Tallassee Tribune March 22 2023

Hotel Talisi property

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Students are getting an idea of what the real world is like through Youth Leadership Elmore County. The program helps students across Elmore County get to know each other while learning skills necessary in the See LEADERSHIP, Page A6

TWO TALLASSEE OFFICERS HONORED FOR LIFE SAVING MEASURES

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Two Tallassee citizens are still alive after the actions of two Tallassee police officers.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Lt. Matthew Manning and officer Andres Amaya were honored in a small ceremony for their actions.

“The two officers went above and beyond their call of duty,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. “There were two incidents where they saved two different citizens’ lives.”

Manning’s and Amaya’s commanding officers explained interactions that led to recognizing the officers.

Lt. Jon Rawls said in early March, Manning responded to a call about an unresponsive male subject.

“Upon arriving it was found out that the subject was not breathing and Haynes [Ambulance] was several minutes away,” Rawls said. “Lt. Manning took it upon himself to perform CPR including mouth

See HONORED, Page A6

department’s administration

and beyond in the line of duty.

CLIFF WILLIAMS |

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE Gulf Packaging’s Melvin Yates, left, explains to Elmore County students how the company makes boxes for use by clients across the Southeast.

Obituaries

THEODORE HOWARD JONES

November 13, 1942 – March 4, 2023

Theodore Howard Jones died peacefully on March 4, 2023, in Athens, Georgia.

pened to him.

tants,” on regular golf trips.

A resident of Carrollton, Georgia for fifty years until 2021, Howard was the husband of Lois Jones, the father of three children and grandfather of five, a dentist and leader in his profession, an active member of his church, an avid gardener and a competitor in every sport he played.

Howard’s life began in Tallassee, Alabama on November 13, 1942, as the first child and only son of Theodore and Flora Jean Jones, young parents who had moved from farms in search of opportunity in the mill town. Howard’s mother endowed him with her competitive Scotch-Irish spirit and instilled in him a certitude that with hard work and dedication, he would become anything he desired. On hunting and fishing outings with his father, Howard discovered his lifelong love of the outdoors and curiosity about the natural world. In school, scouting, sports and other endeavors, Howard set his aims on a high trajectory.

He was the first person in his family to attend university, at Birmingham-Southern College. There, he attained his life’s most cherished accomplishment in winning the affection of Lois Greene Seals. And that was no easy achievement, thanks to Lois’ playfully mocking style. When he first tried out wearing contact lenses at school, Lois greeted him as “Blinky” as he emerged from his dorm room. But he characteristically persevered, working his way into her heart to become her husband in 1966. Lois was Howard’s lifelong love and guide. Even as his mind and memory slipped in recent years from Alzheimer’s, he repeated often – and to the end – that she was the best thing that had ever hap-

Police Reports

MARCH 20

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A noise complaint was reported on Poplar Street.

•Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

MARCH 19

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Riverhills Drive.

• A welfare check was conducted on Zion Street.

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

• A welfare check was conducted on Riverside Drive.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious subject was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Willow Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Yates Dam Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

MARCH 18

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Sims Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Riverhills Drive.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Golddust Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Cherokee Trail.

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

• A welfare check was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Eubanks Street.

• Assistance was given to citizen on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane.

• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Cliff Street. MARCH 17

• A noise complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Second Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

Howard graduated from dental school at the University of Alabama and became exceptionally dedicated to his profession. As a Carrollton family dentist for half a century, he cared for thousands in the community and strongly identified himself in this role. With support from the local dentist community, Howard assumed increasing leadership responsibilities within the profession. He eventually served as president of the Georgia Dental Association in the 90s, as president of the American Dental Association from 20022003, and then as a U.S. representative to an international dental group, allowing him and Lois to travel far and wide and to form many new friendships. Moving to Carrollton was a deliberate choice for Howard and Lois. Nestled halfway between their two native homes in Alabama, it seemed it would be an excellent place to make their life. And it was. They knitted themselves into the fabric of the community, making lifelong friends with whom they raised children and celebrated milestones together. Howard served for many years as a rotating teacher for his Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church. He was an active member of the Carrollton Rotary Club. He volunteered with other local dentists to bring care to Carrollton residents who could not otherwise afford it. Howard thrived on the discipline, fraternity and fun of sports. Having played football, basketball and baseball as a child, he became a devoted tennis player as an adult, competing in regional leagues. No doubt the echoes of his self-admonishments (“HOWARD!”) can still be heard on tennis courts. In his later years, he took up golf, playing regularly with a group of Carrollton friends, and was invited to join a group of dental colleagues, “the Insul-

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Sylvan Lane.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Wall Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a Tallassee department on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Gen Chappy James Street. MARCH 16

• A suspicious person was reported on John Street.

• An attempted burglary was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Cliff Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Wall Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Clover Street.

• Gunfire was reported on Third Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Dixie Circle.

• A welfare check was conducted on Barnett Boulevard.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassment was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A white male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Jordan Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Third Avenue. MARCH 15

• Criminal trespassing was reported on Third Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Notasulga Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Notasulga Road.

• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue. MARCH 14

• An animal complaint was reported on Carr Circle.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ashurst Bar Road.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

Howard was immensely proud of the home and life that he and Lois built for themselves and their children in Carrollton. Their first child, Ted, was born during Howard’s two years of military service following dental school, and Amy and Dan followed in the years after their move to Carrollton in 1972. Howard was especially supportive of his children in sports, supplying them with plenty of private coaching. When they played games together at home, he relished the contests. And he didn’t just let them win; that had to be earned. Giving his children the enriching opportunities that Howard’s own parents had been unable to provide him – such as summer camps, vacations and books – was especially fulfilling to Howard, and for him a fundamental mark of his success in life. He passed on to his children his loves of nature, sports and lifelong learning, and nurtured in them the self-improvement ethos that had propelled him upward from Tallassee. Howard is survived by his wife Lois; sister Brenda and brother-in-law Bill Brigadier in Madison, Alabama; son Ted and daughter-in-law Miranda Kennedy in Washington, DC; daughter Amy and son-in-law Mark Abbe, in Athens, Georgia; son Dan and daughter-in-law Emily Jones in Alexandria, Virginia; and grandchildren Olivia Jones, Henry Abbe, Annie Jones, Helena Jones and Penelope Abbe. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 27 at the Carrollton First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or a favorite local charity. Lord and Stephens, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue. MARCH 13

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Cliff Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Quail Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue. MARCH 12

• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A Black male was arrested following a vehicle pursuit on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Macedonia Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Worthington Circle.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Redden Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Azalea Street. MARCH 11

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Bellview Circle. MARCH 10

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Assistance was given

during a medical call on Barnett Boulevard.

