SPORTS
OPINION:
LOCAL
PAGE 4
Hospital lights its Christmas tree
Whitaker signs with LBW Community College
Listening is a choice
PAGE 2
PAGE 12!
INSIDE:
LOCAL RIBBON CUTTINGS, PAGE 10.
The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA
TALLASSEE, AL 36078
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December 14, 2016
TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM
VOL. 117, NO. 48
Residents ask county to revisit landfill permit By MITCH SNEED Editor
Residents living near the Advanced Disposal’s Stones Throw Landfill asked the Tallapoosa County Commissioners to revisit its decision to allow the landfill to
operate as a renewal of its permit is under review. Rev. Leon Henderson and Sam Alexander attended Monday’s regular commissioners meeting. Henderson said that residents near the landfill, most of which are poor and African-American, have endured trash, damaged
roads, an awful smell, truck traffic and noise at all hours of the day and night and unhealthy living conditions for more than a decade. “When this landfill came, the county gave the approval,” Henderson said. “I know it’s a See LANDFILL • Page 3
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Methane gas from the Stone’s Throw Landfill burns and is released into the air. Residents claim that smell can be detected for miles around the property.
PrimeTime Athletics looking for 12 ‘Kidds’
Volunteers collect more than 1600 shoeboxes
CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Thanks to the generous support from Tallassee and surrounding areas, over 1,600 children who may not have a Christmas otherwise will be able to enjoy the holiday this year. In the Tallassee area, 1,607 shoeboxes were collected for Operation Christmas Child. Furthermore, over 10,000 gift-filled shoeboxes were collected in Elmore County. Wetumpka collected the most shoeboxes, with 3,765. Deatsville collected 1,769 shoeboxes. In Millbrook 1,496 shoeboxes were collected. See SHOEBOX • Page 3
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Tallassee High School competed in the South’s BEST, or Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology, Robotics Championship held at Auburn University Dec.3-4. The team received the third-place award for Game Teamwear Design.
ROBOTIC SUCCESS Tallassee High competes in South’s BEST competition By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Students from Tallassee High School competed in the South’s BEST, or Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology, Robotics Championship held at Auburn University Dec.3-4. The team received the third-place award for Game Teamwear Design. BEST Robotics is a national program for middle and high school students that culminates in one of three regional championships, including South’s BEST. The South’s BEST championship is headquartered at Auburn University
334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
The people of Tallassee and surrounding areas have a giving spirit and PrimeTime Athletics has decided to join in and honor 12 deserving children with the 12 Kidds of Christmas Party. PrimeTime Athletics’ is centrally located at the intersection of Hwy 14 and Hwy 49, also known as Herron’s Crossroads. The facility is situated between Tallassee High School, Reeltown High School and Notasulga High School. However, owner Rodney O’Neal has expanded the reach to include students from the Tuskegee, Dadeville and Eclectic area. “There are six surrounding schools, which we are reaching out to asking for nominations of two individuals that possess a passion for cheerleading and tumbling that may not be financially able to participate in the regular PrimeTime classes,” said Rodney O’Neal, owner and operator of PrimeTime Athletics. Because O’Neal is centrally located between communities, he is asking for help in the selection process. “Members of Reeltown, Tallassee, Dadeville, Tuskegee, Eclectic, and Notasulga community please nominate two girls via text message or inbox in the age range who have an A/B school average to be selected to attend this amazing event on Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.,” he said. The 12 girls that are selected will be honored at 12 Kidds of Christmas Party on Dec. 21 at Prime Time Athletics. “The girls selected will receive a free lesson of tumbling, a PTA t-shirt and ribbon, Christmas gifts from sponsors, photos from their session, listen to the Christmas story told by a special guest, See PRIMETIME • Page 3
See ROBOTICS • Page 3
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Page 2 • December 14, 2016
Obituaries Wesley “Pete” Adams
Mr. Wesley D. “Pete” Adams, 84, of Auburn, passed away December 9, 2016. He was born October 3, 1932. Graveside services will be Monday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Prospect Baptist Cemetery with Rev. David Jones officiating. Friends and family will assemble at the cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Corinne Adams; children, Amy (Jim) Benedict, Wesley Dee Adams, Wendi Turner, Robert (Rosie) Steele, Melissa (Stan) Woods, Paul (Shelia) Gilbreath, Eric (Celeste) Gilbreath; sisters, Bobbie Kyser, Ann Strickland and Paulette Pickett; brothers, Frank Adams and Joseph Adams; fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.LoveShriners.org. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
Michael “Grits” Dennis
Michael Aubrey “Grits” Dennis, 50, of Tallassee, passed away December 5, 2016. He was born October 14, 1966. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God with Rev. Tommy Merrell and Rev. Travis Bittle officiating. Burial will follow at Carrville Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be held Friday, December 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at First Assembly of God. He is survived by his wife, Cari Dennis; children, Crystal Hutton (Peter) and Hunter Dennis (Erica); father, Harmon Dennis (Nancy); brother, Tim Dennis (Georgetta); grandson, Judah Michael Hutton; motherin-law, Pat Rodgers; sisters-in-law, Casi Griffith (Ronnie), Cathi Niner (Terry) and Cinda Davis (Doug); brother-inlaw, Larry Rodgers; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Dennis. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
William E. Wisener
William E. Wisener passed away December 10, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, William E. Wisener and Audrey L. Meadows; brothers, L.A. and Frank Wisener. William is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail R. Wisener; daughters, Deborah Wheeler (Tim) and Rhonda Senkbeil (Jeff); 5 grandchildren, Jacqueline, Dylan, and Will Wheeler, Neil and Audrey Senkbeil; 4 sisters, Betty Sloan (Jim) of Montgomery, Linda Hammock, Becky Carlisle, and Mickey Hornsby (Donald) of Tallassee; and several nieces and nephews. William proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was also for many years a realtor associate with Cornerstone Properties and later ReMax Legends. In lieu of flowers the family request donations are made to the building fund at Lakeside Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member, at 2865 Old Rocky Ridge Rd., Birmingham, AL 35243 or to the Big Oak Ranch. There will be a funeral service on Wednesday the 14th at 1pm with a visitation starting at 12 p.m at Southern Heritage Funeral Home.
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Washington’s home open for the holidays STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
During the holiday season, the National Park Service has announced that “The Oaks” – home of Booker T. Washington – will be open for tours from Tuesday through Saturday at the following times – 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. All home tours, which include the campus, begin in front of the George Washington Carver Museum. The home belonging to the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and
Industrial School was constructed in 1899 and served as his home until his death in 1915. “The Oaks,” named after the trees surrounding it and the wood used for its beautifully inlaid floors, has received such famous visitors as President Theodore Roosevelt and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The innovative home was designed by Robert Taylor, the first African American to graduate from MIT. This Queen Anne-style home was the typical “wrap-around” porch, fish-scale shingles, decorative woodwork and gable roof, but is also known as the first home in Macon County to have electricity and indoor plumbing.
The National Park Service has managed the home since the 1970s. Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site also encompasses the George Washington Carver Museum, which at this time is closed until further notice. “The Oaks” is located at 905 West Montgomery Road and parking is located next to and behind the home. Groups of 10 or more should contact the park to make a group reservation due to the small tour size limitations. To make a reservation or if you have questions, please call 334-727-3200. More information about the history of the park can be found at ww.nps.gov/tuin.
