February 10, 2021 Tallassee Tribune

ECLECTIC, B6

NEWS, PAGE A6

Eclectic third grade student creates phone app

Regions will not fund CoreCivic megaprisons

SPORTS, PAGE B1 TALLASSEE SPLITS WITH BBREW REW TECH

INSIDE:

LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, EMENTS PAGE PAG GE A2 A2

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February 10, 2021

VOL. 123, NO. 06

Business blooming downtown, Sidewalk Sale set

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Restoration 49 Customs and Coffee opened their doors last week, and so did Tallassee Nutrition. In addition to the new business in the downtown area, Southern Girls Outlet has outgrown its current location and the retail store is seeking a larger facility that can house all of the inventory under one

roof.

Director of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Jerry Cunningham has lived in Tallassee for many years and he is happy to see the new growth and business development in the downtown area.

“It’s wonderful,” Cunningham said. “I take a lot of pride in this town.”

Cunningham and other active community members have put in

many hours of hard work sprucing up downtown Tallassee.

“Just starting in this first block -cleaning it up,” he said. “Now, littleby-little you start to see a store here, a store there. It’s very encouraging.

People are seeing it and enjoying it, and it’s nice to start seeing cars parked downtown on a more regular basis.”

These additions to downtown businesses are welcoming

and Cunningham, the forward momentum will only continue.

“It’s very energizing to see,” he said.

Not only is business growing, but bids for ALDOT’s TAP grant project are reopening, and work on reconditioning the downtown area should soon begin.

In addition to new and expanding businesses in the downtown area, See DOWNTOWN • Page A6

Tallassee man charged with 20 felonies STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

First Baptist Church Tallassee Student pastor Brandon Fomby donates an item for the annual silent auction which will be held both online and in-person this year.

Chamber announces changes to annual banquet

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

In a typical year, the Tallassee community is gearing up for the annual Chamber Banquet, but this year, due to safety precautions, there will be no large gathering. However, most of the annual event will proceed

County students invited to take part in black history contest

By BRIANA WILSON Bureau Chief

Students in the Elmore County Public Schools district have an opportunity

Single-vehicle accident claims life of Tallassee teen

in a new form.

“We will not have the banquet,” Cunningham said.

“The board decided that we should cancel the banquet part rather than postpone it because we didn’t know, in four or five months, where we would be.”

While the in-person dinner portion of the annual Chamber

Banquet has been canceled, the annual award recognitions and silent auction will proceed.

The Chamber will hold the 2021 awards celebration via a virtual platform on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.

“We will have it on Facebook Live,” Cunningham said.

to learn more about American history through the lens of African Americans thanks to a Black History Month project spearheaded by District 2 Board of Education member Wendell Saxon.

In honor of Black History Month, which is recognized every February, the contest invites third through 12th grade students to complete a poster board display or write an essay about an African American hero of the past or present.

Third through fifth graders are invited to create a poster board about an African American hero of the past or present while sixth through 12th graders are asked to write short essays ranging in length from a minimum of 300 words to 500 words depending on grade level.

Sixth through eighth graders will write essays answering the question, “Who would you pick as a role model and why?” The essay topic for ninth through

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

See BANQUET • Page A6

See CONTEST • Page A6

On Thursday, Jan. 21, investigators at the Tallassee Police Department received a citizen complaint in reference to fraudulent charges on a credit or debit card.

According to Chief of Police Matthew Higgins, investigators developed a suspect within a week and David McCormack, a 30-year-old white male of Tallassee, was charged and arrested on 20 counts of illegal possession/fraudulent use of a credit/debit card on Thursday, Jan. 28.

McCormack is currently in the Elmore County Jail with a $3,500 bond for each the 20 felony charges.

According to Higgins, the investigation is currently ongoing and more charges are possible.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

According to report form the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, a single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 8:55 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, has claimed the life of a Tallassee juvenile.

The teen was a passenger of a 2017 Hyundai Tucson driven by Anthony Reed Gann, 28, when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.

The youth succumbed to injuries following the crash.

The crash occurred on Upper River Road approximately 5 miles north of Tallassee, in Elmore County.

Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

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Page A2 • February 10, 2021

Obituaries Mr.Shirley Floyd Mr. Shirley Floyd, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Friday, February 5, 2021, at the age of 84. Graveside services will be held Monday, February 8, 2021, at 1:00PM from Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Rick Dorley officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Floyd is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanette (Meadows) Floyd; daughter, Shelby Durbin; son, Rex Floyd (Beth); grandchildren, Stephanie Durbin, Mandy Tally (Travis), Kelly Mann, Jamie Bianchi (Anthony) and four great grandchildren, Will and Wesley Tally and August and Rowan Bianchi. He is preceded in death by father, Jefferson Cornelius Floyd “Son”; mother, Lizzie Aulsie Collier Floyd and son-in-law, Bobby Durbin. Mr. Floyd drove a school bus for many years, delivering the children of Tallassee safely to and from school. He cared for his family, his land, and his cows and he did it well. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The family will receive friends Monday, February 8, 2021 from 12:30PM until service time at Rose Hill Cemetery. For those who wish to attend, we strongly urge that you please follow CDC guidelines by wearing your mask and practice social distancing.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Mackenzie Lynn Gunn Miss Mackenzie Lynn Gunn, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Friday, February 5, 2021, at the age of 18. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. from Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Wes Gunn and Rev. Steve Scarborough officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Gunn is survived by her brothers and sisters, Chelsea Hunter, Ean Weldon, Stephanie Anderson, Brittany Labonte, Autumn Labonte and Zachery Hammonds; grandparents, Mike Gunn, Jane Gunn and numerous aunts and cousins who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her father, Russell Gunn and mother, Robin Lynn Gilson; grandparents, Richard Gilson and Sandy Rector. For those who wish to attend, we strongly urge that you please follow CDC guidelines by wearing your mask and practice social distancing.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Police Reports TPD police reports Feb. 2- 7 Feb. 7

Negative contact was made following a call for a domestic incident on John Street.

TPD gave extra residential patrol on Jordan Avenue.

TPD gave extra business patrol on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Advice was for a call for reckless driving on Gilmer Avenue.

TPD gave extra residential patrol on Redden Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard.

TPD gave extra business patrol on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Advice was given following a call for suspicious activity on Gilmer Avenue.

A report was made for a domestic incident on Stewart Street.

Advice was given for a suspicious vehicle on 3rd Avenue.

TPD gave extra residential patrol on Jordan Avenue.

Negative contact was made following a report for a complaint of gunfire on Rickey Lane.

TPD assisted a motor vehicle accident on AL Hwy 229.

Animal control was called to Riverside Avenue.

TPD assisted with a stove fire on Friendship Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Dubois Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Salem Place.

Advice was given following a walkin on Barnett Boulevard.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on AL Hwy 229.

A follow up was made on Worthington Circle.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

TPD served two subpoenas on Subpoena Service W Main Street.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Hudson Place.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Noble Road.

TPD served two subpoenas on N McKenzie Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Hull Street.

TPD had a follow up on Cannon Road.

Advice was given for an animal complaint on Main Street.

Advice was given following a juvenile complaint on Holland Drive.

A report was made for theft on Gilmer Avenue.

TPD assisted a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

Advice was given for a walk-in on Barnett Boulevard.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on EB Payne Sr Drive.

Advice was given following a juvenile complaint on Gilmer Avenue.

TPD made two drug arrests and made two reports following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A report was made for a medical call on Herren Street.

Feb. 6

A report was made for the unauthorized use of a vehicle on Macedonia Road.

An accident report was made for a hit and run no injury/property damage on Indian Trail.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

TPD gave extra business patrol on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers answered a false alarm call on Hornsby Drive.

Advice was given following a call for a noise ordinance on Ashurst Avenue.

A warrant arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.

Advice was given following a follow up on Kent Road.

TPD gave extra residential patrol on Notasulga Road.

Negative contact was made following an attempt to contact on Cliff Street.

TPD assisted with a medical call on Kent Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

TPD made a welfare check on James Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Ashurst Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Notasulga Road.

Negative contact was made following a call for suspicious activity on Lower Tuskegee Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers responded to a false alarm call on Gilmer Avenue.

Feb. 5

A report was made following a call for a domestic dispute on Gilmer Avenue.

A report for criminal mischief was made on Riverhills Drive.

Advice was given following a call for a civil disturbance on Powers Avenue.

Negative contact was made following a report of reckless driving on AL Hwy 229.

Advice was given following a walkin on Barnett Boulevard.

An accident report was made following a motor vehicle accident w/ injury on Gilmer Avenue.

Advice was given following a walkin on Barnett Boulevard.

A supplement report was made following a walk-in on Barnett Boulevard.

TPD assisted another agency on Upper River Road.

Officers answered a false alarm call on Noble Road.

Officers answered a false alarm call on Herrin Hill Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.

TPD answered a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

TPD assisted a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

A written warning was issued following a traffic stop on N Ann Avenue.

TPD worked a school crossing on Friendship Road.

TPD worked a school crossing on AL Hwy 229.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on N Ann Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on N Ann Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Notasulga Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Notasulga Road.

TPD advised following a report of suspicious activity on 4th Street.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

February 10, 2021 • Page A3

S.O.A.R. Inc. to host a positive self-talk session

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The past 12 months have been a difficult time for many. The saferat-home order that has been in place for months is helping stop the spread of COVID-19, but that isolation can spark low self-esteem and worsen some mental health issues.

The nonprofit organization, S.O.A.R. Inc. will host a positive self-talk session for adults 25 and older at the Tallassee Recreation Center, located at 450 Gilmer Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. Titled “Being Different,” the event will offer advice on how to foster self-confidence and higher self-esteem, and at the same time, it will provide participants with skills to better deal with anxiety, organization, depression and communication.

“This is a way to engage the older generation and maybe even some parents to help change the narrative, if possible,” S.O.A.R. Inc. founder and operator Andrus Love said.

“Some people do not know how to properly appreciate themselves and deny negative thoughts and or words from others.”

S.O.A.R. Inc. serves many in the community, but this event is aimed at the adult population, with hopes that the positive self-talk will trickle down to the younger generation.

“I wanted to see if the 25-andolder individuals were interested in learning a new perspective and sharing it with their kids and or people in the household,” Love said.

Love hopes this event will help people better understand what is and is not controllable in life.

“The goal is to encourage selflove because some do not appreciate current lifestyles, but we can only change what we have power over and our thoughts are definitely one

of those things we can control with proper guidance.”

Love understands that selfconfidence starts at home. Parents cannot teach their children how to be self-assured individuals if they, themselves, are not armed with the skills needed to be a confident adult.

“I aim to help get the parents involved, and maybe we will begin to see a change in behavior during problematic situations overall,” he explained.

This event is for adults, both young and old.

“This group can be done for the young and old,” Love said. “Plus, I have several approaches to assist individuals young and old like anger management and problem-solving techniques, but I needed to start somewhere.”

Love is currently undergoing cancer treatment, but even that can’t stop him from helping the community.

“This particular area is what has been placed in my heart and I wanted to stay active within the community as much as possible,” he said.

While this event also aims to promote self-esteem and good mental health, physical health will be a top priority. Participants will need to bring their own folding chair, wear a mask and maintain a safe distance at all times.

“I ask that everyone bring some type of chair to sit in and be prepared to share thoughts, answer questions, and take notes,” Love said.

Love is anticipating a large turnout Wednesday evening.

“Hopefully, we can pack the Tallassee Recreational Department with 50 participants. If we help one person, the goal of offering a new perspective or outlook on their personal life would be accomplished,” Love said.

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) has declared this weekend, Jan. 29-31, Hometown Heroes Weekend.

