Dec 16, 2015 Tallassee Tribune by Tallapoosa Publishers

LOCAL, PAGE 2

SPORTS, PAGE 12

‘Shoot that thang!’ Team motto leads Tallassee to victory over Notasulga.

Life for Lunch to benefit women seeking life changes.

COMMUNITY, PAGE 11

Pet of the Week, inside.

OPINION

THE OPTIONS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ‘JR.’

The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

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December 16, 2015

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 116, NO. 46

Judge: Tuskegee water fee illegal

Planning commission appoints new officer Local business owner to hold position By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

A new city building official was introduced at last week’s city planning commission meeting. Mayor Robert Payne appointed the position to John Stonaker, who took up the active role Stonaker as building official Dec. 7. Stonaker said he owns a local business, a barbershop called Gameday Clips, and he is a Tallassee native who graduated from Tallassee High School in 1988. Stonaker said that among other duties, his job as building official would consist of inspecting new structures, working along with See OFFICIAL Page 7

Judge Martin rules 5 percent ‘franchise fee’ is excessive and has been applied improperly

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Under the direction of Jerry Cunningham who is choral director at Tallassee High School, students and faculty members performed side by side along with members of the McCottle-Craney Arts Council to deliver harmonious melodies Friday, Dec. 4.

Lift every voice

TCS, Mcraney-Cottle Arts Council present ‘The Sound of the Season’

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Following the annual Christmas tree lighting, the festivities shifted to the First Untied Methodist Church where a packed house enjoyed the sounds of festive Christmas music. Under the direction of Jerry Cunningham, choral director at Tallassee High School, students and faculty members performed sideby-side with members of the McCottle-

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Craney Arts Council to deliver harmonious melodies to those in attendance. This year’s performance showcased many talented members of Tallassee’s choral department. Together the group delivered a flawless performance after weeks of practice. “Jerry Cunningham, our director, did months of planning before the production,” said Jessica Day, choir director See SOUNDS Page 2

In a ruling handed down Dec. 9, Macon County Judge Ray Martin ruled the City of Tuskegee and Utilities Board of the City of Tuskegee (UBT) illegally charged utility customers, both inside and outside of the municipality, a 5 percent “franchise fee.” According to Martin’s Dec. 9 ruling, UBT customers have been paying a 5 percent “franchise fee” in addition to payment for services rendered. Because the proceeds from the “franchise fee” were going into Tuskegee’s general fund, Judge Martin declared it a tax, not a “franchise fee,” and ruled it to be an illegal taxation on the people of Macon County. This “franchise fee” was a gross receipts tax on the utility company. Therefore the UBT should be accountable for paying these taxes. See TUSKEGEE Page 7

Hart assumes command of Friendship Fire Dept. By WILLIE G. MOSELEY Staff Writer

Willie Moseley / The Tribune

Joel Hart has been named by his peers as the volunteer firefighting unit’s official chief for a three-year assignment.

After a tenure of approximately 10 months as interim fire chief at the Friendship Fire Department, Joel Hart has been named by his peers as the volunteer firefighting unit’s official chief for a three-year assignment. “The last chief resigned, and I was named interim chief in March by a majority vote of the members,” Hart said, noting that the firefighters themselves were the voting body. “The by-laws state that a new chief needs to be elected at the December

business meeting for a term of three years.” Hart said he has been a firefighter with the FFD for over nine years. He is a former officer with the Tallassee Police Department, and is now a State Trooper, working out of Montgomery. As the interim fire chief, Hart said he pretty much maintained the status quo with the organization of the FFD, but said during those 10 months, wetter-than-usual weather lowered the number of calls for his department. “We’ve probably had less wood fires this year than any year I recall,” he said.

Hart said he looks forward to a positive and responsible relationship with his organization and the community it serves. He also acknowledged an ongoing cooperative relationship with the Tallassee Fire Department, since the FFD is often called to the same emergencies as the TFD. “There are some changes I’d like to make within the department,” he said. “I’d like to focus on teamwork and training with other nearby departments, as well as putting more pride back into our team. I’d also like to get more in touch with our community regarding public relations.”

Hooks reflects on year as head of Senior Center By WILLIE G. MOSELEY Staff Writer

Longtime community stalwart Jahazel Hooks is completing her first full year as head coordinator for the Tallassee Senior Center, and is upbeat about the programs offered to participants. Hooks is originally from the Kowaliga area, but has resided in Tallassee for over 50 years. She retired from Neptune

Technology Group after 36 years of employment, and her extra efforts regarding employees’ health helped to earn her the 2010 Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce Frances Wagnon Volunteer of the Year award. One of Hooks’ notable achievements at Neptune was overseeing a health and exercise initiative for employees. “That came out of the Wellness Fair that we had every year,” she

said. “I helped to reorganize it when I came into the Human Resources Department. We also got a walking track constructed while I was there.” Hooks was hired as senior center manager at the Tallassee facility by director Mike Woodall, who retired late last year. Woodall passed away in late August. She assumed the duties of the director as well, but has retained the “senior center See SENIORS Page 7

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Lunch for Life to benefit women seeking life change By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

Living Water Worship Center sponsored its second Lunch for Life fundraiser Dec. 6. With a great turnout, seating became limited and many people lined the walls and stood as they listened to several women offer their testimony. “It was a packed house,” said Tasha Moyers, who coordinated the event. “We had to have two sets. Our service let out and we fed everybody, then we had another crowd come through after that. Lunch started at 12:30. We went through all the drinks and the desserts, we we’re packed. We raised about $1,000 and I’m expecting more. A couple of people said they would be donating money this week.” Proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to assisting local women who are in need of rehabilitation services, Moyers said. “The money collected will go to our House of Hope fund, which helps women in our community that don’t

have any health insurance and need to go somewhere where they can be delivered from life controlling issues,” Moyer said. “We had guests from The Naomi Home out of Lanett, Georgia, about 30 ladies come and join us that morning.” Several local churches collaborated with Living Waters Worship Center to bring this fundraiser to fruition. “We had friends from Bethlehem East Baptist Church,” she said, “and friends from the Church of the Highlands in Montgomery. People know that there is Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune need for this in our community because Buddy Moyers and Cindy Thomas serve Madison Gantt at the Lunch for Life fundraiser Dec. 6 at Living you see it, everywhere.” In less than nine months, Moyers said Water Worship Center. she has sent several women to rehabilitation centers in the Southeast. Some of able, they are coming to church and we an hour we had raised over $200.” these ladies are continuing the programs can see a change in the hearts.” After calling and going out in to the and others have come back home and are The event is the second of its nature. community to raise money, Moyers said continuing to succeed. Before Living Water Worship Center she realized with the help of Living “We have placed seven women from began hosting the event, Moyers said she Waters, people would come to her to our community beginning in April,” she raised funds on her on. help these women. said. “So far, everyone that we’ve sent, “Lets have a lunch,” said Moyers, “It started by calling everybody I that I know of, is still in the program or knew asking for donations,” Moyer said. “and at the first lunch we raised around is back and is still doing well. When I “We stood at the corner in Kent and $1,100. It just kept coming and the Lord say doing well, I mean they are account- asked for ‘change for change’ and within continues to bring the women.”

