Tallassee Tribune July 12 2023

State baseball tournament brings revenue to town

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

At 3 p.m. every day, the cows at Blue Ribbon Dairy are milked. July 4 was no different.

But as Michaela Wilson was leaving her milking barn, a storm was brewing at her Kent dairy farm.

“It started raining, lightning started popping,” Wilson said. “I decided to walk towards the house. We stepped out of the barn and the bottom fell out.” Storms were happening

across Elmore County and the National Weather Service had issued a thunderstorm warning.

Wilson decided to go to her truck which was closer than her house. What she didn’t know was one of her guard dogs was close behind.

“I almost smashed her head as I was getting in my truck,” Wilson said.

“She was right behind me and I didn’t know. She loaded up in the truck.”

Wilson said it was odd for the dog to get in the

cab of the truck as she most often travels in the livestock trailers.

“She knew something bad was going to happen,” Wilson said. “They kill coyotes but they don’t like bad storms.”

Wilson and the dog watched the rain fall as she talked on the phone.

“It was flooding,” Wilson said. “It looked like a river coming down through there. It washed a lot of rocks in the driveway.”

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

New children’s playground equipment is all fresh and shiny in a new park in

Property was donated to the city at the

of Second

nue and Charles C.C. Blalock Street. The park isn’t finished yet,

Schools this fall

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Free breakfast and lunch will be available for all students at Tallassee City Schools this school year.

The meals are being provided through the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

“This is the first year that Tallassee City Schools will operate under the CEP,” Tallassee Child Nutrition Program director Carol Wright said. “We should see increased student participation as students are no longer subject

C.C. Blalock Street. Landscaping,

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Michaela Wilson is still waiting on insurance to see if her barn will be replaced at Blue Ribbon Dairy.

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JULY 9

• A domestic incident was reported on Wood Street.

• A burglary in progress was reported on East Patton Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Wood Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Comer Lane.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Main Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A tree limb on fire was reported on Noble Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

JULY 8

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Noles Drive.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A suspicious vehicle

was reported on Gilmer Avenue. JULY 7

• Assistance was given to medics on Ice Plant Road.

• Assistance was given to medics on Main Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gammils Store Road.

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

• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.

JULY 6

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A civil disturbance was reported on First Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on First Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Cannon Road.

JULY 5

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer

Pet of the Week - April

Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Riley Road.

• Gun fire was reported on Parker Street.

• Computer tampering was reported on Friendship Road.

• Harassment was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Honeysuckle Lane.

• A civil disturbance was reported on First Avenue.

• Drug activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

JULY 4

• Trespassing was reported on First Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Noles Drive.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.

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

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Redden Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue.

• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Cherry Street.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A juvenile complaint

was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

JULY 3

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on Murphy Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on Bucks Pocket Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on McNeal Street.

• A burglary was reported on West Patton Street.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Second Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

JULY 5

• Theft was reported on West Fort Toulouse Road.

JULY 3

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JULY 2

• Theft and criminal trespass was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JUNE 30

• Theft and harassment was reported at Frog Level Park.

• Theft was reported on West Coosa Street. JUNE 29

• Criminal mischief was reported on Kelly Fitzpatrick Road.

• Identity theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

April is 1 ½ years old; she is a Shepherd mix who weighs about 54 pounds. April is a most wonderful gal. She is very loving, great with all other dogs, has super leash manners and is very attentive to her person. Her former owner took her in from someone else, but the other

family dogs said ‘Nope’ so she had to come to us. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee

covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the

first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Shelter to host 2 events in the fall

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

I f you love decorat -

ing for the holidays then our Tail’s End Thrift Store has deals for you during our “Christmas in July.”

All holiday items are 50% off all this month so come take advantage of the great deals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for shopping. And we will also be happy to receive your holiday decorations and any other donated goods

Community Calendar

NOW - MONDAY, JULY 31

TOY DRIVE: Main Street Wetumpka has partnered with Ivy’s Closet to host a toy drive during the month of July. New, unwrapped toys can be donated along with clothes, hygiene products, diapers and other essentials. There are five dropoff locations around Wetumpka including the Gab Salon, Coosa Cleaver, Stoddard’s Bait & Tackle, The Shoppes Downtown and Company Street Mercantile. For more information, please email ivysclosetelmore@gmail. com.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

DOWNTOWN ARTISTS

SHOW: Join the Downtown Artists for a summer show, which will be held on the same day as Wetumpka’s River and Blues Music & Arts Festival. The show will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Wetumpka.

MONDAY, JULY 17

AUBURN CLUB

KICKOFF: The Elmore County Auburn Club will host its kickoff fundraiser banquet at 5:30 p.m. July 17 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Proceeds from the banquet will be used to fund scholarships for Elmore County students to attend Auburn. Guest speaker will be Tiger baseball coach Butch Thompson. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased online or at The Shoppes in Downtown.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

CANDLE MAKING; The Tea Room at The Shoppes Downtown in Wetumpka will be hosting a Let’s Get Lit Candle Making with Olga. It will be held at 1 p.m. and is open to anyone ages 12 and up. The cost is $24 per person and can be purchased online.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

COMMUNITY DANCE: Red Hill School House will host a Get Lost in the 1950s night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 21. Montgomery Junction will be playing the oldies, and attendees are encouraged to wear their best ’50s attire. The public is welcome to attend.