Girl Scouts give back to Hometown Heroes STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Giving back is in the Girl Scout’s DNA, and during the cookie program that means giving back through Hometown Heroes. Girl Scout Cookies are yummy and mouth-watering, and who better to share them with than the men and women who proudly serve the community and the country.

With Hometown Heroes you can support different causes at the same time—a girl-led cookie business, active military personnel, local first responders, healthcare workers and other non-profit organizations that are making a difference every day.

Through the cookie program, girls are taught five basic skills that are essential to leadership, to success, and life: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. In addition to the five skills, through Hometown Heroes, girls learn how to give

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back to those who give so much.

During the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program, the local community donated over 17,688 boxes of cookies through the Hometown Heroes program.

“Hometown Heroes provides a wonderful way for individuals in our community to support Girl Scouts and the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” said Karlyn Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer for GSSA. “It’s a small way of making the world a better place while showing appreciation to those who protect and serve.”

Hometown Heroes donations can be made until to March 7. Donations are made in $4 increments with a Girl Scout on her Girl Order Card, online with Digital Cookie, or at a cookie booth. Help bring a smile to thousands of faces by donating to Hometown Heroes.

For more information on how to donate to Hometown Heroes, visit Girlscoutssa.org.

• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

Page A4 • February 10, 2021

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The Tribune strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

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Telephone: (334) 283-6568 Website: www.tallasseetribune.com

Management Steve Baker Publisher, 256-414-3190 steve.baker@tallasseetribune.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, 256-414-3191 angela.mullins@tallasseetribune.com Jacob Holmes News Editor, 256-414-3179 jacob.holmes@tallasseetribune.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, 256-414-3177 marketing@tallasseetribune.com Audra Spears Art Director, 256-414-3189 audra.spears@tallasseetribune.com Brittany Smith Magazine Managing Editor, 256-234-4282 brittany.smith@tallasseetribune.com Erin Burton Circulation Manager, 256-234-7779 erin.burton@tallasseetribune.com Lee Champion Production Manager, 256-414-3017 lee.champion@tallasseetribune.com Newsroom Carmen Rodgers Bureau Chief, 334-283-6568 carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com Joe Adgie Sports Writer, 334-350-3922 joe.adgie@tallasseetribune.com

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Time flies even when you’re not having fun T here is an old saying that goes something like this, “time flies when you’re having fun,” but, let’s talk about time. Time is very valuable. It is something that you can never get back and how you spend it directly impacts the future.

“Spend it wisely,” is often said about time and the saying could not be more accurate.

I am in my 40s now and time seems to go by so much faster than it did in my younger days.

When I was younger, a week seemed like forever.

Sometimes a day felt like forever. That’s not the case as anymore. At least, not for me anyway.

They say, “time flies.” If I had to describe it, time is much like a treadmill. When you first get on a treadmill, you start slow. But the more time spent on the treadmill, the faster you go. Time is

CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief

like that. When you first start out, time goes by slowly. But the older one gets, the faster it goes by. The momentum builds and, well, time flies by.

You have probably heard someone say, “time is short, so live for the moment.” That is good advice, but I think we should live for the moment and, at the same time, keep tomorrow in mind. I like to prepare, and I often think ahead. So, I guess you could say that I have a hard time living in the moment. But I do try.

Another saying is “if I could turn back time.” Well, there are some things that I

would do differently if I could turn back time. But that is impossible.

Maybe the best saying is, “time well spent.” Time is finite, and in my book, time is far more valuable than money. We all have obligations, but once those obligations are met, we have “free time.” How we spend that time determines so much.

The term “free time” is a cliché. No time is free. It is precious and limited.

I choose to spend my “free time” with the people I love the most, my family.

We make memories that no money can buy, and nobody can take away. Even when “time is up,” memories will carry on.

So, I guess this whole column is about time. Thank you for spending your time reading it. I hope you had a good time.

That’s all, until next time!

Advertising Sales Andy Carr Marketing Consultant, 334-350-3921 andy.carr@tallasseetribune.com

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E

Bringing out my happy face

very day with Abby is great. She is such a joy.

In fact, the name Abigail actually means “A Father’s Joy.” Sunday, Lucy and I took her for a drive and ended up at Mt. Cheaha. We all had the best time! From the farm in Tallapoosa County, it’s only about an hour’s drive, and the entire way is scenic in itself, including the plethora of poultry farms. They start in New Site and keep on going. It was a good day, and my happy face was on full display.

This morning, I didn’t feel very well. My knees were killing me, so I decided to let Abby stay home. That thirtyplus minute one-way drive just didn’t sound too enticing, so we decided to have a daddydaughter day.

We started off at Floyd’s in Dadeville, one of our favorite places, where we picked up some feed for the horses. I took her in, even though she was still in her pajamas. If I had footy pajamas, I might’ve still been in mine, too. She was playing like she was shy.

She does that sometimes.

On the way to the house, she asked, “Where was Elsa?” followed by inquiries about the current locations of Snow White, Moana, and Cinderella, so when we got home, we started watching Cinderella.

I know it’s not nice to call people ugly, but those two stepsisters would make a train take a dirt road. They

JODY FULLER Columnist are hideous. We’ve watched it over and over the past few weeks. I like it, too, but don’t care one iota about Cinderella II. It’s up there with Grease II as far as sequels go.

I sat next to her as she offered me one of her CheezIts. “Sharing is caring,” she said. Those sweet words brought out my happy face.

Shortly after that, she stabbed me in the leg with a golf tee. My happy face momentarily went away. It didn’t feel good, but she didn’t mean it. She was just poking me and should have used the other side, which she did the next hundred times.

At some point during the movie, I ran some water to wash a few dishes, but once the bubbles were seen, the sink was quickly commandeered by the three-year-old. Apparently, her Barbie needed to take a bath, as did her fox and duck, not to mention Minnie Mouse.

She, however, had no interest in a bath.

We crawled through the tunnel we made with cardboard boxes a few times.

Last night, I crawled under the house to look at some pipes, hence the pain in my knees

but training with her recently had me well-prepared for my impromptu plumbing session.

She was almost asleep but then requested a change of clothes. Her pajamas had gotten wet while playing over the sink. I grabbed some Santa Claus footies. I really need to get me a pair.

Eventually, she caved in and agreed to a bath. I picked up some “Bath Buddies” at Target recently, so she had a ball.

Literally. She has a ball and a rubber Ric Flair doll.

As I was getting her dressed, I pointed to her right hand and said, “This is your right hand,” followed by, “This is your left hand.” As I was putting on her shoes, I pointed to her right foot and said, “This is your right foot,” followed by, you guessed it, “This is your left foot.”

“Got it? “I asked. “Yes, daddy,” she replied, as I smiled.

She then pointed at my face and said, “And this is your happy face. Got it?”

She most certainly knows how to bring out my happy face, and she is her father’s joy, indeed—no doubt about it.

Jody Fuller is from Opelika.

He is a comic, speaker, writer nd soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller. com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller. com.

Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

STEVE FLOWERS S Columnistt

Big issues facing Alabama legislature

T

he 2021 legislative session has begun. It will be a monumental and difficult session.

Due to COVID restrictions, the logistics of just meeting will be a task. House members will be spread out all over the Statehouse to adhere to distancing requirements. It is still uncertain as to how the Press and lobbyists accommodations will be handled.

A new virtual voting console system has been installed to allow for House members to vote since all will not be on the House floor. There are a myriad of issues that have to be addressed. Last year’s session was abbreviated and adjourned before the halfway point due to the pandemic outbreak.

Therefore, it has been almost a year since the legislature has met.

There are hundreds of local bills that have to be addressed for cities and counties. Alabama’s archaic constitution does not allow for home rule.

All power rests with the legislature. Therefore, local governments have to come with hat-in-hand to the legislature to make vital decisions.

There are also cursory but urgent economic development incentive laws that need updating. The State Senate led by Senator Greg Reed (R-Jasper) has made a priority of passing legislation that will limit and probably prohibit lawsuits against business stemming from COVID-19.

The paramount issues will be Reapportionment, Gambling and Prisons. The major issue facing the legislature is the Tar Baby known as the prison problem. The governor and legislature have been grappling with the prison problem for several years.

Given the legislative absence, Governor Ivey has made executive decisions that some legislators are not totally enthralled with, especially regarding prisons.

The Governor thought they were on course to addressing the state’s overcrowded, understaffed, and violent state prisons. However, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the state in the U.S. District Court in Birmingham in December. The suit alleges that Alabama violates the constitutional rights of prisoners by failure to protect them from assaults and abuse from other inmates, excessive force by correctional officers, and failure to provide safe and sanitary conditions.

This litigation is not unique to Alabama.

The Justice Department has made a practice of overshadowing state prisons. Other states have been sued over similar situations. Overcrowding seems to be the over-riding culprit. Federal Courts have ordered states to reduce their prison populations because of overcrowding. California was given this mandate.

Alabama prisons hold more than 15,000 prisoners in facilities designed for fewer than 10,000. Governor Ivey has proposed building three men’s prisons and replacing many of the 13 current prisons. She faces contention and opposition from legislators on this issue. She now will have another Big Brother looking over her shoulder, the U.S. Justice Department and the federal courts.

Governor Ivey’s response to the federal suit is that it is premature and the state has been striving to resolve the crisis. Indeed, the Legislature and the Alabama Department of Corrections has stepped up recruiting of correctional officers and increased pay and bonuses to address the staff shortage. It has cracked down on contraband with a program called “Restore Order,” which uses predawn raids by law enforcement officers to search for weapons, drugs, cell phones and other prohibited items.

Gov. Ivey said the new prisons will have better security and better technology and will allow for more education and rehabilitation programs. The new prisons will also allow for modern surveillance cameras and convex mirrors that can detect violence problems.

Hopefully, the Governor and Legislature will address the omnipresent issue of gambling.

Alabama has grappled with gaming for decades.

Most of the concentration has focused on whether or not to have a state lottery. While we sat idly by and twiddled our thumbs, every other state in America except the Mormon state of Utah has created a lottery and more. Every state around us, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi have lotteries.

Mississippi funds their entire government to a large degree by every form of gambling imaginable.

In the face of honesty and fairness, the legislature should clarify and rectify the wrong done to the gaming centers at Macon and Greene counties. The citizens of these two Black Belt counties legally and rightfully voted for a Constitutional Amendment to allow them to have gambling and electronic bingo.

It is a flagrant disregard of the Constitution for their facilities to be thwarted in their efforts to proceed with their rights and ability to supplement their county’s needs.

The legislature will need to remove the stranglehold and monopoly that the Indian Gambling Syndicate has on our state in order to proceed with allowing people to vote on gaming.

See you next week.

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

www.TallasseeTribune.com

February 10, 2021 • Page A5

The best rock documentaries to stream

T

he further away we get from the 20th century, the more distant rock and roll as a cultural touchstone becomes.

Every few years, a new act is heralded as The Next Big Thing, and after a lot of fanfare and TV appearances they fade away.

Popular music, by its very nature, is meant to be somewhat disposable; yet, for those of us who love it, so much of it is enduring and becomes even more powerful and meaningful over time.

To wit: the last time a rock album was at the top of the charts was 30 years ago. A recent internet meme pointed out this fact: if “Back to the Future,” a film based on events three decades prior, were made today, Marty McFly would be shredding the guitar licks from 1991-era Nirvana – the last rock ‘n’ roll group that dominated radio.

Good music is out there, and rock is an influence. I am a fan of jazz, blues, classical, Broadway, rhythm and blues, soundtracks, choral and band music, country, hip-hop, bluegrass – just about anything. If it has a great melody, interesting lyrics, and a good beat, radio programmer Doc Kirby said it right: a good song is a good song is a good song.

