Tallassee Tribune Jan. 8 2025

Hightower sentenced to death for capital murders

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

the facts warranted it, I would pursue the

Illegal immigrant charged with attempted kidnapping in Slapout

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Hispanic man deported five times in five years is now accused of trying to kidnap a juvenile female in Holtville.

An unusual encounter in The Boys Store parking lot on New Year’s Eve was soon reported to the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office by the mother of a 17-year-old juvenile.

“She was in the parking lot gathering a buggy when a Black Mitsubishi pulled up and the driver got out,” Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said. “He approached the girl and

tried to get her to look at his cell phone. It said something along the lines of offering her $200 to get in the SUV.” Franklin said the teen was trying to ease away from the situation when another vehicle pulled in.

“The girl was a little shaken and the scene didn’t make sense to the driver (of the vehicle),” Franklin said. “The driver approached the

See KIDNAPPING, Page A2

Elmore County juvenile judge has three points of emphasis

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Judge Ben Baxley has been around the courtroom for decades and has seen it all as a prosecutor. At the beginning of the summer Baxley swapped roles in the court system when he was appointed as Elmore County District Court Judge. He has taken on the role as presiding

juvenile court judge and quickly started looking at juvenile cases through three points of emphasis — action, attendance and accountability.

Action comes quickly in the juvenile courts under Baxley when it comes to delinquency and threats.

“I take those things seriously,” Baxley said.

In recent months,

See JUVENILE, Page A6

GLASSCOCK NAMED TES SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Amanda Glasscock has been a part of Tallassee City Schools for her entire life.

As a student, Glasscock was at the old Tallassee Elementary School that is now city hall. As an educator though, she is at the new Tallassee Elementary School in the computer lab impacting the lives

of students: kindergarten through fourth grade.

“I enjoy the job because I get to interact with all the students of the school,” Glasscock said. “I feel like that is something that makes my role unique in the school system, because not every teacher gets to interact with every kid every year.”x

It’s a position she uses to be a positive influence on students.

SUBMITTED TPI

“It’s a gift that God’s blessed me with,” Glasscock said. “I feel I need to share with all children.” Recently Glasscock was chosen by her co-workers as TES Support Staff of the Year. It was a recognition she feels many deserve.

“It’s humbling and it’s an honor because I feel

See GLASSCOCK, Page A3

Amanda Glasscock, bottom right, poses with members fo the Tallassee High School marching band auxillary. It’s a group she has been assisting for years.

Obituaries

JAMES LANIER BUSH

James Lanier Bush, a beloved resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away peacefully Friday, December 20, 2024 at the age of 85. Preceded in death by his parents, Zebbie Anderson and Corrie Mann Bush, his five siblings, Martha Claire, Zebbie, Barbara, Helen and John, and his cherished wife of 57 years, Frelia. James leaves behind a legacy of love and service. James is survived by his children, Jamie Bush (Kristi) and Melody Jones; his grandchildren, Lanier Hoyt (Taylor), Hannah Bear (Fred Bowman), Hannah Lee Hussey (Lee), Sarah Chambliss (Samuel), Trace Bush, Kevin Jones, Jill Service (Bobby), Morgan McIlwain (Galen), and Emma Bridgman; and his great-grandchildren, Anderson Hoyt, Teague Hoyt, Zebbie Hoyt, Bowman Bear, Emmet Bear, Lanier Bear, Copeland Service, Josie Jones, Tyler Ann Humphries, Tyler Hussey, Bryant Hussey and Ellie McIlwain. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and his wife of 3 years, Gloria Bush. James was a beacon of the Tallassee community, known for his unwavering dedication, kindness, and beautiful voice. Born and raised in Tallassee, he graduated from Tallassee High School in 1957. James then attended Howard College, now Samford University, for a year, but returned to Tallassee to help run the family grocery store during his father's illness. It was then he met his wife Frelia, and together they built a life filled with love and purpose. James's passion for education

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 5

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Upper River Road.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Trespassing was reported on Cannon Road.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

JAN. 4

• Menacing was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Sims Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to medics on Lower Tuskegee Road.

JAN. 3

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Rednose Rock Drive.

• Assistance was given to medics on Powers Avenue.

JAN. 2

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to medics on Fourth Street.

JAN. 1

• Assistance was given

KIDNAPPING

Continued from A1

led him back to college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Auburn University in 1973, followed by a Master's Degree from Troy University in 1977. While at Auburn, he began teaching elementary music at Tallassee Elementary School part time. Upon graduating Auburn, he dedicated his career to the Tallassee City Schools. James began serving as the elementary music teacher, then moved to Tallassee High School as the choral director, and eventually became the Assistant Principal of THS in 1981. His double duty of music and administration never really ended as in 1993, he was chosen to become Principal of Tallassee Elementary School, where he served until his retirement in 2001. His love for music extended beyond the school system, as he served as Minister of Music at Second Street Baptist Church in Bessemer while at Howard, East Tallassee Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Elam Baptist Church, and Bethlehem East Baptist Church for over 60 years. James shared joy throughout the entire community as a puppet master with Chester, a skilled balloon animal artist, and as a magician. He never forgot to sing a jingle or two or drop a famous Pappy joke. He was most proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A true public servant, James was honored with the Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. He held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including President of the Chamber of Commerce, Presi-

to another agency on Highway 229.

• A white male was arrested on West Main Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Ashurst Bar Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Gunfire was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard.

• A noise complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue. DEC. 31

• A fight was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Eighth Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Paxton Drive.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Friendship Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Claire Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Capstone Lane.

• Gunfire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Powers Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Freeman Avenue.

His panic male who then got in the SUV and left.”

Franklin said the owner of The Boys Store forwarded video footage of the parking lot to investigators, which showed the man, the SUV and its tag number.

Franklin said the Texas tag was registered to a Hispanic female and the department issued a Be On the Look Out alert for the vehicle with a male Hispanic driver.

The vehicle was stopped Friday afternoon in Clanton with Yordy Noe Centeno-Melchor, 31, was driving.

“The vehicle and the man matched the video and descriptions to a tee,” Franklin said.

“He admitted to being in The Boys Store parking lot. He said

dent of the Lion's Club, President of the Rotary Club, and a member of the Civitan Club. He was also a McCraney Cottle Board Member and McCraney Cottle Singer, a member of the First Baptist Church Baraca Quartet, the Four J's Quartet, and the River City Barber Shop Men's Ensemble. Additionally, he served as a judge for the Capital City Classic show choir competition for many years and was a long-time member of the Ministerial Alliance. His voice and spirit were integral to the community as he volunteered his time from initiating and organizing the Community Patriotic Program, serving as the PA spotter for THS Football for 15 years, helping lead the His Eyes Ministry, to guiding the Bethlehem East Baptist Church Glow Ministry. He led numerous hand bell groups and puppet ministries throughout the years. James's legacy is one of generosity, joy and unwavering commitment to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends for visitation at the Tallassee High School Auditorium on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and the memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the THS Choir or the charity of your choice. Make checks payable to THS Choir and drop off at THS or mail to Tallassee High School, Attn: Debbie Rogers, 502 Barnett Blvd, Tallassee, AL 36078.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama

• Theft was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Kent Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on East Patton Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Macedonia Road. DEC. 30

• A noise complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hillcrest Street.

• Harrassing communications was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Friendship Road.

• A Black male was arrested during a trespassing call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Benson Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Zion Street.

• Unauthorized use of

a vehicle was reported on Hickory Street. DEC. 29

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue and Hillcrest Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on East Patton Street.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Yates Dam Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Harris Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Riverside Drive and Second Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on Magnolia Street.

• Menacing was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A suspicious subject was reported on Camelia Drive.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Second Avenue.

While waiting for the arrest warrants for second-degree kidnapping, ECSO investigators contacted U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement where they learned a man by the same name and description has been deported five times from the U.S. since 2019.

he was there to inquire about fireworks.”

