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LOCAL, PAGE 2 Local American Legion Post 118 hosts special guest speaker.
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VOL. 117, NO. 7
Ivy Creek breaks ground on new Urgent Care Facility predicted to open some time this year By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
It was announced in November that Tallassee and surrounding areas would soon have an additional option for medical care. The additional medical option is one step closer to fruition. Ivy Creek Healthcare CEO Mike Bruce broke ground to the new Tallassee Urgent Care facility Wednesday. The new
facility will open in 2016. The new facility will be adjacent to Walmart on Gilmer Avenue and will provide urgent medical care to the local community. Urgent care facilities are staffed with doctors and nurse practitioners that can handle any minor emergency. “Urgent care facilities cut down on emergency room visits and provide medical care to the community when a patient can’t get in to
see their primary care physician,” said Linda Lewis, with Ivy Creek Healthcare. Ivy Creek Healthcare operates several facilities in Southeast including Dadeville, Georgiana, and Wetumpka areas. Bruce currently maintains Chilton Urgent Care and Wetumpka Urgent Care and three Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune hospitals, family practices, pharma- Mike Bruce, CEO Ivy Creek Healthcare, along with members of the comcies, home health and hospice munity at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Tallassee Urgent Care See FACILITY • Page 3 facility Wednesday. The new facility will open in 2016.
Tallassee’s annual Heart Walk scheduled for Feb. 20
Relay for Life holds free kickoff event
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Proceeds go to American Heart Association and Tallassee Rec Center Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The annual Heart Walk starts at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 20 and registration is $25. The walk will begin at the Welcome Center in downtown. Walkers will have two paths to choose from. One course is longer and has a more vigorous path. The second route will be about a mile shorter and will not include as many inclines. “There is a long walk that is approximately two miles. For those who can’t walk as long there is a walk that is about a mile,” said Tammy Merritt with the Tallassee Recreation Center. The annual event benefits both the American Heart Association and the Tallassee Recreation Center. “We do this every year and we split the proceeds with the American Heart Association,” Merritt said. The recreation center will use the funds raised to upgrade the cardio room See HEART • Page 2
On Friday, Angela Gantt and Shanikka Beacher, along with the students whose parents helped build the playground and a few friends, gathered together for the opening of the new playground. Bottom, After a quick group photo the kids took to play.
Tallassee Elementary gets new playground By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Tallassee Elementary School officially opened the new playground that has been in the works since before Christmas. The construction of this new facility was truly a community effort. This new playground came with a hefty price tag that was funded by a portion of a grant from the Poarch Band of
Creek Indians out of Wetumpka along with the Fall Fundraiser. “I think what made our Fall Fundraiser so successful is we told them what the money would be used for,” said Jose Reyes, principal at Tallassee Elementary. It was a beautiful Friday morning when the playground was officially opened to the students. Angela Gantt See PLAYGROUND • Page 3
The annual Relay For Life event is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Cozumel Mexican Grill, 405 Gilmer Ave. and everyone is invited to the kickoff to learn about how to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer. “I’m very enthusiastic to get everyone involved with our event this year,” said Amber Voss with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for life. “It’s going to be a really fun and laidback evening. Were going to hangout and talk about Relay for Life and play some bingo.” The program will highlight how the community has benefited from funds See RELAY • Page 3
Council votes to oppose Confederate flag downtown By COREY ARWOOD and CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
In a specially called 10-minute city council meeting, with no public comment, members of the Tallassee City Council voted to show their “disapproval” of plans to place a 30-foot Confederate flag in the heart of downtown Tallassee by a local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. While the vote was more symbolic than a ban or an ordinance change, it allowed the public to know how the members of the council felt about plans for the flag. Of the 10-minute meeting a total of only about two minutes were devoted to the decision and the topic as a whole. There was a one-minute briefing offered up by City Attorney John Smith who gave a brief overview of the resolution prior to the vote.
Smith said he had been in contact with different council members since Monday. He said that he got their input, then gave them his opinion and drafted the resolution. No official comment or stance of any kind was offered and the council immediately adjourned after the session after the 6-0 approval vote on the resolution voicing opposition to the erection of a flag pole where the Confederate flag would be flown. Bill Godwin, of Ward 6, was absent from the session. Following the meeting, Councilman Rob Rygiel said how Tallassee is perceived is important to economic growth. “We don’t have to allow (public comment),” said Rygiel. “We believe it is best for the economic growth of our city to present our city in the proper and best way for all people.” On Friday, a copy of the resolution was provided and included in part: “while
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acknowledging the rights of all to the freedoms of speech, expression and association, the City Council believes that the display of the Confederate battle flag in Tallassee will foster resentment, upset and ill-will among its residents and harm the City of Tallassee in its efforts to recruit businesses and industry as well as provide others an opportunity to ridicule our community.” The full test of the resolution can be seen at the end of this report. Tallassee had been thrust into the media recently by another SCV related Confederate flag controversy, which was later learned to have a connection to an alleged white supremacist hate-group. The local SCV had made a donation to a group whose aim was to raise a Confederate flag in downtown Montgomery blocks from historically black Alabama State University off of I-85. See OPPOSE • Page 2
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Post Commander Sam Benson (at right) welcomes Harry Jackson, speaker at the February meeting of the local American Legion Post 118. A member of “The Greatest Generation,” Jackson gave a riveting account of his World War II service aboard sub-chasers in the U.S. Navy, particularly the time in and around his participation in the D-Day invasion of France. The Legion meets at 7 p.m. at 1220 Cafe, on the first Monday of each month. All eligible veterans are urged to join the local chapter. Eligibility requirements may be found on the “Join the American Legion” tab at www.legion. org . Or contact Benson at 283-3291.
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RE-ELECT
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Oppose Amid this though the local SCV chapter also had its own plans to install a 30-foot flag at its new base overlooking the Tallapoosa River, just off of the Fitzpatrick bridge in downtown Tallassee. At the council meeting a diverse audience filled the pews of the chambers, and more citizens trickled in throughout the short procession and stood against the wall to watch. About five Tallassee Police Department officers were present at the special session and more people filed and stood against the wall to witness the hurried proceedings. Several SCV members were present on the front rows wearing Confederate flag memorabilia and after the meeting could be seen handing out pamphlets and approaching council members. It seemed clear that some public comment had been expected by at least some of the audience, and a few members from the audience said they had anticipated a time to speak about the issue and present their side.