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

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Lilly Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hudson Place. MARCH 9

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

• A noise complaint was reported on First Street.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Identity theft was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Harper Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Macedonia Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on Hanil Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on James Street.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 11

• Burglary and criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MARCH 10

• Harassing communications was reported on Cross Street.

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

• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MARCH 8

• An animal complaint was reported on Fanooni Lane.

• Harassment was reported on River Road.

• Interference with custody was reported on Cotton Lakes Boulevard.

MARCH 5

• Domestic violence was reported on South Opothleoohola Street.

• Criminal trespass was reported on Hollowood Lane. MARCH 4

• Domestic violence was reported on South Pine Street.

Pets need protection from poisoning too

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

This is National Poison Prevention Week and while we all certainly need to be knowledgeable to protect our families, our pets also need protection from accidental poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center are valuable resources to have bookmarked/on your phone. Below are the most common poison risks to our pets (and also to our children).

• Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol/Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen/ Advil, Naproxen, cold medications and herbal supplements. Make sure to keep all medications out of paw’s reach and check with a veterinarian before giving any new medication (prescription or not) to your pet.

• Human prescription medications such as ADHD medications, antidepressants and heart medications are in many homes and need to be kept out of reach of pets.

• Food items and ingredients such as xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.

• Chocolate — keep candy and baked goods away from your pets.

• Veterinary products mostly due to accidental or unintentional exposures. Many pet medications are flavored so pets may mistake these for treats. Giving medicine meant for one pet to another accidentally is also possible so make sure to know what you are giving your pet. And remember a “childproof container” does not mean it is pet-proof!

• Household items including paint, glue and cleaning products are often too easily accessible.

• Rodenticides and insecticides — remember pets, along with rodents,

The Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center are valuable resources to have bookmarked/on your phone.

find baits very tasty. Rat or mouse bait ingestion can be deadly for our pets and today’s products are much deadlier than those of years ago.

• Insecticides include items such as ant baits, bug sprays and yard products. Make sure to read all labels and keep your pets out of the affected area when using any of these products.

• Indoor and outdoor plants as well as bouquets can all be sources of potential problems for pets.

• Garden products like fertilizers, herbicides and soil enhancements can prove irresistible to a playful pet so watch your pets when you are out working on the lawn or garden.

SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR DOG OR CAT IS POISONED?

1. Remove your pet from the area.

2. Check to make sure your pet is safe, breathing and acting normally.

3. Collect a sample of the ingested item if possible.

4. Do NOT give any home antidotes.

5. Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline.

6. Get your pet to a veterinarian.

7. If unable to get to a vet, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Pet Poison Center Hotline at 888-426-4435 for advice.

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

Elmore County Community Calendar

Eason is bringing back the Beautiful Table Settings Bash March 20-25 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in two different sessions. To sign up or for more information, visit https://beautifultablesettingsllc.stor.co/.

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.

Pet of the Week – Cherokee

Cherokee might be a Border Collie and lab mix. She weighs about 40 pounds and is 1 year old. She is an incredibly sweet and very busy gal. She was found as a stray and never reclaimed. She is great with other dogs and loves children, and she definitely needs an owner who can keep a high energy, smart dog happy and out of trouble. This is a dog with a lot of potential and might be a great agility or flyball dog or even a good

running partner. She is not a couch potato dog so please keep that in mind.

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.

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hatred of trash goes back to seeing the welcome signs at the stateline for years.

“It says, ‘Alabama, The Beautiful,’” Hines said. “With that message, why are we seeing so much trash on our roadways?”

The county-wide cleanups are nothing new but Hines has brought fresh eyes on how to promote the cleanups — make it a contest of sorts to get volunteers out the weekend of March 31 to April 2.

“I have gone out to the schools and made the challenge,” Hines said. “Right now it looks like Indians and Panthers are leading the pack for the schools.”

But Hines didn’t stop at praising those who have signed up to volunteer for the cleanup.

“I think the Bulldogs and Mustangs and Tigers in Tallassee need to step up before they are left behind by some schools,” Hines said.

Hines even challenges churches.

“We have had several churches sign up,” Hines said. “Good Hope Baptist Church in the South Fleahop area, they are putting a big group together.”

The competition extends to the churches as the cleanup happens just in time for a special religious event.

“They are challenging other churches wanting to see men’s clubs and youth groups show up,” Hines said. It is the weekend before Easter and would help make our highways look good. That is a good thing to do, just volunteering.”

Those wanting to volunteer are asked to sign up by the end of today at www.elmoreco.org/environmental. Doing so ensures volunteers get proper supplies.

“We will give them bags,” Hines said. “We will give them gloves. We will give them vests.”

Hines said the county will make it even easier for volunteers who do pick up and bag roadside litter that weekend.

“They can leave the trash on the side of the road where we can pick it up,” Hines said. “We just did the labor to pick it up.” CLEANUP

If you’ve been paying attention to TPI’s social media accounts the last few days, you’ll know it’s Sunshine Week. And hopefully by now you know, that has nothing to do with the weather.

Launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors (now NLA), Sunshine Week aims to promote open government and shine light into the dark recesses of government secrecy.

Here’s the thing: The media is not out to get anyone.

During the Trump administration more than anything, it became very commonplace to be incredibly wary of “the media,” even more so than some people already were. Things like Fake News and calling reporters belittling names became everyday occurrences.

