Tallassee shooting suspects arrested
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Devonte Tyus, 20, of Tallassee, and Jartavious Jackson, 25, are now in the Elmore County Jail. after his Tuesday night arrest.
Brown seeks council again
Terrel “Coach” Brown has officially announced his candidacy for reelection to the Tallassee City Council in the Ward Five
seat. He is pledging to build on a record of collaboration, community engagement and progress.
“I’m currently serving my third term,” Brown
“Devontee Tyus turned himself into the Tallassee Police Department,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. “Jartavious Jackson was picked up by our officers when he was discharged from Baptist South.” Both are facing charges
See SHOOTING, Page A6
Husband charged with murder of wife
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
MURDER, Page A6
Lewis appointed to state supreme court
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Not even two years ago, Judge Bill Lewis was presiding over court rooms in Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties. On Tuesday,
Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him to be the newest associate justice on the Alabama Supreme Court. Lewis comes to the state’s highest court to fill
LEWIS, Page A6 See BROWN, Page A6
VALEDICTORIAN WANTS TO BE PLANT GENETICIST
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
t wasn’t hard to find Alina
at Tallassee
Class of 2025 valedictorian was always in one of her favorite places, the band room or the greenhouse. It just so happened both were managed by Tran’s favorite teachers at THS, Dr. Robby Glasscock and Dr. Daniel Free, respectively.
“Dr. Glasscock always made sure I had everything I needed,” Tran said. “He cares about his students and is really passionate about band. Free got Tran involved in
FFA, especially the competitions around floriculture, horticulture and forestry.
“He also cares a lot about his students,” Tran said. “I just love plants and flowers, just everything that he teaches. He goes above and beyond all his students.”
Tran developed relationships with many students through trips with the band. She especially liked San Antonio her sophomore year.
“We went to and marched in the Christmas parade,” Tran said. “It was really fun. I loved staying in the hotels. And I like going to Six Flags, it was really fun.”
Free’s greenhouse classroom introduced Tran to a career. She is headed to Auburn University to study horticulture and wants to become a plant geneticist.
“I’m gonna try to get a job there at the plant science center,” Tran said.
AlthoughTran hopes to do great things in horticulture, she said Tallassee will always be a foundation and place to return.
“I like the closeness like everyone,” Tran said. “It is so tight knit everyone knows everybody and everyone is so kind and helpful. Tallassee will always remind me how to treat others.”
Terrel ‘Coach’ Brown has announced he intends to be on the ballot again seeking a fourth term on the Tallassee City Council.
| TPI
Judge Bill Lewis has been named to the Alabama Supreme Court.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Tallassee High School Class of 2025 valedictorian Alina Tran gets her diploma from principal Drew Glass. See
See
TYUS
ZACHARY LEE
JACKSON
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Obituaries
JEAN WILLIAMSON KERR
Jean Williamson Kerr (85) passed peacefully on May 13, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born February 11, 1940, in Santa Monica, CA, A beloved lifelong educator, artist and devoted mother, Jean taught physical education, English, and literature, concluding her career as an Adjunct Professor at Auburn University at Montgomery. She was a founding member of Epiphany Episcopal Church (Tallassee, AL). A talented craftswoman, Jean was highly regarded for her woven pine needle baskets,
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAY 25
• Harassment was reported on Friendship Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Third Street.
• A domestic incident was reported on Second Street.
• A suspicious person was reported on Alber Drive.
• Reckless driving was reported on Oak Heights Road.
• A suicidal person was reported on Oak Heights Road.
MAY 24
• A civil disturbance was reported on West James Street.
• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Kent Road.
• Animal control was requested on Third Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Oak Street.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black male was arrested following a vehicle pursuit on Hickory Street.
• A Black male and female were arrested on Second Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Hickory Street.
• A Black male was arrested on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Ashurst Avenue and Barnett Boulevard
• Gunfire was reported on Upper River Road.
• A noise complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
taught at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and founded "The Basket Cases." Preceded in death by her husband, Paul Kerr. Jean is survived by her children: Richard (Kathleen Bratcher) Kerr, Stephen (Patty) Kerr, Margaret (David Snell) Kerr, Jennifer (Duncan McElroy) Kerr, and Daniel (Kelli) Kerr; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial services: Saturday,
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
MAY 23
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white male was arrested on North Ann Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Roosevelt Street.
• A suspicious person was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue and Lower River Road.
• Trespassing was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
MAY 22
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue and Jordan Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on First Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Sims Avenue.
MAY 21
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A noise complaint was reported on Bent Oak Lane.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Cypress Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on James Street.
• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A white male was arrested while giving assistance to another agency on Jordan Avenue.
MAY 20
• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious person was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
October 4, 2025, 1:00pm, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Tallassee, AL with internment services to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Inn Between (https://tibhospice.org/) and/ or Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering (https://www.ruffhaven.org/).
Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor in Salt Lake City, UT. The full obituary and additional information on final arrangements may be found at www.starksfuneral.com.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Main Street.
• A vehicle fire was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on James Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Main Street. MAY 19
• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Jack Street.
• Gunfire was reported on Highway 229.
• An animal complaint was reported on Joy Street and West Roosevelt Street.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Third Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on North Dubois Street.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue and West Patton Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Cypress Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
MAY 18
• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Macedonia Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Hickory Street.
• Menacing was reported on Sims Street.
County CO arrested for promoting prison contraband
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
An Elmore County corrections officer saw the Elmore County Jail from a different perspective.
Corrections officer Lita Williams, 57, of Titus, was confronted Wednesday night after a cell phone was found in one of the cellblocks about two weeks ago.
“It was during a precursory check of jail cells that we do periodically,” Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said. “The inmate tried to give an
explanation that it came from a former employee.”
Franklin said investigators dumped the data from the phone and looked at incoming and outgoing calls and messages. Williams was found in those messages.