YOGA NIGHT: Harmony Yoga & Wellness Studio in Eclectic will be hosting its first ever Open Mat Night, which is open to both members and non-members, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 21. This is a fun and informal opportunity to come freestyle practice or learn something new. Props and mats will be provided. All three of the studio’s certified instructors will be on site to assist and answer any questions. The event is free to attend but limited to 12 people so registration is available on the studio’s Facebook page.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

FOOD TRUCK

from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday through Saturday.

Looking ahead a bit, make sure to mark your calendar for our 17th annual Bark in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at Fort Toulouse with Sept. 24 as a rain date. We are trying an hour earlier start and end time so please make a note of that.

We always look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon at Fort Tou -

FESTIVAL: Millbrook Baptist Daycare will be hosting a food truck festival open to the public starting at 5 p.m. July 21. Parking is free, and there will also be a bouncy house and games featured. The Millbrook Baptist Daycare is located at 3431 Browns Road.

FRIDAY, JULY 21SUNDAY, JULY 23

SALES TAX HOLIDAY: Alabama’s back-to-school statewide sales tax holiday will take place from July 21-23 this year. Items that are tax free include books ($30 or less); tables, computers, laptops and printers ($750 or less per item); school supplies ($50 or less per item); and clothings and diapers ($100 or less per item).

SATURDAY, JULY 22

CHRISTMAS IN JULY:

Main Street Wetumpka will host its annual Christmas in July celebration in conjunction with Alabama’s back-toschool sales tax holiday. In addition to a fun downtown shopping event, there will also be Summer Santa, a candy cane scavenger hunt,

SATURDAY, JULY 29

WATER COLORING: A basic water coloring class will be held by Anita Winter from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tea Room at The Shoppes Downtown in Wetumpka on July 29. Winter is a selftaught artist who will teach you basic watercolor floral design along with learning the benefits of art and how it can be therapeutic to your mind, body and soul. Tickets are available online at cost $27.50.

THURSDAY, AUG. 3

TEAL TOWN: EXIT

Realty Hometown is hoping to raise $10,000 for the Butterfly Bridge and is hosting a networking fundraising event, Teal Town, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Eclectic Warehouse. The event will feature live and silent auctions, a wine pull and raffles.

FRIDAY, AUG. 11

BINGO NIGHT: Eclectic the Beautiful will host its first annual Bingo Night fundraiser starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Warehouse. The Wharf Casual Seafood and Pops BBQ food trucks will be set up. Bingo rounds will begin at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Each Bino card is $5, and there will be plenty of gifts and prizes given each session

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

WOMEN’S SUMMIT: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will host GRIT, a women’s summit with a lineup of inspirational speakers from all over the country. Tickets are $100 for the sixhour summit, which includes coffee and networking, a women’s business expo, a

louse and there will be plenty of vendors, activities, microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations, Patriotic 2023 Bark in the Park T-Shirt (still $15) and a day of fun at the park.

Vendor spots are available, and Bark in the Park is a great place for folks to be able to learn about your business, product or service. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc. Our vendor fee is only $40 and you must bring

your own tables/popup/chairs.

There is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator please let us know for site planning. You can fill out our vendor application online, or you can email us at hselco@bellsouth. net or message us on the shelter’s Facebook page to be provided with PDFs.

And we have a new event this year! From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 will be our first ever

gourmet lunch, a theater performance and a grand finale including amazing music. It will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets are available on the chamber’s webpage.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

BARK IN THE PARK:

The Humane Society of Elmore County will be hosting its 17th annual Bark in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Fort Toulouse. Sept. 24 is a rain date. Featured will be vendors, activities, a microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations and more. Vendor spots are available.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

OKTOBERFEST:

Oktoberfest Wetumpka is hosted by the Oktoberfest Planning Committee in downtown starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 30. Featured will be a day of music, performances, vendors and food. For more information, email wetuoktoberfest@gmail.com.

ONGOING

SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@ aol.com.

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.

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 334-5412025

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.

Paddle for Paws, a pickleball tournament at 17 Springs Millbrook. Registration is $35, plus a $5 service fee, which includes one event, a tournament T-shirts, snacks and drinks. There will be a round robin tournament. Depending on the number of teams in a bracket, the tournament director reserves the right to adjust the format. Small brackets may be combined. Eligible participants for Paddles for Paws

must be 19 or older. Completed teams — both partners registered and paid — have priority on available slots. Teams not paid in full or without partners may be moved to the waiting list to make room for paid teams. There will be a food truck available for lunch. All participants must comply with the 17 Springs Rules of Use.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

Tallassee Talks

liberty, stop quoting Hitler and Stalin

Over the past few weeks, a group known as “Moms For Liberty” and an official from Liberty University found themselves at the center of a debate over using a Hitler quote about education and the need to control it. It’s a questionable decision to do anything other than condemn it, given not only rising anti-Semitism but a growing tolerance for other ideas espoused by Nazis. As the quote is also made by Stalin, why use it while condemning opponents for being “Marxist?”

“Moms for Liberty” thankfully retracted the use of a quote, attributed to Hitler in a 1935 speech, which states “He alone who owns the youth gains the future.”