Now there are bad eggs in every bunch, so I can’t promise you 100% of journalists around the world are doing their jobs perfectly. But what I can tell you is for the vast majority of us, Fake

Obituaries:

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or

News is not a real thing. There is news that was reported too early, wasn’t verified fully, used social media as a source, etc. But people aren’t sitting around newsrooms making things up about politicians or anyone else, and just running with it. We don’t hear a rumor and think to ourselves, “OK, send it to press.” Instead we think, “How can we verify this? Who do we trust? What sources have led us in the right direction before?”

Again, we aren’t out to get anyone. However, newspapers and journalists play an unbelievably important role in

being the watchdogs of the community. the city council meetings? So those who can’t be there can stay informed about city government. Why does the news paper keep a community calendar? So you can know what’s going on in your community without doing any of the research. Why does the newspaper have to report on police arrests and court convictions? So you

See NEWSPAPERS, Page A5

Note: A version of the following story originally ran on this page of The Tallassee Tribune in 2013. Over the past few years, more people have approached me about this column than any other I’ve ever written. So, I therefore present for your reading pleasure a command performance of “Gator Boy and the Bikini Mama.”

The Bird bunch recently embarked upon a family vacation across the western Gulf coast — an exciting endeavor in our 12-passenger Ford Econoline. We traveled back and forth across Louisiana and Mississippi for several days, visiting several spots along the way. Being fans of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” starring Guy Fieri, we made sure to have dinner at L.A. Pines Restaurant in Slidell, Louisiana. It qualifies as a “dive,” as the restaurant is basically an old trailer nestled between the legs of a giant water tower.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Mississippi’s beaches don’t look anything like Florida’s or even Alabama’s. The sand is not white; it’s gray, and the gulf water is green instead of blue. On the upside, the beaches are less crowded and more family-friendly. We vacationed in Gulfport. Our vacation plans included spending time in the hotel pool, which the children really enjoyed.

With one exception. We met a kid I’ll call Gator Boy. He pretty much lived in that hotel swimming pool all three days we were there. Every time we went, he was there — morning, noon or night.

While I know I was an annoying kid, at least I would back off if someone spoke sternly enough to me. This

There’s a stigma associated with bad news. I get it. In an ideal world there would be nothing but good news oozing from the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the last time I checked, utopia is not real and that leaves us with two options. We can blindly assume all is perfect with the world and hope for the best, or we can know the challenges we face and work together to be better.

Gator Boy and the Bikini Mama

guy could not take the hint. “Let’s play gatuh,” he said to my kids every few minutes. “It’s a game I made up.” He kept talking about this gatuh game until I realized he meant gator. In this game, he would emerge from underneath one of my kids and dunk them in the pool. My children were kind and played with him, but when they moved to another area of the pool, Gator Boy appeared again, being as obnoxious as possible, poking and punching, tickling and touching, and, in general, making a nuisance of himself.

His mother lay in a poolside chair, looking like the lady in the Ban de Soleil commercial. Her tanned skin glistened in the summer sun as she lay there on her back, in her bikini, listening to her iPod while smoking Marlboro Lights; she would turn over on her belly, read her Kindle and smoke more Marlboro Lights while her son terrorized my children for

This is why we write

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

There’s more work to the latter but the rewards of enlightenment and progress are astounding.

three solid days. Gator Boy would try to get her attention, but she barely noticed he was there. In fact, she actually left the kid in the pool with us while she and her man went to the neighboring store to pick up more beer and cigarettes.

Bikini Mama seemed way more interested in sunbathing than dealing with her child. That’s fine, but this was so noticeable that other families would come and go from the pool within minutes after taking in Gator Boy’s “games.” Yet Bikini Mama never really moved, except to apply more suntan oil or light another cigarette.

It’s strange that despite all the other memories we made on that trip, all one of us has to say is “let’s play gatuh,” and those memories of 2013 come flooding back as easily as being pushed underwater in that hotel pool.

Michael Bird is a music teacher at Tallassee City Schools.

If you’ve never heard of the investigation into the Bethesda Home for Girls, give it a google, and if you haven’t watched All the President’s Men, you’re overdue. If neither rings a bell, think about the CBS investigative series “48 Hours”. These are instances where we crave the truth and understand knowing, although difficult at first, leads to positive progress — progress that we praise. Local news is no different, and while

See WRITE, Page A5

Another restaurant possible in downtown Tallassee

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Corrie Sid hopes she can bring another dining option to Tallassee.

Sid opened Grove Station in downtown Tallassee almost two years ago and an opportunity next door came about when Mike Segrest was elected district attorney.

“If you have a chance to buy a building that is connected to you, it’s important to grab it,” Sid said. “You can better control what goes next to you. If you don’t, you don’t know what could go in next to you. I had the opportunity to buy it, so I did.”

Sid said she hasn’t fully developed any ideas yet but has gone back and forth on some.

“I want to put in a full bar and do a fine dining experience next door,” Sid said. “I want it to be approachable. It’s not going to be too stuffy. It’s nice. It’s not going to be a to-go restaurant. We will only do dinner. It will probably be Thursday, Friday, Saturday and some form of Sunday.”

Sid wants to grow the dining experience she has created above Grove Station.

“It would be a nice dinner place, taking the model I have been doing upstairs and moving it next door, mainly because I can’t accommodate enough upstairs,” Sid said. “When I have my

WRITE Continued from A4

dinners upstairs, they tend to have such a good time, they buy all the tickets for the next dinner. Because I’m only seating 28 at a time I don’t feel like I can offer as much as I want.”

Sid ideas for what to do with the space are still early in development.

“If I can achieve what I want to achieve, I would put a rooftop bar,” Sid said. “I think we have an opportunity to kind of do something really nice. I have been spending a lot of time at rooftop bars looking at what I want to do.”

Sid said her idea of a rooftop bar is far from a honky tonk or place where trouble could possibly gather.

“Never have I been

I understand there are stronger feelings involved simply because it hits closer to home, it doesn’t change the fact that not knowing is bad for the soul of the community.

This leads me to the question we’re often asked. Why? Why write that story? Why do we publish uncomfortable topics? Why does everyone need to know? Why does that matter?