“We came in last night and questioned her about
it,” Franklin said. “She was forthcoming about it.”
Franklin said Williams and inmate Kendall Henderson, 46, of Millbrook, befriended each other.
“She felt comfortable enough to sneak in a phone,” Franklin said.
Henderson was being held on four counts of cruelty to animals and second-degree arson after being booked Dec. 7, 2024..
Henderson and Williams were both charged with first-degree pro -
moting prison contraband. Williams bonded out Wednesday night shortly after her arrest. Henderson remains in the Elmore County Jail.
Franklin said searches of the jail are done to find and remove contraband such as phones, drugs and shanks.
“Some of it comes in through our work release,” Franklin said. “We have about 30 that work with the municipalities. They bring it through various means including inserting it into their body.”
New Speedy Trial Act to help in some ways
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Gov. Kay Ivey
recently signed the new Speedy Trial Act.
It’s designed to give district attorneys a way to get more time to present violent offense cases to juries. Most of the circuit courts in the states have backlogs. But the new act doesn’t necessarily help with all cases.
“There is some backlog in drug cases primarily related to getting toxicology reports back from the Department of Forensic Sciences,” 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney C.J. Robinson
said. “We do not have a back log of violent cases. I have informed the judges of the 19th Circuit we won’t be doing anything under the new Speedy Trial Act.” Robinson prosecutes cases in Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties. There are some violent cases to be tried in front of juries but he doesn’t have many docket busters, which are cases expected to take a week or more to be presented to juries. In Elmore County Robinson has four different trial terms each year to prosecute cases. The situation is dif -
ferent in the Fifth Judicial Circuit covering Tallapoosa, Macon, Chambers and Randolph counties. Each county has a court house, and Tallapoosa with two. Each courthouse has two two week jury terms each year.
In just Dadeville, Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Mike Segrest has the April 2023 shootings to prosecute.
“We have six different defendants,” Segrest said. “It would take three years just to try them because I anticipate those taking two weeks a piece.”
The Alabama Attorney General’s Office is trying the case, but it requires a scheduled jury term.
“That is going to be a docket buster,” Segrest said. “That is going to take weeks to try.”
But there is more and still in Dadeville. There is the case against Jose Paulino PascualReyes who is charged with multiple counts of murder and kidnapping. Two of the bodies were dismembered and enclosed in a wall. Another juvenile victim escaped by chewing through ropes where she was tied to a bed and drugged daily.
KERR
WILLIAMS HENDERSON
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Take your pets swimming safely
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
We do hope everyone will take some time today to pause and reflect on the true reason for Memorial Day. Please take time to think about and thank the thousands of brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live free.
Memorial Day traditionally signifies the start of summer and fun on our abundant lakes, rivers and even the Gulf. Many families take their dogs along for fun on the water, and we hope you have planned for your dog’s safety just like your own. If you didn’t head out this weekend and your dog hasn’t been on a boat, then it might help to let your dog explore the boat while it is still docked or on a trailer a few days before your outing. Just like us humans, your dog needs its own personal flotation device
(PFD) which it should wear while aboard. You can find PFD’s for pets in area pet, sport and outdoor stores and on many on-line stores as well –make sure to get the correct size for your dog to ensure your dog’s safety. We may also have some at our Tail’s End Thrift Store (open for shopping 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday).
Over the years we have had dogs rescued from the middle of local lakes, brought to our shelter and never reclaimed. When in a body of water as large as, say, Lake Martin, if a dog falls overboard and is not noticed it might not be able to make it to shore before tiring out. Like getting used to the boat, let your dog get used to its PFD before heading out on the water. Make sure to carefully supervise your dog and have a plan in mind for how you would retrieve your dog from the water (especially a larger dog) should you need to get him back into your boat.
Hint – most dog PFD’s have a stout handle along the top. Give your dog a shady, secure spot to rest and pack a dog first aid kit in the event of hazards from fishing gear and walking around unfamiliar shores. One last caution might be to not feed your dog too much before going out in case it is susceptible to motion sickness – smaller snacks might work better than a big breakfast.
And our dogs can get motion sickness just like we can so perhaps talk to your Vet for advice on what you can give your dog in the event it is exhibiting signs of sea sickness. Please also keep in mind that, just like people, not all dogs will enjoy being out on a boat all day, so, if you have one like that, let it chill at home in the air conditioning.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week - Penny
Penny is a female hound/Rottweiler mix who is about 2 years old and weighs about 40 pounds. She is housetrained, crate trained, great with children and other dogs, but not cats. Penny is very sweet and loving, as is her sister, Piper just in case!
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, de-
worming, 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
Penny 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.
Elmore County Extension Office welcomes new 4-H agent
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Growing Courtney Heritage didn’t know much if anything about 4-H. After graduating from Marbury High School, she quickly learned about the program. After stints in the classroom, volunteering and living in an orphanage and working in a non-profit, Heritage wants to make sure everyone knows about
4-H.
“I grew up in Marbury on the family farm and didn’t know about 4-H,” Heritage said. “I grew up on a farm and I didn’t appreciate the value of what my family does on the farm.”
Heritage has learned a lot since graduating from Marbury, going to Troy University and so on. She wants students to learn from her mistakes.
“One of my goals is just to make sure the
kids know that 4H is important,” Heritage said. “If they don’t choose 4-H, I hope they get active in something and learn about it.”
According to its website, Alabama 4-H seeks to empower youth with the skills to lead our communities, our state, our nation and world. The program is administered through the Alabama Extension Service and is open to all youth ages 9 – 18. It is the largest youth
development program in Alabama with more than 118,000 youth reached each year.
Heritage said 4-H is not just about agriculture. There are programs to help teach leadership, public speaking, sewing and more.
“We are encouraging growth and development,” Heritage said. “We want to develop the potential in students to become leaders.”