Community Hospital holds tree lighting event By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Faculty, staff, volunteers and sponsors enjoyed the 2016 Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday morning inside the classroom of Community Hospital. During the ceremony, Jennie Rhinehart, CEO of Community Hospital and president of the Community Hospital Foundation, explained the importance of the ceremony and read the names of loved ones remembered during this special time of the year. “We gather each year for this event to officially begin our celebration of the Christmas Season,” she said. “We take this time to reflect on our many blessings, especially the privilege we have of serving patients.” This Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony is in conjunction with the Community Hospital Foundation. “The Hospital Foundation plays such an important role in helping us provide equipment and services,” Rhinehart said. The purpose of the Community Hospital Foundation, established in 1992, is to assist the hospital in making capital improvements. Community Hospital, a non-profit institution, provides quality health care services for the community and surrounding areas. Founded in 1926, this 69-bed acute care hospital constantly strives to remain the leader in the area’s medical community. Memorial gifts and gifts given in honor of friends are thoughtful remembrances. These gifts not only demonstrate depth of feeling, but also are used by the Community Hospital Foundation to help ensure the best in hospital care will continue to be available to all who need it. A gift to the Community Hospital Foundation is a thoughtful way to honor someone in death, to show appreciation or congratulations or just to show someone you care. It is a way to offer a gift that keeps on giving as it benefits the many individuals Community Hospital
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Mary Annn Sheppard, Community Hospice volunteer, had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree during the 2016 Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony inside the classroom at Community Hospital Friday morning.
serves. Gifts can be made in any amount. The foundation sends the same acknowledgement regardless of the contribution size, and the amount of the tribute is a completely private matter. There are five categories that represent the various levels of giving, Friends Contribution of $5-$249, Sponsor Contribution of $250-$999, Patron Contribution of $1000-$2499, Benefactor Contribution of $ 2500-$9999, Life Member Contribution of $10,000 or more. An Annual Pledge qualifies a contributor as a sustaining member in any of the categories. All gifts to the Foundation are deductible for income tax purposes. If you would like to make a gift to the Community Hospital Foundation please contact at (334) 283-3753. You may also send an email to info@chal.org
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
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Robotics
continued from page 1
and this year featured the top 58 teams from 16 hubs located in five southeastern states. Tallassee High School is part of the War Eagle BEST Robotics hub, which is headquartered at Auburn University. During the South’s BEST Robotics Championship, teams competed in a series of head-to- head matches on a playing field designed for this year’s game titled, “Bet the Farm.” The challenge behind the game was for each team to create a robot that could plant corn seeds, harvest and deliver ripe corn, hydroponic tomatoes and hydroponic lettuce, secure loose pigs and feed them, and turn on a water valve. In addition to the robotics competition, teams competed to receive awards in other categories, such as engineering design notebook, marketing presentation, team exhibit, interview, and team spirit and sportsmanship. Awards were given based on criteria, such as demonstrated teamwork, a positive attitude and enthusiasm, school and community involvement, and creativity. Now in its 23rd year nationally, 2016
marked the 16th year of the South’s BEST championship. The BEST Robotics program is the only such program in the nation that is available to all schools at no cost. The not-for- profit, all-volunteer program challenges students to design, build and market a robot to use in a six-week- long series of competitions, culminating in the South’s BEST championship, which is hosted by Auburn University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The primary objective of the BEST Robotics program is to: provide students with a real-world engineering experience that incorporates the practical application of math and science; prepare students to be technologically literate and thus better prepared to enter the workforce; help students develop leadership, project management, teamwork and organizational skills; and develop confidence and competence. More information on South’s BEST, including a detailed game description, can be found at the website at www. southsbest.org.
Primetime
December 14, 2016 • Page 3
Shoebox
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and food will be served,” O’Neal said According to O’Neal, this is his way of showing gratitude for the support he has seen from Tallassee, Reeltown and surrounding communities. “We are fortunate to be able to give back to our community at PTA and we want to make this the most wonderful time of the year for others as well,” O’Neal said.
If you would like to nominate someone, you may call or text (334) 415-9429. You can also call PrimeTime Athletics at (334) 252-0180 or email your submissions to PrimeTimeAthletics@yahoo. com The nominees must provide their own transportation to the party Dec. 21 and their parent/guardian must be in attendance for the entire two-hour event.
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of government that Tallapoosa County employs, each commissioner is responsible for a number of employees and services in their district. Commissioners have discretionary funds at their disposal here in Tallapoosa County. Those funds come from payments made by Advance Disposal as royalty for allowing a landfill to operate here. By county ordinance, commissioners end up with $80,000 or more to spend annually as they see fit. That doesn’t count the tax revenue that is derived from the landfill that goes into the county’s general fund. Commissioner Steve Robinson asked that the county be kept up to date on the findings of the review by ADEM. A federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of the residents around the landfill by the environmental watchdog group Earthjustice. The suit claims the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has failed to promptly investigate claims of racial discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at the landfill. Earthjustice issued a release at the time the suit was filed claiming that the original complaints involved “discrimination by the states in granting permits that subject already overburdened low-income communities of color to more big-polluting facilities.” Agency rules say the EPA must determine whether or not there’s discrimination within 180 days of receiving a complaint. It has been 12 years since the EPA promised to investigate. “The way these people have been forced to live needs to stop,” Henderson said.
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poor area, an African-American community, but I wish you would go back and revisit that decision. ...I feel you have a moral obligation, if not a legal obligation, to monitor the landfill and that’s not being done at this point.” The landfill is located at 1303 Washington Blvd. in Tallassee, began accepting waste in 2002. Currently the landfill receives approximately 232,000 metric tons of waste each year and is designed to remain active through 2025. Henderson said residents have met with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to talk about the issues and as a result of their talks, the public comment period for those objecting to renewal of the permit has been extended to Dec. 19. Written comments can be addressed to: ADEM / Permits and Services Division Attn: Russell Kelly 1400 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery, Alabama 36110 Comments can also be emailed to rak@adem.alabama.gov and landmail@ adem.alabama.gov Henderson said the landfill has purchased land across the street and aims to expand there. He believes that water quality has suffered and says he has seen firsthand rodents and buzzards and a church in the area has even secured fresh air masks so that parishioners can make it through an entire service with the overwhelming smell on hot days. County Engineer David Moore said they are looking at ways to make some repairs to the road, but did not have the funds for an entire repaving on Washington and other streets surrounding the landfill. The landfill means big money to the county and the commissioners. Under the modified district system
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of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Op eration Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Tallassee residents can still participate in Operation Christmas Child by packing a gift-filled shoebox online for children suffering from poverty, natural disaster, war, terror, disease and famine. Like online shopping, visitors can browse samaritanspurse.org/occ to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish by uploading a photo and writing a note of encouragement to be included in the shoebox they build online. They can also follow their box to discover where in the world it will be delivered.