JAMES “TREY”
TAYLOR
ELMORE CO. COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 TO
CONTINUE PROGRESS • Continue saving and creating jobs • Continue ensuring the safety of our citizens through our first responder and EMA depts. • Continue paving and rehabilitating roads & bridges • Continue resurfacing dirt roads • Continue economic development • Continue an accountable and transparent govt. • Continue updating county facilities • Continue financial support to schools • Continue financial support to fire departments • Continue a balanced county budget • Continue county recreational improvements • Continue city/town partnerships to improve roads in city/town limits • Continue school partnerships for traffic control and road / parking maintenance I am a conservative Republican with Christian values and a proven record of accountability, transparency, ethical decision making, and PROGRESS. On March 1st cast your vote to
CONTINUE PROGRESS Pd.Pol.Adv. By James “Trey” Taylor
continued from page 1
Sons of Confederate Veteran member Marion Patrick said what is place on private property shouldn’t concern city leaders. “This is private property, it doesn’t have anything to do with the city,” Patrick said. “We have nothing to do with the LOS,” Patrick said. “That is a separate organization in Wetumpka, but this Tallassee. There’s no communication. We don’t support them and they don’t support us. “When you mess with our monuments, yes, we get involved. We didn’t fight for slavery. It was about money, like every war. Some of my best friends are black people.” When asked about the flag being offensive to some Patrick had some
stirring feelings. “I’m offended that they are offended by my ancestors. I had five granddads that fought for the South. All of the ended up being sharecroppers, if that ain’t a slave, I don’t know what is,” Patrick said. The full text of the resolution reads: WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama to foster a climate of tolerance, inclusion and diversity and reduce the potential for conflict; WHEREAS, the City Council is aware of efforts to erect a Confederate battle flag to be flown in downtown Tallassee on a permanent basis; WHEREAS, however
good intentioned and a purported recognition of history and heritage those efforts may be, the Confederate battle flag has become, for many, a divisive and offensive symbol of injustice and intolerance; and WHEREAS, while acknowledging the rights of all to the freedoms of speech, expression and association, the City Council believes that the display of the Confederate battle flag in Tallassee will foster resentment, upset and ill-will among its residents and harm the City of Tallassee in its efforts to recruit businesses and industry as well as provide others an opportunity to ridicule our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama that the display of the Confederate battle flag is not in the best interest of the City of Tallassee and the City Council disapproves of such an action. Done this the 11th day of February, 2016.
Heart
continued from page 1
equipment. “We will put a new piece of equipment in our cardio room or we will update it in someway with those funds,” she said. Registration has begun and registration forms can be picked up at the Recreation Center in Tallassee. Walkers may also signup the day of the event. “You can sign up at the (recreation) center,” Merritt said. “We have registration forms here or you can wait until the day of the walk.” The Heart Walk and Arbor Day will be held in conjunction this year, as they have been in previous years. “We try to coordinate with the chamber’s Arbor Day because that attracts more people,” she said. February is National Heart Month and Tallassee’s Heart Walk is intended to promote a healthy lifestyle. “We’ve always done it on the third Saturday in February and February is National Heart Month, so it’s very fitting time to have the walk,” Merritt said.
THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
www.TallasseeTribune.com
February 17, 2016 • Page 3
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Councilman Bill Godwin, Baxlee Burton and Mayor Bobby Payne after the Feb. 8 City Council Meeting where two groups of TAG (Talented and Gifted) Southside Middle School students were honored, along with Angela Gantt for their accomplishments in the state competition held in Huntsville at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Team Fair Haven (Baxlee Burton, Kinsley Burt and Belle Haynes) and team Panta Mera (Jaden Cole, Elizabeth Ames and Alexis Jones), both from SMS, competed in the statewide competition. Baxlee was on team Fair Haven, which placed second in the competition.
Relay raised and will honor cancer survivors and caregivers. Guests will have the opportunity to register a team for the relay. “This year’s theme will be ‘paint your world purple’. We wanted to get out in the community have everyone fall in love with Relay for Life and have everyone paint the world purple,” Voss said. Relay For Life event, which will be held June 3 at J.E. “Hot “ O’Brien Stadium, 500 Barnett Boulevard, Tallassee, unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all, Voss said. Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event, she said. “We’re looking for volunteers right now to be on
Facility
continued from page 1
services and pediatrics, and the Alabama Wellness and Prevention Centers,” she said. The facility will offer extended hours for those who made need medical care after regular business hours. “You cannot predict when you will need medical attention and that is just one reason why this new facility will be so beneficial to the community and surrounding areas,” Lewos said. Now that groundbreaking has taken place, official construction will begin this week and the facility should be open by late summer. “We are planning on being open for business by August of this year,” Lewis said.
Lake Martin Properties
our community,” Voss said. “Some of our committee members who have been the heart and soul since the beginning are stepping back and letting new faces and new ideas get involved in the event. Even if they can only volunteer the day of the event, we would love for more community members to get involved. We’d love to utilize their time and talent so anything that are passionate about or their hobbies, ant little bit can contribute.” The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community, with four million participants in 6,000 events worldwide in 2015, according to its website. Last year, over 115 people participated in the Relay For Life of Tallassee and raised $99,317, Voss said. Visit relayforlife.org or relayforlife.org/tallasseeal to learn more about the event, or contact Amber Voss at 334-612-8174 or amber.voss@cancer.org.
Playground and Shanikka Beacher, along with the students whose parents helped build the playground and a few friends, all gathered together on the new playground. After a quick group photo the kids took to play. “They are so excited to finally be able to play on the new playground,” said Beacher, assistant principal at Tallassee Elementary School. Many ran to the rock wall, while other took to the dual slide. This is a state-of-the-art playground with several custom features.
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Even the ground below the playground was designed with safety in mind. The ground covering a mulch material that offers a soft landing, should a child fall. After playing, children were treated to a special lunch, a McDonald’s Happy Meal, and after enjoying the new playground and eating their lunch, they returned to class to finish out the school day. Late last year after inspecting the old playground, Wade Shipman, superintendent of Tallassee schools, along
with Reyes, decided a new playground was needed. Since then, students have been watching and waiting in anticipation of the new playground. “That equipment had been there for 21 years and it was in need of repair. It wasn’t as safe as I would have liked it to be for our students,” Reyes said. Parents no longer have to worry about their children playing on outdated playground equipment with this shiny new state-of-theart playground, which was designed with safe-
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ty in mind, he said. Reyes said everyone at Tallassee Elementary School would like to extend their gratitude to the students and parents who dedicated time and effort to make the new playground happen.
LAKE MARTIN VIEW – 260 South Lands End, 3 bd/2 ba, 1 acre, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg. SOLDChurch. $69,000. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000. MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.