Heritage moved
SUBMITTED
back to the area a few years ago, settling in Slapout. Her job with 4-H will have her in all Elmore County schools — and she has a plan to develop the Elmore County 4-H over the next several years.
“In speaking with other agents, they have encouraged me to set one-, three- and fiveyear goals,” Heritage said. “I will start small and grow from there.”
Heritage believes her background will
help. She said she had to learn to do a lot that she didn’t learn when she was younger while living at an orphanage such as cooking, working with volunteers and organizing programs to benefit children.
“I just really feel like the things that I learned and being with the kids there is gonna be a perfect transition into teaching and educating the kids in our community,” Heritage said.
SPEEDY Continued from A3
Segrest said he will seek to prosecute some of the cases of the Fifth Judicial Circuit under the new Speedy Trial Act. He said judges are on board with it.
“It creates more work for us, but we are good with that,” Segrest said. “We will step up and try them. We need more jury time to be able to
handle it. It is another tool in our toolbox we can use to be able to try to effectively administer and address the docket.”
The Speedy Trial Act allows district attorneys to file with the Alabama Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court requesting additional jury terms. If granted, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) would cover the costs. A retired judge would be assigned to the terms and sit on
the bench for the trials. Elmore County already uses retired judge Sydney Reynolds on some cases.
Retired 19th Circuit Judge John Bush still practices law and is a mediator.
In the Fifth Circuit there are retired Judges Ray Martin and Tom Young.
“They would be able to sit and handle these cases,” Segrest said. “They could also bring judges from outside.”
New Elmore County 4-H youth development agent Courtney Heritage wants to grow the program in Elmore County. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Marbury High School but didn’t know much about 4-H until after high school.
County needs more facilities to cultivate the arts
I have been taking in live music and theater performances by Elmore County high schoolers
I’m convinced
around and on the stage both singing and playing instruments. This includes students from Tallassee and Wetumpka to Eclectic and Millbrook. They are all showcasing talent we should all be proud of.
I’ve also witnessed great crowds supporting these talented students. They too are watching their favorite students perform under “Friday night lights” — just not in athletics.
These students are also successful in earning scholarships to perform at the next level, sometimes more so than athletics. I’ve seen numerous students going to play in the bands at Faulkner, Huntingdon, Troy, Jacksonville State and more. I’ve seen others going on to perform on the stages at UAB, Montevallo and beyond.
What’s best is in the last several years I’ve seen more scholarships and more money given to these students than those in athletic endeavors.
And yet they have to fight for every resource.
It’s time for the band camp kids, young actors and aspiring singers to get their performance spaces just like the brothers and sisters in athletics.
Recently, there have been some major upgrades in the world of athletics across Elmore County — compared to almost none for the arts. Many times, choral, music and theater programs have been regulated to dungeons for performances.
Booster programs surrounding athletics aid in fundraising, but it seems everyone is more apt to donate to
For many years, I would have classified myself as a perfectionist.
I was always looking down on myself if things weren’t exactly as they should be. I planned for weeks trying to make the best Christmas Eve dinner for my family and made sure the kitchen was stuffed full of snacks when Dylan, my brother-in-law, arrived home for visits from the military.
I would spend endless time cleaning, organizing and reorganizing. I wanted everything to be just so.
And then Dylan died. In one swift moment, all the perfection was taken from the world. There will always be a before Dylan died and an after Dylan died.
Since Dylan passed away two years ago, life has been anything but perfect. From nights crying ourselves to sleep to memories that pull at our loneliest heartstrings, it doesn’t seem like perfection is achievable anymore.
But if there’s one thing I learned from Alcoholics Anonymous that I’d like to share with the world is, we are supposed to strive for progress not perfection.
Ever since Dylan was taken from us, I’ve stopped striving for perfection. I’ve realized something short and sweet: There will never be perfection again. No matter how delicious that Christmas Eve dinner is or how lovely the decorations are or how
But if there’s one thing I learned from Alcoholics Anonymous that I’d like to share with the world is, we are supposed to strive for progress not perfection. Ever since Dylan was taken from us, I’ve stopped striving for perfection. I’ve realized something short and sweet: There will never be perfection again.
clean the house is, Dylan won’t be there. There will always be something missing.
It’s taken me a long time to get here, but I’ve learned to find strength in the imperfections. I’ve learned to find the little moments that make us laugh or smile and enjoy those for what they’re worth.
It’s weird in a way to say you’ve found strength in something so devastating. But Dylan taught me so many lessons — alive and in death. And understanding the unattainability of perfection is just one of those.
I got a call over the weekend from one of Dylan’s Army buddies. He was having a time of reflection over Memorial Day weekend and just wanted to check
in on Dylan’s family. We didn’t talk for long, but he told me a story about Dylan. One day, they all had to work some family weekend. They were dressed in civilian clothes but would’ve much rather been anywhere else. Everyone except Dylan, that is. “Gentry
Last Friday night in Wetumpka, the Tallassee High School Class of 2025 walked across the football field and into their futures. It has certainly been an interesting high school ride for this group. When they arrived at THS, we were just emerging from the Covid pandemic and a year of schedules that operated on an A-B rotation. The old building had been torn down, and classes met in trailers parked on the band practice field (yes, I know they were officially Mobile Learning Spaces, but everyone called them trailers).
For their junior and senior years, the class of 2025 became the first to inhabit the new Tallassee High School. They went on to earn over $2.1 million in scholarships and send students into careers, the military, or college. This class of 133 graduates had certainly seen a lot of change during their four years of high school, and right up until the end, change was a constant presence. In their final few weeks of high school, both administrative posi-
tions were changing as Mr. Drew Glass was being replaced by Dr. Crystal Adams and Mrs. Brooke Barron was being replaced by Coach Joshua Harrison.
