Jan 27, 2016 Tallassee Tribune

LOCAL, PAGE 2 Tallassee Alumni Association inducts three new members.

INSIDE, PAGE 8.

SPORTS, PAGE 12

Homecoming on the mats!

Tallassee High readies for Capitol City Classic

OPINION

AGENCIES WORKED TOGETHER TO REBUILD ELMORE COUNTY

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

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

50¢

January 27, 2016

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 117, NO. 4

City to pay for road to keep business Design and administration components of construction amount to almost $80,000

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Tallassee City Council voted to pay roughly $80,000 dollars for the extension of Hanil Road to aide in the relocation and expansion of a business, in a move that was said would keep jobs in Tallassee.

Greg Clark, executive director of Central Alabama Regional and

Development Commission, proposed the resolution to the council at a special session Jan. 20.

He said a state grant was being sought that would cover all of the construction fees associated with the building of the road through a grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Industrial Access Road and Bridge Program.

However, design and administration

components of the construction are not paid for by the grant, which is why the city was asked to cover the remaining fees for those services, which are expected to come to $79,874.34.

Upon the grant approval by the state, the city would be expected to match the cost of the design and administration areas of the construction.

Richard Dorley, chairman of the IDB, presented a check to Jerry Chang, E&I president and owner. The grant funds of roughly $21,000 dollars were delivered to E&I through the IDB upon the completion of the warehouse, which according to Chang, had been See IDB• Page 3 functional for about three months. Submitted / The Tribune

New venues could give Tallassee a revenue boost

Neighborhood Watch seeks committee members

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Last month the Tallassee Mat Cats held the Tallassee TMC Takedown Wrestling Tournament inside Tallassee High School’s gym and collected over $4,000 in revenue in one day.

“That was just with the concession admissions fees,” said Brent Tennyson, a coach for the Tallassee Mat Cats.

The Takedown Wrestling Tournament hosted 22 teams from around Alabama with 170 wrestlers.

“That was a small tournament,” he said.

As the wrestling program in Tallassee continues to flourish, one issue remains problematic – lack of facility space to hold a state or regional wrestling conference.

If a smaller area tournament like the tournament held in December can See REVENUE • Page 3

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

The Tallassee City Council approved CARPDC ‘s request Wednesday in a specially called meeting to apply for a TAP Grant to restore the Tallassee Mills Bridge that would open it to pedestrian traffic.

A STRUCTURE RENEWED

City hopes to restore Tallassee Mills Bridge to use as walking bridge

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development has been granted permission to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program Grant to promote renovations to the downtown riverfront. The grant proposal was offered to the city council during Wednesday’s meeting.

The vote was unanimous in favor of CARPDC

submitting a proposal for a grant to refurbish the Tallassee Mills Bridge that connects the east bank of the Tallapoosa River with the west bank.

Greg Clark, executive director for CARPDC brought the grant option to the city for approval.

“CARPDC, they keep their eyes open for grants and when they see something that the city could benefit by, they ask if we want to go after the grant or not,” said Councilman Rob Rygiel.

See BRIDGE• Page 3

Recently, the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch announced it was working in coordination with local police and other city officials to create a neighborhood watch group.

Since then, the community has rallied around the initiative, and has taken steps to promote safety. Several block captains have been designated and assigned duties.

The next step in the process for the watch group is to form a board committee; three positions on the committee have already been filled.

“We are forming the group as a non-profit 501c3,” said James Martin, president of the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group. “I’m the president and Wanda Jones is vice president.

The advisory board has seven seats which (school) superintendent Mr. (Wade) Shipman, Andrus Love of east Tallassee and Sheryl Hutchinson of the housing authority are already See NEIGHBORHOOD Page 3

Tallassee Chamber banquet a raving success

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

This year’s Tallassee Chamber of Commerce annual banquet delivered a great turnout. With a variety food and drinks, catered

by The 1220 Café, inspirational speakers and great company, the years banquet was a great success.

“I thought it turned out really nice,” said Michone Roye, executive director of the chamber of commerce. “I was really pleased with the turnout, especially considering the weather. We sold more than double the number of tickets sold the previous year.”

Jeannea Kervin was awarded the Francis Wagon Award, James Bush took home the President’s Award and Hornsby and Son won the Business of the Year Award

for 2016. Erik Creswell is the 2016 President, Barry Parker is now the 2nd vice president and John David Lambert is the 2016 treasurer.

The 1220 Café went so far above and beyond. Roye wanted something unique that the café didn’t serve on a regular basis.

“Noah (Griggs) helped make the banquet really special,” she said. “I cannot thank them enough for the help they gave me.”

The event was a group effort and Roye said she appreciates everyone who helped make the banquet a success.

“The chamber members all worked so hard. I want to thank Godwin’s Flowers, The Wetumpka Civic Center and Corporal Brian Clayton,” she said.

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Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Erik Creswell (Tallassee Automotive), Barry Parker( First Community Bank), Alisha Tennyson (Prime South Bank), Jennie Grant (Servpro of Montgomery), Kat Raiford (Turf Tactics), Penny Sorrell ( Trustmark Bank), Susanna Fillingham (Sizemore & Sizemore), Whitney Hester (The Learning Tree), Laurie Rygiel (HR Management). Back Row: John David Lambert (Neptune TG), Ben Taylor (Alabama Power) and Michone Roye ( Executive Director: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce) pose for a photo during the chamber banquet.

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

THS Alumni Association inducts three new members STAFF REPORT Special to the Tribune

The Tallassee High School Alumni Association inducted its second class into the Tallassee High School Hall of Pride Jan. 21 in the Tallassee High School auditorium.

The Class of 2016 includes the late Dr. Byron Nelson Sr., a former Tallassee City Schools superintendent; the late Dr. James Robert Piper, a chemist and local historian

The family of Karen Bush Yates would like to take this time to thank all the many family and friends during the loss of our loved one. Thank all of you for the cards, food, visits and out pouring of love. We would like to thank Rev. Isaac Kervin for a beautiful ceremony. We know Karen is at peace and God has filled her heart with love.

Thank All of You so Much.

The family of Karen Bush Yates

William (Bill) Goss.

Nelson’s family came to Tallassee in 1924, when his father became the pastor at East Tallassee Baptist Church. After graduating from THS in 1925 and Howard College in 1928, he returned to Tallassee to teach and was named principal in 1932; he then became superintendent and remained in that position for 35 years. Nelson received his Ph.D. from George Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University.

“Those 35 years saw Tallassee schools rise from a small-town system to one of the most recognizable, competitive, stable and academically sound establishments in Alabama,” said W. C. Bryant, who wrote in support of Nelson’s nomination.

One of Nelson’s most noted accomplishments was implementing a plan for integration.

“Seeing the inevitability of the force of law, Dr. Nelson quietly set about preparing Tallassee’s schools and the town itself for integration. … In short, while other schools in Alabama were caught in damaging protests and conflicts, Dr. B.B. Nelson was making Tallassee’s school system and the town exemplary in courageous leadership,” Bryant wrote.

After retiring from the Tallassee system, Nelson served as a professor of school administration at Troy University in Montgomery for nine years and as a guest lecturer for 12 years.