Eclectic collected 637 shoeboxes. In Coosada 629 shoeboxes were collected. 126 shoeboxes were collected in Elmore. The Titus community collected 140 shoeboxes and Equality collected 34 shoeboxes for this year’s Samaritan’s Purse project. While the numbers are grand, the organization is not resting on its success. Although local drop-off locations have closed for the season, there is still time to remind children overseas that God loves them. Participants can give a $25 gift card to a family member or friend so they can join in the excitement of Operation Christmas Child by packing a shoebox gift online. These shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, toys, hygiene items and notes of encouragement—are delivered to children in some of the hardest-toreach countries around the world. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission
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No. 51-52
Tallassee Page 4 • December 14, 2016
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
John Glenn: Last of the so-called 'instant heroes' S
pace history buffs knew this day was coming. Senator John Glenn, the last of the original seven Mercury astronauts, died on Dec. 8, at the age of 95. A native of Ohio, John Herschel Glenn Jr. had a stereotypical AllAmerican boyhood, and had met his future life partner in a playpen when they were both toddlers (and he and Annie had been married for 73 ½ years when he crossed the way last week). He had more aviation experience as a Marine aviator prior to being selected as an astronaut than some folks might have known. He flew combat missions in World War II, and did two combat tours during the Korean War, shooting down three enemy planes. Glenn came to (brief) public notice in 1957, when, as a test pilot, he flew a jet aircraft
The So-Called Column By Willie G. Moseley from coast to coast in less than three and a half hours, setting a transcontinental speed record that was faster than a .45 caliber bullet. The flight was presented as an endurance test for a particular jet engine, and involved three in-flight refueling rendezvous with tanker aircraft. The average speed for the mission was some 725 mph (almost the speed of sound at ground level), even though Glenn had been compelled to slow his aircraft to approximately 300 mph for the refueling maneuvers. Soon after the completion of what was dubbed “Project Bullet,” newsreel stories about the new speed record were
presented in theaters all across the country, giving John Glenn his first taste of national acclaim. But Glenn and six other military test pilots weren’t household names when they were introduced to the nation in April 1959 as America’s first astronauts. NASA’s Mercury program was slated to hurl each of these valiant warriors into the great, black unknown as the us-against-theRusskies space race hit its stride. Other than some aviation buffs who might have been familiar with Glenn’s Project Bullet feat, no one knew much about the Mercury Seven, but such anonymity was abruptly obliterated. The decibel level of the adulation for these instant heroes was deafening, and in spite of their having signed an exclusive contract with Life magazine, the ravenous press scrutinized the astronauts
and their families incessantly for the next four years. And to say that these guys subsequently earned their “hero” status is an understatement, considering their assignments to sit atop a giant cylinder that could explode, and to be rocketed into an airless void where no one could help them if an emergency arose. Glenn’s flight on Feb. 20, 1962 was a nail-biter. His was the first orbital flight by an American, and he was astride a rocket that had a reputation of being undependable. The Atlas missile to which his Mercury spacecraft was affixed was basically a metallic balloon that had to be engorged with fuel. Its “shell” was thinner than a dime. And the joke was that any new piece of a space launch system was also built by the lowest bidder on a government contract.
Much of the world came to a stop to monitor Glenn’s threeorbit mission, which had another scary facet when telemetry indicated that the spacecraft’s landing bag (to cushion the splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean) had deployed. If that was the case, the heat shield had come loose, and Glenn would be incinerated upon re-entry. It turned out the readings were false, but an in-cockpit camera showed Glenn’s obvious concern, just as it showed his joy and relief when he saw the parachute above his spacecraft after it had safely re-entered the atmosphere. The tidal wave of patriotic euphoria that accompanied Glenn’s safe return swamped the entire nation, and Glenn opted to enter politics. He served four terms as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and unsuccessfully campaigned for a Democratic nomination
for president. But he wasn’t perfect, having been caught up as one of the quintet of Senators cited in the Keating Five scandal. And while his return to space at age 77 onboard a Space Shuttle flight, was admirable from a physical fortitude standpoint, there were rumblings that his venture had a political favor facet. Nevertheless, John Glenn always seemed to epitomize love of country and remained a patriotic icon for the rest of his life. He and the other Mercury astronauts lived up to their (premature) “hero” designations in spades, in unique and historical service to the United States at a time when heroes were indeed needed. Willie Moseley is the news editor emeritus of The Tribune and a regular columnist for the paper.
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The Tallassee Tribune
A
Slang words and millworkers
bad slang word for cotton mill workers is linthead. It was alright for one millworker to call another millworker linthead, but it was like saying a cuss word if anyone else called a mill worker linthead. Most people that worked in the mill were proud of their jobs but they always felt that people in other professions looked down on them. Millworkers were content to let the mill itself take care of all their needs. The mill company did all of this, as I’ve mentioned in articles before. They furnished schools, doctors, dentists, grocery stores, druggists and houses. A person had few worries other than showing up when the whistle blew and working as hard as he could for eight hours, going home, resting up and starting over when his shift came around again. Almost all lintheads married and had children. Some of them had lots of children. Education was of little
The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley concern to most of them. When their boys turned sixteen they went to work in the mill. Many more girls went on to school than boys and yet a lot of them had to quit school to help their mamas take care of the little ones, get married or try to find an outside job themselves. One thing they were proud of is they wanted no part of welfare. If you go back to these mill villages today you will find a different breed of people living in a lot of the mill houses. People who are bent on getting a check of one kind or another. Even though lintheads wanted to get away from these mill towns you couldn’t get their way of living out of them. Many left but most came back. Some went to Childersburg
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and got jobs working in the ammunition plant or Aiken, South Carolina, working in the bomb plant. Some even went as far as Detroit, Michigan, and made cars. I am guessing but I would say that for every 10 that left at least seven came back home. The ones that didn’t come home for good visited on a regular basis. I don’t know if it was jealousy or not but the ones that stayed resented the ones that left. Most of the second hands in the mill were not even high school graduates. When a person told, them they were quitting they would get mad and say, “There’s a barefoot boy standing at the gate wanting your job so go ahead and quit.” I’m not speaking only of Tallassee but all over my world which consisted of Tallassee, Wetumpka, Prattville, Dadeville, Alex City, Opelika, Valley and West Point. These were mill towns and Tallassee was one of the better ones. As I have said before and I’ll say
over and over because it shouldn’t be forgotten, these people were a hardworking, honest group of people that would give you the shirt off their backs but they didn’t want you looking down on them and they had no use for people that would not work. There was a man that lived about a block and a half from us that had a lazy streak and was not supporting his family. One night a group of men burned a cross in his yard and told him to shape up or ship out. From that day on this man was a model citizen. This is just a little bit about the people called lintheads. If you happened to be one, it would not make me mad at all if you called me one, but I’m like the other lintheads. Keep your mouth shut if you’re not one. Ronald Brantley is a longtime Tallasee resident and regular columnist for The Tribune. He can be reached at Rbrantley1@ elmore.rr.com
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Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers
State witnessed political headlines in 2016
W
hile the presidential race played out this year, several things happened in Alabama politics that went under the