Many years ago, a colleague at Southside Middle School nicknamed my son Gregory “the prince,” since he is the only boy out of seven children. Yes – six girls and one boy. And he is the middle man, as number five out of the seven. It could not have been easy in that environment. I’m a dainty musician, not the average kind of dad. And since I don’t know how to do much of anything, Gregory has had to do so much on his own to become a man. He joined Boy Scouts when he was between second and third grades and if all goes well, he will complete his Eagle Scout rank in just a couple
Number five of seven: The Prince
of weeks.
Let me say that I am incredibly proud of him for his decision to join the military. In October, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and will be leaving the Bird Nest in June for Basic Training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. If we are able to attend his graduation in October, we’ll get to see him briefly before he moves on to his next assignment.
Joining the military is a brave and grown-up thing to do. While I have a deep appreciation for those who serve, I never felt I had the strength of character to be a part of something so vital and important to our national defense. To know that “the prince” will be serving our country has been, and will be, a source of pride for our family going forward.
So now that number five of seven is flying the proverbial coop, something is happening that once seemed so distant: our household is about to be down to just two kids.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
START AND FINISH TOGETHER THS
Class of 2025 and principal share last public event together
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Tallassee High School
Class of 2025 and principal Drew Glass have something in common.
“I started with you as freshmen,” Glass shared from the podium at graduation. “We’ve grown in more ways than one.”
The new Tallassee High School was under construction and classes were held in a mobile village.
“We made the construction zone
home,” Glass said.
There are 131 members in the Class of 2025. Some have enlisted in the military. Others have jobs. Still others will further their education, some in part to $2.1 million in scholarships awarded to members of the Class of 2025.
Friday was the last night the Class of 2025 was considered students. Instead of the graduation being at J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium, the ceremony was moved to Wetumpka Sports Complex as the
new turf field in Tallassee wasn’t complete yet. As they walked across the field in Wetumpka, each graduate presented Glass with a puzzle piece from a photo of the class. The last graduate presented him with the box for the puzzle. They are now all alumni of Tallassee High School as it was Glass’ last graduation at the school.
“It has been a joy to witness it all,” Glass said. “We have accomplished so much.”
CommunityCalendar
CULTIVATE
Continued from A4
Friday Night Lights than where the masses are — the commons area at Wetumpka High School, the band room in Eclectic or the theater room at Stanhope Elmore. These places have modest practice facilities for the arts, but millions of dollars have been spent on lights, turf fields and new gyms.
Look at Elmore County High School, which is still operating on a stage built 80 or more years ago. Stanhope Elmore theater conducts its programs in a large classroom with a once-a-year production in the old gym. Meanwhile, Holtville is regulated to a small stage, more like a riser, in the elementary school.
Recently, Wetumpka packed out the commons area of the high school for its production of Bright Star. Saturday night likely saw the largest crowd ever for a WHS theater production.
It has taken Tallassee decades to get an auditorium for its choral and music programs. The place is filled for every performance.
It took almost persistent encouragement to build a 600-seat auditorium.
Now Tallassee has the space to grow its programs to even more students. And it already serves more than half the student population through its band and choral programs.
ECHS has the largest band program in the county, and Wetumpka has one of the best theater programs in the state.
There is talk of a new performing arts center. While it’s on the Elmore County Board of Education capital plan, there is no funding currently planned. It requires a donation and tax revenue of which Elmore County has some of the lowest for schools in the state.
In Wetumpka, even the basic plans for a performing arts center show it will improve the entire school. A new performing arts center would include space for the band, and it will help accommodate the school’s growth as the old music and theater areas can then be converted into classroom space.
I’m convinced the next project Elmore County needs to take on is the arts. The arts need our investment to grow and support the children who have proven time and time again they too are worthy of facilities equal to their athletic counterparts.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.
or sending your
or logging on to
to
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
JULY 7-11
YOUTH THEATER CAMP:
The Wetumpka Depot Players is hosting a musical theater camp for ages 8 to 15 July 7 to 11. Send an email to kmeanor@ wetumpkadepot.com for more information.
JULY 14-27
YOUTH THEATER CAMP:
The Wetumpka Depot Players is hosting a two-week teen intensive camp for ages 13 to 18. Send an email to kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com for more information.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
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.
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 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
OKTOBERFEST: Main Street Wetumpka will host its annual Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27 in downtown Wetumpka. Featured will be vendors, a kids’ zone, entertainment and a biergarten.
THURSDAY, OCT. 9
BROOMSTICKS AND BREWS: Join downtown Wetumpka businesses for a Halloween-themed sip and shop. There will be participating shops and restaurants with extended hours and a witch hat contest from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Alleyway.
SATURDAY, OCT. 11
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 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.
OPEN MIC: The Equality 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.
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.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334567-0476 for more information.
AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka.
RED HILL COMMUNITY
COTTON FESTIVAL: The Town of Eclectic will host its 32nd annual Alabama Cotton Festival from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11. Vendor registration is now open with early-bird specials ending Aug. 1. This is Eclectic’s largest annual festival.
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
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.
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 1-877-252-4769. 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.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
The Tallassee High School Class of 2025 spent some time with each other prior to graduation. Some shared stories about school and beyond.
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of attempted murder and discharging a gun into an occupied building or vehicle.
An investigation started Monday afternoon as Tallassee Police and Fire departments responded to a call about a shooting that had just happened. First responders found two juvenile shooting victims, who were transported to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham with serious but non-life threatening injuries. A short time later, police were notified of an additional adult gunshot victim who was dropped off at Community Hospital in Tallassee. He was transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Buce said the incident was still under investigation and asked anyone with any information about the case to call the Tallassee Police Department at 224-2836586.
According to Elmore County Jail records, Tyus has a $280,000 bond available to him. There is no bond currently listed for Jackson.
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a vacancy as Justice Jay Mitchell resigned to campaign for Alabama Attorney General.