Mack Daugherty Elmore County Commissioner DISTRICT 2 Conservative Republican + Military Veteran Many of us, including me, lament the fact that sometimes good people don’t run for political office. We have examples of this in office today and in times past. I would want my candidate to be a good person and also an honest person. I would want him or her to be capable of doing the job. The people of District Two in Elmore County have an opportunity to elect Mack Daugherty as your County Commissioner. I don’t live in Elmore County, but I know Mack and really believe that he is a good, honest, man who can do the job. I hope he will one day run for a state or federal position. When you really get to know some people who claim to be a Christian, they lose their luster and “thump like a peanut butter jar.” When you get to know Mack Daugherty you will see that he “thumps like genuine crystal. “ John H Mann Jr Retired United Methodist Pastor 668 Fairway Ridge, Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-6636 “I have known Mack Daugherty for the past (25) years and have always found him to be a person of impeccable integrity and high moral values. Mack relates well to all people and has a genuine concern for the welfare of everyone. Mack is a gifted musician and is an excellent leader. Mack is an authentic Christian gentleman.” Dr. John Ed Mathison John Ed Mathison Ministries Ret. Pastor Frazier Methodist Church Montgomery, Alabama “In my (60) years in the ministry, I have never married a couple that I had more faith in and believed in, that they would have a long and rewarding life together. I was highly honored to marry Mack and Mary (43) years ago, and I don’t know of any two people that are more loved and respected. I have no doubt that Mack will serve the people of Elmore County well as District Two County Commissioner.” Rev. Zenus Windsor Lineville, Alabama
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The legacy of Apollo: In memory of Edgar Mitchell, Ph. D
T
he numbers continue to decline. The passing of Ed Mitchell Feb. 4 means that of the 24 people who journeyed to the moon, 17 are still alive. Half of the two-dozen moon voyagers actually walked on the moon, and of those 12 (including Mitchell, who was the Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 14 mission), seven are still alive. Moreover, Mitchell’s passing marks the first time an entire crew of an Apollo mission to the moon has now died. Apollo 14 Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa crossed the way in 1994, and mission commander Alan Shepard breathed his last breath in 1998. Mitchell was one of 19 would-be space travelers selected in 1966. He already had a doctorate in Aeronautics and Astronautics from M.I.T. when he was chosen, so it’s no wonder his peers quickly nicknamed him “The Brain.” He would be perceived as somewhat of a paradox for his entire public life. He wasn’t a stereotypical dashing, beefcake jet pilot, but his intense focus on the primeval complexities of space travel and spacecraft design meant that he began serving on Apollo backup crews earlier than most of his peers, thus validating his acumen. One legendary remark about the Apollo 14 mission was attributed to Shepard, who reportedly said that he selected Mitchell as a crewmate “because I wanted to come home.” Mitchell had an interest in paranormal activities, and, unbeknownst to his crewmates, performed some ESP experiments during the Apollo 14 mission. In his post-NASA life, he would be quoted (sometimes reportedly out of context) more than once about UFOs and alien visitors. Another curious facet of Mitchell’s lunar experience was his transport of 100 Bibles (on microfilm) in the lunar
The SoCalled Column By Willie G. Moseley lander, thus making the “Good Book” the first tome taken to the surface of another world. An additional 200 microfilm Bibles remained in orbit inside the command module. The irony is Mitchell was, as late as 2010, agnostic. One wonders if he might have had some kind of religious conversion when he was terminally ill. Mitchell was the (then-unnamed) astronaut profiled in a 2010 So-Called column titled “Moon Man in Suburbia,” and some selected memories culled from that commentary seem appropriate now. I drove all the way from Tallassee to the West Palm Beach area of Florida in one day to meet with him the following morning. Mitchell agreed to converse with me on the record for two hours at his home, and our dialogue was courteous and detailed. His recollections were sharp, and as it turned out, he told me a number of things that were off the record, as well. When the end of two hours approached, I noted that we needed to wrap things up, but unexpectedly, he said he wanted to continue our conversation. “You’ve done your homework,” he said, so we talked for another hour. Afterwards, Mitchell took me into his home office and showed me a number of unique photos and memorabilia. Among the items in his office was his control handle from Antares, the lunar lander on his mission,
Willie Moseley / The Tribune
Ed Mitchell’s passing marks the first time an entire crew of an Apollo mission to the moon has now died. Apollo 14 Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa crossed the way in 1994, and mission commander Alan Shepard breathed his last breath in 1998. Mitchell was one of 19 would-be space travelers selected in 1966.
seen in the lower left of the image that accompanies this essay. He and Shepard had disconnected those parts from the lander and kept them as souvenirs when they rendezvoused and docked with the command module after ascending from the lunar surface. As noted in the earlier column, I’ve played numerous famous guitars owned by famous players, but that control handle is a piece of history, and gripping it (with Mitchell’s permission) gave me a severe case of the willies. Several months later, I encountered
Ed Mitchell again, at the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 14 flight at the Kennedy Space Center (a benefit for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation). I have an autographed photo in a prominent location on my office wall of Mitchell shaking hands with me in front of the Apollo 14 command module at that event. And another irony is that Ed Mitchell died during the 45th anniversary of his mission. He was one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever met, and it was a privilege to have known him.
Citizens are encouraged to learn more about county government
C
ounties within the United States serve as political subdivisions of state government and were established to assist in the local administration of state functions. In 1902, the Alabama Constitution granted governing authority to county commissions to establish county government to rule by committee as detailed in Code of Alabama 1975, Title 11. The Elmore County Commission consists of five elected members who serve four-year terms and represent one of five districts in the county. The five members of the commission elect a chairman from amongst the commission, and the chairman appoints a vice-chairman to serve in his or her absence. A majority vote is required to pass any policy so that no commissioner has authority separate
The County Line By the Elmore County Commission
from the body of commissioners. A county commission in Alabama only has authority to regulate itself. Other actions such as the power to pass zoning, taxation or any ordinances require state legislation. The commission approves all budgets and disbursement of funds for the Sheriff’s Department, Probate Judge’s Office, Revenue Commissioner’s Office, County Highway Department, and
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: Editor editor@tallasseetribune.com • 256-234-4281 John Peeler: Managing Editor john.peeler@tallasseetribune.com • 334-567-7811 Corey Arwood: Reporter corey.arwood@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.
