Tallassee Tribune Jan. 11 2023

Another round of severe storms possible Thursday

By KAITLIN FLEMING Managing Editor

As cleanup from last week’s storms continue, another day of stormy weather could be possible Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a dynamic system is expected to move through the Mississippi/Alabama region early Thursday morning. This system could bring gusty winds outside of thunderstorm activity, including sustained winds up to 25 mph.

Apart from strong winds, a tornado or two could be possible, along with periods of heavy rain. Rain amounts up to one inch are expected as the system moves through the area.

The NWS’s Storm Prediction Center has outlined a level two out of five “slight” risk for all of Central Alabama. In the “slight” risk area, wind gusts up to 60 mph and a tornado or two are possible with thunderstorms Thursday afternoon.

The NWS emphasized that 60 mph straight-line winds can be just as dangerous as some smaller tor-

nadoes, and that the best course of action is to not be outside during a severe thunderstorm.

The main timeframe for severe storms comes Thursday around 2 p.m. and could last until around d 7 p.m. Colder air will return to Alabama behind the storms. Friday could see temperatures hovering just shy of 50 degrees and a few snow flurries could be possible early Friday morning for the northern third of the state.

WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE For more than two decades the Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT) has been hosted in Tallassee thanks to support from the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council. MCT has returned this week to help area children ages five to 18 present “King Arthur’s Quest.” Auditions were held Monday and about 40 area children will be in the 6 p.m. Saturday production at Tallassee Elementary School. The auditions weren’t just reading a script. The auditions were activity-based to allow the children to get comfortable and explore the various expression-based activities. It allows the two MCT staff members to cast the children in appropriate roles quickly by identifying those who follow instructions and take suggestions easily. Rehearsals will be held all week long until the production.

By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter

The Alexander City Police Department has confirmed that Dental “Lil Man” Davis is wanted on charges of capital murder in relation to a Dec. 29 fatal shooting.

According to CrimeStoppers, the United States Marshals Service

By KAITLIN FLEMING Managing Editor

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is offering one free radon test kit per Alabama household as part of an initiative to cut down on dangerous radon exposure.

According to ADPH, radon is the number one leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“Radon is a radioactive gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It is produced when uranium breaks down in soil and water,” ADPH said in a press release. “Radon is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but it

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

The National Weather Service is predicting severe storms Thursday afternoon. All of Central Alabama is in the yellow,

Obituaries

JAMES PAUL FOSTER

Mr. James Paul Foster, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born March 1, 1939 in Opp, Alabama to Robert Fletcher and Loyce Smith Foster.

Mr. Foster is survived by his daughter, Carol Foster Reynolds (Ronnie); brothers, David Foster (Marcia), Cecil Foster (Susan) and Danny Foster; sister, Patsy Foster Kegley; grandchild, Brandon Reynolds; great grandchildren, Justin Reynolds, Colten Champion and Everett Reynolds; several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Holland Foster; his parents, Robert and Loyce Foster; granddaughter, Ballard Reynolds and his brother-in-law, Howard Kegley.

Mr. Foster was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising animals (especially deer.) He was instrumental in founding the Montgomery Zoo and retired as Zoo Director after 30 years of service. He was a veteran with the United States Navy.

Active Pallbearers will be Wayne Foster, Will Foster, Bobby Foster, Greg Kegley, Brandon Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, Ronnie Reynolds and Colten Champion.

The family will receive friends Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Burial will follow in Foster Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 5

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.

JAN. 4

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Peachtree Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A Black male was arrested during a suspicious activity call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Lee Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Hanil Drive. JAN. 3

• Property damage was reported on Birch Street.

• Theft was reported on Friendship Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Birch Street.

• Harassment was reported on John Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Riverside Drive.

• Trespassing was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A Black male was arrested during an attempted burglary on Delta Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Friendship Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on First Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Monroe Street. JAN. 2

• Assistance was provided to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A burglary was reported on Upper River Road.

• A hit and run accident was reported on Burt Mill Road.

• Theft was reported on Florence Street.

• A suspicious subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

be made to the Montgomery Zoo or the Humane Society. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

MARY ANN HANNA

Mrs. Mary Ann Hanna, a resident of Notasulga, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 69. She was born July 21, 1953, to Robert Edward and Grace Lee. Mrs. Hanna is survived by her husband, Phil Hanna; sons, Jamie Hester and John Hester (Stephanie); brothers, Jim Lee (Joann), Jerry Lee (Patsy) and Doug Lee; grandchildren, Katie Alvarez, Christian Hester, Bethany Hester, Samuel Hester, Samantha Hester and Carolyn Hester and three great grandchildren. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Stevens and her brothers, Bill Lee, Joe Lee and Johnny Lee.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

MARGARET HOLT

POLLARD

Mrs. Margaret Holt Pollard, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed

a medical call on Friendship Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Mott Lane.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A vehicle accident was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A downed power line was reported on Stanfield Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on East Patton Street.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Peachwood Drive.

• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Menacing was reported on Herbert Street.

• A person with a gun was reported on Herbert Street.

• An intoxicated driver was reported on Weldon Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

DEC. 31

• Suspicious activity was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A missing juvenile was reported on Third Street.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Gunfire was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Hickory Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on South Ann Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on East Patton Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on East Patton Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a criminal mischief call on Hillcrest Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• An intoxicated person was reported on Gilmer Avenue. JAN. 1

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Dorman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Lee Street.

• Gunfire was reported on Caldwell Street.

• Assistance was given during

• A civil disturbance was reported on East Patton Street. DEC. 30

• A tree in the roadway was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• A tree in the roadway was reported on Gammils Store Road.

• A tree in the roadway was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A hit and run accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Forgery was reported on Ye-

away Wednesday January 4, 2023 at the age of 97. She was born August 18, 1925 in Tallassee, Alabama, to JT and Florence Holt. Mrs. Pollard is survived by her daughter, Linda Sue Pollard Golden (Ronnie); her son, Charles Houston Pollard; grandchildren, Vicki Pollard Howell (Frank), Valeri Pollard Mabray (Mike), Mara Golden Harrison (Reese), Cale Houston Golden and Ronald Gage Golden (Brittany); great grandchildren, Chasidi Howell, Chelsi Howell Brewbaker (Mac), Houston Mabray (Ashlyn), Bailee Mabray, Anne Margaret Harrison, Evelyn Harrison, Vivian Harrison, Hudsyn Golden and Knox Golden. She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Wallace Houston Pollard; her parents, JT and Florence Holt and her two brothers, Bob Holt and Buck Holt.