Having established that, streaming services are loaded these days with some fantastic documentaries about musicians of the pre-rock and rock ‘n’ roll era (and beyond). A sure sign that rock and roll is getting older is the number of available films on the subject. Some recommendations follow.

ROLLING THUNDER REVUE: A BOB DYLAN STORY BY MARTIN SCORSESE (Netflix) Scorsese is a noted director (“GoodFellas,” “Taxi Driver,” et al), and has helmed musical features before – notably the Rolling Stones concert film “Shine a Light,” and even another feature on Dylan called “No Direction Home.” But this one is just way cool! We, the audience, are taken on a circuslike thrill ride through Bob Dylan’s 1975-76 tour across America that collected poets (Allen Ginsberg), Byrds (Roger McGuinn), guitarslingers (Mick Ronson), artists (Joni Mitchell), former girlfriends (Joan Baez), record producers (T Bone Burnett), and all other sorts of people under a gigantic tent of entertainment. The circus traveled from town to town on RVs and buses, seemingly at

personal downward spiral for a few years, then just when he is counted MICHAEL out, re-emerges stronger than ever.

The jewel of this documentary is BIRD the rare footage of Frank in an early Columnist 1970s concert setting performing some awesome versions of his hits.

Highly recommended, if you have random, not making much money the time. but certainly making a lot of CLIVE DAVIS: THE memories. Dylan, who spins SOUNDTRACK OF OUR contradictory fables about himself LIVES (Netflix) and others, is certainly putting on a You may not know the name show as the ‘characters’ weave in Clive Davis, but you know his and out of the movie, leaving the music. As an Artist & Repertoire viewer wondering what was real man for Columbia Records (hired and what was imagined. I enjoyed by Mitch Miller!), he gave us it so much, I plan to watch it again. Janis Joplin, Santana, Billy Joel, FIFTY BY FOUR (Amazon Blood Sweat & Tears, Loggins & Prime) Messina, Chicago, Earth Wind & David Crosby from the Byrds, Fire, Pink Floyd, and Aerosmith.

Stephen Stills and Neil Young Later, he founded Arista Records, from Buffalo Springfield, and and had tremendous success with Graham Nash from The Hollies Barry Manilow, Carly Simon, the met, by chance, at a party and Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick, began harmonizing. Within a few Brooks & Dunn, Aretha Franklin, days, they were performing at Alicia Keys, Alan Jackson, Brad Woodstock! Crosby, Stills, Nash Paisley, and Whitney Houston & Young created beautiful music among others. He is currently the that has lasted far beyond the time Chief Creative Officer of Sony in which it was recorded, but the Music Entertainment, which puts behind-the-scenes ego trips (not to him back in charge of Columbia mention drug trips) that fueled and Records as well as other labels broke up the band are all told in under their umbrella such as this insightful, truthful documentary RCA Records as well as Arista. that features archival clips as well This documentary was a musical as modern day interviews with education for me, and I learned a all four musicians as well as their lot about the business side of the associates and producers. Quite industry. simply, the whole is greater than HITSVILLE: THE MAKING the sum of its parts. These guys OF MOTOWN (Amazon Prime) work magic when they are together, Join Berry Gordy and Smokey if they can stand to be in the same Robinson as they reminisce over room long enough to press the the founding of a record label that record button. defined what Gordy called “The ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL Sound of Young America” in the (Amazon Prime) 1960s. Berry Gordy came from a Frank Sinatra was the greatest large (he was 7th out of 8 children) interpreter of popular song in the well-connected Detroit family, but twentieth century. Period. This yearned to be a part of the record four-hour documentary, which I business. His jazz record store watched over two nights, takes us went out of business and he found all the way back to Hoboken, New himself a penniless songwriter Jersey, where Frank was born and until Jackie Wilson recorded one raised, dreaming of the big time of his compositions. Gordy used in New York City, the skyline that money as the foundation for of which he could see across the Hitsville, U.S.A., a home where he Hudson River. Frank’s ups and set up everything needed to make downs are shown in entirety and hit records: a choreography class, a with detail. After winning a talent charm school, talented composers, show, he becomes the vocalist for and of course the best studio band Harry James, then Tommy Dorsey, in the business that backed The then a solo headliner selling out Miracles, The Supremes, The the Paramount Theatre. From Temptations, The Four Tops, The there, Frank manages to become Jackson 5, and more. His theory an entertainer who can do no on what grabs a listener’s ear is wrong as he is awarded for movie still true, and of the documentaries performances and record sales all reviewed here, this might be the while an adoring public can’t seem most educational and entertaining to get enough. He then goes into a of them all.

Bucket lists: Recent retrospectives and singular ‘items’

I

retired from my “day job” at The Tallassee Tribune just over five years ago.

I’d written earlier about (thenupcoming) personal bucket lists in my newspaper column and had resolved to try to accomplish most of my own “quests” relatively soon after my final day of employment.

My list had been comprised entirely of historical places to visit; there was no “activity” goal like skydiving, unless swimming with manatees counts. That trip to Crystal River, Florida was a fascinating family experience.

Among the locales and sites I’ve ultimately visited (and chronicled in the Tribune as post-retirement, travelogue-style commentaries) were the Mississippi Delta, the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, the H.L. Hunley in South Carolina, the Trinity Site and the Very Large Array in New Mexico, and others.

And perhaps the first half-decade of retirement juncture marks an appropriate point to take stock of how much of a personal bucket list has been accomplished, and to what extent—if any—other facets should still be pursued, if possible.

What’s more, the current lockdown has given almost all of us some additional opportunities for contemplation, regardless of age or employment status.

At this point, a few so-called bucket list items might still be optional for yours truly. As a child of the ‘60s Space Race, I’ve seen four of the six flown Mercury spacecraft and two of the three leftover Apollo-Saturn V rockets,

or activity a person would undertake if, for some bizarre WILLIE reason, he/she was only allowed to do one thing or visit one place.

MOSELEY “Why?” would obviously be the Guest first question concerning such a Columnist selection. There would also be the distance factor as well as expenses.

As of now, I would probably go so the notion of completing the with the Trinity Site. “sets” has merit.

Located in an isolated part of the I’ve never visited Graceland. desert on government property (to Hmm. Failure to make a which access is forbidden to the pilgrimage to the King’s castle general public for 363 days each might be considered neglectful year), the Trinity Site isn’t some heresy to some folks down here. roadside attraction beckoning to There are also potential revisits passing motorists. A visit to the to certain places that have been location of the world’s first atomic renovated/improved/whatever. bomb detonation must be planned Touring the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio was well in advance.

But the twelve-foot stone obelisk a fascinating experience some eight years ago, but a fourth huge hangar installed at Ground Zero (in 1965) beckons to all of humanity in its museum has since been erected own ominous way. It’s fair to to house experimental aircraft say that world history underwent and spacecraft next to the original its most dramatic shift ever on three buildings (The X-planes and associated vehicles were previously July 16, 1945 at this remote, windswept location in the Land of housed elsewhere on base, and Enchantment. visitors had to be bussed to that And almost 76 years later, that hangar). stone sentinel’s silent watch and All in all, however, I’ve message are still compelling. pretty much completed my list, Everyone’s personal bucket list so I haven’t experienced much will differ, and thank goodness for frustrated tourist angst caused that. I don’t feel obligated to return by the pandemic. That said, to the Trinity Site, but in spite of some of my friends who have its foreboding implications, its already traveled extensively in historical importance ought to be their retirement—one couple branded into the conscious of every has a motor home in which they practically reside permanently—are person on the planet.

Willie G.Moseley is the News experiencing what might be termed Editor Emeritus for The Tallassee as “immobility fever.”

Tribune, Senior Writer for Vintage One rumination that recently Guitar Magazine, and the author manifested itself was to consider of 14 books. what singular sojourn/pilgrimage

Page A6 • February 10, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

File / The Tribune

Representatives with Regions Bank announced that the financial institution will not finance CoreCivic in its latest construction projects that includes two of the three mega-prisons to be built in Alabama.

Regions will not finance CoreCivic’s latest mega-prison projects Anderson stated.

Regions Bank also said that it will not finance CoreCivic in its latest construction projects that include two of the three megaprisons to be built in Alabama.

One of the two mega-prisons is scheduled for construction on Riffle Range Road just outside the Tallassee city limits.

Additional financial industries such as JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, SunTrust, and others, have also pledged to stop financing the private prison industry in 2019. Collectively, these institutions provide 87.4 percent of CoreCivic’s current financing.

Although like Regions, several of those banks have agreements to continue funding CoreCivic through 2023.

“Regions Bank is committed to creating more inclusive prosperity and advancing racial equity. We hope to work together collaboratively to advance our shared goals of a more just and equitable society,” Anderson said.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

God’s Congregational Holiness Church’s Bishop Adolphus Gauntt enjoyed a double cheese burger from the 1220 Café during the Thursday, Feb. 4, Rotary Club meeting. The Tallassee Rotary Club meets every Thursday at noon for lunch and community fellowship. The local civic organization alternates meeting at the 1220 Café and Cozumel Mexican Restaurant.

For more information or to join the Tallassee Rotary Club, contact Carmen Rodgers at 334580-7089.

Banquet “We will take the opportunity to introduce our Chamber members and the businesses that are involved, as well as the individuals. We will also recognize our Chamber Ambassadors.”

The 2021 Volunteer of the Year will be honored with the Frances Wagnon Award. The Chamber’s Lifetime Award will winner will be announced via Facebook Live, and so will the Businesses of the Year and the President’s Award winner.

The annual silent auction is still a go, but it will be a hybrid event. Bidders will have the opportunity to bid on items in-person or virtually. The twoday virtual auction will be held online via Facebook Live on Wednesday, Feb. 24, and again on Thursday, Feb. 25.

For those comfortable bidding in-person, the Chamber will offer that option as well.

“In-house, on Wednesday, Feb. 24, items will be set up here in the Chamber office and

Downtown the Chamber has plans for an upcoming Sidewalk Sale. Sidewalk Sales are becoming a regular event in the downtown area and with plenty of room for social distancing, the organization has planned another sale for March 13 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“That event has been wellattended in the past and we are looking forward to another good

Contest 12th graders is focused on how the contributions of African Americans have impacted their lives.

All students who wish to participate have a deadline of Feb. 16 to submit their work.

Saxon said Martin L. King Jr. and Rosa Parks are the only two people students are prohibited from selecting.

“I really want students to do some research and find people they didn’t previously know about, or maybe it’s someone that they’ve heard of and want to learn more about,” Saxon said.

“This contest doesn’t supersede any plans at individual schools.

This is something I proposed as the District 2 board member and my fellow board members fully supported this project.”

A diverse group of residents from throughout the county will observe and judge the entries, Saxon said. First, second and third place overall winners will be named in three categories:

continued from Page A1 you can come by here and bid in-person if you’d rather do that,” Cunningham said. “So, you have one day to come and bid in-person or two days to bid online.”

All proceeds from the silent auction go toward the Chamber’s student scholarship.

“It will be on Facebook Live and I encourage people to watch that,” he said.

In addition to the online and in-person bidding, a list of the items that will be up for grabs will be published ahead of the auction.

The Chamber is currently accepting contributions for the silent auction. All proceeds from the silent auction go toward the Chamber’s student scholarship.

“We just ask that it be $25 or more,” he said. “We have some people who donated up to $300 and $400.”

To donate to the silent auction, contact Cunningham at 334-3122679.

continued from Page A1 event this time as well.”

With five weeks before the March Sidewalk Sale, Cunningham is hopeful for warmer weather.

“It could be cool, but probably not cold as it is now,” he said.

