Tallassee Tribune Jan. 22 2025

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A

The Tallassee Police

“There was a social media post threatening a school shooting,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. The Tallassee Police Department arrested Allen Nichols, 20, of Tallassee.

“We spoke with the district attor-

ney’s office about the incident,” Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls said.

“After conferring with them he was charged with making a terroristic threat.”

Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said the post was made during the overnight hours.

See THREAT, Page A6

PASTOR AND COACH DELIVER ANNUAL TALLASEE MLK MESSAGE

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The O’Neal legacy is mostly thought to be on the football field.

But the younger O’Neal is building a legacy in the church pulpit. Even before he was a coach, L.A. O’Neal was attending seminary in Birmingham at Samford. It was even before he had his education degree.

“I was going back into the Navy as a chaplain when I finished seminary,” O’Neal said. “When I finished, momma got sick so I stayed home. That is when I start-

ed coaching and have been coaching ever since.”

O’Neal finished his education degree too. He said leading a football team and a church are similar.

“In both you are building people,” O’Neal said. “Football is just a ministry to me. You have kids coming in. You treat them right and lead them in the right direction.

It’s Xs and Os from there and that’s a small part. The big thing is leading young men. I enjoy both.”

O’Neal started out as a youth pastor at a church in Waugh across from the new school in Pike Road. But the

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

pulpit has taken him to other football strongholds.

“I had two churches in Thomasville,” O’Neal said. “I was getting up every Sunday and driving down there for two hours. (The African Methodist Episcopal Church) moves us around some.”

After seven years in the pulpit, O’Neal’s current congregation is in Waverly.

O’Neal said one of those Thomasville churches has a Bloody Sunday survivor in its congregation.

“She remembers going up on Edmund Pettus Bridge,”

See MLK, Page A6

Jerri Brantley leads her second grade class through a reading and spelling lesson at Tallassee Elementary School. Brantley was recently selected by her peers as the school’s teacher of the year.

There might be snow in central Alabama after all. Elmore County and other parts of central Alabama are currently under a cold weather advisory and a winter storm watch.

Temperatures dropped Monday night and are expected to last through at least Wednesday. Parts of central Alabama will experience cold temperatures, with a winter storm expected Tuesday across

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

President Donald Trump has promised the “Golden Age of America,” beginning Monday as he was officially inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States.

“From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world,” Trump said during his inauguration speech Monday. “We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first.” Trump was officially sworn into office alongside

Obituaries

DWAYNE EDWIN BENSON

Dwayne Edwin Benson, age 68, passed away January 19, 2025 at his home in Winder, Georgia. He was born May 20, 1956. Dwayne is preceded in death by his parents, Waymon Edwin Benson and Dorothy Hogan Benson. He is

REBA DIANA KING JOHNSON

Reba Diana King Johnson, of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Jan. 23, 2025, at the age of 72. Reba was born June 6, 1952, at the East Tallassee Hospital. She is preceded in death by her dear parents James Lewis King and Mellrea Pittman King, grandparents Elvin and Willie Ruth Hughes King, and Julius Chalker Pittman and

survived by his daughter, Beverly Ann Benson; grandson, Skye Jacob Hakimian; brother, Kerry W. Benson (Janie Cowan); sister, Linda D. Benson; and his pet cat, Madison. Visitation will begin at 1 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at East Tallassee Church of Christ. The

Ruby Lucy Grantham Pittman; her aunts and uncles Tommy Earl King, Mitchell Pittman (Dora Mitchell), Dot Pittman Paul (Elmer); cousins John Allen King, Donnie Paul, and Sammy Joe Pittman. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 45 years Mike Johnson (they married Aug. 17, 1980); her children Lori Ann Johnson Mayton of Prattville and

JOHN WILLIAM “BILLY” WELLS, JR.

John William “Billy” Wells, Jr., of Southaven, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 54 at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth, MS. Billy was born May 24, 1970, in Mobile, Alabama. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 1, at Living Water Worship Center, in Tallassee, Alabama, with Pastor Chris Whittington officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and services will be at 11:00 am. Graveside services will be held at White’s Cemetery in Perdido, Alabama, at 3:30 pm. He is preceded in death by his parents John William Wells,

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 26

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Friendship Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Harassment was reported on Adams Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.

• Burglary was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on South Tallassee Drive.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard. JAN. 25

• Assistance was given to another agency on County Road 30.

• Trespassing was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Seventh Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Lower River Road.

• Harassment was reported on Jordan Avenue.

funeral service will follow at 2 PM, with burial in Carrville Cemetery. Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

Shane Johnson (Kim) of Tallassee; her cousins Tommy Lee King (Andrea), Richard King (Lisa), Pam Freeman (Shawn); and her great nieces and nephews Drew King (Chelsea), Devan Barnett (Austin), Destin King (Katie), and Dusty King (Jessica); her aunt Rosemary King; her cousins LaWanda Paul Marire of Dothan and her children Heather McCarthy

Sr. and Betty Joyce Hadley, and uncle Bradley Wells and aunt Roseanne Wells. Billy is survived by his son John Walker Wells, his brothers Aaron (Suzanne) Wells and Robert Charles Hammons, his sisters Emily (Tyler) Hilton and Leigh Hammons (Kenneth) Johnson, his stepmother Ginger Wells, and stepfather Dallas Hadley. Billy will be remembered as a loving father of his only son Walker and as an involved community member in Tallassee, Alabama. Billy coached Tallassee Youth Football League and was always seen on baseball and football fields cheering on Walker.

• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Clover Street.

• A Black male was arrested on Riley Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Main Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Benson Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue and County Road 40.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road. JAN. 24

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on West Bantts Mill Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on McNeal Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Third Avenue. JAN. 23.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Gen. Colin Powell Street.

Burns (Lee) and Stephen McCarthy (Ashleigh), Martha E. Bowen, and Carol Rogers (Alun), Kathy Rozzelle Pittman and son Mitch; and grandson Justin Johnson. Funeral services were Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Liberty City Methodist Church. Rev. Tom Skeen officiated the service, and burial followed in the church cemetery.

He was truly Walker’s biggest fan and was known to travel many miles to see his son play sports. He was a strong supporter of youth league baseball and all of Tallassee Athletics. Most Saturdays in the fall, Billy would be found cheering on the Crimson Tide. The Pallbearers will be Chase Chumley, Brody Wisener, Kaden Peters, Bry Hathcock, Eli Whittington and Carter Sayers In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tallassee Youth Baseball League, c/o Commissioner Coy Thomas, 244 Nabors Lane, Tallassee, AL 36078.