Mrs. Pollard was a founding member of Carrville Baptist Church and currently a member of Elam Baptist Church. She served Community Hospital in Tallassee for many years. After retirement, she continued to care for her friends and neighbors. The family will receive friends Friday, January 6, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Burial will follow in Carrville Cemetery. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

sac Drive.

• Suspicious activity was reported on South Dubois Street. DEC. 29

• Gunfire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassing communications was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A white male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Thelma Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Riley Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Animal control was requested on Second Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cliff Street.

• A vehicle accident was reported on South Dubois Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Dorman Road.

• Animal control was requested on Cliff Street. DEC. 28

• A noise complaint was reported on Hornsby Drive.

• Assistance was given to medics on Poplar Street.

• An assault was reported on Second Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on North Dubois Street.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Fraudulent use of a debit or credit card was reported on North Wesson Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cliff Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

• A private property accident was reported on Friendship Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Riverside Avenue. DEC. 27

• Gunfire was reported on Parker Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was re-

ported on Third Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A runaway juvenile was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• Harassing communications was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to city departments on Little John Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on West Main Street.

• Animal control was requested on Paxton Drive.

• A domestic incident was reported on Birch Street.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Paxton Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Gene Street.

• Animal control was requested on Jordan Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested following a vehicle accident on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Animal control was requested on Jordan Avenue. DEC. 26

• Assistance was given to medics on Preer Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A vehicle accident with entrapment was reported on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• Criminal trespass was reported on Magnolia Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Paxton Drie.

• A tree on a powerline was reported on Littlejohn Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on New Quarters Road. DEC. 25

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Herd Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal bite was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Animal complaint was reported on Paxton Drive.

• A ground cover fire was reported on Weldon Road.

• Reckless driving was reported on Eighth Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

Continued from A1

can increase the risk of lung cancer when trapped in buildings.”

Symptoms of dangerous radon exposure include persistent coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, one in 15 homes has a radon problem.

In Alabama, 15 counties have been identified as having the highest potential for elevated radon levels: Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Shelby and Talladega.

Another 32 counties have been identified as having the second highest potential: Autauga, Barbour, Bibb,

Blount, Bullock, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Cullman, Dallas, Dekalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.

The remaining 20 counties in the state are labeled as having the lowest potential for elevated radon: Baldwin, Butler, Chambers, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Pike, Tallapoosa, Washington and Wilcox.

According to ADPH, the only way to tell if a home has a radon problem is to check with a radon testing kit.

Alabama households can order one free radon test kit online at the ADPH website. Recipients are only responsible for paying a return shipping fee.

We Touch

Lives

STORMS

Continued from A1

Another round of storms could be possible Monday and Tuesday of next week, but forecasters say it is too early to know at this time.

As for all severe weather days, the NWS urges everyone to prepare ahead of time for the possible storms. This includes having a severe weather plan — which means knowing what to do in case your area is placed under a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning — and making sure everyone in your family knows the plan. The most important step in the plan is having more than one reliable way of receiving warnings. The two most reliable ways are having a properly programmed NOAA weather radio in your home or business and having Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) enabled on your cellphone. When WEA is enabled on your cellphone, your phone will sound a loud alarm and vibrate strongly when your location is placed under a tornado warning.

SUSPECT

Continued from A1

Gulf Coast Regional Task Force is searching for the location of Davis. Davis,18, is described as a Black male, 5’9 in height, and weighing approximately 180 lbs. Davis goes by the nickname of “Lil Man.” Davis is wanted in connection to a homicide that the Alexander City Police Department began investigating last week.

Alexander City deputy police Chief James Easterwood said police officers initially responded to a situation on Thomas Street in Alexander City after receiving a call Thursday, Dec. 29, reporting a gunshot victim. According to Easterwood, police arrived at the scene and officers provided medical aid to an 18 year-old Elijah Tarez Lewis. EMTs transported Lewis to Russell Medical Center where he was later declared deceased.

This is an ongoing investigation and this story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Alabama has three different identified zones of potential exposure to radon. Coosa County is in the highest zone (red), Elmore County is in the middle zone (yellow) and Tallapoosa County is in the lowest zone (green).

How January 6 led GOP to their speaker mess

When January 6 occurred, Americans watched with horror as the insurrectionists tried to stop Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election. It was also a day that the Republicans set themselves up for not only their 2022 electoral shortcomings, but the coming chaos of the 2023 election season.

The unprecedent length it is taking to pick a House Speaker among the GOP members is only just the beginning. And this is no reason for any Democratic Party celebration. This is a nightmare for all Americans.

We know that on January 6, 2021 that the rioters who stormed and desecrated the U.S. Capitol weren’t just going after Democrats. Many Congressional Republicans were also the targets of those who launched the assault.

On that day, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy got in a heated verbal exchange with defeated President Donald Trump, according to NBC News and numerous other sources.

“McCarthy placed the call to Trump, according to a source familiar with the matter. Another source told NBC News that McCarthy was shaken up during the call and was asking the president for help. Trump told McCarthy on the call, “Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are,” according to Rep.

I

AObituaries:

Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., and another Republican member familiar with the conversation.

At one point during the phone call, McCarthy told Trump: “Who the f—k do you think you are talking to?” according to a Republican lawmaker briefed on the conversation.”

That assertive Kevin McCarthy might have won the House Speakership. But that’s not McCarthy today. After he went to Mar-A-Lago and kissed the ring to get back into the former President’s good graces, nobody could take him seriously as a leader. As Stephen Colbert told his audience, “Kevin McCarthy’s weakness is….his weakness.”

Trump decided to make an 11th hour pitch for McCarthy late on Tuesday. All it did was make McCarthy perform worse on Wednesday. Every concession McCarthy made to conservatives didn’t win any votes. Even if he does manage to eventually win, he’ll be wearing a metaphorical barrel, without any clothes, having given away any power he might have once had.