The Indianapolis Star documented several other times where politicians and school groups utilized this quote to justify their own attempt to control education.

A Liberty University official argued, “So if you do not control education, you cannot control the future. And Stalin knew that. Mao knew that. Hitler knew that. We have to get that back for conservative values.”

Later, he also tweeted, “It’s clear that education in many pockets of America has been weaponized against students and parents to advance Marxist, gender & deconstructionist ideologies.”

As a reminder, Stalin and Mao are Marxists. Hitler was sadly much more than just a talker. His Hitler Youth organizations for boys and girls produced graduates that committed atrocities in World War II, something our generation should know more about.

As Time Magazine reports “The world’s fascination with what was forced on young people under that regime — and what young people, under duress or not, did under its influence — has endured much longer. And today, especially amid trends such as the rising presence of white supremacist messages on college campuses, the vulnerability of young people to propaganda is no longer just a matter of historical interest.” These totalitarians need to be opposed, not quoted.

As the Anti-Defamation League notes, “On the bright side, a relatively low share of Americans harbors significant anti-Semitic attitudes, a finding in line with ADL’s previous surveys over the past 20 years. However, that share

still represents tens of millions of people harboring virulent views. Also of deep concern is the widespread belief among Americans in one or more anti-Semitic stereotypes.”

Neo-Nazis have tried to flex their muscles in my state of Georgia, in Cobb County and in Macon.

It turns out many Americans are knowing a lot less about the horrors of the Holocaust, as Kit Ramgopal from NBC News reports. “The findings raise concerns not just about Holocaust ignorance, but also about Holocaust denial … the survey shows that about half of millennial and Gen Z respondents have seen Holocaust denial or distortion posts online. Fifty-six percent reported having seen Nazi symbols on social media or in their communities within the past five years.”

We have also seen Holocaust denials and anti-Semitic rhetoric from celebrities and politicians, even a call to re-read some quotes from these despots at another liberty event. Such ignorance among some extends to whether we should have stood up to Hitler.

According to the New York Post, “The poll found that a whopping 18% of participants were unsure if Uncle Sam should’ve participated in WWII, in which President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

ven though it is not an election year, the Alabama political pot is heating up and beginning to boil as we celebrate the Fourth of July, and the summer heat settles into the Heart of Dixie.

The 2024 candidates for some open state judicial posts have been stirring around all year, and also candidates for next year’s local elections are gearing up all over the state.

There has also arisen a surprise election in Alabama’s largest county. Imperial Jefferson County has a special election for a very important and pivotal county commission seat. Republican Steve Ammons vacated this seat to take the post as CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance. In every other county in the state, a vacant county commission seat is filled by appointment by the governor. However, Jefferson County has an unusual local amendment that calls for a special election.

This local act does not only call for a normal special election, but renders a weird, wild west open no primary special election. It calls for a very quick, nonpartisan election similar to Louisiana. There are no party primaries and no party labels. Everybody and their brother can run, and the Jefferson County electorate has no way of knowing who they are, what they stand for or their positions on anything. All you have to do is get 100 signatures and you are on the ballot. I am surprised there are not 100 people running.

This race also has only a short window. People could start getting their 100 signatures around June 1 and get this, the election is July 18.

You are looking at an election in less than two weeks in the middle of the summer that affects only 20% of Jefferson County’s population. Folks, this one could very well break records for low voter turnout. However, it is a very important and pivotal election for a seat that will determine the partisan makeup of the state’s largest county. The current makeup is two Republicans and two Democratic commissioners. Republicans had a 3-2 advantage with Ammons on the commission. You would assume the vacant Ammons’ seat would be filled by another Republican because it is made up of the most affluent enclaves in the state, which include Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, and silk stocking Hoover districts along the 280 corridor. However, as stated, there are no party labels by any candidate, no

JOHN TURES Columnist

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

Commission approves applying for domestic violence grant

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Like it has done for almost 25 years, the Elmore County Commission approved seeking funding to fight domestic violence.

The potential grant through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has been awarded to Elmore County in the past. Assistant district attorney Jenny Hamiltion sought the commission’s approval to apply for the grant as it has done previously. She said the same $114,000 grant will be sought, and it requires a 25% match the agencies were asking the commission to provide. The grant would partially fund four sheriff’s deputies, two prosecutors and three victim services personnel.

Hamilton explained the grant application has changed and the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices now apply separately.

The commission approved a special events retail alcohol license for the Black Jacket Symphony at The AMP on Lake Martin for an event on July 22-23. Commissioner Mack Daugherty

ELECTION

Continued from A4 forums and no time to campaign — only a list of names. The assumption is a Republican will win.

However, the Homewood and Mountain Brook areas are one of the few enclaves of

said it is similar to applications at the amphitheater before and there has never been an issue.

Public hearings will be held in August to vacate portions of Lakeshore Court and Neely Road. County operations officer said adjacent landowners had approached

upscale, liberal do-gooder, white Democrats in the state.

It is imperative the Republican Party in Jefferson County identify who their preferred Republican candidate is in this race and get out its vote. It appears it may have done just that and have chosen Judge Mike Bolin.

