Tallassee Tribune March 26 2025

of a business on

Cunningham steps down as chamber director

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

For the first time in eight years, the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new leader.

Executive director Jerry Cunningham is stepping

away from the part-time position he has held since 2017.

“I just turned 65 and I’m just backing off some things,” Cunningham said.

“This is one of them. I just

Couple’s

love for history, music makes lasting impact

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Sometimes by just doing what you love, you can make an impact on a community of people. Earlier this month, the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce presented Bob and Rose Taunton with the President’s Award for their years of service. Bob was born in Tallassee and grew up in the area. He traveled around for work — meeting Rose in Mobile. They both worked as sales representatives for marine and boating products for about 30 years before moving back to Tallassee about

deputy, 2 others injured in officer involved shooting

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Wetumpka woman is in the Elmore County Jail after she allegedly shot an Elmore County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

QUALITY

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

There is no longer a grass field at J.E. Hot O’Brien Field, Holtville or Elmore County High School’s football fields. They are all being replaced with turf as part of the Elmore County Commission’s Quality of Life Projects. Currently, there

are red mounds of dirt at Hot O’Brien and Tallassee City Schools. Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin is working on a contingency plan for graduation, which is normally at the football stadium.

“You hope for the best and plan for the worst,” Nolin said. “I have been involved in projects with delays before. I went ahead and made a plan with an

alternate location for graduation just in case the project is delayed. You are dealing with an outdoor project with ground work and can’t predict the weather.” Plans are still to have the graduation ceremony at J.E. Hot O’Brien on May 23 or 24, if weather causes a lastminute delay. But in case the new artificial turf isn’t

Obituaries

MARGARET COWHAM ERB

Mrs. Margaret Cowham Erb, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born December 23, 1945, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Glenn Willard, Jr. and Mildred Johnson Cowham. Mrs. Erb is survived by her children, Brent C. Slay (Shae), Douglas A. Slay (Emily), Rebecca S. Edmondson (Thomas), Staci E. Oliver and Scott Erb (Ashley); brother, Glenn Cowham, III, sister-in-law, Diane Berry; and her grandchildren, John David Tollison, James Douglas Tollison, Anna Claire Slay, Mason Slay, Emma

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 23

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ashurst Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Friendship Road.

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

• Trespassing was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Rosewood Drive.

MARCH 22

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Warren Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on South Wesson Street.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Joy Street.

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

• A vehicle fire was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

MARCH 21

• Harassment was reported on

Slay, Nicholas Slay, Payton Slay, Jacob Slay, Meg Edmondson, Mallory Edmondson, Zachary Oliver (Alison), Lincoln Oliver, Lindan Oliver, Walker Oliver, Grayson Erb, Noah Erb and Lindy Erb. She is preceded in death by her husband of thirteen years, Mr. Linwood S. Erb; parents, Glenn and Mildred Cowham; daughter, Stacey Slay Tollison (Bobby); brother, Buddy Berry and son-in-law, Tim Oliver. Mrs. Erb was a teacher in Montgomery and Hoover, Alabama, for over thirty years. She was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and Auburn University.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 24, 2025, from 12:00 noon until service time at 1:00 pm at Jeffcoat Chapel, Rev. Clint McBroom officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Troy University Marching Band (Sound Of The South), 102 Long Hall, Troy University, Troy, Alabama 36082. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Poplar Street.

• Menacing was reported on West Butler Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

MARCH 20

• A suspicious person was reported on James Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue and Kent Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

• A domestic incident was reported on Hicks Store Road.

MARCH 19

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

MARCH 18

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A fight in progress was reported on Hickory Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on John Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• An animal complaint was

reported on North McKenzie Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue. MARCH 17

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hillcrest Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Theft was reported on Carr Circle.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Drug activity was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Hanil Drive.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Notasulga Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Hanil Drive.

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

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Notasulga Road.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road. MARCH 16

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Menacing was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

Traffic stop leads to drug trafficking arrest

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Two Montgomery

men are in the Elmore County Jail on drug trafficking charges following a Tuesday traffic stop on Highway 229.

According to court records, Terrance Carr, 43, of Montgomery, was driving on Highway 229 and leaving Tallassee when Elmore County deputies clocked him at 75 mph in a 55 mph

CARR SANDERS

zone. Deputies stopped Carr’s Nissan Sentra.

“When the driver gets out the deputy notices some pills in the door,” Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said. “He questioned them about it

and it led to a search.”

Narcotics were also found on Timothy Sanders, 30, of Montgomery, a passenger in the car and in the center console of the car.

“They took inventory and found crack cocaine, powder cocaine and then enough pills classified as an opioid to be trafficking,” Franklin said.

Deputies found about 4.3 grams of hydrocodone, 4.7 grams of

oxycodone, 14.7 grams of crack, 11.2 grams of cocaine in the vehicle and on the occupants of the car.

Both were taken to the Elmore County Jail and charged with trafficking opium, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. They both have a $1,531,000 bond available to them. Carr was also cited for speeding.

Bird follows in family’s musical tradition

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

There was never a doubt Lydia Bird would be a musician.

After all her father Michael Bird led choral programs at Tallassee High School and worked with the school’s bands. Then all six of her siblings are involved in music. As a sophomore, Lydia is close to doing something her father and siblings never did — win both all state choir and all state band in the same year. Three have been all state choir and one has been all state band, but never in the same year. This year Lydia was all state choir and just short of being named all state band. At eighth place in the state she was named to the Alabama Bandmasters

Association High School All-District Honor Band.

“One has done both but in different years,” Michael said.

“She is trying to top that.”

All State Choir is named

SUBMITTED TPI

Tallassee sophomore Lydia Bird poses for a photograph a playing in the Alabama Bandmasters Assocation all-district band. She has is an all state choir selection fo rhis year and follows her siblings’ success in music.

by one set of judges traveling to each of eight districts across the state.

“You sing in front of the group,” Michael said. “There is no quota.”

Band is different. A single judge travels to each district and scores. A quota determines how many make all state.

Lydia plays the trumpet. She was eighth in the state just outside of the top six that were placed in one of three all state bands.

