Tallassee High School principal Drew Glass was at the front of the homecoming parade in October. Tuesday night the Tallassee Board of Education voted to non-renew Glass’ contract as principal of the school for the next school year.
Glass non-renewed as principal at Tallassee High
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
mer. The decision was finalized after a Tallassee City Schools Board of Education meeting decision Tuesday night.
“It’s time to move in a different direction,” Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock
See PRINCIPAL, Page A6
-
Helping the helper
Mother’s memory inspires helping a cancer patient
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Almost everyone in Tal-
lassee knows David Butler.
“He’s the face of 1220 (Cafe),” Noah Griggs said.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
See COUNCIL, Page A3
BLACK HISTORY
MUSEUM PRESERVES PAST, HONORS PRESENT
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Black history — but there are so many others who were just as impactful, especially in Elmore County.
Wetumpka.
The names of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Mae Jemison, Rosa Parks and George Washington Carver are forever entrenched in
Jennifer Bennett knows Butler as well. She is Griggs’ sister-in-law and Butler has been on a firstname basis with Bennett
“He greets everyone that comes in the cafe.” Butler is known for being a customer service representative at Hardee’s, Waffle House, Jack’s and 1220 since before it opened.
Sophia Bracy Harris, W.B. Doby, Janice Faye Grayson Brooks — these are all represented at the Elmore County Black History Museum in
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
“This place lets everybody know that we do have Black history in Elmore County,” museum curator Billie Rawls said. “We have pathfinders, people who paved the way
See HISTORY, Page A6
Winfred Wise, right, explains to students the map has locations of Black churches in Elmore County and how they contributed to the Civil Rights movement. See HELPING, Page A6
Obituaries
DOUGLAS JOHNSON
Douglas Johnson, 59, passed away February 17, 2025. Arrangements provided by Liberty Mortuary, Wetumpka. JOHNSON
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
FEB. 23
• Suspicious activity was reported on Highway 229.
• A white female was arrested during a suspicious person call on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on East Roosevelt Street
• A white male was arrested during a welfare check on Main Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Gammils Store Road.
• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Weldon Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Notasulga Road.
• Menacing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Little Road.
• Property damage was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on South Dubois Street.
FEB. 22
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Pemberton Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• Identity theft was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given
during a medical call on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Wall Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on North McKenzie Street.
• A disorderly subject was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.
FEB. 21
• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Macedonia Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
FEB. 20
• A Black female was arrested following a motor vehicle accident with no injuries.
• A welfare check was conducted on Macedonia Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Adams Street.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Little Road.
FEB. 19
• Trespassing was reported on North McKenzie Street.
• Assistance was given
to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Reckless endangerment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.
• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Godwin Road.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Main Street.
• A vehicle fire was reported on South Wesson Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Sixth Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on West Patton Street.
FEB. 18
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Gun shots were reported on John Street.
• Theft was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A suicidal complaint was reported on Indian Trail.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Indian Trail.
• Menacing was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Capstone Lane.
• A Black male was arrested on Sims Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Trespassing was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Camellia Drive.
• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Kent Road.
• A suspicious subject was reported on Second Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on South Dubois Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229. FEB. 17
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Friendship Road and Freeman Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Derry Street.
• An assault was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Herd Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• A missing person was reported on Upper River Road.
• Unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Little John Drive.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Wallahatchee Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.
Reeltown Jazz Band presents Blue Note Bistro
The Reeltown Jazz Band is proud to present Blue Note Bistro, a special evening of live jazz and fine dining in support of the Reeltown Band program.
This spaghetti dinner fundraiser will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 1 in the Reeltown Elementary Gymnasium, featuring incredible performances from the Reeltown Jazz Band along with special vocal guests Emma Nonales, Crisdan Dunn and Reeltown’s own Coach Solomon.
This event is more than just a meal — it’s a chance to enjoy an unforgettable night of live jazz
while directly supporting the growth and success of our band students. All proceeds will go toward bringing in expert staff and clinicians to provide additional learning opportunities for our musicians.
Ticket Information:
• Early Bird Tickets: $12 (available until March 4)
• General Admission: $15 (March 5th – March 25)
• Kids (12 and under): $6
Tickets can be purchased through music-fundraiser-concert-temp-49627.cheddarup.com/ Seating is limited, so get your tickets early and don’t miss out on this incredible night of music, food and community. Sponsorship and
The Reeltown Band would love to have sponsors for this event. Sponsorships help ensure our students receive high-quality instruction and performance opportunities. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring Blue Note Bistro or making a donation, please reach out to the Reeltown Band Booster Treasurer, Autumn Veasey, at autumnveasey@gmail. com. For more information, contact Band Booster president Tracey Rush at Tracey.Rush@tallapoosak12.org or follow the booster club on Facebook at ReeltownBands.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Fostering is challenging but rewarding
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
About now most of us are looking forward to spring, but for those of us in shelters we know that also means the start of incoming litters of puppies and kittens.
In about a month we will start receiving far too many little ones, often without mothers, and in need of special care best done outside of the shelter in loving foster homes. Fostering is very rewarding but is a lot of responsibility and can be quite demanding. For those who are able to help these special needs pets until they are ready to be adopted, the payback in seeing them go
on to new lives in loving homes is immense.
Fostering for our shelter is generally for those too young to be in our shelter or those animals recovering from medical treatment. For the youngsters this can entail bottle-feeding orphaned puppies and kittens, or safely housing a mother dog or cat with her litter until they can be weaned. Most often we simply need puppies and kittens already eating on their own to spend two to four weeks out of the shelter until they are old enough to be adopted.
