schools’ sports teams in the county to sign up for the clean up.”

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

• Approved minutes of the Jan. 27 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants in the amount of $5,023,656.53 for the period Jan. 18 to Jan. 31.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.

TCBOE continues to make plans for the old Reeltown school

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

For the past three years, there have been questions about what will happen to the old Reeltown elementary school.

During a special-called board meeting in July 2024, then-superintendent Ray Porter recommended the board to start accepting bids for the demolition of the 1929 Reeltown Elementary School, also called the E building, and the adjacent wing facing Highway 120, before he officially retired.

Superintendent Casey Davis said school officials did a walk through with the contractors last week and will be opening bids Thursday. He said this is still the early stages and there isn’t a set plan yet — the school system is weighing its options.

“Whatever decision is made on that, the community input is certainly going to be taken into consideration

The board approved this recommendation. However, this doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. The board will still need to award a bid and approve the project before any demolition can occur.

Several new prisons were proposed under a plan four years ago with one just across the road from Staton Correctional Facility and Elmore Correctional Facility.

The new prison to be named after Gov. Kay Ivey will be completed in 2026 in Elmore County. It will house 4,000 inmates and ultimately close Elmore and Staton. Its design will solve some of the problems of staffing, smuggling of contraband and other issues noted in a possible federal takeover of Alabama’s prison system.

One of the current issues is in many of Alabama’s prisons, 300 or more inmates are housed in an open dormitory. Chambliss said it creates safety issues for staff and inmates alike.

“It’s a recipe for disaster,” Chambliss said.

He said the new prison is different as it will contain 54 buildings.

“We’re building a prison,” Chambliss said. “We’re also building a mental health facility. We’re also building a hospital and a community college.”

Ingram State Technical College already operates inside the fence of Alabama prisons including being adjacent to Staton and Elmore and in Tutwiler Prison for Women. Its programs allow inmates to learn skills to become productive members of the workforce when released. Its programs have reduced recidivism rates.

The mental health facility is aimed at providing more space to treat those with mental health issues. Those treatments are difficult in the current pris-

with that part of it and we'll do what's best for Tallapoosa County Schools and all of our children with it,” Davis said.

He added school officials are trying to be very transparent about the process. At the same time, they know they need to start doing something with the property as it is costing taxpayers money. It is a large, mostly unused building that still requires maintenance. Ultimately, the board wants to ensure it is being responsible with taxpayer money, which is why the partial demolition is being considered.

ons.

Given the scope of the project, Chambliss said an entire infrastructure system also had to be constructed.

“It is a small city of its own, but the design of those buildings is going to help us with that staff,” Chambliss said.

About 80% of the inmates in the new prison will be housed in a cell environment. This design doesn’t allow for high numbers of inmates to be together, which solves some of the issues for increased staff.

“Prisoners don’t get there for being good Sunday school students,” Chambliss said. “Some have difficulty getting along with others. We have to have places that separate them. Right now we don’t have that.”

The prison’s design also creates larger perimeters to aid in preventing smuggling attempts of contraband via drones. Chambliss said jamming technologies and other methods are being investigated to see if they are viable options at stopping the contraband. He said evidence is showing the drone operations are not random.

“It’s a business, a big business,” Chambliss said.

Drones recently recovered showed evidence of being operated in at least six states, according to Chambliss.

The security and staffing issues are at almost all of Alabama’s prisons. Costs have caused the legislature to slow funding for future state prisons. The new project in Elmore County is already at $1.2 billion. That was the entire budget for building four new prisons just a few years ago.

“It’s the largest project by far in the state of Alabama history,” Chambliss said. “It is a huge project.”

“The original gym, that is not included (in the possible demolition project),” Davis clarified. “The gym itself, we

intend fully to keep it and to maintain it, because it's still a service and a use to the students there at Reeltown.”

Once the bids close, it will be brought to the board on whether or not to award a bid.

Continued from A1

to an investigation the Tallassee Police Department was a part of, Williams likely faces charges in Georgia related to the same victims.

At the recommendation of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the case was presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute in federal court.