radar. First, a federal appeals court upheld the legislature’s banning PAC to PAC transfers. The new Republican legislative majority that marched into the Statehouse in 2011 set out to destroy and bury the last bastion of Democratic power in the state – the once omnipotent Alabama Education Association. They succeeded. One of the legs they sawed off was the PAC to PAC money laundering scheme that AEA so adroitly used to funnel and hide their campaign contributions. The primary beneficiary of the AEA transfer was to Joe Reed’s Alabama Democratic Conference. The three judge panel’s ruling does not limit the amount of money that the ADC can raise, it just disallows the AEA from transferring money to their sister organization. The AEA/ADC coalition was not the only group using this PAC to PAC shell game of hiding campaign contributions. The practice was pervasive. However, the ADC was the one that sued to say that the PAC to PAC prohibition was unconstitutional because it banned free speech and due process. Attorney General Luther Strange praised the ruling saying “the PAC to PAC transfer ban has been instrumental in limiting campaign corruption while adding greater transparency to the election process.” This federal court ruling has hammered an additional final nail in the coffin of the once vaunted AEA. In early October, the U.S. Justice Department launched a statewide investigation into the safety and sanitary conditions of Alabama’s men’s prisons. It has been common knowledge that Alabama’s prisons are overcrowded. It is probably a foregone conclusion that there is a very real possibility that the federal courts may intervene and take over control of our prisons. The state already settled a suit with the Department of Justice over problems with the Julia Tutwiler women’s prison in Wetumpka arising out of allegations of physical and sexual violence. This settlement occurred about a year ago. The Justice Department is now saying that the same problems exist in the men’s prisons. The DOJ investigation may very well be the precursor to federal intervention. The prison problem will have to be front and center when the legislature convenes in February. State Senator Cam Ward of Shelby County, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been at the forefront of the prison issue, says, “At the end of the day you have to change the facilities to some degree not just for the safety of inmates but for the safety of those who work there.” Alabama’s prisons were at 178 percent capacity in July. This severe overcrowding is the primary contributing factor to violence in prisons. There have been six homicides at the St. Clair Correctional facility between 2011 and 2014. There have been riots at Holman prison in Atmore. The Bibb and Bessemer correctional facilities have seen numerous allegations of physical and sexual abuse. All three U.S. Attorneys in the State have tacitly agreed with the Justice Department investigation. The Governor’s Advisory Council on gambling is meeting and will formulate a plan of action to propose to the legislature when they convene in February. This sevenmember advisory panel will examine the entire gambling gambit. Hopefully, this council will promulgate a plan of action for gambling in Alabama. This issue of gambling has plagued the state for decades. In fact, it has existed since the state’s founding. Gambling revenue is probably the state’s largest potential revenue source. Our state is losing millions of dollars to our surrounding states. Hopefully, this council will look at all aspects of gambling including the lottery, how to extract some money from the Poarch Creek Indian casino monopoly, and also allowing the locally sanctioned facilities in Greene, Macon and Lowndes counties to exist and pay some state taxes. The council should have a recommendation to give the legislature by January 31, 2017, in time for the legislative session in February. The race for our open U.S. Senate seat is beginning to percolate. Candidates will be wise to avoid the interim appointment to the seat by Gov. Bentley. The early favorites to win election to the seat are Attorney General Luther
www.TallasseeTribune.com
December 14, 2016 • Page 5
The Birds' Christmas Carol
T
he great writer Truman Capote immortalized fruitcakes being sent in the mail and dropped off to friends and neighbors in his Christmas Memory. With all due respect to Mr. Capote and his Monroeville relations, my Christmas memory isn’t nearly as colorful. I suppose if I had known God’s plans in advance, I might have behaved differently. Family was so important growing up. Unlike many people whose relatives move all over the country and are reunited only occasionally, Mother and Daddy and my grandparents all lived in Montgomery, and we all lived in the same neighborhood. We were less than five minutes from one another at all times. Getting together was something that happened with such regularity that I cannot single out a specific time or place. As the oldest grandchild on my mother’s side of the family, I received a lot of attention. I could drink the whole carton of egg nog and no one would care. Whatever I asked for, I got. Today, I’d call my younger self a spoiled brat.
Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird These were special times, however. My grandparents on my mother’s side were from a much earlier era; born around the turn of the century, they were married for two decades before my mother came along. Gran was an early career woman; she had worked as a Realtor and volunteered at her church. Pop was a bus driver for Trailways who, in 40 years, drove 3 million miles without incident. My mother’s sister and her husband were always there, and they had (to me, at the time) the ultimate fast-paced lifestyle. My uncle’s family ran a piano store in Montgomery’s original mall, Normandale, which enabled my aunt and uncle to travel around the world purchasing musical instruments and meeting famous people. I thought that was really cool. Daddy’s side of the family was a very
interesting collection of personalities. My grandfather, a military man, had passed away before I was born. My grandmother remarried when I was little, and her second husband became my mom’s boss at the insurance office. My dad’s mother was one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met. She had rooms of books that she’d read cover to cover and was even featured in the 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey book written by Kathryn Tucker Windham – not as a ghost, but as a child who grew up with a ghost in her childhood home in Troy. My father’s five other siblings and their families sang or played instruments, and there was always a special presentation or dramatic reading to be performed. I said all that to say this. I never saw myself as a husband or father. But here I am, with six daughters and a son. Many of the relatives mentioned above have been called home, and so the family ranks are much smaller than before. The only nieces, nephew, and grandchildren in my whole family are my own kids.
My favorite Christmas memory was several years ago, when we first moved to Tallassee. We finally had a house with a chimney, and we had a tall, real Christmas tree. The BirdKids were all there on Christmas morning, along with my relatives and my wife’s Thibodeaux clan. We watched all of our children open their presents while listening to great music, enjoying egg nog and a delicious breakfast in our old mill house. It was like a movie to me. I wrote this essay in 2012 in response to my daughter’s teacher, who had asked for parents to share a favorite memory. Since then, my aunt and parents have become Tallassee transplants themselves, taking jobs first at Super Foods then Tractor Supply Company (my father) and State Farm (my mother). And we still live within five minutes of one another – this time, within walking distance. Michael Bird is a band director for Tallassee City Schools and co-hosts “The Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on WACQAM 580 and FM 101.1.
Listening is a choice
T
here are some things I do not want to hear. I do not want to hear fingernails on a chalkboard. I do not want to hear Barney Frank singing Christmas carols. And I do not want to hear Alabama fans talking smack after a big victory. For the most part, I don’t hear any of this, because I choose not to listen. You see, there is a big difference in hearing and listening. We have a choice. I often tell people listening is important for three reasons: it’s the polite and courteous thing to do, you might learn something, and they might unintentionally say something funny. If you’re a politician, it can help you get elected, although, once elected, you’ll most likely forget everything you heard, but that’s a different story altogether. I’ve always been a decent listener, but in recent years, I’ve gotten better. American educator, author, businessman and keynote speaker Stephen R. Covey said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand;
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
they listen with the intent to reply.” While I’m sometimes guilty of this, my intent is usually good. I ask questions, so they know that I am listening and am genuinely concerned and interested. Last week, I received a call from an old friend I’d not talked to in years. He lives a thousand miles from me. I assumed he’d butt dialed me, but that was not the case. He intentionally reached out to me, and I’m so thankful he did. We served together in Iraq. For each of us, it was deployment number two to that all-expense-paid vacation paradise. He’s going through a rough stretch. He’s currently going through a divorce and suffering from PTSD. He’s really struggling and just needed to talk and for someone to listen. I’m grateful that I could be that someone. Sometimes that’s all
people need, so be there for those who reach out to you. They need to bend an ear, so don’t be afraid to lend an ear; consider it a blessing. Through my similar struggles, I could relate to just about everything he said, so I chimed in from time to time to not only let him know that I was hearing him but that I was also listening and latching onto his every word. I see my counselor at the VA every two or three weeks, and I can’t tell you how beneficial it has been to me. It’s often been said that God speaks to those who take time to listen, and He listens to those who take time to pray. Some days, I find myself in prayer so much that I rarely take the time to say “amen.” It’s more like “to be continued.” The more I pray, the more He speaks to me. My mind, eyes, and ears are open to whatever He is trying to tell me. I feel it. I see it. I hear it. It’s real. It’s very real when you take the time to listen. Per the Interwebs, hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are
not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Listening, however, is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain processes meaning from words and sentences. And sounds…many people hear nature, but they don’t listen. There’s nothing more pleasant and therapeutic than the sounds of nature and being away from the hustle and bustle of city life, even if it’s within the confines of our own backyard within the boundaries of the city. While we can sometimes hear the cars, trains and sirens, we have the uncanny ability to tune all that out if we so desire. You see, we all have the skills to do just that. In most cases, hearing is inevitable; listening is a choice. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and 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.