Nelson spent 49 years as chairman of the Board of Deacons at Tallassee First Baptist Church, chairing the building committee and teaching Sunday School for 45 years. For over 40 years he was a trustee for the Baptist Children’s Home in Troy, and also served as president of the Rotary

Club, chairman of Tallassee United Appeal, and was awarded the Silver Beaver (35 years) in the Boy Scouts of America.

Piper was a member of the Class of 1951 and was called to active duty in the Alabama National Guard in January of 1951.

He enrolled in Auburn University (then called API) in the fall of 1952, and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, followed by a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1960.

Piper spent his entire career at Southern Research Institute in Birmingham and also taught chemistry at UAB and BirminghamSouthern College. He also served on Auburn University’s College of Science and Math Advisory Council for several years.

While at SRI, he worked on anti-radiation agents and the Army’s best agent, WR-2721, was synthesized

by Piper. He also worked on anti-malarial and anticancer agents, and on studies of Contributed / The Tribune anti-foliates to treat rheu- William E. (Bill) Goss, was inducted into the Tallassee High matoid arthritis. One of his School Alumni Association’s Hall of Pride Thursday at the greatest accomplishments Tallassee High School auditorium. was working with a team tasked with making the twenty years working and Study of Tallassee” with cancer drug Methotrexate volunteering in his home- Myra Singleton Johnson. less toxic. The drug was town. In 2001, the Tallassee He has written the text approved by the FDA in Chamber of Commerce for three historic markers 2009 and is sold under the presented the Frances H. in Tallassee and currently name Folotyn. serves as the curator of the Wagnon award to him.

In addition to his proHe served as student Tallassee Falls Museum. fessional career, Piper body president in 1947- He serves as the historihad a love for the arts and 48, and earned a bache- an for the Talisi Historical supported the Alabama lor’s degree in 1951 from Preservation Society, Symphony Orchestra and Troy University, then called is a member of the Troy the Alabama Shakespeare Troy Teachers College. University World War II Festival.

He served in the U.S. Air Era Reunion committee Piper’s daughter, Force from 1951 to 1955, and is a member of the Katherine Piper Whitfield, and earned a M.Ed. from Tallassee High School wrote lovingly of her father Auburn University in 1958. Alumni Association. in support of his nominaGoss has a weekly radio For 38 years he was tion. a high school teacher of show on WTLS and is a fre“My father was a special history, English, journal- quent contributor to Elmore man; brilliant and normal, a ism, and principal/school County Living magazine. small town boy who loved administrator in public, Since 2000, he has authored the simple things in life and Department of Defense, and more than 145 local history was eager to know about the private schools in Alabama, articles for area newspapers bigger world. Introspective Germany, Turkey, Georgia and magazines. and thoughtful, he exem- and Florida.

WTLS owner Michael plified integrity, attention to Since his return to Butler calls Goss “a voice detail, and hard work,” she Tallassee in 1995, he has for Tallassee history” and said. worked as a cashier and tour said he is “most impressed Piper’s son Howard guide at the Hotel Talisi, with Bill’s passion for the wrote Piper’s “very core, served as the commander hometown he loves and his so much of who he was as of the Tallassee American constant effort to educate a person, came from his Legion and served as a those locally and abroad on Tallassee upbringing … he guest editor for the centen- Tallassee’s rich heritage.” was the finest man I have nial edition of the Tallassee The THS Alumni ever known.”

Tribune. He co-authored the Association was formed Goss is a 1948 graduate book “Images of America: with three objectives in of Tallassee High School Tallassee” with Karren Pell mind: to allow THS alumand has spent the last and “Gladys McNair’s 1941 ni a venue for fellowship, to award a scholarship to a Tallassee High School MIKE WHORTON, Broker senior and to recognize Cell: (334) 315-9207 alumni who performed outOf¿ce: (334) 514-1988 standing work in their field Email: whorton10524@earthlink.net of choice, whether it be in Tallassee or in the community in which they live.

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IDB

continued from page 1

The resolution was passed in a special session called on Wednesday afternoon because the application deadline was that Friday, Jan. 22.

All council members were present at the meeting, along with Mayor Bobby Payne.

Don Haycock, vice chair of the Industrial Development Board, spoke alongside Clark and explained the IDB’s involvement.

He said they were working on a project, called Project Reseal, to aid the businesses expansion and relocation that would require the extension of Hanil Road, for which city funds were sought.

Haycock said the move would mean keeping the current 25 to 30 jobs and would bring a commitment for the addition of 15 to 20 jobs over the next two years or so.

He said that the business, whose name was withheld, was not well suited for its operations at its location and it was going to be totally re-equipped. The total cost was expected to be around $7 million dollars, but there were maintenance issues at their current location.

The IDB, Haycock said, was invested in Project

Reseal at $250,000 in the form of business incentives.

He said the main incentive was an 18-month moratorium on lease payments. IDB would temporarily cover the interest on the mortgage during that period.

Some questions were raised by Robert Rygiel, Ward 1 council member and chair of parks and recreation, about the proposed location of the road extension and whether that area was within city limits.

There were concerns raised about sales tax, but Haycock said he didn’t think the business in mention contributed to sales tax.

Clark said he would check into the zoning specifics regarding city limits. The council mentioned in the event it fell outside of city limit, the council would wish to incorporate or annex that area, which Haycock said was about 10 acres west behind Hanil in the south industrial park.

Clark said it would be known by November whether the grant was approved, but usually at this point, he said that the approval is automatic.

Revenue

continued from page 1

generate close to $5,000, imagine the revenue a state or regional tournament could bring to the city, Tennyson said. The total figure does not include revenue brought into the city through other purchases of other products, such as gasoline, food from local restaurants, money spent on stops at local convenience stores and others, he said.

Tennyson said he believes it is possible to see this happen in Tallassee, one day.

“I would love to see it happen,” he said. “We can spend well over $200 per wrestler when we go to some of the tournaments held out of town and depending on where we have to go, it can be much more than that sometimes. Imagine if we had that kind of money coming into Tallassee.”

Tennyson said he believes it is possible to see this happen in Tallassee, one day.

“We need something.” he said. “If it’s not all at once, I think we at least need a start to get us there. Tallassee High School is great for letting us use their facilities and we could use both gyms but that just will not work for our tournaments.”

The high school wrestling team does hold large tournaments that generate a good deal of money for the city. However, they often have to use both gyms simultaneously.

“It isn’t that bad when you have whole teams going from one gym to another, but when you have individual wrestlers it can be difficult,” Tennyson said.

Tennyson said he has a few ideas in mind to solve this issue. He said there are a lot of vacant buildings in the city that could be used to hold a large state or regional tournament.

“The old Walmart building would be awesome,” he said. “We just need somewhere to hold it. We could

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Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Brent Tennyson receives a welcoming handshake from Mayor Bubby Payne as Payne congratulates Tennyson for successfully hosting the Tallassee Mat Cats Takedown Tournament. The one-day tournament brought in over $4,000.

probably put seven or eight mats in there.”

The idea of using an unoccupied useable facility within the city limits to generate thousands of dollars in revenue will remain an idea until another hurdle is crossed, he said.