That’s because if January 6 itself didn’t expose our now ex-leader for what he is, then the

January 6th Committee provided a lot more information to connect the dots on everything. We now realize exactly how lucky we were, and how close we came to losing it all that day. It’s not much better for other congressional leader choices. Many of the alternates are members who voted against certifying the results. Obviously, the vast majority of the country (and even most GOP members) don’t support this, but with such a narrow margin of House control, mostly due to gerrymandering and questionable candidates like George Santos, the party doesn’t have a lot of choices. Once someone is eventually chosen, we’ll be subject to every conspiracy theory investigation of the Coronavirus, vaccines, Hunter Biden’s laptop, the 2020 election, and even those who investigated the tragic events of January 6. When you have enough members to cost you your majority, who support shutting down the government and crashing the economy to support the same goals as the January 6 attackers who wanted to trash it all, we could see history repeating itself, in the very same place, metaphorically speaking.

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. His views are his own. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2.

would like to revisit 1973

uthor-humorist Willie G. Moseley, with whom I shared this page in the Tribune over many years, often says that the period of popular music recorded and released between 1967-1973 is without peer.

Moseley is currently out promoting his latest (ad) venture: “Basses and Guitars:

The Mike Huckabee Collection,” a fascinating tour through the governor-turned-talk-show-host’s personal collection of instruments. The 1967-1973 era is a dear one for fans of guitars, and a great place to start listening as rock ‘n’ roll was reaching a new maturity during this era.

This fertile and creative period is remembered fondly for many reasons. It began with the Summer of Love and Sgt. Pepper, reached its zenith with Woodstock and Altamont, and ended around time the Vietnam War and Watergate were happening.

These years defined a generation of Baby Boomers, and vice versa.

As I began to research a list of era-defining records, I realized it would take up this entire space and then some. For this listener, rock and roll music reached its peak maturity during these years. But using Mr. Moseley’s opinion as an end point, I would like to revisit 1973 as we are now fifty years past.

Some of the all-time greatest records of the album era came out in ’73. Whose collection would be complete without Elton John’s masterpiece, GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD? John’s career would never be the same if not for the wildly contrasting styles heard on this double LP. From the sublime (“Candle in the Wind”) to the nasty (“Dirty Little Girl”) to the just plain rocking (“Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting”), this is by far his best work and an album I revisit often. QUADROPHENIA, by the

Who, also stands out from the 1973 pack as a solid double LP –and, as concept records go, it is one of the best. Complete with a lengthy booklet explaining the entire odyssey, QUADROPHENIA is really the story of the Who themselves – from Mods to maximum R&B, in four sides. Some of the best Who music ever made is in the grooves: “The Real Me,” “5:15,” and “Love Reign O’Er Me” are classics. Pink Floyd’s THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON remained on the Billboard 200 album chart for an astonishing 741 weeks, and deservedly so. The darkness and bitterness of the Floyd’s usual subject matter (insanity, mistrust, fear and loathing) was leavened somewhat by the superior production by Alan Parsons and genre-defining, slick sound that tied all the tracks together and made the album a must-listen for millions.

HOUSES OF THE HOLY, by Led Zeppelin, appropriately set the tone for the rest of Seventies rock. It was heavy, it was harsh, it was loud, but it was beautiful. Check out the lyrical “Rain Song,” the pounding “Song Remains the Same,” or the goofy “D’Yer Mak’er”. It is a classic. For lovers of horn bands, Chicago released one of the best albums of their career in 1973, CHICAGO VI. With the appearance of a dollar bill on the album cover, many people saw the faceless band for the first time. The album contained some great tracks but especially the hits, “Just You ‘N Me” and “Feelin’ Stronger Everyday,” my particular favorite Chicago tune.

Finally, an artist who continues to inspire and impress released his most coherent work in 1973, and traveled to Muscle Shoals to make it happen: Paul Simon’s THERE GOES RHYMIN’ SIMON. This album featured some of his biggest hits, like “Kodachrome,” “Something So Right,” and “Loves Me Like a Rock” – but a couple of favorites are “One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor” and “Learn How to Fall” – two songs that were only B-sides but are very interesting musically.

Honorary mention goes to the eponymous Aerosmith album, which gave us “Dream On,”; BILLION DOLLAR BABIES by Alice Cooper, featuring the shockrock classics “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Elected”; The Eagles put out their only concept record, DESPERADO, a suite of songs imagining themselves as characters in the Old West and producing hits like “Desperado” and “Tequila Sunrise”; PIANO MAN by Billy Joel, an outlier in his album catalog but featuring the wellknown title track as well as some nuggets buried within like “Captain Jack”; and perhaps the best known of the post-Beatles albums, BAND ON THE RUN, recorded by Paul McCartney and Wings as a threepiece band in Lagos, Nigeria. This album became a bestseller thanks to its title track, but some of Macca’s best deep cuts are on this LP and it is highly recommended. If an era was ending in 1973, a new one was beginning. The disco sounds of “Rock the Boat” by the Hues Corporation began the American fascination with the fouron-the-floor dance beat of disco – and, one could argue, that is the sound of pop radio to this day.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools and co-host of “The Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on 580 WACQ & FM 98.5.

JOHN TURES Columnist

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Women rule in Alabama politics

For many years, Alabama has been ridiculed in national publications for having fewer women in political leadership positions than other assumed to be progressive states. States like Colorado, New York and California were lauded for having an inordinate number of females in public office. Well, folks, take a cursory look around at Alabama’s political landscape, and it is a new day in the Heart of Dixie, and unlike the above-mentioned liberal states our slate of women leaders are conservative Republicans.

Our top two most powerful leaders in the state are Governor Kay Ivey and U.S. Senator Katie Britt. If you include PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh into the mix, then the three most powerful and popular political leaders in the Heart of Dixie are women Republicans. You can eat your heart out Colorado.

This day did not just happen. These three women have been on the scene and the horizon for a while and arose the old-fashioned way by rising through and within the system to get to the top of the class.