Bolin is like manna

“All the equipment installed is secure and good to play on,” Tallassee parks and recreation director Megan Miller said. “There have been kids going over there and playing which is totally fine.”

The project came to life almost a year ago at God’s Congregation Holiness Church when church leaders approached former Mayor John Hammock about the idea of a park in Jordanville. Current Mayor Sarah Hill and the Tallassee City Council continued the idea for the city, which received grants for the project.

the county about it and didn’t anticipate any opposition from those landowners.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

• Approved the minutes of the June 26 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants totaling

from Heaven for the Jefferson County Republicans. As the old saying goes, “He was at the right place at the right time.”

Bolin recently retired from the Alabama Supreme Court and has time on his hands, and this seat comes open.

Bolin is one of the most respected and popular public servants in

the playground equipment.

“We have a company that is going to clean up the area as far as landscaping, putting in a new fence and laying some sod,” Miller said. “Once that is done there will be finishing, such as signs with rules and planting a few flowers.”

Hill hopes the partnerships shown in Jordanville with the new park will spark new and continued partnerships across the city.

“It’s great to think ideas for projects can start in the community and come to the city,” Hill said. “I also believe this is a great example of being able to partner with other entities such as the Elmore County Commission to improve the lives of Tallassee residents.”

$1,266,945.23 between June 18 and June 24.

• Appointed commission chairman Bart Mercer to the Alabama County Commission Association’s legislative committee.

• Approved county holidays and commission meeting dates for fiscal year

our state. He is also one of the most accomplished Jefferson County political figures of this era. He is Jefferson County through and through. He was born and raised in Homewood, went to college at Samford University and law school at Cumberland School of Law on Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood. He and his wife, who

to peer-group stigma sometimes associated with free or reduced price status.”

Wright said CEP is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to eliminate school meal applications and serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students.

2024.

• Authorized the chairman to execute documents to resurface and stripe Willow Springs Road from Jasmine Hill Road to Redland Road. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday July 27.

is also from Jefferson County, currently live in Vestavia.

Bolin practiced law in Jefferson County for almost two decades then was elected probate judge of Jefferson County where he served for 16 years. While serving as probate judge, he was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court, where he served for 18 years. He is a man of utmost integrity. Jefferson County is fortunate to have him take on this task.

the USDA guidelines for healthy school meals.”

Tallassee City Schools offered free meals during two years of the COVID19 pandemic. Wright said under CEP, a different set of metrics is used to determine if the entire student body is eligible.

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.

Medicaid are now counted as part of the ISP calculation.

Wright said providing free meals under CEP me ans less paperwork for parents and administrators as free and reduced meal applications are not required. There is also the elimination of unpaid meal balances.

“Students are never turned away from receiving a meal, even when they don’t have the money to cover the charge,” Wright said. “Students will still have the option to buy extras and a la carte items.” Wright said menus will be posted online and payment for extra items can be made through myschoolbucks.com or with cash or check sent to the school. PARK Continued from A1

The Elmore County Commission supplied another $20,000 in funding. The city provided some funds and in-kind services as well.

The work doesn’t stop with

BASEBALL Continued from A1

weather provided a needed element to increase her sales.

“We are pretty much the only cooling, ice thing here,” Lyons said. “It has been hot. This is right up their alley. It has been a steady stream of people. It has been great for us.”

The concession stands at the two complexes benefited local organizations, including the Babe Ruth league and the Tallassee baseball program. Teams came from as far as Huntsville and Orange Beach, and each team had between 11 and 15 athletes.

Continued from A4

deployed troops to fight the Nazis and

In the last two years, the commission has provided funding for Tallassee to refurbish the downtown water tank and address water pressure issues along Little Road.

“We have the kids on the field but they brought parents, grandparents and siblings with them,” Tallassee Babe Ruth board member Tommy Burton said.

Mayor Sarah Hill said, “It is a great opportunity to showcase Tallassee. It is also a great chance to showcase our athletics and bring in revenue with visitors coming to town.” Hill said visitors would be around town, taking in what the area has to offer, shopping and eating. Burton said teams often played multiple games per day and from his experience, money is spent in the host town regardless of where teams are staying.

“When we go off to out of town tournaments, we don’t

the Japanese Empire in 1941. Meanwhile, 14% thought fighting in the ‘War Against Hitler’ was a mistake.” Thankfully, such

“By offering all students a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, CEP helps ensure more students come to class well-nourished and ready to learn,” Wright said. “All meals will follow

drive 30 miles for a tank of gas or meal between games,” Burton said. “We are going to be spending it where we are at.”

Tallassee is lacking in hotel rooms and most of the teams are staying in Auburn, east Montgomery and Wetumpka, or Airbnbs on Lake Martin.

Brewton 15U head coach Andrew Clark said his team stayed in Montgomery but staying 25 minutes away didn’t stop the team and parents from eating in Tallassee.

“We will eat lunch here every day and possibly another meal,” Clark said. “We spent $300 at Pizza Hut in Tallassee [Thursday].”

Thomas Hines’ son plays on Brewton 15U, and the experience at Pizza Hut was

percentages of those who opposed WWII, are ignorant or deny the Holocaust and are anti-Semitic remain pretty low. But for the sake of liberty,

great.

