Tallassee Tribune Jan. 18 2023

Tallassee author Willie Moseley writes 15th book

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

ATallassee author has published a book on former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential nominee Mike Huckabee. Instead of politics, Willie Moseley finds another side to Huckabee — music and a guitar collection.

Moseley has been writing for Vintage Guitar for nearly 34 years and writing books on music for almost as long. He was even a reporter for the Tallassee Tribune for 12 years before retiring. It all served as fodder for connecting with Huckabee to tell the story of Huckabee’s guitar collection.

“I had heard he was into guitars and he had a collection of guitars,” Moseley said. “This would have been when he lived in Santa Rosa

Beach. I found out his address and kind of took a chance, sent him a copy of Vintage Guitar magazine .”

As luck would have it, Huckabee contacted Moseley and the conversation bloomed.

“It turns out that we both know a guy who lived down there, Jeff Carlisi,” Moseley said. “He was the founding lead guitar player for 38 Special. He and I just kept communicating with each other. I started sending copies of the newspaper column I used to write for the Tribune and a few other things.”

Moseley said the conversations didn’t ever move into the world Huckabee was more famous for.

“It was my attitude going in, we spent a grand total of zeropoint-zero-zero hours talking about politics,” Moseley said. “We talked about music. We talked about players we had both listened to growing up. We talked about instruments, some of the instruments we played in the 60s. We had that common turf as well. We had a lot in common. I didn’t want to talk about politics.”

According to Moseley, the pair never did talk Democrat or Republican at any level. Instead, Moseley delved into Huckabee’s guitars and love of music.

“He is in my opinion a bonafide player, not just some baby

See AUTHOR, Page A2

Obituaries

DONALD CLYDE BURTON

Donald Clyde Burton, 79, of Dadeville, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be Monday, January 16, 2023, at Beulah Baptist Church at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Tim Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, January 15, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the church and also again on Monday at 1:00 P.M. before the service. Pallbearers will be Lanier Burton, Chuck Milner, Trey Hard, Ronald Taunton, Donald

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 12

Taunton, Brad Davis, Martin Johnson, and Matthew Knox. Honorary pallbearers are Bryan Davis, Dwayne Johnson, Larry Knox, Phil Savage, Kevin Butler, Bobby Brown, Wilson Jolly, Ricky Phillips, Mitchell Smith, and James Stroud. Mr. Burton is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Rebecca Burton, his son Clark (April) Burton, his grandchildren Blair and Bo Burton, and his brother Harlan (Gail) Burton. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jan Ward and brother-inlaw Richard Phillips, Jr. and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert Clyde and Nellie C. Burton, and his sister Shelby Burton Milner. Mr. Burton was a long time mem-

• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Washington Avenue.

• Trees were reported in the roadway on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Utility poles were reported in the roadway on Wall Street.

• The roadway was reported blocked on Second Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Gilmer Parkway.

• A reckless driver was reported on James Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute on Second Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Wall Street.

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

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Peachtree Street.

JAN. 11

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Doman Avenue.

• Fraudulent use of a debit or credit card was reported on Old Bridge Street.

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• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Public lewdness was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Weldons Drive.

• A noise complaint was reported on East Patton Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Dubois Street.

• Public lewdness was reported on Powers Extension.

• A disorderly person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Powers Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Fourth Street.

JAN. 10

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

JAN. 9

• A verbal altercation was reported on Peachtree Street.

• A disorderly person was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gammils Store Road.

boomer collector that is perhaps hoarding instruments,” Moseley said. “He actually plays bass with a house band. He sat in with a lot of different people. He has jammed with the lead guitarists from Def Leppard.”

The forward to Moseley’s book on Huckabee, “Basses and Guitars: The Huckabee Collection” is written by guitarist James Burton who played for Elvis and Ricky Nelson.

“James says that Huckabee is a good musician as well,” Moseley said.

Moseley said Huckabee’s guitar collection is a reflection of knowledge of individual instruments.

“He likes to collect instruments not because of their dollar value or thinks if they will appreciate,” Moseley said. “He wants to know the people’s stories behind them, if he can find them out — particularly the ones made by small shop Luthiers. He wants to know the story why it was created.”

Moseley said Huckabee’s collection is unique in other ways.

“Two-thirds of his collection was actually given to him,” Moseley said. “He doesn’t buy and sell as much as the average collector like I would use to do.”

Huckabee did have a Fox television show Moseley said he mimicked in the book.

“I wanted it to be infotainment,” Moseley said. “His show is that —

ber and retired deacon at Beulah Baptist Church. He was also a Mason. He loved life, loved to work, and especially loved woodworking with his hands. After he retired, he enjoyed spending time in his shop drinking coffee with friends and making things to give away. He loved his family especially his grandchildren, and he enjoyed hunting. He also had a love of music and sang with the Tellers Quartet for six years. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his Enhabit Hospice team and his caregivers. In lieu of flowers please donate to one of his favorite charities: Beulah Baptist Church parking lot fund, American Heart Association, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

• Trespassing was reported on Wall Street.

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

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Hudson Place.

JAN. 8

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Little Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Upper River Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Upper River Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on East Patton Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on First Avenue.

JAN. 7

• A domestic dispute was reported on Powers Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Rickey Lane.

• A welfare check was conducted on Jacob Court.

• A noise complaint was reported on Magnolia Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Magnolia Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jordan Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on on Barnett Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Carr Circle.

infotainment. It was an inspiration but it is also the way I like to write a lot of my books.” Moseley said he traveled to Arkansas to speak at length with Huckabee about the book and just hangout.

“I always have the cassette recorder handy,” Moseley said. “We just zeroed right in on what we wanted to do.”