Kay Ivey was a student leader at Auburn. She spent a decade or more working with the legislature as the lobbyist for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education; then ran for and was elected State Treasurer and served eight years. She then was elected Lt. Governor where she served six years. She has been governor, now, for almost six years.

Twinkle Cavanaugh has been on a leadership track since her high school years in Montgomery. She became Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party at a young age and has been President of the Public Service Commission for over a decade. She is the hardest working political figure in office in Alabama with a hardcore grassroots organization.

Katie Britt also won our U.S. Senate seat the old fashioned way. She worked hard and built a statewide grassroots organization that will hold her in good stead for years to come.

All three of these ladies are conservative, yet rational and reasonable leaders. They are exemplary of Southern grace, yet decisive and disciplined and dignified. They are people we can be proud of and excellent role models. All three are Alabama born and bred and know the folks of Alabama. All three are closely aligned with and have proudly been supported by Alabama’s premier and most powerful and respected political organization, the Alabama Farmers Federation (Alfa).

Currently, two of the most prominent jurists on the Alabama State Supreme Court are females. Justices Kelli Wise and Sarah Stewart grace the Court. I can see our Supreme Court in Alabama, as well as the United States Supreme Court, being majority female in future years. The majority of law students and graduates throughout the country are female. Women will dominate this profession in the next decade, if not already.

The State Senate has two very prominent female leaders. The most powerful and proficient is veteran Mobile State Senator Vivian Figures. Senator April Weaver from Bibb/Shelby is on a fast track in the Alabama Senate.

Another sign of women taking their rightful place in the Alabama Legislature is the takeover of Republican House Seats in the Shelby and Baldwin County Republican suburban districts. There were five new Republican women in these two Republican bastions that all took seats previously held by older men. Susan Dubose and Leigh Hulsey will be joining three females from Baldwin County. All three of the Baldwin County GOP seats will be held by female Republicans including Jennifer Fidler, Donna Givens, and Frances Holk-Jones.

Representative Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa), a relative newcomer, is a star on the horizon. Three of the most prominent leaders in the House of Representatives are women. Representative Margie Wilcox of Mobile is in a leadership position. Representative Ginny Shaver of Cherokee County works extensively on family and adoption issues. Representative Terri Collins of Morgan County is the education guru in the Alabama House. Speaking of education, our Alabama State Board is currently made up of eight female members and only one man. This eight to one female majority really becomes nine to one because Governor Kay Ivey serves as ex officiate Chairman of the Board of Education. So, folks, as you can see, women rule in Alabama politics and my guess is that this trend will not diminish in years to come.

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.

Where merit goes to die

Afriend of mine sent me a message the other day letting me know that I needed to read something.

My friend texted me and said, “You’ve got to read ‘Harrison Bergeron’ by Kurt Vonnegut”. I was already familiar with Kurt Vonnegut, a famous American writer known for books like “Slaughterhouse-Five” among others, but I had never heard of his short story entitled “Harrison Bergeron”. Written in 1961 and covering close to six pages it is one of those extremely prescient writings that seemed farfetched at the time it was authored, but now appears to be right on point. Harrison Bergeron opens with lines that could literally be peeled from today’s diversity, equity and inclusion headlines: “ THE YEAR WAS 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren’t only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General. ” The story goes on to describe the deliberately average lives of George and Hazel Bergeron. Hazel was said to be of average intelligence but George was deemed to be extremely intelligent so the government Office of the Handicapper General made him wear a device that blasted erratic noises in his ears every few minutes to keep him from having clear and cogent

thoughts that might exceed those of others and therefore keep George and others like him from “taking unfair advantage of their brains”. George and Hazel sat watching a ballet on TV but each of the dancers, based upon their individual skills, were saddled with bags of birdshot to weigh them down so that no one could dance better than another. Each of the dancers also wore masks so that no one could be perceived as more beautiful than the other. The titular character, Harrison Bergeron, was the son of George and Hazel, but the Office of the Handicapper General had removed him from their home when he was 14 because he was too perfect, too attractive, too athletic, too smart, and no one should have a child that much better than someone else.

I won’t spoil it for you by recounting what happened next, but suffice to say, I couldn’t help but think that my friend was spot on.

When those in charge become determined to suppress excellence in favor of equity then failure becomes the norm and success becomes a crime. DEI, known fully as “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, is just the name-brand for refusing to allow one person’s merit to be the guide to their ability to serve, or succeed.

The world is tired of hearing about “diversity, equity and inclusion”. Make no mistake,

I’m not for discrimination or trying to keep someone down because of their race, sex, religion or pregnancy. But the race to DEI is not that.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, an extremely accomplished jurist with a sound legal mind, should never have been put in the position of having an asterisk by her appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. She is a solid candidate but weighed down by the pronouncement that what was more important than her legal acumen was that she was a black woman. President Biden tainted her appointment by announcing that DEI was his first motive thereby removing her nomination from the historically competitive realm that it should have remained in.

Republican George Anthony Santos should never have been elected to Congress from the State of New York. By his own admission Santos habitually lied about his own resume in an effort to be something he is not. But Santos is a product of a society that believes that no one is okay the way God made them. People like Santos believe that a person must be “adjusted” to achieve an equitable outcome. There is no telling where else in life he has lied to get ahead but I suspect that we will be finding out in the not-so-distant future.

DEI is where merit goes to die, where failure becomes an acceptable norm, and success becomes a crime. We must return to being a merit-based society.

Phil Williams is a former State Senator, retired Army Colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing Attorney.

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

PHIL WILLIAMS Columnist

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980:

Pet of the Week – Kiara

Kiara is 4-5-years old, female, about 45 lbs. Her breed mix is really anyone’s guess - basically the great American Dog. Kiara is very affectionate, loves to give kisses, seeks out attention, great with other dogs and is just a super sweet girl so very sad that no owner ever came looking for her.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Kiara or any of our pets, our first step is our Adoption Application you can do here: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html. Once approved, we will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.