Bottle feeding a litter can be daunting as little ones may need feeding sessions as little as every two hours, round-the-clock, but only
for about three weeks generally until they can start eating a mush mixture. Of course, as these puppies or kittens grow, they become more active which also means they get into a lot more trouble and make bigger messes! Mother dogs and cats with litters mean not only babies, but an adult animal in the household and they simply cannot intermingle with family pets and must be kept safely contained at all times.
Year-round we need fosters for dogs undergoing heartworm treatment which entails keeping that dog contained and relatively calm during the 30-plus days of the treatment so that they are not taking up valuable kennel
space other dogs need during that time. These dogs must generally be kept inside the home and cannot be outside romping in the yard as it is imperative to keep their heart rate down during treatment.
And there are times we need fosters for animals recovering from serious surgeries like amputations, hit by car injuries, gunshot wounds, etc. These pets generally also need a calm environment where they can get lots of sleep, limited exercise and time to heal.
For our fosters, we supply the necessary crates, bowls, bedding, food, bottle-feeding supplies, etc. We make sure our fosters know how to reach us after hours in
Pet of the Week - Sylvia
Sylvia is a 2-year-old female Shepherd mix who weighs about 50 pounds. She came to use as a stray and was sadly never reclaimed. Just look at that smile and perhaps we should have named her ‘Pi’ given the markings on top of her head — too cute! She is good with male and female dogs and cats. Sylvia is super sweet, very playful and happy go-lucky.
Carpenter still wanted to be near some of the conveniences of the world such as Walmart but also wanted a quaint downtown with mom and pop stores.
“I feel like Tallassee is on the cusp of growing,” Carpenter said. “It’s kind of the ideal place to kind of grow and raise a family.” Carpenter has started to campaign for Tallassee City Council Ward 1. It’s an effort to see Tallassee grow and prosper — not only for his family but for all residents. He also believes Tallassee can grow from downtown outwards.
“There’s a lot of downtown that’s unoccupied,” Carpenter said. “The space is there and
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $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 partic-
available to be expanded into the location is fantastic too.”
Carpenter believes downtown Tallassee is close enough to Lake Martin to attract its residents to shop in boutiques and quaint stores.
“We’ve got to get these buildings in the hands of the people that want to renovate,” Carpenter said.
“It’s the people that want to set up those small businesses. It’s figuring out a way to find those that want to create businesses and connecting them with the property owners.”
Carpenter also believes new businesses need to bring jobs. He understands shops downtown may not have a great number of employees but those shops will attract entrepreneurs and other businesses to town that will hire a number of people.
ipating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Sylvia 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.
As an IT systems administrator, Carpenter believes Tallassee is primed for a small data center with its location between Auburn and Montgomery.
Carpenter hasn’t served in public office, but for several years he observed Eclectic and attended council meetings while living there. He also wants to leverage his skills in IT to serve Tallassee.
“I’m going to have to learn about government operations,” Carpenter said. “I could probably help with some of the efficiency stuff. I think there may be some bottlenecks that technology might help with. I’m hoping I can provide some expertise in that area.”
Easterling doesn’t want to be one of those who sits on the sideline and bemoans nobody is
case of any kind of emergency and will also take our foster pets back at any time if it just is not working out or something comes up.
If you are interested in becoming a foster for our shelter, you can see our Foster Care Manual and fill our Foster Application online at http://www. elmorehumane.org/foster-information--forms.
html Our fosters are a very special group of people whose selfless love helps us save even more lives and we welcome the chance to add even more fosters to our shelter family.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
doing anything. He wants to see Tallassee grow for years to come, especially for his children.
“I want to be part of the solution,” Carpenter said. “You just don’t want to sit back, watch and talk about what could be. I want to be part of the hands that kind of helped build right? I want to stay here and grow my family here, but I can’t complain about problems 18 years later. It takes time to fix issues. I can’t wait to fix a problem. It’s got to start now.”
Carpenter said he may not have all the knowledge of a seasoned councilmember, but he is willing to learn and work to make Tallassee better.
“I’m willing to be in it for the long haul,” Carpenter said. “I feel like with the right connections, we can make Tallassee better.”
Our View Opinion
Diversity applies to more than just race
When the word diversity comes to mind, most people think of people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, but it is much more than that.
While including people of various backgrounds in the workplace, schools and other areas is important, it’s also paramount to remember what people from different cultures can bring to the table in any facet of life. The environments and experiences of different people help shape different perspectives that can bring out-of-the-box ideas to the table.
For example, someone who was raised in a populous city most likely will not have the same experiences of a person who was raised in a small town. Although their perspectives of everyday life might be different, the various events they experience shape ideas, thoughts and strategies that someone with a different outlook might grow from.
Diversity is all around us — from various music genres, to different sports, diversity is what has brought so many different cultural factors into our society today.
A variety of perspectives can be useful in different ways; in the workplace, diverse thoughts can improve strategizing, problem-solving and overall productivity. In school, students who may not understand a certain concept can learn from students who have a different frame of learning.
Diversity is not just something to include others; it is a way to bring people together and grow each other’s minds collectively.
The next time you find yourself struggling to develop ideas on a creative project or having trouble finding a solution to a problem, try learning from someone who has a different perspective — you might learn more than you think.
Marriage is all about honesty
I’m coming up on my threeyear wedding anniversary in a few weeks, so I won’t pretend to be an expert on marriage. But I have learned a thing or two over the last few years, and the biggest thing I’ve realized is marriage truly does take hard work.
I’ve often heard — and I’m sure you have too — this cliché before, but it’s not really a cliché. It’s the truth. Marriage, of course, is built on a foundation of love but that love isn’t enough to support a true lifelong relationship. It’s about compromise, listening, compassion and so much more.