“A school must have an identified student percentage equal to or greater than 40%,” Wright said. “Identified students are those that are directly certified through SNAP, TANF or Medicaid benefits from the Department of Human Resources. Homeless, runaway, foster and migrant students also fall into this calculation.”

Tallassee City Schools had fallen short of the 40% mark in the past but Wright said those students certified through

“The lady at Pizza Hut saved our lives,” Hines said. “She was the only person working there. We called ahead. She cooked 18 pizzas by herself.”

Clark said the dining party of athletes, coaches, family and friends consisted of 38 people. He echoed Hines’ description of the dining experience.

“She did it all by herself,” Clark said. “She was an all-star. It was a full house. She was happy and kind the entire time.”

Clark said Brewton has hosted only district level tournaments and he understands the predicament Tallassee faces with hotel rooms.

“Brewton didn’t have a sufficient hotel for years,” Clark said. “We would host stuff and people would have to stay in Atmore. But we got a renovated hotel now and it stays full.”

let’s do what we can to keep them low. Perhaps we should say instead “Hitler said we should control education to control the future. And we

Hill said the city is trying to address the issue of hotel rooms in Tallassee and not just for the ability to host athletic tournaments.

“I do believe there is a serious need for a hotel,” Hill said. “We have tournaments, Monster Mountain attendees, visitors to our industries and businesses and families visiting. I have discussed this need with Retail Strategies and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. We hope to see investment in a hotel located here in Tallassee as soon as possible.”

love liberty enough to oppose his thinking and reject following his awful plans.”

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.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County engineer Luke McGinty, left, speaks with members of the Elmore County Commission before its meeting Monday

ABOVE: The milking operation at

barns last week. BELOW:

repairs.

The damaged barn is just the first string of bad luck for Wilson and Blue Ribbon Dairy.

Through the windshield, Wilson could see one of her older barns, which is typically used by expecting milk cows for shade and shelter, blow right over.

“My cows were freaking out,” Wilson said. “They don’t know nothing about not being under a barn.”

When Wednesday morning rolled around, Wilson’s cows were seeking shelter under nearby trees as she still figured out what to do about the wreckage.

Wilson has to wait for the insurance company to inspect the damage before she can begin

“Can anything else happen?” Wilson said. “It has been terrible. My tractor died. It costs too much to fix it. It looks brand new but it’s not. The motor in one of the trucks went out. It’s been one thing after another recently. The barn might be so old that insurance may not cover it.”

Wilson said all the cows appear to be fine but they’ll all be checked by a veterinarian.

“Stress could cause the calf to die,” she said. “I lost about 30 rolls of hay. The barn

fell on top of the hay.

Now I can’t feed my cows that hay because if it has nails in it, it will cause problems if they eat it.”

Wilson said she has been getting calls and messages asking how people can help.

“Just come buy ice cream,” Wilson said. “It will go towards replacing the barn and hay.”

Elmore County EMA director Keith Barnett said the July 4 storm resulted in only slight damage in the Kent area. “It caused some minor road flooding and produced some high winds that damaged the cow barn at Blue Ribbon Dairy,” Barnett said. “We had two

reports of trees down in yards but none blocking any roadways.”

There were no injuries reported in the July 4 storm.

Just two days earlier, storms caused a little more havoc in Elmore County. Barnett said 20 calls for trees down in roadways were taken by the Elmore County 911 dispatch with many interfering with power lines.

“We had three homes struck by lightning and two of those were dispatched as structure fires that the fire departments responded to,” Barnett said. “This includes the stage building at Jackson Lake Island’s movie set for ‘Big Fish.’”

CLIFF WILLIAMS

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. We are enjoying a brief drying out period as I write this week’s column. So much for gentle summer rains. We’ve had daily deluges for days now it seems!

Whenever the weather turns extremely hot or extremely cold, the phone at the church gets extremely busy. Our typical flow of weekly calls increases as temperatures reach extremes in either direction. We go from an average of 20 calls a week to 40 or more.

The cost of living

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

church is deemed respectful or not, all should be met with respect from the start.

of God in that category still deserve to be treated with respect.

The reason for this is easy enough to understand. People living at or below the poverty level do not have wiggle room in their monthly budget. They struggle to absorb unexpected increases in expenses. While many tighten their budget belt a notch or two, some have no holes left in their belts. I have been connected in one way or another to social service ministry all of my life. My father served a large Presbyterian church on Birmingham’s southside for 32 years. As director of community ministries, everyone who came to the church needing some form of assistance came through his office. I learned a lot from observing that ministry.

Being respectful does not mean serving as a doormat for anyone, nor does it necessitate being taken advantage of. Being respectful above all else means speaking the truth in love. As long as the truth spoken is actually true and the love shared is genuine, all will be well.

The moment either is fabricated, the wheels come off quickly. Sincere respect cannot be shared through gritted teeth. Sincere respect does not follow the passing of judgment. Genuine love, as afforded by God, is unconditional. Conditional love simply serves no lasting purpose.

Are there children of God in our community who typically are able to meet their needs without assistance? Yes, there are. These folks are often classified as the “working poor.” These folks are never looking for a handout, because that does not fit their work ethic. At the same time, the working poor simply struggle mightily to overcome even the smallest unexpected additional expense.

nonprofit organizations relieve some of that stress? Yes, they can and yes, they are. Can such organizations solve the underlying problems? No, they cannot. Can ordinary, everyday citizens make a difference? Yes, we can and yes, we are. As it turns out, this category of folks has the best and most potential to address the problem.