Franklin said Centeno-Melchor was taken to the Elmore County jail Friday afternoon and placed on a 48-hour investigative hold.

While waiting for the arrest warrants for second-degree kidnapping, ECSO investigators contacted U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement where they learned a man by the same name and description has been deported five times from the U.S. since 2019.

“We are hoping to learn the circumstances surrounding those deportations,” Franklin said. “They will also verify who he says he is through fingerprints. We work well with ICE.”

Franklin said investigators have already used law enforcement databases to determine Centeno-Melchor has traveled several times between Texas and Elmore, Chilton and Shelby counties. Franklin said Centeno-Melchor said he was currently living in a trailer in Elmore County.

Franklin said Elmore County doesn’t see many incidents like this. “We don’t want to see it again,” Franklin said. “I hope we don’t see more. Everyone should be aware of their surroundings. In a parking lot, have your keys ready before you get to the car and get in immediately, especially females.”

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Pets need to be warm too

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Mother Nature is giving us a real winter wakeup call this week, and we implore pet owners all over to please bring your pets inside and for those that must stay outside please make sure they have shelter and protection from the cold, wind and rain. Your pets not only need shelter from wind & precipitation they need to be able to stay warm as well. A dog house (meaning sides, top and a floor) needs to be located so the wind doesn’t blast straight into it and also sized for the dog so that the dog’s body heat can build inside to keep your pet even warmer. DRY bedding is essential so please check the bedding often to make sure it isn’t wet, or even missing. How would you like to sleep on a wet blanket, or moldy pile of hay, or a hard piece of plastic with no cushion? If you do not have bedding, make sure to use straw (better at repelling moisture), NOT hay – yes they are different! Cold air is also very dry (just think

of your chapped lips) and livestock and pets need more water than you think in the winter. If the water for your outside pets/livestock is frozen that is easy to fix. Just go to your local feed store, pet store or on-line where you can get in-tank water heaters or heated water buckets pretty inexpensively. They do need to be plugged in to an electrical source, work great and are quite safe. If you need to run a long outdoor extension cord, there are waterproof extension cord safety boxes to protect the connections from the weather. This can save your muscles from hauling water and your pets/livestock will have clear fresh water no matter how low the temps go. Of course, if pipes are frozen you won’t be able to get water, so make sure to take measures to protect your faucets and pipes.

Please also take your pet’s age and health into account as young, healthy animals can handle inclement weather a lot better than older animals. An older horse might need to be blanketed in cold weather and an older dog with arthritis may need much thicker bedding to cushion aching joints and tired

muscles. More frequent brushing to remove dead hair & dirt will also help your pet stay warm as a clean coat will provide better insulation against the weather.

Please also check your vehicle motor before starting it, for any stray or feral cats that may have crawled up in it when the engine was still warm and stayed since they are sheltered under the hood.

We have more than 200 pets in our care and every one of them is sleeping on a blanket or comforter because of the wonderful generosity of so many pet loving people – thank you all so very much! We will need a continuous influx of ‘bedding’ as some dogs destroy their beds and some just reach a point of no return so thank you ahead to all who bring us their old comforters and blankets to help our pets. And the doors are lowered and the heat is cranking during this cold snap to keep them all as comfortable as possible while in our care because we care.

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

Pet of the Week - Freddy

Freddy is a 7-month-old male Husky/Shepherd mix who weighs about 45 pounds. Freddy’s sister was adopted last weekend so now it’s time for Freddy to find his family. Freddy has learned a lot while with us like nice doggy manners and going for leash walks which he loves. Freddy will be best with older children and dogs his size or larger; no cats please. Freddy is just looking for a family to call his own. 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

Continued from A1

like I just do my job,” Glasscock said. “I try to be friendly. I mean, it’s nice to be recognized, don’t get me wrong, but it’s very like, ‘Oh, wait there are others too.’” Students rotate through Glasscock’s computer lab on 35-minute intervals through an activity class rotation. It’s a rotation that also exposes students to things such as art, music and STEM during the school year. In Glasscock’s class students learn basic computer skills.

Glasscock said some students haven’t been exposed to screens or the full use of computers

your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Freddy 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.

Glasscock said some students haven’t been exposed to screens or the full use of computers before they enter her lab.

before they enter her lab.

“It’s a learning process, especially with the kindergarteners, to show them how to use the mouse,” Glasscock said. “Most have never used a mouse before. It’s a motor skill they have to learn. It’s always a fun time and things can happen really fast. You got to be up on your feet the whole time walking around and checking on the students.”

Glasscock also gets to teach the students other skills.

“We teach some coding,” Glasscock said. “It is computational thinking. It is basically how to solve a problem. It

opens the door to logic.”

This is Glasscock’s fourth year at TES in the computer lab. She was at Huntingdon College for about 10 years working the band as a recruiter, auxiliary coordinator and dance instructor. It has been a similar role for her with the Tallassee High School Band.

Glasscock left Montgomery to be closer to home.

“I loved my job at Huntington, but I wanted to be back in the community where I live and go to church and where my kids are,” Glasscock said. “I wanted to be able to give back to my community.”

Our View Opinion

Red or blue, we lost a great man

Sunday, the U.S.’s 39th president died at 100 years of age.

Former president Jimmy Carter will leave behind a century-long legacy. While in office, he transferred the Panama Canal back to its home country, worked toward energy conservation, navigated a hostage crisis, put policies in place for anti-inflation and worked to bring peace between Israel and Egypt. Although later in his term, he faced setbacks in foreign affairs as the Cold War continued.

Not everyone was in favor of his policies. But whether you vote red or blue, one thing that can be agreed on is that Carter was a great man. After his presidency, he devoted his life to advocating for human rights and world peace. In 2002, he was presented with the Noble Peace Prize for his ongoing efforts and his peace negotiations while in office.

He was also a southerner, a veteran and a farmer. He was known for his soft-spoken nature, which perhaps caused others to overlook his inner strength. He also established The Carter Center in 1982 as a nonprofit focused on human rights and alleviating human suffering.

Shortly after hearing of Carter’s death, president-elect Donald Trump released the following:

“While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family.”

Richard Shelby FBI Headquarters comes to Alabama

On Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, the FBI Campus in Huntsville hosted a small audience for the dedication ceremony at the Richard Shelby Center for Innovation and Advanced Training.

The audience included retired U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), FBI Director Christopher Wray, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), current and former Members of Congress, four federal judges, business leaders from across the State, family and lifelong friends of Senator Shelby and dozens of former Shelby congressional staffers – which included five of his former Chiefs of Staff.

The dedication started with all audience members boarding buses to drive through the FBI’s north campus. While on the bus, the scope of the investment secured by Shelby soon became a reality.

The full campus is much like that of a large university. The visitors were only able to see the north part of the campus. Currently, the South Campus is being expanded. It will soon host hundreds of millions of dollars in additional investment, all of which was secured before Senator Shelby’s retirement.

The FBI’s Huntsville Campus, which provides innovation and advanced training for the entire agency workforce and the world, was characterized well by Wray, who said the campus is a “vital organ” to the entire agency.

The dedication ceremony started with remarks from Britt, who presided over the ceremony and did a fabulous job. You could tell by not only her

words, but with her eyes, how much she admired her mentor, Shelby. She mentioned that during Shelby’s years in the U.S. Senate, he served as Chairman of four Committees –Select Committee on Intelligence, Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Committee on Rules and Administration and Senate Appropriations Committee. Being chairmen of four primary committees in the U.S. Senate has never been replicated in U.S. history. Britt also touched on Shelby’s ability to make a strong deal and work in a bipartisan manner to get things done. This led to his success securing the $3 billion investment for this project. It took 14 years to secure these funds, and the resulting facility will bring nearly 5,000 jobs to Huntsville with an additional 2,500 employees anticipated to travel for training on an annual basis. This will bring an annual payroll of over $500 million per year to Alabama and the Huntsville/Madison metropolitan area. To give you some comparison, this Richard Shelby FBI facility in Huntsville will have a payroll and economic impact of two to three times what the Mercedes plant near Tuscaloosa generates.