Taylor seeks second term as Commissioner, District 2

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STAFF REPORTS Tallassee Tribune

James (Trey) Taylor announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Elmore County Commissioner, District 2. Taylor is a lifelong resident of Elmore County. He is currently serving his first term as the District 2 Commissioner. He is married to Holley (Smith) Taylor, formerly of Eclectic, and has two children Madeline (16) and Jase (14). He and his family reside in the Kent community. Taylor is the son of the late Melvin Taylor Jr. and Judy Taylor. He is a graduate of Tallassee High School and Auburn University of Montgomery. He is a member of Rushenville Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. Taylor Currently, Taylor owns and manages Tallassee Bonded Warehouse located in Tallassee. “It has been an honor and blessing to serve as Commissioner of District 2 for the past three years,” Taylor said. “This Commission has made significant progress towards the future of Elmore County with the BLUEPRINT 2020 project which is a $36 million plan of infrastructure renewal and modernization. We have made a $13.6 million investment that will yield a return of $36 million of new construction and much needed improvements on existing county facilities, roads, and bridges.” Citizens of Elmore County are already reaping the benefits of the BLUEPRINT 2020 project. With BLUEPRINT 2020 funding and Taylor’s former experience working with the Highway Department,he has spearheaded and implemented a plan to resurface dirt roads in which four miles have been resurfaced in District 2.

Taylor and this Commission have been instrumental in improvements both physically and economically throughout District 2 and all of Elmore County. They partnered with the towns/ cities of Eclectic, Tallassee, Elmore, Millbrook, and Wetumpka to accomplish several resurfacing projects. This Commission has helped create 40 jobs and save 200 jobs in Tallassee by working with GKN and the Tallassee Industrial Board on expanding their facility. Recently, Taylor and his fellow Commissioners allocated money to expand water lines to Madix Corporation in Eclectic to create and save jobs. Taylor has also distributed funds to all schools in District 2. Taylor has made it a priority for this Commission and the county offices to become more transparent and accountable to the citizens of Elmore County. “We (the Commission) implemented policies during my first term to make us more accountable. We started recording Commission meetings which are viewable via our website so everyone can be informed about what this Commission is doing.” Additionally, budget hearings have been implemented for all departments and non-profit organizations that receive county funds. Taylor feels transparency, accountability, ethical decision making and listening to the citizens he represents is the best policy for county government. He states, “I am a conservative Christian striving to make Elmore County a place anyone would want to live and raise a family. I feel the results of this Commission’s commitment to progress over the past three years and my experience working at all levels of county government continue to make me the most qualified candidate for Commissioner of District 2. I am asking for your vote on March 1st to keep a fast-growing Elmore County moving in a positive direction. Thank you for your consideration.”

Sounds

continued from page 1

at Tallassee High School. “We started practice together during the week of Thanksgiving, but we had our CDs and music to practice on our own before hand.” The performance showcased many traditional holiday melodies. TCS’s ensemble included 28 students, along with Jerry Cunningham, Adam Moxley, Jessica Day, Robert Glasscock and Michael Bird.

While a lot of time and effort went into this year’s performance, Day said she hopes to repeat the wonderful performance next year. “We will definitely be having another seasonal Christmas show next year,” she said, “but we have made no concrete plans for music or program next year.” While the group delivered several tunes, one in particular struck a cord with Day.

“Christmas Pipes was one of my favorite numbers from this year’s program,” Day said. “It was originally performed by the famous group the Celtic Women and I was really excited when I found out we were doing it. It’s one of my favorites because of the beautiful melodies it has for an SATB choir and how easily the audience gets into the song as well.”

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www.TallasseeTribune.com

December 16, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 3

One night only Christmas event, weather permiting United Methodist Church in Tuskegee. The one-night-only event is made up of a collaboration of around eight or nine churches from the area. Last year, Graham said about 400 people showed up to watch the 100 or so local volunteer actors as they enacted the silent piece to a musical backdrop, with a setting of live camels, alpacas and other manger appropriate animals. This is the second year Graham has produced the one hour and 15 minute long dramatization of the classic Christmas story of the birth of Christ, and she said it was a year-long undertaking. Building the town, Graham said, took about a month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had to go dig through a big pile of wood â&#x20AC;Ś it probably would have gone faster, but with me and Rodger it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move very quickly,â&#x20AC;? Graham said. She was referring to Rodger Wood of United Methodist East Tallassee, who she said was the primary architect of the scene. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I call it the town of Rodger,â&#x20AC;? Graham said. Graham said Joan Wood, wife of Rodger Wood,

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The beginning of what appeared to be a pioneer-style village has formed on some farmland that sits just off of Interstate 85 near Tallassee. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;villageâ&#x20AC;? that is being constructed however, is not from frontier times, but much farther back during roughly the sixth or seventh century B.C., and much further away in Middle Eastern Palestine and Bethlehem. It is a built-to-scale size nativity and town scene, constructed on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carter Farm.â&#x20AC;? There are signs with directions just off exit 26 that read, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living Nativityâ&#x20AC;? Dec. 20 at 6 p.m., and even though the farm does not sit far from the interstate, it is well off of the beaten path down bumpy, County Road 40 in Shorter, Alabama. The production was developed and designed by Blaire Graham, the event coordinator for Bradford

who also attends UMET, was her â&#x20AC;&#x153;sidekickâ&#x20AC;? on the project. The animals were from an event supplier and farm out of Auburn, Alabama, Graham said. A lumberyard from the Liberty City, Alabama, area donated the material for the town, she added. But, she said the most time consuming aspect was lining up all of this years 125 or so actors As opposed to previous years, though, Graham said she has had interested volunteers calling her instead of her having to reach out to them. Once the actors, town, animals and all of the materials that go into it has been accounted for, Graham said there was only a single two-hour practice to get everything right. And since it is a one-night event, Graham said it is entirely up to the weather if this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts will come to fruition. There is no cost to attend. Graham said it is a donation only event and that cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. Her only request is visitors bring a chair.

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(Left) The nativity manger scene on County Road 40 in Shorter constructed by Blaire Graham and Rodger Wood. (Top) The nativity town scene on County Road 40 in Shorter constructed by Blaire Graham and Rodger Wood. Corey Arwood / The Tribune

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Tallassee

Page 4 • December 16, 2015

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Our

Opinion

Citizens an important part of government checks and balances

f the Dec. 9 ruling handed down by Macon County Judge Ray Martin on the illegally charged 5 percent “franchise fee” to utility customers both inside and outside the municipality tells you one thing, it should tell you to become involved in your local government and government agencies. While Tallassee isn’t a part of Macon County, it does represent a growing problem in today’s citizen involvement in local government and the belief our elected officials will always represent us the way we want them to. Just because someone is elected to an office or is appointed to fill a seat, doesn’t necessarily mean they are qualified to do everything the job entails. The last Elmore County commission meeting had about five or six citizens in attendance, which means one person for about every 13,500 citizens attended. It’s astonishing more citizens don’t participate in their local county government … until something comes up they don’t like,

or find their lack of knowledge of the system costs them more money. In the Macon County case, county citizens were taken advantage of by the Utility Board of Tuskegee, which passed along a 5 percent license fee imposed on the board by the City of Tuskegee to its customers. Where were the elected officials when it came to protecting their citizens? Not always will our elected officials be equipped to handle gray areas or the intricacies involved in dealing with utility boards not regulated by the Public Service Commission. Citizens should want to protect their own interests, as well, but that can’t be done from the couch in the living room or from expecting our elected officials will represent all of us, all of the time. Every citizen has a responsibility to be the checks and balances on the system. Do your part and participate, rather than be a bystander.

