March 9, 2016 Tallassee Tribune by Tallapoosa Publishers

OPINION PAGE 4

LOCAL, PAGE 2 Find out what’s going on in the community in today’s calendar!

SPORTS, PAGE 12

Tigers baseball looks to brighter future.

INSIDE

Keep your eyes open, signs are all around us.

COUNCIL HONORS JIM WHITE, PAGE 11.

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

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

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March 9, 2016

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VOL. 117, NO. 10

New recreation center still on the table Board members eye possible sources for funding the project By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Several members of the Tallassee Parks and Recreation Board weighed in on possible funding sources for the proposed new recreation center at its recent meeting. The idea of an additional sales tax was brought up, but was quickly shot down by the attending council-

men, Terrell Brown and Rob Rygiel. Since Tallapoosa County recently raised the county sales tax by 1 cent, which made Tallapoosa County one of the heaviest taxed counties in the state, comparable to cities like Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Several other ideas were brought up, such as an alcohol and tobacco tax, but in the end no reasonable solution was reached.

Everyone in attendance was hopeful that the proposed new recreation center would come to fruition. The new center would be located on Highway 229, close to GKN. Back in November of last year, the board had attorney Dale Segrest create a special board that would File / The Tribune

See RECREATION • Page 7

Businesses going uphill in Tallassee

Local Walmart employees part of national pay increase

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Retail chain calls it ‘the largest single-day private sector pay increase ever’ By MITCH SNEED Editor

Carmen Rodger / The Tribune

Monday was like Christmas for many of the 109 employees at the Walmart in Tallassee. The employees all saw their pay increase as a result of what the retail chain called “the largest single-day, private-sector pay increase ever.” According to Walmart officials, the move will mean that the minimum amount paid to any non-probationary employee will be $10 per hour. The move essentially means that the minimum wage for Walmart employees is now $10 per hour. Walmart officials say the actual amount of the increases will vary, depending on where the employee is on the scale and the job classification. Officials said increases can be as much as $3 an hour and in some cases the increase may be less than $1. Officials said the increase will impact 1.2 million Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S., and more than See RAISE • Page 7

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Below Steven Turner, a Tallassee High School student came to Tallassee Elementary dressed as The Cat in the Hat to read to students for the Read Across America and Dr. Seuss Day on Thursday, March 3. Mayor Bobby Payne took time out of his busy schedule to read to students at TES for Read Across America and Dr. Seuss Day.

READ ACROSS AMERICA Tallassee Elementary School celebrates Dr. Seuss Day By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Students at Tallassee Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Week March 2- 5. On Monday students dressed as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. Tuesday was Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Day. In honor of Seuss’ birthday students paired up to dress as twins, “Thing One and Thing Two.” Wednesday students celebrated “Fox in Socks” by wearing their most crazy socks. Thursday was

After changing the zoning in East Tallassee from small town mix to general business in January of 2015, the area has seen a continual increase in new businesses. Furthermore, many of the local established businesses throughout the city are sprucing up their establishments. If this is an indication of the local economy, it is on the uptick. “In East Tallassee you have three new restaurants about to open,” said Councilman Rob Rygiel. One of these new dining options will be Larry Melvin’s, LLC. Many in the area are familiar with the chef of this new establishment, as he was once the chef at The Hotel Talisi. “There is another new restaurant that be will in the first shopping center as you go into East Tallassee called Rustic Mill BBQ,” he said The third restaurant that will be opening “in the near future” is Ruby’s Heart and Soul Restaurant. See BUSINESS • Page 3

See READ • Page 3

Alabama Power Foundation sponsors Relay for Life By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Alabama Power Foundation presented the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life campaign a check in the amount of $300. The presentation took place at the Alabama Power Company office on Gilmer Avenue last Wednesday. The Alabama Power Service Organization partners with several local businesses and organizations in the area to help those in need. “Our APSO (Alabama Power Service Organization), will have a team, but the foundation donates every

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year to help sponsor the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,” said Melinda Emfinger, spokesperson for the Tallassee Alabama Power Service Organization. “It’s volunteer work that will go back into the community. We work real close with ACTS and we do the Relay for Life every year.” Each year the local Alabama Power office forms a Relay for Life team and they participate in the campaign with a cookout to benefit the Relay for Life campaign “We have a cookout every year and that’s how we raise See GRANT • Page 7

ka p m u t We

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Community Manager for Relay For Life Mid-South Division Amber Voss is presented with a check from Melinda Emfinger, spokesperson for the Tallassee Alabama Power Service Organization to benefit the Relay for Life 2016 campaign.

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Page 2 • March 9, 2016

March 9-11

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Area Calendar

BREAKFAST PROGRAM: National School Breakfast Week Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for families to find time for a healthy breakfast. To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy

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Obituaries Myna Goldston

choices available with school breakfast, Tallassee City Schools will recognize National School Breakfast Week from March 7-11, 2016. The campaign theme is “Wake up to School Breakfast”. National School Breakfast Week helps us educate parents and students about all the healthy and appealing choices we offer. Students will be encouraged to “Wake Up” their minds and bodies during March 7-11 with special menus, decorations, cafeteria events and more. School nutrition professionals in Tallassee City Schools prepare breakfast and lunches everyday that meet federal nutrition standards, which include limiting fat, calories and sodium, encouraging more students to choose from fruits, vegetables and whole grains offered with school meals. During the weeklong celebration, students will be offered fresh fruit along with menu items such as breakfast bagel, sunrise omelet and yogurt parfait.

March 9-10

AUDITIONS: Wetumpka Depot Players will hold auditions for two upcoming productions at 7 p.m. at the Depot. Auditions will be from cold script readings; no monologues required. I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick will be staged May 12 through 28, and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams will be staged Oct. 21 through 29. Contact Kristy Meanor at kmeanor@ wetumpkadepot.com or call her at 334-868-1440 for details.

March 10

BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Tallassee Board of Education will meet March 10 at 6 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Media Center.