Emergency Management Agency/ Homeland Security Office. Furthermore, all grants and contracts for the county are approved through the county commission. The county commission also appropriates funds to other agencies and non-profit organizations that provide services to the citizens of Elmore County. The commission also supports education, economic development, agriculture and tourism in Elmore County. Under the Code of Alabama, county commissions are responsible for administration of law enforcement, construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, recording of legal papers, property and license tax collection, and indigent care. The commission serves as the custodian of all county property and provides office space for the circuit and
district courts, District Attorney’s Office, Veteran’s Affairs, Board of Registrars, Board of Equalization, and the Elmore County Extension Office. The commission also assists in administering elections by establishing voting districts and precincts, providing voting equipment and paying election expenses. The Elmore County Commission would like to invite all citizens to learn more about county government by viewing our website at www.elmoreco.org. Citizens are also encouraged to attend county commission meetings that typically take place at 5 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays at the Elmore County Courthouse courtroom in downtown Wetumpka. For more information, call 334-514-5841.
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Reader thinks Americans should not taunt one another, believes in fair play Dear Editor, Americans love fair play. We put a premium on being good sports, in victory and in defeat. We allow people to say what they will generally uninterrupted. We, as a rule, wait our turn. This is practiced in every legislature in the land. We flag football players from little league to the pros for unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting — especially taunting. The American flag is precious to me. My father fought under that flag in World War II. I have pledged allegiance to that flag hundreds of times. I served 30 plus years in uniform, where I vowed to serve the US Constitution and the nation for which that flag stands.
The Confederate States of America flag is also precious to me. Five of my great great grandfathers served under that flag; it is an important part of my heritage. And, by the way, none of them owned slaves. But to others the Confederate flag is another symbol, one of slavery and oppression. While I do not share their view, as an American I agree in fair play, in not taunting a player, or of not deliberately shaking a symbol that is offensive to them in their face. There are others in this nation that find the Nazi flag or the Japanese rising sun flag offensive and would not want it flown in their face, my father one of them. The same applies
to the Black Panther flag and the Soviet hammer and sickle. I am not comparing any of those causes to others, please. But as Americans who believe in fair play, is it the best thing to place Confederate flags across from Alabama State University or other traditionally black places of assembly? I think not. Legal? Of course. The US Constitution guarantees us freedom of speech. But is it Christian or wise, or evenhanded? No. It is not. Please, please, dear friends, let's rethink these plans. Bob Reed Colonel, US Army, Retired Tallassee, Alabama
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Colorful presidential primary brought to you by entertaining candidates
T
he presidential primary parade has been colorful and fun to watch this year. It has been even more amusing because of the pervasive presence of one Donald Trump and the fact that those of us in the Heart of Dixie have a front row seat to the show. Since we will have an early Flowers vote in the presidential fray, due to our being one of the seven Southeastern states having our preference primary on March 1, we are able to participate. We will be voting for president in less than two weeks. Over the past few weeks I’ve been asked on TV and radio interviews if the inevitable nominees will be Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. I would not use the word inevitable yet, but I would say they are the clear favorites. Early on I thought that Donald Trump was a fad that would fade. However, folks he has been the frontrunner for about seven months now. He is for real and he is poised to carry Alabama’s GOP primary overwhelmingly. We in the South have a history of enjoying our political characters. Over the course of our political folklore our politicians have been our entertainment. Louisiana had Huey and Earl Long. Georgia had the Talmadges. South Carolina had Pitchfork Ben Tillman and we may have had the best with George Wallace and the king of entertainment, Big Jim Folsom. Big Jim would travel from town to town singing and dancing with his country band the Strawberry Pickers. He was a roadshow. At 6 foot, 9 inches he was the epitome of the words uninhibited and unfiltered. Donald Trump is essentially nothing more than an entertainer. He is used to dominating the television stage with his game show. He is a huckster and promoter and loves the limelight. He is George Wallace and Big Jim Folsom rolled into one. He has Wallace’s flair for demagoguery and Big Jim’s colorful flair for unbridled quotes. National political analysts are even saying that his voters are of the same profile as the George Wallace voters in the 1972 Presidential Race. Trump epitomizes the anti-establishment and race-baiting politics that appeal to Southern voters. He is a throwback to a bygone era. Indeed his presence on the stage this year could possibly pave the way for an epic event from another bygone era. Some are suggesting that we may see an old time-brokered convention at the Republican National Convention this summer in Cleveland. The very large GOP field of well-funded candidates that are parading into Alabama may be able to stay on the stage longer than usual. It is a fact that Republican Party regulars perceive Trump as unelectable and find him unpalatable. Therefore, they will try to derail his train. The rise of Super PACs and new political money raised online has put tons of money into campaigns never before seen in history. Therefore, while in past years when someone does poorly in primaries their money dries up and they winnow away, these candidates can continue to stay on the stage and cling to their delegates. There has not been a protracted GOP convention that went beyond the first ballot since 1952. The last state primaries are on June 7. It takes 1,237 delegates to be nominated. If Trump does not have that number, then there will be a stalemate. This is a recipe for the conservative GOP regulars to have to deal with some chaos. Trump has forged to the front and is the frontrunner but if there are still a host of candidates left by June it will prevent him from garnering the 50 percent needed to win. There may be a concerted effort by party insiders who generally believe that Trump is not the optimal candidate against Clinton in the general election. So they may try to block him. However, they are overlooking the fact that Trump is the master of the art of the deal. The Don may deal them out and make a deal with either Cruz or Rubio or someone else to make them his VP running mate just prior to the convention. It is a fun show to watch. We could wind up having old time convention filled with multiple ballots, floor demonstrations, dark horses and favorite sons, minus the smoke filled rooms, because the halls today do not allow smoking. It would be a good show. We will see. 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.