“To simplify things, it

CAMPAIGN

Continued from A1

intentions to qualify for the office of mayor in Tallassee. He wants to promote what the town has to offer, improve quality of life while also improving infrastructure and recruiting small businesses.

“I just feel like there’s not enough vision in this town,” Wiginton said. “I want to see downtown grow. From there I think the rest of Tallassee will grow too.”

It all begins with quality of life for Wigington. He believes Tallassee is in the perfect location with Lake Martin to the north, the

made sense to allow it to happen,” Tallassee investigator Chase Wilks said. “There were crimes in two states. It would have been very difficult to prosecute in state court because it crossed state lines.” The federal courts can cross state lines. According to federal court documents, the case was presented to a federal grand jury and indicted in October 2024. Williams was indicted on one count each of production of child pornography, transportation of a minor,

coercion and enticement and transfer of obscene matter to a minor.

On Jan. 29, Williams pled guilty to transportation of a minor and coercion and enticement. He agreed to do so and serve 20 years in a federal prison.

As part of the plea, Williams disclosed what he did to be guilty. The federal indictment said there were two victims under the age of 18. Williams’ plea only references one. He states communication began with the victim

Wiginton believes Tallassee does a good job when someone approaches the city about locating a business in the city limits.

Tallapoosa River running through its city limits and close proximity to Montgomery, Auburn, Wetumpka and Alexander City.

Wiginton believes Tallassee does a good job when someone approaches the city about locating a business in the city limits.

“We’re very accommodating when somebody calls and says, ‘Hey, I’d like to open a pizza place,’” Wiginton said. “That’s great, but we don’t go to the peo -

ple that might have a business idea and say, ‘Hey, we got a place just for you.’”

Wiginton wants to see the city do a better job at connecting those with business ideas with property owners willing to rent or sell to bring growth to town, especially downtown. He has put his money where his mouth is as a new co-owner of the Mt. Vernon Performing Arts Center.

“Downtown Tallas -

CALCIUM SCORE CT SCAN

a non-invasive CT Scan that provides enhanced 3D heart images to find the presence, location, and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries

ECHOCARDIOGRAM

ultrasound that generates 3D moving images of the heart to assess the functionality of chambers & valves

ULTRASOUND

carotid artery ultrasound that detects thickening of the artery walls that lead to stroke

in December 2023 with a 12-year-old Elmore County resident via cellphone and Instagram messages. It continued into January 2024.

“She was coerced and enticed to engage in sexual activity,” the court document states. “Through multiple messages over approximately a month’s time, the defendant persuaded (the victim) to allow him to come pick her up and discussed his desire for sexual activity with her on multiple occasions.” Williams traveled to Tal -

see is the cornerstone,” Wiginton said. “This building is one of the cornerstones. We got to get downtown revitalized. That’s where my first focus is going to be.”

Wiginton envisions people walking around downtown going into boutiques, antique stores, ice cream shops and more.

“When people see that, they think about moving here,” Wiginton said. “When we get people moving here and spending money, we will have more funds for infrastructure.”

Wiginton said there are many who work in Tallassee’s industries, such as engineers, but live in Auburn and Pike Road. He believes they are looking for activities for family and children and it begins with a downtown atmosphere.

“I believe Tallassee is a place that people want to come and live,” Wiginton said. “But they want more things to do.”

Wiginton sees retired military personnel as a way to help grow Tallassee.

“There are some with lake homes already,” Wiginton said. “Some are look -

ing for a working retirement.”

lassee on Jan. 8, 2024, and transported her to Georgia. “... and intended to engage in sexual activity with (the victim),” court documents state. “The defendant engaged in sexual activity with (the victim).”

A federal magistrate judge has accepted Williams’ plea but also ordered a presentencing background check. If a judge sentences Williams to more than 20 years, he has the right to recant his plea and proceed to trial.

Wiginton is hopeful the new planned recreation center, mostly funded by the Elmore County Commission will help too. He believes it will give needed activities for children and adults.

Wiginton believes Tallassee has potential for tourism. He sees a kayaker coming to town for the weekend going down the Coosa River one day, the Tallapoosa River below the Fitzpatrick Bridge the next day and going to Montgomery Whitewater Park the next.