Of Letterman, long passes and bounce-rooskis O

n more than one occasion, this space has insisted — and will continue to insist — that spectator sports (at any level) is, bottom-line, optional entertainment. All too often it’s a massive, sweaty, Walter Mitty fantasy for the masses, and is taken all too seriously by all too many people. And the Internet is now able to validate such a notion in a manner that is … well, entertaining. One of the all-time greatest institutions in television comedy was David Letterman’s nightly “top 10” list, and many of those citations were about sports. For example, there was “Top-10 Courses for athletes at SMU” during that university’s “death penalty” sports scandal in the mid‘80s (No. 7, “Alumni-owned Hotels, Restaurants, and Car Dealerships: The Interlocking Economy”). Mike Tyson was lampooned on more than one Top-10 list as well. Accordingly, it shouldn’t

come as much of a surprise that YouTube and other video options on the ‘net proffer a plethora of “top-10” snippets — sports and otherwise — that aren’t particularly humorous at times, but historically intriguing. And almost every sport imaginable can be found— “Top-10 Boundary Line Catches in Cricket,” “Top-10 Curling Shots,” etc. Boxing has numerous top ten lists — best rounds, controversial endings, most brutal knockouts, one-punch knockouts, and others. Mike Tyson has a top-ten knockout video, “fastest” video, and even a “Top 15 most brutal uppercuts” presentation, of all things. However, the recent Hail Mary win by the Green Bay Packers on a Thursday night NFL telecast prompted me to confirm that there are indeed, “Top-10 Hail Mary plays” videos on YouTube. There are separate presentations for college games and NFL contests; the memorable Boston College vs. Miami

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE (533-160) is published weekly on Wednesday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 301 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078. Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tallassee Tribune, 301 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078. ISSN # 2150-3982. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $0.25 per word with a $15 charge for a picture. Obituaries can only be accepted by the funeral home handling the arrangements. The Tallassee Tribune does not accept obituaries from individuals. •Weddings/Engagements/Birth Announcements - $0.25 per word with a $15 for a 2 column, color photo. • One year $25 (In Elmore County, Tallapoosa County and Notasulga) Elsewhere $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call David Kendrick at The Alex City Outlook: 256-234-4281. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. Kenneth Boone, Publisher Mitch Sneed: Managing Editor editor@alexcityoutlook.com • 256-234-4281 Willie G. Moseley: News Editor willie.moseley@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 102 Carmen Rodgers: Reporter carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 101 The Tallassee Tribune is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City, Ala. by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281.

The SoCalled Column By Willie G. Moseley “Hail Flutie” pass from 1984 is No. 1 on the college video, and one would imagine an updated version of the pro football video would include the Packers’ recent miracle. Moreover, there are other “Top-10” football videos, and one of the most intriguing is a compendium of trick plays from college games. As might be expected, such gridiron chicanery almost always involves “fake” plays, and most of the episodes that are presented do indeed document how one team fooled the other. There are fake punts, fake field goals, fake Statue of Liberty plays, a fake fumble (aka “fumble rooski” or “fumblerooskie”). In one segment, Boise State actually gets cited

twice, for a “hook and ladder pass” as well as a fake Statue of Liberty play in a single game against Oklahoma. While the plays are all unique, the No. 1 entry on the Youtube video is a bizarre move called a “bounce pass” (aka “bounce rooski” or “bouncerooskie”). The basic play involves a quarterback taking a snap and firing a “pass” to a receiver out to one side, but the socalled “pass” bounces once before the receiver fields the pigskin. The important facet is that the trajectory of said “pass” has to be slightly behind the quarterback’s position; if it’s aimed a bit backwards, it’s technically a lateral instead of a (forward) pass. … Which means if the ball is thrown in that manner and bounces, it’s still going to be a live ball, not an incomplete pass. It can be fielded by anyone, but it’s usually grabbed by the pseudo-receiver, because befuddled members of the defending team pull up, thinking the play is dead

since the ball hit the ground. A bounce-rooski is, of course, a very dangerous play. Unless the pigskin is thrown “precisely incorrect,” for lack of a better phrase, it could carom in any direction after striking the ground. However, watching a bounce-rooski play that works is fascinating. The one that’s featured on the Youtube compilation is from a 2010 game between Presbyterian College (of South Carolina) and Wake Forest, but another example was seen in the 1982 Nebraska-Oklahoma game. Trick plays in football and other sports are as interesting to watch as straightforward, dynamic playmaking, often evoking “oohs” and other exclamations from observers who aren’t capable of such athletic prowess themselves. And those unique scenarios epitomize entertainment. Case closed. Willie G. Moseley is the news editor of the Tallassee Tribune.

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Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse

James. Moore or a dark horse could win in 2018

his week we will conclude our analysis of the potential horses in the 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial Derby. First, let me briefly recap the horses we have already handicapped. The list includes, in descending order, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (18), Supreme Court Justice Jim Main (17), Sen. Greg Reed (16), Sen. Arthur Orr (15), Anniston Mayor Vaughn Stewart (14), Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox (13), Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson (12), Congressman Bradley Byrne (11), Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey Flowers (10), Sen. Del Marsh (9), State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan (8), Attorney General Luther Strange (7), Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle (6), State Treasurer Young Boozer (5), and Secretary of State John Merrill (4). The final three horses will be revealed today. Our Number 3 horse is Tim James. James could have easily won the 2010 Governor’s Race. In fact, if the primary had been two weeks earlier polling reveals he would have won. However, the last ten days leading up to the primary unveiled a volley of negative ads hurled between Tim James and Bradley Byrne, which propelled Bentley into the runoff and ultimate victory. Being within an eyelash of victory has got to stick in James’ craw. He may have the itch to run again. He is young and has some personal money to get the ball rolling again. Having run a successful get-acquainted race makes him a viable candidate. That is why I have Tim James at number 3. The Number 2 horse may be the best-known horse in the Alabama political stable. Chief Justice Roy Moore is by far the best-known potential horse out of the 18 predicted to make the 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial Derby. You cannot run for a judgeship in Alabama after age 70. Moore will be 72 in 2018, so he has nowhere else to go but governor. Moore is in vibrant health and looks young. He is not ready to go back to Etowah County and ride his horses. Therefore, he will run for governor and he will be a major player. Moore will be the religious right evangelical candidate. In a large field this guarantees him a spot in the runoff. However, my opinion is that whoever has the other spot in the June 2018 GOP primary runoff beats him. Folks in Alabama seem to think of Moore as a judge, not a governor. In Alabama State Supreme Court races Moore is 3-0. In governor’s races he is 0-3. The Number 1 horse is a phantom dark horse. This candidate is not on the scene today but they are already the favorite. Alabama political history reveals that an unknown candidate who has never been elected statewide almost always wins the governor’s race. The list of past dark horse candidates is long and it includes Big Jim Folsom, George Wallace, Guy Hunt, Bob Riley, Robert Bentley and Fob James. The Fob James-like candidate, a successful businessman who sells their business for millions and decides to buy the governor’s office as a pastime, is the favorite. That “Mr. Unknown” is my favorite to win the 2018 Gubernatorial Derby. As I mentioned at the onset of my series on potential horses in what I have dubbed the 2018 Alabama Derby, it is early in the game. In fact, it is only the second quarter. A handful of these horses have already made the decision to pull the trigger or should I say enter the gate. They are already running but a good many of the names I have dropped are probably not interested in running or may run for a lesser spot than governor or take themselves out to pasture. We Alabamians love a good governor’s race and it will be a good one because the office is wide open. This time next year I will repost my analysis of the 2018 gubernatorial derby. In the meantime we have an entertaining race for president percolating. Stay tuned. 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 state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