During Wray’s remarks, he noted that none of this would have been pos-

sible without Shelby. Wray said with increasing and more sophisticated threats, the innovation and advanced training center situated at Redstone will ensure the FBI’s workforce is properly trained to continue to protect the American people.

Shelby provided the closing remarks. Although he is retired from office and is 90 years old, Shelby spoke as strongly as he had when he represented the State of Alabama in the U.S. Capitol. Shelby noted he was humbled for the campus to bear his name, but said names go away but buildings and missions live on into the future.

This FBI Alabama compound is appropriately named the Richard Shelby Center for Innovation and Advanced Training. He singlehandedly garnered the appropriation for this magnificent complex. As Chairman of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee his last six years in the Senate, he brought home more bacon than any Senator in U.S. history brought to their home state. We Alabamians will reap the benefits of Shelby’s prowess for generations to come. Shelby is unquestionably the greatest United States Senator in Alabama history.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.

The year in info-tainment

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

024 will be remembered for many things – two Presidential assassination attempts, a major political party replacing their own sitting President by running the Vice President at the top of the ticket, wars and rumors of wars all over the globe. A.I. and ChatGPT seemed to be taking over everything. Companies were either downsizing or upgrading, but either way the prices stayed high and wages stayed low. Locally, hearts were broken as we lost several dining establishments: Elmer’s Restaurant, Little Caesars, Grove Station, and the first version of Larry Melvyn’s (which reopened as Taste of Talisi a few weeks later). There were some endings in 2024, such as the 25th and final Fabulous Follies at Tallassee High School – a labor of love put together each year by Mrs. Pat Merrett. We in the music business lost one of our guiding lights with the passing of Mr. James Bush right at Christmastime. I don’t know what the personality of our community would be without Mr. Bush’s influence and his sweet, beautiful tenor voice. He was a grocery man first, then felt the call to pursue music and was the choral director and music teacher for many years in Tallassee before becoming our assistant principal and then, principal. Mr. Bush spent his retirement years continuing to make a difference in our lives making balloon animals, dressing up as a clown for parties, performing a ventriloquist act with his puppet Chester, or being seen taking care of his dear friend Carl Wayne Mullins . . . James Bush was one of a kind, and we were fortunate to have walked this Earth while he was around. But despite some of the sadness, there were improvements and good news all around. The downtown streetscape project was completed and is even more stunning in person than on the artist’s renditions. The Fitzpatrick Bridge renovation also finished in early ’24 and is safer and more up-to-date than ever. Businesses were opening all over the place, featuring everything from barbecue and ice cream to roofing and clothing. And how about those Reeltown Rebels and Tallassee Tigers? The

sports teams in our area were riding impressive winning streaks. A rising tide lifts all boats and 2025 looks to be an even better year for all of the schools in our area. The state report card came out and every single school showed yearto-year improvements, with gains in key areas such as reading test scores and better attendance. And now, with apologies to Cousin Rendell, the year in info-tainment.

BEST TV SHOW: “Only Murders in the Building” (ABC/Hulu) – Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez rolled into season four solving yet another mystery, and it may have been the most fulfilling season yet. In fact, one episode featuring a dialogue between Charles (Steve Martin) and Sazz (Jane Lynch) was some of the most powerful television I saw all year. This series has it all and every time I think it can’t get any more entertaining, they up their game. If you haven’t yet tuned in, start with season one and enjoy this show’s many pleasures.

SPEAKING OF STEVE-O: “Steve! A Documentary in Two Pieces” (AppleTV+) -- Documentarian Morgan Neville, who gave us the Mister Rogers film “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”, helmed this brilliant two-part documentary on the legendary comedian, musician, author, and actor Steve Martin. He began his career writing for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and playing banjo at Knott’s Berry Farm before launching a stand-up comedy career that blended old-fashioned humor with ridiculous and surreal ways of making people laugh. Steve Martin originally wanted to be a magician – and he still is! Martin reveals to the filmmaker that he obsesses over the empty seats in an audience, working hard to get their attention with memorable bits such as the arrow-through-the-head, air quotes, and the exclamation ‘excuuuusse me’.

THE KNOWING WHEN TO WALK AWAY AWARD: Who knows what is going on at CBS News, but Norah O’Donnell – who had done an admirable job in the anchor chair – avoided becoming the next Jeff Glor or Scott Pelley, who both found their desks cleaned out and their job descriptions changed overnight when they took a turn at the CBS Evening News. Norah asked to be moved over to 60 Minutes, so CBS tapped veteran newsmen John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois to co-anchor beginning in late January. For those who think the nightly news doesn’t matter anymore, be it noted that the top-rated program on any network, except for sports programming, is ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.

IT MUST BE THE RATINGS: “Morning Joe” (MSNBC) hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, married in real life, were big pals with Donald Trump over the years. Joe was a Republican Congressman from Florida and gave Trump the candidate more airtime than any other show in 2015-16. Then, somewhere, things turned sour. President Trump blasted Joe & Mika on social media; Joe & Mika hammered Trump day after day for his entire term and the past four years. And then, suddenly, all was well again: Joe & Mika got invited to hang out at Mar-a-Lago and magically made peace with the once and future President. All was forgiven. Or was it all for show? We’ll never know, but a large part of their MSNBC audience was left disillusioned and cynical about Joe & Mika after they stopped attacking Trump, and their ratings – once the best on the network – drifted downward.

BEST CLASS REUNION: “Brats” (Hulu) -- It may be because I came of age during that era, but it seems the coming-of-age films created in the 1980s evoke nostalgia for people who weren’t even there. The actors who became branded as the Brat Pack after starring in movies such as “The Breakfast Club,” “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “Pretty in Pink” have had varying degrees of

Elmore County sees below freezing temperatures

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

With the recent cold front, the whole southeast is looking at below average temperatures for this week and into next week.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday’s temperatures are the most concerning when it comes to possible winter weather and severe cold. Just a few degrees can drastically change the outlook for Friday and the following week.

That being said, many days this week and next will see lows of 20s and 30s and as such it is important to be weather aware. With the cold temperature, be prepared to dress with more layers than usual.

The National Weather Service recommends wearing two to three

layers on top, one to two layers on bottom, warm hats, gloves, boots and for the outerwear to be water resistant.

Another important safety precaution is getting your house ready for the colder weather. With such low temperatures at night, many individuals will need to leave their faucets slowly dripping to prevent pipes from freezing.

Another method is to insulate any outdoor pipes and keep the temperature in the house on even when you aren’t there. Open up sink cabinets to expose pipes to the heated air, disconnect hoses and turn off sprinklers. In the yards, cover plants before the extreme cold begins.

If the county goes under a frost advisory this means temperatures are 33 to 36, which could cause frost to

success in the 40 years since, and this documentary serves as part anthropological exposition and part group therapy session. Actor Andrew McCarthy directed and produced this documentary, and he catches up with fellow Brat Pack members Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Rob Lowe, and others as he attempts to put a period on the end of the sentence about the Brats, now in their late 50s or early 60s. It is interesting to hear the views of the actors in pretty unvarnished terms: Estevez resents ever being labeled and thrown in with the group, while Lowe looks upon the period fondly and is proud to have been a part of it. Brat Pack members Judd Nelson (who appears offscreen from an ‘undisclosed location’) and Molly Ringwald do not participate, and their opinions are missed.

form. A freeze warning is for temperatures 32 degrees or colder and a hard freeze is temperatures below 28.

It is also important to recognize the warning signs of hypothermia, which include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness and stiff muscles. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, it’s important to get them warm immediately. Some methods could be to bring them into a heated area, using blankets or a warm bath.