“I don’t know of any other place you could do that at,” Wiginton said. “We have three different venues to do it at. We gotta showcase that.”

Tallassee City Schools can also help grow the town. Wiginton said when you look at places like Auburn, Hoover and beyond, people move there because of K-12 education. He believes the school system is good and with improving test scores, the city can do more to help highlight Tallassee schools.

“I don’t have all the answers,” Wiginton said. “I don’t, but I love getting smart people together and picking their brain and letting them come up with the answers. That comes from the education world. You set a committee or a task force and charge them with a job. This is a project we would like to do and this is the amount of money we have. ‘Y’all help us figure this out.’”

Wiginton has shared many of the ideas with friends and family. It was them who encouraged him to run for mayor, even after being defeated for a city council spot about 25 years ago.

“When I retired I started thinking about what I wanted to do when I grow up.” Wiginton said. “Then somebody mentioned, ‘Joey, you ought to run for mayor.’ It just sort of planted that seed. I decided that’s what I wanted to do.” Wiginton will officially kick off his campaign for mayor at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Restoration 49.

Wiginton spent 39 years at Faulkner University in student services, admissions and fundraising. He believes the skills he learned along the way would translate well to helping Tallassee.

Wasting time

ave you ever thought about what it means to “waste time”? What is, specifically, a “time-waster”?

How do we, as Christians, prioritize what we do? How should we, as Christians, spend our time? I think that the answer to those questions helps to determine the context of what a time-waster is.

Here are some overarching points when we think about the idea of a “time-waster”: If you don’t know who you are, if you don’t know who God is, you don’t believe that God has a purpose for your life, and if you don’t understand why God put you on this planet, then you will waste your time doing all sorts of things. Doing what is best next is always connected to what we believe about God. Genesis

1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” If God has created everything, including human beings, then that changes how we view our lives, and that affects what we do or don’t do with our time. If we don’t know the purpose for our existence, then we won’t know how to use our time wisely, and neither will we know whether we are wasting our time or not! The concept of “wasting time” presupposes a purpose in life. If there is no purpose in life, then the concept of wasting time is nonsense. You cannot waste your time in a purposeless universe. Purpose presupposes a good, or best use, of our time, versus a poor use of our time, because our time and tasks should align with our ultimate purpose. If nothing really

matters, then how we use our time doesn’t matter either. If existence has no true, objective meaning, then using our time “meaningfully” is nonsense. It is a fairytale to think that we can “meaningfully” use our time in a meaningless universe. If there is no purpose in life, then there is no real purpose in the way we spend our time; we are simply existing, that is all. If there is no purpose for our lives, then each tick of the clock is the same whether we are working, sinning, playing, or sleeping. All hours are the same if there is no purpose in our lives and if there is no God. If there is no God, then the purpose of our lives is simply waiting to die. So, when we begin thinking about the idea of “wasting time,” we must begin with

Tallassee Churches

defining purpose in life, and the purpose in life cannot be found apart from a Creator. The reason a Creator is needed to define one’s purpose in life is because only a Creator knows for what reason he has created a particular item. For example, if a person invents a clock, then he has invented that clock to tell time, not to be used as a frisbee or as a plate of food. If a clock (hypothetically) believes that it is a frisbee, then it will (ironically!) waste time instead of tell time because it was not created for the purpose of being thrown in the air. The same is true for human beings. We were created to glorify God, to know God, to love God, and to serve God. Those concepts begin one on the road of discovering what true time-wasters are. A

BILLY REINHARDT Pastor

clock will break more quickly being used as a frisbee. We, as humans, when we go outside of our God-given purposes in life, will “break” as well. When you don’t know why a particular item exists, then you will likely break it, not know why it was created. When we don’t know why we exist, then we will waste time. How much time have you been wasting lately? Maybe it is because you don’t know why God has created you.

Billy Reinhardt is the pastor of Riverside Heights Baptist church in Tallassee. He lives in Tallassee, AL with his wife, Jessica, and their four children. He blogs at www.billyreinhardt. com where he writes articles on matters of faith, family, and culture.