December 16, 2015 • Page 5

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Mr. and Mrs. Harris must be smiling

y family lives in a house built 100 years ago. When we moved in, we were welcomed by great neighbors all around, but especially by our next-door neighbors across the alley, Thurman and Dot Harris. Dot Harris taught preschool and kindergarten in this area for many years and never really retired from loving kids. She did a wonderful job of watching after my young children. She would invite them over, and always had something thoughtful for them — candy, or something neat she had made. We planted a fir tree in our backyard that must have come from Mississippi because from the day it was planted we’ve always called it Tunica. Tunica started off small, but grew quickly in just a few years. Mrs. Harris always told me we had the perfect Christmas tree — why not decorate it? I hesitated. One, I’m lazy about that sort of thing, and two, once we take time to decorate it stays up longer than it’s supposed to, because again, I’m too lazy or

the night before the Bird’s truck came, he’d remind me. If my yard needed Eye View to be cut, he’d menBy Michael tion in passing that the grass was getting a little high. If a twig broke Bird off the big oak tree between our houses, busy to take it down. those window blinds I made these lame would be cracked — he excuses every year, but was always checking on Mrs. Harris always said us, and on our neighborI should take the time hood. to decorate it — really Earlier this fall, Mr. decorate it. Harris died peacefully at Mrs. Harris develhome. oped several debilitatHaving both Mr. and ing health problems and Mrs. Harris gone has passed away last year. left a void. Not just an I made sure I decorated the tree for her last empty house next door, but the reassurance that Christmas. My fatherin-law, Col. Thibodeaux, someone was looking out for me and my famcame over with his tall ily is now gone. ladder and the kids But I have some great stood around, “helping,” news for Mr. and Mrs. as we decorated Tunica Harris. with colored lights as I cut my grass for the far as we could reach. last time this winter, Now, my neighbor so it looks really good was single. After worknow. My dog hasn’t ing at Mount Vernon used your yard as a Mills for 53 years, his bathroom. I am taking retirement had been mostly spent taking care that curb slower, so as not to scrape the bottom of his wife while she of the car. was sick. What would And Tunica is decohe do now? rated with the bright Mr. Harris was as able lights of Christmas, so a community watchdog Mr. and Mrs. Harris can as I’ve ever seen. If both see it. the bottom of my car Michael Bird is a scraped the ground, he local educator and a told me I should slow weekly columnist for down. If I forgot to The Tribune. move my garbage can

Everybody is a story

barbershop is a wonderful place to meet people. Over the years I’ve discovered that everybody is a story and I’ve heard all kinds of these stories. One young man between 25 and 30 who lives nearby is a saver. He saves every dime he can and then one day is liable to walk in and say “I’m going to walk across Ireland,” and away he goes. He has done things like this many times. He isn’t married and loves the adventure. A customer that is dead now used to raise, cure and twist his own chewing tobacco. Norris Watson, the owner of the Big Bear of years ago, would bring this man seed or plants every year. One man took a 1950 Studebaker, which I think he found in Texas, and reworked it from top to bottom. He drove the car to my barbershop a number of times. I told him of the 1950 Studebaker I owned, which looked like the one he restored. I think most people get a big thrill out of restoring something, then they are ready to restore something else. My mother had a 1964 Ford; a man has purchased it with the idea of restoring it. I knew a man with a

The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley heart as cold as steel. I cut his hair and I had the occasion to do him a favor or two. He had been in prison and told the story of sitting in the electric chair and daring anyone to throw the switch. I didn’t let this phase me too much. Everyone was afraid of him and he knew it. I tried to help when I could and never asked for anything in return. Christmas Eve one year he walked into my barbershop laid a Stanley tape measure on the counter and said if you don’t like it throw it away. Later, his family told me that was the only present he had ever given to anyone. I’ve enjoyed so many of my customers over the years and they have come to be very special to me. I could tell by the many letters I received when I went to Desert Storm and the phone calls the first time I went into the hospital with my heart. Special stories came out of the teenagers that used to hang out at the barbershop in the early ‘60s. A lot of these are dead now, many were

successful, some making millions, others becoming alcoholics and others victims of automobile and hunting accidents. They all had a story developing as they grew older, married, divorced, made fortunes and lost fortunes. Some of these people still live in the area and others have moved away. I haven’t seen others in many, many years. When I go to a cemetery and read the names on the tombstones, some will jog my memory and their story will jump out at me — the man with whom I served in the National Guard and the many stunts he pulled on camps, the woman who was a beauty queen in school but gave in to alcohol and drugs, the young boy that was killed at the age of seventeen in a car wreck. Look around at the cemetery — beneath each headstone is a story. Some are quite remarkable. Have you thought about it? A part of you is still alive until the last person forgets you and then you are gone. I wonder what your story is. Ronald Brantley is a longtime resident of the area and his column appears each Wednesday in The Tribune.

Dear John By John W. Peeler

Sometimes you have to ask, why?

hy is one word that is probably the broadest ranging question one

could ask. Usually, that one word question always lacks a definite answer, and seldom is its response ever a short, simple, concise one. It is an inevitable question we ask ourselves and is a question that has been asked since man had the capability to think and speak. On a recent trip back from Atlanta I asked myself the same question — why? I sat in miles of traffic in Atlanta and wondered why anyone in their right mind would want to be in that trafffic day after day. Was it all just as simple as wanting to make a buck, or did people just enjoy sitting in traffic? I had no answer. With time to think about it, I wandered into the age-old question — why are we here. Without getting into a long religious debate on creation versus evolution, simply because I have found it is one of two areas left to personal ideals, I evaluated the life process. Beginning at birth, we are loved and nurtured, and taught the basics of being a civilized human being, or at least all children should be. Then, about the age of five, we enter kindergarten where we are further refined personally, culturally and socially, and given, by way of instruction, some basic educational knowledge. This process continues for a minimum of 13 years and in the process most are indoctrinated into the work force at about the age of 16. Most graduate high school at age 18, or so, and either go on to college to further their education or join the workforce. Some who go to college gain knowledge to benefit society with inventions to make our lives easier or better, or learn a skill or trade that benefit us in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Following a long, we all hope, productive life, we age and eventually die. That is basically life in a nutshell. Yes, there are, of course, so many things that were left out in the interest of brevity. So, as I sat in traffic pondering this vicious cycle, knowing the next day it would begin again and someone like me would be stuck in traffic for an hour, maybe more, wondering the same thing, I asked myself — what is the point to it all. In other words — why? While we can all come up with answers, there is no definitive answer. And, when our time comes and we conclude our life cycle of birth, school, job, old age, and death, we are no closer to the answers as to why we exist or what our purpose is, or even where we are going as a civilization — we only know we are here and chances are we will be sitting in traffic somewhere, wondering why. We spend one-third of our lives working, another third of our lives sleeping, leaving us the final third of our lives to enjoy the thing we call life. If we live to be 90 years old, that means we have all of 30 years to really enjoy living, but how much of that time is spent in all the other traffic that comes with living and being alive? And, what of those people who have made work their life? Sometimes there are no answers to “why,” and in trying to answer all the “why’s,” additional questions come to the surface. Some questions aren’t meant to be answered. I have a feeling that millions of years down the road the notso-simple questions, “why do we exist,” and “why are we here,” will still be baffling the most brilliant of our species while they sit in traffic on this planet, some other planet, or in space, but I would be willing to bet the answer will be no closer to being solved as it is today. Still, I wonder why? Don’t you? Peeler is the managing editor of The Tribune.