I grew up in a “broken” home. I put that word in quotations because it’s almost like saying something’s “normal” or not. Who didn’t grow up in some sort of broken home at this point? Who decides what’s normal and what’s not?
I say “broken” though because my parents were divorced when I was very young. I never really got to see up close and personal a healthy marriage because they were separated by the time I was 5 years old. I have very fleeting memories of us as a family of four with my parents, myself and my older brother.
Laissez
T.jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
But what I realized as I got older is even though they weren’t together anymore, they still maintained a relationship for us kids — and that’s truly where I got most of my lessons on a strong relationship. See, my parents built a friendship that was based on real love. It wasn’t based on staying together for the kids, but being strong together for us and being civilized at all costs. I’m not saying my parents’ relationship was perfect after they got divorced. There were fights and arguments. I remember one vivid argument where someone kicked a case of soda and Pepsi went flying everywhere. It wasn’t all roses; that’s for sure. But their friendship was built on trust. After my dad came out as gay, he became one of the most honest people I’ve ever known. Honest to a fault, in many ways. But it had to be that way, and that’s what my dad taught me
about love and marriage — it’s all about honesty. And honesty can be hard sometimes.
Sometimes it’s about telling the hard truth and saying something the other person doesn’t want to hear. Sometimes it’s about getting in trouble with your spouse or having to say, “I’m sorry.” But without that honesty, nothing works. Without honesty, all the hard work you put into a marriage can be for nothing if you don’t or can’t trust the other person you’re with. I’m a journalist, so honesty comes naturally to me. I’ve never been a good liar anyway. You can always see it on my face. But sometimes I do have to tell my husband something he doesn’t want to hear, and sometimes I do have to own up to my faults. But it makes everything easier in the end. Marriage, to me, is more like a best friendship — if you can’t count on the other person, then what’s the point? That’s your partner and you both deserve the best from each other.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi. gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
le bon temps rouler
uesday, March 4, please come enjoy some delicious pancakes and sausage at St. Vincent de Paul Church, located at 620 Gilmer Avenue. It’s an annual tradition to serve pancakes and sausage on Mardi Gras. We’ll be open from 5:00-7:00 p.m. that evening. You can drop by and pick up as many plates as you want. All that we ask is that you make a donation to the Knights of Columbus, which is a Christian charitable fraternity.
Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It coincides with Passover, and occurs each year on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon after the vernal equinox. Therefore, Easter could happen on any given Sunday between March 22 and April 25 depending on the year.
The 40 days prior to Easter are called Lent. The forty days represent the time in Jesus Christ’s life spent in the wilderness before he began his public ministry, where he was tempted by the Devil. Forty days is significant in other ways, such as the forty days and forty nights of rain and flooding, for example. Lent is a time for self-denial and sacrifice, prayer and penitence, and reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday. But that
Letter to the Editor
day before Ash Wednesday gets the most notice: Fat Tuesday. Unfortunately, the world never seems to take note of the religious significance of this particular day.
Fat Tuesday is the English translation of the French “Mardi Gras”. The largest celebrations in the world can be seen in Rio de Janiero (“Carnivale”) and, closer to home, along the Gulf Coast in places like Mobile and New Orleans.
Mobile is the home to the first Mardi Gras celebration in our country, having commenced there in 1702.
On Fat Tuesday, there were celebrations all over the world to mark the end of Ordinary Time for now, saying farewell to old ways with overindulgence in food and drink. Cleaning out the pantry and cabinet, finishing off all the sugary, bad-for-you food (and, for many, the remainder of their liquor) is the goal of Mardi Gras. The Knights of Columbus, of which I am a member, even hosts an annual
pancake supper that night. There are thousands of parades from one Krewe or another. Several years ago, a 330-foot float, the largest ever, appeared in New Orleans. Even towns with no connection to the original Mardi Gras – such as Wetumpka and Millbrook – have started staging parades and events in January and February. Schools in the Mobile area let out for an entire week in celebration of Mardi Gras.
When people mention Fat Tuesday, it sounds like a holiday soaked in grease. However, perhaps we should choose to think of it as a chance for a fresh start, for those New Year’s Resolutions to get a second chance.
During this 40-day period, consider some days of fast and abstinence as part of a self-denial plan. It has worked for many Christians for a couple thousand years. It’s a crazy world, and occasionally we need to slow down and think about making it better, one person at a time, with a little self-sacrifice and soul searching. Don’t forget to join us Tuesday for pancakes and sausage. Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Faulkner University.
Mental illness touches everyone
Dear Editor,
M
ental illness is a big problem in this country today. If a person has never experienced this terrible condition, I hope and pray that you never do. Something is not right when so many young people, old people and veterans commit sui-
cide. Another disturbing feeling is the way friends and others have so little patience with the giving and understanding of love. Ask yourself if you lost a loved one, ‘How would you feel?’ It can happen to any family. Don’t think that it can’t.
I hope and pray that those friends and others will not make every excuse in the book as to why they did nothing. God bless those people. Wake up and call your legislators. If anyone out there with this condition, please know that you are loved by our Savior and me.
God bless all,
Linda Hughes Wetumpka
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Reeltown student advances to district FFA public speaking contest
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Most don’t think of public speaking when they think of Future Farmers of America, but this contest can develop a strong skill for current students.
Last month, Reeltown tenth-grader Aubrey Lovelady placed first at the county-wide FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest. Her topic was on livestock judging and its benefits.
Lovelady believes there are four main benefits to judging livestock — it helps with annalistic skills, can improve communication skills, can help with problem solving and allows for a break from technology. The contest involved a five-paragraph speech Lovelady memorized and presented.