We are located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, 36092, our phone number is 334-567-3377 and our website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

By Rea Cord Executive Director

The American Veterinary Medical Association shows January as both National Train Your Dog Month and Walk Your Pet Month. How appropriate for these to be in the same month as who wants to walk a dog that is dragging you down the street the entire time.

Bigger dogs are very often surrendered to shelters because they need training and have terrible leash manners. This creates a lose-lose for dog and the owner as the dog is likely not getting enough exercise and has energy to burn so it simply wants to “go.” And frustrated dogs often become destructive (got to find something to do) or escape to just do what dogs do – run and check out their surroundings. Wouldn’t it be so much nicer to be able to go for walks and enjoy each other’s company. And since many of us humans make resolutions to start exercise programs this time of year, why not add your dog to the program. With just a little work your dog can happily be your walking/hiking/jogging partner so you can both get in shape together. Bottom line is a tired dog is a more wellmannered dog, so it is a win-win for both.

Teaching your dog to walk or run with you on a leash, to not jump and just to have basic nice manners does not take a PhD but it does take a bit of effort

and carving out small pockets of time to do some training. If you are new to having a dog and feel overwhelmed, then ask your Vet or friends about a good basic obedience trainer who can help. Our dogs love making us happy so immediate rewards for doing what you have asked is a fast way to get them on the right track. Some dogs are motivated by treats (use a special treat they do not get at any other time and something small so they don’t stop to chew), others are motivated by toys, and others just by your praise. Dogs understand clear, concise commands and most owners simply talk too much so the dog is confused and has no idea what is being asked of it. This is why a professional trainer can take your dog from you and in five minutes likely have it responding to commands. A good trainer simply knows how to clearly communicate with your dog. Kind of “oh, that is what you want me to do.” In reality – training a dog is about 75 percent training the owner as to how to effectively communicate with their own pet. Of course, our dogs are as different as we are so some pick up on lessons quickly while others take a bit longer. Knowing your dog’s attention span is very important as one dog may work great for 15 minutes before losing interest and for another 5 minutes is all they can give you before they simply tune out. Some are quicker on the uptake

than others and knowing what really makes your dog tick also makes a big difference. Does your dog respond to treats? Or toys? Or clicks or whistles? Every dog is different so finding what gets their undivided attention can greatly improve the chance of training success. One caution – some folks think they can send their dog off to a trainer and they will come back and be the perfect dog – not. Remember – you, the owner, are a huge part of the training process and you have to also learn how to communicate what you want so your dog will understand. You can send a dog to a trainer but part of that should also be you spending time with your dog and the trainer so the dog trainer can train you, the owner. Training of any kind takes patience and perseverance on everyone’s part, and it never really ends. Refresher training should honestly take place throughout your dog’s life – for both of you. A professional golfer isn’t successful only playing golf during tournaments – they practice, and get coaches, and research and practice more –true success entails dedication.

So, get out those comfy walking or running shoes, teach your dog first how to walk nicely on a leash, and start out 2023 with daily nice long walks/runs with your dog – the reward will be a tired and better behaved dog, and perhaps a more fit and more relaxed you as well.

Home is where the heart is

hard to believe that 2023 is already here. It can be said that many people do not appreciate having a home until they don’t. This is certainly true in the wake of natural disasters. People whose homes are damaged or destroyed obviously experience sadness, vulnerability, and a host of other potentially crippling emotions. Such emotions are completely valid and justifiable. The Bible has a term for these feelings. They are called laments. Laments go far beyond “Woe is me” declarations. Laments are expressions of deep emotion. Laments take many forms, except that they do not play the blame game. In other words, laments as defined in scripture do not try and identify guilty parties, pass judgment, or seek to make anyone feel guilty. Laments draw attention to the brokenness in the earthly kingdom. They are an outpouring of negativity longing for positivity in return from God. I am no Psalmist and have never claimed to be one. At the same time, there is a communal lament I feel compelled to share. It has to do with the rise of homelessness in our

community. Before I go any further, allow me to make a couple of things clear.

First, homelessness is a multifaceted problem facing the world in our time. There are no simple solutions or easy fixes. Some situations of homelessness are the result of poor decision making. Others are the result of neglect. Still others are the result of a shortage of safe, affordable housing.

Second, homelessness is a societal issue. It is not a problem to be solved by government or organized religion. Homelessness is not a disease or a plague. It is ultimately a failure of understanding God’s greater good.

Saturday evening, my wife and I headed to Montgomery to run a couple of errands and attend a

Tallassee Churches

concert at the MPAC. We both noticed several homeless people along the way and it sparked conversation. Alicia asked me what services were available. My response was “Yes, services are, but they can not accommodate the homeless population willing to accept them.”

The next morning, a homeless man came to church. Our church family responded as it always does with invitation, grace, and compassion. We determined to feed him, clothe him, and help him find a place to stay after worship until he could get back on his feet. I learned then that the Salvation Army in Montgomery closed its overnight shelter at the end of 2022.

The reason for the closure is that the current facility is being vacated as part of the development of the

whitewater park in Montgomery.

This situation has been in the headlines off and on for years. Again, my observation is not intended to point fingers at any party in the conversation. As is always the case, there is plenty of blame to go around. My observation is intended to point fingers at all of us. Whenever we hear or speak the words, “I don’t want a homeless shelter in my community”, what are we really saying? I don’t know about you, but I believe we are saying that we do not take God’s call to love others as we are loved by God seriously. Such words break the heart of God. We should all stop using them and change our tune. We can do better.

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

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

Tallassee wrestling remains unbeaten with big tournament win

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee wrestling team continued its undefeated season with an impressive outing this weekend.

Tallassee won the 2023 Julian McPhillips Invitational championship this weekend, a tournament hosted by St. James. Tallassee, which is now 21-0 on the season, had six wrestlers finish first in their weight class while nine total placed in the tournament. Out of 14 weight classes, Tallassee’s wres

tlers won six of them and had three more place. The team finished first out of 18 teams with 200 points, 23 more points than the next closest team. “We wrestled really well all weekend,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “We had a lot of byes on Friday so a lot of our guys only had one match. When we got to Saturday, we looked good and the kids wrestled hard. Having six in the finals is not normal, and to have all six of them win is even more rare. That is

Wetumpka boys beat Tallassee in county championship

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka boys basketball team led nearly wire-to-wire to claim the Elmore County Basketball Tournament Championship on Saturday night. Wetumpka beat Tallassee, 69-60, in the championship final held at the Tallassee High School Gym. The Indians went 3-0 across the tournament.