Tallassee wins sectionals, sends multiple wrestlers to state

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Tallassee wrestling team had its pick of the litter when it came to the team’s performance at the Super South Section last week. The Tigers practically had a clean sweep of state qualifiers who had one in every weight class.

Thomas Patterson (106 pounds), Mason Nelson (113), Dylan Price (126), Aden Bridgman (132), Rowan McWilliams (138), Avery

Young and hungry: Reeltown girls basketball team seeks continued success

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

The goal for the Reeltown girls basketball team has always been to prepare its girls for the years to come, but still aim to be successful this year.

Safe to say, the Rebels accomplished that goal. In his first year at the helm, LD Bell helped lead the team to the playoff due in large part to an end of the season stretch, which saw them take down Loachapoka in the Class 2A Area 6 tournament to punch their ticket.

Reeltown had an extremely young squad, with more players in middle school than seniors. Despite the youth movement, the team continually got better throughout the season to even get to the points to make the playoffs.

Unfortunately, Reeltown saw its season end in a 54-25 loss to Ranburne but still Bell is confident for what to come.

“We did the best we could do with the talent we had this year,” Bell said. “From what I saw, they play very hard. They met a good team, a good group, (Ranburne) had six seniors. I think we just weren’t mentally prepared for that, that comes with time. That comes with building a program, all this is part of the process.”

It was young players like Jazlyn Fitzpatrick and Mya Hughley, who stepped up big time for

the Rebels. Crystal Smith was another key contributor, ending as the team’s leading scorer for the team. Bell was excited with what he saw from those young girls all year, but now has higher expectations for his group based on what they accomplished.

“Anytime you see seventh-eighth graders out there playing hard, scoring 16-15 points, man, that makes any coach smile,” Bell said. “It brightened my day to see that. It makes me want to push us harder for the summer. We just got to be willing to not go backward with the success that we had this year. We got to keep going forward. We can’t get complacent and happy. We gotta continue to keep trying to strive for better.”

Even with the season just ending, Bell is already prepping for the next. His main priority this offseason will be ball handling, but is already issuing a challenge to his girls.

“What we’re going to work on is our depth,” Bell said.

“We’ve got to have multiple girls that can go in the game and do something to contribute to the game. So ball handling is going to be our first key and you get that by doing individual work. We are actually starting today, not starting practice, but I’m just talking to them about things that they need to be working on on their own. So the offseason starts today.”

Brantley (144), Land Bell (150), Brady Adams (157), Tra’mel McCoy (165), Joseph Hook (175), Zach Crosthwait (190), Nolan Addeo (215) and Jude Rogers (285) all ended as state qualifiers.

In addition to the plethora of state qualifiers, Tallassee sat atop the totem pole for the Class 1A-4A Super South Section, finishing as the champs with 334 points.

The girls side shared some of the success as well, sending five wrestlers to state. Kylee

Fannin (185), Milly Crain (145), Alli Smith (152), Lilly Haynes (106) and Abbi Carwile (120) all punched their tickets. In addition, the girls team took a second-place team finish at the Super South Section.

Multiple state championship wrestlers return to the pinnacle in the sport while others look to snatch a title, but one thing remains the same – Tallassee is in good standing to fill the podium on Saturday in Huntsville.

Battle-tested Tallassee ready to take on 4A competition

By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD For TPI

Under the leadership of 2024 Elmore County Coach of the Year Pat Love, the Tallassee Tigers softball team transformed a forgettable season into one brimming with unforgettable moments. Despite finishing with a 14-29 record, Tallassee claimed second place in its final Class 5A area tournament, securing a berth in the Central Regional — where the Tigers nearly won it all.

Battle-tested and resilient, the Tigers tore through opponents at Lagoon Park like a purple, gold and white buzzsaw, toppling Shelby County and Demopolis before falling to Beauregard in the championship finale. Forced into the last-chance bracket, Tallassee’s season ended in a heartbreaking 10-9 loss to Marbury.

“We played some of the best teams in the state with a very young team,” Love said. “Our goals this year are high. We expect to make it to the state tournament and compete for a state championship.”