Earlier on, the new agriscience teacher Michael Hickman told the Reeltown FFA chapter he would like it if someone did a public speaking event. Lovelady said she never really thought about doing public speaking, but she decided to volunteer.
“I really like writing honestly,” she explained, “and I figured why not try something new and get out there to see if this is a set of skills I can put on display.”
There actually are two different public speaking events: prepared and extemporaneous. Lovelady said for her first time in a public speaking contest she wanted to go with the prepared event.
Lovelady has been a part of FFA since seventh grade and this is her first year as an officer. She has a background with livestock farming through her family’s farm, livestock judging and showing cattle. Lovelady said joining FFA was a natural progression and is a place where a lot of people share a common interest around farming and livestock. FFA also gives space to grow and show off your skills. Additionally, it comes with many opportunities for connections and resources.
“There’s a whole community of people that wants you to succeed,”
Lovelady said. “They want to help you. They want to show you all the routes and directions you can take with it. I think it’s just so cool. If you get started and get your foot in the door and tell people, ‘Hey I don’t know much about this. Tell me what you know. Tell me how to better myself.’ You are going to have millions of people in your corner, rooting for you.”
As far as her plans after high school go, Lovelady said she is still in the
Lovelady said she is trying out for FFA district officer, and just through that she has had so many people reaching out to help her with the preparation process. There is a network of support in organizations like this, she said.
exploration stage. She has a lot of different interests and passions. Lovelady has considered the military, being a veterinarian and teaching agriscience, but she is giving herself time to see where all the dots align.
“I would have never thought public speaking would have been my thing and I’m not saying it is my thing, but you would truly never know how successful you can be at something until you try,” Lovelady said. “My statement of 2025 is, ‘Why not?’ Why not take all these opportunities that are given to us? Does it fill my plate quickly? Yes,
Haynes Ambulance retained as Elmore County EMS provider
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Haynes Ambulance was awarded the EMS contract for Elmore County again.
The Elmore County Commission had asked for requests for proposals as the current contract with Haynes Ambulance was set to expire in May.
“Two companies responded,” Elmore County chief engineer Luke McGinty said. “The (Elmore County) EMS board reviewed them. Haynes was the lowest responsible bidder.”
The EMS board is made up of individuals from county fire departments, EMA and other county officials. They help guide the contract that will be finalized by May. It takes into consideration that Millbrook and Eclectic have ambulance service through their fire departments.
In other business, the commission recognized Redland Middle School Coach Jayson Hall and
nurse Kristen Wright for their actions that saved the life of student Colton Cramer.
Commissioner Dennis Hill said it was a “job well done.” Hill is a retired law enforcement officer and said he has been involved in crisis moments such as car accidents.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling,” Hill said.
“It’s a lot of stress. I don’t think you could have done it any better.”
Commissioner Henry Hines also promoted the countywide cleanup that is scheduled for Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6. It’s an effort to get teams out to pick up litter along roadways.
“We’ve had an outstanding enrollment already,” Hines said. “We have more signed up now than we have ever and we still have time to go.” Hines said there are more meetings planned to get more teams and individuals involved in the April cleanup.
“This looks to be the
biggest cleanup ever,” Hines said.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the Feb. 10 meeting.
• Approved a memorandum of warrants in the amount of $2,204,740.02 for Feb. 1 to Feb. 14.
• Appointed William Newton to the Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority Board.
• Appointed Theodore Robert Ward to the Elmore Water and Sewer Authority Board.
• Authorized the chair of the commission to execute agreements with Elmore County municipalities to assist in municipal elections.
• Approved revisions to the policy on notices for blanket conditions of Elmore County maintained roads and bridges.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, March 10.
but it leads me to so many different pathways.”
Lovelady will be heading to the district level later this spring. If she places at district,
then she will compete at state and, potentially, nationals. With nationals, participants can compete only one time at that level. She said while she
hopes to make it that far, it’s definitely too early to tell; however, she is excited for the upcoming district-level competition in April.
Aubrey Lovelady wins first place for the county-wide FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest.
for where we are today, not only in education, but in sports and more. We have lawmakers and judges. We just have a history that a lot of people don’t know about.”
Rawls said there is a lot Black history at the museum. In fact, the museum itself is a piece of Black history as it is one of only a few remaining Rosenthal schools in Alabama. It was constructed of bricks made by students at Tuskegee Institute more than 100 years ago.
“It’s a testament to the community that we still have this building,” Rawls said. “Many of us, myself included, have worked for years to make sure people know about this place and the history it contains.”
Rawls has been at the museum for the last 22 years. The City of Wetumpka came on board to help preserve the building. Rawls is now an employee of the city ensuring the museum is open.
The exhibits all have local ties. The museum contains photographs of all the Black individuals known to have served in county wide offices, law enforce-
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ment positions and prison wardens. Photographs of Black veterans, state championship teams and more are also featured. There are exhibits about Black churches and home life going back more than 100 years. The Thread My Needle quilting group helps highlight the importance of quilts in the Black
but did make a post on Facebook announcing he was not returning to Tallassee High School as principal.
“Due to circumstances out of my control, I will not be back at Tal-
community. Most were made from scraps gathered from clothing or any torn piece of cloth. Thread to bind the pieces together was often a piece pulled from the cloth itself.
“Some of the original ones told stories,” Rawls said. “Some contained maps of how to get to freedom.”
lassee High School next year,” Glass said in the post. “I have enjoyed my time here. I love my faculty, staff and students. I hope they all know that I genuinely care for them and have
Rawls herself is one of the historical figures in the Black community.