They beat Stanhope Elmore, 69-61, on Thursday, Elmore County, 80-62, on Friday, and Tallassee, 69-60, on Saturday.

“From the start of the year, our guys have wanted to make a statement that they’re one of the best teams in the county, one of the best teams in our area, and one of the best teams in Class 6A,” Wetumpka head coach Steven Thomas said. “From the first practice, they’ve taken that challenge and coming in here being able to win three in a row, that marks a checklist off a box that they’re seeing that success happen.”

Wetumpka led for much of the first quarter, but Tallassee was able to take a 15-14 lead behind seven points from Rowan Thornton.

That lead went back and forth for much of the second quarter, but Wetumpka found itself with a one-point lead with two minutes left, 24-23. The Indians then went on a 6-0 run from Nate Rogers, D’Marcus Peake and Elisha Williams to end the quarter to give themselves a healthy 7-point lead.

“That was a much needed run,” Thomas said. “When we play fast and go up-and-down, we’re able to make it easier for ourselves and we can just play. Whenever they see that success and see the ball go through the hoop, they get a little bit more juice. That’s when you see runs happen, and that’s what we saw to end the half. After that happened, I told them at half that we just had to weather the storm and we could make it work for us.”

There was no change in the third quarter as Wetumpka continued to lead by seven points, 45-38, but pulled away midway through the fourth quarter. The Indians were able to push their lead out to 18 points at one point, but Tallassee never went away.

The Tigers strung together nine points at the end of the game on free throws and a few steals and layups to cut the game closer, but the lead was too much to amount to a comeback.

Wetumpka was led in scoring by Nate Rogers for the third consecutive game. Rogers scored 19 in the game after scoring 26 and 28 points in the first two games, good for an average of 22 points per game.

“Nate is a competitor and he’s a gamer,” Thomas said. “Scoring is what he does best. He’s one of the catalyst on this team and one of the biggest guys on the team when it comes to scoring.”

Peak added 14 points to score in double digits for the third-consecutive game, while Malik Owens scored over 10 for the second straight game. Williams added 10 points.

Nate Rogers drives to the hoop in a semifinal matchup against Elmore County. Rogers averaged 24 points per game during the tournament.

Kayden Slay led the Tigers with scoring with 15 points while Thornton added 13 points.

OTHER GAMES

(B) Wetumpka 80, Elmore County 62

Wetumpka star junior guard Nate Rogers continued his scoring streak with his second-straight dominant day. Rogers scored a game-high 28 points as Wetumpka led wire-to-wire against the Panthers.

Rogers, who scored 26 points against Stanhope Elmore in the first round, is averaging 27 points per game so far in the tournament. He was helped out by D’Marcus Peake and Malik Owens, who scored 17 points and 18 points respectively.

Elmore County was led in scoring by Logan Pack, who had 14 points and hit four 3-pointers in the matchup.

(B) Tallassee 82, Holtville 41

The Tigers dominated Holtville from start to finish on Friday afternoon, and doubled up the visiting Bulldogs. Tallassee took a commanding 26-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, and led by a whopping 34 points at halftime. That lead was pushed to 43 points at the end of the third, and never got within 39 points the rest of the way. Tim Washington was efficient in his scoring for Tallassee as he led with 18 points and four 3-pointers. Rowen Thornton added 16 points.

(B) Wetumpka 69, Stanhope Elmore 61

Nate Rogers and D’Marcus Peake combined for 45 points as the Indians raced past rival Stanhope Elmore in the first round of the county tournament on Thursday afternoon. Rogers led all scorers with 26 points while Peake added 19.

Rogers did most of his scoring in the first half, as Peake did his late in the game. The star guard scored 12 points in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter to push the Indians up by five points.

Time for AU hoops veterans to step up

The No. 20 Auburn basketball program, now 12-3 overall and 2-1 in the SEC, has an unusually wide range between its best and worst capability in 2023 and both were on full display last week. The Tigers lost on the road to unranked Georgia by double digits 64-76. Then, turned around and defeated No. 13 Arkansas in Neville Arena by double digits 72-59. Obviously, there are many factors that determine wins and losses in a basketball game, but Auburn’s biggest challenge this season has been simply putting the ball through the hoop. Good defense travels and Bruce Pearl’s squad is very consistent on that end of the floor. They routinely hold their opponent well below their scoring average and predominantly hold a significant advantage in rebounds. The biggest problem has been scoring. The Tigers are 10th in the SEC in fieldgoal percentage at 43.4 percent, 11th in free-throw percentage at 67.6 percent and 12th in three-point percentage at 29.2 percent. They were well below all three averages against Georgia and above all three averages against Arkansas. If the shots are falling, Auburn can beat anyone. If they’re not, Auburn can lose to anyone. Point guard Wendell Green Jr and transfer big man Johni Broome have carried the Tigers for most of the year as the two leading scorers averaging 12.7 and 12.9 respectively. Senior Jaylin Williams has also improved his consistency and contribution going from 5.6 points a game last year to averaging 9.8 points this year. He has the talent to be even better but has yet to realize his full potential. Junior Chris Moore has also stepped up his game going from 1.7 points to 6.4 points this season. Unfortunately, those gains are being negated by Allen Flanigan, KD Johnson and Zep Jasper whose scoring averages have dropped in 2023. Jasper’s main contribution has always been his defense. It’s the production from Johnson and Flanigan that Auburn desperately misses. KD has really struggled from behind the arc, but frequently gets to the free-throw line and is an excellent free-throw shooter. Flanigan is the biggest mystery. He averaged 14.2 points a game in 2021 and was poised to be a major contributor last year before an off-season Achilles injury set him back significantly. He has since been unable to reproduce anywhere close to the same production from his sophomore season only averaging 8.2 points this year. Flanigan’s importance to the Tigers success was clearly evident Saturday night against Arkansas when he scored 18 points and pulled down 8 rebounds in the impressive victory. Auburn really needs him to step up now in SEC play. Someone has to make up the difference from the loss of Jabari Smith who averaged 17 points a game last year. Pearl’s freshman this year are contributing next to nothing.