NEWSPAPERS

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incredible service. Sunshine Week is all about protecting those rights for newspapers, and ultimately for you, the readers, citizens and taxpayers. Currently being considered by the state legislature is HB106, which would allow all counties and municipalities and their political subdivisions to publish notices on websites they maintain or on a website maintained by the state. Currently in Alabama, public notices, which include things like upcoming meetings, marriages and divorces, adoptions and more, must be sent to the newspaper of record in each county. This bill is, quite frankly, absurd. Putting government entities in charge of posting their own public notices

talking about shots and drafts, not that I might not have one or two craft beers on tap, but this is not about that,” Sid said.

“This is about a beautiful scene and maximizing the view of having a really nice place with nice music.”

It would be different from Grove Station.

Currently Sid has the ability to both serve and sell bottles of wine for customers to take home. The restaurant would only be a on-site service for alcohol.

Sid and local businessman Noah Griggs presented an idea of recreating the Hotel Talisi just across the street from Sid’s Grove Station. She said the hotel business

It all matters. This is our community. This is our legacy. Your newspaper is the first one to sing the praises of a new business opening or a local rotary award. We literally run the sideline or baseline with your child to snap a cool photo and recap their accomplishments in a late-night run back to work. We headline the balanced budgets and the new court squares. We are the frontline advocates for our communities, even when everyone else is quarantined, because those are the right things to do

doesn’t make sense; a third party should always be involved because it ensures accountability. With Alabama having so many rural communities, this will also limit access to those without broadband to these notices. This would not only hurt newspapers incredibly, but it really goes back to the transparency of our local government. These elected officials work for you – not the other way around.

In our recent editions, we have been following the ransomware attack against the City of Alexander City as well as the issue of Camp Hill being nearly $60,000 behind in water bill payments to the Dadeville Water Board. These are things that directly affect citizens, and without the newspaper, many residents wouldn’t even know they are happening. In both of these incidents, we’ve been met with obsta-

model would complement what she already has established and wants to do next door.

“The downstairs lobby ends up being a lobby, cafe, bar and check in desk,” Sid said. “Guests will need breakfast. You would have 6 a.m. cafe breakfast there. You will have lunch at Grove Station and have dinner next door.”

Sid wants to create an industrial looking space in Tallassee.

“Wetumpka says they are a Victorian district,” Sid said. “I think we are industrial. We have always been industrial.”

Sid said Grove Station’s neon sign is for a reason — to play into that “industrial vibe.”

and that’s what we’re here for. But please know this: Doing the right thing sometimes includes investigative pieces, uncomfortable pieces and even criminal pieces. Unfortunately, that’s life. What I ask is you take a step back and understand that just because it is uncomfortable does not mean you don’t need to know. It’s actually the opposite. You need to know. You must know. You have a right to know. And then it is each of our duties to work together to be better.

cles from local officials in one way or another. In Camp Hill, TPI was denied a Public Records Request for receipts of payment for the water bills, which should be public because it uses taxpayer dollars and which officials said were being paid on time. In Alex City, we have been told by more than one city employee the mayor’s office has instructed departments not to speak on the ransomware attack. Mayor Woody Baird told The Outlook he himself was instructed by his legal team not to speak on the matter either.

As a newspaper editor, these are things that worry me. If everything is being done above board, why not cooperate with the local media? We are worried about things like, “What will happen if Dadeville decides to shut off water to Camp Hill, who in turn can’t provide that service to its residents?”

And we question, “The City of Alexander City has a lot of information on its residents, such as addresses, social security numbers and, in many cases, credit card information; was any of their data compromised in this breach?”

These are questions our staff asks not because we’re out to get Camp Hill or Alex City. Instead, we are genuinely concerned for the residents of these communities, and we want them to be informed about what’s going on around them. There could be very plausible answers for our questions, but if so, why aren’t they being answered?

We want more than anything for our coverage areas to thrive, and that starts first with honesty and transparency from those in charge.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

“I want us to be a little bit edgy,” Sid said. “That would make us unique.”

Sid’s purchase of the Segrest building and wanting to give input on downtown Tallassee and beyond is for a reason.

“We need our downtown to be precious and treated like it's precious,” Sid said. “It is ultimately about creating the type of experiences we want to come to Tallassee. We want to hand pick what that is.”

Sid also owns the Guest House where ownership of Tallassee’s mills stayed when visiting from New York nearly a century ago. Sid said the project has been put on somewhat of a hold due to escalating costs seen during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. But if Sid and Griggs can get a new Hotel Talisi to happen, the idea for the Guest House changes some too.

“Now I need to develop 20 acres because it can’t make a profitable

business off of eight bedrooms,” Sid said. “If I can get [Hotel Talisi] in place, the Guest House turns into a wedding venue and the overflow stays here. If not I got to get some help developing 20 acres in the middle of Tallassee into cottages or something along those lines.”

Sid said work continues at the Guest House to preserve the structure for future renovations.

Sid noted the steel in the building to support the green stained shake shaped terracotta roof.

“It is very sturdy but the windows are old and one of the bathrooms exploded after I bought it, flooding another room,” Sid said. “We had to gut all the bathrooms. The place is gutted right now.” All of Sid’s projects and visions are to help rebuild her hometown into something better.

“All I’m trying to do is elevate Tallassee,” Sid said. “That's all I’m trying to do.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Grove Station owner Corrie Sid has purchased the building adjacent to her business in the hopes of developing a restaurant and rooftop bar. Sid said she wants to be a part of the downtown Tallassee redevelopment to help bring businesses to town.

to mouth resuscitation going way above what our normal call of duty is.”

Rawls said medics administered NARCAN and the subject survived.

“There is no doubt the acts of Lt. Manning saved that man,” Rawls said.

Lt. Chris Howard said in February Amaya responded to a call about a woman in distress.

“She got a hold of a knife and put it to her neck,” Howard said.

“While another officer was speaking to the lady, officer Amaya was able to come up behind her and pull her arms away from her neck and take her to the ground. It is believed the actions saved that woman’s life and put him at great risk to his own safety.”