March 12

HERITAGE DAY: The Poarch Band of Creek Indians rich heritage will come to life on the grounds of the Museum Saturday, March 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. During this FREE event, Tribal Members will share aspects of their enriching history and legacy in fun and interactive ways for the entire family. The event will take place rain or shine.

March 14

COUNCIL MEETING: The city of Tallassee is having a council meeting at city hall at 6 p.m. Elmore County BOE Meeting When: March 14, 4:30 p.m. Where: Eclectic Elementary School ORIENTATION: Wetumpka Elementary School’s Kindergarten Orientation is on Monday, March 14. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. and an Information Program is at 5:30 p.m. JOBS FOR LIFE: Jobs for Life (JfL) Tallassee will begin our spring classes on Monday, March 14. JfL are now accepting applications for the eight weeks, two nights a week course. There are no age limitations for students. Applicants must be able and willing to work. Applicants may be unemployed or underemployed. Classes are limited to ten students. Applicants will be selected though an interview process. The classes are held in the ACTS Building on Main Street in Tallassee. Should you or someone you know be interested, please

Mrs. Myna Goldston, 64, of Eclectic, passed away March 7, 2016. She was born June 8, 1951. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Refuge Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Scarborough will be officiating. Burial will follow at Refuge Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her mother, Nellie Dopson; sister, Dianne Gantt; brother, David Dopson (Patricia); niece, Ashley Cline (Michael); nephew, Brandon Irvin; and great nephews, Codey, Eiler and Larson. She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Steve Goldston. Myna was a member of Refuge Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She graduated from UAB and fulfilled her lifelong goal to be a Registered Nurse, which she did for over 30 years. One of her hobbies was clogging. She loved to bake and attended catering classes. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. call Carl Stewart (334 415-8398) for further information. Email:warsameagle@ymail.com

March 15

CANCER SUPPORT: Tallassee’s Cancer Support Group Meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Community Hospital classroom.

March 17

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group Meeting at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

March 18

TURF MEETING: The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will be conduction an athletic turf management meeting a the Elmore County Extension Service March 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $10 and you must pre-register at 334-567-6301. This meeting is for coaches or anyone from a school who manages athletic turf and for City Parks and Recreation employees that manage city fields. Topics to be discussed are mowing, aeration, topdressing, irrigation and drainage, overseeding and transition, and maintaining pitcher’s mounds. Dr. Dave han and Dr. Chip East will be conducting this meeting.

March 19

RELAY FOR LIFE SINGING: The 11th Annual Relay for Life Singing for the American Cancer Society! Saturday March 19, 2016 at 6:00pm at Faith Baptist Church, Wetumpka! Corner of Chapel Rd. and Coosa River Pkwy! Featured singers will be the Dye Family from Alexander City and Forgiven Heart from Wetumpka! Pastor Gerald Wood will emcee! All proceeds go to the Jessica’s Cancer Busters Relay for Life team! please make checks payable to the American Cancer Society! For more information call Bubba Wood at (334) 300 - 2134! OPENING DAY: Boys Dixie Youth baseball Jamboree will be March 19 and opening ceremonies will be March 26.

You are invited to celebrate the 90th birthday of VVoncile onccille LLedbetter! edbetter! Saturday March 12 2p.m. until 6p.m. New Prospect United Methodist Church No gifts, please.

Tallassee

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“Our Family Caring for Yours” 2639 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL 36078

334-283-3975

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Read

March 9, 2016 • Page 3

continued from page 1

Pajama Day. Thursday was also filled with guest readers. Mayor Bobby Payne, Councilwoman Johnson, the THS Wrestling Team, THS student council members with their sponsor Melissa Suggs, Aubie the Tiger and Big Mo, the Montgomery Biscuits mascot, all came out to celebrate the occasion by reading to students. ‘We love reading. It’s a National program that we celebrate in honor of Dr. Seuss, a very beloved children’s author,” said Laura Lott, library media specialist at Tallassee Elementary School. “Every year, one day we invite the community and parents to come in and show what reading means, and we also get to wear pajamas. It’s a fun time. They get so excited. It makes me excited because they get so excited.” Coach Mask brought members of the Tallassee Wrestling Team to the elementary school to celebrate Read Across America. Jake Baker read “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish.” Jordan Price read “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket.” Andy Baker also read “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish.” Alex Daar read the classic “The Cat in the Hat.” Reo Reyes read “Too Much Glue.” Nolan Shipman read “And to

Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” and Jonavan Miller read “I’m Not Going to Get Up Today.” The group along with coach Mask was excited to read and entertain the students of Tallassee Elementary School. “We came out for Read Across America. We’re going to read some books today,” said Mask. With so many special visitors, students at Tallassee Elementary were visibly excited. “The Cat in the Hat is here,” said first grader Aubrey Myers. “And so is Aubie, I hugged him, too.” Myers said she likes to read and her favorite book is “Frozen.” Read Across America and Dr. Seuss Day are celebrated nationally with most schools around the country participating in one form or another. Now in its 19th year, the program is geared toward reading and motivating students of all ages to read by participating in special Read Across America events, partnerships and resources offered by the program.

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DRIVE A LITTLE AND SAVE A LOT!

RODNEY GRIFFITH Turf Tactics in Carrville recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. The building sat empty for years before Greg and Kat Raiford relocated their business to this location. This establishment along with others are doing well as the local business economy continues to grow.

continued from page 1

It will be located on North Ann Street and will specialize in home cooking. Carrville has also seen an increase in the automotive industry. This includes both dealerships and automobile repair shops. In East Tallassee, Tate Automotive is the newest used car dealer to open in the area. “He just opened and he has some nice cars for sale over there,” said Councilman David Stough. Main Street Transmission has recently opened for business in East Tallassee. Furthermore, Turf Tactics opened in Carrville and just recently celebrated their one-year anniversary at the location. Before Greg and Kat Raiford, owners of Turf Tactics, moved into the building it had sat empty for years and was an eyesore to many. Today the building looks like an updated time capsule with the nostalgic features of the older building combined with modern updates. “They took that building and made it look really

nice,” Stough said. Many of the established businesses in Tallassee have followed suit, refreshing their appearance as well. “In July the Huddle House updated their restaurant and the Chrysler dealership is in the process of remodeling their establishment now,” Rygiel said. In addition, Tallassee has seen several new establishments open over the past year. Gameday Clips has been a welcomed addition to the Tallassee area. Both Web Devil Design and Studio B opened in downtown Tallassee last fall and more recently Tallassee saw the opening of T-Fit, a state-of-the-art gym in the shopping center that once housed Winn-Dixie, Dollar General and Wal-Mart. Rygiel says this spurt in new businesses comes from both the planning commission’s rezoning but also because of the faith people have in the local community.