JAN. 22

• A verbal altercation was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on East Patton Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on South Tallasse Drive.

• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.

• A domestic incident was reported on Fourth Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Floyd Lane and Cliff Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

JAN. 21

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Dusty Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Kent Road.

• An assault was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on North McKenzie Drive.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Highway 229.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friend-

ship Road.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Hanil Drive.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on E.B. Payne Senior Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Lower Tuskegee Road and Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue. JAN. 20

• Trespassing was reported on Potts Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Tallassee Highway.

• Harassment was reported on Baker Hollow.

• An animal welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Herd Street. JAN. 19

• Suspicious activity was reported on Alber Drive.

Congress passes Laken Riley Act

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter

The Laken Riley Act was passed by Congress following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press, it would be the first bill signed into law by Trump. In the months after University of Georgia student Laken Riley was murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan man, Jose Ibarra, senators

from all over the country pushed for legislation requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses and mandating them to be detained until they are removed from the United States to prevent aliens from committing further crimes or reoffending.

On Jan. 7, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Laken Riley Act as her first piece in the 119th Congress. On Jan. 22, the House gave

final approval to the bill after a vote of 263-156, according to an article by Stephen Groves of Associated Press. Riley was last seen on camera footage when going on a run on the UGA campus in Athens, Georgia. She was found dead in a wooded area on UGA’s campus. Before Riley went for a run, a man was captured on the same trail camera shortly before 8 a.m. The man was

See CONGRESS, Page A3

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Help us help pets

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

It’s hard to believe we are already 20 days into 2025. And with the arctic blast hitting us this week let’s start with — BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE.

We have written extensively about cold weather and pets but THIS week — just BRING THEM INSIDE!

Let’s start off 2025 with a reminder of what our shelter is about: the Humane Society of Elmore County is an open-admission (meaning we take in pets that are friendly, scared, vicious, sick, healthy, old and litter after litter) animal shelter taking in pets from throughout Elmore County.

We cannot take in pets that have bitten (or scratched depending on the situation) a human in the preceding 10

days in accordance with Alabama Rabies Laws. We also take in small domestic pets, but not wildlife as we are not a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center.

We take in livestock only on a limited basis via animal control officers under abandonment or cruelty cases as we do not have the facilities to deal with owner surrendered livestock.

We take many calls about stray animals but because we do not have the authority to pick up animals, we direct callers to the appropriate animal control officer.

Whether picked up by an ACO or a citizen, all of these animals come to our shelter at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka where we then take over their care. After the legally mandated stray hold, or immediately in the case of owner surrenders, we then

work to get them assessed and ready for adoption.

We do take owner surrendered pets from Elmore County residents and do so by appointment – call us at 334-567-3377 to set up that appointment. Our adoptions are by application and appointment as well, and these methods work very well to let us better assist the public and care for our pets.

We can assist ACOs with cruelty and neglect cases if they need us from the field site all the way through the court case hearings. If we are caring for animals seized under cruelty or neglect charges (or any others that come to us injured or sick) we ensure all necessary veterinary care for the animal’s well-being/recovery and document every facet of their intake and recovery for prosecution, to include all of the

costs incurred.

If you are in need of animal control assistance it is important that you call the appropriate animal control officer as these are law enforcement matters. If the animal situation is within the city limits of any of the towns noted below you must call that city. If you are not in the city limits of Millbrook, Tallassee or Eclectic, then call the Elmore County Sheriff’s Dispatch.

• Unincorporated County areas: 334-567-5227

• Wetumpka: 334-5675227

• Coosada: 334-567-5227

• Elmore Township: 334567-5227

• Millbrook: 334-2856832

• Tallassee: 334-283-6586

• Eclectic: 334-541-2149

We often receive calls/

Pet of the Week - Ellie

Ellie is a 2-year old female black lab who weighs about 63 pounds. She surrendered to us when her owner felt they did not have enough time for her. She is super sweet, laid back, knows sit and loves treats and toys. Ellie loves children, other dogs and cats and is house- and cratetrained. Ellie loves playing fetch too!

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 participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Baby Girl 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.

City enforces hunting restrictions at airport

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Over the last few weeks conversation officers with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have responded to calls at property owned by the City of Tallassee where an airport once was. They, along with the Tallassee Police Department have found evidence of hunting on city property to include game cameras and stands allowing hunters to achieve an elevated position.

“Hunting is not allowed on city property,” Mayor Sarah Hill said at Tuesday’s Tallassee City Council meeting. “I haven’t given

anyone permission to hunt.”

The council approved a letter to the DCNR stating no one has permission to hunt or place stands, cameras or other hunting equipment.

“It makes it easier for the game wardens to help us take care of this,” Hill said.

The council heard from city building inspector Trey Taylor. He asked them to consider a fee for requesting rezoning in the city. Currently no fee is charged but the city incurs costs between $30 and $100 for advertising and publishing notice of planning commission meetings.

Taylor told the council he looked at cities such as Valley, Alexander City and Montgomery and all

charge fees for rezoning requests.

The council voted to charge $300 per request to cover costs associated with the measures.

The council also approved a contract with Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia to review and overhaul the city’s safety plan and training as a gas utility.

The move comes as the Alabama Public Service Commission completed an inspection. Hill said the city’s manuals on the issue need to be redone.

Public works director

James Gardner said the city has been in compliance the last few years.

“We had new inspectors this time,” Gardner told the council.

Gardner said the group the city contracted would

emails/Facebook posts from people wanting to report a situation but who don’t want to call a law enforcement agency. While we will pass the information to law enforcement, we must caution that second- and thirdand reports greatly limit the investigative access of law

enforcement.

If you have witnessed cruelty, abuse or neglect, the dispatchers will keep your identification confidential and that will go a long way to getting faster help for the animal(s) in harm’s way. If you do need to contact our shelter you can call us at 334-567-3377, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or message on our shelter Facebook page.

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

review and help the city modify manuals, provide approved training and be on hand at future PSC inspections.

IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the Dec. 10, 2024 meeting.

• Approved a retail beer and table wine off premise licence for Tigers Mart LLC.

• Appointed Dr. Steve Burak to the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Brownsfield Committee.

• Approved the annual Rebuild Alabama report as required by state law.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Our View Opinion

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

“Ithese truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal,’” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

On Monday, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the leader he was, the legacy he instilled and the civil rights movement as a whole.

King started his role in the civil rights movement with the Montgomery bus boycott. He later was a speaker for the March on Washington, which was a protest for equal access to employment.