T
The Reality Era, or the Era of Bad Feeling
he 10-year period of U.S. history following the end of the War of 1812, starting with the end of James Madison’s presidency, then completely encompassing the presidency of James Monroe, is remembered as the “Era of Good Feeling.” The political parties entered into a time of virtual agreement on many issues of the day, mainly due to the outstanding maneuvering, wheeling and dealing by the Senators and Representatives who were in office during those years. While there were major breakdowns looming on the horizon, generally speaking, these were happy and productive years. We won’t know for many years what our present time will be called in the history books, but I have an idea: the Reality Era. It should concern us that the current presidential race has taken on all the characteristics of a reality TV show contest. The only things missing are someone receiving a rose, getting voted off an island, or hearing the words “you’re fired.” We saw it coming. This Era of Bad Feeling has been going on since the turn of the century, when Al Gore and George W. Bush fought it down to a few hundred hanging chads on some ballots in Florida. George W. Bush showed tremendous leadership and courage in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In fact, all of our political leaders were, briefly, united. By 2003, when the U.S. went into Iraq as our war in Afghanistan was already raging, public senti-
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February 17, 2016 • Page 5
Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird ment was turning against the whole enterprise. And it’s been downhill ever since. The military gets disrespected by the public and by their own government, while endlessly serving tour after tour in the Middle East. The 2008 election of Barack Obama seemed to be an opportunity to right the ship. His beautiful rhetoric – and indeed, I don’t know if I have heard a better orator in my lifetime – inspired many to get involved, and Obama cruised to victory twice. His professorial approach, at first, was new and different, but immediately he was caught up in the Bailout Fever of those days, and before long he was a victim of the game: in order to get health care reform legislation passed, he and his fellow party members pulled out the Dirty Trick Book. But they weren’t alone. The other side blocked every single thing Obama wanted to do, causing shutdowns and gridlock to make D.C. more ineffective than ever. To quote George Wallace, “… there ain’t a dime’s worth of difference …” between a Democrat and a Republican. I think it’s fair to say that we have seen proof of that over 16 years with two presi-
dents who both struggled to make Washington a better place. Of course, it’s been rough before. Andrew Jackson’s inaugural party was so rowdy, Old Hickory himself had to escape out a window to get away from “supporters” who had partaken of the whiskeyspiked punch. Imagine something like this happening today! The debacle would be caught on shaky cell phone videos and sold to TMZ for millions, ruining the president before he ever had a chance to start. But haven’t we had enough debauchery to last us a while? Whatever happened to a president actually saying something as beautiful and profound as Abraham Lincoln did, on the eve of the Civil War in 1861? “We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” It would be nice if some of these presidential candidates in 2016 would inject a little decency, respect, and integrity into the proceedings. Lying, profanity, insults and finger pointing might attract attention, but they are not qualities of the leader of the free world. We live in the greatest country the world has ever known. It’s about time these candidates start acting like it.
There are several aspects to love
don’t have any trouble writing; I just write what I think. I try to be honest and truthful that way I don’t have to remember what I said. I wrote an article for Valentine’s Day and had it ready to turn into the Tribune for printing. I read over it one last time and decided that it was not what I wanted to say. First of all I don’t think anyone has ever fallen out of love. I will try to explain my reason for feeling this way. Just about everything about love has been said in a song one way or the other. This came from a song and it has always expressed a lot of what I’m thinking. I hope life treats you kind and I hope you have everything you ever dreamed of. I wish you joy, and happiness, but most of all I wish you love and I will always love you. This is a song about two people in love, that are parting, not able to live together for some reason or the other, but still deep down they didn’t fall out of love. I had a relative who was an alcoholic. When he was drinking he was obnoxious, aggravating, and a nuisance. He was always broke, always full of promises to do better but never living up to any of his promises. I really had a struggle with this; here he was a close rela-
The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley tive. I concluded that I loved him with all my heart; I just didn’t like him anymore. The divorce rate keeps growing in America. I have a number of beliefs about this. There was not true love between both partners, it takes two not one. It takes liking each other — I truly believe you can love without liking. It probably wasn’t love to start with, you only thought it was. It is impossible for me to believe and I cannot comprehend a father not loving a son, or sister not loving a brother or a child not loving their parent. Sometimes I hear people say I just can’t love a man like that anymore or vice versa. Generally, when that is said, my answer is you can love a man like that; you just don’t like them anymore. Do you remember the song I spoke of in one of my articles, "He Stopped Loving Her Today?" I think it takes death to end most real loves. Some of you out there are shaking your heads and say-
ing over and over he’s wrong. Remember the three beliefs I have about this. I have had many loves. Would you like to hear of some? Do you remember the little girl that helped me push out the trash when I had the Coffeebreak TV show? She turned 26 years old the other day. She now has two boys; the oldest is a non-stop type of boy. He wants to know your name, he wants to know and play with every kid his age that he meets. The other grandson is opposite. He is on the shy side, never speaking, just doing his thing. He is almost 3 and opening up to the public with a kind of diplomatic personality. There is the 13-year-old granddaughter, she would be hard to describe. The middle granddaughter is special and has a good singing voice I like 99 percent of all of the time. I could name more but I won’t. NOTE: Since New Years Day I have been sick off and on and in the hospital twice. The question came up asking if I was going to continue writing the Coffee Break article for the Tribune. Yes, as long as I can I will write an article. I also want to take this time to thank everyone that was concerned about me and asked about me during my sickness.
OBITUARIES/RELIGION
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www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Obituaries John Wendell Thornton
John Wendell Thornton, 73 of Seale, Alabama died Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Mr. Thorton was born January 13, 1943 in Tallassee, Alabama to the late John Owen Thornton and Mattie Wingard Thornton. John was Methodist by faith, he enjoyed fishing and collecting arrow heads. Other than his parents he is preceded in death by two sisters, Martha Wilcox and Jo Locke. John was survived by his dauthter, Patrice Hope Terry of Phenix City, son, Wendell Todd Thornton of Phenix City, brother, Jim Thornton (Patsy) of Conyers, GA, mother of his children, Naomi Gayle Thornton, neice, Jenny Thornton, grandchildren, Asia Blake, Taylor Terry, Hunter Terry, Emily Terry, Abigail Raden, Jacob Todd Thornton (Mallory), Adam Clayton Thornton, Chaney Kristin Thornton (Troy), great-grandchildren, Braxton, Rowen, Maci, Zayne and Hartlie Thornton.
Chase Borders
Chase Borders, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, February 09, 2016, at the age of 28. Chase is survived by his dad, Johnny Borders; mom, Terry Borders; grandparents, Edna and James Borders and Alton and Betty Becton; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. A Celebration of Life
Service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 1:00PM at Monster Mountain in Tallassee, Alabama. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome. com.
Doris Middlebrooks
Ms. Doris N. Middlebrooks, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016, at the age of 80. A Celebration Of Life Service will be Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 11:00AM from Santuck Baptist Church with Rev. Chad Middlebrooks officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Ms. Middlebrooks is survived by her children, Rita Davidson (Creg), Ruby Henderson (Johnny), Rhonda Stambaugh (Greg) and Sandy Middlebrooks (18 year old chihuahua); grandchildren, Shelly Singleton, Kristi Thomas (Mark), Shawn Singleton, Cristal Davis (Bryan), Sky Stambaugh, Summer Stambaugh and Shanell Stambaugh; nine great grandchildren; siblings, Mildred Greene (Johnny), Margaret Mitchell, Ruth Dean Haney (Sport), Charles Middlebrooks and Judy Berkstresser (Randy); several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, William Grady Middlebrooks; mother, Jewel Evelyn Middlebrooks and brother, William “Bud” Middlebrooks. Doris Nell, known as
“Memaw,” was a loving and caring daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was very independent, but she was always willing to listen or help anyone who needed her. She will be greatly missed by all of her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice Care, 805 Friendship Road, Tallassee, Alabama 36078. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.