“People have plenty of room to space out and things like that.”

Vendors are welcome. For vendor information contact Cunningham at 334-312-2679.

continued from Page A1

To promote more inclusive prosperity and advance racial equity, Regions Bank announced it will not finance the state’s latest mega-prison construction projects, one of which is planned for construction on Riffle Range Road just outside the city limits of Tallassee.

On Friday, Jan. 29, representatives with Regions Bank announced that the bank has committed to stop financing the private prison “behemoth” CoreCivic. This decision comes following a meeting between Regions Bank and Black Lives Matter Birmingham, Faith in Works, and Alabama Students Against Prisons.

“The decision has been made that Regions will not extend additional credit services to CoreCivic beyond our current contractual obligations,” Regions Bank Senior Vice President of Reputation Management Susan

CommunityCalendar

Submit calendar items: Participate in your Tribune by calling 334-567-3284, faxing them to 334-567-3284, sending your event to carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com or logging on to

http://www.thewetumpkaherald.com/.

Feb. 10

S.O.A.R Inc to host Being Different, a positive self-talk session at the Rec Center at 6 p.m.

Feb. 11

March 7

Blakely’s Handprint Pottery Party hosted

by Custom Creations by Lora and Blakely Taylor.

March 18

Tallassee Rotary Club will meet at the Cozumel Mexican Restaurant at noon.

Feb. 14

Tallassee High School Hall of Pride inductions at 10 a.m. in the school’s auditorium.

Feb. 23

Southern Girls Outlet will be at the SLE Rodeo beginning Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m.

Valentines baskets drawing. A fundraiser for Andrus Love. For tickets call 334-4153635.

Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival. Vendors open at 9 a.m. and the parade begins at 1 p.m.

Feb. 23

Tallassee city council work session inside the chambers at city hall beginning at 5 p.m.

Tallassee city council regular meeting inside the chamber at city hall beginning at 6 p.m.

March 18-20

March 10-21

The SLE Rodeo will open on March at the Garrett Coliseum with the 6th Annual SLE High School & Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

Submit an upcoming event at carmen. rodgers@tallasseetribune.com or text 334580-7089.

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third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade and ninth through 12th grade.

All winners will receive prizes and their work will be displayed in the Museum of Black History on Feb. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. and on Feb. 28 from 1-4 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to stop by the view the students’ work.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

February 10, 2021 • Page A7

Lucille Whitten Sharp painting added to DAC Collection STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

After searching for more than six years, the Dixie Art Colony Foundation recently announced the acquisition of a 1948 oil painting by Dixie Art Colony artist Lucille Whitten Sharp.

This oil on canvas is in excellent condition and framed in its original gold leaf frame with fragments of two exhibition labels located on the frame’s reverse side.

“Finding artwork and biographical information for the lesser-known Dixie Art Colonists is a task that takes significant research, time and tenacity,” states a release from the DAC Foundation. “When researching these artists, our

most fruitful source has been the family of some of the more widely-known colonists.”

Lucille Burt Whitten (Sharp) was born on Oct. 4, 1883, in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Silas Ray Whitten and Ruth Sawyer Burt (Whitten). Sharp was a graduate of Jackson, Mississippi’s Belhaven University, a charter member of the Allison Art Colony, and an early member of the Art Study Club and the Mississippi Art Association. She attended the Dixie Art Colony during the 1940s.

The Art Study Club was organized in 1903, and in 1911 the club purchased their first piece of art for what is now the Mississippi Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The

Mississippi Art Association was formed in 1916 by the Art Study Club and opened its first gallery in 1927 in an old house donated to the city of Jackson for that purpose. In 1966 they hired their first paid director, and in 1978, the Mississippi Museum of Art opened its doors.

The formation of the MMA is another example of how many of the Dixie Art Colony artists played a significant role in shaping the future of art in the South.

Sharp passed away on March 19, 1973, in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 89.

She is best known for her landscape paintings painted during her travels across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Submitted / The Tribune

A 1948 oil painting by Lucille Whitten Sharp has been added to the DAC collection.

Reetown Elementary wins Pet ownership comes with responsibilities $5K from state for moving up one letter grade Humane Society of Elmore County News

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

February is Responsible Pet Ownership month. Below are guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association about what it means to be a responsible pet owner. Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities that include: - Lifelong care of the pet.

This means committing to the relationship for your pet’s entire life.

- Selecting a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions.

- Recognizing that owning a pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.

- Keeping only the type and number of pets for which you can provide an appropriate and safe - environment. This includes appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

- Animals that spend extended

periods of time outside require habitats that protect their health, safety, and welfare. Outdoor confinement of an animal should include provisions to minimize distress or discomfort to the animal, and assure access to appropriate food, water, and shelter from extreme weather conditions.

- Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that their registration information in associated databases is kept up-to-date Adhering to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements.

- Helping to manage overpopulation by controlling your pet(s)’ reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter.

Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

- Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of your pet(s) in consultation with, and

as recommended by, your veterinarian.

- Socialization and appropriate training for your pet(s) to facilitate their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people.

- Preventing your pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment. This includes proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) to stray or become feral.

- Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet(s)’ age, breed, and health status.

-Include your pets in your planning for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.

-Making arrangements for the care of your pet when or if you are unable to do so.

- Recognizing declines in your pet(s)’ quality of life and making decisions in consultation with your veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia).

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Reeltown Elementary School was recently recognized for its improvement by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) as a part of the 2021 Legislative School Performance Recognition Program.

The program rewards high-performing schools as well as schools that improve their overall annual ranking by at least one letter grade.

RES will receive $5,000 for moving its ranking from 75 (C) to 88 (B). The reward is funded by Alabama’s Education Trust Fund.

“We are very pleased with the work of our staff and students at Reeltown Elementary whose efforts have been recognized as being one of 50 schools from across Alabama to receive this award by the State Department of Education,” Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Raymond Porter said in a statement. “Staff, students and stakeholders alike should be very proud of this accomplishment.”

RES is one of 50 schools and the only Tallapoosa County school to receive the award.

Pet of the Week Ameila

Ameila is a female, possibly a Shepherd/Hound/ Heeler mix. She is 1.5 years old and weighs about 45 pounds.

She is a very active and playful girl who loves to run and run some more. She is good with other dogs but is not good with cats. Amelia loves toys and will be great in an active family with older children.

Adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1-year-old. Cats over 1-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely 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 Ameila or any of the pets at the humane society, send an email to hselco@ bellsouth.net to get an adoption application. Once that is cleared, an appointment will be set up. Walk-in adoptions are not allowed at this time.

The shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka, the phone number is 334-567-3377, and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

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Page A8 • February 10, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Making tomorrow better

A

s we finished 2020 with its pandemic, political strife and social turmoil, I heard many people express hope that the new year would be better.

Many of us and people we love experienced so much sickness and sadness last year. You probably agree that 2020 was a rough one.

I think most of us operate with a closer focus than what a whole year has been or will be like. We are more tuned to day by day experience than an entire year. After a day that was hard in some way, you’ve probably said something like, “Surely tomorrow will be better.” When most of the news we heard in a day was discouraging, we tell ourselves and others to hold onto hope for better days to come.

Maybe you’ve wished for better tomorrows when you’ve not been well, and you’re sick and tired of

being sick and tired. Perhaps you’ve been frustrated as you watched people you love suffer, and felt helpless to make a difference. It might have been the overloaded feeling of a busy, stressful day. But for whatever reason you’ve said it, please allow me to encourage you about some ways to help tomorrow be not just another day, but a better day.

Let’s first note a few things that won’t make tomorrow any better. Just saying it will be does not make it so. Boasting about what you’ll do to make it better won’t really help.

We don’t know for sure that we will even be here tomorrow or what the day may bring (Proverbs 27:1).

I also know your tomorrows won’t be better if you leave the Lord out of them. It’s wise to make plans for tomorrow and the future, but it’s foolish to make them without considering the will

MIKE MCELROY Columnist of God for yourself and your future (James 4:13).

I also know I can’t make tomorrow better by anxiously worrying about it today (Matthew 6:34).

Worry is almost certain to make both today and tomorrow worse. Worry is often a byproduct of unbelief, and faithless thinking and living are not the way to better days.

However, you can do some things to make tomorrow better. One way to make a positive difference in tomorrow is to get today’s work done today. Jesus was talking about the “day” of his life on earth coming to a close when he said, “We must work the works of him

who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

How many times have I complicated the next day by pushing what I should have done today into tomorrow?

Another way to make tomorrow better is to deal with anger, grudges and hurt feelings today (Ephesians 4:26-27). Held anger only sours and ruins another day. It’s healthier to resolve conflicts today.

Tomorrow will be better if you give and receive encouragement today (Hebrews 3:13). How many times has an encouraging word from a friend made a positive difference in your day? You have the opportunity to pay that positive difference forward by encouraging someone in your path today. Instead of discouraging people around you, you can help build a community of loving support by encouraging someone around you today. You may need it tomorrow.

But the best way I know to make tomorrow better is to trust God’s promises and

embrace the blessings of daily renewal in Christ. Your inner person can be renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).

You can start today (and tomorrow if it comes) with gladness and thanksgiving (Psalm 118:24). Treat every day God gives you, including a difficult one, as a unique gift from God (Psalm 90:12).

I didn’t quote these passages I’ve cited today for a reason. I encourage you to look up these references and mark them in your Bible.

List them and keep the list in your Bible. Review them when you’re struggling with difficult days. God’s word will do far more for you than my words to make today and tomorrow better.

When you behave with godly wisdom about today, you are making tomorrow better. We are future blind.

We don’t know about tomorrow, but we know who does know. Trusting God is the best way I know to make tomorrow better.

Church Briefs Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at an outdoor service. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ Please wear a mask and bring a chair. In case of inclement weather, check Facebook for updates.

Bethlehem East Baptist Church

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.

We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

Our Wednesday night services will begin this week, Oct. 7th at 6:30 p.m. meeting in person in the fellowship hall. We will also continue Facebook Live at 6:30 p.m.

Carrville Baptist Church

Carrville Baptist church would like to let everyone know of our new hours and we invite you to join us every Sunday Morning in worship and praise to Our Lord.

Sunday School now starts at 9 a.m. and Morning Worship at 10 a.m. You can social distance and still serve the Lord, we do have mask and sanitizer available for all who need them.

East Tallassee United Methodist Church

ETUMC is holding services on Sunday at 11 a.m. and at 5 p.m.

The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located at the side of the old East Tallassee Hospital, across from the library. We will offer various priced booths. To

reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913 or Melanie Baker at 334-415-8314. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church of Tallassee invites anyone who is interested in strong Biblical teaching to join us for our Sunday service. Our church meets from 11 a.m-12 p.m. every Sunday. The church is located at 514 Central Boulevard. We are an Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). The motto of the EPC is “In Essentials, Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty.

In All Things, Charity; Truth in Love.”

Our minister, Rev. John Eidsmoe is a retired Air Force Colonel as well an attorney. His current sermon series is about the twelve tribes of Israel. Sermon text is from Genesis 49.

Thought for the Week: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” –Mother Teresa

Elam Baptist Church

In 2021 the pandemic continues as we continue to love and serve the Lord at Elam Baptist Church, 4686 Notasulga Road, Hwy 14, and Tallassee, AL 36078 334-283-2800. The 10 a.m.

Morning Worship Service continues each Sunday in the Sanctuary with Pastor Joseph Fain with special music. Social distancing and safety guidelines are observed.

Face mask are available. Join us.