It’s a process Michael competed in while at Robert E. Lee High School, making all state band his sophomore and senior year and as music teacher. Now he is retired from public schools.

“I was kind of a witness to it as they auditioned for all state choir or all state band,” Michael said. “This time I knew she was going to try out and proud that she made it.”

The competition is long. Each person trying out has to play major, minor and chro-

matic scales. They get to bring a lyrical and technical piece in to be judged. There is also site reading.

Lydia already knows what she needs to do to move up to all state band.

“Years before I didn’t give myself enough time to practice the set pieces or the scales,” Lydia said. “I could be more prepared by practicing more and earlier.”

Her musical career almost didn’t happen, though.

“At first I didn’t enjoy playing it but as I got better, played more music, it just came to me,” Lydia said. “When I first started band, I knew I had the ability to play the trumpet but wasn’t naturally good at it.” For the Birds, it’s music almost 24/7. All seven siblings are involved in music and Micheal is a music teacher and is currently at Faulkner University.

“You learn to love it,” Lydia said.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Do your research before adopting a pet

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

People obtain pets from many sources – Shelters, rescues, pets being re-homed by family, neighbors and friends; puppies and kittens from unplanned litters; pet stores; farm auctions; flea markets; newspaper ads; social media, fliers posted in public places and breeders.

While many pets obtained from any one of these sources live wonderful lives and are well loved, far too many end up again needing new homes or, worse, living lives of neglect or misery with owners who were truly not prepared or who quickly lose interest in them.

Adding a living, breathing animal to your family should be a deliberate, well thought out process. This is why we have an Adoption Application to adopt a pet as far too many of our pets are there because they were obtained on a whim or without due consideration to their phys-

ical & mental needs. The application process is us, doing our best, to make sure that the adoption is a good fit for the pet and for the new owner. Questions about lifestyles, the home environment, the adopter’s expectations, children, other pets, etc, help us match the right pet with the right family. We do this because far too many of the animals in shelters are there because they took on a pet without really thinking it through and it turns out to be a bad fit for all concerned.

Just like there are good and perhaps not so good sheltering agencies, there are wonderful breeders who breed for the love of their breed and breeders who are only in it for money.

Good breeders care about the homes they are placing their puppy or kitten (or horse, or bird, etc) in. Good breeders question potential buyers thoroughly to ensure the new owner will be able to provide a good home for the pet for its entire lifetime.

Pet of the Week - Coco

Good breeders do not just sell a puppy or kitten to the first person who can pay the purchase price. Our pets all leave us fully vaccinated based on their age with our puppies and kittens having at least two sets of vaccinations. Our puppies and kittens have to be a minimum of eight weeks old before we place them for adoption so as to allow them socialization from their littermates or kennel mates and to get at least the two sets of vaccinations complete. We say this as conscientious breeders will also ensure their babies are healthy, vaccinated and ready to leave mom and littermates, so they also wait until they are 8-12 weeks old before sending them to new families.

It is understandable to look for a breeder if you have a desire for a particular breed and want to start with a puppy or kitten. If you do turn to a breeder here are some hints to find a reputable breeder: a rep-

Coco is a female Terrier mix who is about 9 ½ months old and weighs 18 pounds. She came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. This little gal packs a lot of energy in a small package and thinks playing keepaway is a fun game but she is very responsive to treats. She is a sweet gal, good with other dogs and can be talkative like a lot of Terriers.

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

utable breeder will not sell their puppies or kittens at a flea market, auctions or out of the trunk of their car in a parking lot. Reputable breeders will not have you meet them in some parking lot ‘because their house is too hard to find.’ Reputable breeders will decline a sale if they don’t think it is in the best interest of the puppy or kitten. Reputable breeders care more about their animals than they do the almighty dollar and work hard to breed pets that are physically & genetically healthy, with stable temperaments as well. Reputable breeders help by becoming mentors to those who do purchase their puppies or kittens and stand by their pets. Truly reputable breeders are there for their puppies and kittens even years after the sale if the need arises. Reputable breeders are some of our best allies in terms of animal welfare as they work very hard to teach responsible pet ownership and have much expertise to

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 Coco 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.

Glock switches now outlawed in Alabama

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Devices to make semiautomatic handguns automatic have been illegal according to federal courts for several years. Now they are illegal in Alabama.

The Alabama Legislature passed legislation introduced by state Sen. Will Barfoot making Glock switches, which are a device that can be attached to the end of a Glock handgun to convert it into an selective fire machine pistol, which is capable of a fully automatic fire.

The new legislation means law enforcement can charge those with the devices and district attorneys can prosecute defendants in state court for possession of Glock switches.

“While there is a federal ban on these gun conversion devices, we needed a way to empower our own law enforcement here in Alabama to get these illegal and extremely dangerous Glock switches off our streets,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. “I am proud to support law enforcement and work to combat crime by putting my signature on SB116.”

SB116 is part of the governor’s Safe Alabama public safety package. Ivey began the legislative session by stating bolstering public safety is her No. 1 priority.

Barfoot is the son and nephew of retired law enforcement officers. He noted helping law enforcement as one of the issues at a legislative breakfast hosted by the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce before the session started.

Glock switches, which are devices that turn a semiautomatic handgun into an automatic weapon, have been made illegal in Alabama.

“One thing I know for sure is going to be in that public safety big heading,” Barfoot said. “There’ll be a focus on trying to help municipalities and county governments around the state to recruit and retain officers. We stand behind our law enforcement officers, but I think we need to do something to make sure that they understand that we value them. We appreciate their service. They deal with a lot more than the average citizen does.”

This week Ivey also signed Senate Bill 115, the Officer Impersonation Prevention Act, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss and Rep. Ron Bolton. This bill enhances the current law regarding the offense of impersonating a police officer. SB115 eliminates a loophole that could allow unqualified individuals to unlawfully serve as law enforce-

offer. So the next time you are thinking of adding a new pet to your family, take your time. Do your homework, make sure you are ready, check with a shelter perhaps and if you do choose to purchase from a breeder, take the time to make sure they actually care about their pets and their future. One way to find a conscientious breeder is to ask area veterinarians since caring breeders will

be good clients of veterinarians as they both work to ensure the best health of the parents and the babies they produce. Getting a pet is a serious commitment in terms of time and money so please make sure you are truly ready to commit to that pet for the next 15-20 years of its life.