First and foremost, I learned each and every child of God coming to any church for any reason deserves one thing above all else. All are entitled to respect. Whether the person coming to the

Are there children of God in our community looking for handouts? Of course there are. There always will be in every community of the earthly kingdom. Children

Tallassee Churches

Are there things government can do to relieve some of that stress? Yes, there are things that can be done and are being done at every level of government. Is government responsible for solving these economic challenges? I will leave you to answer that question on your own.

Can religious and other

Simply put, we can all be more aware of the lives of our neighbors. We all have something to contribute towards the greater good. We can do that through church, civic organizations, and as individuals showing concern for others. We cannot do anything when we are dismissive. Think about it and be willing to do your part.

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

Sports

Elmore County football working through quarterback questions

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County’s football team will feature one of the most experienced groups in AHSAA Class 5A, but the Panthers are missing one key component — the quarterback.

The Panthers return seven offensive lineman, all of which played significant minutes last season, the county’s leading rusher in CJ Wilkes, threestar receiver Jabari Murphy and the rest of the receiving corps outside of one graduate.

They will, however, have to replace threeyear starter Payton Stephenson, the 2022 Elmore County Offensive Player of the Year, at quarterback.

ECHS second-year coach Kyle Caldwell has three quarterbacks currently taking reps with the starters. Those three guys are Gage Davis, Seth McGhee and Reeltown transfer Caleb Spivey.

“All three of our guys are competing right now,” Caldwell said. “Everyone knows we return our entire offensive line and CJ, so that’s our offense right now. But it’s going to be really good to see what we can do outside the run game and they’re working hard. I’m not making it easy for them.”

All three potential starters have gotten their fair share of reps in the team’s 7-on-7 tournaments the last few weeks. The Panthers participated in a tournament at Alabama State two weeks ago then made the short trip to Wetumpka last week for the Battle for the County.

The Panthers’ second tournament was much

improved from the first, and the Panthers ended up going 3-4 and made the championship.

Elmore County went 1-3 in pool play, securing a win over Holtville, and entered the single-elimination portion of the tournament as the No. 4 seed.

The Panthers then won back-to-back games over Holtville and No. 1 seed Stanhope Elmore to punch their ticket to the championship.

Elmore County fell short to eventual champion Wetumpka, but Caldwell was pleased with the way his team competed against the other county teams.

“Our guys really just accepted the challenge,” Caldwell said. “We had an off day in the first 7-on-7, and we went back and worked on things. It’s good to fail because you know what you need to work on. They took that failure in a positive way and accepted it. They’re growing as a team together, and that’s what is most exciting for me.”

It was a much improved showing for the entire offense, and Elmore County has started to figure out who will be catching passes from their future starting quarterback. Murphy is a mainstay as he is the leading returning receiver in the county after catching 55 passes and 10 touchdowns a year ago.

But he isn’t the only receiver expected to step up and play a bigger role this year.

Hayes Fulmer is someone Caldwell is expecting a big year from as well as newcomer Noah

See ELMORE, Page B2

TALLASSEE FOOTBALL TO FACE PLENTY OF D1 TALENT

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tallassee had an up-anddown season last year, but ended the season winning five of their last six games and reached the second round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs.

The Tigers were the only county team to reach the second round, and they look to continue that momentum this year.

Tallassee’s faces a good variety of opponents this season with the combined record of 57-53 for their 10 opposing teams a year ago.

Three of their 10 opponents won nine or more games, while five teams had four or less wins. Only four teams on Tallassee’s schedule had a winning record a year ago.

TRENDS

The beginning of Tallassee’s schedule is a brutal stretch of games. Three of the Tigers’ first four opponents had nine or more wins, and all three of those teams reached at least the second round of the playoffs. Reeltown, which the Tigers open up with, reached the third round.

On the flip side, Tallassee ends the season against three teams with a combined 7-24 record a year ago. Tallassee won those games by a combined 10728 last year.

Tallassee holds winning streaks over many opponents, but not many as dominant as the one over Booker T. Washington. The Tigers have won seven

straight in the series dating back to 2007.

The Tigers have also won seven straight games against rival Elmore County, and 10 of the last 11 games against the Panthers. Tallassee has won nine of its last 10 games against Holtville, with its only loss during that span being a COVID-19 forfeit in 2020. The last game Tallassee lost to Holtville on the field came in 1982.

In the biggest back-andforth series, Tallassee and Valley are tied all-time, 20-20-1 dating back to 1930. Since 2009, Tallassee leads the series 4-2.

GAMES TO WATCH

One of the best games of the season last year was Tallassee’s Week 2 win over Booker T. Washington. The Tigers, down 12-0 in the second half, rallied back and scored 21-unanswered points to win on the road. BTW returns plenty of talent, including some Division I prospects, and is looking for revenge at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

Tallassee has dominated Elmore County in recent history, winning 10 of the last 11, but last year’s game was an absolute thriller. It was the first time the game has been decided by one touchdown or less since 2015. This year, both teams return stars on both sides of the ball and it could come down to the last play again.