Page 6 • December 14, 2016
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Winter is the coldest of the four seasons. The e ÂżUVW GD\ RI :LQWHU RFFXUV DURXQG 'HFHPEHU HU 21, the day of the Winter Solstice. The Winter er e Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the h Northern Hemisphere. This is when the North e ern Hemisphere of the Earth (which includes the s United States) is as far away from the sun as n, possible. Without as much heat from the Sun, e temperatures become colder, and the days are y shorter. The Sun sets much earlier in the day n than during the other seasons of the year. In o many places, it is cold enough to turn rain into p snow. Some animals grow thick coats to keep s them warm in the cold Winter. Some mammals n hibernate through Winter. Hibernation is when or an animal sleeps through the cold months for long periods of time. In order to survive the Win y ter, birds migrate south to warmer weather. They y return to their homes in the Spring. People enjoy e Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice o skating. Kids enjoy warm treats, like hot choco late, and they also enjoy playing in the snow.
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+2: 72 &5($7( 612:)/$.( 251$0(176 Step One: Lay a piece of waxpaper down on your work area.
Follow the directions to Step Two: Using your imagination, arrange as many cotton swabs as you would \RXU OLNH LQWR D VQRZĂ€DNH VKDSHG SDWWHUQ &XW WKH VZDEV LQ KDOI WR FRPSOHWH \RXU make your design. RZQ VQRZĂ€DNH ue the ornament. You Step Three: Once you have made a design you like, take your glue and glue n you will need: a box cotton swabs together using small dots. Glue may touch wax paper. When KDYH DSSOLHG JOXH WR HDFK FRQQHFWLQJ SDUW OHW WKHP GU\ IRU KRXUV of white cotton KHFN swabs, craft Step Four: :KHQ WKH JOXH KDV FRPSOHWHO\ GULHG SLFN XS \RXU RUQDPHQW &KHFN Z WR IRU DQ\ SDUWV WKDW PD\ QRW KDYH VWD\HG JOXHG ,I QHHGHG UH JOXH DQG DOORZ WR glue, string, GU\ 7KHQ DWWDFK D LQFK VWULQJ WR WKH RUQDPHQW wax paper, and Step Five: Hang it on the tree or in a window. scissors.
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
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December 14, 2016 • Page 7
A special visitor from the North Pole coming to the shelter By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Santa loves pets just as much as children so he told us he would make an early stop at our shelter this Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. – noon! Everyone is welcome to take your own photo (with children and/or pets) with Santa or we can help take a photo using your camera or smart phone. Any donated pet supply item would be greatly appreciated! For those who may not have visited us before, our address is 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, and if you need directions just give us a call at 334567-3377. It isn’t too late to stop by our shelter to purchase an Adoption Gift Certificate for that family, parent, spouse or best friend who is looking to add a loving pet to their home. Since finding a pet can be a very special and personal decision this allows you to pre-pay their adoption fee and then they have up to a year to find just the right pet for themselves. Stop by the shelter anytime to purchase a gift certificate Monday-Friday 8 a.m.5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m-3 p.m.. Another gift we would love to help with is to make a personalized ID tag for a pet. If you are trying to think of a gift for a pet lover there is no better gift than an ID tag that will help their pet get back home if it is ever lost. Don’t know what to put on the tag? Our advice is the owner’s last name and their phone number, that’s all! Of
course we can engrave most anything, but it is the phone number that gets a lost pet reunited with its family. Of course we also think an ID tag is a perfect gift for your pet here at Christmas – heck, get a few made so you always have extras, just in case! And these tags can also be attached to any number of items so just let your imagination run wild and come see us – tags range in cost from $7 $12! Our Tails End Thrift store has five more shopping days remaining before Christmas so make sure to come check out all the great treasures for sale this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-17, and then again next Thursday and Friday Dec. 22-23. The Thrift Store will be closed on Christmas Eve as our volunteers prepare for their own Christmas activities. Please thank all the wonderful volunteers who make our store such an important asset to our shelter. We are truly indebted to everyone who gives so much of their time and talent to make our Thrift Store such a success. And for all who are wondering, our new store will be opening very soon. Just watch our newsletter for our upcoming opening date! Since Christmas is coming up fast and to help more of our pets find loving homes, we will also be open for adoptions this Sunday, Dec. 18, from noon - 4 p.m. Remember, we will only be doing pick-ups of pre-approved adoptions on Christmas Eve until noon and then will be closed Dec. 25-26.
Submitted / The Tribune
SCV goes to Tallassee Senior Centee
Fred Randall Hughey, Commander of the Tallassee Armory Guards, Camp 1921 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans presenting a check in the amount of $200 for our annual contribution to Jahazel Hooks, Tallasssee Senior Center Director, to help with the Senior’s Annual Christmas Party.
Submitted / The Tribune
Holiday Yard of the Week The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce chose the home of Jake and Sarah Hill for this week’s Holiday Yard of the Week. Left to right: Lorie Rygiel, Jake Hill, Meredith Hill, Cadence Hill, Sarah Hill, Michone Roye and Penny Sorrell.
Area Calendar December Please contact Recreation Department if you are interested in a Self Defense Class 283-4726. Class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. This is NOT a mixed martial class. Class would meet oneweek night approx. 2 hrs. and Saturday approx. 8 hrs. • During the holiday season, the National Park Service announces that “The Oaks” – home of Booker T. Washington – will be open for tours from Tuesday through Saturday at the following times – 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (CST). All home tours, which include the campus, begin in front of the George Washington Carver Museum. • Tallassee Police Department is looking for Toys for Tots recipients. If you know of a family struggling to provide a Christmas for their children, please contact officer Clayton the Tallassee Police Department at 283-6586 • Annual Kiwanis Club Christmas Ornaments now available. Ornaments can be purchased at
WACQ, City Hall, Trustmark Bank, and Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds from the sale provide scholarships for Tallassee and Reeltown students.
December 15
Allegiance Staffing Job Fair. From 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. At Trustmark Bank Annex, 308 Barnett Blvd. Fulltime jobs with health benefits offered. Dress for success. • Tallassee’s Downtown Chamber Social will be from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Participating retailers will offer sales, refreshments and a fun atmosphere. Bring the children to take pictures with Santa Claus at the Ann Ave. green space from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Listen to music of the season while you shop. Tallassee Chamber of Commerce hosts this event.
December 17 Cruise-In Car Show from 6p.m.- 9p.m. at Super Foods on Gilmer Avenue.
December 12-30 Men’s Coed basketball registration will be held from December12 –December 30. Season will begin week of January 9 and games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Small space advertising works! Call 256.234.8281!
