Jan 13, 2016 Tallassee Tribune by Tallapoosa Publishers

REPLACING A LEGEND

SPORTS PAGE 12

Grapplers move to 20-1, defeat Stanhope Elmore.

Reeltown narrows coach search down LOCAL, PG. 10 to top five Learning Trees Boots and Bow candidates, Pg. 11 Ties fundraiser set for Feb. 5

OPINION

MAX GUNTER NO PLACE TO HOUSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

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

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

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January 13, 2016

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VOL. 117, NO. 2

Alabama infrastructure earns incomplete By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Alabama was hit hard by recent severe weather and in nearly any given county it seemed that some effect could be seen from the damaging storm conditions that made their way through the southern states over the last two weeks. And Alabama’s infrastructure, along with that of any given affected community, was also hit hard by the holiday weather

conditions. Whether it was flooding, road and bridge closures, soil erosion, downed power lines or individual wells and septic systems, there was little left entirely unaffected by the storms. And that meant more strain was put on infrastructure systems, which earlier in December had been given a statewide overall grade of a “C-” in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The report covered 11 cate-

gories and of those considered, four were in good condition, six ranged from mediocre to poor and one lacked enough information for a grade to be determined. The state received a “good” rating of a “B” in the categories of aviation, energy, ports and rail, while it received mediocre to poor grades ranging from a “C+” to a “D-” in drinking water, bridges, waste and storm water, inland waterways and See INFRASTRUCTURE • Page 2

Thurlow Dam with the flood gates open after recent flooding in the Tallassee area. The dam was one of many included in the infrastructure report card. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Rec offers self defense classes

Community bands together, forms neighborhood watch

Director Golden teaches participants easy-to-learn techniques

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Recently, James Martin, Wanda Jones and Rickey Jones decided to be proactive in Tallassee and surrounding areas. They have formed the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group. The group will hold regular meetings where members of the community are welcome to join. The three said they hope the initiative will spread and the saying “see something, See NEIGHBORHOOD • Page 2

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

What will be a covered bus shelter for the children of Jones Mobile Home Park, was the brainchild of Ricky Jones. Jones had this built for the neighborhood and encourages others to follow suit.

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

REMEMBERING MLK

City celebrates MLK Day with a march and ceremony By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

A number of Tallassee churches have once again combined efforts to organize the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and both prominent city officials as well as local religious leaders are expected to speak and attend. The ceremony will begin with a march at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 that is set to start at First United Methodist Church in Tallassee and span about one mile down Gilmer Parkway and end at 48 Log Circle. Mayor Bobby Payne is slated to speak and council member Charles

Blalock, along with Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers and members of the Tallassee Police Department are expected to be in attendance, as well. “It’s just strictly a memorial march in memory of Dr. King and the contribution that he made to mankind. It’s a celebration all across the country so we decided here in the city of Tallassee that we would come together,” said Charles Blalock, city council member and also master of ceremonies for the MLK Day event. This will be about the seventh

Rick Golden, self-defense course instructor and director of the recreation department, said he thought anyone could use the easy-to-learn techniques he developed for the self-defense classes set to begin in the next week or so. With a chop to the throat, a gouge in the eyes and a knee in the groin to a “body-opponent bag,” Golden displayed one method to incapacitate any would-be attacker. Registration is now open for the classes that are scheduled to meet for an

See MLK • Page 2

Four TPD officers receive promotions

See DEFENSE • Page 2

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Tallassee Police Department held a promotion ceremony Wednesday to honor members who have advanced to higher ranks. Chris Owenby and Benny Merritt were promoted to commander. Owenby is now commander of investigations and Merritt is commander of patrols. Mitchell Wright and Alex Hood were promoted from patrol officer to Sergeant. The ceremony took place in front of police headquarters where members the Tallassee Police Department, along with friends and family honored the men. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune The ceremonial event was the first Mitchell Wright, Alex Hood, Chis Owenby and Benny Merritt stand with their certificates of it’s kind of the Tallassee Police of promotion given Wednesday during the Promotions Ceremony at the Tallassee Police See PROMOTION • Page 2 Station.

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Neighborhood say something” will help curb criminal activity as well as neighborhood nuisances. Because the school bus does not go into Jones Mobile Home Park, children who live there must wait at the entrance of the neighborhood for the school bus to pick them up. This left the children exposed to the elements. Because of this, Martin said he saw a need for a sheltered bus stop and asked Jones if he would build one for the children in their community. “Initially we started the neighborhood watch program and with it we are asking for members of the community to get involved and put bus shelters up for the children,” Martin said. Jones not only agreed to Martin’s request, he urged others to take the same initiative. “A lot of the streets, the buses actually won’t go down,” Jones said. “All the kids have to walk to the end of the street to get to the bus. In the winter time it’s just terrible.” The newly formed neighborhood watch group designates individuals to serve as “block captains.” The captains are asked to be CPR certified, have emergency preparation kits and action plans in place should disaster occur. Block captains have a proactive role in the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group. Each of them will have designated responsibilities, including standing guard as children get on and off school buses. “We are asking the block captains

continued from page 1

within the community, as well as other members of the program, to patrol those bus shelters and bus stops in the morning when they get on and in the evening when they get off so that they’ll know that there’s someone there at all times to patrol them and to watch over them,” Martin said. Because Tallassee is spread out into rural areas, dogs are easily abandoned outside of the city limits where they are out of sight. For Jones, these dogs have become bothersome. “We’ve had problems out there with stray dogs chasing the children and killing other dogs in the neighborhood,” he said. “That’s a reason that we’re having people check the bus stop and watch the kids to make sure they get home safely. The police department is working with us to help capture those critters.” Wanda Jones said she believes this is a great first step and she looks forward to working with the community, police and city officials. “We all need a way to communicate with each other and watch out for one another,” she said. To join the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group, attend the next meeting, which will beat 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at St. Paul United Methodist Church located at 82 Log Circle in Tallassee. Martin said representatives from the Alabama Emergency Agency, Red Cross, TPD, TFD as well as city officials will be present.

MLK year for the march, which Blalock said picks up momentum with each year. “We just encourage people to come out especially our political religious leaders to come out and join us,” Blalock said. Rev. Booker T. Murdock of Jerusalem Baptist Church, was selected as the keynote speaker and will also deliver a scripture reading and prayer along with closing remarks at the

continued from page 1

ceremony. James Long Jr., an MLK committee member, which Blalock said spearheaded this year’s efforts, said the event is to remember and pass down knowledge to younger generations. “That’s the reason we try to get a lot of young people - We hope this continues for years and years,” Long said. This is about he seventh year for the MLK Day

celebration, who Long said was the result of a collaboration between local churches like Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist, Jerusalem Baptist, Oak Valley United Methodist and St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. Blalock said there would also be a look back to the nationally turbulent 2015 year in regards to civil rights matters, race relations and police relations, as exampled through the events at Ferguson, Missouri in August of last year and at Charleston, South Carolina’s church shooting in June. “We will also recognize a lot of the violence that has taken place across the country and we will probably have a prayer vigil for the violence and hope and pray that the violence that consisted throughout 2015 will somehow subside during the year 2016. We pray for peace,” Blalock said.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Defense

continued from page 1

hour and a half, one day a week over six weeks. “It’s simple, as long you’re willing to put in the time and learn the technique anyone can learn it,” Golden said. Golden developed the course and said he drew from his experience in the Marines and his knowledge of criminal justice and law enforcement to use as foundations for the class. This is the second time he has offered the class, which he said was met with a positive response by those who went through it last year. The class last year consisted of all women participants and Golden said he included techniques with the thought in mind the course would be primarily made up of women. “Women can gain more power and force when they’re having to use this without having to be a super-athlete,” Golden said. He said his techniques were developed to be used by anyone, despite physical ability in order “equalize” power, without, as Golden said, having to lift weights or spend years to learn. The classes are equal parts law, psychology and physical defense techniques according to Golden’s

design. He said he begins by teaching the legalities of self-defense and what Alabama law states. “You’re just one punch away going from self-defense to assault,” Golden said. For that, he said he would look into what the Alabama Codes of Law had to say regarding self-defense. Secondly, he said the class would examine criminal behavior in order to better understand what Golden called, the thought and mentality of criminals. “The best way of self-defense is to never have to be in a situation and part of doing that is recognizing what criminal behavior is; the way they think,” Golden said. And this would lead to what Golden said is the main component of his technique, what he called “observation and avoidance.” “The main thing that we teach is avoidance how to just not put yourself in a situation where you are going to compromise yourself and become a victim,” Golden said. The six-week course costs $55 to attend and registration is available at Tallassee recreation building.