“I walked these halls here at the Elmore County Training Center,” Rawls said. “I then went to W.B. Doby School when it was built. I was in the seventh grade.”
Last week Rawls and other volunteers welcomed fourth
always had their best interest at heart. I have built some great relationships here along the way. Let’s finish this year strong!”
Glass is one of three principals in the Tallassee school system. Contracts for Tallassee Elementary School principal Shanikka Beacher and Southside Middle School principal Brittany Spencer were renewed at the recommendation of Nolin. Glass’ contract was not renewed at the recommendation of Nolin.
In Alabama, school board members are allowed to consider and vote on only recommendations made by the system’s superintendent. Boardmembers present at Tuesday’s meeting were Don Bryant, Melanie Goodman, Ruthanne McCaig, Sonja Moore and April Warren. Boardmembers Dr.
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graders from across Elmore County to the museum to show the Black history of Elmore County.
“We have to share our history with others,” Rawls said. “The names like Dr. King and others are important, but we have a history in Elmore County and we must share it.”
Steve Burak and Heather Hawkins were absent from the meeting. Glass came to Tallassee High School as principal in July 2021 after working as an assistant principal at Wetumpka High School. At the time, the majority of the classes were being held in mobile classrooms as the new Tallassee High School was under construction. Like schools across the state, everyone was trying to figure out the new ways to teach in the post COVID-19 pandemic area. According to the Alabama State Department of Education report cards, Tallassee High School had 539 students in the 2018-19 school year with an overall score of 75. The graduation rate was 89.93 and chronic absenteeism was 15.43. No report cards were
issued for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years due to the pandemic.
For the 2021-22 school year, Tallassee High School had 520 students with an overall score of 75. The graduation rate was 92.86 and chronic absenteeism was 26.12.
For the 2022-23 school year, the school had 492 students with an overall score of 65. The graduation rate was 80.85 and chronic absenteeism was 22.59. For the most recent reporting period for the school year 2023-24, the school had 480 students with an overall score of 74. The graduation rate was 84.92 and chronic absenteeism dropped to 9.70. It will be late 2025 before the report card for the school year 2024-25 will be released by the state department.
“We went for a follow up,” Bennett said. “That is when they told us it was stomach cancer.”
and her mother Barbara Hornsby before her death in 2018.
It was Bennett who approached Butler last fall to see if he needed help.
“He had lost about 70 pounds in about five months,” Bennett said. “He wasn’t feeling well.”
Butler wasn’t seeing a doctor but Bennett insisted on stepping in and helping.
“I just figured if he died and I didn’t do anything, my mother would haunt me,” Bennett said.
Butler was there when Griggs and Bennett were cleaning out the building for 1220 Cafe. Butler was there when Hornsby came to dine in the cafe.
“He just doted on my mother,” Bennett said. “Nobody could please her but David. She wanted things just so. She wanted real silverware. If she was having soup she wanted a soup spoon.
When they would come in, David would say, ‘I have got Ms. Hornsby. I am the only that can please her.’”
Butler was also responsible for bagging all the cookies Bennett took to school when her before he graduated last year.
“He did it all,” Bennett said. “He tied the ribbon on the bags too.” Bennett insisted on helping Butler. She got him to get a primary care doctor, where he received multiple tests and was eventually referred to a gastrointestinal specialist for a biopsy.
Bennett and Butler were soon seeing oncologists and surgeons with UAB Cancer Center at Russell Medical in Alexander City and UAB in Birmingham. A plan of chemotherapy and eventual removal of Butler’s stomach was developed. But first Butler needed a port and feeding tube installed.
“I was picking him up at his house and taking him to appointments,” Bennett said. “I made him stay at my house the night before this. It was Christmastime. It was fun having him around. He was there with my husband and my son coming in and out. He was there in PJs just like a family member.”
Butler has always been on the Tallassee MLK Celebration committee helping plan the event. He had already started chemo but Bennett couldn’t say no.
“He needed it,” Bennett said. “He needed the joy. It means so much to him.”
Butler was set to march before the event. There was even a car arranged to carry him if need be. The weather changed some of the plans of the event.
“I called him up and told him he didn’t need to walk,” Bennett said. “It was so cold. It was like 16 degrees.”
The march was canceled but Butler was at the program. He was introduced just like the other members of the Tallassee
MLK Celebration committee. Butler announced to the crowd he had cancer and Bennett was there making sure he made his medical appointments.
“Isn’t God good?” Butler said. “I don’t know what the plan is, but God and Ms. Jennifer do.” Bennett helped Butler serve the lunch following the program.
A few days later Butler got sick and had to be hospitalized. It meant he had to miss one of his chemo sessions. His weight dropped to 111 pounds.
“He’s back on track now,” Bennett said Friday. “We are going (Monday). Our goal is to be at 130 pounds for the appointment. Hopefully we will get this done and get to surgery.”
Butler will have his stomach removed and will have to follow a strict diet, similar to that of gastric bypass patients. There will be another four rounds of chemo. But Bennett is hopeful.
“The surgeon was real positive when we talked to him,” Bennett said.
The time with Butler is taxing for Bennett. She has her obligations but feels like she has to do this. Bennett was there last week at a successful fundraiser for Butler. She missed getting some sailing awards but was there to hear Butler sing just like he did at her mother’s 80th birthday party.
“I’m just glad I can because my mother thought a lot of David,” Bennett said. “He thought a lot of her. I felt like I needed to.”
Nolin said. Glass declined to speak on the matter
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
The Elmore County Black History Museum contains donated and loaned artifacts that give an idea of how Blacks lived during different times in Elmore County.