“Everyone (needs to be) on the same page and (willing to take) a risk for the betterment of the town,” Tennyson said. “You’re never going to achieve a goal unless you take a risk and try to achieve that goal.”

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continued from page 1

“They’re our grant writers. “That’s something that we’ve been looking at for years. We filed for the same one last year but didn’t get it.”

The city had to do some shifting of ownership before the bridge could be eligible for consideration of grant funding. In order to receive grant money from CARPDC, the project must be part of a government entity. Until recently, the bridge was not city owned.

“Now the TRA owns that bridge,” Rygiel said. “It used to be the chamber that owned the bridge but now that the city owns it, we feel more likely that the city will get the grant.”

The bridge has not been accessible in years. It was fully functional and used

to transport pedestrians, horse and buggies, as well as trains until Benjamin Fitzpatrick opened in 1940.

The project, if funded, could lead to a consecutive walking trail that will run continuous from the northern portion of Tallassee to the southern Tallassee area.

“That’s all part of the trails we’re hoping to get,” Rygiel said. “We’re planning on going from the boat ramp by the dam to the boat ramp behind AES. We’re trying to make a walking trail from one to the other. Hopefully, we can connect all that to our other walking trail by going behind the high school and connecting to the river walk.”

Neighborhood committed.”

There are four remaining seats to be filled.

“We need an executive director, treasurer and secretary … also a program coordinator,” Martin said.

Martin said the watch group invites everyone in the Tallassee areas, both inside and outside of the city limits, to assist in selecting the remaining board members.

He also encourages anyone who is interested in being on the board to attend that meeting.

“We’re asking local leaders, pastors, city council and volunteers to help decide who should be on the board,” Martin said. “If anyone wants to be on the board they’re welcome as long as they have the qualifications.”

Ideally, he said, these potential members would have experience serving on a board committee in the past, be dependable and trustworthy and have the ability to clear a thorough background check.

Once the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group’s committee has been established, an advisory committee will then

January 27, 2016 • Page 3

be formed. Martin said he hopes someone from each Tallassee neighborhood will step forward and serve as a representative for their area.

“The advisory committee will oversee the direction of the neighborhood watch group, as well as deciding which block captains will be responsible for certain tasks,” he said.

Martin said he hopes the neighborhood watch group will become a prototype for other neighborhood watch groups and he looks forward to watching this initiative

continued from page 1

grow and take shape.

“I would like to see the neighborhood watch group begin patrols,” Martin said. ”I would like to have a patrol car. I would like to see the neighborhood watch group members participating in bus stop patrols in uniforms and vests. I would like to see a webpage up and going with people reporting neighborhood crime. Working with other community organizations to help make this a safer place.”

WHAT DID YOUR VOTE FOR

JAMES “TREY” TAYLOR ACCOMPLISH IN 4 YEARS? * Resurfaced ~80 miles of paved roads; 19 roads in District 2 alone *Put into operation new dirt road resurfacing project with 5 dirt roads resurfaced in District 2 alone *Implemented BLUEPRINT 2020 plan totaling $36 million in road, bridge, and facility improvements including new Emergency Operations Center *Additional $9 million from ALDOT allocated for road and bridge projects *Partnered with St. of Alabama to expand water main to Madix, saving and creating new jobs in Eclectic *Partnered with Tallassee Industrial Bd. to expand GKN, saving jobs and creating new ones *Partnered with Eclectic and Tallassee on road projects within town/city limits including road widening project to Tallassee Elementary School *Allocated $100,000 to Elmore Co. Vol. Firefighter Assoc. to build training facility *Allocated funds to each District 2 school *Implemented new departmental and non-profit organization budget hearings for increased accountability and made open to the public *Began recording Commission mtgs. for improved public access and Commission transparency through Elmore County website *Maintained a balanced county budget entire term

ON MARCH 1ST VOTE TO CONTINUE

*******************PROGRESS******************* RE-ELECT

JAMES “TREY” TAYLOR ELMORE CO. COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 Pd.Pol.Adv. By James “Trey” Taylor

Tallassee

Page 4 • January 27, 2016

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Your

Opinion

Agencies worked together efficiently to get Elmore County to a better place

I

t is said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and in Elmore County, it doesn’t just happen when it’s tough.

The recent declaration by the president making Federal Emergency Management Agency relief funds available to the state and to Elmore ftCounty is only the latest example of how the “tough get going.”

Due to the diligence of the all the municipalities, Emergency Operations Center, Elmore County Commission, and individual departments within the municipalities, Elmore County was not only able to meet the criteria for being eligible for FEMA assistance, but also contributed to the state meeting its threshold.

The recovery process has been nothing more than extraordinary thanks to the cooperation between agencies and individual city and county entities.

But, as Elmore County EMA Director Eric Jones, who deserves a lot of credit for being able to coordinate all the recovery efforts, has said, there is still much to be done.

Qualifying for FEMA disaster relief was big for Elmore County in many ways. Without disaster

O

relief, rebuilding would have cost the county around $1 million, money that would have put a strain on every budget in the county — that is how important the relief funds are.

Without the behind-the-scenes work by every government official in every municipality, funding for current and future projects could have been put in jeopardy.

Today, we are in a lot better place than we were during the last week of December.

Most of the damaged roads are open again and it’s almost back to business as usual for the residents of Elmore County — but, behind the scenes, those same government officials at all levels are continuing the process of getting the relief funds Elmore County needs to be completely back to normal.

Many times we disagree with the way government works and sometimes even with the people that run our county and local governments, but, when it all comes down to getting tough in a time of need, like that one week in December when the torrential rains came and damaged parts of the county, our county and local governments have stood tall and were tough when it counted.

The 2016 campaign: (It's about) trust, stupid

ne of the (in)famous slogans from the 1992 Presidential campaign was “It’s the economy, stupid,” which, according to more than one source, actually began as a shorter apothegm, “The economy, stupid,” and has been slightly extended over time. The phrase has gotten to the point that it’s turned into something called a “snowclone” which is a fillin-the-blank statement/catchphrase that has a recognized foundation or legacy, and some other subjects or issues can be plugged into the original line; i.e., “It’s healthcare, stupid” might be a contemporary example.

Snowclones are probably mantras within the headquarters of certain political campaigns, lobbying organizations, activist groups, etc. The plugin subjects are as varied as the number of issues politicians and government “leaders” have to address during campaigns, and elected officials obviously hear umpteen different points of view while in office.

But what about average voters, and what we minions think the most pressing issues of our time are? Many if not most of us wouldn’t be able to pick just a single issue, of course, but one of the most urgent items for which many citizens would advocate shouldn’t even be on the list—it’s

The SoCalled Column

By Willie G. Moseley plain, old fashioned trust.

It’s idealistic, of course, to think that politicians are trustworthy. Such a notion is validated by the fact that politicians invariably rank down at the bottom of polls regarding job respectability, as do lawyers and, uh, journalists.

But it seems like this election year, the foo is really flying regarding the accountability of candidates for President. Such scrutiny, at face value, is a good thing. However, the vehemence of candidates’ comments, as well as attack ads, seem to be unprecedented in contemporary American politics, with a disproportionate amount of it directed at other candidates within their own party…for now.