Julia “Judy” Warren
Mrs. Julia “Judy” Warren, 86, of Eclectic, passed away peacefully at her home on February 11, 2016 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born July 16, 1929 in Elmore County, the daughter of the late Arthur and Kathryn Thornton. She was a 1949 graduate of Elmore County High School. She married Robert Warren on April 15, 1949 and he preceded her in death after 54 years of marriage. She is also preceded in death by sisters, Mae Whitman and Virginia Abrams. She was a substitute teacher for Elmore County Schools and later worked in the lunchroom for many years. She attended Good Hope Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at
Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
• St. Vincent de Paul
From 9-11 a.m. Feb. 20 the 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 Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m., Sunday school will focus on the parables of Jesus. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
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 569-2825 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 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada 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
Feb. 21 - Matthew Kelly “Seven Pillars of Spirituality Part 2” Feb. 28 - Matthew Kelly “Seven Pillars of Spirituality Part 3” March 6 - Scott Hahn “Why a Protestant Pastor Became Catholic Part 1” March 13 - Scott Hahn “Why a Protestant Pastor Became Catholic Part 2” March 20 - James Dean, David Carucci, Patrick Driscoll - “Palm Sunday” March 27 - James Dean, David Carucci, Patrick Driscoll - “Easter
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 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 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 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 Tunnell Chapel Baptist
Sunday” April 3 - Patrick Lencioni “Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 1” April 10 - Patrick Lencioni “Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 2” OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8:00-8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www.wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale.
• Salem Macon Baptist Church
The SMBC Men’s Ministry will meet at 7 a.m. Feb. 21. All men and boys are
210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore
The deadline Is FRIDAY at noon.
Elizabeth W. Turner
Ms. Elizabeth W. Turner, a resident of Dadeville, Alabama, passed away February 13, 2016, at the age of 87. Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 11:00amfrom Carrville Cemetery, with Rev. Ben Nobles officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Turner is survived by her cousin Johnnie Warren; nephew, Warren White, and special friend, Jane Coughlin. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Tyler White and Karen Warren White, one brother and 2 sisters. Online condolences are available at: www. jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.
encouraged to come for a great breakfast. Worship and speaker The Forever Young Seniors will meet at 6:30 p.m. Billy Bob Bohannon (Bill King) will present our program with funny stories and songs. Mark you calendar and plan to come. Bring a covered dish and enjoy good food, good fellowship and lots of fun.
•First Baptist Church Reeltown
will host their monthly Senior Luncheon at 11 a.m. Feb. 24 and everyone is invited. Special guest will be Harlan Burton.
Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central
Submit your church news to editor@tallasseetribune.com •••
1:00 pm on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Good Hope Baptist Church with services to follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Kenny Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her children, Donald Warren (Angela), Rob Warren, Jr., Barbara Coker (Jarrod) and Ronald Warren (Joe); sister, Lois Geddie; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild due in April 2016 and dear friend, Paul Moulthrop. Flowers accepted or donations may be made in her memory to Hospice Advantage, 4253 Wetumpka Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36110. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.
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Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka 567-2190 servantfellowshipchurch@windstream.net The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka Time of Refreshing Fellowship 117 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-7750 Victory Temple (Pentecostal church) 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730
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ALL ABOUT FROGS!
FROGGY WORD FIND
Frogs are vertebrate animals (meaning they have a backbone) called amphibians. An amphibian is an animal that lives in the water during one phase of its life and on land during another. Frogs and toads belong to the same family. A frog is smaller, has smooth skin, and lives in the water. Toads are larger, have bumpy skin and live mainly on land. Frogs are found in all parts of the World, except Antarctica. They live in many different types of environments, such as water, trees, and burrows. There are many varieties of colors of frog skin. Some frogs have poisonous venom in their skin; these are usually brightly colored frogs. The male in most frog species is smaller than the female. The largest frog on Earth is the African Goliath frog which weighs in at around seven pounds and is over a foot in length. The smallest frog known today was discovered in Cuba in 1996. It is commonly referred to as the Monte Iberia Eleuth and measures to be only 8.5 millimeters long! Adult frogs go through a process called spawning where females lay their eggs, and a male fertilizes them once they are in the water. When the eggs hatch, the frogs begin their life in the water as a tadpole. A tadÂŹpole looks similar to D ÂżVK EXW LW LV DFWXDOO\ D EDE\ IURJ $ WDGSROH RQO\ KDV D ERG\ PRXWK WDLO DQG JLOOV $V WKH WDGSROH JHWV ROGHU LW develops its body, tongue, and legs, and its tail falls off. When this process of metamorphosis is complete (after about 16 weeks), the tadpole leaves the water as a fully grown frog. Frogs are carnivores which means they eat meat, mainly insects, worms and sometimes other frogs. Fully grown frogs do not have to drink water in order to survive; they can absorb it through their skin. Label the life cycles below: tadpole, egg, Match the frogs to their shadows. adult, froglet, and tadpole with legs.