Auburn is a completely different team at home compared to on the road as most teams are in the SEC. Neville Arena may be the biggest home-court advantage in all of college basketball. However, the Tigers will travel to Ole Miss and South Carolina in two of the next four games. Those are both definitely winnable and Auburn has to find a way to take advantage if they want to be a contender.

COURTESY PHOTO | THE TRIBUNE

The Tallassee wrestling team remained undefeated at 21-0 with a dominant win at the 2023 Ju-

lian McPhillips Invitational this weekend at St. James. Tallassee had nine wrestlers place in the tournament.

ANDY GRAHAM Columnist

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Rowan Thornton scored in double digits in both of Tallassee’s games in the county tournament.

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Law enforcement searching for fugitive

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the location of fugitive, Jonathan Thomas, 43. According to a CrimeStoppers statement Thomas is described as a black male approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall weighing approximately 160 pounds

“Thomas is wanted for second degree domestic violence assault,” CrimeStoppers said. “Court documents indicate that Thomas struck the victim with his fist, causing injury to the victim.”

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers continues to take a stand against domestic violence and is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the location and arrest of Thomas.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Thomas is asked to call the police or CrimeStoppers using its 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download the P3-tips app. If anyone gives a tip, they are asked to make sure they receive a tip ID and password in order to dialog with investigators in case there is a follow-up question. A tip may lead to a cash reward.

unique.”

For Tallassee, Rutland Phillips placed first in the 106-pound class, Mason Nelson placed first in the 113-pound class, Ethan Jones placed first in the 138-pound class, Christian McCrary placed first in the 152-pound class, Caden Griffith placed first in the 182-pound class, and Nolan Addeo placed first in the 195-pound class. McCrary was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the entire tournament after pinning his opponent in the championship match.

The other finishers for Tallassee were Avery Brantley who placed third in the 126-pound class, Thomas Patterson who placed fourth in the 106pound class, and Brady Adams who placed fourth in the 120-pound class.

“Having nine to place is really special,” Mask said.

“That’s a big deal. I think we wrestled well and we have some kids banged up that we need to get healthy for a final run this season. But everyone’s done really well. We want to keep working and growing and doing the little things right.”

One of the biggest matches, and wins, for Tallassee came from Jones in the 138-pound class. Jones found himself down, 11-0, with the match close to ending.

Jones, instead of giving up, fought to the end of the match and ended up pinning his opponent with less than 20 seconds to go and gave him the win despite being down.

“Those type of things are very exciting and rewarding to show the other kids to not ever give up,” Mask said.

Tallassee now turns its sights to the duals quarterfinals matchups. The Tigers already claimed the region championship, so they’re set to host an opponent. They will host Elberta on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Tallassee wrestling gym.

If Tallassee can win against Elberta, they’ll advance to the semifinals and host the winner of Gulf Shores and Beauregard on Tuesday, January 17th.

Staff Report

TPI Staff

Opportunities

AlaScans

Public Notices

Petitioner, vs. Jennifer Isha Freeman, the natural mother, Child’s father Respondents.

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION It appearing to the Court from the allegations in the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, Motion for Service by Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources, that the whereabouts of the Respondent, Jennifer Isha Freeman, are Unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent search, and that the identity and whereabouts of the Respondent, child’s father, are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent search, and therefore, the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon the Respondents Jennifer Isha Freeman and the child’s father. It is, therefore, ORDERED that said Respondents, Jennifer Isha Freeman and the child’s father, be served by publication of the following notice once a week for four (4) consecutive weeks in the Tallassee Tribune, a newspaper in general circulation in Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama, pursuant to Ala. Code §12-15-318(d). NOTICE TO JENNIFER ISHA FREEMAN AND CHILD’S FATHER, WHOSE IDENTITY AND WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts and or your identity are unknown to the Petitioner. You are being served via publication pursuant to Rule 13 of the Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure and pur-

Public Notices

Public Notices

AL DADEVILLE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF: CRYSTAL MICHELLE FREEMAN DOB 10-29-2016, dependent child. CASE: 62JU2021-17-02 Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources,

You must serve your answer upon the Clerk of Juvenile Court, 125 N Broadnax Street, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and upon Faye Edmonson, Attorney for the Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources, 135 M Tallassee Street, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, within 14 days of the last date of publication of this notice. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in the Juvenile Court of Tallapoosa County, Alabama, located at 125 N Broadnax Street, Dadeville, hearing on the Petition for Terby Department of Human Resources, Child Protective Services, on the 29th day of March, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights at the and time, without good cause, will result in a loss of your right to contest the Petition for Termination of Your Parental Rights to the above mentioned children. You may view and obtaion a copy of the petition and any documents at the Tallapossa County Juvenile Court located at 125 N Broadnax Street, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, DONE AND ORDERED this, the 21st day of December, 2022 /s/Clayton Kim Taylor. Judge Tallapoosa County Juvenile Court

Tallassee Tribune: Dec. 28, 2022, Jan. 4, 11 and 18, 2023 62JU2021-17-02 PUBLIC NOTICE Invitation to Bid Schmidt Environmental Const., Inc. is currently accepting proposals from suppliers & subcontractors for the Contract No. 2 Lagoon Upgrades for the City of Tallassee. Schmidt ECI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage MBE/DBE/WBE participation. For more information regarding this project or other projects SECI is currently bidding check out our website www.schmidteci.com, email jackie@schmidteci.com, or call (334)887-0334.

Tallasee Tribune: Jan. 11, 2023 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF COMPLETION Notice is hereby given that Video Industrial Services, Inc, phone number are as follows: Video Industrial Services, Inc, 7721 2nd Ave N Birmingham, AL 35206, has completed all work on the Collection System Improvements-Contract No 1 for the City of Tallassee. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the above-named Contractor and the Owner’s Engineer.