But regardless of who the target might be, such invective represents an egregious—but nowadays expected—

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lack of class.

And class and trust are behavioral siblings—or should be—when it comes to electing persons to leadership positions.

Accordingly, if any of us ever got an opportunity to ask any candidate about how his/her political and personal experiences relate to trustworthiness, it would be interesting to hear the responses.

Moreover, such inquires should apply to not only Presidential candidates, but to state, county, and local candidates, as well. To wit: If you’ve had more than one failed marriage, or you’re an admitted philanderer, why should you be trusted in a government position, when there’s a perception that your personal life is fouled up? (NOTE: These days and times, it seems like voters may be willing to accept one divorce in a candidate’s past) If your marriage is perceived to be a sham for political/power-mongering reasons, why should we trust you?

If you and/or your campaign hacks have to spin the actions of an opponent into an attack ad that is wildly misleading, why should such sordid and disingenuous—if not dishonest— behavior mean you can be trusted?

If you’ve been arrested and are

awaiting trial (particularly for a felony), why should we trust you?

If you or your underlings have bungled the handling of classified government material, why should be trust you?

If you’ve been convicted of a crime—and perhaps you’ve even served time—why should we trust you? (TANGENT: Some years ago, at least two Alabama legislators were convicted of crimes, and went to prison. When they got out, they were elected to state offices once again by their constituents.)

If you or your business has ever filed for bankruptcy (of any type), why should you be trusted with taxpayers’ (i.e., the people’s) money?

These are just a few general inquiries for politicians that would validate why trust should always be a paramount issue in any election, at any level of government. Conscientious voters would probably fine-tune their inquiries even more, to issues that have the potential to affect them the most.

And while such straightforward conversations between voters and politicians might not ever transpire, you can bet that many voters are asking such questions, if only to themselves.

March 1 is primary election day The County Line By the Elmore County Commission

The Primary Election March 1 is just around the corner. Anyone may register to vote if he or she resides in Alabama, is at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, hasn’t been barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction and hasn’t been declared mentally incompetent by a court.

MARCH 1, 2016 PRIMARY ELECTION DEADLINES Feb. 12 — Voter registration deadline (due to Monday Holiday) Feb. 13 — Deadline to postmark voter registration form Feb. 25 — Last day to apply for absentee ballot Feb. 29 — Deadline to hand-deliver or postmark absentee ballot Voter Registration forms may be picked up at the Board of Registrar’s Office in the Elmore County Courthouse in downtown Wetumpka. Forms can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website (alabamavotes.gov) and mailed to Elmore County Board of Registrars. All state and county offices

providing public assistance (Medicaid, WIC, DHR, etc.) also have voter registration forms available.

Absentee ballots may be obtained from the Circuit Clerk’s Office in the Judicial Complex at 8935 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. For questions regarding Absentee Ballots, contact the Circuit Clerk at 334-514-3116.

In order to vote, Alabama requires voters to have a valid photo ID at the polls. Any voter without photo ID is eligible to obtain a free Alabama Photo Voter ID card by visiting the Board of Registrars’ Office. For more information, visit www.alabamavoterid.com. By law, voters who fail to present valid photo ID will be allowed to vote using a provisional ballot.

Individuals barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction may request to restore their voting rights (if all terms of the felony conviction sentence have been fulfilled). Contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at 334-242-8700 for assistance.

Additional election information including polling place verification, ballot application status, sample ballots, etc. can be reviewed at alabamavotes.gov.

Citizens may also contact the Elmore County Board of Registrars from 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through at 334-5671150.

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Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse

State General Fund woes will be at the center of new session

A

s discussed last week, several of the headline Alabama news stories of 2015 may also be the blockbusters of 2016. The Mike Hubbard trial and the decision of the federal courts on Alabama’s legislative district lines will be determined in the first half of this year.

The biggest news and political story of this year may be a continuation of last year’s major issue and it also surrounds the Flowers Alabama Legislature.

The State General Fund woes will again be front and center.

As the quadrennium began in 2015, state officials were told that in order to simply level fund the woefully funded General Fund, the legislature would have to come up with between $200-$300 million. Everyone agreed that the shortfall was a problem.

Gov. Robert Bentley began his second term proposing $541 million in new taxes as a solution. His proposals were repeatedly rebuked by the legislature. That battle and wrangling over the budget lasted most of the year. It wound through the four-month session and three legislative sessions.

The final 2015 legislative solution was to raise limited revenue by increasing the cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack, which will bring in about $70 million in new revenue. They also shifted $80 million in use tax money from the Education Trust Fund to the General Fund. Therefore, they essentially kicked the proverbial can down the road once again.

As the 2016 Legislative Session begins next week, the chronic problems are looming in the anemic General Fund. In the Senate, the Finance Committee chairs have changed hats so to speak. They have swapped posts.

State Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur, who previously chaired the General Fund Finance Committee, will head the Education Finance panel and Sen. Trip Pittman of Baldwin will leave Chairman of Education to be head of the General Fund writing committee — a good swap for Orr. Pittman will join hands with Rep. Steve Clouse, who chairs the House General Fund Committee. Clouse and Pittman have unenviable tasks. Clouse is already predicting two percent cuts across the board, including the sacred cows of Medicaid, Courts and Prisons.

Resistance to taxes is still prevalent in both chambers and Senate President Del Marsh of Anniston, who sponsored a casino/ lottery bill last year, said he would not come with that proposal again this year.

However, a clean pure lottery bill could be discussed. If it clears the legislature it must be approved by the people in an election.

Alabama and Utah are the only two states that derive no revenue from gambling. The casino/lottery proposal would raise $330 million for the state. A pure lottery would generate about $225 million.

There may be a move to unearmark some of Alabama’s taxes as the Session looms.

Alabama currently earmarks more than four fifths of its tax revenue for specific purposes. This idea perpetually raises its head in times of budget crisis. Indeed legislation has been pre-filed to transfer a greater portion of wine and liquor revenues and profits to the General Fund.

This unearmarking has been unsuccessful in the past. The best historical example was a classic battle between Gov. George Wallace and Alabama Education Associations icon Dr. Paul Hubbert. Wallace went on television with two jars of pennies — one full and overflowing symbolic of the Education Fund and one half full representing the General Fund. Wallace said he simply wanted to borrow a few of the pennies from Education and put into the half empty glass jar. Hubbert thwarted Wallace’s plan.

However, Hubbert is gone and so is the power of the AEA. It died with Hubbert.

This legislative body has shown keen interest in and indeed the propensity to raid the Special Education Trust Fund Budget.

With the death of the AEA there is nobody to guard the Education dollars hen house.

Therefore, the legislature sees robbing the Education Fund to pay for the General Fund as an easy solution.

During the heyday of flush Education funding higher education benefited tremendously from the power of Hubbert’s AEA, “A rising tide sails all ships.” It may be time for higher education to step up to the plate and thwart the raid on their education dollars.

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.

www.TallasseeTribune.com

January 27, 2016 • Page 5

Black, white and read all over no longer

T

he Tribune has been publishing a newspaper in Tallassee for more than a century. We will be making a number of changes and improvements throughout the year.

Today I’d like to talk about an improvement that I hope you have noticed in the past several months – color.