It is important to minimize outdoor time and check on loved ones. Also keep pets indoors as much as possible and monitor their food and water so it does not freeze.

During these drops in temperatures, it is also important to drive carefully. Some tips from

MOST INSPIRATIONAL

DOCUMENTARY: “Jim Henson: Idea Man” (Disney+) -This Ron Howard-directed documentary takes a look at puppeteer Jim Henson’s life, from the early years of his career to the creation of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show” and beyond. There is also a focus on the creative and romantic partnership with his wife Jane Henson, as well as illuminating interviews with frequent collaborators such as Frank Oz. It was very interesting to see the large segment dedicated to the founding of Children’s Television Workshop with “Sesame Street” as its flagship production. Jim Henson was a once-in-a-generation kind of talent, and this warm documentary is well worth your time.

BEST DOCUMENTARY: “The Greatest Night in Pop” (Netflix) was already my choice for best documentary of the year – and then the man who put it together, Quincy Jones, passed away, making

NWS with winter traveling are checking the forecast and road conditions, having a way to contact someone should you need assistance and

it even more meaningful on a rewatch. This is the story of how Quincy put together the charity record ‘We Are the World’ in a single recording session after an awards show. It’s a miracle it ever happened, and this documentary is a revealing look at the personalities within the music industry of that era.

BEST TRUE CRIME: Netflix piled on the true crime documentaries this year and they were all remarkably well-done: “Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey” left the viewer with more questions than answers as John Ramsey continues to try and clear his name 30 years later; “The Menendez Brothers” was more brutal than I was prepared for, but turned over every potential scenario in that case; and the one that really got to me was “Laci Peterson” – that poor girl and her baby deserved way better, and her cheating husband came off looking extremely guilty on this documentary.

CommunityCalendar

SATURDAY, JAN. 25

ART SUMMIT: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts is hosting its second annual River Region Art Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

GALETINES: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting Galetines on Main from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Downtown merchants will be offering deals and discounts.

SATURDAY, FEB. 2

MURDER ON THE MENU: Friends of the Wetumpka Public Library are hosting the Murder on the Menu author talk on Feb. 2.

North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

OPEN MIC: The Equality

litter for icy con

BEST WESTERN: “Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War” (Netflix) -- This six-part series, narrated to perfection by actor Ed Harris, is a dramatic recreation of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its aftermath. You may have thought you’d seen and heard this story enough – it’s been told in hundreds of films, books, and TV shows over the years. This series puts you right in the middle of the bloody action in Tombstone, Arizona, circa 1881. Earp brothers Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan, along with Wyatt’s best friend Doc Holliday, confront Ike Clanton and his vicious Cowboy gang over and over in various settings. There’s more to tell about the story and the dramatization here, which is done in a very contemporary style, but you need to watch this series for yourself. If you love the stories of the Wild West, you do not want to miss this six-part program about one of the greatest legends of them all, Wyatt Earp.

SADDEST ON-SCREEN

DEPARTURE: Who didn’t love Bill Hayes? The legendary song-and-dance man had the #1 record of the 1950s with “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” but since 1970 most of us have known him as Doug Williams on Days of our Lives (NBC/ Peacock). He was married to his co-star Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), and between his real-life widow and the writers of the show, Days aired perhaps the greatest tribute to any character in soap history when they brought back dozens of veteran actors and characters dating back to the beginning of the serial for Doug’s funeral episodes. For people who have watched this show for decades, Days got it right and gave the fans of the character – and of the actor – a send-off that will be long remembered in the annals of soap opera history.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Faulkner University.

provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist. org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

MARDI GRAS PARADE: The Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Parade and Festival is scheduled for Feb. 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ONGOING

SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200

Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH

OF CHRIST : Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025

LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

GRACE POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/ Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.

AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.

MASTER GARDENER

HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-2524769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

death penalty. Given the egregiousness of this and how it was spread over five different counties that were affected and four people being killed in a 24-hour spantime with just days before someone else being gunned down and left for dead — if these facts didn’t warrant the death penalty, I don’t know what would.”

Hightower’s co-defendant, Kentrice Hill, is being tried separately and is scheduled to face a jury in June.

The court case

During the three week-long case, the state of Alabama weaved together a timeline of events that began April 10, 2020 with the alleged kidnapping and shooting of Barbara Grant.

About a week later, the state argued, another crime was committed by Hightower and Hill, and that was the murder and burglary of Nancy Nash, a business manager at Creative Habitats, an Auburn business located off Highway 280. Nash was also killed April

17, 2020 — just hours before the Tidwells were found murdered. Neither Hightower nor Hill have been convicted of Nash’s murder. Hightower’s trial for that case is set to begin in February in Lee County.

Just a few hours after the murders of Barbara and Willie Tidwell, the state argued Hightower was linked to the armed robbery of an orthopaedic urgent care in Chelsea before heading to Birmingham, where he committed another murder — that of Antoine Harris. Hightower pleaded guilty to the Harris murder in August.

The state argued to the jury it had linked all these crimes together through a .380 Smith & Wesson that was stolen from Nash. The .380 was used in the killings of both Willie Tidwell and Harris. The state of Alabama also said prescription bottles and driver’s licences of the Tidwells, evidence from the Chelsea robbery, and Nash’s credit card and driver’s license were all found at the same US Econo Lodge in Birmingham where Nash’s vehicle was located.

Ultimately, a jury

of 12 people found Hightower guilty of four counts of capital murder: two counts of capital murder while committing a robbery, one count of capital murder while committing a burglary, and one count of capital murder causing the deaths of two or more people. He was also found guilty of second-degree theft, but the state dropped that charge following the verdict.

The sentence During sentencing, the state of Alabama attempted to prove several aggravating factors, all of which Hightower was unanimously found guilty of on all four counts.

The aggravating factors the state ultimately proved, from the Criminal Code of Alabama, are as follows:

• The capital offense was committed by a person under sentence of imprisonment.

• The defendant was previously convicted of another capital offense or a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the person.

• The defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to many persons.

• The capital

We Touch the Lives of

offense was committed while the defendant was engaged or was an accomplice in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing, or attempting to commit, rape, robbery, burglary, or kidnapping.

• The capital offense was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or effecting an escape from custody.

• The capital offense was committed to disrupt or hinder the lawful exercise of any governmental function or the enforcement of laws.

• The capital offense was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel compared to other capital offenses.

• The defendant intentionally caused the death of two or more persons by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.

• The capital offense was one of a series of intentional killings committed by the defendant.

In the state of Alabama, there are 14 aggravated factors that could contribute to a person being sentenced to death; Segrest argued the state proved nine of those.

However, the defense, which was led Thursday by Andrew Maddox, argued several mitigating factors, which he said can be given as much or as little weight as each juror deems appropriate.

JUVENILE

Continued from A1

threats against Elmore County Schools have occurred. There have been weapons on school campuses at both Elmore County and Tallassee schools.

Juvenile court records are sealed and Baxley said he can’t publicly speak on cases. But he said he has been quick to detain juveniles as young as 10 when law enforcement and educators bring petitions to him.

Baxley said he is pro-Second Amendment but believes the law provides appropriate supervision of juveniles with guns. He has a general rule of thumb with juveniles found to be in possession of guns both on and off school campuses.

“It’s a day in youth detention for every round of ammunition they have,” Baxley said.

Baxley is just as quick to sign off on detention for school threats.

The detentions start almost immediately from the time juveniles are found with the guns.

Baxley said the process starts when law enforcement detain and enquire with juvenile probation officers about what to do. They check to see if beds for juvenile detention are available and often go ahead and detain the juvenile.

“They have to have a hearing within 48 hours of their detention,” Baxley said. “It is similar to a probable cause hearing in the regular courts.”