OBITUARIES/RELIGION

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www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Obituaries Dorothy Baker Mrs. Dorothy Baker, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Monday, December 14, 2015, at the age of 81. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at 12:00 noon from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in Carrville Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Baker is survived by her son, Bobby W. Baker (Vonnie); two daughters, Linda Colley (Roy) and Cynthia Hurst; daughter-in-law, Edith Baker and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of forty four years, Mr. Adolph Junior Baker; two sons, Donald and Leonard Baker; brother, John Thomas Stevenson and her son-in-law, Larry Hurst. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 15, 2015, from 11:00 am until service time at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Online condolences are available at: jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Geraldine Gann Mrs. Geraldine “MeMaw” Gann, 92, of Tallassee, passed away Monday, December 14, 2015. She was born May 12, 1923. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until the time of funeral service at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 16, at First Assembly of God Church in

Tallassee with Rev. Travis Bittle officiating. Burial will follow at Carrville Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by son, Elwood Gann; daughters, Susan Stodghill and Patricia Shaneyfelt; brother, Harmon Dennis; multiple grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Henry Gann; sons, James Richard Gann and Freddie Lanier Gann and daughter, Doris Raiford. She was an original member of the Tallassee Assembly of God Church when it was located on Ann Street. She was truly an angel who walked among us. She was a mother to many people and she touched many lives by the Christian testimony she lived. She was loved by everyone who knew her and was affectionately called MeMaw. She will be remembered as a prayer warrior by her family and friends. “Roll Tide”. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Dorothy Lee Sherrer Ms. Dorothy Lee Sherrer, 81, of Tallassee, died Monday, December 14, 2015. Graveside services will be Thursday, December 17, 2015, at 2:00 P.M. at Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery with Hospice Chaplain Wendi Bearden officiating. Visitation will be at Corbitt’s Funeral Home from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. prior to the service on Thursday. Ms. Sherrer was born the youngest of twelve children to James and Mamie Sherrer on

August 28, 1938. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings. She has been a resident at Tallassee Health and Rehab for almost 50 years where she was known and loved by all the nurses, staff and visitors. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Judy (Larry) Henderson, Joyce Harris, James Morse, Jerry Morse, and John Morse; her cousins Adrian Parker, Morrell Sherrer, and Libby Wood; and by her good friend Joann Pugh. The family would like to give special thanks to Tallassee Health and Rehab and Community Hospice.

Jessie Mae Hutchens Jessie Mae Hutchens, 76, of Montgomery, died Friday, December 11, 2015, at her home. Graveside services will be Monday, December 14, 2015, at 11:00 A.M. at Carrville Cemetery in Tallassee. Visitation will be Sunday, December 13, 2015, at Corbitt’s Funeral Home in Tuskegee from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Mrs. Hutchens is survived by her children Frankie Eugene Hutchens of Tuskegee, Raymond Dale Hutchens of Knoxville, TN, Teresa Dean Sumner of Montgomery, Randy Dale Giles of Montgomery, and Virginia Giles of Montgomery; her grandchildren Jessica Leann Williams, Brittany Giles, Brandon Giles, and Rachel and Madeline Hutchens; and her great grandchildren Allen Blake Williams, Austin Norsworthy, Jaden Allen Luther Williams, and Patty Carwile.

Community rallies to help after tragedy strikes Tallassee family By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Lily Diane Alexander was taking her granddaughter, Amandah Pritchett, back to the Naomi House Rehabilitation center when tragedy struck. A tire on the truck the pair was riding in blew out, causing the truck to veer off the Interstate and strike a tree, killing Alexander and leaving Pritchett badly injured. “She has two broken legs, broken pelvis bone, both arms. She has a long road to recovery,” said Tasha Moyers, a close friend. Amanda had been in recovery since February and had come back to Tallassee that Sunday to offer her testimony at the Lunch for Life fundraiser held at Living Water Worship Center. Many women gave their testimony

during the fundraiser, but Amandah’s seemed to leave a lasting impression. “I can see the change in her heart,” Moyers said. “She has made that change. It’s not always easy but she did it and Mrs. Diane was so excited for her.” It was also Amandah’s birthday and that, too, was celebrated. “We had two cakes that day because I had bought one and Mrs. Diane had already gotten one,” Moyers said. Alexander was also involved at Living Water Worship Center. She had just recently started a toiletry drive for people in need. “She had an Auburn basket and an Alabama basket set up for people to drop off donations,” Moyers said. “She was excited about that, helping others.” Because of the unforeseen accident, the family has incurred unexpected expenses. Not only did Alexander

raise her grandchildren, she also bought Christmas gifts for her four grandchildren every year. “She (Alexander) always bought those kid’s Christmas,” said Nelda Steele, one of Alexander’s closest friends. “She would spoil her grandkids, especially Henry, the oldest grandson.” This year, Alexander was planning on getting her grandchildren electronic tablets. However, that chance never came. “She (Alexander) was in control of the family money,” Steele said, “she told me she was going to get all of the kids tablets this year. She always did as much as she could.” Because Amandah remains in West Georgia Health Hospital in Lagrange, Georgia, a fund has been established to help offset the expense of travel to and from. A benefit relief fund has been established in honor of Diane.

ReligionBriefs Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On Saturday, December 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. Episcopal Church of the 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 December 20 at 9:30 a.m., Mike Harber will lead the last in a series of Advent season discussions on stewardship. 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/

Salem Macon Baptist

Don’t forget to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for Foreign Missions. This offering goes 100% to our missionaries. SMBC Post Office will be open this Sunday. If you would like to give a Christmas card to your church members and friends, pick up the Christmas card list this Wednesday night. On Christmas Eve, December 24, at 5 p.m. there will be a Candlelight service. No service on Wednesday night, Dec. 23. Salem Macon is located on Hwy 14, 6 miles west of Notasulga and 9 miles east of Tallassee at 4647 Tallapoosa St., Notasulga. Rev. Mike Stephens is pastor. Thanks, Ann Owsley annowsley@aol. com 334 257 3565

Elam Baptist Church

WELCOME HOME! Elam Baptist Church, 4686 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, Alabama - Gene Bridgman, Pastor - Kevin Lanier, Worship Leader is a Welcome Home church. If you are seeking a church home, we encourage you to consider the fellowship of Elam. Elam Baptist Church is celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ during the month of December with various events. Sunday, December 6 the Annual Elam Family Christmas and

Poinsettia Sunday were part of the Morning Worship Hour. The church was adorned with Christmas decorations including the Christmas tree with the lighting during the service and 26 beautiful red poinsettias given In Memory or In Honor of loved ones or friends were presented by the children. Special music with Amy Hughes and Scott Slaughter added a Christmas blessing. The Young Adult Class had a Christmas Party December 6 for their class. A group attended and were blessed with the Eclectic Christmas “Walk to Bethlehem” on Monday, December 7 for a realistic experience of the Christmas story. This was greatly enjoyed by all attending. The Children’s Christmas will be Wednesday, December 16 at 6 p.m. “The Joy & Wonder of Christmas” will be an event of Sunday, December 20 presented by the Sanctuary Choir at 11 a.m. Elam will have a live Nativity, Wednesday through Friday, December 23-25 at 5:30 p.m. each evening. There will also be a special Christmas Day Service at 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 25 with a fellowship following. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be a part of this special service and all events and services of Elam. Visitors are always welcome. Join in! God invites you here. A very Merry and Blessed Christmas to all and a Happy New Year! WELCOME HOME!

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 will 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.

Friendship Baptist Church:

located next to the church, is open the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. If you have a need for clothes, shoes, etc. for women, men and children, come visit us. You will find the presence of God there!

Carrville Baptist Church:

Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday school at 9:15 a.m.; Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m. and all Sunday Evening activities are at 6 p.m. Our Wednesday night activities are at 6:30 p.m.

Beulah Baptist Church

Beulah Baptist Church (for week of Dec. 14 ) Dec 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight, Communion Service at 8 p.m. Everyone welcome! Dec 30 - No Wednesday night service Jan. 10, 2016-Sunday - Church Planning meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. followed by a chili supper. Jan. 10, 2016 - Valentine Banquet Planning meeting. All who have signed up to help please plan to attend at 4 p.m. Jan 17, 2016 – Sunday - Baby shower for Beth Sexton at 2 p.m. Josh and Beth are expecting a baby girl. Merry Christmas to all!