Promotions

continued from page 1

Department. “This is the first time that we’ve held this type of ceremonial event,” Chief of Police Jimmy Rodgers said. After much thought and deliberations, Rodgers said TDP made their selection to fill these positions within the ranks. “We have been evaluating individuals,” he said. “These vacancies have been vacant for a while. They are two of the individuals who excelled to the point that we thought they were deserving of those promotions.” In order to be considered, Rodgers said the officer must first show interest in the available position. After the individual shows interest, calculations begin. “We receive interest letters from individuals who may be interested in the positions and then we evaluate them to determine who is the best qualified for those positions,” he said.

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Two of the individuals promoted Wednesday have long been influential to the department. Rodgers said the two had been handling the responsibilities of the position but had not been formally promoted. The promotion ceremony allowed the Tallassee Police Department to show the two newly appointed commanders just how appreciative it is for their continued service. “We wanted to do this for these individuals because they have been evaluated by my office and the assistant chief’s office,” he said. “Their performance was outstanding and instrumental in moving our department into the direction that we strive for. It was an opportunity and perfect timing to promote them to commander of those two divisions.”

The Tallassee Housing Authority is reopening is waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers(HCV) Program on Tuesday, January 28th at the Tallassee Recreation Department located at 450 Gilmer Avenue. Only applications will be issued from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The HCV Program is a federally funded rental assistance program for low-income families/individuals, the elderly and disabled. The HCV Program provides eligible families an opportunity to rent from a private landlord of their choice withing the Tallassee Area. Please call (334) 283-2801 for questions.

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January 13, 2016 • Page 3

Annual Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Banquet set for next week By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

The annual Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 where the newly elected Chamber of Commerce officers will be introduced. The Business of the Year Award, the Presidential Award and the Frances Wagnon Award winners will also be announced. The Francis Wagnon Award honors Tallassee’s most outstanding volunteer. “It’s for someone who gives of their self, their time, their money, their effort, and their heart to help this community in any way possible,” said Michone Roye, executive director of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. Wagnon has been tremendously influential in Tallassee. Residing next to the First United Methodist Church, she gave most of her life to serving the church and the community. Wagnon had no children of her own, but it was often said she mothered many with her compassion and love for others. Chamber members choose the Frances Wagnon and Business of the Year award winners, while the board selects the newly elected officers internally. In addition to the Business of the Year Award and the Francis Wagnon Award, the chamber will announce the winner of the Presidential Award. “Our outgoing president offers an award to someone who he thinks is deserving in the community,” Roye said. The banquet will be catered by 1220 Café this year and will take place at the Wetumpka Civic Center.

From projected ticket sales, this year’s banquet dinner is on course to have greater attendance than previous years. “It should be a night of great fun,” Roye said. “We’ve already had a lot of great response. Based on previous years, ticket sales are up.” The increased response and interest was well received by the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. “We are very happy to see such a desire to participate,” Roye said. Roye said she wants everyone to know this banquet is designed for everyone and anyone who may be interested in joining the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. “I want people to understand that you do not have to be a member of the chamber to participate,” she said. “If you’re at the point in your business or personal career where you’d like to get involved in your community and you’ve been considering being a part of the chamber, this would be a great night for someone to come out and enjoy a great meal, mingle with fellow chamber members and ask questions about what our chamber can do for your business or if you’re an individual who likes to give back to the community, we have lots of things that you could do.” If interested in joining the chamber, there are several options available. Applications are available at the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce office located at 17 Sistruck St., Suite C or you may call 334-252-5151 and request an application be mailed. An online application is available at tallasseechamaber.com. Tickets to the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet are available at various locations.

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Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune

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prevention through wise infrastructure mainteroads and transit categories. nance and innovation. Alabama however was the only state to The latest weather only outlined the imporreceive a “?,” or an incomplete, with “insuffitance of what the report and Mills called cient data to provide a grade” for dams. And that is worse than any of the state’s low- “resilience” among structures like bridges and dams and also systems like water, energy and est graded categories, said Shelia Montgomery roadways. Mills, who is the Alabama section president of She talked about recent improvements made the ASCE and chaired the report. by Tallassee regarding gas and sewer lines. “The unknown is the biggest concern, we “That means that Tallassee’s thinking about just don’t know ... just the fact that we don’t it’s future so making that investment and gethave enough information, we don’t know ting those where all they’re located and their condition, projects done … it’s a long-term committhe unknown is the biggest concern,” Mills ment,” Mill said. said. Mills’ and the ASCE’s suggestions for According to the report, only about two perimproving infrastructure systems within the cent of the roughly 2,200 known dams within state revolved around securing guaranteed the state received regular inspection or mainsources of funding for the maintenance and tenance and had emergency action plans in the upkeep of projects through suggestions like event of flooding. taxes on fuel. But the 2,200 known dams are considered But as for Alabama’s dam situation Mills to be only a fraction of dams within Alabama, which the report stated is the only state without said, “Still a lot of work to do once we get past it but getting that inventory in hand is the big a full inventory of dams or a state dam safety first step.” program. And the findings were inclusive, which meant that big federally regulated dams like Alabama Power’s Yates and Thurlow, were lumped in with the “unknowns.” “Even if 20 are being cared for, it’s not enough in the bucket Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area to really weigh the grade,” Mill said of the hydroelectric dams across the state, two of which are in Tallassee. “This is a little BROKER bit different, ya’ll do have those 2 dams right there, but I’m sure there’s some other small dams in CELL: 334-207-0666 your area. When I look at the maps WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com from NID, I see a bunch of little EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net blue spots down there,” she added, LAKE MARTIN VIEW – 260 South Lands End, 3 bd/2 ba, 1 acre, $135,000. referring to a computer generated TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. map of dams registered by NID in COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. the Tallassee area. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 23 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground Mills clarified that the ASCE utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 2 SOLD – 21 remaining. report card was not evaluating speW. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED cific pieces of infrastructure, and in $65,000. their communication with Alabama ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg. deck, Power about their federally regulat- on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville Church. $69,000. 2206 HWY. 120 – 2 miles from Reeltown School, brick, 3 bd/2 ba, heat pump, ed projects, they stated they were hardwood floors. Beautiful yards, new roof, close to Kiwi Farm. 100% financing taking care of their dams, Mills for qualified buyer. REDUCED TO $99,500. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very said. modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $324,000. “We want to use this to make 18 ACRES on S. Tallassee Drive, $34,000. people aware of the fact that we 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. really don’t have that information, 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. we don’t know what’s going on 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. to raise awareness of folks so that TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $125,000. they’ll realize do I live on a dam? TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large Do I live down stream from a den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, $159,000. 8 more dam? Do I drive over a dam?” acres also adjacent to it. Mills said. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $198,500. Dams were only one section of MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. the state-by-state report that Mills 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 said was aimed at raising awarebaths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279000. ness to matters of preparation and

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties

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Mack Daugherty

On March 1, 2016 elect a commissioner who has spent a lifetime of volunteer service to his country, state, county and community. “I firmly believe that one of our primary responsibilities and opportunities, while on this earth, is to strive to make a positive difference in someone’s life. I would be extremely humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as your Elmore County District Two County Commissioner. Thank you for your vote on March 1st, and may God bless you and your families!”

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

6:00 pm Social, 7:00 pm Dinner & Program Wetumpka Civic Center 410 S. Main St, Wetumpka, Al Tickets: $35/person, $250 Reserved Table for 8 ***Tickets must be purchased or reserved in advance***

Guest Speakers: Mack & Ria Story Topic: Key to Making an Impact This presentation includes leadership principles such as:

I volunteered to serve my country in the United States Military – (6) years.

I volunteered to serve my state as a Deputy Game Warden – (22) years.

• How to grow your business through relationships • How to engage, develop and reward employees • Get better results from your business • How you can develop your leadership skills

I volunteered to serve the good people of Elmore County as a Certi¿ed Deputy Sheriff – (24) years.

I volunteered to serve as a Certi¿ed American Red Cross Instructor – (22) years.

I volunteered to serve my community as a Fireman and Fire Chief – (20) years.

I volunteered to serve the needs of seriously ill children and their families – (27) years.

I volunteered to serve as a Minister of Music in the church – (43) years.