Lots of it.

This time last year we bought four King Press units from another newspaper and during the spring and summer we cleaned them up, replaced a number of worn parts, and then integrated it into our existing eight-unit King Press.

Not only did we increase the capacity of our press by 33 percent, we also increased the length of the press by more than a third, adding four printing units to the right side of the folder.

For those who don’t know much about printing, newspapers are printed on a type of paper called “newsprint.” It comes in huge rolls – one long, long piece of paper. It’s not that different from a paper towel roll – a 700-pound paper towel roll that we move with a forklift.

I hope you saw our Tallapoosa Publishers Christmas card photo that we printed in all our newspapers last month. It showed the entire press and our staff. You might have noticed the rolls of paper are on the left side of our press on roll stands. To the right of that we have eight press units. Next in line is a folder where the newsprint is cut into newspaper-size lengths and folded twice. To the far

KENNETH BOONE Publisher

right are our four new printing units, which feed newsprint into the same central folder.

Our press is not loaded with new technology. In fact, most of it was built in 1974, the same year President Richard Nixon resigned and Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s all-time MLB home run record at 714.

In the fall we did add a touch of new technology, “fan-out software” that allows us to compensate for the stretching of newsprint as it runs through our longer press, so the color will line up properly.

Newsprint that is pulled off the roll before it is cut into newspaper size pieces is called a “web” and our type of press is called a “web press,” which is a very different process than printing on flat sheets of paper, the type of press used to print magazines.

A little more on web printing. Printing a full color image, like a photograph or a color advertisement, it takes four colors of ink: black, cyan (kind of a light blue), magenta (a purplish red) and yellow. Each web printing unit contains two trays of the same color ink, which allows us to print that color on both sides of the paper. Each web goes through four units to make a color image.

With the addition of the new printing units, I made the decision that we would set up our press as a 12-page printing press, meaning the largest newspaper section we will run at one time is made of three webs of paper and every web will have full color on both sides.

By now you can imagine that this type of printing can get complicated, and that we’re using 40-year-old technology to do it.

Modern presses use computer-controlled motors to make the colors all line up perfectly.

And that’s why I’m writing about all this. We don’t have a computer-controlled press. We have a Lee Champion-controlled press.

Lee, our production manager, head pressman and resident mechanical wizard, along with his pressman Jeb Kitchens, use literally hundreds of hand-controlled knobs to put four colors of ink in exactly the right place in exactly the right amount in every newspaper. And they do a very, very good job. Tallapoosa Publishers routinely wins printing quality awards from the Alabama Press Association, topping the printing quality made by computer-controlled web presses.

It’s a job that requires a sharp eye and a steady hand.

I want our readers to know what a great job Lee and Jeb do at a complicated, difficult task every day.

And that going forward, your hometown newspaper will be slam full of color.

Boone is publisher of The Tribune.

Competitions, judges, festivals, trips, oh my

S

ome band and choral directors cringe when they think about how busy they will be in January and February each year.

Yet, some of a student’s greatest musical memories are made in the weeks of preparation for a regional contest or festival each winter.

Jerry Cunningham, Adam Moxley and Jessica Day put so many hours in at Tallassee High School making our choral program tops in the state. I doubt many people realize how much effort and time goes into running a program like THS has, and making it successful.

And in a time when music programs are always the first to be cut back, ours continues to grow.

Over the next few weeks, the choral programs of Tallassee will put on the Capital City Classic in Montgomery (this Friday and Saturday) and compete in Albertville, Opelika, Nashville and Homewood. With each performance, the young people in the Tallassee choirs will make our community proud.

Bird’s Eye View

By Michael Bird The band programs of Tallassee represent the best in instrumental music. The high school band, conducted by Robby Glasscock, just gets better and better and is blessed to be on a winning streak.

Many people ask, “what does the band do after football season?” and the answer is — second semester is where band really begin. Concert and symphonic band is where the real music is made. We prepare for our annual Music Performance Assessment, which is a new name for what used to be called State Band Contest. We also have the jazz bands kicked into high gear preparing for the sixth annual JazzFest in April.

At Southside, we are preparing for State Music Performance Assessment seventh grade intermediate and eighth grade advanced

bands. Linwood Erb helps our group each year and has been such a positive influence on our students.

Sena Thibodeaux Bird and Mike Hammonds help out a lot, too, and often give small-group instruction when they are available.

None of this would be possible without a great, supportive community like Tallassee, also blessed with a superior administration that values the arts.

But the real secrets to our success are Don Bryant, booster club president, and Debbie Rogers, administrative assistant. They work tirelessly behind the scenes making sure everything is running smoothly.

Arts programs are vitally important to the identity of the school and community. We are all so blessed to be in Tallassee and part of the Tallassee Music Department.

Michael Bird co-hosts “The Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1, and also works at Super Foods of East Tallassee.

CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Respectfully yours, the people of Carrville

L

earning valuable lessons never stops — no matter how old you are or how long you’ve been or lived somewhere.

Never become too comfortable and always fact check, everything. I recently misspelled Carrville in an article … and boy did I hear about it.

I completely understand why the name Carrville has such meaning to the community. Please understand that this was not done purposely — and like everyone at one time or another, fall prey to my “humaness.”

I am originally from Tallassee and I am somewhat familiar with the deep and meaningful history of the Carrville community. I have the seen the original jail cell, which remains to this day today in basement of the ACTS building and I am familiar with the Patterson Log Cabin. The written history of Carrville goes back a long way. I am certain the undocumented history goes even deeper.

As a child, my family and I lived on Clay Street.

I can remember sending my younger brother sailing down that long hill, just after taking the training wheels off of his bicycle for the very first time. Thankfully, divine intervention stopped him before he sailed right into traffic on highway 14. He hit a pothole and wrecked just before the roads intersected, and while he went home with a bloody head and skint knee — that day, he was alive.

I was afraid for my life though. Walking him home, I remember saying, “I almost killed you, Jake. Momma is going to kill me.”

Those were some of the best years of my life and today I am very grateful to be back in Tallassee.

Although I did not know of the Carr family, after a few messages to the Tallassee Tribune’s website about them, I believe you all are richer for knowing them.

Just this past year, I had the honor and privilege to attend the community Thanksgiving event held at Carrville Community Church. I must say I was overwhelmed with the generosity shown by the church, as well as the sincerity shown by Brother Ben. Just like that day on Clay Street when I thought my mom was going to kill me for assuming it was okay to take the training wheels off of my brother’s bicycle, I should not have assumed the spelling of your community. I sincerely thank you for your kind words regarding writing.

Lesson learned.

OBITUARIES/RELIGION

Visit our sister websites: www.AlexCityOutlook.com www.TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Page 6 • January 27, 2016

www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Fulfilling Dreams

Obituaries

G

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge.

The blessing of sunshine is with us as I write this week’s column.

Yes, I know rain is a blessing from God too. I simply prefer sunshine.

A week ago there was a celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in our town. It was held on Sunday afternoon at the Wetumpka Civic Center.

The event was something special, and a quick glance around the room resulted in a glimpse of the “beloved community” Dr. King spoke of so frequently in his messages.