Buce said the actions along with those recognized over the last year show Tallassee police officers greatly care for the community.

“They all are great officers,” Buce said. “Many of them have shown time and again they are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.” HONORED Continued from A1

LEADERSHIP Continued from A1

workplace.

“We have curriculum classes on speaking, communication, leadership,” Elmore County Extension’s Brenda Henson said. “We take them around and show them opportunities.”

The students from Elmore County Schools have learned team building through a program at Camp Chandler and did community service projects at the Elmore County Food Pantry and the new Millbrook Art Mill Community Arts Center.

“It’s teaching them leadership and showing part of being a leader is giving back to the community,” Henson said.

The program started about 20 years ago but stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is modeled much like the adult version hosted by many chambers of commerce across the county.

The students were recently invited by the Tallassee Industrial Development Board (IDB) to tour Alabama Power’s Thurlow Dam and Global Packaging. Students got a chance to see how the power company uses the dam to create hydroelectric power. At Global Packaging students saw how corrugated boxes are made and how a job on the plant floor can lead to bigger and better things.

Global Packaging’s Melvin Yates told the students from Stanhope Elmore, Holtville, Elmore County and

PROPERTY

Continued from A1

onto the property until at least the downtown streetscape project is complete so that we can see what the actual value of the property is by having it appraised,” Hill said. “There is no need to rush.”

SECOND MARCH MEETING RESCHEDULED

At its Feb. 28 meeting the council voted to cancel the second March meeting believing it was during the Tallassee City Schools spring break. Several of the council members had scheduled vacations for spring break and would not be in attendance.

At Tuesday’s meeting it was decided the original meeting date was not during spring break and the council voted to reinstate the second meeting of the month on March 28.

IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the Feb. 28 meeting.

• Approved a proclamation for Arbor Day.

• Approved a $91,000 inspection contract for installation of gas lines along Alabama highways in the city limits.

• Took no action on vacation of an old roadway until more research could be done.

The Tallassee City Council is scheduled to meet again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28.

The students from Elmore County Schools have learned team building through a program at Camp Chandler and did community service projects at the Elmore County Food Pantry and the new Millbrook Art Mill Community Arts Center.

Wetumpka high schools along with some home schooled students he got out of the Air Force following the Persian Gulf War in 1993. Looking for a job he walked into a box plant. Yates said he started out on the plant floor and with work ethic he was soon running a shift.

“I wandered into a box plant and haven’t looked for a job since,” Yates said. “Thirty years later I’m over two plants. I have had as many as 31 plants. It’s all the same. Customers want what they want when they want it. They won’t accept no for an answer. We say yes as much as we can.”

Yates told the students what it takes to be successful.

“If you are dependable and have want to, you can go as far as you want to,” Yates said. “You have to be dependable by being at work on time everyday. You start missing work and have every excuse, you are going to move slow.”

Yates said it’s important to pay attention to details. He explained the directions on boxes are highly important as the pennies lost in each box quickly add up affecting the company’s bottom line.

“We are fighting for pennies to make money on these boxes,” Yates said. “If the machine isn’t running right, I can’t be competi -

tive in the marketplace.”

Yates said problem solving skills are essential for employees as well, and it’s yet another option for those who don’t want to pursue an advanced diploma.

“You can start with a high school diploma and start in a box plant working your way up all the way to plant manager,” Yates said. “The paper industry is a great industry because everybody needs boxes.”

Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill also spoke with the students at the Tallassee IDB. Hill explained to students how a small city government works and some of the challenges of being the first female mayor in Tallassee.

“You have to learn to stand your ground in a respectful manner,” Hill told the students. “I can work with almost anyone, but you have to be respectful.”

Hill said she was a graduate of Leadership Elmore County and noticed something about the group gathered at the IDB.

“I don’t see any Tallassee students,” Hill said. “Maybe next year we can change that.”

The students have also visited Maxwell Gunter to learn about the military and with the Elmore County Commission to learn about county government. They’ll tour the capitol next month.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee Police Lt. Chris Howard, left, presents Andres Amaya with an award for saving the life of a citizen.

March Madness

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I do hope everyone reading this column is doing well and weathering the last vestiges of winter. I don’t know about you, but I got spoiled those few weeks of early spring.

March Madness is in full swing as I write this week’s column. The Sweet 16 has been determined and the path to the Elite 8 established. There have been numerous upsets in the tournament thus far. Several top seeded teams have been upset by lesser-ranked opponents.

I am not much of a basketball fan. To be honest, I am not much of a sports fan in general. I enjoy sports because of the camaraderie with family and friends.

That is what makes sporting events meaningful to me.

I do love people’s fascination with the unknowns when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. Fans spend inordinate amounts of time preparing brackets. For some, there is a great deal of science that goes into that preparation. For others, decisions are based on seemingly random information. One friend’s teenage daughter said she put her bracket together based on the colors of the teams participating. I love that! The statistical probability

of choosing a perfect bracket is amazing. It is nearly impossible to make a perfect prediction. I heard someone say there were over a million possible outcomes to the whole process.

This leads me down a rabbit trail I believe is worth traveling, at least for a minute. How is it so many people are willing to engage in an activity with such a high degree of uncertainty attached to it? In many ways, it goes against our human nature.

Human beings are meaning makers after all. We spend the majority of our mortal lives trying to make sense of the things around us. The process essentially begins at birth and continues until our minds are no longer up to the task. We are always trying, in one way

Tallassee Churches

or another, to explain the things we experience.

This is part of God’s intention in creating humankind. The gray matter between our ears is not a place holder. God gives human creation the capacity to think, reason, learn and communicate. God makes it possible for every human being to know things.

This gift from God results in a need for certainty. This can be a good thing, because the word of God is indeed clear about the things that truly matter for life in the earthly kingdom. The Ten Commandments are God’s laws of love. They provide the pathway to fulfillment.