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Open to Members and Non-Members Ticket Locations: WACQ, Tallassee Tribune, Chamber Ofﬁce

TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL 334-283-5151 or Online: www.Tallasseechamber.com www.tallasseechamber.com chamber@tallasseechamber.com 17 Sistrunk St. Suite C, Tallassee, AL

Tallassee

Page 4 • January 13, 2016

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

County Line column and website aim to keep citizens updated The County Line T

he Commission recognizes the importance of being proactive in communicating with the residents of Elmore County regarding the role and activities of county government. The County Line and the Elmore County website are two resources the commission uses to keep citizens informed and up-to-date. The county website can be viewed at www.elmoreco.org and features an A-Z directory of services for citizens to easily determine which department to contact for assistance. The website also includes all county departments and links to other agencies as well. The website offers information on current events, environmental services, job openings, pistol permits, property taxes, road management and closures, sex offender information, subdivisions regulations, tag renewals and much more. County commission meeting recordings can be viewed

Elmore County Commission

on the website the day after a commission meeting takes place. The procedures to address the commission, the meeting schedule, work session agendas and meeting minutes are also available for review. The county commission page lists the county commissioners including contact information, district maps, and major subdivisions. The policies to address the commission and to request public records are also listed on the commission’s page. Citizens are encouraged to visit the county’s webpage to find out what’s going on in Elmore County government. We also welcome you to contact the county government offices by calling 334567-1156 or coming by from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Scenarios that provoke adventures in stereotyping

isualize the participants in the following true occurrences: I was driving down U.S. Highway 231 South near Pine Level, in the middle of a cloudburst. When I attempted to pass a semi, my car began to hydroplane, and my left wheels went off the edge of the road. Unable to regain control, I held onto the steering wheel as my Dodge Dart rapidly and inexorably skidded into the middle of the wide median and became mired in its bottom. Almost immediately, two other vehicles stopped. One man got out of each vehicle, even though it was still pouring rain, and the three of us were able to push my auto onto enough solid ground that I was able to get some traction and drive out. This happened in the mid-‘70s. A business acquaintance of mine recounted that one time in his store, two customers approached the cash register at the same time, and he pointed his finger back and forth to each with

a smiling-but-questioning look on his face, in an unspoken “which-one-ofyou-goes-first” pantomime. One of the customers announced, “You mean you’re gonna wait on that (slur) before me?” One time I drove my car up to a walk-up ATM at the same time another vehicle arrived. I exited my auto at the same time an overweight woman got out of the other one (I suppose a politically-correct term these days would be to state that she was “weightchallenged”). When she saw me, she quickly ran — actually, “waddled” is a better description — to the ATM so she could process her transaction(s) first. While I was off on active duty with the Air Force in 1970, I played guitar in a throw-together band at tech school in Illinois. The singer and I became friends; he was multi-racial. While standing in a line of passengers waiting to exit an airliner, I saw a guy in front of me reach down

The SoCalled Column By Willie G. Moseley onto a seat in first class to grab a magazine in a clear plastic protective cover. He didn’t even break his stride as he sauntered off the plane with his ripped-off reading material (and whaddaya think the title of the magazine was)? Most motels have ice machines for guests, and such appliances usually have signs that say something like “Do not fill ice chests” (or some similar phrase), indicating that ice should be saved for other guests. The design of institutional ice machines has evolved to where ice is dispensed from a small opening under which a guest is supposed to place the plastic bowl for ice from his/

her room. Sometimes, the dispensed amount of ice is calibrated — the amount that comes out when the button is pushed is only enough to fill the container from the room. However, that didn’t stop one woman in a Florida motel where I was staying. She was on her knees in front of the machine, sticking her room container into the dispensing slot again and again, as she filled a huge ice chest that measured about three feet long and two feet wide. It had carrying handles on each end. A league-leading bowling team refused to sit with at least one of the other teams (if not more) in the same league when they were competing against each other. This happened in the early ‘80s. A new employee for a furniture store that still had “route salesmen” was informed by a rural church “leader” as to how he could be an asset to the new salesman on his route, telling the new guy: “I tell these (slur)

s what to do.” One Halloween (on a weeknight/school night), we went to bed around 9 p.m., figuring we’d seen the last of the trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood. All the lights in our house were out, but the doorbell rang at 9:30. “You gotta be kiddin’,” I muttered, adding a choice obscenity as I stumbled out of bed. Turning on the front porch light and opening the door, I encountered five grade-school-age children with bright, expectant smiles on their faces. They weren’t wearing costumes, and they didn’t say a word. I looked around my front yard and out towards the street, and did not see an adult who might have been their chaperone. I’ve just about maxed out on the word count, and besides, that’s enough to, er, stimulate your visualization skills. But there are plenty of other examples where those came from…

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.

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Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse

Bush the best candidate, Rubio could beat Hillary

ast week we discussed the presidential race. The GOP race for the nomination has been one of the most illuminating in history. Never before have political novices been the frontrunners. It is obvious that voters prefer an outsider with no governmental experience. Donald Trump and Ben Carson would both be considered outsiders, both lacking in political experience and skills and Trump lacking tact. No matter what they say or the amateurish blunders they make they doggedly cling to their lead in the polls. Over the years, I have Flowers been able to predict Alabama political races with some accuracy; however, national and presidential politics not so much. A prime example would be the presidential race eight years ago. In 2008, I looked at Fred Thompson and saw a presidential winner. He was tall with a deep gravelly voice. He had charisma and gravitas, not to mention a perfect resume and bio to be president. Thompson had risen to fame as a Watergate prosecutor, then moved on to become a wellknown actor, who was a star in movies and the television show “Law and Order.” He served with distinction for eight years in the Senate from Tennessee. He was a proven political fundraiser. Hence I boldly declared and predicted that Fred Thompson would be the GOP nominee and probably the next president. Upon hearing of my column and glowing prediction his wife even called from Nashville to thank me for the complimentary words. A week later, Thompson dropped out of the presidential race. There is an old adage that says once bit, twice shy. Another that says fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Well, a few months back I tried again and predicted that Jeb Bush would win the GOP nomination and go on to give Hillary Clinton a run for her money, but it currently looks as though Bush is fading nationwide. Regardless, I still believe that Jeb Bush is the best candidate the Republicans could field to possibly beat Clinton. He has proven himself to be a successful governor of a battleground state. Florida is indeed the ultimate swing state. The Sunshine State is now America’s third most populous state. It is a microcosm of America, probably because most of America has moved there to retire. Jeb Bush has a Hispanic wife with obvious Hispanic children and he has a very proven following among the Hispanic population in Florida. It does not hurt that he speaks fluent Spanish. Due to the country’s dramatic demographic changes and the advantages inherent in the Electoral College for Democrats, a Democrat begins the race as the favorite. However, Bush could pull off the upset. Capturing the all-important Hispanic vote in a pivotal swing state is crucial. Jeb Bush was considered by most of the Bush family as the more promising of the two sons. He was considered the one to follow his father as president. He is also a prolific fundraiser. Raising campaign money is the key to victory in presidential politics or any politics for that matter. He is a tireless worker who has an impeccable reputation as a family man, which is a stark contrast to the strange Clinton marriage. Time Magazine was pretty much on the same page as me several months ago. They had a cover story on Bush and summed it up this way, “A two term Governor of the ultimate swing state, Bush earned high marks for ushering in sweeping conservative reforms. He’s a Spanish-speaking policy wonk with a multicultural family that mirrors the nation’s metamorphosis and he may be the only Republican with the mix of money, moxie and political mastery to match Clinton.” However, the premier reason that Jeb Bush is the best candidate against Hillary for the GOP is that he is from Florida. A Republican must carry Florida. Polling reveals that Trump cannot carry Florida or Ohio for that matter against Hillary Clinton. Therefore, if the GOP nominates Trump they are doomed. If Jeb Bush indeed falters and fails to win over GOP primary conservative voters nationwide, then who could beat Hillary? The answer is obvious. Young Florida Senator Marco Rubio is the only candidate left standing who could beat Hillary. He is Hispanic, very conservative, attractive, young, and articulate plus he hails from Florida. It is all about Florida. It will be interesting to watch. 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.