A pastor friend in town, Rev. Bob Henderson from Words of Life Church, shared a meaningful observation. He said, “Every pastor wishes their congregation looked like this room looks right now; people of varying race, age, socio-economic status, education, and background all gathered together to give thanks to God for one another.” It truly was a beautiful thing to see.

I had the privilege of offering a brief reflection regarding Dr. King’s teaching and legacy. Dr. King was the most prominent theologian of the twentieth century I studied in seminary. His prophetic witness is infectious. He shares the gospel in ways any human being can find connection with.

My family and I traveled to Disney World early in January. Alicia ran the Disney marathon on Jan. 10. We took a few days to explore and have fun as a family as well. While we were doing so, my reflection for the MLK event sat in the back of my mind.

The thought I kept coming back to was that Walt Disney and Martin Luther King Jr. were visionaries at a similar moment in time. While Dr. King was sharing a vision of the beloved community God makes possible in the earthly kingdom, Walt Disney was sharing his vision for EPCOT, the Environmental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The two visions shared peaceful community as something worth striving for.

Both men died before their vision 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

Ruthie N. Fort

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian Church

became reality. Walt Disney died from cancer just two years after revealing the conceptual plan for EPCOT. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated just as the movement he helped champion was gaining momentum. Neither man would have the chance to see the fruits of their labors.

Walt Disney’s vision caught on with most who heard of it. The vision became a reality and continues to grow and thrive today. This is due to the simple fact that people were captivated by one man’s vision and they secured the resources necessary to bring the vision to reality.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community caught on with most who heard it. Why, then, has it not become reality? I argue it has yet to be realized because people captivated by the vision have not secured the resources necessary to bring it to reality.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in the beloved community. I see glimpses of it on a daily basis and know many people who have committed significant resources to the continued growth of it. It is reality, but it remains limited.

What I witnessed in Orlando reminded me that too often we willingly suspend reality in the name of entertainment but refuse to do so in daily living.

In other words, we are more willing to embrace imagination and creativity in fantasylands than we are at home.

Maybe it’s time to invest a little more into what so many in our world say is impossible.

Ruthie Nicole (CoCo) Fort was born the first child of Anita (Tena) Fort and Allen Mason on August 30, 1987 in Montgomery, Alabama. She departed

this life on January, 20, 2016.

At an early age, Ruthie, under the Spiritual Guidance of Rev. Johnny Green, joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

“CoCo”, as she was known, attended the Tallassee City Schools and was very active in extracurricular activities.

She graduated in the top of her class and elected to attend Auburn University.

Because of her genuine concern for the safety and well-being of others, she joined the Army National Guard and served her country.

Ruthie was employed in various occupations, including early childhood education at Head Start and quality control in the automobile manufacturing industry. At the time of her death, she was employed at Driving and Safe (DAS) North America as a quality control producer.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Ruthie Mae Fort, maternal grandfather, Jessie Lee Spencer, paternal grandfather, James Mason, Sr.,

and uncle Clyde Mason.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Anita Fort and Billy Pearson, Tallassee, AL; father and stepmother, Allen and Johnna Mason, Columbus, GA; two sisters, Mya Fort, Montgomery, AL and Ja’Nal Mason, Columbus, GA; two brothers, Justin and Jamieson Mason, Columbus, GA; grandmother, Naomi Wesley, Tuskegee, AL; one niece, Baleigh Fort, Montgomery, AL; twelve aunts, seven uncles, two great aunts, and a close and devoted friend, LaToya Allen, Montgomery, AL; and many cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Friday January 29, 2016 at Carrville Baptist Church at 2:00 pm.

Paul R. Alexander Paul R. Alexander, 76, of Tallassee, passed away January 21, 2016. He was born August 27, 1939. He is survived by his children, David L. Alexander, Sherry Sullivan (Kenny) and Wendy Ray (Ben); grandchildren, Jason Sullivan, Daniell Gibbs, Ryan Ray, Ryan Alexander and Blake Alexander; sister, Annie Ruth Strickland (Bill) and brother, Jerry Boswell. He is preceded in death by

his mother, Jewell Boswell and brother, Bobby L. Alexander. There will be no funeral services per his request. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Joan Moncrief Evans

Mrs. Joan Love Moncrief Edwards, 84, of Tallassee, Al. passed away Friday, January 15, at home.

A memorial service was held Sunday, January 17 at the First United Methodist Church in Tallassee Al. Mrs. Edwards was preceded in death by her husbands: Ralph W. Edwards and William Dorman Moncrief Sr., one son: William D. Moncrief Jr. Mrs. Edwards is survived by three children: Margaret (Randall) Susan Moncrief Plant, Joan “Patte” Patteson Moncrief Clark and Juliette (Nathan) Love Moncrief Knight, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren,one brother: George (Irene) Marshall Love and many nieces and nephews.

Alabama Funeral Homes of Dadeville Al. handled arrangements. www.alabamafuneralhomes.com

Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka

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

Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central

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

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 283-6568.

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

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

January 27, 2016 • Page 7

Religion Briefs Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On January 31 at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School will focus on the parables of Jesus. At 10:30 a.m., Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist marking the Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/ First Baptist Church Reeltown Community Senior Luncheon will be Wednesday, January 27, 11:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church Reeltown Fellowship Hall. Entertainment will be Ray Funderburke, David Stough and Dwayne Holt.

Salem Macon Baptist The Forever Young Seniors will meet on Tuesday January 26 at 6:30 PM. Kevin McCarty and Friends, from Reeltown Baptist Church. will present the program. Bring a covered dish and enjoy good food, good fellowship and good singing Elam Baptist Church Elam Baptist Church, a WELCOME HOME! Church, is located on Hwy 14 at 4686 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, Alabama. Rev. Gene Bridgman is Pastor and Worship LeaderChoir Director is Kevin Lanier. Elam is looking forward to the New Year 2016 in Christ! Visitors are always welcome and everyone is invited to all services and events. Begin the year right by being IN CHURCH each Sunday and Wednesday as well as special services. Meet God here. He will be expecting you. Do not miss or you miss a blessing. You have a special invitation. Regular services continue with Sunday Services: Bible Study 10:00 a.m.; Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.; I WITNESS 5:00 p.m. each week. Wednesday Services include Choir Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. and Mid Week Prayer Services 7:00 p.m. weekly. Watch for special events and activities in the coming year. WELCOME HOME! • East Tallassee United Methodist Church: The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee

UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-3124913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

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

• Carrville Baptist Church: Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday school at 9:15; Morning Worship at 10:30am and all Sunday Evening activities are at 6pm. Our Wednesday night activities are at 6:30pm.

St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church 3495 Hwy 14 Notasulga, AL 36866. Minister Alma Purter, Pastor. Welcome, welcome, welcome! We look forward to your presence. Program committee: Sis. Brenda Moss 334-4010706, Sis. Linda Pullium 334-209-3208 and Sis. Judy Moss.

Oak Valley United Methodist Pastor Eddie W. Coleman II and the Oak Valley United Methodist Church family has chosen that our theme for 2016 will be: More like Christ and less like man. Lord help me, to be more like you. In keeping with our theme we are beginning a community outreach program which is open to everyone.