Thank You! I am extremely humbled and appreciative of your vote of support in the county commission race. I would like to thank my precious family and the many volunteers who have worked so tirelessly for the past (4) months. I would personally like to take this opportunity thank Trey Taylor for his running a clean and respectful campaign. I would also ask that you please remember Trey and his family in your prayers, as his mother is going through some serious health issues. With God’s help and guidance, as your county commissioner, I pledge to work diligently to serve ALL of the people in District Two in an honest, ethical, transparent and ¿scally-responsible manner. Thank you, and God bless. Sincerely,

Mack Daugherty

Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Business

Lake Martin Properties

78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg. SOLDChurch. $69,000. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000. MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.

Tallassee Page 4 • March 9, 2016

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Mitchell memorial event was a 'tribute' not a 'service'

he passing of Apollo 14 Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell was noted in this space three weeks ago. I was able to attend a memorial tribute to the legendary astronaut in West Palm Beach on Feb. 23. Obviously, it’s a long trip from Tallassee to that part of Florida, and I’d made that journey before (to interview Mitchell) in a single day in 2010. This time I decided to take things a bit easier, traveling as far as Orlando on the first day, then the remaining 160 miles on the Florida Turnpike the following morning. If an out-of-towner is looking for a particular venue, it’s always a good idea to find the site ahead of time, if said outof-towner arrives early enough. So about three hours before the memorial tribute, I located the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, nestled inside Dreher Park beside I-95. The museum was hosting a temporary exhibit of life-size dinosaur models (some of which had motion capability). Guarding the outside entrance was a Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus, the biggest carnivore ever discovered by pale-

the two lunar travelers converse; theirs is one of the most exclusive clubs in history. As more guests arrived, the skies darkened and ultiBy Willie G. mately unleashed a cloudburst just before Moseley the scheduled starting time. After a delay of ontologists (so far), its 45 minutes, the tribute huge crocodile-like snout began, as attendees hudopening and closing in a dled towards the center menacing manner. of the tent in an attempt Sightseeing was a to avoid the drenching viable option to kill rain and wind. some time, so I puttered Family members of along Highways 1 and the other two crew memA1A through downtown bers of Apollo 14 (both West Palm Beach and as also deceased) made far north as Jupiter until the pilgrimage to the it was time to change tribute. Laura Shepard clothes and return to the Churchley, daughter museum. of mission commander A large, temporary Alan Shepard, and Allen outdoor tent had been Roosa, son of Command erected outside, and its Module Pilot Stu Roosa interior featured a stage were introduced, as was displaying images of Rick Armstrong (son of Mitchell and his crewNeil Armstrong of Apollo mates, as well as appro11), along with NASA priate decorations. dignitaries and elected Among the earliest government officials. persons to arrive was And it needs to be Apollo 17 Lunar Module pointed out that this event Pilot Harrison “Jack” was indeed a “memoSchmitt, one of the last rial tribute” instead of two people to walk on a “memorial service.” the moon. Not long Mitchell was agnostic, afterwards, Apollo 13 and no allusions to reliLunar Module Pilot Fred gion were heard as famHaise was escorted to the ily members and friends tent; Haise was one of recalled his unique life. the scheduled speakers, There were three but Schmitt’s attendance speakers, including was a surprise to the Haise, who received a delighted organizers. It standing ovation when was fascinating to watch he strode to the podium

The SoCalled Column

to recall his close work with Mitchell in the development of the Lunar Module at the Grumman factory on Long Island. Six other family members and friends gave brief quotes by Mitchell, including a formidable and on-the-money indictment of politicians. Songs were presented by a choir known as the Young Singers. The rains finally ceased around the time the tribute finished. The guests migrated outside the tent to gaze upwards to the overcast skies. After a few moments, four side-by-side jet fighters roared into view. One of the airplanes swooped upwards in the classic “Missing Man” maneuver and was quickly enveloped by the gray void. That’s the first Missing Man ceremony I’ve ever witnessed (and heard) in person. It was an incredibly powerful experience. To anyone who met him, Ed Mitchell was an unforgettable individual, for more than one reason. Most of the attendees at his memorial tribute would probably agree that the event was well done, befitting his distinct personality in an appropriate manner. But for me, it wasn’t just about remembering a person, it was about remembering history.

Willie Mosely / The Tribune

Above, Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise was a scheduled speaker at Apollo 14 Lunar Module Pilot Mitchell's ceremony. Top, Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison "Jack" Schmitt also attended the ceremony.

Keep your eyes open, signs are all around us

’d struggled mentally, physically, and emotionally for quite some time when in early December I finally swallowed my pride and went to the VA in Tuskegee. When I returned from my last deployment five years ago, I went to the VA in Birmingham and had a negative experience with my doctor on my initial visit and never returned. My experience in Tuskegee was very different from the start. The enrollment clerk was very pleasant, and, as mentioned in an earlier article, the first available appointment just happened to be the very last slot on Christmas Eve. I truly believe that was a gift from God. That was a sign. I really liked my doctor. When I walked into his

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

office, the first words out of his mouth were “War Eagle.” I was wearing an Auburn jacket. Our relationship was off to a great start. He’d spent 10 years as a flight surgeon in the Air Force. Whether I told him about my migraines, my sleep issues, or my allergic reactions to Bama fans, he was there to help me. Unlike the guy in Birmingham, he actually cared. His name was Dr. Canfield, and he would have been my primary care physician from that point on,