David Bowie , space oddity

ver the decades, music journalists, tastemakers and fans have searched for the right words to describe David Robert Jones, who died Monday at age 69. David Jones — known to the world as David Bowie — released his latest album on his birthday Friday, and of course, reviewers called it another wild and experimental affair, this time with jazz and hip-hop stylings. Experimental might be an ideal way to describe Bowie, who changed his name early on to avoid confusion with then-celebrity Davy Jones (of the Monkees). Many listeners weren’t sure in which category to place Bowie. He appeared in full drag on his first major album cover. And that was just the beginning. Bowie had a permanently dilated pupil due to a fight in the 1960s, which added to the mysterious look. He contributed even more eccentric looks as time went on, reinventing his appearance — and musical style — on a whim. Perhaps the most jarring change came about in 1971-72, when David Bowie created a persona called Ziggy Stardust. With his band The Spiders From Mars, powered by the muscular lead guitar of Mick Ronson and the heavy production of Tony Visconti (Bowie’s former bass guitarist), Bowie carved out a niche — and a genre — unto himself. The androgynous alien messenger achieved success even greater than expected. The LP has been hailed as one of the greatest in rock history. It is certainly one of the

January 13, 2016 • Page 5

Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird most dramatic. His next three efforts, Alladdin Sane (tougher rock), Pin-Ups (a collection of cover tunes) and Diamond Dogs (one of the most controversial sleeve illustrations of all time; on the inside, great music) made Bowie rich and famous. But as quickly as his star rose, he quickly switched gears and eased into his Thin White Duke persona, with a Philly Soul sound and, again, appearance. It may be this mid-1970s Bowie that achieved the most lasting success, though the character was only in place on two albums: Young Americans and Station To Station. As punk rock and disco enveloped the music world, Bowie moved — literally and physically — even further outside the mainstream, settling in Berlin and recording three minimalist albums that featured ambient electronic sounds: Low, “Heroes”, and Lodger. In the 1980s, Bowie became a movie star, particularly in the film Labyrinth and on stage in The Elephant Man. He also achieved his greatest success as a recording artist, with the top-10 singles “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl,” both still in heavy rotation on classic hitsformatted stations. Feeling as though he had lost his muse, as well as his integrity, he

retrenched and, in the early 1990s, re-emerged as a member of the hard rock collective Tin Machine. He married model Iman in 1992, and seemed reinvigorated as he released one critically acclaimed release after another throughout the next two decades. Sales and radio airplay eluded Bowie in this later period, but it suited him fine to go back to making records the way he wanted to make them. He explored the drum-and-bass music popular around the turn of the century (at the time, the genre was called “jungle”) and continued to dabble in his preferred styles of folk, blues, and electronica. He surprised the music world on his birthday in 2013 when he dropped a new LP, The Next Day. The album was praised as a “return to form” — which, considering Bowie was an ever-changing musical chameleon, I’m not sure what form they’re referring to — but it was a solid effort, easier on the ears than the experimental stuff, and perhaps as accessible as Bowie has ever been. Last week, he released Blackstar, which he intended as his final album (though few knew he was dying of cancer). He reconvened his old production buddy Tony Visconti over the past year, along with some of his favorite jazz and hip-hop players, and got busy making an album that will be plundered for its secrets for years to come. A space oddity like Bowie doesn’t come along too often; in fact, the only words I can use to describe him are “True Original”. Rest in peace, Ziggy Stardust.

A look back on 2015

he year didn’t start that good, Alabama lost to Ohio State and Auburn lost to Wisconsin. January had some real cold days, so I fixed a pressure cooker full of army stew which is great anytime but especially on cold days. February started out pretty good, my granddaughter and I went to the Shakespeare Theatre to see a play about Patsy Cline. We had great seats for this show. Time to worry about income taxes, this comes around every February, March or April if we are lazy. Boy, it got cold last February the high was in the mid-thirties a time or two. Got to thinking about how cold it was when I reported to the Army in February 1957. Started hauling my drinking water from artesian wells in Prattville. I had been sick but started feeling better before the month ended. A few purple martins, we call them scouts, were spotted in the back part of property on March 3. We got our dog on March 11, great dog. Purple martins started coming in and I wound up with about 120 pairs of martins. We went to Anniston and visited the Bremen Gun Museum — a great trip and I recommend it to everyone. I attend-

The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley ed quite a few funerals during the first few months of last year. I had a birthday during this time, I was having a tough time dealing with them. My purple martins left earlier than I can remember, they left on July 3. I can remember when they stayed until late August early September. We got very little rain in July. We had a stormy day and lost a big pecan tree. We had a Brantley family get-together the first Saturday in August and everyone had a good time. No shootings, stabbings and nobody was locked up in jail. I have a first cousin that I had been looking for as a matter of fact there were no leads. The last place I’d seen her was in Clanton so I started there. You must remember I watched over sixty Rockford Files on TV and with that experience I found her. Started getting sick this past August, couldn’t figure out what caused it. I lost my appetite and 31 pounds to go with it. We bought a

canoe back in September and started planning a trip down the Tallapoosa River. Then came the big thing for little boys my age and the age of my son. We bought a 1953 Korean War ambulance just like the one on M.A.S.H TV show. We plan to refurbish it. Let’s wait and see. Started researching our mysterious monument we wrote an article about in December. Planted some buckeye trees — I’m looking for good luck anyway I can find it. Don’t laugh when you get my age any chance is better than no chance at all. My granddaughter got married. That is about enough said. This marriage would not have made the society pages; it probably would have been perfect for Duck Dynasty. Other than the wedding day nothing has changed much. I visited a number of army bases such as Fort Benning and Fort Rucker. Checking the army surplus stores that surround the bases, this has been enjoyable. As you can tell most if not all of the things I have mentioned were not worthy of national news. Not even the state news, but at the time were pretty big to me. I hope to be granted the opportunity to do more of this in the coming year.

Maxwell-Gunter no place to house illegal immigrants

ou might recall that over a year ago the Obama administration proposed using Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery to house hundreds of illegal immigrant minors detained at the Mexican border. I was adamantly opposed to this proposal and worked with my colleagues in the Alabama delegation to shut it down. Now, Administration officials are at it again. The Pentagon quietly sent an email to my office over the holidays informing us that Maxwell-Gunter was among six military bases being assessed by the Department of Health and Human Services as a place to house children from the influx of minors at the southern border while they await deportation. This is a terrible idea for a number of reasons, and I wasted no time working to stop it from going forward. I immediately wrote the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to state my strong objections and let them know I will fight any attempt to bring detained minors on base. I then went to the floor of

MARTHA ROBY U.S. Representative

the U.S. House of Representatives to raise awareness and let administration officials know we are paying attention. I have also been in touch with leaders on base in Montgomery to discuss the potential effect this would have on their mission. That’s the real issue here. Our active military installations have very important jobs to do. At Maxwell-Gunter, that includes things like training, education and cyber activities, many times in classified settings that are very sensitive. There’s no question in my mind that forcing our base to house and secure hundreds of illegal minors would negatively impact the mission. We cannot allow that to happen. The truth is these minors must be sent back to their home countries. We will do it with the utmost com-

passion and care, but it has to be done. Some say sending the children back would be cruel and calloused. But, we have to look at the bigger picture. These children did not arrive by accident. There is an organized trafficking scheme that is preying on families in Central America, selling promises of a life in the United States to poor parents and children. These children endure horrendous conditions as they make the long journey, in most cases with no ability to communicate with their families, no guardian to protect them and no financial resources to provide for them. By the time they finally reach the border, many will have suffered severe physical and even sexual abuse. Allowing the detainees to stay in the United States is actually the least compassionate option because it invites even more children to endure the brutality of this organized trafficking scheme. We worked hard to shut this effort down the first time, and I will do everything I can to see it shut down again.

OBITUARIES/RELIGION

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Obituaries Amy Jo Hill

Amy Jo Hill, age 39, of Carrollton, Georgia passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Tanner Medical Center Carrollton. She was born May 8, 1976 in Athens, Georgia, the daughter of Don Conner and Cathy Bonner Godfrey. She was employed with Greenway Medical Computer Systems and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by step-father, Lamar Godfrey. Survivors include her husband, Todd Hill; mother, Cathy Godfrey of Notasulga, Alabama; father and step-mother, Don & Linda Conner of Villa Rica; sons: Conner Hill, Colton Hill, and Caleb Hill, all of Carrollton; brother, Jason Conner of Atlanta; step-brother, Kent & Molly Wood of Johnston, Iowa; step-sister, Ashley & J. W. Hass of Sandy Springs; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Donna and Eddie Long of Bremen; and a number of nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from Martin & Hightower Heritage

Chapel with Bro. Howard Mills and Mr. Curtis Costly officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. In keeping with the family’s wishes, the body has been cremated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements.

Karen Bush Yates

Mrs. Karen Bush Yates, 63, of Carrollton, TX, formerly a resident of Tallassee, passed away January 2, 2016. She was born September 17, 1952. Visitation will be Friday, January 8, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Linville Memorial Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 1 pm with Rev. Isaac Kervin officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by daughter, Jennifer Yates; son, Dennis Carwyr; grandson, Jeremy Yates; sister, Sandy Phillips (Danny); and brother, Jerry

Bush (Cecilia). She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Yates; brother, Jimmy Bush and her beloved dog and companion, Star. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Carolyn Genice Shows

Mrs. Carolyn Genice Shows, a resident of Central, Alabama, passed away Friday, January 08, 2016, at the age of 65. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at 2:00PM from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Mrs. Shows is survived by her children, Chaz Shows, Charley Adair, Tonya Shows and Tammy Shows; grandchildren, Chris Shows, Ashley Strong, Nikki Shows, Aaron Wallace, Brandon Adair, Reagan Adair and Annabelle Adair; great grandchildren, Tatumn Hines, Easton Hines and Paisley Hines; siblings, Waylan Jerome Mills, Gerald Mills, Jimmy Gibson, Hiram “Chubby” Mills and Debbie Aycock. She is preceded in death by her

Religion Briefs

• Seman Congregational Christian Church on Alabama Highway 9 having a revival with Brother Scott Jordan Jan. 13. Service time is 7 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. • Wellspring Community Church in Millbrook will host The Underground at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 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

featuring surviving The Fall! Have free food and hang out afterward. Evening filled with rockin music, lights, and a great time with friends.

from Beacon of Hope and its drama team with the word being brought by Matt Parker. All are encouraged to attend.