“Judge Bill Lewis continues demonstrating justice and fairness under the law, as well as a willingness to serve the people of Alabama,” Ivey said. “His decades of experience will serve the Supreme Court of Alabama well, and I am confident he is the best choice.”
Lewis is currently on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and was a presiding judge in the 19th
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inside.
Judicial Circuit in Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties prior to moving to the Court of Civil Appeals in 2024. Lewis brings more than two decades of trial experience to the state’s highest court and one of the few judges in the state who’s practiced law as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney.
Lewis was the valedictorian of Wetumpka in 1996. At his investiture onto the Court of Civil Appeals, Lewis gave credit for his academic success and more to his parents Dorthy and Bill Lewis while joking about possible legal ramifications.
“If I had known about DHR
“He was unresponsive initially,” Coffel said. “They get him up and talking and realize one leg has a gunshot wound that appears to be from a .22 caliber ratshot.”
Inside the backdoor near the bed, Coffel said deputies found Bethany Lee face down with multiple gunshot wounds and a gun in her left hand.
Law enforcement had been to the home multiple times in the past few years for domestic violence calls. According to court records, in that same timeframe, she filed for divorce in 2018 but ultimately asked for it to be dismissed.
when she was pushing me to get that last math problem or read that book in not so nice ways, I would have called them and now be in Tennessee or somewhere else,” Lewis said. “I realize the reason she pushed me was because she knew we had to fill all of our potential.” Lewis attended the University of the South in Sewanee and went on to Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham. He came back to Wetumpka in August 2003 to work as a law clerk for 19th Judicial Circuit Court Court Judge John Bush. Lewis’ law career almost ended just as it started. He was running with
Saturday morning Coffel and other deputies processed the scene and interviewed Zachary Lee, who told investigators the couple had been planning a date night for a couple of weeks and left their children with family.
“It is just them and they get into it,” Coffel said. “They are on the back porch.”
From there, Coffel said Lee presented a story that Coffel alleged didn’t match the scene.
“They had basically agreed to shoot each other,” Coffel said Lee told him. “He said he will go first.”
Coffel said a single action revolver was used meaning each time the shooter has to pull the hammer back.
“She shoots him in one leg, pulls the
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said in a press release. “I bring over a decade of leadership, deep community roots and a proven track record of getting things done for the people of Tallassee.”
Brown is a lifelong resident of Tallassee and a 25-year resident of Ward Five.
“I have spent my career in service — whether through education, military duty or civic leadership,” Brown said.
He graduated from Tallassee High School in 1991 and earned a bachelor’s and master’s in education from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), where he is currently pursuing a graduate degree in sports management. He also serves on the AUM Kinesiology Department’s Community Engagement Advisory Board.
The U.S. Marine Corps veteran is a
proud member of the American Legion Post #1983 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter: J Paul Pitts #12.
“My deep commitment to public service continues in my role as a physical education teacher at Tallassee Elementary and as a longtime coach in the city’s school system, 25 years,” Brown said. “Twelve years ago, the people of Tallassee entrusted me with a very important job in our City as city councilman of Ward Five. So, as I reflect on my three terms in office, I must highlight this administration’s proactive approach to solving decadeslong infrastructure issues, including outdated gas and water lines, sewage systems, and filter plant upgrades. I was part of the leadership that passed a critical one-cent sales tax to help fund the city’s new high school and other development projects, despite the political risk.” Brown said the success is rooted in collaboration.
“We renewed relationships with neighboring governments and public safety agencies to help combat crime and secure much-needed grants to improve infrastructure, public services and quality of life projects,” Brown said. “We have proved that real progress happens when everyone works together.”
Going forward, Brown is committed to enhancing quality of life for all residents by forming a local economic development group, investing in Tallassee’s business support institutions and creating a streamlined one-stop shop at City Hall for entrepreneurs and investors.
“The city government must invest more resources in our Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and our Industrial Development Board,” Brown said. “These three organizations have the expertise in attracting new businesses, industries, and jobs to our community.”
Bush across the circuit learning everything he could on handling criminal, civil and domestic relations cases on the bench.
“We got to December and (the office of courts) told me I had to fire him because we couldn’t have law clerks anymore,” Bush said at the investiture ceremony. “It was one of the most unpleasant things I have ever had to do in my life.”
But Lewis quickly landed in the 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and prosecuted cases. He left the DA’s office and became a defense attorney. He then campaigned for circuit court judge.
hammer back and shoots him in the other leg,” Coffel said Lee said in his interview. “But there was only one gunshot wound to one of his legs.”
Lee allegedly told Coffel he took the gun from his wife as she was retreating into the house. Coffel said Lee shot his wife as she was crossing the threshold into the house.
“She (fell) down,” Coffel said. “He said he didn’t go back into the house and called us.”
Lee was arrested and placed in the Elmore County Jail on the charge of murder-family-gun domestic violence. He currently has no bond available to him. There will be an Aniah’s Law hearing in the next few days to determine if Lee gets a bond.
Brown’s focus will always be on safety, opportunities and inclusion for all, from children to senior citizens.
“I will continue to seek more police patrols throughout Tallassee and ensure the necessary funds to fully staff our police force,” Brown said. “I have an abundance of experience that counts and I will put that experience to work. More importantly than experience, I will continue to partner with my constituents to make Tallassee the true ‘Treasure on the Tallapoosa’ for every neighborhood and every citizen.”
Brown said building relationships and knowing how to collaborate with all stakeholders and leadership in the community is key to moving it forward.
“So, prioritizing progress, regardless if it is in my ward or any ward, is key to being an effective councilmember,” Brown said. “Every part of Tallassee matters. Progress in any ward is a win for our entire city.”
BROWN
Memorial Day reminds us of true cost of freedom
down one’s life is a core concept in military service.
to our country is a sobering thought.
Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 although the holiday’s origin traces back to the years following the Civil War. The official designation, prior to 1971, was a day recognized by individual states and localities, often referred to as “Decoration Day.” The last Monday in May is set aside as a day of mourning and remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States. Several Bible passages resonate with the theme of Memorial Day.
“Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” states John 15:13. The selfless act of laying
Ephesians 5:2 mirrors the previous passage, “and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.”
We as believers should be encouraged to imitate Christ by living lives of love, like He loved and sacrificed for them.
Many could share dramatic war stories of heroism as their “buddies” poured out their full measure of devotion upon the altar of freedom. These sacrificing individuals were bonded together by friendship, brotherhood, and common purpose and their selflessness and the freedom they died to obtain will live forever.
After touring the Battlefield at Valley Forge and being shown from one historic spot to anoth-
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
er, former president Eisenhower made this statement at the conclusion of the tour: “This is where they got it for us.”
What did he mean? He meant that those men and women, and thousands of other in all the wars that America has fought, purchased by their blood the freedoms that we enjoy today in “the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”
Another story was told of a boy who had his spine ripped away by a shell blast. It was only a miracle that he was alive. He was unable to change his
Tallassee Churches
We as believers should be encouraged to imitate Christ by living lives of love, like He loved and sacrificed for them. Many could share dramatic war stories of heroism as their “buddies” poured out their full measure of devotion upon the altar of freedom. These sacrificing individuals were bonded together by friendship, brotherhood, and common purpose and their selflessness and the freedom they died to obtain will live forever.
position; and would have to spend the rest of his days lying on his stomach. The young boy made a statement saying; “it was worth it if it will keep America free!” If our heroes had to die for America, then we have to live for America.
Two thousand years ago, another battle was fought on a hill called Calvary. It was a battle of one young man against all the forces of evil. It seemed
like a hopeless struggle as Jesus Christ took on Satan’s task force. Jesus stretched out one hand toward God and the other toward a rebellious man, and He made the connection and said; “it is finished.” He got through for us.
Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
Davenport shines in her final year with the Indians
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
2025 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY SOFTBALL TEAM
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
The 2025 softball season has come to an end in Elmore County, and this season proved to be one of the best in recent history.
The 2025 All-Elmore County Softball Team is headlined by Coach of the Year Reese Claybrook, who helped the Bulldogs reach the Class 5A Central Regional Finals after a great postseason run. The Player of the Year is Wetumpka senior Lily Davenport, who hit .541 with 86 hits.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Lily Davenport, Wetumpka Davenport was on a mission this year for the Indians. She finished with a team-high .541 batting average and a county-high 86 hits. She added 65 runs, 66 RBIs, 17 doubles, five triples and seven home runs. Davenport posted an on-base percentage of 0.568.
FIRST TEAM
Bailea Boone, Holtville Holtville could always rely on Boone notching a hit for the team this season. She finished with a county-best .595 batting
average behind her team-high 78 hits. Boone also logged 66 runs, 15 RBIs, four doubles, three triples and one home run in her senior year. However, what popped were her 86 stolen bases this year.
Bailey Carlisle, Wetumpka
Coming off a selection to the North-South All-Star Game, Carlisle made significant improvements on the offensive side for Wetumka this year. She saw her batting average bump up to .493 while also tying for first in home runs with eight. Carlisle was already a solid defensive
presence for Wetumpka but has now found her footing on offense.
Avery White, Edgewood
The all-around star for Edgewood Academy finished her senior year campaign in stellar fashion. White finished second on the team with a batting average of .422 while leading the team with 49 hits. She scored 40 runs and logged 23 RBIs for the Wildcats this year.
Addison Hicks, Elmore County Another softball player who
will be heading to Montgomery for North-South All-Star week is Hicks. She was a driving force for the Panthers this year, posting a .518 batting average and finishing with 73 hits. Hicks scored 53 runs for the squad and logged 19 RBIs.
Cheyann Easterling, Tallassee After a stellar freshmen season last year, Easterling continued that dominance in her sophomore year. She sat atop the Tigers leader board in batting average with .532 to pair with
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
It was all a product of design. Holtville softball coach
Reese Claybrook knew that if his team wanted to make waves in the postseason, it needed to use the regular season to do so. After carefully constructing the schedule to face off against some of the best teams in the state, Holtville finished the year with a 23-16-1 record.
The Bulldogs returned the regular season Class 5A Area 5 title back to Slapout while also taking the top spot in the area tournament. All collimating in them narrowly missing out on a bid to the state tournament in a loss to Beauregard by one run. For his efforts this season, Claybrook is the 2025 Elmore County Softball Coach of the Year.
“Our schedule this year, man was a gauntlet,” Claybrook said. “We knew it’s kind of what we needed to
be able to make the run in the postseason that we were able to do. My biggest takeaway from the season is, yes, you have your Bailea Boone’s, who put up your record-breaking stats every year. But it was from every girl we have on the team. All of them played a vital role. Every single person touched the field and played meaningful innings throughout the playoffs.”
Why I love signing season
After going to more signing days than I can count, they’ve slowly started to become some of my favorite moments with this job.
I think more than anything, it shows the level of talent we get to watch on a daily basis. No matter whether it is JuCo or Division I, both Tallapoosa and Elmore County are full of athletes who are deserving to play at the next level. There are even some who are talented enough to play, but ultimately decide to just pursue education in college which is something that should be equally celebrated.
What makes it great is even if my time as the sports guy for multiple papers hasn’t even approached a year yet and I’ve had only a small part in the lives of these student-athletes – they still show their apprecia-
SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Editor
tion. The thanks I receive from coaches, players and families alike have all added to my appreciation for the career I chose.