King led the Montgomery March, which was a response to Bloody Sunday where Alabama State Troopers beat protesters who were peacefully advocating for their right to vote.

King later worked on the Poor People’s campaign and aided the garbage workers strike in Tennessee. While in Memphis, Tennessee, he was shot and killed on April 4. Although his legacy is forever remembered.

King was a figure for civil rights, economic justice and human rights. He shows not only what an individual can do, but also what people can do as a collective.

Because of those like King, Jim Crow laws were dismantled and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted. While we remember King, we remember those like him in Black history who fought against systems of oppression, and we look to the future to continue that same fight.

Prejudice, discrimination and oppression are still in our country and around the world. King’s dream has not yet been fulfilled, but thanks to the civil rights movement that dream is becoming much closer to reality.

“Let freedom ring,” King said. “And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring.”

Knowledge is power

It’s January and that means resolution season. I won’t get into all the hopeless personal goals I have for myself, but I do want to speak to a professional aspiration I have for 2025.

I ask that you strongly consider subscribing to open up a whole new world of fact-based knowledge, most of which you desperately need to know. I’m not talking about social media shared knowledge that can be unethical and lack credibility, but actual, boots-on-theground reporting that speaks only to facts straight from the horse’s mouth.

Saying our content is information you desperately need to know sounds dramatic but it is not. Without naming names I can speak to at least three instances where an individual or group felt blindsided by an updated ordinance, law or other relevant news that affected their lives. In each of those cases, the changes had been reported in the paper well in advance. They simply missed it because they don’t subscribe. Business owners in certain industries should absolutely pay close attention to our papers. There are job bids published constantly that could change the trajectory of your business but if you don’t know about them, you don’t have the opportunity to apply.

A subscription means more than what most people realize. It means knowledge.Your newspaper is a vital part of the intellectual life of your community. It connects people and strengthens the community. It encourages civic engagement. It provides a credible platform for local voices. And most

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

importantly, it promotes transparency and economic growth.

As a subscriber, it means you also get special magazine sections throughout the year and coupons and legal notices for job bids … the list goes on and on. Bottom line: Without a local newspaper, the community loses the glue that connects and informs people.

Your support means a whole lot to us too. It means we are able to maintain a healthy newspaper that publishes responsible coverage on local issues that impact each and every one of us. It means we are able to keep our hard-working staff dedicated to covering local news rather than publishing press releases and wire stories with no impact. It means we can continue to be the eyes and ears of our community.

Our reporters spend hundreds of hours each week tracking down stories, checking sources, taking photographs and being the voice for everyone in the community. They show up at meetings where your tax dollars and property values are at play. They ride the roads during icy weather to keep you informed and safe. They’re in so many places so you can be there too, and your subscription helps them do that.

Your subscription also ensures we have feature reporters focused on writing

positive stories that might otherwise go unnoticed, and covering education, events and faith that are also important community topics.

Your subscription guarantees we have a dedicated sports writer working diligently to get our student-athletes the coverage they deserve through photo, video and written journalism. Hopping from county to county, sport to sport and up and down the field of play requires a great deal of time, energy and resources that would be impossible without the support of our subscribers.

Your support also means we will continue to be a vital part of the community, donating to local organizations and schools. We are incredibly grateful to be a part of the communities we serve and spend a great deal of time and financial resources giving back as often as possible.

Your subscription matters. It matters to you as a reader so that you are never in the dark. It matters to us as your support means we are able to continue serving our communities. It means everything. As one of the area’s oldest businesses we are honored to be here for you covering your news.

There are very few things left in this world that cost as little as a subscription to one of our papers. The Herald is less than a quarter a day for an annual print and digital subscription. Knowing your community as well as we do is worth every penny.

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

16 years of the Capital City Classic

It was the last week of January, 2009. Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. Pilot Chesney “Sully” Sullenberger landed a U.S. Airways flight on an icy Hudson River, saving his passengers and becoming a hero in the process. In California, a woman gave birth to eight children and became known as the “Octomom.”

.jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.

And in the brand new Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Tallassee High School hosted its first Capital City Classic, a show choir competition.

Tallassee High School had distinguished itself in the music world for a long time. Between the accomplishments of the Long Blue Line and, later, the Pride of Tallassee, the band program was noted around the region for its superior-rated performances and increasing participation during an era when many school bands were downsizing.

Similarly, the choral side of the program had really taken off during the decade of the 2000s, as more and more students began participating in the award-winning, nationally recognized show choirs at THS: New Image, Gold Edition, Voltage, and Divas. By the 2008-09 school year, choral director Jerry Cunningham had planned to begin his own competition. After decades of attending contests

hosted by other schools, Mr. C planned this one with a twist: instead of hosting the competition at our school, he would rent the nicest auditorium in the tri-county area instead.

And the choral directors all over Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia began flocking to this event, which has become one of the greatest successes in our department.

As Tallassee High School hosts the 16th annual Capital City Classic January 24-25 at MPAC, you are invited to come and enjoy the music of choral groups from places such as Eufaula, Chelsea, Pell City, Helena, Oxford, Auburn, Enterprise, Oak Mountain, Helena, Homewood, Opelika, Jasper, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, and others from within our state. There will be three groups from Pike Road High School, where Mr. Cunningham is teaching these days. There are also groups from other southeastern states, including Lakeside, Appling, Fitzgerald, and Tift County (Georgia) performing in the competition. As always, Tallassee High School is very

grateful to the sponsors who have helped make this festival possible over the years, including Dr. Steve Burak; Sizemore & Sizemore; Guardian Credit Union; MAX Credit Union; Parker Tire & Service Center; WACQ-AM 580 & FM 98.5; WTLS-AM 1300 & FM 94.7/106.9; Tallassee Super Foods; Jaco Sales; Trustmark Bank; CB&S Bank; Neptune Technology Group; Louie’s Chicken Fingers; 1220 Café; GKN Aerospace; and a host of others.

Tallassee High School’s choral program does not sell discount cards, wrapping paper, mattresses, doughnuts, mustard or cheese to raise money for their program. This single-event fundraiser is hard work for two days, but they collect enough money in those two days to operate the 200+ member THS choral program for an entire year. Mrs. Debbie Rogers, the administrative assistant for the music department at THS, runs the event along with choral directors Ms. Becca Jones and Mr. Christian Lester. Please come out and support the Tallassee music program at the Capital City Classic, Friday and Saturday at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center.

Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.