Tallassee Tribune: Jan. 11, 18, 25 and Feb. 1, 2023 COMPLETION

cking groups and others.

hese groups seek to rescue nd restore child victims of ex trafficking through develpment of uniform response rotocols, training and straegic partnerships with law nforcement, first responders, ealthcare providers, including uvenile justice, child-welfare gencies and schools while mobilizing communities to preent abuse, raise awareness and ncrease safety.

The signed proclamation is he first step in the process.

Alexander City public officials ave set the tone trafficking

is n

children ren toler ated. Now that the community members have heard the words, “Trafficking Free Zon Zone” or “human traffickincking” it’s important to educate them on what sex trafficking looks like in their communities, how to identify a potential victim or o trafficking ing situation and where to report suspicions The idea is through a brief one-hour long training, employees will learn how to

The Alexander City City Council faces tough ecisions to achieve a balanced budget. Department heads are asking for more posions to provide better services for Alexander ity residents. They are also making requests of he council to fund capital projects. Alexander City finance director Sandy tanbrough said the fiscal year 2021 working udget includes a 3% cost of living adjustment nd the requests for new employees. But conserative revenue estimations leave only $142,913 o cover nearly $4 million in capital requests for he city’s general fund.

spot what mi t ght be human trafficking as they work in the community on a daily basis. From there, the employee reports it to law enforcement to further investigate Tallapooapoosa County Sheriff’s Office i ce investigator Cameron Perry said the program is open to anyone in Tallapoosa County, especially businesses s “They are welcome to join the effort t rt too,” Perry said. “We want everyone to know human

of children will not be toler- spot what might be human trafficking is not welcomed fight against child trafficking of all forms across different disciplines and jurisdictions, including survivor care and support, community engagement, public policy advocacy

To learn more about how to get involved in the anti-trafficking initiative visit usiaht. org, Facebook and search SolutionsProject or contact

Mayor Tommy Spraggins said at a budget work session Thursday the city council faces ough decisions as it seeks to pass a budget Oct.

“It doesn’t leave much for capital projects,” praggins said. “We have either got to have more revenue, cut expenses or borrow money.” Spraggins and Stanbrough made revenue proections based on fiscal year 2019. The record evenue of the past few months is not taken into ccount.

“We purposely didn’t forecast an increase in a

Turner said the city’s dispatch requires three people per shift and certifications specializing in dispatch. Recreating the lead dispatch position will solve several problems, he said. Turner also requested creating security positions for the entrance at the new municipal complex. Turner hopes to be able to use retired law enforcement in part-time positions but may need to hire a full time employee if that measure doesn’t work.

Turner and fire chief Reese McAlister asked for help moving forward with increasing pay for

taxes are collected between October and December through the Tallapoosa County Revenue Commissioner’s Office. Sales taxes levied by the Tallapoosa County Commission go to the Alexander City Board of Education. But the City of Alexander City provides more. The extra alloca-

exander City Mayor Tommy Spraggins; Cameron R. Perry, Tallapoosa County Sheriff Of ce investigator Cameron Perry; Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett; Tallapoosa County Sheriff Of ce chief investigator Ray Arrington; Jaci Burgess, Tri-County Child Advocacy Center; Teresa Collier co-director of the Child Traf icking Solutions Project; Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner and deputy chief James Easterwood.

Commission gives update on storm cleanup

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Last week’s storm across Lake Jordan created more debris than the southern Elmore County tornado after Thanksgiving.

The roads are passable around Holtville and Titus following last week’s EF-2 tornado and Elmore County crews will help with cleanup in all areas. To be efficient, public work crews have returned to the southern part of the county for the next few days.

“Depending on whose eyes are looking at it, there are two to four times the debris [in Holtville and Titus],” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer told the Elmore County Commission Monday. “Most of the damage is on the Titus side. Now that things are passable there, [crews] are trying to finish the Jasmine Hills and Willow Springs first and also gives residents and utility companies a chance to get debris to the right of way.”

Beyer said 45 structures were surveyed around Lake Jordan with 16 sustaining severe damage and two those totally destroyed. Beyer said cleanup in the Jasmine Hill and Willow Springs area saw 3,100 cubic feet of debris hauled away so far by county crews and two to four times that is estimated on Lake Jordan.

Beyer said the hope is the delay in returning to Lake Jordan will give property owners more time to clear their property.

“Those areas are very tight and minimize the times the county works staff has to go through there picking up debris,” Beyer said. “Normally you will see debris come multiple times to the right of way. We are trying to be as efficient as possible.”

Beyer said there were no fatalities and no injuries in last week’s storm.

REBUILD ALABAMA

The Elmore County Commission approved a report required under the

2019 Rebuild Alabama plan.

“This will be our third report under the Rebuild Alabama program,” Beyer said. “When the fuel tax was increased and further indexed in 2019, it started a process where the counties were not only receiving additional revenue for roads and bridges but also an accountability process.”

The new funds under Rebuild Alabama have allowed for over 21 miles of resurfacing and one bridge replaced with a large culvert totaling $1.723 million. Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said the funding allowed some projects to be done ahead of schedule.

“We are able to push up resurfacing projects and bridge projects in some cases up to eight to ten years,” Mercer said. “If it had not been for money we would not have been able to do those projects. These funds give us the ability to better protect the largest investment our taxpayers have made — our infrastructure system and replace bridges.”

In other action, the Elmore County Commission:

• Approved minutes of the Dec. 12 meeting.

• Approved a memorandum of warrants in the amount of $4,061,812.34 for the period of Dec. 3 through Dec. 30.

• Approved the reappointments of Hertisene Crenshaw, Fagale Shuford Grant and Keith Means to the Crenshaw Park Board.

• Approved agreements with the Alabama Department of Transportation and a memorandum of understanding with the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) for work on Marion Spillway Road. Portions of the road are the county’s responsibility and others ADOC.

• Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Jan. 23 for the vacation of property on Lake Region Drive.

The Elmore County Commission is scheduled to meet again at 5 p.m. Jan. 23.