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

ment officers.

“Safeguarding the law enforcement profession is just plain common sense, and bolstering the existing law here adds one more tool in our toolbox,” Ivey said in a statement. “Every Alabamian deserves to know that the men and women entrusted with enforcing our laws are fully qualified and properly certified.”

Ivey said she and the state are not only working to build public trust in law enforcement.

“We are also working to better protect them and enable them to do their jobs more effectively through legislation like our Back the Blue bill, House Bill 202, working its way through the process,” Ivey said. “I look forward to all our public safety bills reaching my desk, so we can create a safer Alabama.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

‘Diggin’

up Bones’ Music awards show brings back memories

Seeing country music legend Randy Travis finish up his song “Forever and Ever Amen” with Carrie Underwood at the County Music Awards brought all sorts of memories.

I knew he wasn’t performing much, if any, since his stroke more than a decade ago. But I was pleasantly surprised to see him highlighted in the front row of the program as Underwood sang his “Forever and Ever Amen.”

I was overjoyed when Underwood put the microphone up to Travis for the last word of the song. There it was, that voice I miss saying, “Amen.”

All of sudden I was flush with memories and I was “Diggin Up Bones.”

Some were unsure of Travis’ talent but he never gave up. The record companies turned him down many times after he made the move to Nashville to start his career in the early 80s. Like so many trying to make it, he waited tables while visiting the labels. They were not sure of his style as some saw country going more pop.

Then Nashville took a chance on him and let him record Storms of Life in 1986. Just the year before he had been named new male male vocalist of the year.

I remember making the trek to Jackson Island in Millbrook to see Travis. My dad had scored tickets

See AWARDS, Page A6

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

After Gov. Kay Ivey officially signed it into law earlier this week, paid maternity leave is now a reality for state employees and educators in Alabama.

The fact it’s 2025 and this is just now becoming a thing is bewildering to start with. However, we’ll call it a win for all Alabamians. Although it only affects state employees and educators, I do hope more smaller companies across the state will follow suit.

Before now, women who worked for the state of Alabama did not receive any paid maternity leave. That’s not to say they couldn’t take time off when they had babies. Instead, they had to use their paid time off and sick leave in order to make things work. Same for men. Now, maternity leave will be paid for up to eight weeks and paternity leave will be paid for two weeks.

This also applies to stillbirths and miscarriages and adoptions under the age of 3. It’s a huge win for women across the state. There has been an undue burden on state-employed

Paid maternity leave a win for all Alabamians

women who choose to have a family. This was unacceptable.

Multiple studies have shown that a key portion of mother and child bonding comes in the earliest weeks of a baby’s life. This is also important for moms and dads who don’t have other family members to rely on; there’s no mother who wants to put their baby into daycare as a newborn. Even eight weeks isn’t much, but it’s better than nothing.

My husband and I have been trying to start a family for several months. It’s challenging and it comes with a lot of heartache. But one of our biggest fears involving having a child is childcare. Simply put, we don’t have a lot of family in the area.

out of state. We worry about early daycare for a potential child because, obviously, we both work full-time jobs (and sometimes more than full-time, to be sure).

wrong with daycare. My sisterin-law worked in daycares for years, and I’ve seen the kind of success children can have in that kind of environment. We also have some amazing daycares but having those early bonding weeks and months is essential as well.

panies and businesses to offer unpaid time off, but having that paid leave is essential, especially for young women who are trying to start a fam ily.

able cost associated with hav ing or adopting a child. This new law for state employees is a step in the right direction.

Afew weeks ago in this space, I wrote about various experiences working in radio stations over the years.

“Dead air” is a time when a record finishes and nobody is there to cue up the next one; it happens whenever there is a malfunction in the automated operating system or whenever an announcer just doesn’t know what to do next.

Montgomery’s oldest radio station, and the fourth-oldest in Alabama, only has dead air now. Permanently. The station at 1440 kilocycles on the dial that began its life as WSFA, spent most of its time as WHHY, and ended as WLWI has signed off for good due to low ratings.

As of last Saturday, March 15, 2025, one of Alabama’s oldest radio stations fell silent. 1440 AM began on April 30, 1930 as WSFA-AM. The call letters mean, “With the South’s Finest Airport” and live on today as the call letters of WSFA-TV 12.

AM 1440 may be the most storied broadcast frequency in Montgomery history. The original owner, Montgomery Broadcasting Company, was managed by future Alabama governor Gordon Persons. The radio station was the starting point for country music legend Hank Williams, who used to perform on WSFA with his Drifting Cowboys starting in 1936. The Speer Family of gospel music also started out on WSFA. Both Williams and the Speers moved on to Nashville after a few years, but 1440 AM gave them their start.

In 1957, Holt-Robinson Broadcasting Service purchased WSFA and changed the historic callsign to WHHY, to match their other properties: WHSY in Hattiesburg, WHNY in McComb, and WHXY in Bogalusa. This was the beginning of the rock n’ roll era, and WHHY was ready. Legendary disc jockeys like Joe Hagler were breaking local hits by artists such as Clarence Carter before they became famous nationally. In the late 1960s, WHHYAM 1440 developed a partner FM station at 101.9 mHz and called it Y-102. Operations moved from the Frank Leu Building in downtown Mont-

Charles’ family is about an hour away, and as you all know, I’m a transplant from

managing editor of Tallapoo sa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alexc ityoutlook.com.

gomery (imploded in 1997) to a house on Norman Bridge Road in south Montgomery. At the time, the number-one station in the area was The Big BAM, WBAM-AM 740 – but WHHY’s powerful AM/FM combination began to really give WBAM some serious competition once Larry Stevens came to town. Everybody has somebody they listened to, looked up to, emulated – or, at least, tried to emulate. For those of us who grew up in the Montgomery area during the 1970s and 1980s, the radio personality was Larry Stevens.