Gas pipeline expansion coming to Elmore, Tallapoosa counties

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Southern Natural Gas Company (SNG) has started a multiyear process to increase natural gas availability in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi for the Southern Company. It’s a $3 billion project along existing utility corridors installing 42-, 36and 30-inch pipe. Compressor stations along the route will be improved as well.

Officials with Kinder Morgan, the parent company of SNG, conducted open houses in Tuskegee and Prattville to meet with landowners in Elmore, Tallapoosa, Macon and Autauga Counties about how the proposed construction process will work.

“In Elmore County we will renovate the compressor station near Coosada,” Kinder Martin vice president of public affairs Allen Fore said. “It will stay on the current footprint of the property there.”

The current station is easily visible from Coosada Parkway. Property tax is also collected on the compressor station.

If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves the project, Elmore County will see about 10.5 miles of new pipe line installed. Tallapoosa County will see about

5 miles. A new bore under the Tallapoosa River near Tallassee will occur as well.

“Some of the property being looked at will accommodate having to drill under the river,” Fore said. “Those require some depth and must start away from the river.”

The process for the project starts with open houses. From there SNG will conduct land surveys for possible ecological and cultural impact.

In Elmore County, fewer than 200 property owners will have surveys done. Fewer than 100 will actually see pipelines installed and the vast majority of those already have an SNG pipeline there. There are even fewer in Tallapoosa County.

If all goes as planned, construction would start in 2027.

“We plan to engage about seven different contractors along the route who are familiar to the industry,” Fore said. “They will employ subcontractors who specialize in pipeline construction.”

Fore said the clearing right of way would lead into the actual construction, which would also mean more people staying in Elmore County during the process.

“They will be eating here, staying here,” Fore said. “They will be spending money here.”

counties. The project, if approved would started construction in 2027 and be operational in 2028.

Ingram retires after 40 years with the city

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

In 1985, Bobby Ingram started as a meter reader for the City of Tallassee. Four decades later, he holds the key to the city.

In 1985, Ronald Regan was inaugurated for his second term as U.S. President and would be the first president to meet a Soviet leader in decades. Born in the USA was released by Bruce Springsteen. Back to the Future was released. Cherry Coke was introduced, so was New Coke and soon pulled back. Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year. Super Mario Brothers

was introduced by Nintendo. That same year, Ingram started to work for the City of Tallassee as a meter reader in the utilities department.

Forty years later, Ingram was given the key to the city as he celebrated his retirement. But just because Ingram is retiring doesn’t mean he plans to rest anytime soon.

“I plan to hunt more until the season is gone,” Ingram said. “I’ve also got an older vehicle that belonged to my uncle that I want to restore. I’m gonna get busy working on it now that I finally have time to restore it.”

Ingram worked with electricians when he

took the job with the city. It was the place of employment for his father.

“I was looking for more money,” Ingram said. “There was an opening. I applied and got it.”

Five years later Ingram moved from driving a truck around reading meters to the city’s water filter treatment next to the Fitzpatrick Bridge. From there he watched history write itself with his own eyes. Ingram watched generations of almost every make and model drive across the bridge. He watched parades. Ingram was at the plant when a helicopter ran

into nearby powerlines in 2001. One survived and two died as part of the helicopter fell into the Tallapoosa River. Ingram was called into work in 2016 when the East Tallassee Mill caught fire. The water treatment plant was just yards away from the blaze.

“I’ve seen a few things over the years,” Ingram said. He was honored by the Tallassee City Council and Mayor Sarah Hill.

“We are going to miss him,” Hill said. “He’s such a great person and asset to our community.”

O’Neal said. “As they begin to cross over the bridge, she remembered the taste and the smell of the smoke bombs and she began to tell her story.

She said, ‘Pastor, I began to shake because I was so little. I was only about 96 pounds. As the state troopers begin to beat on people, I held on to the beams of the bridge of the bridge because I was afraid that somebody was going to throw me over into the water.’”

O’Neal said many in the Black community and churches have similar stories that must be shared to preserve history.

“We don’t need to look for somebody else to teach our kids about the history,” O’Neal said. “We are supposed to share when we sit down at the table. Each and everyone of us has a story, but if we don’t tell the story, then the story dies.”

Monday O’Neal found himself in a different pulpit at God’s Congregational Holiness Church where he was the speaker for this year’s Tallassee Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King. The church’s pulpit was new to O’Neal but not its pastor, Bishop Adolphus Gauntt.

“I grew up around him,” O’Neal said. “We all came from the same church.”

It’s a church O’Neal’s mother still attends.

“I have very fun memories of being in church,” O’Neal said. “I remember when we had to move around a little bit as a whole church. We had a church in the project. We had a church in the barber shop and then we finally got our own building. So

it’s, it’s amazing where you can have church and like the Bible says, ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I with them. I’m not going to be before you alone.’”

O’Neal’s message from the pulpit was delivered as both a preacher and coach. He followed Dr. Martin Luther King’s “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” speech King delivered to a group of

students at Barratt Junior High School six months before his assaination.

Like King, O’Neal followed three main points Monday.

First was a deep belief in one’s self. O’Neal said you have to be confident in yourself no matter what you do while at the same not be shameful of others. He said the old tale about sticks and stones may break your bones but words will

never hurt you is incorrect.

“Bruises and broken bones heal,” O’Neal said. “Words can last a lifetime.”

Second is a determination of excellence. O’Neal recalled King’s reference to the street sweeper and others who some might consider a menial task.

“Whatever you do, whatever you set out to be, make it so that you do it to the best of your abil-

ity,” O’Neal said. “The only thing you can do is do your best in all that you do. If you do your best and let God handle the rest, then you’ll no longer worry about what somebody else thinks.”

The third is controlling the blueprint to life through goals.

“If we don’t write it down, we can move the goal,” O’Neal said. “Writing it down helps hold us accountable. It documents our goal for us, for others and for God.”

The Tallassee MLK committee hosts the celebration each year. This year it honored two people. First was Charles Blalock for being master of ceremonies for the program for 15 years. Second was Barbara Faye Dennis who helped raise more than 75 children.

“She never birthed a child,” MLK Celebration Committee Chair Kathy Pascal said “But she raised so many children.” Dennis didn’t know about the recognition and wasn’t there to start with. When she entered the church, Dennis so like she did with so many other times with a child in her arms.

When she heard Pascal talk about the award she couldn’t hardly speak.

“Y’all made me cry,” Dennis said.

running mate and now vice president JD Vance.