Moseley was a salesman for decades before spending 12 years at the Tribune . Moseley now travels from his home near Kent on a regular basis to work out at the Tallassee Recreation Center. He gets other cardio workouts to help keep him young at 72. Moseley didn’t give up writing when he retired in late 2015. He has written five books since and four of those have been published. It’s all in an effort to keep Moseley active, especially mentally.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on Little Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Wall Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Monroe Street.

JAN. 6

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Roosevelt Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Softball Way.

• A white male was arrested during a civil disturbance call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on West Main Street.

JAN. 5

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Little Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Delta Road.

• Menacing was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 8

• Domestic violence was reported on Rivercrest Drive.

JAN. 3

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

“I do it instead of sitting around and being a couch potato, I don’t want to do that,” Moseley said. “I’ve got time to do it. It takes time to do it. You have to stimulate your mind just like you have to stimulate your body.

“Writing is something that will keep you occupied and in my situation it will help keep the gray matter stimulated too. I think you need to do that when you retire.

Other books written by Mosley include Classic Guitars U.S.A., Stellas & Stratocasters, Executive Rock: A Fan’s Perspective on the Evolution of Popular Music since 1950, Guitar People, Bill Carson: My Life and Times with Fender Musical Instruments, Vintage Electric Guitars: In Praise of Fretted Americana, Heart of Dixie: Everyman Observations From a Transitional South, Smoke Jumper, Moon Pilot: The Remarkable Life of Apollo 14 Astronaut Stuart Roosa, The So-Called Commentaries Volume 2: Everyman Observations on Reality, Entertainment and Politics, Forever Blue: The Memoirs of a Lanier High School and University of Kentucky Coach, Peavey Guitars: The Authorized American History, The Bass Space: Profiles of Classic Electric Basses, The Atlanta Rhythm Section: The Authorized History and Bakersfield Guitars: The Illustrated History. Not yet published is A Luthier’s Life: Roger Fritz’s Guitar Odyssey. A 16th book is in the works but Moseley wouldn’t hint anything else about it.

BURTON

CHOIRS

“Over 40 schools from around the Southeast will be in attendance, including Opelika, Homewood, Eufaula, Hoover, Saraland, Pike Road, Vestavia Hills, Auburn and many more,” Tallassee High School music teacher Michael Bird said. “There are also choirs from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia participating in this event.”

The Capital City Clas -

sic was created by former Tallassee High School music teacher Jerry Cunningham in 2009 after Tallassee would travel to places across the Southeast for its show choirs to compete.

Tallassee High School only has about 500 students enrolled, but Bird said more than 200 students are involved in the school’s choral program with students participating in three show choirs, a chamber choir, a concert choir and men’s and women’s choirs.

“We are one of the smallest schools that participate in show choir competitions,” Bird said. “Everywhere we go, we are up against the Homewoods and Hoovers and Vestavias of the world, schools with 2,000 or 3,000 students. It’s like Tallassee having to compete in class 7A against much larger schools with greater resources.”

Bird credits others for laying the foundation of the choir programs at Tallassee High School. It started with the band pro -

grams that have evolved into the Pride of Tallassee and the choral program started to flourish when Jerry Cunningham got involved.

The three show choirs at Tallassee are:

“25 years ago, Mr. Cunningham left a job at a much larger school with a lot more prestige to return to his alma mater and start this program back up again,” Baird said. “In his first year, he developed a show choir, which has now expanded to three groups that compete all over the state and region each year.”

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

The National Weather Service confirmed that a strong long-track tornado was responsible for the damage done in Coosa, Elmore and Tallapoosa County on Thursday afternoon.

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the next two miles, the tornado rapidly strengthened as it approached the Old Kingston community, where EF-3 damage began along County Road 43.

“At this location, at least three manufactured homes were obliterated with their frames thrown up to 100 yards,”

An NWS report on the storm damage stated. “A pickup truck was sent airborne and landed 120 yards to the northeast, where a shallow crater was formed by its impact.”

The storm became fatal as it continued its path of destruction on Sandy Ridge Road.

“In total, five fatalities occurred along Sandy Ridge Road at three separate residences,” the report said.

Two more fatalities were recorded on County Road 140, at the eastern end of the road.

“At least five manufactured homes were blown away with their frames thrown considerable distances,” the report continued. “Several vehicles were picked up and thrown, and one pickup truck had its cab separated from the bed.”

The storm continued to do damage in Autauga County, but the worst of the damage seems to have been in the three mile stretch of County Road 43 to County Road 42. According to the NWS, wind speeds reached at least 150 mph.

“Based on the damage scene and contextual evidence, it is plausible that winds were stronger,” the report reads. “However, with only manufactured homes in the path, there appear to be no damage indicators that will allow a higher rating.”

Residential structure damage intensified as the tornado neared the Autauga and Elmore County line where site-built homes sustained majority or entire roof removal along County Road 68 E near Poplar Springs Road.

“Similar residential structure damage was observed in northwest Elmore County as the tornado neared areas west of the Coosa River,” The report continued. “The tornado then crossed the Coosa River, affecting Neely Road on the west bank and Kelly Road on the east bank, as well as nearby roads.”

The tornado continued to uproot trees and damage structures as it crossed Grays Ferry Road on the northeast side of Titus. According to the NWS, the volume of snapped pine trees increased “notably.” Countless trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado moved northeastward toward the Elmore and Coosa County line at Highway 231.