Larry Stevens was the Program Director of WHHY-AM 1440 and Y-102 FM. Now, WHHY had been around for decades, of course, before Larry Stevens came along – but it was under his leadership that the station became the top-rated in this market and a model for all others to follow. They were everywhere: grand openings, high school pep rallies, reporting on severe weather, you name it. Larry and his “Waking Crew” aired weekdays from 6:00-10:00 a.m. and, for many, provided the soundtrack of our lives.

Other personalities on WHHY included Kris O’Kelly, Bill “The Birdman” Thomas, Mark Thompson, Lanny West, and dozens more who made Top 40 radio exciting and memorable. James Spann and Rich Thomas, later known as the preeminent meteorologists in Alabama, once worked at WHHY. The news department featured Jim McDade, Jimmy Carter, and more – led by the legendary Robert Charles, who ended his newscasts with the line “the moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on!” WHHY-FM, or Y-102, became the focus station around the mid-1980s and the AM began transitioning away from Top 40 into oldies and talk radio formats. Y-102, with a powerful 100,000-watt signal, could be heard everywhere

When radio goes silent

from Birmingham to Dothan and was the dominant radio station in the market for the 1980s and 1990s.

Coincidentally, it was in 1993 that Holt-Robinson decided to sell WHHY-AM & FM to Thomas Duddy – right at the time that popular music tastes were moving away from rock n’ roll to hip-hop and country. Larry Stevens and his morning crew departed for rival WMXSFM (“Mix 103”), and for fans of Montgomery radio, it was the end of an era in the summer of 1996 when the legendary Y-102 changed call letters –and formats. First, the station played an active rock format and called itself “Live 101.9” for a short time; then, after stunt programming with a computer reading jokes, In 1996, WHHY became WJCC and “Cat Country 102”.

None of this helped the ratings, and in 1999, Cumulus Broadcasting purchased WHHY-AM and WJCC-FM. By the fall of 1999, the heritage callsign WHHY and the Top 40 format was back on Y-102, while AM 1440 had new call letters: WLWI-AM.

WLWI-AM 1440 began broadcasting a news/talk format to the Montgomery area and featured nationally syndicated talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage. All Montgomery Biscuits baseball games were carried on 1440, as well as local call-in shows featuring Kevin Elkins and Caleb Colquitt. In this past 25 years, it seemed that Cumulus cared less and less for AM 1440. While other news/talk stations such as WACV-FM 93.1 saw their audience growing exponentially during this period, WLWI-AM 1440 was barely even promoted anymore even though they had some top-tier talk show talent on their airwaves. In their final Arbitron ratings book, WLWI-AM 1440, once the giant of Montgomery broadcasting, registered at a 0.7. Cumulus pulled the plug. After 95 years, 1440 AM had something nobody alive has ever heard: dead air.

Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.

Melody Jackson recognized on national level

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Melody Jackson continues to impact the lives of many.

According to a press release, Jackson was posthumously recognized as one of the honorees for the 2025 National High School Heart of the Arts Award. She was a beloved student at Reeltown High School leaving an indelible mark on her school and community despite her battle with cancer. A talented saxophonist and dedicated student, Melody was elected Homecoming Queen in 2023 and celebrated with an early graduation ceremony.

Rather than using her Make-A-Wish grant for herself, she chose to provide new uniforms for her high school’s band, replacing the decade-old attire. Though she passed before the uniforms arrived, her spirit lives on through patches and pins worn by band members in her memory. Throughout her illness, Melody remained determined to attend school daily, supported by classmates, including the football team’s quarterback, who helped her navigate between classes.

In December 2024, the football team won the state championship, and the band proudly played in her honor. Melody’s love for music and her community continues to inspire all who knew her. Her unselfish character and determination to

Commission approves more quality of life projects

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

C hanges are coming throughout the county.

From new video boards coming to football stadiums in Eclectic, Holtville and Tallassee to a climbing tower at Stanhope Elmore High School, new quality of life projects are coming to life.

The new projects were possible after previous quality of life projects came in under the county’s budget.

“Some of these were taken off the table previously because we were not sure of the funding,” Elmore County chief engineer Luke McGinty said. “With the savings and funds available, we brought them back for approval.”

The commission approved

$150,000 to be spent at both Elmore County and Stanhope Elmore high schools for video boards with the Elmore County Board of Education kicking in $50,000 for each project.

A new video board is also coming to J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium in Tallassee. The commission approved $150,000 in funding and the City of Tallassee Board of Education is allotting $80,000 to the project.

The commission is also funding $30,000 in design services associated with the projects.

The rappel tower at Stanhope Elmore will be funded with $200,000 from the commission, $25,000 from the

county board of education and $25,000 from the City of Millbrook.

Wetumpka High School is getting $15,000 in tarps and equipment for baseball infield maintenance.

The boat ramp at Kowaliga will be improved with $500,000 approved by the commission and additional funding coming from the Alabama Department of Natural and Conservation Resources.

Russell Lands is providing additional property at the ramp to create more parking.

All told the commission approved spending up to $1,195,000 with $230,000 coming from partners in the various communities.

Outside of quality of life projects, the commission

approved a bid for a new patrol vehicle for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. It is not from the state bid list but is lower than the expected cost.

Mid-South RC&D executive director Pam Hughes told the commission the upcoming grant cycle application period is April 1 to June 30.

“I have already been speaking with Keith Barnett with (Elmore County) EMA,” Hughes said. “There may be a couple grant funding opportunities there.”

The program has aided several Elmore County volunteer fire departments, the Wetumpka Depot and schools with projects over the past couple of years.

“(These are) grants you

can put your hands on,” commission chairman Bart Mercer said.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

• Approved minutes of the March 10 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants totaling $4,181,396.69 for March 1-14.

• Appointed Rashawn Blasingame to the Carastar Health Board.

• Authorized the chair to execute a three year contract with OTM Cyber for professional cybersecurity services.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, April 10.

35 years ago. Bob and Rose are well known in the community, being active in their church, playing musical instruments around town and being members of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society. Bob has been the president of the society for the past six years and he will soon be stepping down from the position.