Our need for certainty sometimes causes us to follow falsehood. The Bible clearly demonstrates the human capacity to think

there is a better way than God’s for living in the earthly kingdom. Ironically, every time we seek certainty apart from God’s truth, we eventually are reminded God’s way is the only way. The final outcome is beyond our control. If we approach the life of faith from the perspective of giving in to divine authority, we will likely live by resentment. If, on the other hand, we live according to God’s intentions for the whole of humanity, we find ourselves celebrating the life God intends for all. Whose bracket do we know to be perfect — ours or God’s?

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

JOHNATHON YARBORO Columnist

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Tallassee softball finding its rhythm

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee softball team is starting to find its groove.

Midway through their area schedule, the Tigers (11-10, 2-1) find themselves in a comfortable position. After an area-opening loss to Elmore County, Tallassee has bounced back and shut out Valley and Beauregard in convincing wins to get back the positive momentum.

Tallassee beat Valley, 16-0, in three innings before ousting Beauregard, 8-0. Now the Tigers enjoy a week off for spring break before their final three area games.

“We’re in a good spot,”

Tallassee coach Pat Love said. “We’ve gotten better from the start of the season, and that’s what you want. We were making some mistakes early on,

but we’re getting better every single day even with a bunch of young girls playing. We’re getting stronger as the season goes on.”

Love was not pleased with his defense after the first area loss. In the 5-1 loss to ECHS, the Panthers scored four runs in one inning following back-to-back errors.

He set out to improve the defense, and his players have started to play better as of late. In their last two games, they had only one combined error and it was followed by three consecutive outs, causing no damage.

Tallassee has made only two errors in its last four games, and that has resulted in giving up only four combined runs.

“We’re playing better defense and doing a better job at the plate,” Love said. “If we can keep the

See SOFTBALL, Page B2

|

Reeltown racks up personal records at River Region Invitational

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Reeltown track and field had a strong showing at the River Region Invitational at Wetumpka High School on Thursday, including multiple personal best finishes. Starting things off in the 100-meter hurdles, Arthur Woods took home a fourth-place finish overall with a personal record of 11.41 seconds. Sophomore Tae Martin also snagged a PR with a 11.66 time.

In their respective heats, Woods and Martin both snagged first placements. Connor Spain, racing in Martin’s heat, also recorded a personal best by finishing in 11.78.

Woods was not done setting records at the meet, as he captured a fourth-place spot in the 110 hurdles. His time of 16.29 was good enough for a top-50 overall time in the state. Jay Jay Kendrick came four spots

behind with a time of 18.36.

In the 200 dash, Spain and Gaines Tapley both placed second in their respective heats. They clocked in at 22.77 and 24.60, respectively. The 4x400 relay team, consisting of Jaedon Brooks, Aiden Dunn, Larry Butler and Jontravious Brown secured second in their heat.

Butler also took home a fourth-place spot in the triple jump. Rounding out the top 10, Kendrick came in sixth, Kelan Bevels placed seventh and Spain took home eighth.

For the field events, Bowman Brumbeloe put up a fourth-place effort in the shot put, followed by Lane Burns who placed seventh.

Leeandra Hooks came in fifth in the girls javelin while Bevels took home fourth on the boys side. Next up on the Rebels’ schedule is the third Sylacauga meet on March 31.

FISHING TAKES

VINSON AROUND THE COUNTRY

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

From the west coast of California to upstate New York to the Everglades in Florida, fishing has taken Greg Vinson across the country — quite literally.

Vinson, who was raised in Alexander City and now calls Wetumpka his home base, has been fishing professionally for more than 15 years. Most recently, he has been competing in a new series called the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, which has grown into one of the elite fishing series in the country.

“I got the opportunity in 2019 to be a part of something new,” Vinson said. “They really needed a core group to get that started, and I didn’t know if I had the resume to get the invite. There were some big names also making the move — Skeet Reese, Kevin VanDam, a lot of the biggest names in the sport made the move to the bass pro tour.”

And Vinson was one of them.

One of the innovative aspects of Major League Fishing is it doesn’t have a weigh-in at the end. Instead, there is a boat official and a log of everyone’s catches so each angler knows where he or she stands through -

has

al angler.

One of the innovative aspects of Major League Fishing is it doesn’t have a weigh-in at the end. Instead, there is a boat official and a log of everyone’s catches so each angler knows where he or she stands throughout the tournament.

out the tournament.

“It really affects my decision making during the day,” Vinson said. “I played baseball, football and basketball at Benjamin Russell, so I was always used to knowing the score and playing from behind, and learning how to play with the elite.”

Vinson also said having that running monitor helps him stay motivated. This week, he is competing at a tournament at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and his first day was a rough one. He caught only one bass midway through the day, but seeing that his competitors were also struggling helped him keep his head in the game. With all the time and experience under his belt, Vinson is now competing for some big bucks. The REDCREST tournament is the top competition for Major League Fishing, and the winner earns $300,000.

Although Vinson has never had a major tour level win, he finished third in the very first REDCREST. He’s also placed second at a Bassmasters Classic, which is considered the most elite

tournament of the year.

Throughout his career, Vinson has collected over $1 million in winnings.

“People talk about golf being a rich man’s sport — they got nothing on fishing,” Vinson said with a laugh. “Between the fuel, the boat and the vehicle to pull the boat, plus you gotta rent hotels or houses at these tournaments, expenses add up quick. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without great sponsors.”

And money was never the goal for Vinson.

When talking about his greatest accomplishments, Vinson doesn’t first think about his wins or his top finishes. Instead, he remembers things like his first 10-pound bass he caught in Texas or the first smallmouth bass he snagged in New York.

“It’s funny because when I started all this, I said a prayer because I know this business is a roller coaster,” Vinson said. “But I said a prayer that I just want to fish for a living. I don’t want to be rich or famous; I just want to be able to fish. And I got exactly that — nothing more, nothing less.”

DALTON MIDDLETON

THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Brooke Royster hits against Opelika earlier this season. The team’s top pitcher has allowed only two runs in her last 20 innings pitched.

Greg Vinson, of Wetumpka,

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Brown stealing bases left and right

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Lindsey Brown cannot be stopped on the base paths.