RELIGION
Visit our sister websites: www.AlexCityOutlook.com www.TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Page 8 • December 14, 2016
www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Getting saved while climbing the tree At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus,who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of
Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” – Luke 19:1-10 acchaeus is a brave man! He had the courage to risk both his status and his good name among other tax collectors just to see Jesus. Let’s think for a second about situations in our lives when we were called to do something challenging. How many struggles are there usually involved with it? We struggle thinking about what people may say. We struggle with the questions, “what if I fail?” Or, “what if I’m not good enough to do it?” I don’t think that it was such a simple thing to climb the tree. The sycamore tree is a very difficult one for climbing. And, we learn from the reading that Zacchaeus was short. But he does it anyway. The outcome is much bigger, many more times, than what he expected. He wanted only to see Jesus. Jesus was so popular, but he was also a very controversial figure in his day. Jesus offered Zacchaeus
FATHR MATEUSZ RUDZIK
Z
St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church
so much more. Jesus stays at his house and announces that “today salvation came to this house.” Think for just a second: is there anything more important than our salvation? Our lives are all about it. Our lives are testimonies to God’s eternal love for us. He loved us first, and our lives are dedicated to Him. Being saved means being a true friend of Jesus. Zacchaeus became one of them. But let us think also: what could have happened had Jesus not been so open to meeting, and dining with, another sinner? Zacchaeus is risking hearing something like this from Jesus: “Hi you, aren’t you a big sinner?! Isn’t it time to do something about it? Go and change
your life, brother, and then we will talk more about your salvation!” Nothing like that happened. But I’m afraid that this is what we do quite often. We who are righteous try to make others righteous people too. We try to “save” other people despite their lack of readiness to hear His word. We also do things that aren’t so good, such as covering our sins by talking about others. Jesus gives us a very clear example of what to do: love the sinner, hate the sin. Don’t let somebody’s sin stop you from being a friend or relative; don’t isolate the person in sin. Isn’t that result of sin anyway? Shame, isolation, loneliness, darkness, lack of hope? Who is Zacchaeus in your life? Who is that sinner whom I cannot accept? Who is that sinner that I’m trying to convert and make a better person? What if we take a risk to put aside all our holy attempts and start by simply loving others where they are? Give people enough space to breathe, to be accepted. We may find out
that we are sinners, too. Think back to the sycamore tree. It was calling Zacchaeus to climb on it. It brought him to unexpected place in his life. There are so many things we are afraid of doing. Our forgotten dreams, passions, inspirations -- those big, and those small. Let’s not bury them forever. They are like our own personal sycamore tree. There are more lessons to be learned than what we think. God is waiting there to come with His presence, love, mercy and salvation. If we just dare take a risk to fail, to leave our comfort zone, to fight harder for grace that is within the reach of our hands. If we could just let Jesus do His job. Father Mateusz Rudzik is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee and St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Tuskegee. He is also an avid motorcyclist, sky diver, and adventurer.
Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. Epiphany will host “Beans & Rice.” The Beans & Rice ministry takes place the third Saturday of every month. At that time the Parish Hall is open to those in need of food, who may choose their preferred items from the selection available. On Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. the “Confirmation and Coffee” Sunday School series will conclude. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist marking the fourth Sunday in Advent, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/
• East Tallassee United Methodist Church
On Dec. 18 at our 11 a.m. service, we will present singing “O Holy Night.” During our night service, East Tallassee United Methodist Church and Bradford Chapel will present a singing program. The program will start at 6 p.m. We will feature several bands, our church choir and various other talents. All are welcome to attend and help us celebrate the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior.
• Elam Baptist Church
The sanctuary choir of Elam Baptist
Church with Director Kevin Lanier will present “Bethlehem Morning” Sunday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. This will be very inspiring with solos and special visual effects. You will want to plan to attend and bring someone with you and invite others. Everyone is welcome for this special Christmas music. The Children’s Christmas Celebration and party will follow a short business meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. with Christmas finger food snacks. A special Candlelight Christmas Day Service will be at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25. There will be no other services on Christmas Day. We pray that you can join us for this special service honoring the birth of the Christ Child. There were 60 or more in attendance last year. Join us as we celebrate. Bring your family and make this a tradition. Visitors are always welcome at Elam. Keep Christ in your Christmas. Merry Christmas to all from Elam Baptist Church.
• Salem Macon Baptist Church
Salem Macon is giving Christmas cards again this year. If you would like to give a Christmas card to a church member, put it in the mailbox on table in hallway. Deadline is Dec. 18. Dec. 18 is a big day at Salem Macon. Starting at 9 a.m. we will have a Christmas Brunch (bring a breakfast dish or drink). Then at 10:30, we will enjoy a
Christmas program instead of the morning worship. Lots of singing. Come and bring someone with you. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, we will have an Advent candle service and observe the Lord’s Supper. There will not be Sunday School.
• Tallassee Church of Christ
Tallassee Church of Christ announces our new minister, Charlie Boddy. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services begin at 6 p.m. Visitors are welcome at all services. 334-283-5437. 209 Gilmer Ave.
• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
“Our Life’s Journey” is an outreach of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Pastor; and Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, Grand Knight. It airs on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com or on your smart phone using the TuneIn app. Dec. 18 - Christianity vs. Islam Part 2 Dec. 25 - Christ Mass Jan. 1 - Once Saved, Always Saved?
• Salem Macon Baptist
We reached our goal of Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes for children of the world. We made 137 boxes! Thanks to all who fixed a box. If you would like to give a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one, see Nancy Stephens by Dec. 4. They are $12 each and will be used to decorate the church for Christmas. We do not have our Forever Young meeting in November or December. Our next meeting will be January 24. Salem Macon is located at 4647 Tallapoosa St, Notasulga, on Highway 14 five miles west of Notasulga and 9 miles east of Tallassee. We would be happy to have you join us for Sunday School at 9:30 and 10:30 Worship Service. Mike Stephens is our pastor.
• East Tallassee United Methodist Church
The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.
Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore 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 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825 BAPTIST
Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5674325 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 Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 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 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 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 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 5674458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 3121878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 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 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist
1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120
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Price Paint and Body celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Price Paint and Body celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday. Owner Brad Price, also owns Price Paint and Body in Wetumpka. Price said he saw an opportunity in the Tallassee market for a paint and body shop and decided to invest in the local market. “We really wanted to be in this market, the Tallassee market,” he said. “I look forward to servicing the people of Tallassee and surrounding areas.” Price Paint and Body is locat-
ed on directly behind Tallassee Automotive. “I am excited about this new partnership and I look forward to the future,” said Eric Creswell, general manager of Tallassee Automotive. Price Paint & Body, formerly known as Wetumpka Paint & Body LLC has been providing body repair, collision repair and complete paint jobs for over 11 years. The paint and body specialist uses only ASE- certified technicians to insure outstanding workmanship. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Tallassee native opens massage and wellness center years now”, she said. “I’ve been practicing massage since 2007 and I’ve always wanted to move back home and do this.” Tallassee Massage and Tallassee Massage and Wellness celebrated its grand Wellness specializes in relaxation, opening with a ribbon cutting deep tissue massage, trigger point Saturday. therapy and neuromuscular therThere was a large turnout for apies. this event as friends, family and Ransom says she is one of four patrons welcomed the new busiin this enterprise. ness to the area. “Crystal Jarvis is the estition, Beth Ransom, owner and Clair Scroggins is a massage theroperator of Tallassee Massage apist and Mary Weaver works the and Wellness, is originally from front desk,” Ransom said. Tallassee. Ransom graduated Ransom says she is thankful to from Tallassee High School be back in the Tallassee commuin 1997. After graduation, she nity and looks forward to meeting relocated to Tampa, Florida, and new people. attended Cortiva Institute. “I appreciate the community’s According to Ransom, this support,” Ransom said.” I hope endeavor has been in the making everyone will come out and see for a while. me and give us a try.” “It’s been on mind for about 10 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Price Paint and Body celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday. This is the paint and body specialist’s second location in the river region. Price has been in the buisneess for 11 years in Wetumpka and looks forward to serving the Tallassee community. Below, Mayor Johnny Hammock, Councilwoman Sarah Hill, members of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, Beth Ransom, Crystal Jarvis, Mary Weaver, Claire Scroggins, along with many friends and family members celebrated the grand opening of Tallassee Wellness and Massage with a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday afternoon.