During his run as president, he has accomplished

many feats. One of the initiatives was a time capsule, which is planted at Tallassee City Hall.

“We had members of the community prepare their memoirs and notes and souvenirs and packed them in the time capsule,” Bob said. “We’re going to open it 100 years from now.”

The society also has a log cabin from the 1840s, which was improved upon during Bob’s term. The cabin now has restrooms for guests to use and is ADA compliant. It was a big undertaking that

just before Travis’ climb up the charts to the legend who he would become.

The day is almost like a video in my mind.

I was 11 or 12 years old at the time and went with my parents in our old conversion van. It was a perfect day packed with a picnic lunch, lawn chairs with

ready, Nolin secured the stadium at the Wetumpka Sports Complex as a backup.

At the same time, contractors have been work-

allowed the log cabin to be a venue for more public events.

The society has held a storytelling festival and a musical event at the cabin so far. The musical event was in observance of National Play Music on your Front Porch Day. As the name suggests, local musicians came together to play on the cabin’s front porch. Bob himself plays a variety of string instruments including the banjo, guitar and mountain dulcimer.

The historical society

sunlight beaming through the trees like spotlights of the arenas Travis would soon play. It was long before the island was a movie set. But it would have been a wonderful backdrop to record a live concert video. He was wearing a white suit and it all was under the shade of oak trees draped in moss. There was a gentle breeze blowing.

Travis sang “On the Other Hand,” “1982,” “My Heart Cracked But Didn’t Break” and “Diggin’ Up Bones” to name a

ing on the fields at Holtville and Elmore County high schools. Those schools also received turf diamond fields for baseball and softball. Both of those fields were completed in time to be used this season. To save funds, contractors kept their equipment at the

has about 20 members.

“It’s really a great group of people,” Bob said. “It’s people who are thoroughly interested in the history of our little town, and they always respond and help whenever they’re called upon. The group as a whole is very active in the community and contributes a lot.”

Bob hopes the community, with the help of the society, is also able to find interest in Tallasee’s rich history. Tallasee holds one of the last rem-

few. I soon had my own cassette of the album. I wore it out on the stereo system ‘Santa’ had brought me. It finally stretched out and broke. I didn’t replace it and regret throwing it away — not that it would be worth anything. But that trip was my formal introduction to country music.

I went on to see other greats like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Reba McIntire and Luke Bryan.

schools to start work on the football fields.

“Hopefully as the county projects are completed, more machinery and manpower will be coming to our site to push the project,” Nolin said.

The project at Holtville hit a temporary

nants of the Creek Nation on the edge of its town. There also is a Confederate armory built during the Civil War days and the river acted as a hub for factories in the early years. As far as the President’s Award, Bob said he nor Rose never expected to be the recipients. They try to be active in the community, but they didn’t realize it was something people really took notice of.

Because these awards are given through com-

munity nomination, Bob said it really is a great honor, and he is grateful people think so highly of both of them to even be nominated. As the next president takes up the role, he hopes they also get to experience the appreciation the community has given him and Rose.

The historical society meets at 6 p.m. every third Monday of the month at the Tallassee Falls Museum. Bob said everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy.

There are other concerts too but Travis stood out with his, to me, baritone voice. There are many who claim to be country, but are far from the standard Travis set for me. He is the measuring stick I use when listening to country music. Travis’ smile with Underwood said something else the other night. It said perseverance and quickly reminded me we should follow the model of Travis. Follow your dreams. Yes they will be difficult and there will be setbacks. But with hard work and persistence almost anything is possible. But most of all, always remember to be happy with where and who you are with as those moments will shape your mindset forever.

hiccup as contractors damaged an unknown sewer line.

“It has been repaired,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said. “Contractors will come back at a later date and install a new line behind the pressbox and not under the field. They will then fill the current line with foam when it is no longer needed to prevent it from collapsing.”

Dennis said those fields would be ready for graduation for Holtville and Elmore County high schools. Elmore County chief operating officer Richie Beyer added more quality of life projects are in the plans.

“We are working on video boards at the three schools in Eclectic, Holtville and Tallassee with shared funding,” Beyer said.

Nolin said the Tallassee Board of Education has approved about

DIRECTOR

Continued from A1

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

$85,000 for the project with the county funding the remainder. As part of this year’s Elmore County Commission budget, a new rodeo arena was ordered and recently delivered to the Wetumpka Sports Complex. Beyer said a climbing tower for the Stanhope Elmore High School JROTC program is also being planned.

“They go to competitions everywhere,” Beyer said. “This will allow them to host competitions bringing in teams who will stay and eat in Elmore County. It will also pave the way for training for first responder training with climbing gear.”

Beyer said other quality of life projects include about $15,000 in tarps and equipment to help maintain the infield at Bazemore Field at Wetumpka High School. The baseball and softball fields at the

need to have a little more flexibility in my schedule.”

Cunningham said it is also a chance for changes at the chamber.

“I’m still working hard but it is time for someone new to come in,” Cunningham said. “It’s time for a new direction and for someone else with fresh ideas and energy.”

During Cunningham’s tenure the chamber has added new events such as Summer Fest.

“It has become really popular with everyone,” Cunningham said.

Technically Cunningham’s last day with the chamber was Feb. 28.

“But I told the board I would do the banquet and (the chamber is) moving,” Cunningham said. “I’m supervising that

SHOOTING

Continued from A1

Redland community about a theft.

“(Deputies) went out there, took her complaint and were trying to figure out what was going on,” Franklin said. “I think she had a phone issue.”

Franklin said dispatch had informed the deputies en route that Bracy had warrants for her arrest. At some point a deputy informed Bracy of the warrant.

“She immediately picked up a gun and fired one round into one of the deputies who was standing on the porch,” Franklin said.

The round struck the deputy in the arm traveling from the wrist area to the bicep area, Franklin said.

Wetumpka Sports Complex will be converted to turf. He said they are the last of the quality of life projects in this cycle. Plans are well underway to expand the boat ramps and parking at Kowaliga on Highway 63.

“We are preparing to go to the bond market to get the final funding for these projects and the community center in Tallassee,” Beyer said. Nolin said Tallassee City Schools has put its track project on hold for the time being as the bid costs were too high the first time.