Attend expecting a blessing and you will receive. Live Streaming services on FB (Facebook) “Elam Baptist Church Media Ministry” are available with the Pastor as follows: Sunday Morning 10 a.m. weekly (Sanctuary or FB); Daily Devotion Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. daily; Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 6:15 p.m. weekly; Story Time with Mrs. Sherry each Thursday 2 p.m. Children will enjoy this. Join us for all services in church and online as we continue to seek the Lord, reach the lost and minister to believers during

these uncertain times. You are invited and welcome. Pray daily for blessings from above. God is love. “These three, Faith, Hope and Love remain but the greatest of these is LOVE.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

First United Methodist Church

Due to the high number of COVID cases in our community, FUMC Tallassee has suspended all in-person gatherings and events through the end of January. We invite you to join with us in worship online Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. via our website: fumctallassee.com. Visit our website for the latest information about our services and ministries, and to watch Pastor Clint’s Daily Devotionals at 8 am each weekday morning. You can check out and “Like” our Facebook page for current updates and information: facebook.com/fumctallassee. Our church office remains open M-Th, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. 334-283-2195.

Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore

5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 5142881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada

ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 5412006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-

HERREN HILL PHARMACY & GIFTS

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Talisi Florist 906 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL (334) 991-4230

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Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 5674417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 5672486 Harvest Baptist

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2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5678750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 5674441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024

Phone

East Tallassee Baptist Church

SUNDAYS Sunday School.......................................9:15 AM Worship Service...................................10:25AM Evening Worship...................................5:00PM Youth & Children’s Bible Study...........5:00 PM WEDNESDAYS Bible Study..............................................6:00 PM Youth & Children’s Bible Study............6:00 PM Children in Action.................................6:00 PM 314 Central Blvd. • Tallassee, AL • (334) 283-5808

‘‘ Y O U R L O C A L G A S G O M P A N Y ’’ WETUMPKA OFFICE CLANTON OFFICE 1050 Woodfin Lane • (205) 755-2739 7616 US Hwy. 231 • (334) 567-8833 SLAPOUT OFFICE TALLASSEE OFFICE 9945 Holtville Road • (334) 569-3325 1603 Gilmer Avenue • (334) 283-2795

CITY COLLISION FOR ALL YOUR PAINT AND BODY NEEDS 89077 Tallassee Hwy. • Tallassee, AL dlh4012@aol.com Dana Haynes, Owner 334-391-7345

Submit your church news to: editor@tallasseetribune.com

The deadline is FRIDAY at noon

334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 5670923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 5413460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 5678649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 334-567-7811.

–––––– The Tallassee Tribune

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Sports

Phone: 334-283-6568 Fax: 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com

February 10, 2021 • Page B1

The

Tribune

Reeltown fishing team wins Lake Martin tournament

By JOE ADGIE Sports Writer

A boat from Reeltown High School bested over 160 other boats to win on Lake Martin last weekend.

The team, which consisted of senior Colt Adcock and sophomore Brody Ledbetter, won the tournament, which was held Jan. 30 on the lake. The tournament featured teams from high

schools from across the state of Alabama and was sanctioned by the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association.

The pair won with five catches each for a total weight of 13.33 pounds, topping West Morgan’s boat who finished second with a weight of 12.59 pounds.

The win provided Adcock and Ledbetter with some prizes for their

catches. Adcock, with a 5.65 pound largemouth bass, won Big Fish of the tournament, which earned him $500 in scholarship money, while the two won $1,000 in scholarship money each.

Clint Burgess, advisor to the Reeltown Bass Club, said the win wasn’t about luck, but about the two understanding Lake Martin.

“Adcock and Ledbetter

are locals to Lake Martin and serious fishermen,” Burgess said. “They spend hours on and off the lake, learning and honing their skills. So when tournament day comes, they aren’t depending on luck to get them on stage and on top of the leaderboard.”

Burgess said that Ledbetter has said that his team hardly takes time to eat, much less anything else during fishing

tournaments.

“These anglers put in work, and the results are well deserved,” Burgess said.

The Jan. 30 event was the third time that the two had fished this season on Lake Martin. On Oct. 31, the two beat 95 other teams with a 12.72 pound bag, while they finished sixth out of 84 boats on Dec. 18 with a 9.68 pound bag.

Area high school athletes compete in state track and field championships

By JOE ADGIE Sports Writer

TALLASSEE SPLITS WITH BREW TECH

By JOE ADGIE Sports Writer

T

he Tallassee Tigers split a series of boys’ and girls’ basketball games with the Brewbaker Tech Rams Tuesday.

The Brewbaker Tech Rams’ girls team easily defeated the Tallassee girls, 72-39 in the first game, while in the second game, the Tallassee boys had their way with the Brew Tech Rams, beating them 64-39.

In the girls’ game, Brew Tech set the tone very early, leading Tallassee 17-4 at the end of the first quarter, with the only points from Tallassee coming from Jyteriuna McKinnon and from Siomoria Washington.

The Tallassee girls team attempted to come back in the second quarter, with Brew Tech leading 32-17 at the half.

Tallassee’s performance in the second quarter included two points from A’keelah Hutchinson, three from Janiya Johnson, including one for two on free throws, five from McKinnon, including one of only two three-pointers for Tallassee in the entire game, and three from Washington, including one free throw.

However, Brew Tech pulled away in the second half of the game, winning by a final score of 72-39.

McKinnon led Tallassee with 18 points on the

A handful of area athletes participated in the AHSAA Indoor Track and Field State Championships this past weekend.

The event, which took place at the Birmingham CrossPlex Friday and Saturday, saw athletes from Wetumpka, Tallassee and Elmore County, participate against the best track and field athletes from across Alabama.

Girls In the triple jump for 4A and 5A schools, Chloe Baynes of Tallassee finished second in the finals with a distance of 30 feet, four inches. The winner of that competition, Brynn Holbrook from Whitesburg Christian Academy, had a distance of 35 feet, 3.5 inches.

In the shot put event, Tallassee’s Alexis Love finished fourth in the finals with a distance of 29 feet, 4.25 inches. Avary Lumpkin, also of Tallassee, finished 12th with a distance of 24 feet, 10.25 inches.

The winner was Ambria James from Center Point with a distance of 35 feet, four inches.

The long jump event, Baynes finished fourth with a distance of 16 feet, 1.75 inches. Chanice Spicer from Brewbaker Tech won with a distance of 17 feet, two inches.

The 60 Meter Hurdles, Baynes See CHAMPIONSHIP • Page B2

Tallassee wrestling looks ahead, despite pandemic

By JOE ADGIE Sports Writer

Joe Adgie / The Tribune

Top: Jalyn Daniels maneuvers around a Brew Tech defender in Tallassee’s 64-49 victory on Tuesday. Above: Tae Collins, taking advantage of a breakaway in the first quarter, slams the ball into the net.

day. Johnson ended up with 11 points, six of which came from free throws. Johnson was sixfor-eight on free throws on the evening.

In the boys’ game, however, the Tallassee Tigers had a much better go of things, running more or less equal with Brew Tech before pulling away in the second half and not looking back.

The first quarter was highlighted by a breakaway from Tae Collins, who took advantage of the opportunity to slam the ball into the net midway through the period. Tallassee led 12-10 at the end of the first, with the advantage coming from two free throws near the end of the quarter.

That lead built to 24-20 at the end of the first half, with Jamicah Humphrey leading the scoring in the second with seven points, including one free throw.

In the second half, however, Tallassee turned up the heat and Brew Tech had little response.

Humphrey led the team with 20 points on the day, while Collins trailed closely with 18 points.

Boosting Humphrey’s scoring was a perfect five-for-five on free throws during the game, as well as one three-pointer in the third quarter.

Collins was five-for-seven at the free throw line, and he too had a three-pointer, in the fourth.

The next game for the Tallassee Tigers is on Thursday, when the Elmore County Panthers come to town to face off.

The events of the last year have played havoc on almost all scholastic sports and wrestling was certainly no exception.

In a normal year, the Tallassee Tigers would likely be preparing for sectionals, hoping that a good performance in the event would be enough to make it to the state tournament.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of those plans.

Tallassee Tigers head coach John Mask spoke on Thursday about the differences between this year and any other year.

“This is the first time it’s been done the way it is now,” Mask said.

“We’ve always had sectionals, so we’d go to the Garrett Coliseum or the Cramton Bowl (in Montgomery), and you’d compete and earn your way to state. Top eight from south and top eight from north would advance, and you’d have a 16-man bracket. But this year, due to COVID, we’re not having the sectional tournament, which is the qualifier.

So, every coach will enter their lineup, and TrackWrestling will seed it, and tell you who’s in. So, we don’t know who’s in.”

TrackWrestling is used from every competition level from youth athletics to elite level competition.

High schools use the site to track their wrestlers and wins and losses See WRESTLING • Page B2

Page B2 • February 10, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Reeltown girls edge out Dadeville

By DARIUS GOODMAN Sports Writer

When the game came down to the wire, fans in attendance weren’t sure who was going to walk out as the winner.

However, after a long and hard-fought game, it was the Reeltown girl’s basketball team who left with the 47-43 victory over Dadeville to continue their season for another week.

“First of all, it was great competition between these two teams,” Reeltown head coach Will Solomon said.

“People who got to see this, they saw competition at its best. (Dadeville coach Pamela) Holloway does a great job and they always compete. That’s what you expect when you have Dadeville and Reeltown play.

“I’m pleased with the way this team has progressed since the beginning of the year,” he continued. “The first couple of games were - they were really disasters. Our players decided they weren’t going to accept that and they wanted to get better. They had good practices and worked hard and I’m really pleased with their progress.”

The Tigers even put up a late surge in the fourth quarter but it fell just short but the beginning of the game set the tone.

The game wasn’t always as close as the final scoreboard showed in the beginning but the first quarter was an appetizer of things to come.

In the beginning, it was a duel.

Both teams traded shots but Reeltown was the program that escaped with the first quarter lead. Dadeville trailed 13-10 as the second quarter got underway but the game was far from over.

The Tigers couldn’t find their footing in the second quarter as the Rebels expanded their lead to 28-15. With a 13-point lead,

Championship

the Rebels were in the driver’s seat and Dadeville was just maintaining enough pace to keep the game interesting.

But there was still 16 minutes left in the game to determine the winner.

The Rebels had five players check into the scoresheet with Yonna O’neal leading the way with six of the programs’ 13 points.

But the momentum swung rapidly in the fourth quarter.

Despite enjoying a 41-26 lead that equaled a 15-point difference, the Tigers weren’t out of the game yet.

In fact, the physicality ramped up on the floor.

“I expected it to be a very intense game,” Holloway said.

“I didn’t expect it to be any less.

We were coming in and wanted to do a lot better and wanted to win just like they wanted to win.

And they’d been playing a lot better and had been able to get more chemistry and work better as a team from the last time we’d seen them play and the last time we had to play against them. I knew it’d be a tough game.

“I was just hoping, like any coach, that we could be able to pull things out but at the same time I knew that they were going to be tough and play hard,” she continued. “I didn’t expect them to roll over and not play hard.”

The Rebels only managed to score six points in the final quarter but the Tigers made a run at the lead. With a raucous crowd behind Reeltown, Dadeville lit up the board in the fourth quarter.

Nhylee Banks lit up offensively from deep. Three three-pointers helped close the gap down to just two as the Tigers applied more pressure to Reeltown’s struggling offense.

Even so, the gap was just a paltry 43-41 game with 2:53 remaining on the clock. continued from Page B1

finished third with a time of 10.22 seconds. Holbrook won with a time of 9.44 seconds.

Boys In the 4A and 5A boys 400-meter dash, Tallassee’s Ethan Stevenson finished eighth overall with a time of 52.78. The winner, Jekovan Rhetta from Parker High, clocked in with a time of 49.27 seconds.