Brown, a junior catcher and shortstop for the Edgewood softball team, is showing off her speed this season. The University of Alabama volleyball signee has 35 stolen bases this season, which leads all of AISA and is tied for first in the state among AHSAA players too.

Just this week alone, Brown recorded 20 stolen bases in eight games. She had three games with five stolen bases and another with three stolen bases. She is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Lindsey is super aggressive on the base paths and that puts pressure on the defense to make a quick play and sometimes resulting in errors,” Edgewood coach Kim Brown said. “Being a catcher, she’s really good at seeing when a catcher is off guard and being able to delay steal. She is one of the few players that has a green light on the base path at any time she thinks she can take advantage.”

Brown recorded only

four hits in her eight games this week, but she reached base 19 times. She was walked 15 times this week and didn’t even record an official at-bat in two games.

Twice this week, she went 0-for-1 but walked five times in those games, scoring six runs and stealing seven bases. In the two games she went 0-for-0 at the plate, she walked six times and scored four runs with

eight stolen bases. She did make the most of her hits, however, as she recorded two singles, a double and a home run. The team’s leadoff hitter has knocked extra base hits around the park at an elite rate this year. Through 29 games, she has a .432 batting average with 35 hits. Over half of her hits are extra base hits as she has 15 doubles and three home runs.

“Lindsey has a really good eye for balls and strikes at the plate and is looking for that pitch she can drive,” Brown said. “I’m not sure what the other coaches are thinking, but I know if I were pitching against her, I would try to throw pitches for her to chase but she’s very disciplined and ends up getting walked then she has fun on the base paths.”

While Brown paced the team offensively and on the base paths, Edgewood proved it can play with the best. The Wildcats played in the Macon East Softball Tournament and beat some highly ranked softball teams.

Edgewood, ranked No. 10 in the state, opened the tournament against No. 3 Glenwood and won, then defeated No. 4 Abbeville in the second round. After losing to No. 5 Lowndes, Edgewood bounced back and defeated No. 1 Macon East in the loser’s bracket.

In a rematch against Lowndes, Edgewood won 3-2. The Wildcats knocked off all four ranked opponents it faced en route to winning the tournament championship.

“We were down a

SOFTBALL

Continued from B1

errors down, we’re pretty hard to score on. But when we make several errors like we’ve done a few times in close games, it gives the other teams a pretty good chance.”

Being hard to score on is something ace Brooke Royster has taken to heart. Royster has pitched 20 innings in five games since the Elmore County loss and has given up only two runs during the span. She pitched three complete games and came in in relief twice, striking out 15 batters and allowing only 12 hits. Her two most recent performances were both last week as she one-hit Valley then threw a

complete-game shutout against Beauregard.

“Brooke is just doing a phenomenal job up there,” Love said.

“She’s working it out and doing a very good job spotting her pitches and changing up speeds. Her velocity is getting up some and she’s just doing a great job. Our team is where it is right now because of her on the mound.

She’s working harder and harder and she’s getting more comfortable every outing.”

Love is giving his team a mental break over spring break. Instead of playing any games, the Tigers will just practice a few times. He’s hoping not having the strain and pressure of games will loosen the girls up for the last stretch of the regular season.

Tallassee’s next game will be a

starting outfielder this weekend due to an injury, and I’m really proud of how well our younger girls stepped up to fill that spot,” Brown said. “Overall this weekend had some great wins against quality teams and ended our four weekend run of tournaments and we now get a much needed spring break.”

doubleheader on Tuesday against Sylacauga. Following that game, the Tigers will turn their sights back to area play with a rematch against rival Elmore County on April 4. When those games come up, Love is hoping his team continues their recent hot streak and can continue to improve for postseason play.

“We have to keep playing defense the way we have in the last week,” Love said. “We’ve continued to get better at the plate and we have to keep doing that. Marlee Stewart and Abbie Davis are having great years at the plate along with Brooke and we need them to continue that. They’re our big hitters. The biggest thing is just working on getting better every day.”

BRIAN TANNEHILL THE TRIBUNE

Edgewood’s Lindsey Brown had a staggering 20 stolen bases this week. She is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Jenna Manning fields a ball against Opelika earlier this season. The Tigers have made only two errors in their last four games.

TAKING IT SLOW TO THE RODEO

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

The Broken L Wagon Train made its annual trek through Tallassee Tuesday on the way to the rodeo this weekend in Montgomery after parading through downtown Montgomery. The group of covered wagons pulled by mules along with horses started in Rock Mills Friday. The riders camped in Notasulga Monday night.

Young business owner sees more ventures ahead — maybe

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Some might mistake Chase Youngblood as an employee of Louie’s Chicken Fingers.

But what many are now realizing is Youngblood is the owner of the Gilmer Avenue chicken restaurant and has been for more than a year. He had been managing it for nearly 18 months when then-owner Doug Cannon approached Youngblood with an opportunity.

“I was doing a good enough job to where the owner made me an offer to buy it,” Youngblood said. “It was too good an offer for me to pass up.”

Youngblood was 25 at the time. While he still appears young today at 27, he already has more than a decade cooking and serving food to the public and now employs more than 10 people at Louie’s.

“I have been working in the restaurant industry since I was 15,” Youngblood said. “My first job ever was Louie’s in Auburn. I started when I was 15 working for [the owner of that Louie’s]. Then when I was 18 or 19, I was a server in a restaurant.”

Youngblood found his way back to Louie’s but this time in Tallassee. The COVID-19 pandemic sidelined in-person classes at Auburn University where Youngblood was working toward a degree in actuarial science.

“I tend to be more of a visual learner,” Youngblood said. “When COVID happened and things were getting shut down, I put that on hold. Then I was hired to manage Louie’s by the previous owner and I was living in Auburn at the time making about a 40-minute drive just about every day.”

Youngblood said Cannon owned the property and it was just sitting there.

“He decided to reopen because he wasn’t making any money off of it,” Youngblood

said. “We followed all the guidelines and restrictions. We were fortunate enough to keep making a profit from it.”