“Structural damage continued to consist of roof uplift or removal and damage from wind-blown debris and fallen trees. Radar showed a debris ball in southern Coosa County which match ground observation of a truly extensive area of snapped pine trees at and on either side (downstream and upstream) of the southern portion of McKissick

Road, located between the communities of Speed and Equality,” the damage report stated.

The volume of snapped trees was enough to assign an EF-3 rating for this segment of the tornado’s path. Additional “significant damage” occurred along County Road 18 where vehicles were moved or flipped, numerous trees were snapped, and site-built homes were heavily damaged with one destroyed. This was another area assigned EF-3 intensity.

The tornado continued northeastward toward the Coosa and Tallapoosa County line where additional timber damage was noted.

The tornado briefly weakened as it approached Cedar Creek Road and Elkahatchee Road.

Timber was snapped and uprooted consistent with EF-1 damage. The tornado continued northeast crossing Highway 63 S approaching the Wind Creek State Park area.

The tornado then moved toward Coven Abbett Road and then Elbert Road. Several homes sustained damage here, some significant with roofs blown off, boat houses destroyed, and adjacent significant timber damage as dozens of large hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted.

Elbert Drive, Loblolly Lane and Elbert Road were impacted. The tornado then crossed the northern section of Lake Martin before impacting additional lakefront homes. Numerous homes were damaged on River Run Road and the adjacent side streets. Some homes sustained “significant damage” with entire roofs blown away and exterior walls collapsed or removed. At least two homes were shifted from their foundation.

“The high-end EF-2 damage here could be partly due to the interaction of the tornado with the lake surface, as well as the exposed nature of these homes since most structures inland seemed to be “sheltered” from adjacent heavily wooded areas,” the damage report stated.

The tornado also damaged homes along Lake Ridge Drive. The tornado continued northeast causing pockets of EF-1 timber damage as it crossed U.S. Highway 280. The tornado then moved across the rest of Tallapoosa County causing mainly varying degrees of timber damage in the EF-0 to EF-1 range, including the Sessions area.

The tornado continued northeast into Chambers County causing additional swaths of mainly timber damage in the EF-0 to EF-1 range. The tornado began its final weakening stage as it neared Highway 77, dissipating shortly after crossing County Road 114 at around 02:08 p.m.

• Voltage, which is a hand-selected group of 29 students who compete in the Mixed Show Choir division for choirs with boys and girls.

• Divas, which is an auditioned all-female group that competes in the Unisex Division.

• The unauditioned Gold Edition, the longest-running all-male show choir in the South -

east comprised of male students from all areas of the school.

The competition starts Friday, Jan. 27 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in downtown Montgomery. Divas will give an exhibition performance at 10 p.m. Voltage will give an exhibition performance at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 and will be followed by Tallassee’s Gold Edition in exhibition.

The report states the tornado was consistently on the ground for 76.67 miles with a maximum width of 1,500 yards. The tornado reached maximum wind speeds of at least 150 mph. The storm is responsible for seven deaths and 16 injuries. All of the fatalities occurred in Autauga County.

Inauguration Day

The Inauguration of our Alabama Constitutional officials was Monday. Our state constitution calls for the inauguration to be held on the third Monday in January.

Obituaries:

As you would expect and as Almanac’s suggest, it is usually a cold day. Over the years I have had countless folks harken back to their high school band experiences of marching in the Inaugural Parade, especially ladies who had been majorettes. They had to march and twirl a baton in 20 degree weather with skimpy, legless, bathing suit style attire. It left them with a lasting indelible memory of an Alabama Gubernatorial Inauguration.

Mind you, I was not there, but every old timer who has talked politics with me over the years and who have seen a good many inaugurations, will remark that the January 1963 George Wallace initial inauguration as governor was the coldest. There was a lot of frost bite that day. However, the inaugural address from George C. Wallace was hot and heavy. That was the day that Wallace threw down the gauntlet and declared “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.” That was exactly 60 years ago.

A lot has changed since that day. It was during the Wallace era that the Civil Rights movement changed the political landscape of the nation and especially in the south. Wallace was an integral part of that historical era. He watched it all unfold from his Goat Hill office overlooking Dexter Avenue and he was the reason for a lot of the bloodshed. Every time I see an inauguration on the Capitol steps, I reminisce about the history that has been made in that block of Dexter Avenue in Montgomery.

The men who wrote Alabama’s

overtly racist 1901 Constitution and the crowd that howled in defiance as Wallace made his 1963 declaration, would marvel at the change and diversity of today’s Alabama. It is poetic and ironic that this year’s Inauguration Day, January 16, 2023, was on the same day as Martin Luther King Day, a state and national holiday. Kay Ivey grew up in the heart of the Wallace Era in Wilcox County. She cut her political teeth campaigning for the Wallaces. She was especially involved with Lurleen Wallace’s 1966 governor’s race when she was a student at Auburn University. After Auburn she worked for a while in Banking and teaching in Mobile. She began her Montgomery career as the reading clerk in the Alabama House of Representatives under the tutelage of Speaker Joe McCorquodale. Black Belters, like McCorquodale, controlled the House and the Senate. Kay Ivey’s melodious, pronounced Black Belt accent drew folks’ attention to her reading even the most mundane legalese for hours on end. She later became associated with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. As their Public Relations and Governmental Affairs Director, she learned the legislative process. She entered the political arena in 2002, when she was elected State Treasurer. She served eight years in that post. She was then elected Lt. Governor in 2010 and reelected in 2014. In the middle of her second term, she became Governor after Dr. Robert Bentley vacated the governor’s office. She

served out the last 18 months of his term and was elected in her own right as Governor of Alabama in 2018. She was reelected, overwhelmingly, last year. If Kay Ivey finishes out this four year term she will have been Governor of Alabama longer than anyone else besides George C. Wallace. She is the first woman to be elected as a Republican. She is the second female governor, the first being her idol, Lurleen Wallace, 56 years ago.