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE (533-160) is published weekly on Wednesday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 301 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078. Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tallassee Tribune, 301 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078. ISSN # 2150-3982. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $0.25 per word with a $15 charge for a picture. Obituaries can only be accepted by the funeral home handling the arrangements. The Tallassee Tribune does not accept obituaries from individuals. •Weddings/Engagements/Birth Announcements - $0.25 per word with a $15 for a 2 column, color photo. • One year $25 (In Elmore County, Tallapoosa County and Notasulga) Elsewhere $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call David Kendrick at The Alex City Outlook: 256-234-4281. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. Kenneth Boone, Publisher Mitch Sneed: Editor editor@tallasseetribune.com • 256-234-4281 Corey Arwood: Reporter corey.arwood@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 102 Carmen Rodgers: Reporter carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 101 The Tallassee Tribune is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City, Ala. by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281.

but he was getting ready to retire from the VA. As far as I know, that was his last day of work. Perhaps it wasn’t, but it was the last time I saw him. I’m just glad I got into the system with him. That was a sign of good things to come. He told me he was opening a private practice in Auburn. I wish I’d gotten his number. Two months later, after years of procrastination, I visited the Veterans Service Office at the Lee County Courthouse. If I was just looking for a check, I would have been there years earlier, but after all my years of service including three tours in Iraq, it was time. The aches and pains, mental and physical, were almost too much to bear at times. Some of my peers had begged and

pleaded for me to go. I had a great meeting with the veterans service officer and had actually met him years ago before he held this position. That, too, was a good sign. Later, I drove through downtown Opelika and stopped at Dorris Sign Co. to talk to my friend LaGina about having T-shirts made. I believe in figurative signs, but they believe in literal signs. It’s what they do, and they do a great job. We looked at different colors and different styles, and then she pointed at one hanging on the far end of the wall. I walked down to take a look. It was a nice T-shirt, but that’s not what caught my attention. I looked down on the table in front of me. It was a sign—literally and figuratively. It was the only

sign there, and it could have been made any day in the past or any day in the future. In fact, I don’t know when it was made. The only thing I know is that I didn’t have to stop that day and he could’ve used any sign company in the area. The sign was for Dr. Canfield. It also had his phone number. Like I said, I believe in signs. Keep your eyes open. Signs are all around us. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

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SCV organization does significant community work Dear Editor, It doesn’t require a brilliant mind to distinguish between heritage and hate. Only deeply prejudiced persons would not differentiate between a historical honor society like the Sons of Confederate Veterans and groups that abuse Confederate flags to intimidate others. Mr. Dean is obviously a product of hateful resentment directed toward the Confederate flag by the media and those authentic hate groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center whose mission is to stamp out any vestiges of southern history and heritage. The insults don’t bother me, they are badges of honor for standing up for what’s right, but to call our Confederate ancestors traitors are fighting words. Our Confederate ancestors fought for independence from an oppressive central government and had the constitutional right to secede. Has it ever crossed Mr. Dean’s mind that President Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee were never tried for treason? Such a

spectacle would have exposed the fact that the South had the constitutional right to secede, and still does? I do not know Mr. Dean and I guess it is because I have never seen him at any of the meetings of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society, Friends of Tuckabatchee or even one of the Community Development Corporation. Possibly, his time is too valuable to sacrifice for community service, but if involved as I, he would know that the Sons of Confederate Veterans replaced all the windows in the Confederate Armory and donated $5,000 toward the new roof. A group of SCV members helped the historical society load 66 tons of scrap metal at the old mill site which produced $3,200 for armory restoration. The Armory property has recently been conveyed to the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, but the THPS still leases the property. This arrangement allows the City of Tallassee to make repairs and maintain the grounds of the Armory. Previously, the SCV did most of this work. The new

SCV Headquarters in downtown Tallassee will serve as an interpretive center for the promotion of Tallassee’s rich Confederate history and will bring positive attention to our continued efforts to preserve the armory. As far as flying a proper Confederate flag, the armory would have flown the third national flag which still incorporates the St. Andrew’s cross in the upper left corner. In downtown, the Tallassee Armory Guards will fly the SCV logo flag on a daily basis, but may fly other flags on certain important historical dates. These could include the state of Alabama flag, the Great Seal of Alabama Flag, the Bonnie Blue Flag and all of the Confederate flags. When appropriate, like on the fourth of July, we may fly the U.S. Flag. Fred Randall Hughey Commander The Tallassee Armory Guards Camp 1921 Sons of Confederate Veterans

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Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse

Tales of an old campaign secret and a genuine mentor

ne of the finest men to ever serve in Alabama government is Albert Brewer. He is one of the most quality and highest caliber individuals to ever rise to the governor’s office. Brewer hailed from Morgan County in the heart of the Tennessee Valley. He was first elected to the legislature from Decatur in 1958 at the very young age of 28. He was identified early as a rising star. In fact, his star was meteoric. During his second term in 1962, he was elected Speaker of the House at age 32 – an unheard of feat. Besides being on a politiFlowers cal fast track by the time he was in mid-30s, Brewer was also considered one of the best attorneys in Decatur. He is a kind, considerate, and genuinely sincere man with the most pleasant and contagious smile and countenance. Once you meet Albert Brewer you immediately warm up to him and like him. His smile and disposition can melt the most hardened enemy. Gov. Brewer became especially dear to me. When I first met Gov. Brewer, I was a 12-year-old page from Troy and Brewer was Speaker of the House. My mentor and sponsor was my representative from Troy, Mr. Gardner Bassett. Mr. Gardner was in his 70s and he loved Brewer. Since Mr. Gardner and I were close, he got me acquainted with the young Speaker from Morgan County. Brewer graciously took me under his wing and would let me run special errands for him. Occasionally he even let me sit next to him in the presiding officer’s chair. This pleased Mr. Gardner because he had told Brewer of my love of politics and that when Mr. Gardner retired that I would run for and take his house seat and that is eventually what happened. Therefore, it was no secret to Brewer that I aspired to get into politics and eventually run for the legislature. He and Mr. Gardner would share legislative stories and history with me. When Brewer became Lieutenant Governor in 1966, he took me over to the Senate with him to be head of the Pages. This allowed me to work in the legislature during the summer while growing up. One day, Brewer said I want to tell you a campaign secret. He began his lesson by explaining that when you get ready to run for the legislature you should start your campaign in the country. He then explained why. It was based on the old bandwagon theory. He said people in the rural towns and hamlets have more time on their hands. They like politics better than their neighbors in the city, they talk more, they appreciate your interest more and they want to be asked for their vote. Therefore, if you work the rural community first, they talk about you being there and they will commit to you early. At that time, if a person in a rural area told you they were going to vote for you, you could take that to the bank. Therefore, if you got there first, you could wrap up that area early and forever. Another big plus of working the country first was that whenever any person from that rural box came into the larger town or county seat to shop or get their haircut and the city folks asked about politics out their way, the rural man would say, “I don’t know about the other races but that Brewer boy is going to get all the votes up here for that open Legislative seat.” Then the bandwagon domino theory was on. The city folks assumed that if all the country folks were for someone that candidate was bound to win in a landslide so they better get on board too. That was a good lesson. I took Gov. Brewer’s advice in my first race and I got 82% of the vote over two opponents. By the way, Gov. Brewer is doing well today. After years as a successful practicing attorney, he went on to become a professor at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. My daughter had the opportunity to get to know him while she was in law school at Cumberland. She took several classes he taught, worked with him on the Alabama Constitutional Law Project, and still looks to him as a mentor. Gov. Brewer still has that endearing warm smile and personality. He is a prince of a fellow. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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March 9, 2016 • Page 5

Our

Opinion

Larger voter turnout is an encouraging sign

oters turned out in surprising numbers for the Super Tuesday primary. In Tallapoosa County, 41.98 percent of the registered voters went to the polls Tuesday. In Elmore County, 44.66 percent of voters filled out a ballot. And across Alabama, the voter participation number hit 41.4 percent. Since 1988, the Alabama Secretary of State’s office reports that in presidential primaries, the voter turnout has averaged much lower: • June 7, 1988 – 20 percent • June 2, 1992 – 29 percent • June 4, 1996 – 23 percent • June 6, 2000 – 20 percent • June 1, 2004 – 17 percent

controversy as well. Some have credited the GOP frontrunner for the flow to the polls. This year billionaire/reality TV star Donald Trump has been the big draw. Despite your political views, it is obvious that he has impassioned our country’s voters. While we think Trump would be a dangerous U.S. president because of his governmental inexperience and his mercurial personality, we’re happy to see that more people are now involved in the presidential election process. That is indeed a positive takeaway from this year’s Super Tuesday voting in our area.

The ides of March is upon us

dus Martii. The 15th of March, coming up next week, has quite the historical significance. That day has been set aside as a day to honor Mars, the god of war. Many of us recall the famous line in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, “beware the ides of March.” It was on this day in 44 B.C. that Caesar was stabbed to death – 23 times – by Brutus and a group of other assassins at the Theatre of Pompey. One of the more interesting facts about the Ides of March is the rock band of the same name. Begun in the mid-1960s, the Chicago-based group had early regional hits such as “Like it or Lump It” and “You Wouldn’t Listen,” but did not find a national audience. Other bands of this era, such

• Feb. 5, 2008 – 42.6 percent • March 13, 2012 – 24.42 percent In the past seven presidential primary elections, an average of 25 percent of the state’s registered voters have found the motivation to cast a ballot. It’s hard to say exactly what drove the surge at the polls. In Elmore County there were some hotly contested commission races that were a big factor. In Tallapoosa County there were very few contested races, but still people voted. Perhaps it was the presidential race, which has seen unprecedented news coverage, a massive number of debates and a huge helping of

Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird as Chicago (then known as The Big Thing or Chicago Transit Authority), Blood Sweat & Tears, and Electric Flag had augmented the typical guitar-bassdrums lineup with a horn section. But the Ides of March were among the first of this genre to have a No.1 single. “Vehicle” was released in 1970 and was the fastest-selling single in Warner Bros. Records history. Most people know the song to this day thanks to years of continuous radio airplay. The name may not be well-known,

but the music is unforgettable. Ides co-founder, vocalist and principal songwriter, Jim Peterik, also wrote hits for the similarlystyled band Chase, which was slightly different in that it featured a four-man trumpet section with guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums. What else did Peterik do? Well, he authored a book called Songwriting for Dummies. He also went on to form another Chicago-based band called Survivor, writing and singing a song for a Rocky movie. It’s a theme Tallassee fans hear nearly every day or at least once a week: “Eye of the Tiger”. Et tu, Brute? Michael Bird is a band director and webmaster with Tallassee City Schools and a regular columnist for The Tribune.

They would grow up better

hey would grow up better…. I wonder what our kids and grandkids would do if they had to wear hand-me-down clothes or eat a garden onion and biscuit that was left over from breakfast for a snack. Young people today wear shoes that cost over one hundred dollars. My wardrobe from age zero to 16 probably didn’t cost much over one hundred dollars. Today kids drop by a fast food café and pick up a couple of burgers and a giant coke for a snack in the afternoon. They go out and get in a car that looks better than mama and daddy’s and drive off. Me and my brother bought and traded for bicycle parts until we had enough to build a bike. I’ve thought about it many times how he was too big to ride that bike so he must have been building me a bike. Every time we found some paint we painted that bike. We had bicycle racks at school and we rode our bikes to school. We fixed our own flats with a patch kit. We cut the grass and hedge, most yards had a hedge around them and our parents wanted them neat and flat. I can’t remember ever seeing a parent trimming a hedge, that’s what they had children for. To do the chores! Today worlds of grown men make a living cutting grass