Baxley has also dealt with truancy cases from the juvenile

“Mitigating factors are not a defense and are not an excuse,” Maddox said during opening penalty arguments. “But out of fairness and mercy, these are (factors) you feel should be taken into account.”

Some of the possible mitigating factors presented were a difficult childhood for Hightower, whose father was imprisoned when Hightower was just 6 years old. The jury heard from several of Hightower’s family members, including his mother, aunt, cousin and father, all of whom spoke about their love for him regardless of the verdict. Testimony said Hightower struggled with anger issues from an early age and did not receive help.

His cousin, Maurice Harden, testified Hightower hadn’t had any major problems growing up.

The jury also heard from Lee County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ashley Ogletree, who testified Hightower has been in her facility since last year with no disciplinary action.

However, the state of Alabama presented rebuttals to both of those points. First, it called Albert Wilson, the Tallapoosa County Jail administrator, to the stand to introduce a video of Hightower creating a disturbance on Dec. 17, 2024 — during the trial — after being asked to get off the phone.

The state also introduced evidence of Hightower’s previous

bench. Since May he has already ordered incarceration for three adults as the result of juveniles missing school with excessive unexcused absences.

With seven days of unexcused absences in schools, juveniles are considered truant.

“Often that is when parents and the child have their first encounter with juvenile courts on the matter,” Baxley said.

Baxley wants to make parents aware of the seriousness of the issue. He has started a new program working with the Elmore County Board of Education and juvenile probation officers. Parents are notified by phone after the first unexcused absence; by phone and letter on the second; and a meeting with school officials after the third for both Elmore County and Tallassee school systems.

At the fifth excused absence, Baxley now brings the parents and child to the juvenile court room for a Truancy Early Warning on the issue.

“It’s not a situation where anyone will be detained just yet,” Baxley said. “It is a class setting where we have between 10 and 50 families. We want to make them aware of the seriousness of the issue.”

It has quickly grown from one meeting a month to two.

Baxley said the reason for his taking school attendance seriously is because he has noticed it was a root cause of lack of education in defendants.

“Without an education, they struggle to make a living,” Baxley said. “They didn’t attend school and classes.”

drug convictions in Georgia.

After exactly one month since the jury was first starting to be selected, the final witness of the case took the stand: Farrah Meadors, daughter of Barbara Tidwell.

Rather than testifying about the effects the murders had on her family, Meadors took a moment to read a statement she had prepared about her mother and stepfather.

Meadors talked about how her mother, Barbara, had just retired and had started sewing masks for nurses at the hospital to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Meadors stated Willie Tidwell was the town handyman who never made much money because “he had such a kind and generous heart.” The murders occurred the day before Meadors’ birthday.

“My birthday is forever a reminder of this horrific nightmare that has become our lives over the past five years,” Meadors testified. “I lost not just my mom, but my best friend. … I was Willie’s stepdaughter, but to him, we were always his daughters, never step. … The opportunity to say I love you is forever gone, and our family is forever changed.”

Because a death penalty sentence was imposed, Hightower will have an automatic appeal to the Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals.

With all the meetings, Baxley wants to make sure everyone is held accountable.

“When kids make large mistakes, there has to be a cost,” Baxley said. “Most will get probation and work with the juvenile probation officers. They have programs to help them get back on track. They also help mitigate restitution when necessary. It is all done behind the cloak of juvenile court. It will not be shared with the public.”

Detaining juveniles when necessary has become a bigger issue because of the growth of Elmore County.

“There has to be a meaningful threat of detention,” Baxley said For the last 14 years, the county has had three juvenile detention beds through contracts in Montgomery. They are funded from the county and the state.

At the same time the population of Elmore County has grown from 79,000 to more than 90,000. Currently Autauga County with a population of 60,000 has four juvenile detention beds under contract. Talladega with a population of 81,000 has six beds available.

Cullman County with a population of 92,000 has 11 beds available.

“Following those statistics, Elmore County should have seven beds,” Baxley said.

But Baxley isn’t wanting to go that far, not yet.

“The county has been great to help with the three beds we have had,” Baxley said. “We find ourselves needing more and hope the county can help.”

The best gift we can give anyone

Maybe

Maybe someone is in need of a new car because they have been driving an unreliable vehicle for years?

There is a quote from a Scottish pastor named Robert Murray M’Cheyne (b.1813-1843) that helps to clarify what could be the best gift you could give anyone. Speaking of ministers, particularly, M’Cheyne writes: “It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awe-ful weapon in the hand of God.”

This is at least true for a pastor as it is for anyone else. The best gift a pastor (or a group of pastors) can do for their wives, for their kids, for their family, for their neighbors, for their community, and, especially, for

BILLY REINHARDT Pastor

their congregation, is give them a holy life. The holy life to which M’Cheyne is referring is the holy life of the minister himself, which includes holy thoughts, holy words, and holy actions. The congregation, most of all, does not need a new smoke machine for the sanctuary, it does not need a newly constructed bathroom, and it does not even need new carpet for the sanctuary or for the foyer. The congregation needs a minister who offers them a holy life as much as a good sermon or a well-timed visit. The sacrifice of the minister

unto a life of holiness is the greatest gift he can offer his Lord, and the church. A holy life cures many ills.

This concept applies to everyone, and not just a minister or a church. Think about what it means to go to work and be a “good worker” (or good employee). Based upon M’Cheyne’s argument, the best type of worker is a “holy” worker, not merely a “good” worker (a “good” worker is too low of a bar).

The reason for this is if a worker is striving for holiness before the Lord, then he won’t steal money from the company, he won’t steal time from the company, he will do what he says, he’ll be on time, and he will do his work well because he is doing his work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). The worker who pursues holiness before God will be the best

Tallassee Churches

type of employee.

Also, the best thing a man can give his wife is a holy life (and vice versa). Holiness cures many marriage ills. The best thing a man can give his children is a holy life (and vice versa). The best thing you can give anyone is a holy life. A holy life is a life that is seeking God and His glory in one’s own life through thoughts, words, and actions. We simply cannot improve our lives better than seeking to glorify God with our lives as expressed in a holy life. Therefore, we must keep an eye on our own hearts before God. Solomon, in Proverbs 4:23, says that we must guard our hearts because out of it the wellspring of life flows.

If we are cultivating unholy hearts, then unholiness will spew out of our hearts, leading to ruin and destruction in this

life and the next. On the other hand, if we will, with God’s help, pursue Him with all of our might, and ask God to continually reveal sin in our hearts, and if we will obey Him to walk on His paths, then we will create a beautiful life before Him and before others.

We can only do this with His help since holiness comes from Him. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15), but with Him we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). May God help us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

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

2024 Sports in Review

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

EDGEWOOD VOLLEYBALL WINS SIX

STRAIGHT STATE TITLES

“Close the lunch box. It’s time to get to work.”

It was a phrase Edgewood senior Avery White shared with her teammates via a group text before their AISA state championship with Hooper Academy. It’s a phrase the Wildcats very much understand because of the work put in to get the sixth championship in as many years.

“Basically means break is over and it’s time to get serious,” White said. The worklike mentality was needed this season. The Wildcats lost four seniors, two to the college game. White played in their shadows as five straight state championships were racked up. This year’s team is far different and the feeling after winning the sixth straight AISA Class AA State Championship is different too.

“It’s a feeling I can’t even describe,” Starks said. “It was hard trying to build people up and put people in the position, because we lost four phenomenal seniors last year. Seniors that did so much for the team and seniors that were irreplaceable.”

Coach Brad Starks knew his team had to grow from last year and White would be the leader. “She was our leading returner as far as production goes,” Starks said. “I knew we had a lot of talent, but it was inexperienced.”

This year it was White’s time to lead.

“It’s like she managed to kind of push her way in the lineup last year,” Starks said. “We just had other people in there more.”