“We have put the brakes on it right now,” Nolins said. “I’m expecting more funds from the state. Hopefully we will be able to rebid it and do the whole package of bathrooms and fencing instead of cutting back and (getting a) value engineer.”

move and packing things up now.”

Cunningham will also help make sure correspondence and the paying of bills is taken care of. He will also help publicize the position and help with the interview process of his replacement as the board sees fit.

Cunningham said he anticipates interviews to occur at some point in April with a new director starting the first part of May.

Cunningham will still be the director of the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, the music director at First Methodist Church of Tallassee and announcer at Tallassee High School football games. He will also still direct the Tallassee High School FFA quartet he started more than 50 years ago as a student.

Cunningham will still be an active part of the chamber.

“I will become more of a volunteer, rather than an organizer and heading up things,” Cunningham said.

“A deputy immediately returned fire,” Franklin said. “A round struck the caller just on the side of the rib cage. She may require stitches. She walked to the ambulance.”

A person behind the caller on the porch was struck in the thigh. Franklin said it is unknown if the round that struck the caller is the same one that struck the second person.

Franklin said a tourniquet was placed on the deputy and everyone was transported to area hospitals for treatment.

Bracy had previously been arrested Aug. 10, 2024, and charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest. According to court documents, deputies had responded to Bracy’s home to investigate a menacing call and serve a warrant.

“Deputies were met in the yard by the offender,”

the incident report states. “The offender stated she worked for the Department of Justice and quickly walked back inside the residence.” According to the incident report, deputies explained she was under arrest and when they went to place handcuffs on her, Bracy started to punch and kick deputies. One punch struck a deputy in the face. Bracy was tased in the August 2024 arrest.

“The drive stun was ineffective,” the incident report states. The case was indicted and a failure to appear warrant was issued when Bracy did not show up for arraignment on Feb. 13.

Franklin said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation would handle the investigation into Tuesday’s incident.

A simple argument for God’s existence

Let us suppose that you arrive at your house after a visit to your barber to have your whiskers trimmed. As you walk through your front door you pass through your living-room area and then see, to your great astonishment, a lion sitting on your kitchen floor! Your initial reaction is, likely, to ease your way out of your house and then to call the authorities to come get this lion out of your house! However, after that initial “fight/flight/freeze” reaction, you are probably going to ask, “Where did this lion come from? How did this lion get into my house?” Let us now suppose that the lion has been safely removed, and you begin to research how this lion got into your house. You are checking doors and windows and other entry ways to try to find out how that lion got into your kitchen. No doors were left open, all the windows were shut, and there was no other way into your house. Would you, then, suppose that the lion suddenly “appeared,”

BILLY REINHARDT Pastor

out of thin air, in your house?

Would you deduct that the lion had magical powers to suddenly shift in and out of physical existence and decided to “land” in your kitchen floor, without passing through a door or a window or any other physical entry? Likely not! The reason you do not deduce that the lion “magically appeared” is because you know the lion had to come from some place and for some reason. Lions do not magically appear and “poof” into existence from nowhere and for no reason! What is interesting about this story is that people will not apply the same laws of thinking to the universe as they do to the lion in their kitchen. There are many who are comfortable saying that the universe “poofed” into

existence from nowhere, for no reason, but are extremely uncomfortable saying the same for the lion in their kitchen. If we demand that the existence of a lion to be explained in such a logical manner, then why not the universe as well? If we do not believe that lions “poof” into existence from nothing and for no reason, then why would we think the same for the entire universe, which is certainly on a much grander scale than a mere lion! We know, intuitively, that if something is somewhere then it is because someone (or some thing) has put it there. It is impossible for entities to move about apart from either their own action or from being acted upon. If a car “shifts” from parking spot A to parking spot B, then we ask, “Why?” and we ask “How?” If a wreck happens on the highway, we ask, “Why?” and “How?” When it comes to asking where the universe comes from, many want to leave it to “a mystery” or they want to put forth the scientifically-errone -

Tallassee Churches

ous view that it has “always been” (known as the “SteadyState Theory” which has been soundly debunked the past 50 plus years). We know, at least scientifically, that the universe has a beginning, and we can trace that back to some point in the past. Putting the actual age of the universe aside for a moment, we can look at the most popular secular theory for how the universe began (the “Big Bang Theory”) and use this theory (whether we believe it or not) as an argument for God’s existence. This theory says that the universe began to exist at some point in the past. How did the universe begin in the past? Did the universe suddenly “poof” into existence? Was there some pre-existing matter that arranged itself to suddenly “decide” (nonsensical) to “create” (also nonsensical) the universe? That didn’t happen because that is like saying the universe existed before the universe existed. The best, and most logical explanation, is that the universe was created by someone

else, who willed it to happen, who was powerful enough to create it, whose existence does not depend upon the universe, and who is also outside of what the universe is (matter). God fits this description very well as a Being, Who is All-Powerful, Eternal, and Who is Immaterial and outside of the universe. This argument is known in philosophical and theological circles as “The Cosmological Argument for God’s Existence.” Look it up! If you have struggled believing in God’s existence, then simply try to rationally answer the question, “How did all of this (universe, existence, birds, planets, bugs, oceans, etc.) get here?” and try to come up with a better explanation than God.

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.

Tallassee softball hits snag against Wetumpka

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

It was smooth sailing through four games for the Tallassee softball team until it faced off against top-dog Wetumpka last Wednesday.

The Tigers fell 11-1 through just five innings of play with the Indians striking first and early. After the lone score of the day for the Tiger, Wetumpka scored 11 unanswered runs to seal the victory in their favor. In total, Tallasee racked up a measly three hits with Cheyann Easterling accounting for two of them herself — also scoring the lone run. Marless Osborne was the only other Tallassee player to log a hit on the day. In the circle it was not much better, Kam Tate and Osborne held the pitching duties. Tate took a bulk of the duty with three innings where

The Madness that is March

One thing

I’m always reminded about in March is I know nothing, you know nothing, whoever your favorite sports commentator is knows nothing — everyone is a victim of March Madness.