LABEL THE LIFE CYCLE SHADOW MATCH
1.__________
2._______ 5.__________ 3.__________
4.__________
CONNECT THE DOTS
Shadow Ans: 1-6, 5-7, 4-10, 8-3, 9-2
Hidden Words: Amphibian, Common Toad, Dart Frog, Frog, Horned, Insects, Land, Metamorphosis, Natterchat Toad, Poisonous, Tadpole, Toad, Tree Frog, Vertebrate, Water, Wood
Life cycle ans: 1)Adult, 2)Eggs, 3)Tadpole 4) Tadpole with Legs, 5)Froglet
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Page 8 • February 17, 2016
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“Long record of consistent support for pro-life legislation”
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Area Calendar Tallassee Community Calendar The Tallassee Music Boosters 19th helping of the Fabulous Follies When: Feb. 19-20, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: Pat Merrett has once again put together a night of lip-synch-and-dance merriment, guaranteed to leave the whole family laughing. There will be generous portions of Carol Burnett and the Blues Brothers, and unbelievably dance-savvy gentlemen getting down to “Nay-nay.” Truly unbelievable. Sony and Cher will be there, as will Shirley Temple, Bobby Bare, and the Coasters — at least you’ll leave feeling sure they were really on stage. Performers range in age from pre-school to some whose 50-year high school reunions has already become a memory. Teachers, principals, the superintendent, lawyers, preachers, city councilmen---all are represented in this annual production to raise money for the bands and choirs in the city schools. Students from the Southside band will take part, and New Image, one of the high-school show choirs, will perform — not lip-synch — to bring some true musical talent to the stage. Admission is $5 at the door. Tea Party at Seven Gables When: Feb. 20, 10 a.m. Where: Seven Gables, Tallassee Details: We’ll get dressed up and have some tea and hor d’oeuvres. Bring a friend. Special appearance from a princess. First child is $35 and additional siblings are $25 each. Call 334-283-2900 to reserve. Reeltown High School Reunion Committee Meeting When: Feb. 20, 11 a.m. Where: Elmer’s Restaurant, Notasulga Details: The 20 Year Reunion Committee, Classes of 1950 - 1970, will meet at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Elmer’s Restaurant. The committee representative from each class and others who volunteered to help are encouraged to be present for the planning meeting. The reunion began in 2004 as a vision of Mary Jo Hammonds Davis and meets every other year. At the present, the reunion will be an event in April. Final plans will be made at the planning meeting. This is a very enjoyable time to renew school friendships, fun and laughter making lifetime memories. You may contact Carol Lynn, committee chairman, for information. Each class representative should update your member contact list. The Tallassee High School Alumni Night When: Feb. 27, 4-8 p.m. Where: 1220 Café, Tallassee Details: The Tallassee High School Alumni is hosting Alumni Night to help raise money for its scholarship fund. Attendees may drop in for dinner and fellowship anytime. Noah Griggs, Jr. and Pam Jennings Griggs, members of the classes of 1981 and 1979, are helping the 1220 staff prepare a delicious Italian dinner with a special desert. The committee has collected door prizes to give away, and will also be awarding prizes to the oldest THS graduate attending, the person who has traveled the farthest, and the one who shows the most TIGER PRIDE. So get out your best purple and gold. A table of memorabilia from years past will be set up, and T-shirts will be on sale for $15. Those who have already joined will be able to pick up their car decals. Tickets are available at 1220 Café, Suzannah s Photography, and from alumni members Lacey Brewer, John David Lambert, Tammy Dupriest Knapp, Kim Clayton, Rusty Dunn Tinsley, and Myra Singleton Johnson. The THS Alumni Association is a non-profit organization. For more information follow the group on Facebook or call Suzannah Solomon Wilson at 334-283-8172.
Government Elmore County Commission Meeting When: Feb. 22, 5 p.m. Where: Old Elmore County Courthouse Details: A work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Tallassee City Council Meeting When: Feb. 22, Work sessions 5 p.m., Council meeting 6 p.m. Where: Mayor’s Conference Room, Council Chamber Details: Agendas are posted Friday afternoon prior to Monday council meeting. Work Sessions are held in the Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall, 3 Freeman Ave., beginning at 5 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Council Meetings are held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 3 Freeman Ave., at 6 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month unless otherwise posted. All meetings are open to the public. Tallassee Board of Education When: March 10, 6 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Media Center
Other Area Events New at the Wetumpka Library What: New Books: Midnight Sun by Jo Nesbo; Violent Crimes by Phillip Margolin; The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young; Brush Back by Sara Paretsky; Find Her by Lisa Gardner; The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher; The Hollow Girl by Reed Farrel Coleman; Onion Street by Reed Farrel Coleman; Supercell by Buzz Bernard; Blue Avenue by Michael Wiley and Second Skin by Michael Wiley. New Audio Books: Breakdown by Jonathan Kellerman; Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb and Find Her by Lisa Gardner. Preschool Story Time is at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings. For more information, call 334-567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com and on Facebook. Elmore County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 19th Annual Hunting Heritage Dinner When: Feb. 18, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Single, couples, sponsor and corporate table tickets available. A ticket includes an all “you can eat” ribs and chicken meal as well as a one-year NWTF membership. Other activities included with tickets: silent auction, live auction, raffles including a total of 19 guns to be given away. For other information and/or tickets, call Gene Calhoun 334-3152636 or Phil Savage 334-850-7997.
February 17, 2016 • Page 11
SPORTS
February 17, 2016 • The Tallassee Tribune
12
Phone 334-283-6568 Fax 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com www.tallapoosapublishers.smugmug.com
MAT CATS BRING HOME HARDWARE
Tallassee Mat Cats youth wrestling place second overall in state championship By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The Tallassee Mat Cats were triumphant at the state championship tournament held in Hoover at Spain Park High School. The team brought home hardware in every age group and six of those trophies were for individual weight class championships. The competition was fierce as teams from small-town USA went head-to-head against some of the largest cities in the state of Alabama. “They took 38 wrestlers to the state tournament, we had 31 wrestlers placed first through fourth,”said Mark Bell with the Tallassee Recreation Center. “Ten first places, six second places, eight third places and eight fourth places.” A couple of lady Mat Cats brought home trophies from this year’s tournament, as well. “Alli Smith took second place in 8 and under 100 (pounds) and Camdyn Holmes placed third in 10 and under at 112 (pounds),” Bell said. Tallassee is a small city compared to many of the cities they wrestle against and to win second place among all those schools is a grand gesture.
“Some of the clubs that they wrestle against have as many as 60-70 wrestlers and the team came in second place in the state. They only lost to the big Birmingham team that had double the wrestlers, by 3 points,” Bell said. Furthermore, the team was very close to winning the entire tournament. “378-380.5, they were that close to taking the whole thing,” he said. What makes The Mat Cats a step above the rest? “The first thing is that the parents in this community support that program,” Bell said. “Those kids workout three times a week and go to tournaments on Saturdays. The parents make a huge commitment to get these kids over to our gym and then take them all over the state of Alabama every weekend to wrestle and compete.” These gyms can be very sizeable and The Mat Cats have a huge fan base that is instantly recognizable in their purple and gold attire, he said. “We take up whole sections of these gyms with parents and grandparents wearing purple and gold,” Bell said. “Our parents’ really cheer and rally for the team. It’s great.” Bell said he also believes it is the great group of coaches that has molded the team’s greatness.
Contributed / The Tribune
The Tallassee Mat Cats champions, Barker Davis, Dylan Price, Mason Nelson, Devin Bragg, Land Bell, Walker Wells, Bishop Singleton, Raymond Cocker, Ethan Stevenson , Mason Bell. State Runner Ups: Chase Chumley, Alli Smith, Brody Goodwin, Preston Tidwell, Will Lackey proudly display their hardware after placing 2nd overall in the state tournament with 10 individual weight-class winners.