I think of Wetumpka’s signing day as one of the standout experiences, and let me just say the Indians know how to bring a crowd. The gym floor was packed to the brim with 15 students all signing their National Letters of Intent alongside their families and coaches. All the while, the bleachers were packed with classmates celebrating their friends.
However, my first signing day was Reeltown’s Tae Martin where I saw him take his talents to North Alabama just days before the Rebels appeared in the AHSAA Class 2A state championship game. When I first accepted the job here, Martin was one of the first players mentioned to me and his commitment to North Alabama was one of the first I wrote about. This year I got to watch what he brings to the table, and he certainly did not disappoint. I watched standout Benjamin Russell basketball player Iasia Anderson ink her commitment to Talladega College after leading the Wildcats to the Elite 8. I saw Dadeville baseball player Cooper Hardin sign to Marion Military Institute. I even got to watch Horseshoe Bend sign three kids to the next level with
Carson Lucas, Kori Woods and Kailee Giddens all going to the next level to continue what they love doing. And there are so many other notable athletes across both counties signed to play sports at the next level.
I’m excited to see what the future can bring for these athletes and frankly need to start figuring out when I can go see them play. There is also a growing excitement for what’s to come next for the next wave of student-athletes ready to take the next steps.
Again, I want to say thank you to everyone who let me be a part of your signing day. It’s awesome to see what you’ve all accomplished on the field to get where you are now.
Samuel Higgs is the sports editor of The Outlook.
racked up 104 strikes and posted a 5.920 ERA for her squad en route to the AHSAA Class 6A regional tournament appearance.
with a dominant 45 RBIs. On the year she had 47 hits with 10 doubles, two triples and three home runs.
her team-high 59 hits. Easterling added 52 runs, 21 RBIs and 42 stolen bases this season.
Ava Farmer, Wetumpka Another one of Wetumpka’s illustrious seniors was Farmer. She finished fourth on the team with a .455 batting average and logged 75 hits on the year. She scored a team-high 68 runs as the lead-off hitter while bringing in 44 RBIs — Farmer posted an on-base percentage of .502 which ranked fourth on the team.
Savannah Wyatt, Stanhope Elmore Wyatt was the Mustangs’ ace on the mound for the better part of the season. She appeared in 28 games for the team where she
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Continued from B1
It’s that level of impact throughout the entire lineup that made Holtville such a successful team. Claybrook knew his girls had trust in one another and with the coaching, to make whatever plays were needed to come out on top.
“Every single player on our team is capable of making the play that
Autymn Hollon, Wetumpka Hollon was another Wetumpka softball player who saw her numbers see a dramatic increase. Her batting average went up from a .190 as a freshman to now posting a .463, to pair alongside her 76 hits which was the third-best for Wetumpka this year. Hollon had 17 doubles to tie for first, five triples and four home runs to round out her sophomore year.
Reagan Easterwood, Tallassee Easterwood carried her success from her junior season into her final year. She finished with a .427 batting average which was second on the team while leading
changes the outcome of the game,” Claybrook said. “But none of them are expected to make the play that changes the outcome of the game. They trust each other to have each other’s back, they trust each other to put the team in the best situation to succeed, and they’re able to have that trust because they know the work that everybody puts in.”
During the regular
Kylie Snowden, Holtville
It was bombs away for Holtville’s Snowden this year. She hit a county-best 10 home runs for the Bulldogs this year — posting a .374 batting average. Snowden logged 43 hits, 48 RBIs and 20 runs scored.
Lalah Culpepper, Elmore County
Whether it was in the circle or at the plate, Culpepper had her hands in just about everything for the Panthers this season. She finished second on the team with a .469 batting average and 60 hits — four of which went for home runs. In the circle, Culpepper led the
season, Holtville faced off against four eventual state champions — taking home wins over two. Of course, the team would celebrate those victories, but Claybrook was more impressed with how his team responded after the losses. He keyed on one instance early in the season.
“It was pretty early in the season,” Claybrook said “We played a game and lost pretty handily.
team with 82 strikeouts and posted a 3.652 ERA.
SECOND TEAM
Wetumpka: Taylor Carlisle, Sophie Arant
Tallassee: Kam Tate
Elmore County: Addi Stephenson, Addy Peaden
Stanhope Elmore: Hayden Bush
Holtville: Avery Goff, Megyn
Burnett
Edgewood: Haylee Coleman, Lily Stubbs
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Wetumpka: Alyssa Brown, Abigail Adams
Tallassee: Marlee Osbourne
Elmore County: Raevyn Barris
Stanhope Elmore: Anaijhai
Russell
Holtville: Kinsley Faulk
Edgewood: Lexie Smith
We didn’t play our best, and we turned around the next night and are playing Prattville. We give up five (runs) in the first and we just steadily chip away and end up winning the game. I think it was 15-11, to win the game by several runs, and just seeing that there was no quit in our girls that they understood it was a big task at hand, but they weren’t going to back down from those chal-
DAVENPORT
Continued from B1
“Lily goes all the way back,” Wetumpka coach Daryl Otwell said. “She had a huge impact her sophomore year, early on in her career was one of the main factors to our state championship run.”
Her junior year was much of the same, but Davenport saved her best for last.
En route to the Indians’ run to the Class 6A regional tournament in Mobile, she stayed atop the team in almost every major offensive category. Davenport led the team with a .541 batting average and a team-high 86 hits, which ranks second all-time in a single season for Wetumpka. She also led the team with 66 RBIs, which ranks third all-time in a single season — also adding 17 doubles, five triples, seven home runs and 65 runs scored. For her efforts, Davenport is the 2025 Elmore County Softball Player of the Year.
With it all said and done, Davenport ranks second in school history with 277 career hits and second in RBIs with 213. What has played a major role in how she performs is the mindset she has when she touches the field.
“I have always really just focused on staying consistent,” Davenport said. “I knew that a lot of players go through really high highs and really low lows, so my main focus has always just been to stay consistent throughout all of my seasons and just really focus on being calm in the box and being a calm player overall.”