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Elmore County Forestry Commision leaves county over budget shortfall By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Elmore County’s Forestry Commission left Wetumpka and the county after decades, leaving county officials and some business owners concerned about its ramifications. However forestry officials assured the effects of the move to neighboring Montgomery would be minimal. District One County Commissioner Kenny Holt brought up the department’s recent relocation at the last county commission. Holt asked Emergency Management Director Eric Jones about the rumored move and what could be done on the commission’s part to help get the department back in Elmore County. In the meeting last Monday Jones said the process had been underway for about three weeks. The commission has undergone recent administration changes and is currently without a permanent state director, which could have an effect on the move. Assistant State Forester Dan Jackson said the move was purely budgetary. “We have chosen to move to a different location,” said Jackson. “Where we were at we were paying a little rent.” He said the amount was about $400, but said the said the state agency was “so strapped financially on our state budget” that the cost had to be cut. The result was a move described as just over the county line to a spot across from the Gunter Annex of Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, which is roughly 13 miles from its previous location in the Elmore County Firefighters Association building off of Red Eagle Road. “We have an office there that had some space in it,” Jackson said. “It’s a better fit for us financially.” Jackson said there were only two foresters staffed for Elmore County and they would remain assigned to the county. He said they were still getting moved into their new location and for the past two weeks or so had been at a temporary location, but should be moved into the new permanent location in about a week. Holt said on Friday he had talked with Elmore County Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Jones and Elmore County Firefighters
Association Chairperson John Wilson. He said the matter was brought to him from a constituent in his district who was in the forestry business who was concerned how it would affect the revenue of the forestry business should fire break out amid recent extreme drought conditions. Holt said he was 68 and for as long as he could remember the county’s fire commission building was located in Wetumpka; along with it, the equipment it used if fire broke out in any of the surrounding forested area. He said he did not want a similar scenario to occur as happened in the recent and deadly Tennessee fires. “My concern was look what happened in Gatlinburg,” said Holt. “Right now our protection is our local fire departments … I don’t want us to lose anything like that. We have a lot of rural properties kind of like the Gatlinburg situation.” The location of the equipment used to combat wildfires was another concern of Holt’s. Jackson said that equipment would either be parked at the new location or somewhere in the county. He said the equipment consisted of a transport truck and bulldozer. “We’re still going to be able to provide the fire protection for wildfires like we were before,” Jackson said. “When we look at neighboring counties, it might be closer for us to bring equipment from surrounding counties. (The question is) where’s the closest unit.” As for how many fires had occurred in the area in recent months of drought, Jackson said 11 fires had involved roughly 64 acres of land since Oct. 1. The “worst case scenario,” he said, was that an additional 30 minutes would be added from the new location to the foresters travel time to areas in the north portion of the county. Jackson said for now the move was permanent especially in the absence of a state forester, who could in the future redetermine the location of the county’s foresters. “This is just the move we’re making right now, the new state forester can make whatever changes,” Jackson said. He said without land owned by the commission in the county this was the move they were going to make versus the continued expense of renting at the previous location. “We don’t own any property,” Jackson said. “If we did it wouldn’t be an issue.”
County commission reiterates dirt road policies By RICHIE BEYER Elmore County Enginerr
Elmore County’s unprecedented growth has both positive and negative aspects. One of the negatives deals with unpaved or dirt roads. Many people flee the hustle and bustle of the city for relaxed country living, often leading to the purchase of property on an unpaved road. Citizens relocate to a picturesque piece of Elmore County along one of our 300 miles of dirt roads serving varying volumes of traffic. After a few months, when the “new” wears off and the associated ills of living on a dirt road rear their head, is when most people begin the quest to have their road paved by the county. In a perfect world, the County Commission could authorize and fund a dirt road-paving program to address all the unpaved roads in the county. Unfortunately, the reality is the Commission faces not only trying to make improvements to dirt roads but also must address the mounting number of paved roads that are reaching a critical condition and need resurfacing. The Commission is utilizing its limited funding to address the large investment the county has in its paved road system while at the same time trying to chip away at dirt road improvements. To utilize the county’s resources most efficiently, the Commission has adopted a policy that would implement measures to provide structure to a dirt road improvement program. The plan requires landowners on a dirt road to file a petition with the County Engineer to include the sig-
nature of all legal landowners from the road. The petition would inform residents that in order for their road to be scheduled for improvements, all required right-of-way would need to be donated by the landowners to the county, all utilities would need to be relocated to accommodate the new roadway and the road would be surveyed and designed by the county prior to any improvements. These requirements are designed to place the county’s limited resources on making improvements to the selected dirt roads. When numerous roads compete for priority, criteria such as households served and traffic volumes determine priority. While this policy will help identify unpaved roads that the county can improve in a cost effective manner, it is not a cure all. This is just the first step in the process of putting a program in place to address these types of roads and improvements of this nature take time, years in fact, to accomplish. Citizens who live or are planning to live on a dirt road understand that the muddy, dusty, and sometimes washboard road conditions are inherent to dirt roads. Elmore County is not alone in its plight of dirt road maintenance. Mobile County has a link on its web page discussing this very issue (www.mobilecountypublicworks.net/whatitmeansframe. htm). NOTE: Due to numerous inquiries regarding Elmore County’s Dirt Road Policy, the Elmore County Commission periodically runs this article to inform citizens of the county’s policy.
December 14, 2016 • Page 11
Storeowner files suit against commissioners over liquor license By MITCH SNEED Editor
The owner of a liquor store in the Wall Street Community has filed suit against the Tallapoosa County Commissioners and the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board after the store’s liquor license was denied Jitenda and Bena Patel of PJ’s One Stop at 1990 S. Tallassee Drive are the owners of the store and the suit was filed last Thursday in Montgomery Circuit Court by attorney Wesley Pitters of Montgomery. In November, Mr. Patel spoke to the commissioners asking for his liquor license to be granted. He said that even though the commissioners had granted a beer and wine license the previous month, he said there was no reason not to grant the license. Patel said there had been no violations or issues under his ownership. The commissioner declined to reconsider at that meeting in the item that was not on the agenda. After the meeting they instructed Patel how to renew the request in writing. Rather than waiting, Patel filed suit. “He has asserted his right to have the matter decided by the court,” Tallapoosa County Attorney Thomas Radney said. “At this point it will be in the hands of the court or the ABC board to reconsider and whatever happens the county will abide by the decision. The commissioners were acting on the objections of countless residents in the area who had signed a petition opposing the liquor license.” The suit lays out the same claims
made by the owner and states that the granting of a beer and wine license shows that there are no grounds for rejection. “Our position is that the law is very clear and there have been a number of suits where courts have ruled immediately that the license should be granted,” Pitters said. “Unless there is something egregious that can be cited from this applicant, then consistently courts have ruled that the license should be granted. That is certainly the case here.” The suit also alleges: “The plaintiff avers that there is no just cause for the rescinding or revocation of its duly issued liquor license. The actions of defendant Tallapoosa County Commission and its commissioners, named in the complaint in their individual capacity, are arbitrary and capricious and tantamount to the exercise of its police powers in a manner that deny the plaintiffs the equal protection of the law.” The suit not only seeks the granting of the license but additional “relief.” “Plaintiff prays that upon such finding the Court will issue an order setting aside the denial by Tallapoosa County Commission and entry of an approval for the license to be served upon ABC Board for the prompt issuance of the license,” The language in the suit reads. “The plaintiff prays for all other and different relief as deemed appropriate by the Court, including, but not limited to, a reasonable attorney fee and litigation costs and expenses.” According to court records, no date for a hearing has been set in the case.