“The group of coaches that we have … these coaches make no money for this and they are leaving their families on weekends and traveling as far as Huntsville,” he said. “Their commitment is the force that is driving it.” Bell said the team’s success is building as the program grows. “Every year, they’re getting incrementally better,” he said. “We’ve never had 10 state champions before. And simply put, winning breeds winning.” This is the eighth season of wrestling for The Mat Cats and some of the wres-
tlers to come out of this program are now dominating on a high school level, he said. “Every year we’re getting more kids out to the gym so their numbers continue to increase,” Bell said. “Now you see some of the kids who came out of this program who are now in the eighth, ninth and 10th grade wearing it out,” he said. As this season wraps up, The Mat Cats are looking forward to the upcoming year and what it holds, Bell said. “Looking forward to next year and winning 15 out of 15,” he said.
Wrestling team takes second, fights on to finals in Huntsville By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Tallassee High School wrestling team is set to send 10 wrestlers the state championships in Huntsville this week after having placed second in the area sectionals, having gone up against roughly 27 and dropping only four teammates to the tournament. They had one first-place winner – Zack Haynes, 106 pounds – and two second place winners – Bruin Hathcock, 120 pounds and Jordan Price 126. Jake Baker, 285-pound heavyweight, was third in his bracket. Coach John Mask said there were some exciting matches as the team waded through the scores of opponents from teams throughout the southern region of the state. A few of those came from Tallassee’s Nick Langston at 145 pounds who finished 6 in his bracket He said Langston had two matches where he was down by a point or two with about
10 seconds left and fought back and won. “He found, somewhere deep within, the energy and effort,” Mask said. “He was able to take his guy down and get the victory within the last few seconds. It was amazing.” He said at the sectionals the competitors gave it their all in order to get to the state championship scheduled for Feb. 18–20, in Huntsville’s Von Braun Center. A big part of the challenge came from staying focused and managed throughout the day. Mask said they weighed in at 7 a.m. Friday morning and got home around midnight. The next day they were back at it again from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “It was a long tournament,” Mask said. There were mostly 32-man brackets, Mask said, and very few of the usual 16-man brackets in the Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl due to the large number of wrestlers per weight class. Out of the results, the top eight com-
Cory Diaz / The Tribune
Jeremy Noah, a 182 pound senior, works to pin a Dadeville opponent in area sectionals at the Montgomery Cramton Bowl.
petitors advanced to Huntsville to face off against the winners from the Northern Region Sectionals. Mask said the idea was to take as many members of the original team to the finals as possible, because along with their individual advancement through their bracket, they scored points for the team as a whole. And even though four of the 14 original members of the team Mask took with him to Montgomery were dropped by the competition, he said all 14 fighters scored points
for the team. He said they are up against some good teams going into Thursday, some of which managed to carry all of their original wrestlers through to the finals. Madison County was one such example, Mask said. Mask said they will leave Tallassee Wednesday night in order to be at Huntsville Thursday through Saturday for the threeday event.
Coach talks through new season By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Tallassee High School varsity Tigers entered the regional championships on a four-win high but were shot down by Marbury (75-61), and despite what he called “one and done” game play, Coach Cecil Hollenquest said it did not take away from the season’s accomplishments. At Tuskegee, home of regional host Booker T. Washington High School, he said at some point in their fight against the Bulldogs they got away from the “game plan.” “I don’t feel we played a complete game inside-out,” Hollenquest said. With the four-win streak against Elmore County (65-55), Loveless Academic Magnet Program (78-51), Notasulga (6566) and Beauregard (75-61) Hollenquest said, “(I) felt the guys were feeling the need and desire to do what it took to win that first game.” Without that first win, their time in the tournament was over and he said he thought that would have been the motivation to put them over the top. Marbury, however, Hollenquest said, “played like they wanted it.” Marbury upset them once earlier in the season at Bulldogs’ territory, but Tallassee came back and beat them on their own court, and that dynamic Hollenquest wished would have driven them to a second defeat in the tournament in order to set the record straight. However, Hollenquest said it also might have been what he called the “jinx”of playing in Tuskegee, where the Tigers had a largely unsuccessful set of attempts against BTW that involved several questionable calls from the same referees Hollenquest
said were at Marbury. And where they ended the season 8-16, Hollenquest said, “Overall the season win and loss record does not curtail the things we accomplished this year.” He said if what he called “moral victories” were awarded they would have finished the season 20-4. Games lost by six points or less Hollenquest said were games that could and should have been won. And, he said, there were only a couple of games they really were not “in” this season. “We had a great year when you look at the fact that we established the ninth grade team,” Hollenquest said. And losing nine seniors this year, he said they would need the up-and-comers to fill the gaps left on the varsity team. They will have two juniors returning, Dee Williams and Drew Griggs. “I have a great group of freshman and sophomores that’s going to come up and we’re excited to see their play,” Hollenquest said. He said he was going to “throw them in the fire” and start the new guys early in their next season to build a new team around them. He said there were a few he expected could be “role players,” but in the absence of what he called dominant four and five star blue-chippers a whole team-effort would be necessary. “If you can just take and play together as a team everyone knows their role then I believe that you can be successful. That’s one of the things that we did this year,” Hollenquest said. With this year’s reclassification to 4A from 5A, Hollenquest said he is looking forward to what he said he anticipated would be a more competitive season.
Corey Arwood / The Tribune
Early in the season the Lady Tigers took first place in the Elmore County tournament
Lady Tigers close season By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Tallassee High School Lady Tigers time in the tournament was cut short at their first game loss to Beauregard High School (71-57) wrapping up a season that averaged out as Coach John Taylor said, to be “pretty good.” They were winning at the end of the first, second and third quarters, Taylor said, but the Lady Hornets caught up, gained the lead and closed out the game ahead by only six points. “I knew we could beat them and we could have, we should have … ,” Taylor said. “But you know, it’s just kind of the same thing that came to bite us in the butt the whole end of the last part of the season, we didn’t play up to our potential.” He said they played their best basketball in November and December, where going into the holidays they were on a four-game winning streak. But somewhere after the break, nearly
matching their win streak in losses, he said the season changed pace, as they returned with a spate of losses nearly matching their row of victories going into the break. Overall they had a (9-11) season and Taylor said the team did a good job compared to the previous season. He said that they won more games than last year. “This is the most they’ve won in a long time,” Taylor said. “That’s positive but I hesitate that, because we’re better than our record shows, we could have done better.” Taylor said the biggest goal going forward is to find a dependable ball handler that can lead the team on the court. They are going to be down three seniors, but Taylor said next season’s team would well replace those lost as the majority on deck are at present juniors. He said there is even a good group coming beyond that. “Just young,” Taylor said.