The 60-meter hurdles saw Tallassee’s K.J. Love place sixth with a time of 9.40 seconds. Sam Barlet of Elmore County High finished seventh with a 9.48 time. The winner, Bayside Academy’s Patrick Daves, clocked in at 7.99 seconds.

The 4x200-meter relay found Tallassee’s program finish 11th overall.

The 4x400-meter relay team from Tallassee placed third overall with a 3:41.20 time, not far off the 3:40.02 time set by winners Ramsay High.

In the 6A events, Wetumpka High School had a handful of representatives.

Two Wetumpka Indians participated in the triple jump competition. Jamya Johnson finished seventh in the girls’ triple jump with a distance of 32 feet, 7.75 inches.

In the boys’ competition, Jalen Johnson finished second with a 43 foot, eight-inch jump, second to LeDamian Rowell of Opelika High, who had a jump of 47 feet, 5.75 inches.

In the boys’ shot put, Wetumpka’s Colby Golson finished fourth with a distance of 45 feet, 11.25 inches.

The Wetumpka Indians competed in the boys 4x800 meter relay and finished tenth out of 12 teams. The team finished with a time of 8:57.58.

Darius Goodman / The Tribune

Reeltown High outlasted Dadeville late in the going. Makenzie Hornsby makes a shot during the game from the free-throw line.

“They’ve got really good shooters and they got hot,” Solomon said. “The thing I always try to teach my players is to not ride emotions. You have to keep your composure and make the next play. When they were making play after play and went full-court man, I thought our players did a really good job of keeping their composure and taking care of the basketball.

“We made some mistakes but that’s what pressure does to you sometimes,” he continued. “I really like the way we weathered the storm.”

On the other side of the court, Holloway says that it was a flash of the program realizing what they can do together.

“Not to say a whole lot about the future, I’d just like to say for right now, this present time, they’ve finally realized what they can do working together and not give up. That it’s not over,” Holloway said. “Especially when you face a lot of adversity.”

Wrestling

Outside of O’neal picking up a field goal to extend the gap to four points, Demetria Brown and Dasia Keith each knocked in two pointers of their own to account for Reeltown’s six points.

Unfortunately once Natori Giles hit the final jumper for the Tigers, the program would come up short. Free throw wise in the final quarter, the Tigers were 2-for-6 while Reeltown would fail to convert on their six shots from the line as well.

In the end, Reeltown picked up the win as the Tigers’ season came to an end.

Reeltown’s Keith led the program with 14 pints, O’neal accounted for 12 while Brown knocked in 10. Dadeville’s Banks had 18 points while DeAsia Doss scored 13 in the loss.

Reeltown has won the area championship in each of the last two years but this marks their third straight season where they’ve made sub-region play.

continued from Page B1

throughout the season.

Mask said he has entered his 14 starting wrestlers in the state championships, but there are over 70 schools in the same class as Tallassee, and only the top 32 wrestlers will make it.

“30 or 40 some-odd wrestlers won’t make it,” Mask said. “So, it’s something never before done, and right now I’m kind of anxiously awaiting who gets in.”

Mask said the wrestling team, as well as Tallassee High in general, has had to adjust a great deal due to the pandemic.

“This is the first year ever we didn’t have any camps in the summer because of COVID,” Mask said. “We didn’t get together; we didn’t have any conditioning. Usually you have some summer work, and kids go off and train, but this year, there was nothing. So really, we came into the season with no previous opportunity to work.”

On top of that, the team had to deal with a number of cancellations, and the school’s physical facilities were shut down in December due to a COVID case.

“From December 3 to January 4, I

was told ‘you can’t come into that gym’ because we had a positive,” Mask said.

“So we came back Jan. 8 for the region duals with like three days of practice, so it’s just been a year unlike any other.”

Part of the adjustments included losing around half of the season of wrestling, but Mask said he’s proud of his team for how they’ve handled it.

“I’m proud of the kids. Usually we wrestle 50-60 matches in a year, and now we’re 14-3. But I know the kids will give it their all, and I trust they will for this city, the school, their families,” he said. “We’ve always had great competitors and hard workers, so I don’t worry about those types of things.

But the normal preparation, the number of matches, everything’s been off. But so has everyone else. There’s other schools that’s had a lot of stoppages, not a lot of matches, so I think we’re all just blessed to have the opportunity.

We’re just going to be thankful that we can go wrestle and give it our all and be happy about it.”

The state tournament is scheduled to start Feb. 18 and last through Feb. 20 in Huntsville.

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February 10, 2021 • Page B3

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14. It is a holiday named in honor of Saint Valentine and is sometimes referred to as the Day of Love. This holiday is a fun day when people like to acknowledge their loved ones.

Some people consider it a romantic holiday, but today it is just as much about friends and family. Cards and gifts are given to loved ones to show love and appreciation for them.

School children often bring small cards to hand out to all of their classmates on Valentine’s Day. Hearts and the colors red and pink often symbolize the holiday. Red roses are the PRVW SRSXODU ÀRZHU JLYHQ RQ WKLV GD\ +HDUW VKDSHG ER[ es full of small chocolate candies are also popular. Anoth er notable Valentine’s Day candy is Conversation Candies.

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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

HEART MATCH UP! )LQG WKH PDWFK WR HDFK KHDUW WR PDNH WKHP ZKROH

HOW MANY WORDS GIFT WORD FIND CAN YOU SPELL FROM THE WORD VALENTINE? ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Tallassee Tribune

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CONNECT THE DOTS VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Cut out the heart and glue to a card with a special message for someone.

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1279 Friendship Road • Tallassee, AL

Page B4 • February 10, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

Employment Job Opportunities

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Sarah Sessions (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: sarah.sessions@ learning-tree.org

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record

Job Opportunities

classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Wetumpka Health & Rehab NOW HIRING FOR CNA/NA $1,000 SIGN ON BONUS •Full-Time %HQH¿WV •PTO &RPSHWLWLYH :DJHV 3OHDVH VXEPLW UHVXPH WR WDPP\ PFJHH#QKVPJW FRP (2( EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITY!!!!

Part Time Kennel Tech wanted for weekends, holidays, hours during the week, ability to care for animals including dogs and birds, lift 50 lbs.

Email contact info to JHQH#¿YHVWDUSUHVHUYH FRP We are an EOE.

ATTENTION: RNs & LPNs Full time positions available for all shifts.

Competitive pay. Bonus available at 3 months and 6 months. Call for details.

Adams Healthcare 256-329-0847 ask for Kathy Otwell, 6WDI¿QJ 'LUHFWRU

Concrete Construction Company

NOW HIRING

•Laborers •CDL Drivers •Heavy Equipment Operators •Must be highly motivated and able to follow directions •Must have own transportation

Please call: 334-315-0073

Bill Nichols State Veterans Home NOW-HIRING!!!

•RN/LPN Charge Nurse Full-Time Sign-On Bonus Available!!

•CNA 3pm-11pm & 11pm-7am Off every other weekend

Put your ad here call 256.414.4250

Cook Plumbing and Gas Journeyman Plumber Pay: $18-25/hr Must be willing to travel.

Must have a valid drivers license.

If interested, please contact: 334-319-0541.

Apply at:

hmrveteranservices.com Contact:Brandy Holman

256-329-0868

ESTIMATOR Needed.

Local company seeking full time estimator who can complete a take-off by reading blue prints.

Has excel experience, self-motivated, highly organized, phone skills.

Construction background a plus.

Full time position, health care EHQH¿WV DQG . DUH available. Please submit resume to lsides@claridgese.com

Do you have available jobs?

Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Allegiance Staffing is accepting applications for several open positions.

Let us help you get started on your new career path now!

We need dependable employees who want to work.

If this is you, call us today at

256-329-3477 or apply online at

www.allegiancestaffing.com We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Fiberglass/Gelcoat Technician Singleton Marine - Blue Creek Marina Dadeville, Alabama

Full-time position in our fiberglass and gelcoat repair department.

Skills required: 2-3 years experience in fiberglass and gelcoat repair, gelcoat color matching, buffing and detailing.

On-the-job/formal training provided.

Outstanding full-time benefits.

Resumes@singletonmarine.com

Marine Technician -

Singleton Marine Blue Creek Marina Dadeville, Alabama Full-time position; responsible for accurate & timely repair of boats/ motors/trailers, also diagnostic, repair, & testing the unit.

Completing the repair order with time & parts for billing purposes.

Outstanding Full-Time benefits Resumes@singletonmarine.com

Wetumpka Health & Rehab NOW HIRING FOR LPN $10K (evening) $7500 (day) SIGN ON BONUS •Full-Time %HQH¿WV •PTO &RPSHWLWLYH :DJHV 3OHDVH VXEPLW UHVXPH WR WDPP\ PFJHH#QKVPJW FRP (2(

The Tallassee Tribune

SUDOKU

The Wetumpka Herald

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) The accent today is on cooperation and networking. Assume a role of greater leadership within an organization if the opportunity arises. Develop your support system. A friend appreciates your kindness. Tonight: Your creative gifts will shine through your many phone calls, texts and emails.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) The support of friends and a series of coincidences advance your professional status and public image.

An inspiring hunch or creative idea changes your career prospects for the better. Tonight: Be cautious about making commitments. There might be more involved than is Ärst apparent.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Today encourages the exploration of new ideas. Visit a library or bookstore online or enroll in a study program.

Be patient if an in-law or grandchild seems a little demanding. Humor and talking over your diɈerences helps.

Tonight: News arrives concerning one from your past.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Today is a day of subtleties. Research work or solving a mystery captivates you. You’ll cherish peace and privacy.

Your workload eases. Release a relationship you’ve outgrown. You will Änd it is a time to review your many types of relationships. Tonight: Relax.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) There can be a change of heart brewing when it comes to a partnership you have in mind. Talk over feelings and expectations with your business partner or love partner to avoid misconceptions. Tonight: Brings a greater understanding and acceptance of life as it is.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) A wholesome diet and moderation hold the secret to feeling well. Virgo rules the lower digestive tract, stress and nerves in general. This is where you will experience any problems.

Prevent the problems by maintaining youthfulness, agility and rejuvenation.

Tonight: Congratulate yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today brings a higher energy level than usual and indicates overall happiness and appreciation from those you care for. Responsibilities will be easier to cope with. Others will be helpful and supportive. Tonight: Breathing a sigh of relief, with laughter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your household feels unsettled. Today hints at a move or a shift. Explore new avenues of creative expression. Seek ways to release stress. Take routine precautions regarding your health and Ätness. Tonight: Talk about the shift with a family member whose opinion you trust.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an excellent day to learn new things. Consider the axiom from the Temple of Delphi: “know thyself.” It is a time to focus on self-understanding.

Adapt to abrupt changes in the status quo. Tonight: Talking it all over with a neighbor or sibling who is helpful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be receptive to changes in your source of income. Business meetings, future travel for professional reasons and new publications oɈer opportunities to increase your income. A demand for a diɈerent type of work could arise. Tonight: Writing down the pros and cons -- failproof.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Diplomatic and ever-popular, Aquarians are willing to help and befriend nearly everyone. And today you do.

Your energy level will skyrocket. This accelerated inner Äre continues until tomorrow and brings you love and appreciation. Tonight: OɈer words of encouragement. Be a good listener.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) A dream or deep meditation helps you process and release a poignant memory. This brings needed healing for the mind, body or spirit. Your mood will be introspective while you go through this. It is a very important operation. Tonight: Feeling pounds lighter.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Job Opportunities

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Job Opportunities White Oak Transportation

is hiring CDL-A Drivers in your area Great Pay! ([FHOOHQW %HQH¿WV Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V

Job Opportunities Southern Apparel Inc Now Hiring for Apparel Manufacturing Please send resumes to adurbin@southernapinc.com Call 334-567-5044

Merchandise Exercise Equipment

On Site Boat Care Now Hiring An Installer NOW HIRING Local, established Tree Company, looking for Experienced ClimbersPersonal gear/equipment a big plus. $W OHDVW <56 YHULÀDEOH H[S UHT

Must be handy with tools to remove/install flooring and upholstery on boats. Valid drivers license required.