St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church

3495 Hwy 14 Notasulga, AL 36866. Minister Alma Purter, Pastor. Welcome, welcome, welcome! Sunday, Dec. 20 the members of St. John All Nations Pentecostal Youth Department cordially invite everyone to our Pastoral Services at noon. Speaker will be Evangelist Rose Phillips. Following service will be the Annual Christmas Program at 3 p.m. Guest choirs are invited. We look forward to your presence on this glorious occasion. Program committee: Sis. Brenda Moss 334-401-0706, Sis. Linda Pullium 334-209-3208 and Sis. Judy Moss.

Friendship Closet, a ministry of Friendship Baptist Church

Submit your church news to editor@tallasseetribune.com The deadline is FRIDAY at noon.

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Official the planning commission to make sure that all the businesses and residences are keeping their property up to code. As for his occupational background and experience in ordinance inspection, Stonaker spoke about his qualifications before the meeting on Dec. 8. Stonaker said he worked in numerous positions with Walmart for over 20 years and later as a safety inspector for AES Mechanical in Tallassee. At Walmart, Stonaker said that he was a district manager and at times was a superintendent over new structures. In this role, he said he had to oversee the construction of new buildings for Walmart in Atlanta. “I’m going to be going through quite a bit of training, on the job training, along with some schools I’ve got to go to too,” Stonaker said. After the meeting, Rob Rygiel, a city council member and planning commission representative, said Stonaker had six months to get certified through classes with North Alabama University. Rygiel said in the meantime, Stonaker had all of the other planning commission members at his disposal. During the meeting Stonaker laid out a plan to address all of what he called the “issue properties” in town. He said he wanted to make a list of both residential and commercial properties that were either in disrepair or unsightly, “prioritized” by degree with, as he said, the worst at the top. Among other news discussed by the committee was a future meeting with the city council and Community

Seniors manager” title. “Instead of having a ‘director,’ I proposed to the city that we hire an ‘activities coordinator,” she said. “That way, we saved the city some money, and I got someone to help me with the activities. That’s Deborah Murphy; she was already a job trainee here through Easter Seals.” Murphy came onboard in June. Hooks said the new management system is working very well, noting that members are offered games to play when at the center, and numerous field trips are conducted as well. “We’ve gone to Peach Park in Clanton, Mayfest in Autaugaville,

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Development Corporation in order to discuss what Joyce Vella, planning commissioner, said was the town’s identity. “We need an identity for this city, we don’t know what it is,” Vella said. She said at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 in city hall, there would be a presentation and slide show by the CDC and a discussion on, as Vella said, “How we’re going to address what people think of us.” In the work-session portion of the meeting, the first two sections of the zoning ordinance book were opened for potential revisions and to clarify definitions of terminology used in the book. Among the language reviewed in the zoning ordinance book were the definitions of what determined a childcare facility to be a daycare or a kindergarten. Also consideration was given to what was defined as the single ownership of a parcel of land, or lot, and whether the current language determined “single ownership” to be a person, and if that were the case, did a “person” include a corporation, company or group. The commission determined that further deliberation was needed for the definition. “Open storage” was also brought up for discussion and the limitations on how long private property could be stored out doors in general. A vehicle was used as an example, and whether and for how long it could be parked at a private residence or a commercial and public property. The next planning commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12.

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a Christmas dance in Prattville, and a seminar in Wetumpka,” she said. In the year that she’s been in charge of the Senior Center, Hooks said she is gratified by the attitude of the attendees. She said she is looking forward to a positive ongoing experience. “They’re happy, and they look forward to activities and trips,” she said. “We’re planning another trip back to Peach Park and a shopping trip to Auburn. We’re also hoping to be able to get a replacement van for our trips.” The Senior Center, located in east Tallassee, is open from 8 a.m. to noon on weekdays.

Tuskegee

December 16, 2015 • Page 7

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Instead, the UBT passed this illegal “franchise fee” on to customers. Furthermore, Alabama state law limits the amount that a public utility can charge up to 3 percent of gross receipts from the previous year. The UBT has been charging customers 5 percent of their gross receipts and collecting it on a monthly basis. “There is a long history of questionable transactions and issues with the utilities board, but we filed this lawsuit in 2013 when we realized that there were inappropriate monies being collected,” said attorney Dale Segrest who represented the plaintiff in the case with his son Mike Segrest. “While the law states that a 3 percent franchise fee can be enacted, it cannot charge the 5 percent that they were charging. Further the city certainly isn’t entitled to money for areas outside its city limit and its police jurisdiction. In some cases, they were collecting the funds from both.” Segrest said in many instances the fees were passed on to customers. It’s unclear how much the total illegal collections could amount to or just how far the questionable collections reach.

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It is certain that in 2013 the city council passed Resolution 2013-20 to enforce the settlement agreement. The UBT began paying the city 5 percent of its entire gross receipts, including receipts from customers outside the city limits. Since the legality of the collected funds was shot down by Judge Martin, it could be decided that the entire amount of the fees collected should be returned. After an entry of partial summary judgment for the plaintiffs, Judge Martin set a hearing date for Feb. 24 to discuss operative solutions. This could mean UBT would have to repay the monies illegally collected. “There are still many things left to be decided,” Segrest said. “The hearing will begin the process of determining the remedy. One could also argue that the rates should be adjusted. If the utilities board can afford to pay 5 percent, the rates, which are among the highest in the state, should be adjusted as well.” “They are not regulated by the Public Service Commission, but a court can order the reduction if they find the rates are too high.”

LOCAL

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www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Police Briefs Dec. 8 • Domestic violence – 1st Avenue, report made • Criminal trespassing – Macedonia Road, report made • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Follow up – Little Road • Follow up – Darnell Road • Two-vehicle accident, no injury – Gilmer Avenue, report made • Assisted fire departments – Paxton Drive • Burglary, Theft – 2nd Street, report made • Escort – Darnell Road • Loud music complaint – 3rd Avenue • Animal control – Pinehurst Street • Miscellaneous call – Notasulga Road, negative contact • False residential alarm – Zion Street • Burglary – 3rd Avenue, report made • Civil matter – Wallace Drive • Harassment – Barnett Boulevard, report made • Civil matter – Quail Crossing • False residential alarm – Weldon Road • Public intoxication – 1st Avenue, black male arrested • Complaint of trespassing – Ashurst Avenue • Complaint of fight in progress – South Tallassee Drive, negative contact • Complaint of theft by deception – Langley Street • Traffic stop – Barnett Boulevard • Assisted other agency – Central Boulevard • Theft – Gilmer Avenue, report made • Assisted other agency – Gilmer Avenue • Suspicious vehicle – Central Boulevard • Traffic stop – Central Boulevard • Report made (X 2) – Barnett Boulevard • Suspicious vehicle – Wall Street

• Miscellaneous call- Central Boulevard • Traffic stop – Caldwell Street • Theft of property – Ashurst Avenue, report made • Report made – Barnett Boulevard • White male arrested – Eubanks street • White female arrested (X 2) – Eubanks Street • Report made (X 2) – Barnett Boulevard