Also inaugurated with Governor Kay Ivey were Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Secretary of State Wes Allen, and State Auditor Andrew Sorrell. Jeremy Oden and Chip Becker were sworn in for four-year terms on the Public Service Commission.

Two Supreme Court Justices, Kelli Wise and Greg Cook, were sworn in for six-year terms in a special investiture last Friday. Justice Kelli Wise was sworn in for her third term. She has served 12 years on the Supreme Court and was on the State Court of Criminal Appeals for a decade prior to being elected to the high court. Justice Greg Cook was sworn in for his initial term on the high tribunal. He is a well-qualified and conservative jurist, who will fit in well on the Supreme Court. It was a big day in Alabama politics.

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.

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

Fifteen years of the Capital City Classic

It was the last week of January, 2009. Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. Pilot Chesney “Sully” Sullenberger landed a U.S. Airways flight on an icy Hudson River, saving his passengers and becoming a hero in the process. In California, a woman gave birth to eight children and became known as the “Octomom.”

And in the brand-new Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Tallassee High School hosted its first Capital City Classic, a show choir competition.

Tallassee High School had distinguished itself in the music world for a long time. Between the accomplishments of the Long Blue Line and, later, the Pride of Tallassee, the band program was noted around the region for its superior-rated performances and increasing participation during an era when many school bands were downsizing. Similarly, the choral side of the program had really taken off during the decade of the 2000s, as more and more students began participating in the award-winning, nationally recognized show choirs at THS: New Image, Gold Edition, Voltage, and Divas.

By the 2008-09 school year, choral director Jerry Cunningham had planned to begin his own competition. After decades of attending contests hosted by other schools, Mr. C planned this one with a twist: instead of hosting the competition at our school, we would rent the nicest auditorium in the tri-county area instead.

And the choral directors all over Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia began flocking to this event, which has become one of the greatest successes in our department.

As we host the 15th annual Capital City Classic January 27-28, we invite you to come and enjoy the music of choral groups from Pike Road, Chelsea, Eufaula, Pell City, Oxford, Auburn, Albertville, Opelika, Enterprise, Prattville, Spain Park, Homewood, Hoover, Helena, Vestavia Hills, and many more from within our state. We also have groups from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia performing in the competition. Finally, we are very grateful to the sponsors who have helped make this festival possible.

We hope to see you Friday and Saturday, January 27-28, 2023, at MPAC!

There’s been a great deal of debate about last week’s debates in Washington. I’m sure that you’ve heard about the saga of Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s now successful bid to be the Speaker of the House. Final votes have been counted, fingers were pointed, names were called and hands were wrung. Pundits expressed daily dismay over the few days of delay in getting the new members of Congress officially sworn in. Suddenly the mantra was that without committee chairmanships being official national security was at risk. Investigations into Hunter Biden, the Wuhan Lab, the January 6th files, Twitter suppression, the raid on Mar-A-Lago, and all sorts of other egregious doings of the establishment and deep state were delayed by at least a whole 96 hours. The pearlclutching was unnecessary and

The political gutting of ethics for politicians

During the 2023 battle for the House Speaker, the number of ballots needed to pick a leader gathered the most attention, following by the need for concessions to win over “House rebels.” Less attention has been paid to one of those concessions, the “gutting” of the Office of Congressional Ethics. Yet that moment should command more of our attention than remembering exactly how many votes it took to pick Kevin McCarthy.

As the debate over the House Speaker was taking place, the most famous member of the House became a newly elected politician, George Santos. There was an outcry over how this candidate extensively fabricated his resume, and he’s wanted abroad. State and local officials are investigating him.

Normally, this kind of candidate seems to be exactly what the Office of Congressional Ethics, a generally independent body, was created back in 2008. The look at the allegations, and determine which cases have serious enough charges, and enough information, to be investigated. Now, not so much.

It wasn’t just the investigations that the OCE did, but their public revelations also helped produce good governance. When they reported on a House member and family accused of insider trading, it led to a law designed to curb

this practice. I guess someone doesn’t want those kinds of investigations. I thought GOP voters had a problem with insider trading.

The organization has effectively been defanged, with fewer counsels, forced resignations, and a nearly impossible mission to hold members accountable, even as Bloomberg News documented how this organization of private citizens has done a better job of holding members of Congress more accountable than institutions that “police themselves.”

One person who will be happy by the Republican rules passage that defanged the Office of Congressional Ethics is Joe Biden. He was wounded by the recent revelations that a batch of classified information was found at his VP library, and at his Delaware home. Though there are huge differences between what he did and Trump did (as well as Biden’s cooperation with authorities instead of having the hubris to try and hold onto classified material and demand it back), the episode could have hurt him politically. But with Republicans showing disdain for ethics, it’s hard to demonstrate

that you want honest government when you won’t even properly police themselves. Hopefully a Special Prosecutor will be appointed to look into this mess. The other most relieved individual is George Santos himself, who is quoted as praising the decision (calling it “fantastic”), even as he misled his constituents that he was sworn in before the House Speaker vote, and had already voted against the Omnibus bill, when he didn’t, showing how little he had learned from 2022. Despite calls from local Republicans and organizations for Santos to resign and to hold a new election, McCarthy has his full confidence in Representative Santos, the gift who is likely to keep on giving for Democrats in the next election cycle.

