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Reports from R local law eenforcement
OPINION, PAGE A4
SPORTS, PAGE B1 Three Reeltown Rebels selected to All-State team
“This-could-be-it” moment
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VOL. 121, NO. 52
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018
No foul play suspected Police investigate fire and death in Dadeville By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
No foul play is suspected after a Dadeville resident was found in a home damaged by fire on Christmas Eve, Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour said. According to Barbour, Jerrod Lee Colt Payne, 32, was found at 9:10 a.m. Monday morning in the home on Agricola Road. “There had been a fire in the residence,” Barbour said. “It was contained to the living room area of the Agricola Road home and was out when the deceased was found.” Barbour said the State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in the investigation because the fatality might be associated with a fire. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department is also assisting. Barbour said Payne’s body was sent to the Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery to determine the cause of death. Even though authorities are trying to determine the cause of death, Barbour said nothing suspicious is expected. “I don’t think there is any foul play,” Barbour said.
Ron Colquitt / For The Record
Law enforcement is investigating a Dec. 19 disturbance that occurred at Lighthouse Baptist Church in the Buttston community near Dadeville.
Sheriff: No warrants yet Abbett says pastor waiting until January
Family reflects on Powell’s life
By RON COLQUITT For The Record
Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said Wednesday the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church has not signed arrest warrants in connection with an incident last week in which witnesses said two men entered the church and one made a death threat. According to pastor Carl Stokes and several other witnesses, the men cursed him and one threatened to return another day and kill everyone there. Abbett said Wednesday he had talked with Stokes earlier in the week to See CHURCH • Page A3
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Bob Powell, a longtime fixture of Tallapoosa County, passed away on Dec. 14 at the age of 82. Powell, probably best known for his restaurant, Bob’s Fine Food in downtown Dadeville, was remembered as a great family man and business owner. “He was straightforward,” Powell’s son-in-law Michael Carter said. “He See POWELL • Page A5
Smith, Blasingame reflect on the last year and future Dadeville mayor likes position of city By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith said he and the city council are continuing to make progress, which includes reasonable annexation, improved infrastructure and taking better advantage of the city’s proximity to Lake Martin. Smith expanded on those views and more during a recent question-andanswer session with The Record.
New Site mayor strikes a delicate balance
have a balanced budget. We were able to make some improvements throughout town and I’m proud of that. There is a feeling of optimism in the air here. People are proud to live in Dadeville. I can’t think of much we didn’t get done other than maybe getting some more demolition (of dilapidated property throughout town) done.
Q. What is your personal vision for where the city should be in 10 years? A. I think we need to grow at a good pace. I’m excited for the new tourism Q. Looking back on 2018, what are director. There are so many things you proudest of accomplishing as a around here that are still somewhat mayor and council and what didn’t hidden. I certainly would like to annex you do that should have been done? more people and land into town. This A. 2018 has been a wonderful year here would allow the city to grow while in Dadeville. I’m proud we were able to See DADEVILLE • Page A5
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By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
While New Site is a small community in Tallapoosa County, Mayor Phil Blasingame believes there is much for his town to be proud of. Since being elected in 2016, Blasingame and the New Site Town Council have been hard at work to accomplish much for the town’s residents, such as giving them the amenities they need so they don’t have to drive out of town but also maintaining the town’s atmosphere. During a recent question-and-answer session with The Record, Blasingame said he feels New Site is moving in the right direction.
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Q. Looking back on 2018, what are you proudest of accomplishing as a mayor and council and what didn’t you do that should have been done? A. One of the things I’m most proud of was our senior center. That was something I wanted to implement when I ran for mayor. I’m proud of how it has taken off and been accepted. I felt there was a need for it there. We have a great director and great seniors. I’m very proud we could do that. We’ve been working very hard on bringing the medical clinic to town and getting grants for it through ADECA (Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs). We’re working with Russell Medical and Jackson Drugs on this. We’re not there yet See NEW SITE • Page A8
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