I have decided to follow
back yard of my neighbor. They dared not sneak over and pick Mr. Brazell’s apples! He knew how to protect and care, prune and help the crop flourish. Occasionally a tree would not bear good apples and after some quick evaluation, he would cut it down and burn it. The fruit was diseased or otherwise unhealthy and did not live up to his potential or expectation, it would become useless!
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
“Dear friends, we must love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. The person who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, because God is love”, (1 John 4:7-8, God’s Word Translation). Jesus told us that by bearing much fruit, (good fruit), people will know we are His disciples. Immediately, He follows up with the
obvious “greatest of these” fruits – love. Jesus is pointing out a very important message for each of us, productive behavior. God loves us and wants us to love others just like that.
The love of God is comforting and reaches from the highest mountains as well as to the lowest valleys; from jubilant joy to down-trodden despair! Here is the connection; bearing good fruit shows others we are Christians. That fruit is our love for one another with a Godly, unselfish love. Jesus said, “If you obey my commandments, you will live in my love. I
Tallassee Churches
have obeyed my Father’s commandments, and in that way, I live in His love”, (John 15:10). The life of following Jesus is a difficult road to trod; there are numerous bumps, ruts, and hurdles. A missionary once led a man, his wife, and two boys to Christ. The village chief asked the family to renounce their faith in public or face execution. Moved by the Holy Spirit the man said, “I have decided to follow Jesus”. The chief ordered his archers to arrow down the two children, As the two children lie dead on the ground, the man was asked
again to renounce his faith or lose his wife. The man replied, “Though none go with me, I still will follow; she was arrowed down and lie in death with the children. The chief was beside himself and asked for the last time and gave the man an opportunity to deny his faith and live. In the face of death, the man said the final memorable lines, “the cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back!”
Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with the Alabama Disaster Relief Team.
Tallassee baseball in search for first win of the season
T he Tallassee baseball team is still looking to tick its first tally in the win column after a matchup against Wetumpka last Tuesday.
The Tigers fell 12-7 but were able to show a little bit more on the offensive side compared to their first three games of the season. They scored a season-high seven runs, yet it was not enough to defend against the Indians.
Tallassee got to work early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first matching the three runs scored by Wetumpka at the top of the inning. Chase Chumley led off with a double that was followed by a Chase Webster home run to start the day off. Tallassee added one more run in the bottom of the second courtesy of a double by Brue Mil ner
Reeltown’s balanced attack on display against Dadeville
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Whether it was defense or offense, the Reeltown baseball team got it done against Dadeville on Monday.
The Rebels came away with a 12-2 victory, which saw the game end just after the fifth inning. JaMarkius Smith had a solid day in the batter’s box, nailing two hits in his three at-bats including one double. Brody Smith, Branton Spraggings and Xander Johnston all logged a hit while finishing the game with two RBIs a piece.
Reeltown soared into the lead quickly, up as much as six runs by the end of the second inning.
Pitcher Hagan Lewis, who was limited to just 60 pitches, made quick work of the Dadeville batters he faced. Through three innings, Lewis struck out six batters only allowing four hits and one run in the process.
“(Hagan’s) got a lot of experience, he’s a senior,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “He’s been a really good ball player in this program for a long time, so you expect that out of him, and he came out and battled and put us in position to really get a comfortable lead.”
Johnson knows how impactful it is to get out to a strong lead early, especially at the beginning of the season.
It gives Reeltown the opportunity to rest some of their arms on the mound like Lewis while allowing other pitchers like Spraggins to get reps in the process.
“Early in the year that’s huge because we are on pitch counts,” Johnson said. “To be able to do that and put some other guys in some different spots and rest some arms, that’s huge. But, we were fortunate to be able to do that, ran the base as well, and had timely hits. We executed some hit-and-runs and some first and third. So I was really proud of that too.”
Going forward it’s going to be paramount for Reeltown to take advantage of whatever rest it can get with its pitchers. Through this part of the season, Johnson is scouting to see what other contributor he can put on the mound to keep arms fresh at all times.
“Well, at this point, still early, second week of us playing, the main thing is, really take care of our arms, compete, find some depth on the bump as far as arms go,” Johnson said. “Keep some guys healthy and all the way down through the stretch so I think we continue to do that. Branton showed us that tonight. (We need to) continue to work and find some depth in that position.”
TALLASSEE LOOKING FOR BETTER AT-BATS
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
The Tallassee softball team missed many opportunities in its season opener against Benjamin Russell last Tuesday, falling 6-5. Throughout the night it was the Tigers who held the momentum, jumping out to a 5-1 lead in the top of the third inning. Reagan Easterwood and Lila Kate Fulgham scored the first two runs for the Tigers in the first inning. Easterwood scored another run in the top of the third with Abbi Carwile and Kam Tate to follow.
However, after the third inning, it was all Benjamin Russell. In total, the Wildcats smashed three home runs including the walk-off by Benjamin Russell’s Arionna Ware to cement the victory.
Tallassee did show signs
of being capable of getting the offense going, logging eight hits in the season opener. However, even with getting all those hits, Tallassee still left some runs off the board.
“I thought we took good cuts,” Tallassee coach Pat Love. “What we didn’t do is when we got runners at second, third with less than two outs, we didn’t get them in and that’s what we got to fix. We got to be able to score runs, and we got them in scoring position, and we got to build and put teams away. We could have scored a couple more right there in the third. That would have put us up by five or six right there. That’s what great teams do, that’s what we got to figure out how to do.”
It is still early in the season for the Tigers with much ball left to be played. Love knows how important it is for his girls to see live pitch-
ing and how it can benefit them throughout the course of the season.
“We got to see live pitches,” Love said. “I mean, this is the first game of the year. We really ain’t had a ton of practice with everything they got going on and the weather and stuff. So we just got to see live pitching.”