During his inauguration speech, Trump promised to refocus the U.S. government’s energy on problems plaguing the United States rather than the outside world. He mentioned problems in North Carolina after a hurricane and California, which is currently plagued with wildfires.

Trump promised to fight through whatever comes his way, and even mentioned an assassination attempt that took place in Pennsylvania in 2024.

“I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason,” Trump said. “I was saved by God to make America great again. That is why, each day, under our administration of America patriots, we will be working to meet every crisis with dignity and power and strength. We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety and peace for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed. For American citizens, January, 20, 2025 is Liberation Day.”

During his speech, Trump also promised to sign several “historic” executive orders. He said he will declare a national state of emergency at the Southern border.

“All illegal entry will be immediately halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” Trump said.

He said his Remain in Mexico policy will be reinstated and he will send troops to the border; he said he will also designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Another promise Trump made was to immediately deal with escalating prices and increasing inflation.

“I will direct all members of my cabinet to marshall the best powers at their disposal to defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices,” Trump said. “The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill.”

Trump said he envisions America being a manufacturing nation once again, and he said his administration will end the Green New Deal and revoke electric vehicle mandates.

But his promises don’t end there.

“I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families,” Trump said. “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens. For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our treasury coming from foreign sources.”

Other executive orders promised included establishing the Department of Government Efficiency and to immediately stop all government censorship.

“This week, I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” Trump said. “We will forge a society that is color blind and merit-based. As of today, it will henceforth be official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.”

Also part of his speech was a promise to reinstate any service members who were expelled for objecting to COVID-19 vaccination mandates with full back pay. Finally, he promised to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

“I stand before you now as proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do in America,” Trump said. “The impossible is what we do best.”

FREEZING

Continued from A1

the southern half of Central Alabama, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Nathan Owens. Below freezing temperatures will start tonight and last through noon Monday with wind chills possibly dropping temperatures to as low as 0 to 10º. These tempera-

Franklin discusses jail needs at Enhance Elmore

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It’s been 30 years since Elmore County has built a jail.

It was built to house 242 inmates in 1995, when the population of Elmore County was 55,000. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin was in the same role then when his department moved just over 100 inmates from the old jail to the new jail overnight.

“I never thought we would fill the new jail,” Franklin said.

Growth happened and now the county’s population is well over 90,000. Bookings in 1995 were just 775 and now more than 5,500 per year.

The jail now has an average population of more than 300 and housing 350 inmates is not unusual.

Franklin said the fees and assessments in the Enhance Elmore plan are needed to construct a new jail, with an estimated cost of nearly $82 million. Estimates are over $100 million to ren -

tures are dangerously cold to remain outside for long periods of time, especially for vulnerable populations. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to extreme cold.

THE FOLLOWING ARE WARMING STATIONS OPEN IN ELMORE COUNTY: First Presbyterian Church sanctuary is open 24 hours a day. It is located at 100 West Bridge Street.

ovate the old jail.

“When we looked into it, you have to upgrade everything to current codes,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said. “It ends up being about one and half times the cost of building new.”

The needs for a new jail became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when the medical area of the current jail proved to be inadequate. About the size of a small office, there was no space for current staff to move, much less quarantine a sick inmate.

The current jail offers little space to separate inmates for security reasons. Because of the increased population it is not uncommon for an inmate charged with violent crime to be housed with a low-level drug offender. The need is even greater on the female side as the current jail was never designed or constructed with the higher female population in mind.

Tentatively, the new jail would be built for

• Millbrook First Methodist Church located at 3350 Edgewood Road will open on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.

• Elmore Fire Station 1 located at 1245 AL Highway 143 will open Tuesday night at midnight to 10 a.m. Monday.

• Deatsville Fire Department located at 6930 Highway 143 will be open 24 hours a day through Wednesday.

• Tallassee Police

Department located at 214 Barnett Boulevard will be open 24 hours a day through Wednesday.

• Prattville Public Safety Building located at 201 Gin Shop Hill Road will be open 24 hours a day through Wednesday.

• Coosada Town Hall/ Volunteer Fire Department located at 5800 Coosada Road will be open Tuesday at 3 a.m. to 10 a.m., and Wednesday 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• First Baptist Church of Eclectic located at 203 Claude Road will be open Tuesday night at 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.

• Elmore County Courthouse located at

THREAT

Continued from A1

a population of 500 inmates with the ability to easily add another pod if necessary, bringing the total occupancy to 600. All of this while making the movement of inmates from the jail to court safe and secure for everyone.

A new office for the sheriff’s office and circuit clerk are needed as well at an estimated cost of $14.2 million.

“They are on top of each other,” Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said.

The current circuit clerk offices would be renovated to allow space for two new judges. The remainder of the building would be refreshed as well at an estimated cost of $6.4 million.

Franklin calls the need for a new jail the “elephant in the room.”

“There is no way to hide it or deny it,” Franklin said. “There's nothing sexy about a jail. Most of this that's being accumulated, it's going to have to pay for that jail.”

Franklin has been sheriff since 1991. His

100 East Commerce Street will be open Tuesday at 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday.

father, mother and grandfather were all involved in law enforcement.

Franklin’s son is currently serving in the Elmore County Sheriff's Office.

Franklin saw how the federal government pretty much dictated the construction and move to the current jail. It started with a visit from the fire marshall because of the occupancy level. He fears that the federal government is not too far away on the issue. The sheriff notes the department is frequently sued over the jail and those suits will become more frequent as the jail population increases.

“We don’t need the feds telling us how to build a jail,” Franklin said. “They come in and we are left with the bill.”

Franklin said if the funding from Enhance Elmore doesn’t happen, drastic cuts are highly possible in the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.

“We can ride golf carts and motorcycles instead of patrol cars,” Franklin said. “I can cut the number of deputies in half.”

Additionally Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis announced all Elmore County Schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to the winter weather advisory. All Tallassee City Schools will be closed for both days as well. Winter weather is expected to start at 6 a.m. Tuesday and could continue until 6 a.m. Wednesday. The NWS will have more information on snow possibilities Tuesday morning. The NWS advises using caution when driving. Highway 280 as well as bridges throughout the county are main concerns as temperatures drop. It is also recommended to wear adequate clothing and keep extra clothes in vehicles if traveling.

“It is my understanding the person who made the post is a former student,” Nolin said.

Tallassee City Schools started the day under a heightened awareness because of the threat.

Despite the drop in temperatures, the NWS advises not to use extreme means of heating homes as it can result in a house fire. Portable heaters should be used correctly, and generators and grills should not be used indoors. If possible, keep pets inside, check in on neighbors and wrap, drain or slowly drip water to prevent pipes from bursting.