The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley for families with grass cutting age people living at home. It might do people good if they have to share a bedroom with an older or younger brother. We shared a bedroom with a bunch of them. If you’re not in a bedroom with a younger brother or sister and they come into your room in the middle of the night and crawl in bed because of the sound of thunder or a ghost or scary things under their bed. I hope you let them stay because it is a good, safe feeling. Today each child has their own bedroom with keep out on the door and that means parents too. I hope you learn to shoot. Start with a bow and arrow you made yourself, then a slingshot that you made. There are three or four different kinds of slingshots so they would need to try them all. When they prove themselves responsible they are ready for a bb gun. I can’t say much about shooting of people, street gangs, drugs or any other such things of this nature. We didn’t have any such things as

this, we had daddies at home living with mama and he had a razor strap. He didn’t have to use it just the sight of it being there was all it took. I’m sure you remember all of this and it worked didn’t it? I believe it would work today and I would dare a child of mine to call the police or a lawyer. If possible every child needs a dog. The dog doesn’t have to be a pure bred. Let him eat some table scraps, let him loose so he can follow you around, go down to the creek fishing or out to the woods hunting. Cry your heart out when the old dog dies but keep the memories of when he was a puppy in your heart and talk about him fondly when he comes up in a conversation. We talk about the youth of today but if we still practiced some of the things that were practiced years ago you can’t help but see from yesterday that it was a tried and true method of helping young people grow up better. I’ve got many more of these ideas but space will not allow them this time. Ronald Brantley is a Tallassee resident and a regular columnist. He can be reached at Rbrantley1@ elmore.rr.com.

OBITUARIES/RELIGION

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

Page 6 • March 9, 2016

www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Consider where you stand and embrace the core values G

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I believe the early arrival of Easter this year has brought an early spring with it. I cannot believe I actually had to get the lawnmower out in February! Every time I hear someone talk about our country’s need to get back on track, I can’t help but wonder what track they are talking about. Nostalgic trips are often viewed through rose colored glasses. The Glory Days coin always has two sides. The wisdom carried forward from any point in time is dependent on viewing both sides clearly. The growing political debate in our country has embracing the strength of our past as a nation at its center. Many in our nation are clinging to an identity found in a particular moment of time and lifting it up as our center and focal point. I fully support this approach. We need to go back to our birth as a nation. I do not mean that we need to try and turn back the clock somehow, for we all know the impossi-

• Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On March 13 at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School will focus on the parables of Jesus. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/ • St. Vincent de Paul March 13 - Scott Hahn “Why a Protestant Pastor Became Catholic Part 2” March 20 - James Dean, David Carucci, Patrick Driscoll - “Palm Sunday” March 27 - James Dean, David Carucci, Patrick Driscoll - “Easter Sunday” April 3 - Patrick Lencioni “Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 1” April 10 - Patrick Lencioni “Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 2” OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8:00-8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www.wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale. • Westside Baptist Church Services are Sunday morning at 10 a.m.

AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444

JONATHON YARBORO First Presbyterian

bility of going back in time. What I mean is that every citizen of these United States should go back to the wisdom of our beginning. In case it has been a while since your last Civics or US History class, let me refresh your memory. Take a moment to reread the Declaration of Independence. That document probably says more about who we are as a nation than any other. Here is a brief excerpt: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien-

able Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.” I don’t know about you, but I am not hearing much of this wisdom in the political discourse of our present time. If anything, what I am hearing in most cases is the opposite. The language of equality endowed by the Creator is seemingly nonexistent. The wisdom of the founders of this nation should be represented in any political position within these United States. The Declaration makes room for a wide range of approaches to government. Just power can only be

found in the consent of the governed. Is there consensus among the governed in our nation? Many people in our country seem to think not. I disagree. I happen to be one citizen who believes the wisdom of our founders remains present. I also celebrate the reality that Christianity was not the only religion represented at the table the declaration was signed on. The challenge I offer is a simple one. Consider your political positions. Examine them through the lens of the Declaration of Independence. What do they look like? If your viewpoints coincide with the self-evident truths our nation was founded on, continue to support your cause. If they do not, then it is time to reconsider where you stand. Any viewpoint seeking to alter our nation’s foundation is built on sand.

every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

Nursery is available. All are welcome.

Religion Briefs & 11 a.m. then 6 p.m. Wednesday night prayer and Bible study 7 p.m. All are invited. • Word of Life Baptist Church Community News We would like to invite you to join us on these Mondays March 7th, March 14th, and March 21st, at the Word of Life Baptist Church for our Community Celebrations. There will be special speakers each night with great music and refreshments. This will be a time of fellowship and worship for our community. Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday School 9:30 am, and Morning Worship at 10:30 am. Our Wednesday Night Activities are at 6:30 pm. • Elam Baptist Church The Sunny Senior Breakfast will meet Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. The Easter Pageant is planned for March 20, Palm Sunday. More Easter events to be announced. Hope to see you in church each Sunday, Wednesday and special activities. Everyone welcome. • East Tallassee United Methodist Church: The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open

Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist

• St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church 3495 Hwy 14 Notasulga, AL 36866. Minister Alma Purter, Pastor. Welcome, welcome, welcome! We look forward to your presence. Program committee: Sis. Brenda Moss 334-401-0706, Sis. Linda Pullium 334-209-3208 and Sis. Judy Moss. • Beulah Baptist Church At Beulah, here is our schedule of services: Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Service 11 a.m. Wednesday Feed the Sheep 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.

1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787

The deadline Is FRIDAY at noon.

• House of love and Mercy Will be celebrating their 16-year anniversary. The celebration will be a 2-day event beginning Friday, April 29 at 6pm. The speaker for this great occasion will be Marsha Jean Evans (known as MJ) who used to reside in HOLM and is now a great supporter who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On Saturday, April 30 from 9am-12pm the HOLM will hold a silent auction to benefit the HOLM. Looking for a great time and looking forward for women that used to reside in the program as well as many people who live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Lake Point Baptist Church Lake Pointe is a new church and Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the church’s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from God’s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome. Come! Let us build!