Dec. 9 • Complaint of reckless driving – Jordan Avenue, unfounded • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Follow up – Barnett Boulevard • Miscellaneous call – 3rd Avenue • Trespassing – Barnett Boulevard, report made • False commercial alarm – South Tallassee Highway • Recovered property – Notasulga Road, report made • Theft – Gilmer Avenue, report made • False residential alarm – Langley Street • Complaint of parking violation – King Street • Private property motor vehicle accident – Kent Road • Information only report made – Friendship Road • Complaint of shots fired – Ashurst Bar Road • Harassment – Macedonia Road, report made • Resisting arrest, Obstructing government operations, Attempting to elude, Theft – (location not given) – black male arrested • Harassing communications – Darnell Road, report made • Animal complaint – East Patton Street • Complaint of prowler – Cottage Hill Court • Complaint of suspicious persons – McArthur Street • Theft – Barnett Boulevard, report made

Dec. 10 • False residential alarm – Victoria Lane

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• Traffic stop – Notasulga Road • Report made Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – East Patton Street • Forgery – Gilmer Avenue, report made • Traffic stop (X 6) – Gilmer Avenue • Complaint of forgery – Barnett Boulevard, unfounded • Juvenile complaint – Barnett Boulevard • Information only – Gilmer Avenue, report made • Property damage – South Ann Avenue, report made • Outstanding warrants – Barnett Boulevard, black male arrested • Welfare check – Freeman Avenue • False residential alarm – Peachwood Drive • Traffic stop – Barnett Boulevard • False residential alarm – Ashurst Avenue • Assist motorist – Gilmer Avenue, negative contact • Domestic incident, information only – Rickey Lane, report made • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Preer Street • Traffic stop – Main Street • Traffic stop – Central Boulevard • Traffic stop – Freeman Avenue • Outstanding warrant – Redden Avenue, white male arrested • Noise complaint – Hillcrest Street • Complaint of domestic incident – Evergreen Street • Follow up – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Paxton Drive • White female arrested – Hick Store Road • Transport – U.S. Highway 231

Dec. 11 • Three-vehicle accident, private property – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Harassment – Barnett Boulevard, report made • False residential alarm – South Dubois Street • Harassment – Barnett Boulevard, report made • Traffic stop – Riverside Avenue • Domestic violence, menacing – Barnett Boulevard, report made • Report made – Barnett Boulevard • Outstanding warrant – Weldon Road, white female arrested • Domestic violence – Ashurst Avenue, white female arrested • Disorderly conduct – Friendship Road • Suspicious vehicle – Paxton Drive • Traffic stop – Barnett Boulevard • Traffic stop – Little Road • Traffic stop – Main Street • Traffic stop (X 2) – Central Boulevard • False commercial alarm – Gilmer Avenue • Harassment complaint – Hillcrest Street, advised

Dec. 12 • Complaint of shots fired – Ashurst Avenue, negative contact • Property damage – Benson Road, report made • Property damage – Notasulga Road, report made • False commercial alarm – Caldwell Street • Theft – Gilmer Avenue, white female arrested • Miscellaneous call – Freeman Avenue Complaint of reckless driving – General Colin Powell street • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Domestic violence – 3rd Avenue, report made • Arrest attempt – 3rd Avenue • Suspicious vehicle – South Dubois Street, negative contact • Complaint of two-vehicle accident, no injury – South Tallassee Drive, negative contact • Medical call – Gilmer Avenue • Outstanding warrants – James Street, black male arrested • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Attempt to contact – North Wesson Street • Suspicious vehicle – Alabama Highway 229 • Suspicious vehicle – E.B. Payne Sr. Drive • Assisted other agency – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Weldon Road • Medical call – Alber Drive • Traffic stop – Manning Circle • Criminal mischief – 3rd Avenue, report made • Medical call – Mott Lane

Dec. 13 • Arrest attempt – Rushing Circle • Assisted fire department and city workers – Central Boulevard • Complaint of harassment – Hillcrest Street • Civil matter – North Wesson Street • False residential alarm – Cannon Road • Traffic stop – Redden Avenue • Two-vehicle accident, no injury – Gilmer Avenue, report made • Two vehicle accident, no injury – Notasulga Road, report made • False residential alarm – King street • Complaint of shots fired – Hickory Street • Complaint of roadway blockage – Central Boulevard • Miscellaneous call – Main Street • Traffic stop (X 2) – Gilmer Avenue • Outstanding warrants – Alabama Highway 229 • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop (X 2) – Central Boulevard • Traffic stop – South Tallassee Drive • Assisted other agency – Dusty Trail • Information only report made – Patterson Street

Dec. 14 • Assisted motorist – Barnett Boulevard • Funeral escort – Notasulga Road • Arrest attempt – 3rd Avenue • Miscellaneous call – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop – Cherry Street • Traffic stop – Herd Street • Outstanding warrants – Barnett Boulevard, black male arrested • Traffic stop – Elm Street • Arrest attempt – Ashurst Avenue • Arrest attempt – Preer Street • Assisted fire department – James Street • Animal complaint, information only – Little Road, report made • Motor vehicle accident, no in jury – South Tallassee Drive • Transport – Barnett Boulevard • False commercial alarm – Gilmer Avenue • Assisted medics – Howard Street • Traffic stop – East Patton Street

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December 16, 2015 • Page 11

Pet of the Week Sheena is an extremely sweet and laid back Shepherd mix gal that came to us as a stray. She is 8 months old, only about 35-40 pounds, so not going to get much bigger. She is super sweet but also quite smart and great with other dogs. And can you tell she loves water. Our 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. The adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm

check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, or 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 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS By REA CORD Executive Director

WIN A $500 VISA GIFT CARD What do you do for fun in Elmore County? Where do you shop?

Santa is coming! Santa is coming! Saturday we hope you can stop by for our Shelter Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and visit with Santa, who will be with us for photos with pets and children.You can take your own photo of your pet 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, AL 36092 and if you need directions just give us a call at 334-567-3377. It isn’t too late to stop by our shelter to purchase a Gift Basket/Adoption Certificate for that family, parent, spouse, 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. We have made up special adoption gift baskets perfect for that special Christmas present! Stop by the shelter anytime to purchase a gift certificate/basket from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. We also now have “Getting Down with the Dawgs” DrawDown tickets for sale at the shelter which means your chance to win $10,000. From now until Feb. 20 is your chance to purchase the winning ticket and a chance to win $10,000 at our 6th annual “Getting Down with the Dawgs” DrawDown Feb. 20. With the purchase of a $100 ticket you will have a 1-in-300 opportunity to win $10,000 (you don’t have to be present to win the grand prize). Besides a chance to win big, each ticket holder and guest will also get a delicious buffet dinner/beverages, there will be door prizes, cash bar and so much more. “Getting Down with the Dawgs” DrawDown will be at the Entertainment Center, Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Dr, Wetumpka. Doors will open at 5 p.m., dinner catered by Wind Creek begins at 6 p.m. and the DrawDown starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the shelter at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 — get your ticket(s) now, buy one as a gift, or purchase one in the name of a special organization you support! For any questions contact us at 334-5673377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net . And, since Christmas is coming up fast and to help more of our pets find loving homes, we will also be open for ADOPTIONS from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Of course we are open for adoptions this week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Reminder for next week that we will only be doing pick-ups of pre-approved adoptions on Dec. 24 until noon and then will be closed Dec. 25-26.