The emphasis for Tallassee moving forward to to take advantage of its at-bats. The live pitching and more games under their belts should help the Tigers’ progression move faster but they’ll look to put runners in better scoring positions to come away with points.
“We just got to take better at-bats,” Love said. “(Put) people in scoring position, we got to take better at-bats. If we got two outs, we can’t check swing. We just got to have better at-bats.”
Reeltown falls in season opener
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
The game was in reach for almost all seven innings for the Reeltown Rebel softball team.
After going toe-to-toe with rival Dadeville for the first few innings, things started to slip away from the Rebels and ultimately they fell, 8-1, on Monday night.
Dadeville opened the game with a run in the top of the first, but Reeltown quickly responded
in the bottom of the second frame.
C Sutherland started the inning with a single and got around to scoring position on a fielder’s choice. With two outs, it looked like she might be stranded but K Whitlow came up with a huge double to bring her in and tie the score. But that was all she wrote for Reeltown.
Dadeville added runs in the third and fourth innings, but the game was still within reach.
Until the seventh inning, that is.
Dadeville started to put the ball in play time after time, causing the Reeltown defense to start reeling. Three back-to-back errors allowed the Tigers to come away with five runs, putting the game out of reach.
Reeltown finished with only five hits and coupled that with seven errors, so there is plenty of work to be done as the season progresses.
SAMUEL HIGGS | TPI
Reeltown’s Hagan Lewis (1) throws a pitch against Dadeville on Monday night.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
4 Elmore County at Valley, 4:30 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Opelika, 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 27
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
4 Montgomery Catholic at Elmore County, 6 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Dadeville, 4:30 p.m.
4 Brewbaker Tech at Stanhope Elmore, 6 p.m.
4 Edgewood at Lowndes, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
4 Elmore County at Stanhope Elmore, 4:30 p.m.
4 Marbury at Wetumpka, 6 p.m.
4 Edgewood at Border Wars, 3 p.m. (DH)
BASEBALL Continued from B1
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
4 Tallassee at Beauregard, 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 28
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
4 Pike Road at Elmore County, 6:30 p.m.
4 Holtville at Sylacauga, 7 p.m.
4 Edgewood at Border Wars, 3 p.m. (DH)
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
4 Holtville at Beauregard, 5:30 p.m.
4 Percy Julian at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
4 Elmore County, Mortimer Jordan at Springville, 1 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Percy Julian, 10:30 a.m.
to bring in Bryson Rigsby to give Tallassee the lead.
4 Stanhope Elmore at Marbury, 2 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Beauregard, 1 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Holtville, 3 p.m.
4 Beauregard at Holtville, 11 a.m.
4 Edgewood at Border Wars, 3 p.m. (DH)
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
4 Tallassee at Pike Road, 6 p.m.
MONDAY, MARCH 3
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
4 Elmore County at Marbury, 6 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore at Trinity Presbyterian, 3 p.m.
4 Abbeville at Edgewood, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
4 Elmore County at Shelby County, 4:30 p.m.
4 Maplesville at Holtville, 7 p.m.
4 Ezekiel at Edgewood, 3 p.m. (DH)
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
4 Tallassee at Holtville, 6 p.m.
Stanhope Elmore at Chilton County, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
SCHOOL SOFTBALL 4 Wetumpka at Elmore County, 6 p.m. 4 Elmore County at Stanhope Elmore, 6:30 p.m.
4 Holtville at Chilton County, 6 p.m.
4 Edgewood at Coosa Valley, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
4 Tallassee at Benjamin Russell, 4 p.m. (DH)
4 Chilton County at Stanhope Elmore, 4:30 p.m.
4 Benjamin Russell at Wetumpka, 6 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Percy Julian, 5 p.m.
4 Edgewood at Coosa Valley, 4 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
Tallassee at Valley, 4:30 p.m. Saint James at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m. (girls)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
4 Elmore County at Reeltown, 6:30 p.m. Lee-Scott at Wetumpka, 6:30 p. 4 m.
However, the Indians answered right back in the third and fourth innings adding four runs while holding the Tigers off the board. The Tigers compiled two more solid innings adding three more runs to the board to cut the lead to just one.
Despite some late-game success, the Indians put the game out of reach with a four-run inning in the top of the seventh to take home the win. Defensively, Tallasee looked for an answer on the mound but even
with five pitchers taking to the mound it still allowed 13 hits to only one strikeout.
Tallassee will be back in action at home Wednesday to take on Marbury to hopefully snatch its first win of the season.
SPORTS CALENDAR
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your home routine might be changed due to the breakdown of a small appliance or a minor breakage. Perhaps someone unexpected appears at your door. Whatever the case, keep your cool. Slow down and deal with each thing one at a time. Tonight: Relax.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Pay attention to everything you say and do today, because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. Meanwhile, you have the choice of either enjoying staying at home or getting out and socializing -- it’s your call. But be aware and mindful. Think before you speak. Guard against knee-jerk reactions. Tonight: Be alert.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today, because something unexpected could impact them. For example, you might nd money or you might lose money. Likewise, be smart and protect what you own against loss, theft or damage. Tonight: Be responsible.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
erent and adventurous. Tonight: Stay calm.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You might feel restless today. It’s as if you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nevertheless, this is a powerful time for you because the Sun and Mercury are in your sign, which means you are condent about your communications with others. You want to inform and teach, which is basically sharing. Tonight: Be playful!