Nolin said law enforcement starting with school resource officers from the Tallassee Police Department help make sure the school day started out safely.

“We have since gone back to normal operations,” Nolin said.

Buce said investigators are still investigating the incident. Nichols has a $100,000 bond available to him.

Behold the lamb

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. - John 1:35-37 It must have seemed like a lifetime ago. So many years had passed. But John never forgot the day when his old teacher (who was also named John) pointed to Jesus and told his own disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

That day was the beginning of the new life for John and his brother James when they did as John the Baptist told them to do. They fell in step behind their new rabbi Jesus, and followed him for the rest of their lives. James died young at the hand of wicked Herod. But John lived decades longer, and now an old man, he could still remember the words that changed his life: “Behold the Lamb.” Under the Holy Spirit’s direction, he recorded those words for you and

me in his account of the life of Jesus, in what you and I call the Gospel of John, Chapter 1.

In our older years as we look back across the decades, we wonder at how quickly they have passed. For John, more than 60 years had passed since that day when he beheld and began to follow the Lamb. Now in his nineties, the last surviving apostle found himself banished to a rock island called Patmos. He wrote down the things God told him and showed him there. Twenty centuries later, you and I can read what John saw and wrote all those years ago in the last book of the Bible, the Revelation. Have you noticed the echo, near the end of John’s years, of John the Baptist’s words from that first day of John’s discipleship? Look at Revelation 14:1: “Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb....” Old John was still looking and following, still beholding Jesus, the Lamb of God. I fear that many Bible stu-

dents have been distracted from beholding the Lamb in that passage because they are focused on and worried about the identity of the 144,000. They are obsessed with the meaning of the name written on their foreheads. Such misdirected attention to the apocalyptic signs and symbols may make us miss what matters most — seeing the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Please allow me to suggest to you today, precious reader, the supreme importance of beholding the Lamb of God in your own life. Beholding that Lamb is the beginning place of our confidence that God loves us and wants to forgive the sins that separated us from him. Beholding that Lamb is the motive for faithful obedience when we see what our sins cost him and how wondrously saved we are because of him. Beholding that Lamb of God inspires us to be faithful servants, compelled to live for the One who died for us. And beholding the Lamb will

Tallassee Churches

keep us faithful, when it seems it would be easier to give up and quit following Jesus.

Beholding the Lamb will keep the church on task and the preacher focused on his topic. Beholding the Lamb is what matters most in life, in death and in eternity.

If you heard the gospel and saw the Lamb of God early in life, good for you. Keep looking to Jesus and following him. Don’t divert your eyes to lesser matters. Don’t surrender to another master. Keep beholding him and walking in his footsteps. It is by far the best way to live your life. It is by far the best way to face death. Jesus the Lamb of God (not your reformed life or your record of righteousness) is your only hope and confidence as you come to the end of your earthly life. Nothing will matter more than whether or not you have beheld the Lamb of God and followed him. In the morning of the Resurrection, you will be like him and will finally

MIKE MCELROY Pastor

behold the Lamb face to face, and see him as he is.

When you and I have done as John did, we will then join him and all the redeemed around the throne of God in heaven and worship the Lamb who redeemed us to God with his blood. And throughout eternity, we will be with the Lamb in heaven, beholding him on his rightful throne and worshiping at his feet. Glory!

Mike McElroy recently retired after preaching almost 27 years at East Tallassee Church of Christ. He is the author of The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide to Your Journey Through the New Testament and Christmas Pilgrims: A Journey to See Jesus. In retirement, Mike plans to continue writing and publishing books in his Abiding Companion series of essays about each chapter of the Bible. He can be reached at mbmcelroy@gmail.com.

Austin Elliott sports Editor

austin.elliott@tallasseetribune.com

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Final four: Tigers earn bid to state finals

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

With a pair of unbelievably dominating wins, the Tallassee Tigers are one step closer to their ultimate goal of winning a duals state championship. At the opening rounds last Friday, Tallassee earned a 77-3 victory over T.R. Miller and a 66-9 defeat of Bayside Academy.

“The kids were prepared and we warmed up and wrestled really well,”

Tallasee coach John Mask said. “They were energetic and not looking ahead.

The team seemed to take it up a notch for us when it mattered most.”

The Tigers are now 39-0.

Mask chalks up his team’s success to great senior leadership and mentorship.

“The seniors create a

really tight knit group, and they have their expectations set high for the team,” Mask said.

“After I tell the team the expectations I have of them, they just reiterate it 1,000 times, saying this to the younger guys and the younger guys will repeat it back. They know what the plan is and that encourages them.”

The Tigers had multiple big wins to widen their margin of victory

against two competitive wrestling teams last weekend.

“We won almost every match, but we had a couple of losses against Bayside,” Mask said. “But both of those guys, I thought, wrestled well and I would love to see those matches wrestled again because we were very close.”

Tallassee advances to the final four in Birmingham on Saturday.

REELTOWN FALLS SHORT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

To string together success through all four quarters is the test for the Reeltown boys basketball team.

Reeltown battled a deficit going into halftime against Class 2A Area 6 opponent Loachapoka, being down by two. However, coming out of the break, the offense started clicking for Reeltown, not just outscoring Loachapoka by five points but heading into the fourth quarter with a lead. That’s where the momentum stopped.

Despite an early 3-pointer from Finn Henderson in the fourth, things slowly sputtered into a gnarly run for the Indians. In the final quarter, the Indians outscored the Rebels by a double-digit margin to pull out a 53-45 win. Henderson led the charge with 14 points and three

rebounds. Brody Smith finished as the second-leading scorer with eight points, three rebounds and four steals.

Lamon McKethern led the Rebels in rebounds with five and added three points as well.

“We just got to learn how to play to win,” Reeltown coach Johnathan Gardner said. “Get down in crunch time you can’t take bad shots that you know are not there. You can’t force it. We gotta learn how to play the game.”

The Rebels knew they were at a disadvantage when the season began due to how far behind they were gamewise. Other teams had the time to practice and fix the minor details heading into area play while the Rebels did not have that luxury.

“We don’t have a lot of practice time,” Gardner said. “We have games backto-back-to-back, and now we are out of school for

the weather and we can’t practice. So it’s like we’re coaching as we go on the floor.”

It also did not help Reeltown seeing its leading scorer Henderson sidelined to an injury for the majority of the third quarter. Gardner has his eyes on someone to emerge as a person who can replicate Henderson’s capabilities whether he’s on the court or not.