As I write this, a religion candidate to be a professor at our college is giving a presentation on sin and crime and analyzing the difference. Her point is that some sins aren’t listed as crimes in laws generated by the secular world, especially when political expediency and concerns are at stake. But that don’t make ‘em right.

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.

Debating the debate

a bit ridiculous. Was it chaos on the floor of the House? Sort of, but not really. The best way to gauge the mood is less from what was said in front of the camera’s and more as to the mood you could actually see on the House floor. Bloomberg ran an article that unequivocally stated in the headline that “Conservatives have thrown Congress into Chaos”, but yet chaos is not what we saw as all members of Congress were actually seated in the Chamber together for the first time since God knows when. The debates were being held in the public eye, and the Clerk of the House deliberatively called the roll

for each person to answer or abstain. One could watch as members huddled for discussions, joked in the far corners, and compared notes on what they knew and who they knew. Twitter blew up midweek when conservative members Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz were seen having amicable conversations on the House floor with none other than progressive Democrat Squad Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Oh, the horror! Members of Congress actually talking to one another! In public no less! In truth, what we watched was refreshing. Actual debate, with actual roll call votes by members who were actually present for duty. It was as if the era of Pelosi had been vacated for good. For the past several years the Pelosi regime has shut the doors of Congress to the general public, allowed committee meetings to take

place by Zoom, and votes “on the floor” to done by proxy. When the 4,155-page $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was passed by the US Senate a few weeks ago it was transferred to the House and Pelosi brought it to a floor vote in just a few hours. No public debate to speak of. No hashing out amendments in committee. When the final votes were cast there were 226 members of Congress who didn’t even show up, they just cast their votes by proxy. So I was not a bit put off by a few days of wrangling in which a minority group of conservative members of the rank and file, with no establishment backing, and no choice committee assignments, and really everything to lose, stood together on principle to achieve a modicum of reforms to aid an otherwise broken and bent Congress. It was not only necessary it was right, but it was

also good, and it was what Democracy is supposed to look like. The ability for elected Representatives to take the floor and to hold sway over something that they believe is antithetical to the reasons for which they were elected is one of the hallmarks of a free society. They stood despite the accusations of belligerence, showboating, and obstructionism that were flying from the mainstream media and moderate Republicans. Insults and condescension are typical of a side that doesn’t have the angles it needs for free and open debate. The truth be told, I would be far more concerned if there had been no debate. This past week was healthy. It was truly democracy in action.

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

JOHN TURES Columnist

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

PHIL WILLIAMS Columnist

another dog will want to be able to play hard with her. Good with cats. She loves to cuddle, wants to be a lap dog, knows sit, loves to play tag with her kennel mate. Starr came as a stray way back in May 22 but had those nasty heartworms so had to be treated and she completed that in November, so she is ready to go to a loving and responsible

home. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under oneyear-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

Humane Society of Elmore County News

By Rea Cord Executive Director

We have written often about protecting pets and livestock from cold weather but all of the rain we have had causes even more issues. All this rain makes the ground soft so much easier for intrepid dogs to dig under and out of fences. It takes very little time for a dog to dig a huge hole it can wriggle under to go explore. So, walk your entire fence lines for areas that will invite your dog to dig and take corrective measures before your dog escapes. The recent storms added high winds to the rain and has greatly increased tree falls. Many times these falling trees also take out fencing for both dog and livestock alike. Old wood fence posts rot over time and long periods of wet weather can accelerate their demise.

Horses or cattle leaning on or over fencing can push over old fence and fence posts when the ground is soft. Livestock and pet owners should walk/check fence lines often this time of year to look for downed trees and failing fences. Loose

livestock can endanger the public, as well as the livestock, so let’s keep them safely fenced at home. Dogs that are kept in pens or small fenced areas (or tied) can end up living in a nasty mix of water, urine and poop which is not only cruel but unhealthy. Of course, the best answer is for them to have a large, fenced yard so that, when not in the house with their family, they can seek out the driest areas as they choose. But, no matter, there is no excuse for leaving an animal in deplorable conditions – bring the pet inside the house, move the pen/fenced area to a dry area, and make sure your pet has appropriate and adequate shelter so they can get out of the inclement weather and stay dry. And make sure outside pets have dry bedding in their houses! With the wind and rain, blanket type bedding gets soaked, even inside dog houses, so check it and remove wet bedding as how would you like to sleep on wet bedding in 30-degree temps at night!

And while livestock can withstand a lot of bad weather, if they are subjected to

Starr or any of our pets, our first step is our Adoption Application you can do here: https:// elmorehumane.org/adoptionapplication-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, AL, 36092, our phone number is 334-567-3377 and our website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

prolonged exposure to wet & mud, they can develop infections in their ‘hooves’ that can cause pain and lameness. Prolonged wet coats can also result in ‘rain rot’ so being able to get in Shelter where they can dry, plus a really good brushing to remove old, dead coat can go a long way in your horse, donkey, goat, etc., maintain their warmth even in the worst weather. There may not be any law requiring shelter for livestock, but your animals will be healthier and live longer if they can get out of the elements as they want. But there are Sheltering requirements for our dogs so that they can be protected from the elements –suffice to say, four solid sides, top and a floor off the ground so that no running water can get inside the Shelter and so they can be protected from wind and rain. Easiest way to keep everyone happy is to bring your pets inside and, if you do not have a barn, give livestock well-situated run-in sheds they can access to get out of the weather as they choose — they will appreciate it.