Apply in person: 1996 Airport Blvd Alexander City

334-235-9112

SUDOKU ANSWERS

For Sale Sport craft treadmill Good condition $50 dollars 256-329-1448

Business Opportunities BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT IN ONLY 7 WEEKS! Visit our website

capstonedentalassisting.com or call 205-561-8118 to get your career started!

Lost & Found $200 REWARD - MISSING MALE HUSKY. WHITE & BROWN, BLUE EYES, 6 YRS OLD, 256-496-6507 JEB & LORI JENNINGS

Rentals

Miscellaneous For Sale

Apartments

Yard sale 245 Fleahop Rd, Eclectic, AL Feb. 13th from 8am-1pm

Notices General Notices

Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.

We didn’t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Tallapoosa and Elmore County Classifieds has customizable programs available to fit any budget.

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What you get with HughesNet Satellite Internet:

HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. The HughsNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network of Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connected to HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal. *Speeds may vary depending on distance, line quality and number of devices used concurrently. Subject to availability. Some prices shown may be introductory offers. Equipment fees, taxes and other fees and restrictions may apply. **Speed comparison based on 1.5 Mbps DSL.

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* Free date changes anytime up to 45 days prior to departure for land tours, up to 95 days prior to departure for cruise tours. Deposits and final payments remain non-refundable. Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to $299 in taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Onboard Credit requires purchase of Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 3/31/21. Other terms & conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.

Trucks, SUVs & Vans Ford F-250, 2002, Super Duty 7.3L Diesel, 4WD, 121751 Miles, Extremely clean inside and out., $5,530.00 205-302-7139

Public Notices Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BID Sealed Bids for the construction of Project No. 323-E, Section 1: Natural Gas Facilities Replacement Crossing AL. S.R. 14 at AL. S.R. 49 Intersection, will be received by the City of Dadeville Gas Board, Owner, at the Dadeville Gas Department shop located at 826 E. Columbus Street, Dadeville, Alabama, until 2 P.M (local time) Thursday, February 25, 2021, at which time and place the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The scope of work shall include the installation of the following approximate items of work and quantities of these items: SECTION 1: 4” Steel Pipe (Open Trench), 20 L.F.; 4” Steel Pipe by Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD), 314 L.F.; 4” Steel Hot-Tap Connection, 2 Each, 4” Steel Valves, 1 Each; Single H.P. Regulator Set, 1 Each; ½” PE Gas Service Line, 80 L.F.; Grout Fill of Existing 4” Steel Gas Line, 356 L.F. and other miscellaneous necessary items.

3ODQV DQG 6SHFL¿FDWLRQV PD\ be obtained in electronic form from Gas Meter Engineers, Inc., 689 Highway 36, Chelsea, AL 35043 (telephone 205-6786210).

The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Perfor-

Public Notices

q mance Bond and a Labor Bond, each in the amount of 100 percent of the Contract. These bonds shall be executed by a licensed Surety Company in the state in which this work is being performed.

Each bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond executed by a Surety Company, licensed in the state the work is to be perIRUPHG LQ WKH DPRXQW RI ¿YH (5) percent of the total bid. A &HUWL¿HG &KHFN SD\DEOH WR WKH 2ZQHU LQ WKH DPRXQW RI ¿YH

percent of the total Bid is also acceptable.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any or all informalities and technicalities therein. No Bidder will be allowed to withdraw his Bid, without Owner’s consent, for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of actual bid opening.

Each Bidder shall be a licensed Contractor in accordance with the regulations of the State of Alabama and must include the license number, expiration date DQG FODVVL¿FDWLRQ RQ WKH RXWVLGH of the sealed bid envelope.

For the Owner By: Don G. Cochran, Jr., Engineer Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 3, 10 and 17, 2021 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2020-351 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DIALETTA TAYLOR, DECEASED Letters Testatnentary in the Estate of DIALETTA TAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to DOROTHY S. EWING on the 21st day of January, 2021 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

DOROTHY S. EWING PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DIALETTA TAYLOR, DECEASED Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative: DOUGLAS C. MARTINSON. II, MARTINSON & BEASON, P.C., 115 NORTH SIDE SQUARE, HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35801, 256-533-1667 dougii@martinsonandbeason. com Tallassee Tribune: Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and 10, 2021 EST/TAYLOR, D. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2021-015 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA P. PRICE, DECEASED Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BRENDA P. PRICE, deceased, having been granted to JASON DEAN PRICE on the 27th day of January, 2021,

by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JASON DEAN PRICE, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA P. PRICE, DECEASED Attorney or Record for such Personal Representative: LEE M. RUSSELL, JR., CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C., 150 SOUTH PERRY ST, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104, PO BOX 2069, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102, 334-241-8000 Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 3, 10 and 17, 2021 EST/PRICE, B. PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Evergreen Erosion Control, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Re-bidding Site Improvements at Tallassee High School, 18-140A at Tallassee City School System 308 King St., Tallassee, AL 36078 for the State of Alabama and the City of Tallassee, Tallassee City School System, Owner(s), DQG KDYH PDGH UHTXHVW IRU ¿QDO settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee & Associates, 631 S. Hull St., Montgomery, AL 36804 Evergreen Erosion Control, LLC 3100 Wyndham Industrial Dr. Opelika, AL 36804 Tallassee Tribune: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10 and 17, 2021 COMPLETION Do you have available jobs?

Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Eclectic Observer The

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Vol. 31, No. 6

Submitted / The Observer

Eclectic Elementary third grader Dillan Quinn works alongside Elmore County High student Sean Darnell to create an app for the Alabama governor’s App challenge.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Eclectic third grader creates app for contest platform Scratch to create a world where players are able to choose a character and then use that character When third grade Eclectic to defeat and capture enemies before Elementary teacher Emily Wells they’re able to move on to the next got an email about the Alabama level.

Governor’s App Challenge, one of It took Dillan about two months her students came to mind – Dillan to create the app. Along the way he Quinn. encountered several glitches but he “Dillan’s so smart in that area,” didn’t let it deter him. Wells and Wells said. “I knew he liked coding Dillan’s mother, Jessica Quinn, who and doing things like that on the is also Eclectic Elementary’s library computer, so I asked him if the app media specialist, said they didn’t challenge was something that he’d know how to help him, so they be interested in. I told him that there found someone who could. was no pressure for him to do it and “At a robotics training in January, to only do it if he really wanted to.” our STEM director Mr. Wright Dillan was definitely interested. introduced me to a high school The statewide computer teacher who has a student, an programming competition 11th-grader Sean Darnell, that’s challenged K-12 students to create an knowledgeable about coding and app individually or in a team of up programming,” Wells said. “We to three members. App submissions were able to arrange for Sean to were due on Jan. 15 along with come over during his computer written responses and an app science class time to work with demonstration video.

Dillan.”

The apps are judged in three Dillan’s mother said the pair grade bands: elementary (K-5), periodically met in the elementary middle school (6-8), high school school library for an hour at time to (9-12). First, schools select winners work on the app. from each grade band and those “Sean probably came over about winners will go on to be judged by six or seven times,” Jessica Quinn State School Board District judging said. “On the first day Dillan was panels. There are eight State School really quiet and nervous but by Board Districts in Alabama. The the end of that meeting Dillan had finalists from each district will move opened up to Sean. He’s really good on to the state competition. with Dillan and was very mature for Dillan used the programming his age, and responsible too.”

By BRIANA WILSON Wetmupka Bureau Chief

Eclectic police, fire departments share 2020 stats

By BRIANA WILSON Bureau Chief

Eclectic’s fire and police department recently shared data during an Eclectic Town Council meeting about the number of calls they each responded to in 2020.

The Eclectic Police Department had a total of 2,525 calls for service in 2020. The EPD broke that number down into categories: -Traffic stops - 955 -Written citations - 281 -Written warnings - 149 -Verbal warnings - 544 -Motor vehicle accidents - 53 -Domestic incidents - 66 -Incident/offense reports - 217 -Total arrests - 154 Felony arrests - 21 Total felony charges - 49 Misdemeanor arrests - 31 DUI - 8 Failure to appear arrests - 72 Total FTAs executed - 87 Outer agency arrests - 10 Drug related - 12 (4 of the 12 were

felony drug arrests) The police department also conducted 62 business checks.

“If you look at the 2019 stats compared to 2020, there’s a difference in them,” said Police Chief Robert Head. “Like everything else, COVID hit and it decreased our numbers in a lot of areas.”

The Eclectic Volunteer Fire Department had a total of 552 calls for 2020. The EVFD broke that number down into categories: -Fires - 22 -EMS calls (including vehicle accidents) - 451 -Hazardous conditions - 11 -Service calls - 5 -Good intent calls - 22 -False alarms - 11 -Severe weather - 30 “Unlike the police department, those numbers are well above average for us,” said Fire Chief Josh Dorminey. “If you take away the weather calls, we’re still 20 to 30 calls above our highest call volume year. We had a busy year.”

Dillan credited Darnell, a student at Elmore County High School, with helping him solve problems when he couldn’t figure them out and helping him come up with new ideas for his app.

“This was my first time trying to make an app but I have done some coding before,” Dillan said.

Jessica Quinn said her son first became interested in coding in kindergarten or first grade when he discovered Scratch Junior, a visual programming language designed to introduce programming skills to children ages 5 to 8. So when Dillan took on the app challenge she had no doubt that he could do it.

“I knew for sure he’d be capable,” cking groups and others. hese groups seek to rescue nd restore child victims of ex trafficking through develpmentt of of unifor un uniform iform m respon re response sponse se rotocols, ols, ol s, train ttraining raining ing and stra stra-egic partnerships artne rtnershi rships ps with with law nforcement, ement, em ent, fir first st respo rresponders, esponder nders, s, ealthcare are provi p providers, roviders ders,, includ in including cluding ing uvenilee jus justice justice, tice,, childch child-welfare ild-welf welfare are gencies es and sch schools ools whi while le mobilizing zing zi ng commu ccommunities ommuniti nities es to to prepreent abuse, buse, bu se, rais raisee awaren aw awareness areness ess and ncreasee saf safety. ety. signed ed procl p roclamat amation ion is The sign proclamation he firstt step step in in the the proces pr process. ocess. s.

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she said. “My only thought was that if a problem arose, would he continue on with it and try to solve the problem. But I was amazed by his perseverance. I never realized how difficult coding would be, but whenever he had a glitch he didn’t give up. He would get frustrated but he persisted. I guess I just never realized how much problem-solving there is in coding and how one little thing can mess up everything.”

“I was just so glad to be there to cheer him on and give him whatever he needed,” Wells added. “He’s such an intelligent child and I’m excited to see what he’ll do in the future.”

Dillan said he aspires to be a programmer when he grows up.

exander City Mayor Tommy Spraggins; Cameron R. Perry, Tallapoosa County Sheriff OfÀce investigator Cameron Perry; Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett; Tallapoosa County Sheriff OfÀce chief investigator Ray Arrington; Jaci Burgess, Tri-County Child Advocacy Center; Teresa Collier co-director of the Child TrafÀicking Solutions Project; Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner and deputy chief James Easterwood.