“That’s what I expressed last game (against Beulah),” Gardner said. “We need players to step up when the starters are not in. Who wants to be that guy to step up for the team?”

Reeltown will search for its other scoring option as it continues to go through its tough area schedule, but for Gardner, the goal remains the same.

“Just keep playing hard and keep getting better game by game,” Gardner said.

Fresh faces, fresh talent: Reeltown’s

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

When a seventh grader is in the starting lineup, talent starts early for a team. And that could not be truer for the Reeltown girls’ basketball team this year. There have been glimpses of what’s to come, but the struggle right now is getting the girls to figure it out. Against Loachapoka, the Rebels had their fair share of highs and lows, but ultimately fell to the Class 2A Area 6 foe, 39-24.

One of the shining spots came from seventh-grader Mya Hughley, who finished the game with only

two points but exploded with nine rebounds and three steals. Although she has not been playing basketball for long, in the eyes of coach LD Bell, she is on her way to being a driving force for the team.

“If Mya Hughley would have played when she was younger, she’d probably (be) one of the best around here right now,” Bell said.

“But she doesn’t have a skill set because she hasn’t played. She is what you call a pure athlete, and that’s what you got to focus on right now.”

It’s not just Hughley either. Another starter is eighth-grader Jazlyn Fitzpatrick, who ended the

night with six rebounds and nine steals. Then center Sarenthia McKethran is only a freshman and finished with a team-high 10 rebounds and three steals.

“We got a seventh grader that starts with Mya Hughely, and I’m telling you she’s gonna be good,” Bell said. “We got an eighth grader, Jazlyn Fitzpatrick and ninth grader down low, Sarenthia. They’re gonna be good in the future.”

However, the downside to such a young roster is the combined lack of experience they have. Bell has tried to combat it by playing them on both JV and varsity levels to gain those

Mask signs to swim for Henderson State

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Camden Mask fulfilled a dream he’s had since he was 6 years old.

Last Wednesday, Mask signed his National Letter of Intent to swim at Henderson State in Arkansas.

“As a kid, you dream of going to college and continue swimming on the next level,” Mask said.

“That’s obviously something you dream of, and the season it took to get here, and you had to have some time drops and, the better you swim, the more money you get is basically how it goes in college swimming.”

The Tallassee senior has been a standout in a swim program at Tallassee that has seen much success in recent years.

“I think it’s just a validation,” Tall assee swim coach John Mask said. “We’ve always said it is just about hard work. It doesn’t guarantee you’re going to win, but I guarantee you won’t have a chance if you don’t put in the work. As far as our

mentality, we expect to win.”

Camden Mask is coming off of an impressive senior season as he was crowned the state champion in the 100-meter breaststroke with a record time of 55.84. He knows how important that state championship was toward his ultimate goal of swimming collegiately.

“I had to have a good season,” Camden said. “To get the state championship, it helps. It’s a dream since I was 6 and in the pool, and then you get to it and it feels pretty incredible to say the least.”

Coach Mask is also Camden’s father, so the signing day was especially important to him.

“As a father, it’s just very rewarding,” Mask said. “I think the lord’s blessed me with over 40 kids winning their division, but when your own kid does it, it’s a little different. I’ve been driving him since he was 6 when he wouldn’t even dive to now being here is just a blessing.”

young roster shows promise

precious minutes. The downside then becomes they are playing too many games in just one week.

Although Bell is cautious of overworking his young players, he knows the value is getting them as

many minutes on the court as he can.

“It’s very important,” Bell said. “The thing about it is it’s kind of really contradicting your method, because you’re playing them a lot, and you want

to tell them, ‘Hey, we got time to get better.’

When you’re in the game, you see that we have the potential to win the game. You’re trying to teach them, let’s do this to win. But then after the game, you gotta come back to your mind to say, we’re gonna get there down the road. It’s just tough right now.”

Although Reeltown is loaded with talent for the future, Bell still has his eyes on snatching some games away from its area opponents. But for now, he will focus on developing the players on the roster to end the season on a high note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE BID FOR TALLASSEE CITY SHOP

All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975 and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered. All bidders shall show such evidence by clearly displaying their current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The project shall be bid as tax exempt construction. Bid opening February 5, 2025 at 10AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall Scope of Work: GC to provide the following: 1) 60’ X 110’ X 16’ Pre-engineered metal building with a 2/12 roof slope. 60’ clear span. Gutters and Downspouts. No interior columns allowed.

2) Concrete Foundations & Structural design shall be done by a licensed structural engineer and submitted to the owner before construction begins.

6” concrete slab with welded wire mesh.

3) 6” roof Insulation and 4” wall insulation

4) GC to provide Concrete foundation, Building and all building components described in these specs.

5) GC to provide all labor and materials associated with the Erection of Building.

6) Anchor bolts must be a minimum of 18” and placed in the concrete foundation at the placing of the concrete. No wedge anchors or epoxy of any kind will be acceptable after concrete has been poured.

7) Designed for IBC 2021

8) 3 lb. collateral load.

9) Provide Two 16’x14’ com-

) mercial series Roll-up door Provide one 14’x14’ commercial series Roll-up door. Provide Three 3070-man doors.

10) GC to visit site and verify Location and site work.

11) All permits and fees will be included in the GC bid proposal.

12) GC shall purchase and maintain $5,000,000.00 of liability insurance. GC shall carry workers comp. on all employees. GC shall maintain a builder’s risk insurance policy for the amount of the bid proposal.

13) Install Floor drains in shop bays. Floor drains must be Traf14) Finish out 1000SF of condiurinal, and water closet. Furnish drawing for owners’ approval before construction.

15) Provide 400-amp electrical service for buildings with LED lighting and convenience 110 plugs. All electrical and lighting must be by code and in metal Conduit. light on 6 poles. One on each pole light on each side of the building. Provide One 48-inch box exhaust fan. Minimum of 18000 CFM. Provide one 52” wall mounted gravity damper double panel shutter with pull chain. 16) Provide approved Septic System 17) Provide 1280 LF of fencing for 4 acres, 6’ tall commercial chain-link with razor wire above, and 2-12’x 12’ gates. One 20’ automatic rolling gate with keypad entry. 18) Provide 1500 sf of 6” concrete outside paving. Owner to decide location. 19) Provide a 40’ x 108’ x 12’ pole barn with metal trusses and wood 2x6 purlins. 12’ on center trusses. 1’6” overhang on all sides. Treated 6”x6” post. Post shall be 4’ in ground and provide 240 lbs. of concrete in each hole. 26-gauge PBR sheets shall be full length of approx. 23’ and require a continuous run of at least 3/8” tape caulk between panels. No laps in the roof are allowed. required pre-formed ridge. Each preformed ridge roof lap must have a continuous run of at least 3/8” tape caulk between panels. Provide 4” of 1 ½” crushed stone underneath roof line of pole barn.