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Angela Waites (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: angela.waites@ learning-tree.org\
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Public Notices
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
C&M Towing Charles Webster is having an auction on March 28,2025 @ 8:00 at 104 Caldwell St. Tallassee, Al. 36078 YEAR 2017 Chevrolet Colorado VIN# 1GCGSDEN6H1218194
Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 19 and 26, 2025 AV/17 CHEVROLET
PUBLIC NOTICE
AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
Pursuant to Section 32-131,Code of Alabama (1975), notice is hereby given to owners,lienholders and other interested parties that the following abandoned vehicle will be sold at a sealed bid auction to the highest bidder at 10a.m. on March 26, 2025 at 313 Jordan Avenue, Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama: 1967 Pontiac Lemans Series 23700 VIN# 237177K604884
Seller shall have to right to reject any bid that is unreasonably low and may postpone the public auction until another expressly reserves the right to bid and purchase at the public auction.
Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 19 and 26, 2025 AV/67 PONTIAC PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO BID!!!
P. F. Moon & Company, Inc. is currently accepting proposals from suppliers & subcontractors for the Tallassee AL Water Treatment Plan Upgrades project. P F Moon and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage DBE/MBE/WBE participation. For more information regarding this project or other projects P F Moon and Company is currently bidding, contact Bidding 706.643.1524.
Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 26 and Mar. 5, 2025 BIDS
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 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. 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
The City of Tallassee Planning Commission will have a Public Hearing/Meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025 @ 6:00PM at City Hall.
This Hearing is to change the Zoning property @ 610 W. Patton Street from (DDH) Development District Housing to (HC) Highway Commercial.
Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 19 and 26, 2025 HEARING 03.03.25 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
Public Notices
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:
Public Notices p 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.
Eclectic continues to grow
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There is home construction all over Eclectic. Some projects are coming to a close and others are looking at Phase 2 soon.
“We have some subdivisions that have either finished or are soon to finish Phase 1 of building,” Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said. “We have two subdivisions that are getting ready for Phase 2.”
Davenport said he expects
contractors to start soon on those residential construction projects. The mayor expects 50 to 75 new homes within the city limits will be constructed in the next two years.
“Things are really looking up in Eclectic,” Davenport said.
To help improve quality of life, Davenport said Networking Eclectic is steadily meeting to try to come up with ideas to help the small develop help for small businesses. He said the meetings and growth should help the organization grow into a Main Street
ECLECTIC IS CLEANING UP ITS BOUNDARIES
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Over the years, the city limits of Eclectic have expanded but not always following parcel boundaries.
Now, the Town of Eclectic is trying to fully annex into the town limits the remainder of approximately 180 parcels across the town.
“For example there is one three-acre parcel where only 0.6 acres are in the town limits,” Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said. “This will bring all three acres into the town limits.”
The remaining 179 parcels are similar with portions in the town limits.
There are three parcels that are proposed to be annexed that are outside the town limits but fully surrounded parcels within the town limits.
The town is currently advertising the measure to do the annexation by legislation.
Now, the Town of Eclectic is trying to fully annex into the town limits the remainder of approximately 180 parcels across the town.
“It makes it easier and cleaner this way,” Davenport said.
The other ways to annex property is by public referendum or by property owners coming to the council and petitioning to be annexed.
Davenport said the annexations are not a method to get more funding for the town. Davenport said the tax collected by the town would remain as is for the property owner until the use of the property changes.
“If they sell it, develop it or something along those lines, then it will be taxed accordingly,” Davenport said.
There are other reasons for the annexations. Davenport said the town has had
property owners come to the town wanting to be annexed into the town by petition, but their property was contiguous to partial parcels in the town limits. In this case, contiguous to the portion of the parcel outside the town limits.
Town leaders will now need to be aware of the parcel descriptions going forward.
“We just have to make sure we annex full parcels going forward,” Davenport said.
The advertising must be done in order for the Alabama legislature to consider the local legislation.
“We are trying to meet the deadlines to get in this session,” Davenport said.
organization.
The organization is helping the town plan for its next Cotton Festival on Oct. 18.
“We already have 50 vendors confirmed for the event,” Davenport said. “It should be a good time for all who attend.”
Elmore County baseball remains
After opening with back-to-back wins over Tallassee, the Elmore County baseball team continued its winning ways with three straight games to bring its record to 5-0.
First came with a 9-3 victory over Fayette County, against which Elmore County jumped out to a quick lead with a five-run inning in the bottom of the first. Hayden Jones, Jacob Eason, Austin Davis, Gage Davis and Thomas Payton all scored a run in the first inning.
Things slowed down for the Panthers for the rest of the game, but still compiled runs in the third and fifth innings.
In the game, all but one player logged a hit which brought Elmore County’s grand total to nine hits in the game. Gage Davis finished with one hit, one run, and two RBIs while Austin Davis logged two hits and two runs.
Next came a 5-3 victory over Bibb County, where again Elmore County showed its prowess in the batter’s box.
On the night, the Panthers logged eight hits split between Jones, Eason, Austin Davis and Gage Davis. However, Shelton Darnell has arguably one of the better nights. On his three at-bats, he notched three hits, two runs and two RBIs –including a home run in the top of the sixth and the Panthers’ last run of the night.
Elmore County came out strong yet again, holding a 4-0 lead over Bibbs County until the bottom of the fourth. Despite orchestrating some scores, the early lead from Elmore County was too much to overcome.
To close out the week was a 4-3 victory over Pike Road on Friday.
The game was stagnant with both teams tied 1-1 heading into the fifth inning. However, the Patriots answered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to snatch the lead. The Panther answered right back with two runs in the top of the seventh, sending the game to extra innings.
In the final inning, it was a walk with Darnell on third base that cemented the game for Elmore County to keep it perfect through its first five games of the season.