First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510

Submit your church news to editor@tallasseetribune.com •••

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

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 334-567-7811. The Tallassee Tribune

Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 5676561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100

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Elmore County EMA sets date for SKYWARN course By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

After cancelling last month’s SKYWARN course due to the threat of inclement weather, the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency has rescheduled the course for March 17 from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Millbrook Civic Center, located at 3168 Park Circle. Registration is now open. The cost is free and the course is a basic storm-spotter class. This free training is provided by the National Weather Service’s Weather Forecast Office in Birmingham and is offered to anyone 12 and older who has an interest in learning about severe weather. The National Weather Service’s trained volunteer weather spotters will teach the upcoming SKYWARN course. The information reported by trained spotters, along with Doppler radar, satellite and other data enables the National Weather Service to release the most rapid and precise warning possible in the event of a tornado, severe thunderstorm and flash flooding events. “If you’re placed under a severe thunderstorm warning, your action steps should be the same as under a tornado warning,” said Kim Trost, ALEM Program Coordinator & PIO for the Elmore

County EMA. “When you start thinking about the power that a thunderstorm can punch, it really doesn’t matter if those winds are coming in a straight line or if they are twirling. The potential is there for property damage, injury and even death.” The spotlight of the upcoming SKYWARN storm-spotter course is to inform anyone who is interested along with members of local law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, public works, amateur radio operatives, etc., about SKYWARN procedures for safely spotting and reporting severe thunderstorms and harsh weather occurrences. This course is not designed for “storm chasers” and SKYWARN does not support or demonstrate how to pursue storms or harsh weather occurrences. Furthermore, this course does not encourage or teach spotters how to chase storms, but rather how to safely observe and report them. SKYWARN is the only spotter training class to be hosted by the Elmore County EMA for 2016. Registration is required to attend this coarse. Registration for SKYWARN will remain open until 5 p.m. on March 17. To make a reservation call 334-567-6451 or email Kim Trost at ktrost@ elmoreco.org .

Recreation

continued from page 1

be its own entity, separate from the city, that would exist solely for funding the new recreation center. “This is a special vehicle authorized by state statute for a particular project, the project on 229,” said attorney Dale Segrest, during the November City Council Meeting, “This is the proper legal vehicle as a financial tool. This would not impact the day-to-day operation of the parks and rec department.” When the issue was brought up late last year, the city had serious concerns about funding and made it clear that in no way could the city be liable for the proposed center. During that same November City Council Meeting Councilman Bill Godwin had concerns over the city’s liability, should this board be created. “The creation of a public parks and recreation board; we have to have assurance that this completely eliminates the city from any financial responsibility or liability resulting from any debt that might be created,” Godwin said. The city was assured the creation of the new

Grant

board would not affect the city in anyway and should the need ever arise, the city could simply dissolve the board. This proposed recreation center was brought back to the city council after concerns regarding Tallassee’s present-day pool. The original plans for Tallassee’s current swimming pool were drawn in 1951. Since then many things have changed. Including regulation sizes required for pools to hold swim meets. “We need a new pool in order to hold swim meets here in Tallassee. Right now the pool is too small and outdated to hold swim meets,” said councilman Rob Rygiel. Before closing the meeting Councilman Darrell Wilson suggested sending the proposal to the Finance Committee, which must approve the request to create a funding board for the proposed new recreation center before sending before the city council. It was also suggested by many attending board members that the City Attorney, John Smith and Dale Segrest meet to “iron out the kinks” that each attorney has with this proposal.

continued from page 1

our funds,” Emfinger said. Donations like the one offered by the Alabama Power Foundation go directly back into the community by serving those who have been affected by cancer. “Without wonderful sponsors like Alabama Power Foundation we wouldn’t be able to provide the services that we offer our patients,” said Amber Voss, Community Manager for Relay For Life, Mid-South Division. “We love on our sponsors because it is a collaborated effort to pull this off.” According to Voss, the Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community, with four million participants in 6,000 events worldwide in 2015. Last year, over 115 people participated in the Relay For Life of Tallassee and raised $99,317. If last year’s numbers are an indicator this year’s Relay for Life campaign, the American Cancer Society should surpass those totals. With less than three full months into 2016 the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life already has four major sponsors from Tallassee. “A special thank you to our current sponsors for the 2016 season, AES Industries, Trustmark Bank, the Alabama Power Foundation and Scarborough and Griggs, LLC.,” Voss said.

Raise

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33,000 in Alabama. The increases will appear on the March 10th paychecks for employees, officials said. “The increases are part of the company’s two-year, $2.7 billion investment in higher pay, better training, clearer career paths and additional educational opportunities for its workers,” according to a released statement. The company has also instituted a plan that included quarterly cash bonuses based on the performance of their store. For the last fiscal year, Walmart said it paid associates across the country more than $550 million in bonuses, including more than $19 million in Alabama.

IF YOU HAVE COLLATERAL, WE HAVE YOUR LOAN. Business Loans for Central Alabama.

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March 9, 2016 • Page 7

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Science Projects

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Step One: Take the copper wires and cut three SLHFHV DERXW LQFKHV LQ OHQJWK :LWK WKH ÂżUVW ZLUH wrap about two inches of wire around it. With the second wire, do the same to a paper clip. With the Have you ever seen a model volcano erupt? Here is third wire, wrap about two inches around the last penny and at the other end, wrap another two how you do it! For the volcano you will need: a paper inches around the last paperclip. PDFKH YROFDQR 0DGH ZLWK DQ HPSW\ ERWWOH QHZVStep Two: Take the two lemons and gently roll them paper, cardboard, and paper mache glue.). For the around to loosen the pulp. (Be sure not to break the eruption you need: 1 tablespoon warm water, liquid skin.) Have a grownup cut two small slits into the dish soap, food coloring, 1 tablespoon baking soda, top of each lemon, large enough for the pennies and some vinegar. DQG SDSHU FOLSV WR ÂżW LQWR Step One: Construct your volcano with the bottle Step Three: ,Q WKH ÂżUVW OHPRQ SODFH WKH SHQQ\ (This will be the crater of your volcano.) taped in the attached to a wire in the left hole. In the second middle of your cardboard. Take strips of cardboard lemon, place the paper clip attached to a wire in the and make a frame for the shape of the volcano. Then right hole. Then take the last wire and place the paline with strips of newspaper covered in the glue. SHU FOLS LQWR WKH ULJKW KROH LQ WKH ÂżUVW OHPRQ DQG WKH Allow the layers to dry before adding more. Dry overpenny end in the last hole in the second lemon. See night before painting your volcano. the diagram to the left. Step Two: When your volcano is done, it is time to demonstrate the eruption. Put the water Step Four: Take the loose and three or four drops of dish soap into your crater bottle. Do the same with the food colorends of the wires and ating of your choice. Next add the baking soda. tach them to the light. Step Three: Take your volcano outside or someplace where a possible mess can be easily Step Five: Once the wires cleaned. When you are ready to see it blow, quickly add the vinegar and stand back! are attached, a chemical Color reaction will occur and a few seconds later the It! light bulb will light up. If nothing happens, be sure that the loose wires are attached to the proper sides of the light bulb. *This experiment can be used with potatoes, oranges, or limes as well. If you do not have an LED light bulb, a small digital clock will also work. Some light bulbs may require more than two lemons.