Meet Allie – Pet of the Week Allie has been with the Humane Society of Elmore County since May, which makes no sense since she is such a wonderful dog. Allie is a Lab/Catahoula mix, oneyear old and about 50 lbs. She is a very well behaved girl – loving, attentive, curious, ready to please and just content to hang out with her person. She is great with all other dogs. Allie is simply a wonderful dog, so please help her find her forever family. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over one-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, free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions this week Monday–Friday 10 a.m-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m-3 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m.
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Wildcats prevail over Tigers in student vs. mentor matchup STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
It is not often that an assistant gets the opportunity to compete against his head coach in team competition. Usually, its years down the road before such a game can take place. Both coaches know the ins and outs of the other and sometimes, it just doesn’t happen. Such was not the case as Jeff Hines and the Benjamin Russell Wildcats invaded the B. G. Stumberg Gymnasium for a huge match up against Cecil Hollinquest and the Tallassee Tigers. “Although this was a matchup of a former assistant and his head coach, its more about the players and where they stand at this point. I consider this as a bar game for my Tallassee players. I want to see how well we would respond to tougher competition,” said Hollinquest. “I knew it would be a tough game going in and I want to prepare our guys for tougher battles down the road.” The Wildcats (1-4) of Alexander City would prevail 78–53, but the game was
much closer than that during the first quarter. “We had a really good game plan against them,” Hollinquest said. “We actually were competing very well, going blow for blow. However, we had a stretch there of too many consecutive turnovers that led to easy scores for them and we never recovered. After that point, do you continue to compete or do you drop your head and throw in the towel? I’m proud of my guys how they competed, regardless of the score. We wanted the win, but I’m pleased with the overall outcome.” The Tigers (2–5) (1–1) used sharp shooting from Tyler Winchester (14 points and 5 rebounds) and inside play of Kalvin Levett (12 points and 4 rebounds) to hold off an aggressive pressing attack from Benjamin Russell. “We knew they would be hungry for a win,” Hollinquest said. “They play a tough schedule and have come up winless. Our job tonight was to compete against that hunger, hit our open shots, and take care of the ball. It was different coaching against my former players. Coach Hines and the Wildcat staff does a great job building that program.” Hollinquest accepted the Tallassee
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Travon Skipper takes control of the ball during last Thursday’s game against BB. Comer. The Tigers took the game in a 66-48 final.
head basketball position in 2015 after working on the Benjamin Russell basketball coaching staff for 6 years. Timmy Lawson and Shannon Woody
led Benjamin Russell with 12 points apiece. The Tigers hosted the Elmore County Tournament Dec. 8–10.
Tallassee preps for the Beast of the Beach By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Tallassee’s wrestling team traveled to Weaver on Sunday to participate in the Gene Taylor Classic Wrestling Tournament. There were 18 teams participating in the bracketed tournament and, like in previous tournaments, the Tigers walked away victorious. With an 8-0 record for the season and a 2-0-tournament record for the season, the Tigers are focusing on an upcoming tournament against Beauregard and Thomasville Friday. Following the tournament, the team will shift their focus to the beach as they prepare to leave Sunday heading to Ft. Walton Beach in Florida for the Beast of the Beach. According to Coach John Mask, the Beast of the Beach will raise the bar for the entire team. “I think this tournament prepares the kids for state,” he said. “Every match is going to be tough and it’s good because they get a
chance to wrestle different teams that are not in our area.” There will be a total of 4 teams participating in the Beast of the Beach, including Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. Mask explained just how challenging the upcoming tournament can be. “The year we won state, we went undefeated in Alabama,” Mask said. “We were 28-0 here, but at that tournament we were 6-3, all of our losses came from that tournament.” While some coaches see loosing a setback, Mask believes it can be a great motivator. “It helps because it lets them know that they do need to work harder and there is always someone who is better,” Mask said. “That makes them better and stronger.” Following the Beast of the Beach, the Tigers will have a few days off before they faceoff with Prattville Christian at P.C.A on Dec. 31 at 9 a.m.
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Jonovan Miller worked hard to come out victorious during Saturday’s tournament. According to Coach Mask, one of Jonovan’s greatest attributes is his ability to listen and execute.
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Reed Whitaker signed with LBW College Thursday. Whitaker says he is excited about playing at the next level; however, he remains focused on a successful upcoming baseball season. (Left to right) First row: Ryleigh Whitaker, Whit Whitaker, Reed Whitaker and Kristi Whitaker. Second row: Adam Clayton, Brandon Ware and Craig McDaniel.
Whitaker signs with LBW Community College By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Reid Whitaker, a senior at Tallassee High School, signed with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Thursday. Starting since the ninth grade, Whitaker has played in several games. “He’s caught well over 100 games already and that’s not counting the upcoming season,” said Tigers head baseball Coach, Adam Clayton. According to Clayton, one of Whitaker’s greatest attributes is reliability. “Knowing that you have a consistent guy behind the plate who is going to do a really good job with the pitching staff is a definite plus.” Whitaker says this accomplishment has been a team effort. “I could not have done this without my coaches,” said Whitaker. “ I have great teammates, too.” While Whitaker is excited about the opportunity to play baseball at the next level, he remains focused on the task at hand. “I am excited about signing, but I am also excited about this upcoming season,” he said. “We have a lot of good players on the team and I’m just looking forward to good season.”
Tallassee High School Principal, Matt Coker, says Whitaker is an illustration of hard work and dedication in action. “Reid is a perfect example of what happens when a student athlete is dedicated and has a goal,” Coker said. “Reid has gotten better every year. He’s one of those players who is the center of your team. I’m very proud of him.” Brandon Ware, assistant coach at LBW, was present for the signing. According to Ware, he has had his eye on Whitaker for a while now. “I had actually seen Reid last summer in a workout and was impressed with his arm strength behind the plate and his overall athleticism,” Ware said. “We’re happy to have him and we’re excited to see where things go and I think he will be a good fit for us.” Like Whitaker, Coach Clayton remains focused on the upcoming season and is optimistically looking forward to the opening of it. “With the core seniors we have returning, it should be a great season for us,” Clayton said. “We’re also looking forward to seeing what he will do at the next level also, but we’re definitely going to miss him after this year,” said Coach Clayton.
REELTOWN ROUNDUP Reeltown varsity teams lose basketball season openers By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Reeltown varsity girls basketball team faltered in its season opening road game last Tuesday as the Lady Rebels lost to Loachapoka 57-20. Reeltown freshman Taniya Haynes led the Rebels in scoring with four points and an assist. She had help from sophomore Mikaya Jones with three points and four rebounds. Freshman Nyla Hayden also had three points, as well as eight rebounds. Despite Reeltown’s loss, head varsity girls basket-
ball coach Will Solomon was proud of his team’s performance. “We played an excellent first half of basketball,” he said. “But we turned the ball over too much in the second half and didn’t shoot well enough to overcome our mistakes. “I saw a lot of positives,” Solomon said of the season opener.
The coach plans to use the loss as a learning experience for the rest of the season. “We will get back to practice and work to improve game by game,” Solomon said. The Reeltown boys basketball team also lost to Loachapoka, by a score of 49-44. Tuesday’s losses brings both varsity teams’ records to 0-1. The Rebels hold their first home game Friday as Reeltown hosts Beauregard. Tipoff for varsity girls is 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for varsity boys.