I believe in prayer

killing many of America’s best minds, television has brought the pictures to our living rooms and we as a nation grieved together. But last week at a nationally televised football game, a young 23 year old, Damar Hamilin, tackled another young man, got up, fell to the ground, and went into cardiac arrest. After

immediate medical attention, all of the men on both football teams knelt with tears in their eyes and deep emotion began hugging each other; what happened next was unbelievable! The players began to bow their heads, hold each other arm and arm and began to pray. Yes, they prayed to our Almighty God. Only months before, these same men refused to stand for the National Anthem of this great United States of America. The flag, which is a symbol of brave young men and women who gave their all

for these athletes to be able to pray for their fallen teammate! Many say the Star Spangled Banner does not mention God but I beg you to read the last verse, “then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto – “In God is our trust.” America was putting their trust in God for the healing of Damar Hamilin as was all these football players.

I have always heard it said and believe that God will find a way to show His presence in the most unusual way. A bond was revealed between football and faith. An unknown ESPN analyst, by the name of Dan Orlovsky, took a bold and public faith stance, bowing his

Tallassee Churches

head and openly praying. Some of the following words flowed from his mouth, “maybe this is not the right thing to do, it’s just on my heart that I want to pray right now … God we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard, because we believe that You’re God and coming to You and praying to You has an impact … I believe in prayer, we believe in prayer, and we lift up … in Your name.”

We are definitely reminded of the scripture, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth, ” (Job 19:25). Consider for a moment these words, “O Lord my

God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.” We have a lot to ponder. God the Almighty desires intimacy with us. Not only that, but He has redeemed us as well. One day we will see Him in all His glory and splendor. He will put to an end the things that rob our joy and steal our spiritual strength. Consider that and you cannot help but sing, “My God, how great Thou art!” Prayer changes things but changes people!

Jackie Wilbourn is a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Team.

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

Former Edgewood Academy quarterback signs with Jacksonville Jaguars

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Former Edgewood Academy star Nathan Rourke has announced his decision to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Rourke, who was the Edgewood Academy quarterback during the 2015 season, announced his decision on Twitter. He will be expected to compete for the back-up role behind starter Trevor Lawrence next year. The Jaguars current backup quarterback, CJ Beathard, will be a free agent after the season ends.

The Jaguars are currently in the Division Round of the NFL Playoffs after they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 31-30, on Saturday night. Rourke only played one season for Edgewood Academy after transferring from Canada for his senior season.

He has been playing for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League and recently set a CFL record for the best completion percentage in a season. See QUARTERBACK, Page B2

Tallassee wrestling beats Elberta in duals quarterfinals

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Editor’s Note: Tuesday’s semifinals matchup with Gulf Shores finished too late for our print deadline, but a recap and photos of the match will be posted online.

The Tallassee wrestling team dominated its way through the AHSAA Class 5A duals wrestling quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon.

Tallassee beat visiting Elberta, 57-11, in the 5A quarterfinals on Saturday. The Tigers advanced to the state semifinals and hosted Gulf Shores on Tuesday night at 5 p.m.

The Tigers won 11 of the 13 weight classes that wrestled against Elberta on Saturday. That included six pins and two major decisions.

“I was very impressed and very tickled,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “We wrestled very well and even the couple that lost, there’s things that can be corrected and corrected. They wrestled very well and I was impressed. Now we have to come back out on Tuesday and wrestle even better. Gulf Shores is a great team and we’ll have to wrestle our best.”

The match started with the two heaviest weight classes wrestling first. Jude Rogers, wrestling in the 220-pound weight class, got Tallassee on the board.

He earned the first pin of the day, pinning the Elberta wrestler in the third period after leading 15-7. His pin gave Tallassee a 6-0 lead.

The next match featured Tallassee’s Corbin Grover in the heavyweight division. This was

the longest match of the day, and easily the closest. Elberta’s wrestler took a 1-0 lead into the third period, but Grover was able to tie the match to send it to overtime.

After three overtime periods, Grover was able to score one point on an escape with five seconds left and won, 2-1. His win gave Tallassee three points and a 9-0 lead.

“He’s a mighty good wrestler,” Mask said of Grover. “It set the tone. There’s something to be said for momentum. Him wrestling the way he did and the way he finished can motivate the rest of the team. He really had a great match and wrestled very well.”

Following that, Tallassee had five consecutive dominant matches. Rutland Philliphs pinned his opponent in the first period in the 106-pound weight class, then Brady Adams (120) earned a pin in the second period.

Avery Brantley (126) had

a close match and won on a last-second takedown in the third period, and Ethan Jones earned a first-round pin to put the Tigers up, 30-0. Land Bell won his match, 17-2, and Tallassee won the first seven matches before Elberta earned a win.

Christian McCary earned a first-period pin following Elberta’s first win, and Tra’Mel McCoy, Caden Griffith, and Nolan Addeo wrapped up the match with three consecutive wins on the back end.

“They were all dominant,” Mask said. “They went out and wrestled to their ability. We try to preach that if you can get a pin early, do it. We don’t want to prolong the match. Sometimes you play around and make a mistake and get pinned yourself. So we like the idea of wrestling hard, being aggressive, and taking the pin if it’s there early. They took what was presented to them and finished.”

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The votes are in, and this week’s Herald Fans’ Choice Player of the week is Holtville basketball player Julie Nekolna.

Nekolna, a foreign-exchange student at Holtville his season, earned 315 of the 463 total votes. She beat out Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers (100 votes) and Wetumpka’s Zariah Fannin (48 votes).

Nekolna has now won back-to-back Player of the Week honors, the first athlete to do so all season long. She had a stellar first week back from the Christmas holidays and shined in the Elmore County Basketball Tournament.

In two games last week, Nekolna averaged 30.5 points per game and helped lead Holtville to its first county championship in school history. In a win over Tallassee in the semifinals, she recorded 36 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. She single-handedly outscored Tallassee’s team in the game.