• Healing Waters Church of God in Eclectic will host a Youth Rally at 5 p.m. Jan. 16. Free pizza, games and prizes to follow. Praise and worship by Trend Setters Youth Praise Band

• Living Word Church in Wetumpka will host Movie Night at 7 p.m. Jan. 16. “Courageous” will be the family-friendly movie shown. Popcorn and drinks will be served. There is no admission

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

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

husband, Charles Franklin Shows, Sr.; parents, Henry Waylan and Carolyn Mills; sister, Janet Finley and brother, Wayne Mills. The family will receive.friends Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 1:00PM until service time at Jeffcoat Funeral Home.

Alice Peters

Mrs. Alice Peters, 91, of Tallassee, passed away January 10, 2016. She was born July 11, 1924. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 5-7 pm at 1315 N. Ann Ave, Tallassee. Graveside funeral services will be Wednesday, January 11, 2016 at 11 am at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Darron Moncus officiating, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by sons, Kenneth Peters (Mary Ellen) and Jesse Lafayette Peters (Carolyn) and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse R. Peters Jr; and son, Burton Lanier Peters. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

fee. Call 334-399-1486 for more information. • Living Word Church in Wetumpka will host a night of Youth #takeover at 6 p.m. Jan. 24. There will be a worship band, a powerful youth-focused message with pizza and drinks to follow. It is all FREE! Call 334-498-4646 for more information.

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

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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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January 13, 2016 • Page 7

Area Calendar Community Eclectic Girls Club Meeting When: Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m. Where: Kountry Kitchen, Eclectic Details: All are invited. Make friends, meet old acquaintances, enjoy fun, food and fellowship. Lunch is $10. Call Penny Holley at 334-306-0929 for more information. Blood Drive When: Jan. 13, 1-6 p.m. Where: Walmart of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. The Black Jacket Symphony Presents “Journey - ESC4P3” When: Jan. 15, 8 p.m. Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Details: Tickets start at $25. Purchase them at ticketmaster.com Blood Drive When: Jan. 15, 1-6 p.m. Where: Walmart of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. Tim Tebow “The Journey Continues...” When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Details: Tickets start at $60. Purchase them at ticketmaster. com. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama. McCraney-Cottle Arts Council presents “Alice in Wonderland” When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: A Missoula Children’s Theatre production offers attendees on a whimsically madcap, fun-filled fantasy. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call Mona Mills at 334-201-4892 for more information. Blood Drive When: Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Walmart of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. MLK Celebration When: Jan. 17, 3 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Various pastors of area churches and other leaders will be on hand to speak during this MLK celebration. 21st Annual MLK March When: Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. Where: March will start at Rogers Chapel AME Zion Church at 209 W. Bridge St. Details: The march will continue from the church across the Bibb Graves Bridge. 2016 Candidate Fair When: Jan. 18, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Get a chance to meet the area candidates running in the March 1 primary. AUM Martin Luther King Jr. Reflections Breakfast When: Jan. 19, 7:30-9 a.m. Where: Taylor Center at AUM Details: Guest speaker will be Douglas Jones, who was lead attorney in the successful prosecution of two Ku Klux Klansmen in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. It is free and open to the public, but there is limited seating. Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet When: Jan. 21, 6-9:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight. Speakers will be Mack and Ria Story. Call 334283-5151 for more information. Prattville Christian Open House When: Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Prattville Christian School Details: Informal event allows interested families to experience the PCA difference with campus tours and open discussions with school leadership. PCA is K3-12. Call 334285-0077

Elmore County Parenting Expo When: Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m. Where: Wetumpka High School Details: This event is to help educate parents on things like cyber bullying, current drug trends, financial aid, college info, various parenting resources in our area, etc. Wind Creek’s food truck ‘Good to Go’ will be at the school providing Chicken Chili w/ cornbread to those that attend this event. Expo sponsored by the Elmore County Technical Center. Call 334-567-1218 for more information. Live in Concert: Boyz II Men When: Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Where: Wind Creek Entertainment Center, Wetumpka Details: The four-time Grammy Award winning group will perform for the first time in Wetumpka. In addition to four Grammys, the group won nine American Music Awards and nine Sould Train Awards. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com Prattville Mardi Gras Celebration and Parade When: Jan. 23, 11 a.m. Where: Downtown Prattville Details: The celebration starts at 11 a.m. followed by the parade at 2 p.m. From the Heart Pocket...Letters and Music of the Civil War When: Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: A theatrical production that takes audiences back to the time between 1861 and 1865 when Confederate soldiers were engaged in battles, marches and the trauma of war agsinst the Union. Advance tickets are $8 each and $10 at the door. Call 334-283-2722 or 334-283-6888 for more information. Taste of Elmore County When: Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Purchase tickets at the food pantry. Elmore County Relay for Life Kickoff Battle of the Bands When: Jan. 28, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Applications for the bands to enter can be found at www.relayforlife.org/wetumpkaal Mardi Gras Father & Daughter Dance When: Jan. 29, 6-8 p.m. Where: Southside Middle School Gym Details: Tickets are $30 per princess and her date and $5 for each additional princess. Tickets are $35 at the door. Tickets are available at Alabama Power, WACQ, Segrest Law, First Community Bank, Trustmark Bank, Tallassee City Hall, Suzannah’s Photography and Turf Tastics. Call 334-252-0036 for more information. Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade When: Jan. 30, 9 a.m. Where: Village Green, downtown Millbrook Details: Festival grounds with various rides for children and vendors will open at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at noon. Petite and Little Miss Wetumpka Pageants When: Jan. 30, Noon Where: Wetumpka High School Commons Details: For children K-6 in the Wetumpka Public School System. Call Tracy Harmon at 334-425-0608 for more information. Kathleen Madigan - The Mermaid Lady Tour When: Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Details: Tickets start at $17. Purchase them at ticketmaster.com. FOWL present “Murder on the Menu” When: Feb. 7, Noon Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Spend the afternoon with 14 mystery authors from around the country at an annual fundraiser

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sponsored by the Friends of the Wetumpka Library. Registration is $40 per person and includes a catered lunch and goodie bag. Visit the library website for author line-up www.wetumpkalibrary.com Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Dinner When: Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Annual meeting and reception Roaring 20s style. Call 334-5674811 for more information. Wetumpka Depot Players present “Steel Magnolias” When: Feb. 11-14 & Feb. 18-21 Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: Purchase tickets by calling 334-868-1440 or log on to www. wetumpkadepot.com Elmore County Relay for Life Committee and Team Camptain Meeting When: Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. Where: Elmore County Firefighters Association (191 Red Eagle Drive), Wetumpka Valentine’s Day Blues Show When: Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Where: Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery Details: Show features Betty Wright, Willie Clayton, Wyndell “B,” J-Wonn and Vick Allen. Table seating is $45 and arena seating is $40. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com Eat Healthy! Live Healthy! When: Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Main Sanctuary of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Deatsville Details: Registered dietitian Allan Higginbotham will be the special guest speaker at the free event. It is sponsored by the church’s library team. 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 334-315-2636 or Phil Savage 334-850-7997. Millbrook Players present “Li’l Abner” When: Feb. 18-21 & Feb. 25-28 Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: Based on the classic comic strip, Li’l Abner is packed with one show stopping dance after another pure entertainment for the whole family! Tickets are $8 for children ages 6-12. Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up. Visit www.millbrooktheatre. com or call 334-782-7317 for more information. 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. Elmore County Humane Shelter presents: Getting Down with the Dawgs Drawdown When: Feb. 20, 5 p.m. Where: Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment Center Details: A $100 ticket gives you a 1 in 300 opportunity to win $10,000. Tickets include buffet dinner, chance to win door prizes. There will also be a cash bar. Tickets are now on sale. Call 334-567-3377 for more information. Montgomery Chamber Music Organization presents the Dover Quartet When: Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. Where: Wilson Auditorium, Montgomery Details: For more information or ticket information call 334-277-3505 or log on to www.montgomerychambermusic.org

Titus VFD Camp Stew Sale When: Feb. 27 Where: Titus Volunteer Fire Department Details: Quarts of stew will be on sale for $10 each. Proceeds will benefit the fire department. Call Darrel Murchison at 334-558-1507.