Hooper was no stranger to Edgewood in the state championship. The Wildcats lost to them twice early in the season. The losses were learning experiences for Edgewood. This year White led the team.

KIM

MONCRIEF EARNS

CAREER WIN

300TH

When Kim Moncrief assumed her position of now going on 17 years as the head volleyball coach of the Elmore County Panthers, she was in no way prepared for what was to follow.

Moncrief admits she was unsure of what the program could become, but 16 consecutive area championships later, the program has reached unprecedented new heights.

In addition to winning yet another area championship, Elmore County also helped Moncrief establish a milestone of her own: Capturing her 300th win as a head coach.

One thing that has remained constant throughout her career is the concept of putting the player’s experience at the forefront of everything she does.

“It’s honestly just trying to give them the best experience they can have,” Moncrief said. “At times we have had a bed of roses and other times there have been some thorns but my players have always known that this is about them. All I am here to do is really guide the way.”

While state classifications have changed over the years, Moncrief has found unique ways to keep the product she puts out on the court as sharp as it can be.

More than any championship or major win, Moncrief said the most rewarding thing for her is seeing her players take interests in the game beyond their four years at Elmore County. Having sent five players to play at the next level, she has also had a handful of former players enter the coaching world.

Moncrief has managed to accumulate 16 straight area championships and two state tournament appearances along with a sweet 16 appearance as a member of Class 5A.

TALLASSEE FOOTBALL SEASON TURNAROUND

What coach Lawrence

“L.A.” O’Neal did in his first season at Tallasssee was nothing short of incredible.

O’Neal inherited a football team that had only one win the previous season, and he turned it into a powerhouse that was feared by most of Class 4A.

“I am really just proud of the kids because we had a lot of adversity that we dealt with this year,” O’Neal said. “We lost a running back right there before the first game. The perception was that 1-9 was gonna be the best; they said we were going to be able to go 4-6. So to see the kids buy in and the hard work they put in in the summer, we knew that we could just put a couple of things together and we had the opportunity to do something special this year.”

O’Neal is a players coach. He has a unique blend of concept and application.

After a toss loss O’Neal thought the Tigers could’ve won, that’s when things really turned on for Tallassee. It went on a seven-game win streak this season.

“They got rid of a lot of the individual ball and started playing for each other,” O’Neal said. “And you could kind of see it every time a kid made a play man and celebrated with their teammates. Nobody worried about me, me, me, It was all about we, we, and it was just exciting to watch them kind of grow into young men.”

O’Neal has Tallassee poised for another explosive year, and will have some new amenities to boot. Tallassee is having turf installed over the offseason, which is adding to a level of excitement surrounding the program under O’Neal’s control.

TALLASSEE’S IRVIN DELFIN LEADING THE NATION WITH 65 GOALS

Irvin Delfin jumped onto the scene in 2023 as a sophomore. In 2024, he became a household name across high school soccer.

Delfin led the entire nation in scoring this season with Tallassee. He scored 65 goals and added a county-best 21 assists. His 65 goals was 13 higher than the next closest player from Mississippi and his total points (151) were 25 more than the second-place finisher.

His goal total set the school record for Tallassee and finished fourth in AHSAA single-season history.

“He certainly had an amazing season,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said. “It was one that may not be replicated again anytime soon. He’s a supremely talented player, but he also works harder than probably anyone else on the team. Whether it was conditioning and fitness work in October or a freezing cold practice in January or the semifinal game in Huntsville in May, Irvin showed up and worked every day. That led to his success.”

After Delfin’s scoring abilities were discovered he was moved to striker instead of midfielder so he could take advantage of finding the back of the net.

With that, one would expect his goals to increase while his assists decrease.

But both categories doubled from his sophomore season.

“Irvin made a point this season to get his teammates involved,” Tarpley said. “He understood with the amount of goals he’s scoring, he’s going to draw a lot of attention. It will make his life easier if he shares the ball and gets his teammates involved so opposing teams can’t focus all their attention on him.”

KELBY WALKER AND ETHAN BAILEY RECORDS BROKEN

Wetumpka’s football team has established an identity of toughness and relentlessness under coach Bear Woods. Two players who personified that moniker extensively this past season were seniors Kelby Walker and Ethan Bailey. Both did so by etching their names in the Indians history books, breaking school records this season. Walker shattered the school’s single-season tackle record, finishing with 164 total tackles — 98 of those being solo tackles. For Bailey, he tied the school’s sack record with 12 on the season.

“Kelby is just a driven kid who never took a day off,” Woods said. “On top of being a great defensive back for us, he also stepped up as a senior leader which was very big for our whole team.” Walker provided several impressive elements to his game as a member of the Indians defense. Utilizing his uncanny athletic ability along with his instinctive ability to make plays was the recipe for success for Walker.

“Starting the season, summer workouts, I was playing a lot of free safety, switched it over late in the summer to linebacker, where I felt comfortable, because I felt my skill set was more linebacker oriented,” Walker said. “And I got put in the right spot by the coaches, and kind of just did what I knew how to do, and it showed that this is where I was supposed to be and what I was meant for on the football field.”

Bailey also made a transition this year, moving from linebacker to edge rusher. Needless to say, it was the right move for the Indians. Bailey electrified the Indian front seven with his game changing ability to make plays. He amassed 101 total

Reeltown Rebels dominate Class 2A All-State Team

TPI STAFF Staff Report

Reeltown was well represented on the Class 2A All-State team, with six players on both the first and second teams.

Senior Tae Martin was listed as a first-team wide receiver. He led the team with 39 catches for 996 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He was also an impact in the rushing yards where he finished second on the team with 55 carries for 560 rushing

yards and nine additional touchdowns. Offensive lineman Bowman Brumbeloe was the next player represented on the first team. He was a driving force on the offensive line, helping open holes for the Rebels’ plethora of runners. The unit as a whole totaled 241 rushing yards per game, and 3,616 rushing yards the entire season. Finally, defensive lineman Baylor Clayton rounded out the first-team. In his senior year, he led

all of Class 2A and was atop the state in sacks with 23.5. He also broke a school record for tackles for a loss with 31. Sophomore quarterback JaMarkius Smith was the first name listed on the second-team offense. In his first year as the starter, he set the school record for passing yards in a season with 2,191. In addition, he tossed a resounding 34 touchdowns to only five interceptions. Smith added 260 rushing yards

Compton doing it all for Tallassee this season

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

The Tallassee boys basketball team has seen much growth this season and while things are changing, some have stayed the same.

Sawyer Compton is the focal point of the Tigers squad in every way. Currently averaging 16.9 points per game, Compton also contributes 7.4 assists on average.

“Sawyer is a competitor for us on both ends of the floor, and he becomes so valuable to have on nights where we are shooting the lights out or if we can’t hit shots,” Tallassee coach Keiven Mixson said. “He is going to be consistent at all times.”

A transfer from Pike Road, Compton played AAU basketball with fellow Tiger standout Rowan Thornton. Their chemistry has played out for Tallassee this season. While the two have yet to find their maximum stride, they have shown flashes of the potential dynamite they can deliver on the floor together.

“With Rowan on the floor, it creates opportunities for us and especially Sawyer, because he is a facilitator that looks to get in space so Rowan will draw lots of attention to himself allowing Sawyer to find the creases in the defense and score,” Mixson said.

The Tigers hosted the Prattville Lions last Friday night, and Compton was absolutely lights out to begin the game. He connected on his first four shot attempts and ultimately finished with 16 points and eight assists.

“We have just got to do a better job of hitting shots,” Mixson said. “Sawyer is a primary source of offense, but can’t be our only source of offense.”