I can spend hours consuming anything related to college basketball while looking at the little intricate details, but then again it would be all for not. The NCAA Tournament is the only time I believe someone with no prior sports knowledge has just as much of a chance to pick more correct games in their bracket than a college basketball junky.

That’s why March is arguably one of the best times of the year — it’s so unpredictable.

I’ll admit I’m not one of those people who makes 10 different brackets across multiple websites. I usually just make one in my family bracket contest, and this year, I have Duke winning it all, which is a bit of a boring pick.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Auburn’s team and do truthfully believe it is the best team in the country. But when it comes to the tournament I have my doubts. When looking at the odds of how the tournament usually plays out, a No.1 seeded team has won six out of the last seven years — the outlier being the 2020 season where there was no tournament.

If you were to look at the odds currently; Duke and Florida are tied as the heavy favorites to come out on top with Auburn sliding in at No. 3 and the final one-seeded Houston as the fourth-best.

One of the ‘upsets’ that I hoped for desperately was my alma mater, Georgia, making it to the next round. Gonzaga made sure to take away all my hope of the Bulldogs having any success jumping out to a 27-3 lead in the first half. I still have to give credit where it’s due, when Mike White took over a dysfunctional Georgia team who had just gone 6-26 the year prior the expectations for immediate success were low. However, White took the laughing stock of SEC basketball and morphed them into a tournament team.

So far, at the time I’m writing this, the only major upset we’ve

seen was No. 12 seeded McNeese State over No. 5 seed Clemson, 69-67. Then followed by No. 11 seeded Drake over No. 6 seeded Missouri, 67-57. I’d imagine someone would mention No. 9 Creighton over No. 8 Louisville was another notable upset, which it was, but it’s also virtually the same Creighton team who went to the Sweet 16 last year.

The main thing I’m looking for in the tournament, now that Georgia is out, is what team is going to make a Cinderella run. After just one day I got my eyes on McNeese State, but they don’t fit the prototypical build of what I’d imagine to be a Cinderella team. I don’t have faith in these teams but what I’d envision to be candidates would be No. 15 seeded Bryant and No. 13 seeded Grand Canyon — no reasoning behind it, just vibes.

The second thing I’ll be monitoring is what characters are going to come out of the tournament. Last year, it was N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr and the team’s Final Four run paired alongside Oakland’s sharpshooter Jack Gohlke. In 2022, it was St. Peters’ mustached bandit Doug Edert and his team’s run to the Elite 8. This year though, I think we are going to have a 2018 Loyola-Chicago Sister Jean level character who doesn’t play basketball that’ll be a notable figure. That’s right, I think it’s going to be McNeese State’s manager Amir “Aura” Khan, the manager who’s gained notable traction on social media.

“If they kept manager stats for rebounding and wiping up wet spots on the court, I’d put up Wilt Chamberlain numbers,” Khan’s bio reads on the McNeese State basketball website.

It’s only the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, with much heartbreak left on the table. There will be upsets, there will be buzzer-beaters and there will eventually be a champion. Although it is just the beginning, I’m excited to see what is to come out of this year’s March Madness.

she surrendered 10 hits and 11 runs while striking out two batters, walking two and accumulating six errors. Osborne closed the game out where she walked one batter and struck out two, but by that point the game was already in Wetumpka’s favor.

Tallassee will get an extended period of time off thanks to spring break before returning to action against Prattville Christian next Thursday.

WIN STREAK

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

It’s all coming together for the Tallassee baseball team, who’s added three more wins to keep its streak to six straight. The three wins last week all came at the expense of Montgomery Catholic, a Class 4A Area 5 opponent. The Tigers are now consistently getting some quality at-bats with 26 total hits against the Knights. Brue Milner took the forefront of the success at the plate. He logged six hits including one home run and one double — scoring one run with five RBIs to his stat line. Thomas Lemmond and Konner Taunton pitched in with a three-hit outing in the second game against Montgomery Catholic.

Other than the second game against the Knights, the Tigers’ defense came to play. In total, the pitching staff accrued 19 strikeouts to just six runs scored while also keeping the hits limited. Tallassee gets some much-needer time off before its next game thanks to spring break, but will look to continue the win streak over Prattville Christian next Monday.

REELTOWN DROPS

BACK-TO-BACK GAMES TO MARBURY

It was tough sledding for the Reeltown baseball team in a doubleheader against Marbury on Friday. In the first game, the Bulldogs marched to a 13-1 win and then followed it up with another 15-2 victory. Hits were hard to come by for the Rebels through

both games, logging 10 to the Bulldogs’ 20 hits — also showing a massive discrepancy in runs scored. Hagan Lewis had one of the better days at the play, picking up two hits and one run scored in the second game against Marbury. Reed Wood and JaMarkius Smith also finished with two hits through both games. The lack thereof of hitting translate to Reeltown’s performance on the mound. Marbury’s impressive hitting numbers proved too much for whoever held pitching duties. Reeltown threw five players on the mound with all seeing varying success with just 10 strikeouts combined.

Reeltown will look to get back to its winning way against Montgomery Academy and Charles Henderson this week.

Finn Henderson named All-State honorable mention

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

It did not matter what was asked of him, Finn Henderson was going to do it for the Reeltown basketball team. However, more than likely, he was asked to get a bucket for his squad and in his senior year he got plenty. Henderson ended as the team leader with 17.1 points per game and just capped off his senior season with an Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State honorable mention distinction. He was a threat for the Rebels all over the court. After being a crucial piece in Reeltown’s state championship in football he wasted no time showing his ability on the court. In the season opener against Central Coosa he led the team with 25 points, showing his ability from deep as well as in the point. Henderson continued at that pace being the spark of life in

Reeltown offensive capabilities, but was just as much of a threat on the defensive side. He was second on the team with 5.4 rebounds, second in steals with 1.7 and first in blocks with 0.7 per game. Although the season did not go

according to plan, falling in the first round of the area tournament, Henderson still shined bright for the Rebels. His contribution on the offensive end will surely be missed as the Rebels look for a new player to fill the hole Henderson will leave.

estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-568-4348

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 1-855-405-8839. Ask about our specials! Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005 Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. power move.