On Friday, January 29, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Our first soup and sandwich lunch will be available for free at our church located at 3889 Burt Mill Road Tallassee, Al. Questions? Contact Pastor Coleman at 277-5991.

Lake Point Baptist Church Lake Pointe Baptist Church invites everyone to celebrate a Big Day for the church on Sunday, January 31, 2016, beginning at 10 AM. Lake Pointe is a new church and the new pastor will be introducing the church strategy of “Come! Let Us Build!” in the morning worship on January 31st. Anthony Counts, former pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church in Wetumpka, will lead the worship music. Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the church’s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from God’s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Tallassee City Board of Education members Steve Burak, Danny Ingram, Wade Shipman, Chris Price, Rex Ledbetter, Ruthanne McCaig, Sandra Patterson and Damain Carr were honored during Tuesday’s BOE meeting held in the THS Media Center.

50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome. Come! Let us build!

Beulah Baptist Church At Beulah, here is our schedule of services: Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Traditional Service 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Feed the Sheep 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Nursery is available. All are welcome

Page 8 • January 27, 2016

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Tallassee High readies for Capitol City Classic

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Tallassee choir students are preparing for the Capitol City Classic show choir competition at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center Friday and Saturday.

Beginning Friday there will be different middle school and junior high groups to come in and audition. That will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday will be a day full of groups from all over the region, some from Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“We’ll have different women’s groups that will come in,” said Jessica Day, choir instructor at Tallassee High School. “They’ll compete in their division. We’ll have mixed show choirs that compete and solos. The two

top soloists will perform for everyone.”

The event will draw thousands of people, she said.

“In all we’ll have close to 5,000 people who will be coming in and out that entire weekend,” Day said.

“We started in 2009 … use it as a fundraiser. It takes a lot of people to put it on. We have more groups coming this year than ever before.”

Professional instructors join in to help with Carmen Rodgers / The Tribne the competition.

Jerry Cunningham prepares Tallassee Divas for the upcom“Mr. (Robert) ing Capitol City Classic. The expo will be held Friday and Glasscock will be there, Mr. (Michael) Bird will Saturday at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. also be there, Jordan great opportunity to it is the freshness of Cunningham, Rodger perform at fantastic this competition that Redden from Valley, venues. It’s a great sets it apart from the Kitty Deloach from opportunity. Our group others, as well as the Auburn and Trey Head broad range of students loves to host it. They from Montgomery will get to meet everyone it touches. be there to help,” she from the different “This is one of the said. schools and make those newer competitions,” Day said she believes she said. “We’ve had connections.”

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Community Development Corporation to host Father and Daughter Dance

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Tallassee Community Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation with goals to build the community and improve the quality of life for people in Tallassee and surrounding areas, will host the 4th annual Father and Daughter Dance Jan. 29 at Southside Middle School from 6-8 p.m.

“Last year we ran out of food,” said Kat Raiford, coordinator of this year’s dance.

Because, members of the CDC funded everything that went into the dance last year, the CDC is asking for as much community involvement as possible, Raiford said.

“The restaurants in Tallassee who have committed to donate food are 1220, Jacks, Acapulco, Cozumel, Louie’s and Jackie Hinson is supplying wings from Elmer’s,” she said. “CVS has agreed to donate drinks, Subway is donating a tray, and the Roadrunner is donating cases of water. We’re still waiting to hear from Little Caesar’s for pizzas.”

Because of the tremendous response to last year’s father and daughter dance, the CDC is preparing for an even larger crowd this year.

Among the treats will be some Mardi Grasthemed dishes on hand.

“We want to make sure that we don’t run out of food this year,” she said. “Some of CDC members will be making punch. We’ll have the traditional Mardi Gras king cake, minus the baby Jesus.”

With all the support from local businesses, the CDC and its members, this year’s father- daughter dance should have more than enough for everyone who attends.

“I don’t think anyone will leave hungry this year,” Raiford said.

In addition to the food, the dance will have a disk jockey on hand to serve up the latest tunes.

“Drek Williams is going to be the DJ,” she said.

This is the fourth year that the CDC has hosted this event. With such popularity the organization is making plans to expand the dance in the future.

“Each year I think it gets better,” Raiford said.

“Looking at long-term goals we would like to, maybe, hold two dances. We are talking about a mother and son. We realize we’re putting a lot of emphasis on fathers and daughters while there are a lot of mothers and sons who would like to have an event as well. We’re looking what we can do and we welcome any ideas the community has on what they would like to see done.”

The Father and Daughter Dance is Mardi Gras-themed and girls are encouraged to wear Mari Gras-inspired attire.

“We are encouraging the girls to wear Mardi Gras masks this year,” she said. “We’ll have some there to pass out, but the Dollar Tree has them and they’re good quality.”

The dance itself will be a little different than in years past.

“We will not have a lead out this year,” Raiford said. “We did that last year and it took so long to do it. We want the girls to have more time to dance. Coach (Terrel) Brown and (Donna) Funderburk coming in to lead some dances. When they come in they will go to Suzannah (Wilson), have their picture taken and then they’ll go to dance.”

Raiford encourages attendees purchase tickets early because they will be an extra $5 at the door. Tickets can be bought at Turf Tactics, Alabama Power, WACQ, Segrest Law, First Community Bank, Trustmark Bank, City Hall and Suzannah’s Photography.

All proceeds from the dance to go the CDC, which will go back into the community.

Tickets are $30, $35 at the door, and each additional princess is $5.

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Meet the Winners!

Beth Turner of Tallassee won one of the two $500 Visa gift cards that Tallapoosa Publishing Inc., gave away as prizes for participation in the the Elmore County Consumer Survey. Turner said she is so happy to win and that winning this gift card took away some of the sting she felt from not winning the powerball.

Above, Tribune Publisher Kenneth Boone awards Beth Turner one of the Contributed / two $500 gift cards from the survey drawing.

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To place your ad call

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January 27, 2016 • Page 11

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January 27, 2016 • The Tallassee Tribune

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Homecoming on the mats

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Tallassee wrestling team had a big night Monday as the program celebrated its homecoming and the team went into its second to last set of matches to wrap up the season.

It was their last fight at home and they wrestled before a packed gym, but at the end of the night the Tigers left the mats undefeated versus their three competitors, Dadeville, Beauregard and the Alabama School for the Blind.

After their set of matches against Dadeville ended at 69-12, the halftime homecoming ceremony began.

Coach John Mask introduced the team, presented awards and then gave a few words about the Tallassee wrestling program.

Former THS wrestlers gathered behind the Tigers and the junior wrestlers, Tallassee Mat Cats, stood out front.

Mask said it was the past, present and future of Tallassee wrestling and he thanked the team for what was at that time a 30-1, nearly undefeated, season. At the end of the night they

were 3-0 and 32-1 for the season.

It was the first time the 24 veterans and alumni wrestlers had gathered in a homecoming ceremony, Mask said, and it was a tradition he said he would try to continue.

“We had several state champs return and it was real good to see those guys that have come through and paved the way,” Mask said.

There were two seniors honored also, Jeremy Noah at 182 pounds and Noah Shipman at 170 pounds.

After the presentation Tallassee’s Studio B Dancers performed.