Sports & Outdoors Slapout Strikeout 5K Walk/Run and Kids 1 mile Home Plate Dash When: Jan. 16 Where: Holtville High School Details: Registration is $25 per person for 5K runners; Registration is 10 and Under Home Plate Dash runners is $15. Proceeds benefit the Holtville High Softball Team. Wetumpka High School Wrestling Boosters Meeting When: Jan. 19, 6 p.m. Where: WHS Wrestling Gym Details: Free clinic is open to girls in grades 1-12. To participate you must have sneakers or cleats, a mouth guard, water and functional clothing to participate in athletics. Email bmuir@huntingdon.edu for more information. Pain the Park for Jody 5K Color Run When: Jan. 30, 9 a.m. Where: Gold Star Park, Wetumpka Details: Registration fee is $40 per person with the proceeds going to support the Jody Marie Sanford Memorial Scholarship Fund. Registration and packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race. The race begins at 9 a.m. Call 334-685-3525 or 334-430-6627 for more information. Millbrook Spring Softball Clinic When: Jan. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Stanhope Elmore High School, Millbrook Details: Registration is $25 per person. The clinic is for fielding and hitting for girls ages 7 and above. Then there will be a catching and pitching clinic immdiately following. Space is limited to the first 20 pitchers and catchers. This clinic is $25 per person. Call Dane Urban at 334-651-9587 or Scott Farlow at 334-660-6574 to register or for more information. Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Southern Regional When: Feb. 6, first light until 6 p.m. Where: Lake Martin Details: The season begins on Lake Martin as some of the best collegiate anglers hit the water for the top prize. For more information go to www. bassmaster.com Sixth Annual Alabama Nature

Center Critter Crawl When: Feb. 13, 9 a.m. Where: Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook Details: 5K Trail Run begins at 9 a.m. and the 1-mile race begins at 10 a.m. Register on active.com.

Commission Meeting When: Jan. 25, 5 p.m. Where: Old Elmore County Courthouse Details: A work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting.

Alabama Bass Trail South on Lake Martin When: Feb. 20, 5 a.m. Where: Lake Martin Details: The first stop of the Alabama Bass Trail South Tour. Future stops will be on Lewis Smith Lake, Lay Lake and Lake Jordan. Log on to www.alabamabasstrail.org for more information.

Seniors

Color in Motion 5K Montgomery When: Feb. 27, 9 a.m. Where: Montgomery MotorSports Park Details: Registration is $50 per person. You show up wearing white and we do the rest! As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along the course you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow! Go to www.colorinmotion5k. com for more information.

Government Elmore County BOE Meeting When: Jan. 19, 4:30 p.m. Where: Redland Elementary School Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendent’s office before 4 p.m. Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: Jan. 19, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Elmore County

“Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, 12 to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. New Regularly Scheduled Activities DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball!

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Page 8 • January 13, 2016

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Sheriff’s Reports Police Briefs Jan. 4 • Assisted medics - Notasulga Road • Criminal mischief - Lily Avenue, report made • Complaint of domestic incident - James Street • Outstanding warrants - Barnett Boulevard, Black female arrested • Assisted medics - Lower Tuskegee Road • Outstanding warrants for TCSO -- Gilmer Avenue, White male and White female arrested • Two vehicle MVA no PI - Gilmer Avenue, report made • Identity theft - Barnett Boulevard, report made • Complaint of burglary - 3 rd Street • Vehicle impounded - 3 rd Street • Miscellaneous call - Gilmer Avenue • Animal control - Noble Road • Theft - Gilmer Avenue, report made • Animal complaint - Hudson Plaza • Follow up - East Roosevelt Street • Harassing communications - Thelma Drive, report made • Complaint of suspicious vehicle - Friendship Road • Civil disturbance - Day Street • Traffic stop - AL Highway 229 • Suspicious person - Oak Heights Road • Medical call - Washington Street • DUI - Camilla Drive and Friendship Road, black male arrested

Jan. 5 • Criminal mischief - Gilmer Avenue, report made • Outstanding Felony warrants with Wetumpka PD - East Patton Street, white male arrested • Funeral escort - Friendship Road • Traffic stop - Notasulga road • Theft - Holland Drive, report made • Assisted medics - Gilmer Avenue • Outstanding warrants for ECSO - Gilmer Street, white male arressted • Assisted citizen - Herd Street • Traffic stop - Mcarthur Street • Miscellaneous call - Freeman Avenue • Assisted medics - Barnett Boulevard • 2 vehicle MVA no PI - Gilmer Avenue, report made • Assisted medics - Barnett Boulevard • Complaint of intoxicated driver - Tallassee Highway • Traffic stop - West Gantts Mill Road • Miscellaneous call - Freeman Avenue • False commercial alarm - Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop - Gilmer Avenue • Traffic stop - AL Highway 229 • Assisted other agency - Cobb Road • False residential alarm - Freeman Avenue • Traffic stop - AL Highway 229 • Outstanding warrants - Davidson Street, white female arrested • Traffic stop - North Ann Avenue • Suspicious vehicle - East Roosevelt Street • Roadway block - Notasulga Road • Roadway block - Central Boulevard • Outstanding warrant - Gilmer Avenue, black female arrested Jan. 6 • False residential alarm - Cameila Drive • Complaint of burglary - Lily Avenue, Negative contact • Animal complaint - E.B. Payne Sr. Drive, Negative contact • Complaint of harassment - Clover Street • Theft - Barnett Boulevard, report made • Suspicious vehicle - South Tallassee Drive • Traffic stop (X 3) - Notasulga Road • Traffic stop (X 5) - AL Highway 229 • Missing/located person - South Tallassee Drive, advice/assist • Animal bite - Friendship Road, advised. • Traffic stop (X 2) - Gilmer Avenue • Arson - Lily Avenue, assist/ report made • Disorderly conduct - Hillcrest StreetNegative contact • Traffic stop - 2nd avenue • Traffic stop - Macedonia Road

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Outstanding warrants with another agency Upper River Road, white male arrested Traffic stop - Cherokee Trail Animal complaint - Freeman Avenue Suspicious vehicle - 8 th Street Report of property damage - Little Road Traffic stop - North Ann Avenue and Mcarthur Street Outstanding warrants with another agency Gilmer Avenue, black female arrested Traffic stop - South Dubois Street Animal control - E.B. Payne Sr. Drive Theft of property - Gilmer Avenue, report made Suspicious vehicle - Notasulga Road Miscellaneous call - Gilmer Avenue Traffic stop - Gilmer Avenue Suspicious vehicle - Notasulga Road Traffic stop (X 2) - Barnett Boulevard

Jan. 8 • Assisted Tallassee Fire Department - Jordan Ave. • False Commercial Alarm - S Ann Ave • Complaint of domestic incident - Barnett Blvd, (other agency) • Outstanding warrants – Freeman Ave, black female arrested • Arrest - Freeman Ave, white female • Property damage - Barnett Blvd • Complaint of theft - Little Road • Traffic stop - E.B. Payne Sr. Drive • Traffic stop (X 2) - Notasulga Road • Traffic stop - Ashurst Ave. and Paxton Drive • Assisted medics - Hilcrest St • Roadway debris - Gilmer Ave • Black male arrested - Benson Ave • Assisted motorist - Central Blvd. • Report made - N. Johnson St. • 1 vehicle motor vehicle accident, no injuries - 1st Ave • Complaint of reckless driving, unfounded Salem Pl • 2 vehicle motor vehicle accident, no injuries1 st Ave • Suspicious vehicle - Powers Ave • Traffic stop - Oak Heights Road • Traffic stop - Wall St • Traffic stop (X 3) - Gilmer Ave • Traffic stop - Friendship Road • Traffic stop - Main St • Traffic stop - S Wesson St • Suspicious vehicle - Friendship Rd • Outstanding warrant – Yates Dam, black female • Report made, criminal mischief - Paxton Drive • Report made, criminal trespass - Lee St • Traffic stop (X 3) - AL Hwy 229 • Domestic incident - Ashurst Ave • Suspicious activity - Friendship Road • Suspicious activity - Herbert St Fire activity • Tallassee Fire Department responded to a power pole fire at Jordan Ave • Friendship Fire Department responded to medical call at McCartha Lane • Friendship Fire Department responded to medical call at Oak Valley Road Jan. 9 • False commercial alarm - Gilmer Ave • Animal control - Gilmer Ave • Report made - S Dubois St for theft of property • Two-vehicle accident, no injuries - Gilmer Ave, no report made • Complaint of roadway block - Wallace Drive • Miscellaneous call - Macedonia Rd • Report made, harassment - Mott Ln • Assist another agency - Gilmer Ave • Traffic stop - Harper St • Traffic stop - Friendship Road • Assist medics - Upper River Road • Noise complaint - E Patton St • Traffic stop - AL Hwy 229 • Traffic stop - Gilmer Ave • Traffic stop - Freeman Ave • Complaint of suspicious activity - 3 rd Ave • Assisted medics - Hillcrest St • Traffic stop - Wall St • Traffic stop - Jordan Ave • Traffic stop - Gilmer Ave • Traffic stop - Barnett Blvd • Traffic stop - Tallassee Hwy • Suspicious vehicle - Riverside Drive • Suspicious vehicle - AL Hwy 229 Fire Activity• Friendship Fire Department responded to medical call - McCartha Ln • FFD responded to medical call - Rock Springs Drive Jan 10 • False commercial alarm - Friendship Rd • Report made - N Ann Ave • Report made - Quail Run drive (theft 2 nd) • Complaint of vehicle vs deer - Gilmer Ave • Medical call - Lee St • Animal control - Gilmer Ave • False commercial alarm - Caldwell St • Complaint of trespassing- Ashurst Bar Road • Suspicious vehicle - Wall St • Assisted motorist - Friendship Rd • Welfare check - Little Rd • Traffic stop - Gilmer Ave • Assisted motorist - Gilmer Ave • Traffic stop - Gilmer Ave • Complaint of domestic violence incident Ashurst Bar Rd • Transport - Friendship Rd Fire Activity • TFD respo nded to lifeflight activation- N Ann Ave • FFD responded to lift assist- Pine Cone Ln • FFD responded t medical call- Rock Springs Drive