Youngblood continued to manage the restaurant until Cannon approached him with a purchase offer. Youngblood said ownership brought new challenges.

“One day Doug owned it and the next day I owned it,” Youngblood said. “I realized I’m a step above where I was. I can’t say enough good things about my employees. I think I have their respect and I respect them. We have a good relationship.”

Youngblood said the community and Louie’s customers are getting used to a babyface owning the business.

“If I’m talking to a customer and they ask what I do or if I’m just managing it, I tell them I own it,” Youngblood said. “Most people just don’t believe me at first. Then once I explain the situation I’m in, people tend to show me respect or say, ‘Good job. I hope the best for you.’” In addition to great employees, Youngblood said he also learned a lot since the purchase to help ensure the future success of Louie’s.

“Patience is big,” Youngblood said. “I already knew you need to rely on others to get where you want to get. I couldn’t have done any of this without the help of my employees, my girlfriend and my parents. I have had a lot of people looking out for me.”

Youngblood said he seeks the frequent help of an accountant and has learned more about the numbers side of the business, regular bank deposits, scheduling employees, billing, learning about services to help him and his own priority and time management.

Time is likely his most precious commodity. He keeps himself on the schedule, mostly in the kitchen.

“I’m up in the store 40 to

50 hours a week,” Youngblood said. “I typically have one off day and that consists of me going to Auburn and doing deposits and meeting with an accountant.

I probably spend another 10 to 15 hours doing stuff on the computer and making trips to the bank. I’m there just about every day of the week working a total of between 60 and 70 hours per week.”

Along the way he discovered he couldn’t be a good business owner and live somewhere else. Although Auburn isn’t too far of a drive, Youngblood still made the move to Tallassee in October.

“There are so many little things that I can be called to the store to handle whether it be getting change or somebody calling out,” Youngblood said. “It was impractical to live in Auburn.”

And despite his age, Youngblood and his girlfriend certainly weren't seeking the college town lifestyle.

“We are not missing out on anything,” Youngblood said. “It is a short enough drive that if we want to go see our parents or go bowling or have a date night, it’s 45 minutes away.”

Looking into the future, Youngblood sees himself adding businesses to his portfolio, but he isn’t sure when.

“It has been such a learning experience for me,” Youngblood said. “I’m taking every day and figuring out what to do next. At some point I plan on owning more businesses if that is the way I’m supposed to go.” As expected, the owner of a chicken finger restaurant admits to eating lots of chicken.

“I eat [at Louie’s] too much,” Youngblood said. “My girlfriend and I enjoy Japanese food or Mexican. If I’m out and about, about half the time if I get food it is chicken. I love chicken.”

Lake River & Classi eds

Job Opportunities

The Greenville Advocate, located in beautiful and historic Greenville, Alabama, has an opening for a general assignment reporter to assist in covering a variety of news topics. Applicants must have experience in producing community journalism or experience in a candidate must be organized, have an optimistic personality, enjoy meeting new people, and understand what makes a community newspaper important to its readers. They must also enjoy small town life, getting involved in the community they serve while practicing true community journalism. Known as “Alabama’s Mayberry,” Greenville is centrally located in Alabama along Interstate 65, where residents enjoy small town living with easy access to larger cities like Montgomery, Birmingham, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. It’s also home to Cambrian Ridge, one of the stops on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The position offers an excellent income, with health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, and vacation. There’s also advancement opportunities within our parent company, Boone Newsmedia, Inc., which publishes more than 90 newspapers in 12 states. Applicants should contact Dennis Palmer, Publisher, at dennis.palmer@greenvilleadvocate.com or by calling 334-410-1712 for more information

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Notices

Elmore County’s Mulder signs dance scholarship with Huntingdon

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Mady Mulder has been dancing since she was 3 years old, and now the Elmore County senior is getting the chance to continue dancing at the college level.

Mulder signed a National Letter of Intent to dance at Huntingdon College on Wednesday. While other dancers from Elmore County have danced at the collegiate level, she is the first in school history to sign a scholarship to dance.

The possibility of dancing at the next level became obtainable when she reached Wetumpka Middle School. There, she started getting into school dancing and the “cheer style” dance most high schools and colleges use.

“It feels really good to sign because I’ve worked really hard for this moment,” Mulder said. “I’ve been dancing since I was a little girl, so it’s been a dream of mine to dance in college since I can remember. It’s crazy to think I’m the first one to sign from here. I like having that title because I’ve worked as hard as I can for this opportunity.”

While she was used to the cheer style of dance at Wetumpka, she began theatrical dancing when she transferred to Elmore County and got involved with the award winning Maroon Machine and the ECHS Danceline.

The transition to theater dancing was difficult and took a few months for Mulder to master. She went from remembering cheer moves to running back and forth on the football field with the band — and running out of breath.

When she gets to Hunting -

don next school year, she’ll transition back to the cheer style.

“To me, the cheer style of dancing is harder to remember, so that aspect of the sport will be difficult to transition back to,” Mulder said. “I’ve done that style of dancing before so it will also be easy.”

For Mulder, her favorite aspect of dancing is the relationships she’s built with her

various teams. When she was younger, the teams were bigger and had more cliques, but that has changed since she has gotten to Elmore County. With as small as the team is and as much as they practice, Mulder said her teammates are the closest friends she’s ever had and said it’s completely because of dance she made those friendships. None of her current teammates and friends will be

joining her at Huntingdon despite her being the third member of the danceline to continue their passion at the college level.

While she will have to start over with a new team and new friendships, she is more than excited to get started. She felt the love from the minute her recruitment started with the program, and she knows that will continue when she gets there.

“I just loved the environment at Huntingdon,” Mulder said. “Everybody I met was really nice and sweet and they were just so welcoming. The uniforms were so cute and everything will be paid for, so it was an easy decision for me. I want to stay close to home because I don’t like traveling and I want to stay as close to my family and friends as possible.”

DONALD MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County’s Mady Mulder, sitting with her family, signed her National Letter of Intent to dance at Huntingdon College on Wednesday morning.