Backing up those bold words is a formidable lineup, returning eight of nine starters from 2024. This includes first-team All-County selections Cheyann Easterling and Reagan Easterwood, along with honorable

Bragg, Wood reign supreme at sectionals

Reeltown’s Devin Bragg and Drake Wood are section champs after capturing first in their weight class while the team finished ninth overall in Class 1A-4A at the Super South Section in Montgomery. Justin Thomas (126 pounds), Drake Wood (132) and Devin Bragg (285) all ended their days as state qualifiers for the Rebels. Thomas kicked off the day for Reeltown, after receiving a bye in the first round he took on Carter Anderson of Montgomery Catholic Prep School where Thomas pinned him in just 3:29.

In the Semifinals against Houston Academy’s Abe Haskins, he would go on to win by tech fall in just four minutes. However, in the Finals, Thomas was unable to snatch a victory against Oak Grove’s David Hill and fell due to a major decision, earning him second in his weight class. Woods also received a bye in the first round and faced Dadeville’s Oliver Morgan in the second round where he snatched a tech fall win in 2:21. He followed that up with a win over Cleburne County’s Liam Mays via pin in the Quarterfinals and a tech fall victory over Tallassee’s Aiden Bridgman in the Semifinals. In the first-place match,

Wood pinned Beulah’s Harry Grant in just 2:44.

Bragg was the last state qualifier for Reeltown. En route to the first-place match, Bragg pinned American Christian Academy’s Jude Tilley, St. James’ Max Ward and Bayside Academy’s Romann Odic in under a minute. In the final match, Bragg beat Ranburne’s Zaden Bennefield in a 9-8 decision to capture the title. Bragg and Woods make their second consecutive appearance as state qualifiers while this is Thomas’ first appearance. Each of Reeltown’s wrestlers are in good standing to sit atop the podium at the state tournament in Huntsville.

mentions Kam Tate and Marlee Osborne.

Easterling, now a sophomore, will reprise her role as the Tigers’ leadoff hitter and shortstop. The dynamic slapper racked up 50 hits with a .407 batting average, proving she’s more than just speed. Her bat packed a punch with 12 extrabase hits (10 doubles and two triples), 23 RBIs, 40 runs scored and 29 stolen bases.

Entering her senior season, Easterwood anchors the hot corner as Tallassee’s starting third baseman. Defensively solid with a .904 fielding percentage, she’s equally reliable at the plate. Last season, she batted .386 with 44 hits, 12 doubles, four home runs, and 42 RBIs, adding 27 runs and seven stolen bases to her impressive stat line.

Osborne contributed with a .283 batting average, while Tate posted a .276 mark.

“I think the girls are going to be more mature than last year,” Love said. “We are still young, but a lot of these girls have started and played important roles over the last few years. That should lead to us being better in every aspect of the game. As long as we can stay healthy, we’re going to be exciting to watch.”

Easterwood and senior catcher Alli Smith, who had a .264 batting average last sea-

son, have both committed to continue their softball careers at Central Alabama Community College.

While the roster remains largely intact, the Tigers face changes in classification and competition. Tallassee drops to 4A this season, joining an area with Montgomery Catholic, Prattville Christian, BTW-Tuskegee and LAMP. But the competition remains fierce. Orange Beach and Houston Academy, last season’s 4A state finalists, dominated the rankings throughout the year. Despite the classification shift, Tallassee’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, highlighted by their entry into the highly competitive Wetumpka High Tournament.

There, the Tigers will face a powerhouse lineup including 7A Spain Park, the hometown Wetumpka Indians (6A, No. 2 in the final sportswriters’ poll after starting the season ranked nationally), Saraland (6A), Gulf Shores and Southside-Gadsden (both 5A top-10 teams), T.R. Miller (frequent 4A contender), and Maplesville (No. 8 in the final 1A poll).

With talent, experience, and a tough schedule, the Tallassee Tigers are poised for an exciting season, driven by the lessons of last year and the promise of what lies ahead.