One of Tallassee’s worst games of the season last year came in a home loss to Marbury, 22-20. The Tigers made mistake after

Tallassee grad Ansley hosts local football camp

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

Derrick Ansley wants people to know he is just like them. And through his first-ever football camp, he spread that message. On the field of Tallassee’s J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium, the former Tallassee Tiger and current NFL coach hosted a

football camp for youth from all over the state of Alabama. Young athletes up to the age of 14 flocked to be coached by Ansley and his slew of professional coaches to hear the words of one of their own, one of the guys that made it. Ansley had been wanting to put his youth camp for about

a decade. Now as an NFL coach with the Los Angeles Chargers, he has most of his summer off and was able to finally make his idea into a reality.

“I have always wanted to do something like this,” Ansley said. “We got the support and the resources to finally do it. The City of Tallassee was gracious enough

to give us the whole field and we got a lot of support from local businesses. It was a team effort today.”

Ansley attended Tallassee in the late 1990s, earning All-State honors as a safety in 1998 and 1999. As a junior in ’98, he was an honorable mention on the All-State list.

mistake with turnovers and penalties, and the game came down to a missed 30-yard field goal in the closing minutes. The Tigers will look for revenge at Marbury.

The Tigers went to overtime once last season, on the road against Chilton County. They trailed 14-0 in the second half before storming back to take the lead, 21-14 with just a few minutes left. Chilton County, however, had the last laugh as they tied the game up with a minute left then kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime. Chilton County returns a lot of talent this season and could feature another exciting matchup.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

DEMARCUS RIDDICK, CHILTON COUNTY LINEBACKER

Riddick looks to be the best individual player Tallassee will face all season. Ranked as the No. 5 player in Alabama this year, the four-star linebacker is currently committed to Georgia. He showed his skills at a high level last year as he recorded 109 tackles, seven sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and three interceptions.

JAY HARPER, VALLEY DEFENSIVE BACK Harper is ranked as one of the top players in Alabama’s Class of 2024, and the Wisconsin commit proved why with a stellar junior year. He broke up play after play last season and recorded 48 tackles

FOOTBALL, PageB2

DALTON

| THE TRIBUNE

An Elmore County quarterback attempts a pass in the county 7-on-7 tournament. The Panthers have three quarterbacks - Gage Davis, Seth McGhee and Caleb Spivey - fighting for the starting job.

HENRY ZIMMER | THE TRIBUNE

Derrick Ansley, a Tallassee graduate and current NFL coach, hosts a youth camp on Saturday at J.E. ‘Hot’ O’Brien Stadium.

By his senior year in ’99, he was on the FirstTeam and led the Tigers to a 13-1 record and a third round playoff appearance. The team’s 13 wins were its most in school history.

That season, he was also named to the Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star Game, the only Tiger to ever appear in the contest.

From Tallassee, Ansley took his career to Troy (then Troy State). As a Trojan, Ansley started 40 games and picked off 19 balls, good for second most in

school history. Straight out of college, Ansley went to coaching defensive backs at an even smaller in-state school, Huntingdon.

He served as defensive backs coach there from 2005-2009 before stints as a defensive backs coach for Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama.

After coaching Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey at Alabama, Ansley was poached by the NFL’s Oakland Raiders to serve as the team’s DBs coach for a season.

He returned to Rocky Top for two seasons as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs

coach before again joining the NFL ranks with the Chargers’ as the team’s DBs coach from 2021-22.

After the Chargers’ unceremonious loss in the playoffs last season, the team’s defensive coordinator left the team and Ansley was promoted. Ansley said kids around the community have probably seen his face a good amount on television and will certainly see him more as the Chargers are on the short list of Super Bowl hopefuls. Part of the reason for Ansley hosting the camp was to make sure kids knew he was a real person — someone who grew up

the exact same way they did.

“They can see me on TV and it just seems like a mirage,” Ansley said. “We want to give back in the flesh so they can touch us and try to use us as resources moving forward. I am just like them. I am from the same place that they are from. I went to the same elementary school, middle school.”

Throughout the fourhour camp, each age group was broken up and sent to rotating stations to be coached in different skill-refining areas.

At each station, kids were under the guidance of coaches from all walks of life, includ -

ing a handful of area coaches like Stanhope Elmore’s Hunter Adams, Elmore County’s Kyle Caldwell and Reeltown’s Torran Smith. Players from local schools patrolled and lended a helping hand where needed. Ansley made sure to check in on each and every station, offering words to older athletes and helping the younger ones stay focused.

“You always want to make sure that the young kids know you,” Ansley said. “The kids’ fathers know me because I am their age, but you want to make sure that those little kids coming up stay connected.”

Ansley’s camp drew players from local programs, but also Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuskegee and beyond. The camp was not designed to just benefit those from Tallassee, but it was for anyone to see that every person has an opportunity to make something of themselves.

Any child at that camp could be the next Derrick Ansley, and the Chargers DC let each of them know just that.

“Just anybody from the River Region area, we want to make sure that those guys know they can do the same things I did when given the chance,” Ansley said.

Continued from B1

from a year ago.