In the championship game against Wetumpka, she finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks in the win. She was held to only five points in the entire first half, all on free throws, then scored 20 in the second half to lead the comeback attempt.

In the third quarter, she scored 11-straight points to tie the game.

Nekolna has been a massive piece of Holtville’s success this season. The Bulldogs are now 18-3, and that is largely in part to Nekolna’s 21.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

Former Edgewood Academy quarterback Nathan Rourke has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He tossed 59 touchdown passes his senior year with the Wildcats.

Former Wetumpka running back Kavosiey Smoke has announced his transfer to the play football at the University of Colorado.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Land Bell picks up an Elberta wrestler in the match on Saturday afternoon.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Corbin Grover wrestles with Elberta on Saturday. Grover won his match in triple overtime.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Brady Adams holds his opponent down in the wrestling match on Saturday.

ElCo Community Calendar

JAN. 24

ANNUAL WETUMPKA

LUNCHEON: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual luncheon at noon, Jan. 24 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. JAN. 30

TASTE OF ELMORE COUNTY: The Elmore County Food Pantry is holding the annual Taste of Elmore County fundraiser Jan. 30 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. FEB. 2-18

HOLLYWOOD, NEBRASKA: The Wetumpka Depot Players will be premiering HollYwood, Nebraska by Kenneth Jones Feb. 2-18.

FEB. 3

GALLENTINES: The businesses of downtown Eclectic are hosting Gallentines starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. The businesses will have discounts, a raffle and refreshments. FEB. 4

GALLENTINES: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting Gallentines in downtown Wetumpka from noon until 5 p.m. Feb. 4. FEB. 16

COFFEE MEETING: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a Rise and Shine Coffee and Conversation at CB&S Bank from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Feb. 16. FEB. 18

MARDI GRAS: The Order of Cimarron is hosting the 2023 Wetumpka Mardi Gras and Festival. Vendors will be in Goldstar Park starting at 9 a.m. and the parade starts at 1 p.m.

FEB. 23

CRATER TOUR: Auburn University professor of geology Dr. David T. King will give a lecture on the Wetumpka Crater at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. FEB. 25

CRATER TOUR: Guided tours of the Wetumpka Meteor Crater are being hosted by the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8:25 a.m., 9:55 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children over 10. Payments can be sent to 408 S. Main Street Wetumpka and checks made out to the Wetumpka Crater Commission. The tour starts at Trinity Episcopal Church.

MARCH 11

SPRING FESTIVAL:

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual spring festival March 11 on the grounds of Tallassee City Hall.

MARCH 20-25

BEAUTIFUL TABLE

SETTINGS: May Eason is bringing back the Beautiful Table Settings Bash March 20-25 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in two different sessions.

APRIL 15

COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting the 2023 CoosaPalooza Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 15.

APRIL 22

DOWNTOWN ART

SHOW: Don Sawyer is hosting a Downtown Artists Art Show in downtown Wetumpka Saturday, April 22.

ONGOING

PRESCHOOL

STORYTIME: After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.

ECLECTIC TOWN

COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

LIVING WORD: You belong here. You and your family are always welcome here. We are located at 1826 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, across from the Dollar General. Call 334-492-0777 for more information.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY

CLUB MEETINGS: Red Hill

Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON

CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025

LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly

Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.

CELEBRATE

RECOVERY GRACE POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE

RECOVERY SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@ santuckbaptist.org.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.

QUARTERBACK

Continued from B1

Rourke said the decision was a challenging one, but said it has been a pleasure playing for his home province in the CFL in front of his family and friends.

“Ultimately my decision came down to my commitment to the pursuit of the dream I first had as a youngster watching Brett Favre win Super Bowls on NFL Films,” Rourke posted in a statement. “I am excited to announce that the realization of that dream starts today.”

At only 24 years old, Rourke had a stellar season this year with the BC Lions. He set a CFL record with a 78.7% completion percentage, and his 123.6 passer rating was second best in the history of the league. He finished second in the league with 25 touchdown passes and sixth with 3,349 passing yards, despite only playing in 10 games and missing eight games with an injury. He was named the Most Outstanding Canadian after last season, only the third quarterback to win the award.

Rourke’s name has been in the record books since he was a Wildcat in 2015. After transferring to Edgewood as the top-rated quarterback from Canada in hopes of getting a college scholarship, he helped lead the Wildcats to their sixth-consecutive state championship.

In the process, he tied an Alabama state record with 59 passing touchdowns. That season, he also completed 75% of his passes for 3,768 yards and added seven rushing touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions.

Rourke initially signed with a junior college, but only spent one season there before signing with Ohio University. There, he set program records for total touchdowns (111), total offensive yards (10,091), and rushing touchdowns (49).

After not hearing his name in the 2020 NFL Draft, he was selected by the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League Draft. He became the first quarterback drafted in the first 15 picks of the CFL Draft since Jesse Palmer was drafted in 2001.

appropriate volunteer resources are in place to accept it.

Operating hours for the donation drop-off location is Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Questions related to the donation drop-off location should contact 804-3056471.

Any item donated should be in new packaging when possible.

THE DROP-OFF LOCATION WILL NOT ACCEPT

THE FOLLOWING:

Shoes, used clothing, used beds or bedding, expired food, chocolate, used appliances and used furniture.