Lake River & Classi eds

as well. Tonight: Friendships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Travel plans might be interrupted today. Likewise, writing a paper, finishing a manuscript or studying schoolwork also might be hard to stick with because things are loosey-goosey and erratic. Pay attention; this is

Collector Cars

1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 8 cyl

Services

Caregiving

AlaScans

g Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108

NEED NEW FLOORING?

Call today schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-568-2248

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 1-855-405-8839. Ask about our specials!

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. power move.

Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-871-6175

Call LeafGuard and say goodbye to gutter cleaning for good. No cleaning. No leaking. No water damage. No more ladder accidents. Get LeafGuard today and be protected for life. FREE estimate. Financing available. 20% off total purchase (Restrictions may apply.) Call 1-844-679-2490

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-817-4697 www.dental50plus.com/ alabama #6258

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-724-3049 today!

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 3/30/25.) Call 1-877-205-0836 Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime!

AlaScans

Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS

Needing Siding, Window or Roofs. We are opening a these homes for advertising. SAVE HUNDREDS. 100% Financing*.SR/Military discounts. $1000 OFF with this ad. ENDS SOON *wac 800-350-0591

I BUY OLD CONCERT posters, movie posters, lobby cards, pre-1970 comic books, 1930's blues 78's, (213) 944-9601 or streestof2024@gmail.com

ONLINE AUCTION Government & contractor surplus. Feb. 17th – 19th. Items located in LA, MS, FL. Over 500 items. For auction catalog: www.JJMerchant.com 601-274-3388

AUTOMOTIVE GOT AN UNWANTED CAR???

DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans business. Call 24/7: 1-855-405-8927

AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote!

We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943 STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE! A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance.

Let us show you how much you can save. Call Now for a no-obligation quote: 1-877-551-4740

VEHICLE TITLE Problems?

We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

Public Notices

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBIE

JEAN GRAHAM, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-036 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BOBBIE JEAN GRAHAM, deceased, having been granted to OWENS BYRON GRAHAM and KRISTY HENDERSON on the 6th day of February, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, Judge of Probate of El-

Public Notices g

barred.

OWENS BYRON GRAHAM and KRISTY HENDERSON CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBIE JEAN GRAHAM, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800

Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 2025 EST/GRAHAM, B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RANDY RAY PITCHFORD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-026 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of RANDY RAY PITCHFORD, deceased, having been granted to ALICE FAYE GATES on February 5, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

ALICE FAYE GATES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF RANDY RAY PITCHFORD, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES R. BOWLES

ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE PO BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548

Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 2025 EST/PITCHFORD, R.

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE TO AMEND CITY OF TALLASSEE ORDINANCE 2020-565

Sectional Champs

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

For the first time in 20 years and only the second time in school history, Elmore County’s wrestling team has won a sectional championship.

The Panthers placed 12 in the top four of the Class 5A Super South Sectional, earning the top prize as a team.

“It’s a really great feeling,” ECHS coach Mason Thornton said. “We set some high goals to get here, and we did feel like we had a team that could accomplish this. To see the guys go out there and perform and get it done was exceptional. I was very proud of them.”

The Panthers were led by Stran Webb and Tyler Payton who both won their individual section tiles at 113 and 157 pounds, respec-

tively. Payton is a returning state champion from 2024 and had every expectation to grab a title from Super Sectionals.

“Tyler holds himself to a very high standard to do that again,” Thorton said. “It was business as usual for him. He went out there and dominated his three opponents, and we’re hoping to see him do the same at the state tournament this week.”

As for Webb, the win was a bit more unexpected. Webb worked through an injury over the course of the summer. Although he was a state qualifier previously, Webb had never gotten a chance to climb to the top of the podium — until now.

“He worked really, really hard to get to the point where he could be a sectionals champ,” Thornton said. “To see him go out there

Panthers poised to make noise with experienced roster, new coach

By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD For TPI

When Elmore County was looking for a new baseball coach, the Board of Education didn’t have to commission a Lewisand-Clark-style search party. It just looked a few miles down Coosa River Parkway. Enter Michael Dismukes, the reigning Elmore County Coach of the Year and former coach of the Wetumpka Indians, who’ll lead his Panthers onto a newly turfed diamond and into a new era in 2025 complete with new expectations and a new cache of area foes: Valley and Beauregard.