BE A READER cchildren hildren ren will not be tole toler r of child tolerated. Now Now that that the the commu ccommuommu-ated. members bers hav havee heard heard the nity mem words, “Traf ““Trafficking Traffick ficking ing Free Zon Zone” e” words, ““human human n traffi tr affickin cking” g” it’s it’s or “huma trafficking” importan impo rtantt to edu educate cate the them m on important traffic fficking king loo looks ks like like what sex tra trafficking in their communities, their com communi munities ties,, how how to identify a poten p otential tial vic victim tim or identify potential traffick traf ficking ing situ situatio ation n and and where where trafficking situation reportt suspicions. repor suspicions suspic ions.. to report through ugh a The idea is thro brief one-ho on e-hour ur long long trai training ning,, brief one-hour training, employee empl oyeess will will learn learn how to employees

whatt might might be human human spot wha traffick traf ficking ing as they they work in the trafficking communit comm unity y on a daily daily bas basis. is. community there, re, the empl employee oyee From the reports it to to law law enforc en forcemen ementt to reports enforcement further inve investig stigate. ate. further investigate.

Tallapoo Tall apoosa sa Count C ounty y Sherif Sh eriff’s f’s Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office inves iinvestigator nvestiga tigator tor Came Cameron ron Office Perry said said the the progr p rogram am is is Perry program anyone ne in in Tallap Ta llapoosa oosa open to anyo Tallapoosa County, espe especial cially ly businesses. businesse busin esses. s.

County, especially “They “The y are are welcom we lcomee to joi join n welcome effort rt too,” too,” Per Perry ry said. said. “We the effo everyon ryonee to know know human human want eve everyone

traffick traf ficking ing is not not welco w elcomed med trafficking welcomed here.” here.”

Perry joined joined Kristen Kristen Perry Culligan Cull igan,, juveni ju venile le proba p robation tion Culligan, juvenile probation officer and memb member er of of the the officer Children Chil dren’s ’s Polic P olicy y Counci Co uncill Children’s Policy Council (CPC) and and Family Family Cou Court rt of of (CPC) Tallapoo Tall apoosa sa Count C ounty, y, in in a part part-Tallapoosa County, nership with CTSP CTSP to help help nership combat hild hild expl exploita oitation tion and combat exploitation identify chi childre ldren n at ris risk k of identify children traffick ficking ing in Talla T allapoos poosaa sex traf trafficking Tallapoosa County. The CPC and CTSP CTSP County. collabo laborati ratively vely in the work col collaboratively

fight agains ag ainstt child child traf traffick fick fight against trafficking all forms forms acr across oss diff differe ere of all different discipli disc iplines nes and juri jurisdic sdictio tio disciplines jurisdictions, includin incl uding g surviv su rvivor or care care an including survivor and support, com communi munity ty enga eengagenga support, community ment, public public pol policy icy advo advoc c ment, advocacy training ning.. and trai training. learn mor moree about about ho To learn how to anti-trafget invo involved lved in the anti anti-tr -tr initiative usiaht. ficking fick ing init initiati iative ve visit visit usi usia a Facebook org, Fa Facebo cebook ok and and searc ssearch earch h ChildTraffickingChildTra Chil dTraffic fficking king-SolutionsProject contact Solution Solu tionsPro sProject ject or cont contac ac cameron.rawls@leo.gov. cameron. came ron.rawl rawls@le s@leo.go o.gov. v.

ity has has pprovided rovided funding fundi Neww AC AC budget budget could could have have new new positions positions ifif approved approved CCity y CLIFFF WILLIAMS WILLIAM WIL LIAMSS taff Writer ter

The Alexander Alexande Alex anderr City City City City Council Council faces faces tough tough ecisions ns to achieve achieve a balanced balanced balan ced budget. budget. artme rtment nt heads heads are asking asking for more posiposiDepartment ons to o provide provide better better services services for Alexander Alexand Ale xander er siden idents. ts. They are also also making making requests request req uestss of ity residents. he council uncil un cil to fund fund capital capital projects. projects proj ects.. xande anderr City City finance finance finan ce director director direc tor Sandy Sandy Alexander tanbrough ough ou gh said said the fiscal fiscal year year 2021 working working udget includes inclu ncludes des a 3% cost cost of living living adjustment adjustme adju stment nt nd thee requests requests for new employees. employe emp loyees. es. But conserconserative revenue reven evenue ue estimations estimatio estim ations ns leave leave only only $142,913 $142,913 $142,9 13 o cover er nearly nearly $4 million million milli on in in capital capitall requests capita requests reques ts for for he city’s y’s general general gener al fund. fund. yorr Tommy yo Tommy Spraggins Spraggin Spra gginss said said at at a budget budget Mayor work session Thursday the city council faces ough decisions as it seeks to pass p a budget g Oct. .

“It doesn’tt leave leave much much for for capital capital capit al projects,” projects, proje cts,”” praggins said. id. “We have either either got to have have more revenue, e, cut cut expenses expenses expens es or or borrow borrow money.” money.” and Stanbrough Stanbrough Stanbr ough made made revenue revenuee prorevenu proSpraggins and ections based on fiscal year 2019. The record evenue of the past few months is not taken into ccount.

“We purposely didn’t forecast an increase in ales tax,” Spraggins said.

The last few months have seen 10% increase n sales tax collections over 2019 and the council greed to keep revenue estimates conservative.

In the city’s general fund, labor and its benets will cost an estimated $14.7 million.

“The total includes a 3% percent pay ncrease,” Stanbrough said. “It also includes ll of the employer matching taxes, healthcare, Retirement Systems of Alabama) contributions, vertime and other benefits.”

Some of the increase in labor costs comes rom 78 of the 267 city employees under the eneral fund receiving step raises for employment longevity.

“Everything is figured in,” Stanbrough said.

Any changes down in the pay raise would educe the cost of labor.”

Parks and recreation director Sonny Wilson equested two new positions — a maintenance worker that would cut grass and a landscaping mployee, who would lead a grass cutting crew ut not be a supervisor. Wilson said the department’s responsibilities have grown

Brewer Brew er also also requ requeste requested ested d two two new new positions positions positi ons to grass. cut grass.

“We are cutt cutting ing gras grasss at Sug Sugar ar Creek Creek (Wastewa (Was tewater ter Trea Treatmen tment),” t),” Bre Brewer wer said said.. “They “They (Wastewater Treatment),” with overtime.” overtime over time.” .” did it with Brewer Brew er said said wate waterr treatment treatment treatm ent empl employee oyeess were were employees cutting the gras grasss most most often often accruing accruin acc ruing g overtime overtime overti me at at cutting rates of $30 and more more per per hour. hour. rates Alexande Alex anderr City City police policee chief polic chief Jay Turn Turner er said said he Alexander going to fil filll two two positi po sitions ons in anima aanimal nimall control controll contro was going positions because it created created creat ed issues issuess with issue with the the population populatio popul ation n at because animal shelter. shelter. shelt er. Turner Turner wants wants to shift shift the the posiposithe animal tions to create create a lead lead dispatcher. dispatche dispa tcher. r. tions “Current “Cur rently ly we we have have polic p olicee officers officers office rs tryin ttrying rying g to “Currently police supervis supe rvisee dispat di spatcher chers,” s,” Turner Turner said. said. “(T “(The he posiposisupervise dispatchers,” tion) was was there there at one one time.” time.”” time. tion) Turner Turn er said said the city city’s ’s dispatch dispatch dispa tch requires requires three three people per shift and certifications specializing in dispatch disp atch.. Recrea Re creating ting the lea lead d dispatch dispatch dispat ch posit p osition ion dispatch.

Recreating position solve several several sever al problems, problems, probl ems, he said. said. will solve Turner Turn er also also requ requeste ested d creati cr eating ng secur ssecurity ecurity ity posi posi-requested creating tions for for the the entrance entrance entran ce at at the the new new municipal municipal munici pal tions complex. Turner Turner hope hopess to be able to use reti retired red complex. enforcem enfo rcement ent in part-time part-time parttime pos positio itions ns but but may may law enforcement positions need to hire a full time employee if that measure doesn’t work.

Turner and fire chief Reese McAlister asked for help moving forward with increasing pay for public safety employees.

“It will help with retention,” Turner said. “We are becoming a training ground for other departments. Officers can go to other departments 30 minutes away and make $5,000 more per year.”

Councilmember Scott Hardy said Tier 1 benefits help in recruitment and retention but more needs to be done.

“We are losing people on an exponential basis,” Hardy said. “We are losing more by not paying attention to public safety.”

Turner said starting salary was an issue but pay for seasoned officers needs to be addressed.

“When I started in 1992, an officer started out at $26,000 per year,” Turner said. “We only pay $31,000 now to start out with. We have people working overtime to get a sustainable wage. We were one of the highest paid departments at one time. Now we are low to midrange.”

Councilmember Eric Brown said the pay structure for all city employees, public safety included, needs to be addressed.

“There is no incentive to work hard,” Brown said “You just have to work enough to not get

ffor or schools schools bbeyond eyond ssales ale and pproperty roper ty ttaxes a xe s and

By CLIFF CLIFF WILLIAMS WILLIAM WIL LIAMSS Stafff Writer Staf Writer

The City of Alex Alexande Alexander anderr City has his historically histori toricall cally y proprovided monies vided more more monie m oniess to Alexande Alex anderr City City Schoo S chools ls Alexander Schools whatt reside re sidents nts pay in than wha residents v alorem em and and sales sales tax taxes. es. ad valor valorem Educatio Educ ation n proper pr oper-Education propertaxes are col collect lected ed ty taxes collected between October and December thr through ough the December Tallapoo Tall apoosa sa Count C ounty y Tallapoosa County Revenue Comm Commissi issioner oner’s ’s Revenue Commissioner’s Office. Sale Saless taxes taxes levi levied ed Office. the Talla T allapoos poosaa County County by the Tallapoosa Commissi Comm ission on go go to the Commission Alexander City Board of Education. But the City of Alexander City provides more. The extra allocations were discussed at an Alexander City City Council budget work session Thursday.

“We are all very proud of the city’s relationship with the school system,” Mayor Tommy Spraggins said. “We not only support them financially, but with in-kind services too.”

Alexander City Schools superintendent Dr. Keith Lankford said the school system is proud to have the additional funds and help from the city. The extra funds and services help the school system’s bottom line and provide more for the students of Alexander City.

“I do believe a successful city starts with a successful school ” Lankford

IN PRINT AND ONLINE.

Lankford sai Lankford said. d.

The scho school ol system system syste m paid thosee utilit thos ut ilities ies to the the city. ci ci utilities The city pro provide vided d provided $270,000 $270 ,000 last last year year for for wha is listed listed liste d as sub subsidi subsidies sidies es to t agencies agen cies.. agencies.

“We use that toward toward maintena main tenance nce and maintain main maintenance ing facilities,” faciliti faci lities,” es,” Lankford Lankfo Lan kfo said “We have have spent spent said. “We $397,000 in that area this year. year . year.”

The council council provided $360,000 $360 ,000 to go toward fine arts program program staff. st “It allows allows us us to have a musicc and musi and arts arts teacher at every school,” Lankford said.

The total cost of staff fo music and arts teachers las year was $716,000.

The city also provides $125,000 that covers insur ance on the school system property. Lankford said property insurance totaled $124,750 last year.

The council for fiscal year 2020 provided just over $1 million in appropr ations to city schools.

The council passed an ordinance and sales tax Aug. 2, 1971 providing ¼ of 1% to schools. Lankford said for fiscal year 2020 th estimated collection on it i $713,000 and is pledged to capital projects.

Beyond direct funding, Alexander City Schools receives in-kind services from the city. The city covered nearly $155 000

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