THE LOCATION WILL ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING:

Socks of all sizes, t-shirts of all sizes, underwear all sizes (male and female), towels and washcloths, sheets and blankets, pillows and pillowcases, hairbrushes and combs, feminine hygiene items, bar soap, shower gel, lotion, disposable razors, shaving crème, Q-tips, shampoo and conditioner, baby diapers all sizes, baby wipes, Lysol spray, household cleaning supplies, trash bags all sizes, first aid kits, batteries all sizes, work gloves all sizes, baggies all sizes, brooms, mops, dustpans, shovels, rakes, washing detergent or pods, fabric softener sheets, dish liquid, dishwasher pods, over the counter meds (not expired): Neosporin, band aids, Tylenol, Advil, aspirin, coolers, paper plates, foam or plastic disposable cups, plasticware (forks, knives, spoons), paper towels, toilet paper, non-perishable food (not expired):, crackers (all kinds), boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, dry beans, rice, canned vegetables, fruits, and soups, spaghetti sauce in jar or can, pasta, salt and pepper, sugar, coffee, dry creamer, tea bags, cookies (no chocolate), pop tarts, granola bars, Gatorade (all flavors) and bottled water.

Points of distribution in the Lightwood and Titus communities of Elmore County are being finalized to serve as donation pick-up locations for affected residents of Autauga, Coosa and Elmore Counties. Those locations and operating hours will be announced soon. According to the Coosa County EMA, Elmore and Autauga counties are helping Coosa County with recovery efforts.

A Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) has

been established in Autauga County to provide volunteer coordination for those in need due to the severe weather.

The VRC will begin operations on Monday January 16, and be in operation until Wednesday January 18. Individuals desiring to volunteer should call 2-1-1 or go to First Baptist Church Posey Crossroads, 576 County Road 40 W, Prattville.

Operating hours for the VRC on Monday and Tuesday will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Coosa County is very appreciative for the generosity that Elmore County and Autauga County are giving to Coosa County residents affected by the tornado,” a statement from Coosa County said. “All three counties have had tremendous losses and all counties coming together, working together and helping each other is exactly what neighbors should do.”

In Coosa County, BridgeWays has been made aware of several families who will need gently used clothes from their community clothing closet. They are currently “critically low” on clothes for boys ages three to 12.

If you are able to donate, please leave bags of clothing on the front porch at the BridgeWays Program Center, 9922 Hwy 231, Rockford.

For Tallapoosa County, Lake Martin Area

United Way is collecting monetary donations to assist in the recovery efforts. Donations can be made online via the PayPal Giving Fund or the donate link on their website here: https://www.unitedwaylakemartin.org/tornado-relief-jan-2023.

They can also take check or cash donations at their office at 17 Main Street, Alexander City or mail donations to P.O. Box 876, Alexander City, AL 35011. When sending checks, make sure to include “Tornado Relief” in the memo line. United Way is not currently accepting in-kind donations of food, water, clothing, etc.

Salvation Army in Alexander City is taking donations for the tornado victims in Coosa and Tallapoosa County.

Items currently needed: Canned meats, peanut butter, crackers, toiletries, blankets, jackets, underwear of all genders and sizes, clothing of all genders and sizes and socks of all genders and sizes.

Salvation Army is also taking up monetary donations to assist with hotel stays. Monetary donations can be brought by the service center or mailed to 6800 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL, 35010.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

A long-track tornado destroyed homes on Lightwood Road in Elmore County Thursday, Jan. 12. The afternoon tornado killed seven people in Autauga County and continued a path of destruction through Elmore, Coosa, Tallapoosa and Chambers County.

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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, 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, 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 pursuant to §12-15-318, Ala. Code 1975. The State of Alabama, Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources, Child petition against your regarding the termination of your parental rights as to the minor child, Crystal Michelle Freeman, who was born out of wedlock. 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 Termina-

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tion 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

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Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, 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, 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 pursuant to §12-15-318, Ala. Code 1975. The State of Alabama, Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources, Child petition against your regarding the termination of your parental rights as to the minor child, Crystal Michelle Freeman, who was born out of wedlock. 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 Termina-

Yet another Thursday severe weather event forecast

By KAITLIN FLEMING Managing Editor

No, it isn’t a scene from the 1993 romantic comedy film Groundhog Day — severe weather is forecast for the third Thursday in a row.

According to the Birmingham National Weather Service (NWS) office, storms that form early Thursday morning could become severe and produce damaging winds up to 60 mph, quarter size hail and a brief tornado.

As of Tuesday afternoon, all of Central Alabama was placed in a level one out of five for the severe weather mentioned above. The “marginal” risk category means that all modes of severe weather can’t be ruled out, but that overall confidence in particularly severe storms isn’t extremely high.

But even though the risk is lower than previous weeks, the NWS still urges preparedness ahead of the weather. They urge residents to be weather aware overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning and to check the weather before leaving for work or

school Thursday morning. They also urge residents to have multiple reliable ways of receiving severe storm warn -

ings, like a properly programed NOAA weather radio and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) enabled on your cell

phone. WEA sends loud push notifications in the event your area is placed under a tornado warning.

If severe storms do impact Elmore County, it will come between the hours of 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Thursday morning. The storms are moving from the west to the east, so if you plan to travel late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, be aware that storms will be possible to the west between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday, and possible to the east from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m. noon Thursday. Outside of the possible storms, it will rain intermittently Wednesday throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to be warm, with a high Wednesday and Thursday in the low 70s and a low around the low 50s Wednesday. Once the storms move through the area, temperatures will fall. The low Thursday is expected to be just below 40 degrees and the high Friday is expected to hover around 55 degrees. Rain is possible again this coming weekend.

SUBMITTED THE OBSERVER The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed all of Central Alabama in a level one out of five risk category for severe storms Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.