However, her impact goes much further than what she does on the field. Otwell has coached many standout players in his career, all of who exuded great leadership capabilities. Davenport is no different as a leader, but she does so in a different way.
“The one thing that I know this program and really the team, is going to miss most about Lily is just her presence every day,” Otwell said. “Lily always showed up ready to work and was very positive. Lily is one of the most positive people I’ve ever been around and she played that way. She trusted her work, but when anything, if any adversity, was set in this program or this team, Lily was always the positive one with a positive approach, whether it be a player or whatever situation.”
Although her time as an Indian has come to an end, her playing career has not. Davenport signed with Anderson University back in November of last year, a Division II school in South Carolina, and expects to continue her success at the next level. But knows her time at Wetumpka has set her in a great position to succeed.
“Playing with really high competitors has been a great help just getting around those good athletes and getting to play with them and watch them,” Davenport said. “But with Wetumpka as a whole, just the whole environment of the team is very supportive. My coaches have always pushed me to be better, and we’re always open to letting me get extra work or helping me figure out my swinging — little stuff like that has been super helpful.”
lenges.” Holtville will lose some key pieces from this year’s team as they head into next season, but Claybrook knows their fingerprints will be left on the program for years to come. The big thing for the team next year will be continuing that success with a new wave of players stepping into key roles both on the field and in the leadership category.
“(The seniors) they’ve
left their mark,” Claybrook said. “And that’s the biggest thing that I want to see from this group coming up is kind of continuing the legacy of those before them. Playing, as we put it — Holtville softball. So playing with a high intensity, attention to detail, doing the small things the right way, and just having a passion for the game and seeing success, both on and off the field.”
TEAM Continued from B1
Wetumpka’s Ava Farmer fires a throw to first base.
ONCE A REBEL, ALWAYS A REBEL
RHS seniors grab their diplomas
Cox named Reeltown valedictorian
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Hard work pays off.
Reeltown valedictorian Will Cox for the Class of 2025 knows this well. The goal of making it to valedictorian has been with him during his high school career as he signed up for dual enrollment and advanced classes.
Along with academics, Cox has also been part of the marching band, FCCLA, FFA, Beta Club and Scholar’s Bowl.
This fall, Cox will be attending Auburn University to study biosystems engineering, bioprocess pathway, hospitality management and culinary skills.
He said he is still deciding on what ultimately he wants to do after school, but the dream is to own and oversee farm to table operations.
Cox said he is excited about the move to Auburn and his next chapter in life.
He added it helps he already has friends there, which will make the transition smoother. Also getting involved early with what you want to do in the future helps with the transition as well.
While Cox is leaving high school behind, if there’s one thing he could tell incoming freshmen, it’s the importance of opportunities.
“Seek out opportunity and take every opportunity that is given to you,” he said.
PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL MURPHY TPI
Last Friday night, Reeltown High School seniors said their goodbyes to their now alma mater. With 55 graduating seniors, many loved ones gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025. The salutatorian was Christian Jackson and valedictorian was Will Cox. The ceremony was held at 7 p.m. on the football field.
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Hicks named to North-South All-Star softball team
TPI STAFF Staff Report
One of Elmore County softball’s very own will be heading to Montgomery in July.
Panthers junior Addison Hicks was selected to play in the NorthSouth All-Star softball game, proving she’s one of the best-rising seniors in the state. Along with other notable standouts, she will participate in All-Star week, where she will not only play with the best but also be coached by the best.
Hicks sat atop the totem pole in most offensive statistics for Elmore County in its
run to the AHSAA Class 5A Regional tournament appearance. In 133 at-bat last season, she led the team with 71 hits posting a .534 batting average and team-high .566 on-base percentage.
Of her plethora of hits, Hicks notched eight doubles and two triples. She also flourished as a base runner with a teamhigh 38 stolen bases for the Panthers. On the defensive end, Hicks had a .878 fielding percentage and only six errors.
All-Star week will begin July 21-26 with baseball, softball, golf, soccer and track all expected to compete.
Elmore County to participate in yearlong celebration for USA’s 250th birthday
TPI STAFF Staff Report
Elmore County is proud to announce Elmore County 250: A Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial. It’s a yearlong commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Beginning July 6, 2025, and running through June 27, 2026, the celebration will feature a series of monthly events honoring the people, places and pivotal moments that helped shape our nation.
This community-wide initiative will include engaging programs designed to educate, entertain and inspire residents and visitors of all ages. Events will take place at various historic and accessible locations throughout Elmore County and are free and open to the public.
Highlights of the celebration include:
• Revolutionary Soldiers Spotlight: Programs on figures such as Obediah Moore, Abraham Mordecai and Deborah Simpson, brave soldiers of the American Revolution with compelling stories of service and sacrifice.
• Revolution Rarities: A unique look at rare artifacts and stories from the Revolutionary era.
• Continental Navy Day: Dive into the maritime legacy of the war with interactive exhibits and expert talks.
Each event will feature exclusive souvenir t-shirts available on-site, while supplies last.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor our nation’s founding and the courageous individuals who fought for liberty,” chair of the Elmore County 250 Committee Sharon Fox said. “We’ve planned a rich and varied calendar of events that invites everyone to celebrate and reflect on our shared history.”
Accessibility is a top pri -
ority. All event venues are handicap accessible ensuring all community members can participate in this historic celebration. A full calendar of events is available online at elmoreco250.org and will be posted at libraries, community centers and other public spaces throughout the county. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future during Elmore County 250 — a tribute 250 years in the making.
SAMUEL HIGGS TPI
Elmore County’s Addison Hicks was named to the North-South All-Star softball team.
FILE TPI
A celebration of the United State’s 250th birthday will be held throughout Elmore County beginning July 6.