The senior guard utilizes several attributes of his game to help him excel on the court. Compton possesses an innate level of basketball IQ, which allows him to see the floor well. He’s also very quick, making him a dangerous slasher and

are optimistic about their chances of turning this

“We

that we were going to face some adversity this

Youth of a nation: Gough brings hope to Tallassee basketball

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Although the record doesn’t reflect it, the Tallassee girls basketball team has seen plenty of highs this season. Most of those have been the result of the Tigers’ young players flashing their up and coming abilities. Reese Gough is just one of those young talented players for the Tigers. With a 5-foot-11 frame

and an athletic presence on the court, Gough is the type of player to catch your eye as soon as she takes the floor. Not only is she a force on the basketball team, Gough has also established herself as a contributor for both the volleyball and flag football programs, showing her versatility as an athlete.

“Reese is steadily getting better and better each game,” Tallassee girls basketball coach Alfonzo John -

son said. “One of the things that we have emphasized all season with Reese is her getting more comfortable with using her body effectively and being physical with her size. What I have been super proud of is how much she has learned the game.”

Only a freshman, Gough is already showing signs of improvement in every statistical category. Despite a 57-28 loss to Prattville

SPORTS CALENDAR

Class 5A Region

Duals at Holtville, 4:30 p.m.

last Friday, Gough and the Tigers still managed to create a silver lining. They dominated on the boards.

Both Gough and London O’Neal came away with nine rebounds.

“We have gotten so much stronger with our ability to control the glass, and now it’s just a matter of time before we find some scoring from somebody or everybody ideally,” Johnson said.

O’Neal is also a freshman and as physically gifted as Gough with a 5-foot-10 frame. Despite the record, the Tigers know what they have in their locker room is special.

Class 4A Region Duals at TBA, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY, JAN. 11

Tallassee, Holtville at PCA Invitational, 9 a.m.

JAN. 13

Tallassee at Marbury, 5:30 p.m.

“It’s not crazy to think about Reese or London becoming the source of scoring for us going forward, because of their skill progression and increase in confidence over the course of the first half,” Johnson said.

Wetumpka at Prattville Christian, 5:45 p.m. TUESDAY, JAN. 14

Tallasse at LAMP, 5:30 p.m.

Edgewood at Bessemer, 5 p.m.

Percy Julian at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m. HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Tallassee, Valley at Beulah, 5 p.m.

REBELS Continued from B1

REVIEW Continued from B1 and two scores for the Rebels. Running back Traylen Roberts was also named to the second-team offense. He had to take over for one of the more prolific rushing

tackles, averaging almost 10 tackles a game, and finished with an astonishing 28 tackles for a loss on the season.

ARTHUR MCQUEEN SINGLE GAME RUSHING YARDS RECORDS

Stanhope Elmore’s Arthurs McQueen’s state spoke for themselves. Against Rehobeth, McQueen rushed for 420 yards on the ground against the Rehobeth Rebels. However, not only did he set a new school record; he did it in only two and half quarters. The state of Alabama’s fifth-leading rusher has amassed 1,791 yards through eight games. That means McQueen accumulated 23.5% of his season’s rushing total in one night. His full stat line included 20 carries, 420 yards, and 5 touchdowns. McQueen’s effort catapulted him into the record books.

McQueen was actually a stalwart all season long. Beyond the Rehobeth game, here were his rushing totals for each game so far this season: 270 yards and 3 touchdowns (Marbury), 142 yards and 1 touchdown (Prattville), 182 yards and 2 touchdowns (Percey Julian), 227 yards and 3 touchdowns (Park Crossing), 185 yards and 2 touchdowns (Smiths Station), 203 yards and 3 touchdowns (Russell County), and 142 yards and 2 touchdowns (Pike Road).

Averaging 223 rushing yards per game this season.

There is no doubt Mya

the best softball

of

Wetumpka High School.

Holt, a current Troy University softball player, wrapped up the best softball career of any player in program history.

Holt is the record holder for 20 Wetumpka softball records. She has eight single-season records and 20 career records. She also is the only player in school history to ever win the Gatorade Player of the Year, which she won as a junior in 2023.

During her senior season, Holt put together another stellar campaign. She hit .481 with 74 hits, 15 doubles, 6 triples, 19 home runs, 54 RBIs and 53 runs scored. In the circle, she went 27-5 with a 1.205 earned run average and 208 strikeouts in 174 ⅓ innings.

“This year, I just came in wanting to perform as well as I did last year,” Holt said. “I knew that would be hard to beat, but I didn’t want to downgrade. I knew this was my last year playing so I wanted to go out with a bang and make the most of it while having fun with everyone.”

The majority of Holt’s records are hitting categories.

She holds the program record for career home runs (70), RBIs (312), hits (310), doubles (74), slugging percentage (.845%) and OPS (1.385).

In the circle, she holds the record for wins (118), ERA (1.48), strikeouts (757) and batting average against (.195).

She also holds the record for the most games played (263) and most team wins (212).

“I knew I had a few records but I didn’t know it was 20,” Holt said.

“That means so much to me. It feels good knowing that my hard work and dedication has paid off in many ways. I’ve put a lot of hours into this sport. All the hours have paid off.”

in Reeltown history with the departure of Arthur Woods, but the sophomore back flourished as the bell cow running back. He had 220 carries for 1,547 rush -

Scott Tubbs and members of the community. The 8U All-Stars wrapped up a successful summer in the USSSA World Series.

Holtville went 19-3-1 this summer and claimed the Region 7 Gold Bracket Championship with a win over Enterprise, then advanced to the state tournament and claimed the Gold Bracket Championship with a walkoff win over Alexandria.

“It was a great ride this summer,” coach

Casey Wylie said after the World Series run. “We spent a lot of time practicing and worked really hard to make sure they were ready. That regional championship game against Enterprise was one of the toughest games our guys had to play all summer. At that point, the boys really believed how good they were and how good they could be.”

The Millbrook Firehawks, an 11U All-Star baseball team, traveled down to Baton Rouge and claimed the USSSA 11U All-Star World Series last weekend. The team, which consists of CJ Jackson, Jason Thomas, Justice Gadaingan, Karson Wilson, Shawn Compton, Christian Lewis, Chase Deaton, Carter Taylor, Cam Smith, Caden Southerland and Brantley Jackson, went 6-1 in the tournament and outscored opponents 57-21.

In bracket play, Millbrook played Sylacauga in the semifinals and won, 9-1, to punch its ticket to the championship. The two teams met again and Sylacauga won, 4-3, to force the teams to play a winner take all matchup.

“A lot of people were impressed,” Jackson said. “A lot of people told us they haven’t seen 11-year olds competing and keeping up with older kids and travel ball teams. They stepped up and played tremendously all summer.”

HUGH PHILLIPS

Hugh “Buzz” Phillips, who graduated from Sidney Lanier and has been coaching across Alabama and Georgia since 1970, was

ing yards and 14 touchdowns for Reeltown. Finally to round off the list was senior linebacker Finn Henderson, who notched his second con -

named to the AISA Hall of Fame.

He’s won over 10 championships in his career, including the 2001 National Small College National Championship with Huntingdon basketball, and has a career coaching record of 658-328.

“When I got that call from the AISA, it was just unbelievable,” Phillips said. “I’ll always cherish that honor. Even when I was not working in the AISA and was at Huntingdon, I was in charge of the AISA hosting its state tournaments at Huntingdon. I prided myself on getting them the best venue and making the event the best that I possibly could. To be selected to the Hall of Fame is unbelievable.”

Jack Wood was inducted into the National High School Athletics Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame on June 25 in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was recognized for excellence during his decadeslong coaching career.

Wood spent almost 30 years as a football coach for two Alabama high schools and turned the Hewitt-Trussville program into a statewide powerhouse that garnered four regional titles and had 14 of his 19 teams reach the state playoffs.

“At the end of the day it’s not the awards,” Wood said. “It’s what they thought of you then, what they think of you now. And that they know you cared about them.”

WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sophomore wrestler Land Bell etched his name into Tallassee history.