20) Provide in your bid $50,000.00 Contingency Money for the owner’s furnishings, equipment, etc. to be determined after the project begins.al calculations prepared and signed by a Professional Engineer, registered to practice in the State where building is to be erected, verifying that building design meets indicated loading requirements and codes of authorities having jurisdiction. Calculations shall clearly show all the loads used for the design of each member. All column reactions at the foundation shall be foundation design. -

tions: Provide pre-engineered metal buildings as produced by a manufacturer with not less than 5 years’ successful experience in the fabrication of pre-engineered metal buildings of the type and quality required. The manufacturer will be a member of the MBMA.

Pre-engineered building shall not less than 5 years’ successful experience in the erection of pre-engineered buildings like those required for this project, and that has been licensed by the manufacturer of the building system.

Manufacturer: The following manufacturers’ have been approved.

ACI Building Systems American Buildings Company Butler Buildings Company Inland Building Systems STRUCTURAL FRAMING: Rigid Frames shall be fabricated from hot-rolled structural steel. Provide built-up.

“I-beam” shaped rigid frames consisting of either tapered orpered columns. Provide frames factory welded and shop painted. Furnish frames complete with attachment plates, bearing plates and splice members. Factory drill frames for bolted 1. Provide length of span and spacing of frames.

2. Provide a Wind Portal frame and columns.

tal and adjustable wind bracing at roof only using diagonal cables or threaded steel rods; comply with requirements of ASTM A36 or A572, Grade D. Secondary Framing: Registered Professional Engineer for the Pre-Engineered Building shall be responsible for the design of the roof structure to support the framing to meet all state, federal and local code restrictions and structural requirements set forth by the structural engineer. It shall be the responsibility of the Pre-Engineered Building manufacturer to coordinate with the Bidding Contractor the amount of erection required for the framing before bidding. Provide not less than 16-ga. and 8” wide shop painted rolled formed sections for the following secondary framing members unless shown otherwise on structural contract drawings. 1. Purlins. 2. Eave struts. 3. End wall rafters. 4. Flange bracing. 5. Sag bracing.

Provide ASTM F1554 bolts, at

Public Notices

secondary structural connections. Provide zinc-plated or cadmium-plated bolts when structural framing components are in direct contact with roofing and siding panels. Primary structural connections to be made with ASTM A325 bolts. No welding will be allowed. connections.

Shop Painting: Clean surfaces to be primed of loose mill scale, rust, dirt, oil, grease, and other matter precluding paint bond. 1. Prime structural steel primary and secondary framing members. Fasteners:

Provide self tapping screws, bolts, nuts, self-locking rivets, self-locking bolts, end-welded studs, and other suitable fasteners as standard with the manufacturer, designed to withstand design loads. Provide metal-backed neoprene washers under heads of fasteners bearing on weather side of panels. Provide long- life screws in roof panels. Use aluminum or stainless-steel fasteners for exterior applications and galvanized or cadmium plated fasteners for interior applications. Locate and space fastenings in true vertical and horizontal alignment. Use proper type fastening tools to obtain controlled uniform compression for positive seal without rupture of neoprene washer. Gutters And Rake Trim: Proformed stiffeners or ribbed allowed. Form gutters and Rake in sections not less than 8 feet in length, complete with end pieces, outlet tubes and other special pieces as may be required. Join sections with riveted and soldered or sealed joints. Provide expansion-type slip joint at center of runs. Furnished gutter supports spaced at 36” o.c., constructed of the same metal as gutters.

Downspouts: Form downspouts in sections approximately 16 feet long, complete with elbows and offsets. Join sections with not less than 1-1/2” telescoping joints. Provide fasteners, designed to securely hold downspouts not less than 1” away from walls; locate fasteners at top and bottom and at approximately 5 feet on center in between.

ROOFING AND

PLUNGERS BRAVE FRIGID WATERS TO

HELP LMRA

Mann lands first D-1 offer

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Jackson Mann has wanted to play college football his entire life.

That is now close to being a reality for the Elmore County linebacker as he received his first Division I offer from Murray State (Kentucky).

Dating back to last summer, Mann has been tirelessly sending out tape to numerous college coaches and recruiters in hopes of sparking someone’s interest.

“Throughout football season and the offseason, I was trying to send film out every day to whatever coach I could get any interaction from that was remotely close around this area or just somewhere in the south,” Mann said.

“Murray State ended up following me back one morning and we hit it off from there.”

Mann has been a pillar for the Panther defense his entire career.

for his entire prep career at Elmore County.

Justin Weeks has been the defensive coordinator at Elmore County throughout Mann’s career as a

Panther, and is very well aware of the value that Mann brought his team on and off the field.

“Jackson loves to learn the game, and that’s kind of where he thrives,”

ECHS defensive coordinator Justin Weeks said.

“I had to tell him this past year, man, I don’t have anything else for you, because you know what I know, so he’s just been a student of the game and he loves Elmore County football. He loves football in general. He is a Panther, and he loves his school.”

Mann’s role wasn’t just what he did on the field either. He also stood out off the field.

“He’s just a vocal leader,” Weeks said. “Jackson was going to get the play out; he’s gonna get the scheme out, so it’s nice, something I haven’t had to worry about yet as a defensive coordinator, because since his sophomore year, he has been the quarterback on the defense,” Weeks said.

Mann put together a stellar senior season recording 68 tackles, including nine for a loss, in 11 games played last season.

Panthers make school history on the mat

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

For the first time in school history, Elmore County’s wrestling team earned a playoff victory.

The Panthers hosted Elberta in the AHSAA 1A-5A sectionals, earning a 59-24 win.

“It’s just hard work and dedication from the guys and just everybody pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves,” ECHS coach Mason Thornton said. “We said as a team, we set some pretty high goals at the beginning of the year so we wanted to win the regions and we wanted to be in the state duals.”

Caleb Bryant (120 pounds) and Connor Pike (175) each picked up respective pins. With the victory, Elmore County advances to the state duals tournament, which will take place Saturday in Birmingham. The Panthers are set to face Beauregard.