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The Learning Tree’s Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser set for Feb. 5 By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

The Learning Tree is a nonprofit organization that assists the needs of autistic children and children with developmental disabilities. The organization assists children with educational and residential services. The services can include an education certified by the Alabama Department of Education, vocational skill training, advanced medical services, applied behavior analysis from board certified behavior analysts, Alabama Department of Mental Health and Medical Retardation certified group homes, occupational therapy, dietician services, speech therapy and more. The upcoming Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser will benefit The Learning Tree’s Residential School in Tallassee and The Learning Tree’s Little H.A.P.I.E Tree Preschool in Auburn. Like last year’s fundraiser, Boots and Bow Ties will be held in Auburn and there will food and fun for all. “It will be at Lazenby Farms and it starts at 6:30 p.m.,” said Stephanie Weldon, resource development coordinator for The Learning Tree. “There will be heavy hors D’oeuvres, silent auction, complementary beverages, live entertainment and we are giving away prizes.” Those who attend the event will exchange their ticket for a chance to win big prizes while playing casino style games. “When you come in the door with your ticket you will get $1,000 in play money and we’ll have poker tables, roulette and craps. At 9 p.m., the gaming stops and you will turn in your money.

For every $500 you’ll get a ticket for the big drawing,” she said. With a number of well-known sponsors, there will be several great prizes up for grabs, as well as many items up for bid in the silent auction. “Gander Mountain is helping us. They’ve given us two gift cards,” Weldon said. “In the silent auction there’s a beach vacation, Biscuits baseball tickets, massages, sports memorabilia signed by both Auburn and Alabama and Kinnucan’s gave a $100 gift card and a gift basket.” This is the second year that the Learning Tree has held this event. Last year the event generated close to $15,000 for the nonprofit organization and the hopes are to raise more funding this year. “Last year was our first year and we grossed over $14,000, so I am hoping the second year will be bigger,” Weldon said. Weldon said the fundraiser means a lot to The Learning Tree because without it, many of the deserving and needy children, especially the preschool aged children, would not be able to get the support they need from The Learning Tree and it’s dedicated staff. “We are nonprofit,” she said. “We do get funds for the residential school that helps the kids that stay with us. Their parents don’t have to pay a dime for them to be here. The preschool, it doesn’t get the funding. It gets a little funding from the department of education but we count mostly on donations and raising funds for it.” The preschool program is designed to steer children into a regular classroom setting, rather than a residential school that he or she would have to live in. “The earlier that they get the therapy

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

The Learning Tree, located at 100 S. Dubois Ave. is a residential home for children with Autism and developmental disabilities.

that they need, the more likely the chance of going into mainstream classroom, with little problems. We’re trying to prevent them from having to come to the residential school so they can stay with their parents,” Weldon said. With no known cause, the number of children with autism continues to climb. While there is no cure and the cause is unknown, there are some very beneficial treatments, which can make a great difference in an autistic child’s life. “Autism is soaring right now,” she said. “The statistic is 1-in-68. They don’t know what causes it but there are a lot of therapies available. There’s speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy will help a lot too. At the preschool, we have peer models and that helps a lot too. They see how a typically developed child usually does in a class-

DID YOU KNOW?

room setting,” The fundraiser has been a group effort. Together, the children’s parents and The Learning Tree staff have worked hard to coordinate this fundraising event. “Lots of reaching out and the preschool parents help a lot,” Weldon said. “They’re the ones that this means the most to because they’re not fully funded. So we have to raise the money for that school to stay open, It’s done such wonderful things for these kids that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep the doors open.” The second annual Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser is quickly approaching. Now is the time to purchase tickets for this event. For more information call Stephanie Weldon at sweldon@learningtree.org.

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January 13, 2016 • Page 11

REPLACING A LEGEND Reeltown coaching search down to five candidates By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor

The search for a new leader of the Reeltown High School football program is nearing its end, as the program is closer to naming only its fifth coach since 1956. The search for a new head coach to replace retired hall of famer Jackie O’Neal began in earnest this past November, as input has been given from administrators, former players, community members and O’Neal himself. The search has been narrowed down to five candidates with the goal to name a new head football coach in February. “In November, Coach O’Neal, Mr. (Reeltown Principal Tom) Cochran, and myself put together a search committee headed up by Coach O’Neal and six other former players and community members. It was a seven-person committee,” said Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle. According to Windle, 46 candidates applied for the position when it was posted in November and were narrowed downed to 21. “We’re well into the search. What we did was we posted the job in November and we kept it open for almost four weeks,” Windle said. “We closed that job posting out on Dec. 11. We had 46 applicants for the job and I reviewed those applications on the weekend of Dec. 12 and 13th. I narrowed that down to 21 applicants and eliminated those who had not had at least coordinator – offensive or defensive – experience because we were looking for someone who either had head-coaching experience or, at minimum, coordinator experience.” Those 21 candidates were then presented to the coaching-search committee, which – over the Christmas break – narrowed the list of candidates down to the current list of five finalists. “After I screened it down to 21 applications, I gave those applications to that committee, Coach O’Neal and Mr. Cochran on Monday, Dec. 14,” Windle said. “The committee went through those and cut them down to five finalists. They met twice during the Christmas holiday. The first time they cut it down to seven

and the next session they met they cut two more and cut it down to five, and that’s where we are now.” O’Neal said the search has gone well, as the committee is looking for a someone who will not only make a good coach, but a person who can develop character in the young men who go through the program. “I think it’s going real well. I think we’ve got five good candidates who will do a really good job at Reeltown High School,” O’Neal said. “I think the basic thing that you’ve got to do is look at the coach’s track record with kids and what kind of system he’s been in. Of course, coaches who haven’t been head coaches that have an opportunity to put in for jobs like this you don’t really know. So it’s a thing where you kind of do a little background check on them and talk to other people about him and see what kind of person they are away from the school also. “Because football is a character-building process. It’s not just the Ws.” While Windle said he is not ready to release the names of those candidates, he did offer background information, as the finalists include a former player and coaches within the state of Georgia. “There are two on the current staff who will be interviewed. There are two in Georgia. One of those finalists in Georgia is a former player at Reeltown and a Reeltown graduate,” Windle said. “The fifth individual is an offensive coordinator at a 5A school here in Alabama. I’m not prepared today to release their names because there are two of those individuals who have asked me not to do that until they have time to talk to their bosses. I gave them until Friday to do that.” Windle said he hopes the interview process will begin the week of Jan. 19 and to have a candidate for the job presented to the Tallapoosa County School Board in February. “We will begin the interview process with those five, if all five of them want to interview, on the week of the 19th,” Windle said. “It is my goal, my intent to present a recommendation to the board of education at the February board meeting.”

Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo

Retired Reeltown Coach Jackie O’Neal, center, has been a part of the search committee seeking his successor as head of the Rebel football program.

Windle, a former Reeltown player himself, said the coaching search has been a bit of “an unusual coaching situation,” as Reeltown has only had two football coaches – Duane Webster and O’Neal – since 1956 with the exception of a five-year stretch from 1970-1975. “Being a Reeltown graduate, having played football there when Coach Webster was there, I understand the importance of football in that community and what it means to that school,” Windle said. “Except for a five-year period, since 1956 there have only been two head football coaches at Reeltown, and both of those coaches are in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.” While this is the first time Windle has had to hire a head football coach in his

tenure as superintendent, he imagines the search process of having a committee is different from the way searches have been done in the area before. But he hopes that having community input in the search process will continue moving forward. “I don’t know that it’s been different because this is the first head coach I’ve had to hire since I’ve been superintendent,” Windle said. “But I suspect that it is probably different than the way it has been done in the past. But this is the way we’ll do it in the future. We’ll give these communities a chance to have input in who is going to lead their football programs. I think they ought to have a voice.”