The Tigers had a full weekend leading into homecoming and left the Beauregard Hornet Slam tournament undefeated.

Next up and last on their list is a set of duals in Prattville to wrestle St. James, Ohatchee and Prattville Christian.

“It’ll be a good test for the end of the year,” Mask said.

That will be it for the season and from then on, Mask said they would be preparing for the state tournament.

But before that, they are scheduled to compete in the sectionals Feb. 12.

Corey Arwood / The Tribune

Jeremy Noah takes on a Dadeville competitor. He was later honored as one of the team’s two seniors at the homecoming.

THS moved to 4A in latest AHSAA reclassification Cam Newton on track to be the greatest?

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

T

o say Cam Newton is special would be an understatement. In ANDY fact, it would be an GRAHAM understatement no Sports matter which adjecColumnist tive one might choose.

Words like spectacular, incredible and amazing all apply, but seemingly don’t do justice to the brilliant career we’ve all witnessed unfold these last six years.

Of course, it all started in the Loveliest Village. I recall well the day Newton committed to the Auburn Tigers on New Year’s Day in 2010. I remember thinking that his tape looked really good, but the SEC is a far cry from junior college. I also recall being very unimpressed by his performance in the spring game.

Little did I realize Newton was about to hook the Auburn wagon to his star and take it to heights most had never known. It didn’t take that long to realize he was a different kind of player.

In the first game of the year against Arkansas State, Auburn built a comfortable 28-16 lead late in the first half. They looked okay, but it was Arkansas State. That’s when the 6 foot, 5 inch 250-pound quarterback took the snap and proceeded to effortlessly run 71 yards untouched for a touchdown.

I thought, “I think this kid may be the best player on our team.”

There was the road win against Mississippi State in Week 2 and the comeback against Clemson in Week 3. Who could forget the 176 yards rushing against Carolina in Week 4?

You remember, that was when Superman first took flight … literally … from about the seven-yard line into the end zone.

I thought, “I think this kid may be the best player in the SEC.” After several more Herculean feats, the LSU Tigers came calling. Newton only had 217 yards rushing in that game and, of course, his Heisman moment on a 49-yard TD gallop.

I thought, “I think this kid may be the best player in the country.”

The Tigers won the next three games by an average margin of 25 points. That brings us to the Iron Bowl.

Down 24-0 and every Auburn fan with their head in a noose, Newton led an epic comeback for the ages.

I thought, “this kid may very well go down as the best player in Auburn history.”

An SEC title, BCS national title and Heisman Trophy later, I thought, “this kid is definitely one of the greatest college football players of all time.”

However, if history is taught us anything about football, it’s that college success in no way assures NFL success. Newton was the first player selected in the 2011 draft, but a number of “experts” had serious concerns about his viability as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Some questioned his character and others labeled him merely an athlete playing quarterback. Cam won the starting job for the Panthers and proceeded to win Rookie of the Year while setting numerous NFL records along the way.

Newton has now led Carolina to three straight playoff appearances and will appear in his first Super Bowl Feb. 7. He continues to prove his doubters wrong and set new records every time he takes the field. I know a lot of people don’t like Newton.

I get it. He’s more athletic than you are. He’s better looking than you are. He makes more money than you do and he has a lot more fun doing his job.

If we wins the MVP and the Super Bowl, I’ll think, “this kid, or man I should say, may very well go down as the best football player of all time.”

A statewide reclassification of high schools by the Alabama High School Athletic Association resulted in some changes for the Tallassee football program, as THS dropped from its previous 5A classification to 4A. The changes were approved by unanimous decision by the AHSAA Central Board of Control on Jan. 20 and kept the seven-class system for championship play through the 2018 school year.

Tallassee High School football coach, Mike Battles, said in a way, it would be a return to familiar territory since THS had only been placed in the 5A class at the previous reclassification.

“It’s going to be a challenge, we’re excited,” Battles said.

“They’re just teams that we used to play in the past when we were 4A … we’ve been 5A for the past two years, but we had Elmore

County and Dadeville on the schedule as non-region games, but we’ve moved into the region with them.”

He said he thought the reclassification was structured the best way it could have been and he had expectations of dropping back to 4A going into it.

Battles said they were already familiar with most of their competition in 4A and they were up against up some good football teams and now shared a class with some two-time regional champs and some semi-finalists.

“We’re familiar with them and they all play good football ... it’s going to be a challenging schedule but the good thing about it’s if you get used to playing tough opponents it tends to make you tougher,” Battles said.

According to a statement released by the AHSAA, the approved seven-class football alignment has placed the 32 largest high schools in the state in 7A.

The other six classes were separated into 6A through 3A and divided equally into 59 schools each, while 2A and 1A both have 58 schools.

The size of the school was determined by the daily membership records kept by the State Board of Education, the release read.

There were 72 schools that changed class in the process, and for the first time, the AHSAA counted ninth-grade as well as grades 10-12.

“I’m sure it was somewhat easier,” said Mike Welsh, AHSAA central board president.

“Two years ago, they had to come to the table prepared with both seven and six classes, and the seventh class wasn’t approved until the board meeting. It’s been a tedious worry. We keep fairness and consistency with travel first, after we’ve got the enrollment from each school laid out.”

Wetumpka sophomore guard Tyauna Ferguson sticks her tongue as she drives to the basket versus Tallassee Monday night at WHS. Cory Diaz / The Tribune

WHS girls win two straight over Park Crossing, Tallassee

By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Led by Tyauna Ferguson, Wetumpka won two straight home games, defeating Park Crossing Friday, 68-60, and Tallassee Monday, 47-38, on Senior Night.

The sophomore point guard scored 30 points against the Lady Thunderbirds, helping the Lady Indians (7-13, 2-3) avenge a two-point Class 6A, Area 4 loss the week before at Park Crossing, and paced the Tribe with 18 points versus Tallassee.

Ferguson had 17 points in the first half against PCHS, while junior shooting guard Tamara Donley tallied 10, including two straight 3’s to close out the opening period. Wetumpka led 19-10 after the first, but the T-Birds went on a 7-2 run led by guard Lauren Pines, to close within 21-17 with 5:06 left in the first half.

The Lady Tribe then scored 20 points to close out the half, taking a 41-26 advantage into halftime, and maintained a 10-point lead, 54-44, heading into the fourth quarter.

WHS junior point guard Shadeja Wright-Lucas extended her team’s lead to 16 early in the final period, as she and the Lady Indians converted the majority of their free throws down the stretch to down PCHS, 68-60.

Donley ended the game with 17 points, while Wright-Lucas added 15.

On Senior Night, WHS and Tallassee opened the game to a 12-12 tie. After not playing the first quarter and thanks to the Lady Tribe’s fullcourt press defense that forced Tiger turnovers, Ferguson came in and scored 11 in the second, to give Wetumpka a 30-19 advantage heading to the break.

The Indians’ defense kept rolling after halftime, holding Tallassee scoreless for 4:16 to open the second half as they extended their lead with a 9-0 run.

Tallassee managed just six points the whole third period, and 13 for the fourth as WHS went on to win, 47-38.

Wright-Lucas scored 12 points in the victory, and Donley and Zekeria Hooks both had eight for Wetumpka.