Justin Brooks will also make an impact at tight end. The Panthers will use him both as a receiver and as a traditional tight end, and Caldwell hopes he can be a game changer for them this year.

FOOTBALL

Continued from B1

with three interceptions, which led the Rams.

JOSEPH PHILLIPS, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON DEFENSIVE LINEMAN Standing a 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Phillips is not a player that many kids want to be tasked with blocking.

“We’re going to put his hand in the dirt and let him play a traditional position because he’s a strong kid,” Caldwell said. “When you put a tight end down, it can change everything for a defense.”

The four-star Auburn commit is the ninth best edge rusher in the country, ranked by 247sports, and recorded 75 tackles, nine sacks, and 16 quarterback hurries last year. He forced and recovered four fumbles and even blocked two punts.

SCHEDULE Aug. 24 – Tallassee at Reeltown Sept. 1 – Booker T. Washington at Tallassee

Sept. 08 – Tallassee at Central Clay County

Sept. 15 – Beauregard at Tallassee Sept. 22 – Tallassee at Marbury

Sept. 29 – Chilton County at Tallassee Oct. 06 – Elmore County at Tallassee

Oct. 13 – Tallassee at Valley Oct. 20 – Tallassee at Sylacauga Oct. 27 – BYE

Nov. 3 – Holtville at Tallassee

Wilmoth, who reminds Caldwell of Garrett Allen

ELMORE

CAMP Continued from B1

HENRY ZIMMER | THE TRIBUNE

ABOVE LEFT: A camper practices footwork during a ladder drill on Saturday.

ABOVE RIGHT: Campers run sprints to warm up during Saturday’s camp with Derrick Ansley in Tallassee.

BELOW: A pair of youngsters run drills with their age group during Derrick Ansley’s camp Saturday.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It comes up almost every summer — a property owner not cutting grass in Tallassee. In the past, it hasn’t been that bad according to Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill.

“It used to be between one and three properties,” Hill said. “Right now, we have between 30 and 35 properties in question.”

The Tallassee City Council passed an ordinance in 2021 to require property owners to keep their lawns in decent shape. Hill said

unkept property relates to grass and weeds.

“With the growth, it gives snakes and other rodents a place to go and possibly present an issue with safety,” Hill said. Hill suspects many property owners are not aware of an ordinance or that the property is overgrown.

“Every year we have some of the same habitual offenders coming under review, “ Hill said. “They either don’t live here or they have inherited a home. We have some people out of town who are not putting a priority on making sure their grass is

cut. We have some that own a lot of property and haven’t been able to get it cut yet or they are just doing the bare minimum.”

Doing the minimum has been tough. Hill said rain and increased temperatures have caused grass and weeds to grow more quickly.

The ordinance defines a process to notify the property owner and give the owner a chance to rectify the issue.

Hill said the task falls on building inspector Trey Taylor.

The ordinance requires a letter be sent to the prop -

erty owner. If there is no response, then a certified letter is sent. If the issue is still not resolved the property owner will be sent a letter requesting his or her presence at a city council meeting.

Hill said if the grass is still not cut, the city can take over but the costs are billed to the property owner. If left unpaid, the city can put a lien on the property.

Sometimes the city has also stepped in when ownership is undetermined.

“If the property is probate or something like that and someone hasn’t taken care

of the grass, we will cut the grass or have a company cut the grass and put a lien on the property,” Hill said. The ordinance also addresses other property maintenance issues but Hill said keeping grass cut is the No. 1 priority for now.

“The ordinance also addresses litter, broken windows and things such as that,” Hill said. “Mainly right now we are concentrating on the grass cutting and weed eating if necessary. We want the weed eating done also because we don't want to have two feet of weeds at the edge.”

Lake River & Classi eds

Opportunities

AlaScans

State Classified

Eclectic restaurant expands to downtown Wetumpka

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Another dining option will open in downtown Wetumpka at the intersection of Bridge and Hill streets.

WOW Cafe of Eclectic confirmed a rumor some had heard this week with a post on social media.

“WOW Cafe is opening a new location in downtown Wetumpka,” WOW posted on Facebook. “We are proud to announce The Lofts restaurant-space has been leased and construction will begin soon.”

Webb Smith was one of the partners in developing The Lofts at Bridge and Hill with its rooms on the second floor and planned restaurant space below. When The Lofts opened last year, Smith and others were searching for the right fit for the downstairs space. He anticipated a restaurant and found one in WOW.

Smith and WOW will now have to figure out an opening date, which has yet to be determined.

“We are still waiting for engineering plans for the kitchen and will have to wait for a couple pieces of kitchen equipment,” Smith said. “Availability of equipment puts us at odds with this project and others as well. It is unrealistic at this time

Wow Catering is coming to downtown

bring another eating option to downtown

to guess when WOW might open.”

Main Street Wetumpka executive director

Haley Greene said landing another down -

town Wetumpka restaurant serves a need.

“When you go into the restaurants around here, there is almost always a wait, especial -

ly for dinner,” Greene said.

Greene said a recent survey noted a need for more restaurants.

“We are excited to

have another dining option in downtown Wetumpka,” Greene said. “We obviously need more restaurants downtown. I think if

you ask any resident they will tell you there is a need for restaurants. It looks like the public is thrilled it is going to be WOW.”