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Please take some time to tell Pulse Research, an independent research firm, a little about your shopping plans. Don’t worry, it’s totally confidential. You must be at least 18 years old to respond to this survey. (You must be a Elmore County resident). In appreciation, you will be entered to win one of two $500 prepaid VISA cards. These drawings are sponsored by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011. For official rules and regulations please click on the “Rules” link at the bottom of the survey website. www.pluseresearch.com/shoppingsurvey

SPORTS December 16, 2015 • The Tallassee Tribune

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Tigers ‘shoot that thang’ in win over Notasulga By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

Coach Cecil Hollinquest and his boys varsity basketball team took the win over Notasulga, 80-73 in overtime during their Dec. 8 game in Notasulga. Hollinquest said he was pleased with his team and together they came up with the motto “shoot that thang”, a motto in effort to boost the team spirit and have a little fun — and it worked. “Great win, I’m very proud of our guys,” Hollinquest said. “The guys are beginning to buy into what we’re saying. We tried something a little different. A lot of times we try the same things over and over again and expect different results, society calls that insanity. So we decided to try something different, shoot the ball as much as possible, but rebound. We said, ‘One, two, three … shoot that thing.’ We wanted to make sure they had fun. The kid in them came out and everything started to gel. I began to see chemistry and we were very successful.” During the game the Tigers put more points on the board than they have during any game

thus far. Furthermore, this was the first overtime the Tigers have played this year. “Eighty points, the most we’ve scored this season and first overtime that we’ve had so far,” he said. “We were the only ones to score in overtime. We were able to control the tempo of the game, great win for the program.” Both teams played to win. Notasulga and Tallassee were both winless going into the game, but it was the Tigers who came out on top. “Notasulga was a great team,” Hollinquest said. “Notasulga may be a small team, but those guys can play ball. They were very well disciplined. A lot of things weren’t going their way. Calls are going to be called but on the same token, we’re fortunate to come out with a win. It could have gone either way. Both teams displayed good sportsmanship. Both teams played like they wanted it. Both teams came into the game winless. They were 0-4 and we were 0-5.” Performance is up among the Tigers and Hollinquest said he expects a continuous uptick in

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Coach Cecil Hollinquest was visibly happy after his boy’s varsity team took a 80-73 win over the Blue Devils Dec. 8 in Notasulga.

the numbers. “Very pleased with the free throws,” he said. “Where we were shooting at around the 50 percent mark and we’re up to 68 percent. We have great points from our bench guys and five people with double figures, that’s wonderful.” The Tigers had several players that performed very well

during the game. “De’ante Brown scored 13 points and four rebounds, Rondarian Hooks had 16 points three rebounds and five assists,” Hollinquest said. “Teddy Brooks scored 12 points and had nine rebounds. Imon Kirt 17 points and eight rebounds and Dee Williams had 10 points a two assists. When get that

from the guys you know they are gelling pretty well.” Looking forward to the upcoming tournament at Stanhope Elmore, Hollinquest said he and his team hope to continue the winning momentum. “Hopefully we can build from this game and do a lot of things that really helped us to be successful,” he said. “Teamwork, encouraging others, no dropped heads on the bench, listening, being patient. Small things, small things that it takes to really be successful. I have a friend in Birmingham who coaches at Homewood High School, Coach (Tim) Shepler. Coach Shepler told me one time ‘There’s no real secret to success. You just do the little things right.’ That’s what we’re trying to do. The little things, make the layup right, don’t try to get the style points, make the layout right, take your time and hit the free-throws because we’ve lost games because of simple things. But the team is coming around. Hopefully, we can keep the same type of chemistry and take it into the tournament game this week.”

Tallassee wins girls county championship By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer Willie Moseley / The Tribune

The Tallassee Tigers got a solid performance from Jonovan Miller who pinned his Panther opponent.

OH SO CLOSE

Wrestling team loses first match of season, takes third at Weaver tourney By WILLIE G. MOSELEY News Editor

The Tallassee Tigers wrestling team hosted the powerful (7A) Smiths Station Panthers Dec. 10 in an “in-school” match (held during school hours) and the visitors from east central Alabama managed to eke out a narrow win that went down to the final match. With the score even at 36-36, Tallassee’s Jordan Price (126 pounds) was thrust into familiar territory, as he had been called on to assure a THS win in the last match against Weaver in the Tallassee Duals five days earlier. This time, however, Price narrowly lost a decision, and Smiths garnered a 39-36 win. Highlights included Jake Baker getting a pin in 10 seconds in the heavyweight division. “He’s going to keep improving,” head coach John Mask said of Price. “I’d go with him any day of the week.” Bruin Hathcock, who had been wrestling at 132, had sustained an eye injury and did not wrestle. Moreover, Mask said Hathcock may wrestle at

a lower weight when he returns to action. “Our comeback was exciting for the crowd,” Mask said of the Smiths match. “Their wrestlers are phenomenal.” Friday and Saturday, the Tigers took part in the Gene Taylor Classic tournament in Weaver. The THS tournament on Dec. 5 had been a “duals” format, but Weaver’s two-day event was a bracket tournament, meaning individual weight champions were crowned but teams weren’t considered as going head-to-head. THS took third behind Weaver and Alexandria, as Jordan Price and Jake Baker won their respective weight classes. Final totals were Weaver 155, Alexandria -147, Tallassee -143. “Jake’s match was probably the most exciting,” Mask said. “He beat the guy who had beat him here in Tallassee at our tournament. It went the distance, and Jake won by one point. That one was voted ‘Best Match’ by the coaches. Jordan’s match against a gentleman from Susan Moore was great; Jordan pinned him in the second period.” Mask was upbeat about the Tigers’

results, and thought that the participation was positive, because “…we don’t normally see most of those teams until the state (tournament), so this gives us kind of an idea what’s going on in north Alabama.” THS now has a season record of 9–1. This week, the team was slated to go to a quad match at Beauregard on Tuesday that also included Dadeville and Beulah. Saturday, the Tigers will travel to participate in the annual Prattville Christian Academy tournament, which is a duals tournament. Mask is anticipating an opportunity to wrestle the St. James team from Montgomery, as the THS-SJHS rivalry is somewhat legendary, and the two teams will not be wrestling each other during the regular season schedule. Another team coming to the PCA event that has Mask somewhat concerned is Shelby County. “We’ve got St. James first, then Shelby County,” Mask detailed. “St. James is doing very well so far this season. There are ten teams coming. This will be an exciting tournament.”

The Tallassee Lady Tigers walked away champions from the Elmore County basketball tournament Dec. 12 at Stanhope Elmore. They defeated both the Wetumpka Lady Indians and Elmore County Lady Panthers during their championship run. On average, the Lady Tigers scored 50 points during both Thursday’s game against Wetumpka and Saturday’s game at Elmore County. Of those, Zaesha Floyd averaged 19 points per game, 21 against Wetumpka and 16 against Elmore County. Just behind Floyd, JaNashia Moore scored 10 and 14; LA Parker 8 and9; Hannah Linville 6 and 12; and Aliyah Frazier 11 and 4. Coach Josh Taylor said the victory against the Lady Indians Thursday carried them to Saturday’s championship game against the Elmore County Lady Panthers. Against Wetumpka, Taylor said they faltered somewhat in the first half, but fought their way out on top in the second. Elmore County won their first matchup against Tallassee earlier in the season by six points, so Taylor said he knew the second game against the Lady Panthers would be a tough one. The Lady Tigers were down by two in the last six seconds of the game, but Taylor said they were able to get the ball to Frazier who tied the game with a layup at the last second. He said overtime was a one-sided Tallassee triumph and they led 56 -51, with little resistance from The Lady Panthers. Taylor talked about the team’s strengths and the changes in its dynamics since they played Wetumpka last year and lost by 30. “We have one senior who’s pretty much the heart and soul of the team, Zaesha Floyd,” Taylor said. He said Floyd carried the team and consistently scored at least 20 points per game. “The difference between this year and last year, she did the same thing last year, but this year we have a lot more help from those around her,” Taylor said. Taylor said their next game is set for Thursday against LAMP of Montgomery.