Bell claimed the AHSAA Class 5A wrestling championship in the 132-pound weight class. Bell finished his sophomore season with a 43-3 record, including three straight pins at state.

He flattened his opponent, a senior from Jasper with a 47-5 record, in the championship bout in the second period en route to his first state title.

Mason Nelson captured third place at 113 pounds. After falling in the semifinals, he pinned his opponent from Gulf Shores in the

secutive season with double-digit sacks. He was the fifth-leading tackler for Reeltown with 101 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks.

third-place match. He finished the year with a 41-4 record.

Caden Griffith (180 pounds) went 1-2 in the tournament and finished in fourth place in his weight class. After a quarterfinals win, he lost both the semifinals match and the thirdplace match by decision by two points. He finished his season with a 47-6 record.

Despite entering as the No. 2 seed, Elmore County’s Myles Eyerly dominated his weight class with a pair of pins and a decisive championship win.

Eyerly doesn’t wrestle quite like a heavyweight. In a weight class where pins are rarer, he knows how to take care of business. He pinned both of his opponents in the quarter and semifinals, then entered the championship against the same wrestler he lost to sectionals.

Facing off with Sam Schepker from Gulf Shores, Eyerly wasn’t going to let a repeat happen. He changed his wrestling style and pulled out a decisive 7-2 win to claim the championship. He ended his season with a 38-6 overall record.

TALLASSEE FLAG FOOTBALL ADVANCES TO THIRD ROUND

Tallassee isn’t just making a name for itself. It’s cementing itself in AHSAA flag football history. With a 26-0 shutout of Marbury, the Tigers went to the Class 1A/5A semifinals. Where their season ended against Montgomery Catholic in the AHSSA Flag Football semi-finals.

The Tigers’ defense stood strong and got a stop to give the ball back to the offense. The second offensive possession saw Cheyann Easterling cap off a dominant drive with a rushing touchdown to give Tallassee a 6-0 lead at the end of the first.

Marbury’s offense struggled to get anything going against the stingy Tallassee defense.

The Tigers offense was primed for another strong drive following the score, but a tipped ball found its way into the hands of a Bulldog defender, giving Marbury’s offense another possession.

Easterling thwarted any

potential Bulldog attack, coming up with a key interception and returning the ball back to midfield.

Quarterback Regan Easterwood connected with wideout Kam Tate for a big gain of 40 yards before the end of the first half.

Leading only 6-0 at halftime, the Tigers — in usual fashion — came out with a plan.

Marlee Osborne got the ball back into the hands of the offense with an interception on the very first play of the third quarter, and Tallassee capitalized.

Easterwood rushed for a score, putting the Tigers up 13-0 to advance.

MASEN

GOGGINS HONORED AT ELMORE COUNTY

Masen Goggins’ legacy is still carrying strong.

The Elmore County football team is planning to honor Goggins before Friday’s annual rivalry game against Tallassee. Goggins, who would have been a senior football player this season, died in a car wreck last December.

To honor him, Elmore County has a few plans for Friday night.

The Panthers are going to carry Goggins’ No. 23 jersey to midfield for the coin toss. They did so in Week 0 and did the same every week of the season.

The team also has had a flag made to honor him, and the team will carry it out when the Panthers run through their sign onto the field.

Head coach Kyle Caldwell has also had a plaque made, which will be featured on a large rock, but he is unsure if the plaque will be delivered in time for Friday’s game.

“We want to continue honoring him every way we can,” Caldwell said. “It’s about the love and the brotherhood that you create, especially in small towns. It’s undefeated. They’ll always have a place in their hearts for Masen and they’ll always be able to look back and say ‘Even if I do this or do that, I know Mason loved me and his parents loved me.’ Just being able to honor that and honor his family is special.”

Lake River & Classi eds

Tallassee,

36078 Or contact Angela Waites (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: angela.waites@ learning-tree.org\

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

TRACK AND FIELD FACILITY FOR TALLASSEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR TALLASSEE CITY SCHOOLS

TALLASSEE, ALABAMA

MCKEE PROJECT NO. 24-203

Sealed proposals for this project shall be received by Dr. Brock Nolin at Tallassee City Board of Education, 308 King Street, Tallassee, AL 36078; Phone: 334-283-6864, until 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2025 then opened and read aloud. This project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

payable to Tallassee City Schools in an amount not less amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany each bidder’s sealed proposal. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

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 evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect. 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.

PDFs of the project can be reviewed by going to the McKee website at www.mckeeassoc. com and selecting “Project Bid List”. Also, if you are not receiving NOTIFICATIONS from us, please register on our website, “Project Bid List” by selecting The documents may be viewed on-line and printed by General Contractors, Sub Contractors and Suppliers. Documents published through this procedure are the only documents endorsed by the Architect. The Architect is unable to monitor,sites that provide documents. Addendums will be provided to entities that have CONFIRMED bidding for this particular project. The Architect retains ownership and copyrights of the documents. If bidders require printed sets, please submit request to the Architect at mckeeplans@ gmail.com last name, company name, address, phone number and the

Owner:

Architect:

BIDS/24-203

one of most Eclectic unique town names in U.S.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Unalaska, Alaska; Snowflake, Arizona; Hell, Michigan; Paradise, Kansas; Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; Lizard Lick, North Carolina; and Eclectic, Alabama.

Those are some of the most unique town names in the United States according to Preply citing data from a recent study.

In general Alabama ranks 27th among the states of towns with the most unique names. Hawaii ranks No. 1. Current Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said a small town atmosphere and appeal makes the town unique.

“It is a family oriented community where the majority of the residents know each other,” Davenport said.

According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, Eclectic got its start in 1877 when resident M. L. Fielder bought 122 acres on the western border of Pleasant Grove and offered 1-acre lots to settlers for free, provided that they built a house or established a business. Fielder then established a post office in his home, naming the new settlement Eclectic, after the school of alternative medicine in which he had trained.

“They know their family history and its roots in the area. They watch out and care for each other.”

Davenport said the community and just beyond has many things residents enjoy.

“The school for the area is here in town,” Davenport said. “We have easy access to recreation such as the lake for boating and fishing. We have city parks, a library and several small businesses that provide for many of the needs of residents.”

It is the same things that attract visitors and future residents. Daven-

port said growth for the next decade is expected to be manageable.

“We have a low population, but are growing slowly,” Davenport said. “In 10 years we are estimating the population in the town limits to be between 2,000 and 2,500. That still keeps us as a small town.”

According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, Eclectic got its start in 1877 when resident M. L. Fielder bought 122 acres on the western border of Pleasant Grove and offered 1-acre lots to settlers for free, pro-

vided that they built a house or established a business. Fielder then established a post office in his home, naming the new settlement Eclectic, after the school of alternative medicine in which he had trained. As more people settled in the area, both communities began to be referred to as Eclectic and within a few years the name Pleasant Grove had passed out of general usage. In 1907, the town was officially incorporated as Eclectic.

Preply listed other facts about town names

across the U.S. The report states there are 28 Franklins in the United States leading all names. Madison is found 23 times including the capital of Wisconsin.

A town named Clinton can be found 19 different times along with Marion, Monroe, Oxford, Springfield and Washington. Followed closely by with 18 recurrences of Jackson, Manchester, Milford, Richmond, Salem and Troy.

Preply described the methodology behind its study.

The study also looked at recurring town names and used ChatGPT to determine which town names stand out the most by state.

“We used the same prompt for each list of town names and asked ChatGPT to consider how someone who is not from the state would view the list of names and pull the top 5 most interesting or strange,” the website said. “We then analyzed the list and selected one interesting town name from each state to highlight.”

“We set out to determine which U.S. states have the most unique town names,” Preply said on its website. “To do this, we collected all the municipalities by state and analyzed them for recurrence within the state as well as within other states. We then found the total number of town names by state that are unique to that state and divided the number by the total number of cities to calculate the unique percentage by state.”