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

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

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

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-833-426-0193 today!

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL

AlaScans g installation costs! (Additional and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 3/30/25.) Call 1-877-205-0836

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163

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

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

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

We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 1 833-399-6566

STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE! A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call Now for a no-obligation quote: 1-877-551-4740

VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North

AlaScans p AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

Public Notices

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Lewis General Contractors, Inc. hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the City of Tallassee for construction of Project No. TAPNU-TA19(917) in Elmore County. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning March 12 2025 and ending April 2, 2025. West Front Street, Thomasville, AL 36784 during this period. Lewis General Contractors, Inc.

Tallassee Tribune: Mar. 12, 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Tallassee Planning Commission will have a Public Hearing/Meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025 @ 6:00PM at City Hall.

This Hearing is to change the Zoning property for Gilmer Ave, Parcel # 19 01 11 2 001 006.003 and Parcel # 19 01 11 2 001 006.004 from (HC) Highway Commercial to (AFR) Agriculture, Forestry & Residential Tallassee Tribune: Mar. 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 HEARING 04.07.25

ECHS teaching program gets CLAS Distinction

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County High School’s

Future Teachers of Alabama program is getting noticed.

The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools recently selected ECHS as a District 3 School of Distinction joining the Elmore County Technical Center for the recognition.

“It’s been really successful the last four years,” advisor Julie Powell said. “We’ve had a student on our executive board for the state. We had three people on

the board of directors. We also have the current first vice president going into the next school year.”

The program is designed to recruit and show high school students the teaching profession. This year more than 20 ECHS students are involved in the program. Many help as teaching aides at Eclectic Elementary School.

“We are trying to grow teachers,” ECHS FTA advisor Julie Powell said. “It aids students in figuring out if teaching is for them.”

Elmore County picks up 4 straight wins

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

It is reminiscent of the beginning of the season for the Elmore County baseball team as it soared to four straight victories.

First were back-toback wins over Class 5A Area 6 opponent Valley, not placing Elmore County atop of the area.

The Panther accumulated 21 total hits in the two game stretch with Shae Darnell picking up five by himself — adding four runs as well.

Shelton Darnell also carved himself out a solid day in the second game against the Rams with a three hit performance which included one run scored and two RBIs.

The Panther carried that momentum towards an 8-5 victory over Opelika. It was there that Jaden Eason took over with four hits in his four at-bats which consisted of a triple and a double, adding three runs for the team as well. Hayden Jones also came in with a two hit outing, logging a home run for the Panthers.

To close out the week, Elmore County took down Pelham 8-1, where Gage Davis was the standout performer. He went a perfect fivefor-five in his at-bats with one being a double added to his one RBI.

Darnell yet again, Shea Darnell made his presence known with two hits with one being a

home run.

ELMORE COUNTY SOFTBALL SPLITS WITH BEAUREGARD, VALLEY

To open the week, the Elmore County softball team duked it out with Class 5A Area 6 opponent Valley where it snatched a 12-1 victory.

Addison Hicks and Addi Stephenson took center stage for the Panther each finishing the game with three hits apiece while they both scored two runs in the process. Lalah Culpepper and Kayden Edwards contributed two hits each to the already impressive total.

Stephenson also dominated in the circle, through five innings she struck out four batters and walked one. She allowed two hits and one run.

Against Beauregard it was an all-out slug fest between the two with the Hornets taking a 5-4 victory.

The Panthers accumulated more hits than the Hornets, but the opposition was able to get runs when it counted. Hicks, Culpepper, Stephenson, Raevyn Barris and Addy Peaden combined for those 10 hits with two each.

Culpepper pitched the first four innings where she logged one strikeout while she allowed six hits and three runs.

Bailey Kennedy came in for the last three innings where she also picked up a strikeout, but allowed two runs and three hits.

Students in the program spend Groundhog Day shadowing teachers at the elementary and middle school. They also help teachers at the schools with Christmas programs, Read Across America and art projects.

“Our students go and spend the day with a teacher in the community to see what teaching is really like,” Powell said. “They get to see it on the other side, not as a student.”

Sending high school students to the elementary school has been more formalized in the

last two years through an aide program.

“They get to experience almost all aspects of teaching this way,” Powell said. “It also encourages the elementary students to do well in school and builds relationships between everyone.”

The FTA students also help with programs for the needy. They help put together kits containing essential supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and school supplies.

“Whatever fits the need we

try to do,” Powell said. “If students can’t get their basic needs met, then it’s really hard to learn.”

Students have started visiting college campuses. Some have already started to receive scholarships to major in education.

“It’s been really great for the students,” Powell said. “We are really hoping to grow teachers in the hope they return home someday.”

ECHS and ECTC will gather for an awards ceremony in May to see if they are selected as CLAS Banner School.

CLEANUP

HONORS MEMORY OF REUBEN THORNTON

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It was another successful Reuben Thornton Memorial Cleanup in the Red Hill and Eclectic community Saturday.

Friends of Thornton gathered once again to do one thing in his honor: pick up litter. Thornton and his wife Jackie owned Dirt Road Gourmet at the time and started the idea of an organized cleanup in the area about a decade ago.

“The idea came from Reuben while we were in church,” Lake Martin

Resource Association president Jodie McGuirt said. “He and Jackie combined it with food, both a breakfast and a lunch. They did so much for LMRA and he was on the board for a long while.”

Reuben saw litter collecting outside his business on Highway 229 and started picking it up. He got LMRA volunteers involved and expanded the area of cleanup from just around his business. The Thorntons repaid the volunteers with food.

Saturday volunteers gathered at the Red Hill Community Center for breakfast of course and then set about their paths to pick up litter. They gathered a little later in the day at the Lake Martin Mini Mall for lunch, some music and socializing. The cleanup is still on the mind of Reuben’s wife Jackie.

“She moved to Virginia to be close to family,” McGuirt said. “She texted me this week to check in on it. She wishes she could be here.”

Reuben got sick prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and had to stay home a little more. But the cleanup he started continues.