“We are an experienced group with senior leadership,” Dismukes said. “The schedule will battle test us in the back half of the season. Our pitching has some depth, and we should be able to score some runs with our offensive depth. With an experienced team like this, we should be able to lean on our senior leadership to have a successful season.”

Dismukes knows a thing or two about leadership and success.

He guided the 2024 Wetumpka Indians to the third round of the playoffs for the first time

since 1992.

“One thing about Wetumpka is that year in and year out, the players bought in,” Dismukes said. “They came to work and did what we asked them to do. The results speak for themselves.”

But the rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield for a reason. It’s time to look ahead. Dismukes inherits a Panthers program that has averaged 19 wins per season over the past five years (not counting the COVID-shortened 2020 season) and posted an impressive 125-64 record in that time.

Elmore County returns seven starters from the 2024 squad: All-State selections Shea Darnell (Coastal Alabama) and Jaden Eason, along with Hayden Jones, Austin Davis (Gadsden State), Gage Davis, Carson Saucier (Alabama State), and Shelton Darnell.

At the plate, these six combined for 176 hits, five home runs, 45 doubles, and over 100 RBIs. On the mound, Eason posted a 5-1 record, while Jones finished the season at 3-1.

With Dismukes at the helm and an experienced roster, the Panthers are poised to make some noise in 2025.

Elmore County wins wrestling sections

and perform at that high level and really dominate his weight class at sectionals, that was huge.”

Also heading to state for Elmore County are Casey Crumpton (106 pounds), Caleb Bryant (120), Dylan Andres (126), Hudson Fulmer (132), Micah Myers (138), Grayson Meeks (144), Hayden Focthmann (150), Gavin Eason (165), Connor Pike (175) and Luke Reinert (190).

With 12 state qualifiers, Elmore County should have a really good shot at a state title.

“Taking 12 is huge, but the thing is, we really have to go up there and perform and win matches there,” Thornton said.

“If all 12 guys go down and win matches, and if half of our guys place, we have a really good shot at a state title or state runner up. So we’re holding ourselves to that standard.”

BROWN HONORED WITH LIFESAVING AWARD

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter

One small action could be the difference between life and death.

For Eclectic Cpl. Antonio Brown, one quick action saved the life of his long time partner and friend Cpl. Tim Thornton.

Brown and Thornton had responded to a call regarding narcotics.

After securing the drugs, Thornton and Brown returned back to the department to test the drugs like they normally do; however, this time was a little bit different.

“We were testing narcotics at the time,” Brown said, “Cpl. Thornton had tested one bag that came back to be fentanyl.”

Brown said there was a yellow pill that matched the drugs in the bag the two had obtained. Brown said he had scraped a little bit off the pill to get some

residue; however, Thornton had come in contact with a higher concentration of the drug.

“My eyes closed once or twice, and I figured I was just tired,” Brown said of his experience testing the pill. “When I looked over at him, he was, kind of, going down in the chair. That’s when he started waving at me and I kind of knew what was going on. That’s when I took action.”

Without skipping a beat, Brown took action. Little did he know, he saved his friend’s life.

Immediately after he put two and two together, Brown administered Narcan, ultimately saving Thornton’s life. To commend him for taking quick action, the Eclectic Police Department honored Brown with the department’s lifesaving award. While all law enforcement are trained to take quick action in situations such as Brown and Thornton’s, Brown felt

especially honored to assist one of his best friends.

“It’s part of the job, but for me to save one of my brothers, it feels great,” Brown said. “We’ve been working together for five years. I call him about anything and everything — not work related or work related.”

Eclectic police chief Robert Head said Brown has been with the Eclectic Police Department for about 10 years. Head is thankful Brown’s training helped save the life of another corporal.

“Without Cpl. Brown being there with Thornton at that time, it could have messed him up,” Head said. “His training kicked in like it’s supposed to, and we still have Cpl. Thornton with us. I’m glad he knew what to do because Cpl. Thornton is still with us, that’s the main thing. Cpl. Brown has also been a fixture in the community, and he’s loved by all.”