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January 13, 2016 • The Tallassee Tribune

Determination in the dog fight

One bad week doesn’t check Tigers’ rebound By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

By all accounts Tallassee Tigers boys varsity basketball had a less than stellar emergence from holiday break with one close game against Wetumpka to start the week and a not-so-close game at Booker T. Washington High School to end it. But, coach Cecil Hollinquest seemed focused on the positive and on the future. “As a week, we had a pretty good week,” Hollinquest said after the BTW game. The Tigers were only down by three with Wetumpka and even with the nearly 30 point lead BTW had at the end of their first area game after the break, he said that he felt fine going forward. The BTW loss was not expected, he said, but neither was it expected to be an easy win, adding no area game was. Starting off, the Tigers kept BTW at bay and kept witin 10 points by mid first period. But, by the close of the first half, BTW held a 28-7 lead. The Tigers fought their way back that would gradually bridge the distance to only a 15-point BTW lead. But, by the end of the third period, BTW held a 30-point lead. One final surge and a last attempt to close the gap by The Tigers came late in the fourth as Teddy Brooks shot a late game 3-pointer followed by a layup by De’Ante Brown closing out the scoring with a 50-74 loss.

“Our area’s a dog fight either way we go, whether we’re at home, or whether we’re on the road, it’s a dog fight; the thing is we just have to continue to do what it takes to win,” Hollinquest said. But there did seem to be something on Hollinquest’s mind after the BTW game. He said he had expected it to be rough, given BTW was an area game, but he said at the same time he felt that if they were competitive enough the Tigers could have pulled out a win. “It’s hard to win with Tuskegee and I never like to put anything on the referees, but at the same time it’s just hard to win at Tuskegee,” Hollinquest said. In a 68-65 loss to Wetumpka, the high scorers were Felix Kennebrew with 13 pts, and Brown at 11. Rondarian Hooks and Imon Kirt were right behind them with 10 points, Kirt having 9 rebounds and Hooks with 4. Brooks was not far behind with a total of 7 points against the Indians and 6 rebounds. Hollinquest said Wetumpka had an aggressive offensive game, but nothing could have been taken for granted by either team in that matchup. “Actually, this game was a blow-for-blow game,” he said. “Each team traded baskets much of the game … if you look at the missed layup or the player stepping on the line during the inbound with 18 seconds left in the game, it could (have gone) either way.”

Corey Arwood / The Tribune

Varsity Tiger, Teddy Brooks, looking for a way to make the shot against close coverage by the Wetumpka Indians.

Lady Tigers fight their way back from break By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Corey Arwood / The Tribune

Tallassee’s Janashia Moore goes up for a layup Friday against Booker T. Washington High School.

It was a rough week back from break for Tallassee basketball, and the Lady Tiger’s had their fair share of post-break-blues getting back into the games against Wetumpka and Booker T. Washington, but the struggle wasn’t all for naught. Coach John Taylor said last weeks games were proof to some up-and coming-talent on the team, and he was talking in particular about the freshmen of the team and their performance against Booker T. Washington High School Friday. “They have a lot of potential, a lot of promise coming up, we just keep preaching that ... they’re going to help us and they did tonight,” Taylor said. “They came in with some fresh legs and they had some good things to happen that’s what we need.” The Tigers held BTW back to a 12-point lead throughout the first half of the game. But in the second half BTW, made strong strides and continued to press ahead with a nearly 40-point lead in the end. However, the Tigers

fought back in the fourth and managed to put five extra points on the board late in the period. “We could play with them, we were only down 12 at the half and we shouldn’t have been down by that honestly,” Taylor said. “Our nerves got the best of us coming out of the gate and I told the girls, I said ‘that’s the difference between us and them right now.’ (BTW) came out confident and ready to play knowing that they could win and we came out scared of them … if we don’t do that we’re in a different boat it’s a different situation.” Taylor said he though the two weeks off hurt and the team practiced four or five days a week both weeks during the break, but said the game speed and practice speed were not the same and it affected their game play. However, Taylor said the team will move on and get better. Among the positive takeaways from the week Taylor said Lady Tiger Janashia Moore stepped up. “She’s definitely improving, she’s been helping,” Taylor said. The Lady Tigers take on Beauregard Friday.

Tigers trounce Stanhope Elmore, challenges lie ahead By COREY ARWOOD Outlook Staff Writer

The Tallassee High School varsity wrestling team bludgeoned the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs Thursday posting a 57-15 win at home to keep the team on a roll coming out of the holiday break. Tallassee’s varsity squad has consistently held down the fort at home and away, and moved their record to 20-1 with their latest win. Next week the team moves into a gauntlet of matches for what Coach John Mask called one of the toughest tournaments of the year. “We’ve had a great year, but we’ll know a lot more after traveling to Smiths Station Friday and Saturday,” Mask said, referring to the Smiths Station Invitational in Smiths Station, Alabama. He said there will be a lot of Georgia teams and 6A and 7A big schools that would help test Tigers and show where they really stand.

The match against Stanhope Elmore was supposed to a duals match which included Russell County, as well, but Mask said Russell County dropped out. “We’d love to get more work you’d love to have all of your guys get on the mat,” Mask said. Mask said the Tigers did well against a decent opponent and mentioned one highlight from the match. “They’ve got some good guys, Jake Baker wrestled a guy from them that was undefeated and he was able to beat him,” Mask said. Jake Baker, the Tiger heavyweight went up against Stanhope Elmore’s Jacob Andrews and won the match won the match by decision that brought the final to 3-0. Overall, the Tigers beat the Mustangs with three 3-point decisions and roughly seven forfeits and three falls. Their next matches are scheduled for Thurs. day against Beulah and Robert E. Lee High School.

Corey Arwood / The Tribune

Tallassee grappler Alex Daar attempted a pin that resulted in short lived injury for Stanhope Elmore’s Tobias Garrison, who came back to win the match.

Alabama defeats Clemson in National Championship

just finished watching Alabama defeat Clemson 45-40 to win their fourth national championship in the last seven years. While, as an Auburn fan, this makes me nauseous at best, I must admit that it was a very entertaining game. I usually don’t watch Alabama because I inevitably end up cheering for the other team. I’d like to be one of those people who can pull for both teams, as long as they’re not playing each other (like my sweet mother). In fact, I’ve been on a personal quest for a few years now to try and become one of those people. It hasn’t been going very well. However, I did watch this game from beginning to end and I’m glad I did.

ANDY GRAHAM Sports Columnist

There was an extremely high level of talent on display and I thought it was a very well played game on both sides. There’s no question Nick Saban is one of the best recruiters and managers of a program there has ever been in college football. His in-game coaching ability, although, has been questionable at times over the years. That was not the case against Clemson. The onside kick in the fourth quarter was a brilliant call and exe-

cuted to perfection. That was a pivotal moment in the game and put the Tigers under the gun the rest of the night. Also to his credit, he let Lane Kiffin be himself and call his kind of game. I might not think much of Kiffin as a person, but he has proved the last two years that he is one of the best in college football at exploiting weaknesses in the opponent’s secondary. O.J. Howard had a career night and that was not by accident. That was good coaching. Even in a loss, Clemson proved a lot of its doubters wrong. The offensive staff put together an excellent plan and effectively attacked a defense with seemingly no weaknesses. The Tigers outgained Alabama through the air

and on the ground with Deshawn Watson obviously being the catalyst. Watson’s ability to extend plays and convert third downs with his legs gave the Tide fits and was almost enough to pull off the upset. I thought Clemson did their conference proud and Dabo Swinney deserves a lot of credit for building a quality program. The Tigers bring back a ton of talent including Watson and will be front and center in Jordan Hare Stadium to begin the 2016 season. Auburn better get their house in order or that game won’t be pretty. In the end, Jake Coker made the plays he needed to make and avoided any killer mistakes. I didn’t think he was good enough to lead a team to a championship.

I don’t think most Alabama fans believed he was good enough until it actually happened. We were all wrong. He certainly isn’t spectacular, but he got the job done and that’s all that really matters. The question has been asked if it’s good or bad for college football that Alabama be so dominant. It’s an interesting question. In the big picture, I think it’s probably good because it creates passion and interest in the sport. Some of it’s love and a lot of it’s hate, but either way people are invested. Personally, I’m growing weary of this hellish Crimson world. Then again, I do live in the belly of the beast.