Volcano Project

Crossword Ans: Across-6) observation 7)method 8) question 9) experiment Down-1)hypothesis 2)scientist 3)project 4)conclusion 5)six

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March 9, 2016 • Page 11

City Council honors planning commission’s Jim White By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Jim White was appointed to the Tallassee Planning Commission in 2004 and over the years he has made a lasting impact. It was his dedication and lasting commitment to the planning commission that moved the Tallassee City Council to recognize White in the recent city council meeting. In the meeting it was said that the Planning Commission was White’s “baby.” Ron McDaniel, with the Tallassee Planning Commission, was on hand during the council meeting to introduce White and name just a few of his accomplishments. While serving as president of the planning commission, White often wore at least two hats as he also served as building inspector on more than one occasion. “Jim served as planning commission president and also served as our building inspector a couple of times,” McDaniel said. “When I first joined the planning commission and Jim was in charge, it was so well run. The committee work that we did and getting the planning commission book out, that was his baby and he took care of every bit of it.” A planning commission board member is a nonpaid position and it takes someone with dedication to put in the time, energy

and effort to fulfill this position. According to McDaniel and other members of the planning commission, White did just that. “The planning commission wanted to say how much he has done for us, especially the members of the committee,” he said. “His leadership and the formation of many of the items, you couldn’t get any better.” It is this leadership and dedication as well as good moral values that moved McDaniel and the city council to honor White. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to a good friend, a good Christian man and good citizen of this community,” McDaniel said. Councilman Bill Godwin had a few kind words for White and the work and dedication he has shown. One of the feats White managed as president of the planning commission was having each member certified. “We’re one of the few planning commissions that are certified,” Godwin said. “He jumped in and faced a lot of challenges that he handled very well, tough situations.” Councilman Rob Rygiel also offered his appreciation to White. “Jim White was a hardworking member of the planning commission,” Rygiel said. “He spent a lot of his own time working. He will be greatly missed. You can tell that he loves Tallassee by how much

time he served. He would probably work four, five hours a day, for free. We were sad when he left.” After listening to all the praises and gracious comments, White offered his own appreciation to the city and those that he has worked with over the years. “I appreciate the council and the two administrations that I worked with. Mayor Payne appointed me originally in 2004 and I would like to say if you know anybody that serves on any volunteer committee in this city, say thank you because that’s all they do it for. They don’t get paid and they take time away from their families because they love Tallassee. So if you’ll just do that, I just got paid,” White said.

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SPORTS

The Tallassee Tribune • March 9, 2016

ANDY GRAHAM Sports Columnist

A road trip to StarkVegas I

’ve been an Auburn fan practically since birth and in my 40 years I’ve attended quite a few Auburn sporting events. I’ve witnessed incredibly euphoric victories and diabolically depressing defeats. I’ve sat in the stands to watch football games, basketball games, baseball games and even a soccer match or two in the Loveliest Village. I’ve endured blistering sunshine, oppressive heat and torrential rains to watch the Tigers compete on the field of battle. I’ve done all these things and I would do them again at the drop of a hat because I love my school. However, I did something this past Saturday I had never done before as an Auburn fan. I attended an Auburn game on the road at the opponent’s campus. It might surprise many of you that it was my first road game, but what can I say… I’m lazy. It all started several years ago when the Egg Bowl used to be played on Thanksgiving night. That’s the Iron Bowl of the Magnolia State between Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Lee Corso would always be in the booth doing the broadcast and give away a pecan pie to the game’s most valuable player. He always used to reference The Little Dooey and talk about what a great restaurant and institution it was in Starkville. A “dooey” is a slang term for a festive get-together with friends (or so I’m told). Anyway, several friends and myself decided to make it a bucket list destination. The idea was batted around for years, but it never came to fruition for one reason or another. That is, until last Saturday. A few weeks back, I happened to notice that Auburn played their regular-season finale on the road against Mississippi State in Humphrey Coliseum. Also to my surprise, the game was to be played at 1:30 PM. That’s actually a fairly rare starting time for an SEC basketball game, but it could not have worked out more perfectly for a one-day road trip. I loaded up with my good friends Justin Clayton and Ardie Folk (huge Alabama fan… It’s a long story) and set out for adventure. It’s a little less than four hours from here to there, so needless to say, some serious fat was chewed. Topics of discussion included politics, women, sports, other women, life and O.J.’s guilt or innocence (mostly guilt). I’ve never claimed to have a sophisticated palate, but I will state for the record that The Little Dooey lived up to its billing. The barbecue was good, but the brisket was outstanding and practically melted in your mouth. The establishment itself reeked with character from the wooden floors to the Mississippi Delta blues being played over the speakers. We were welcomed and treated like friends. I definitely foresee a return visit in my future and I would recommend you check it out if you have a chance. Oh, that’s right, Auburn did play a basketball game that day. Humphrey Coliseum is actually pretty nice for a building built in 1975. They too were very accommodating and the people seemed genuinely friendly. I got to watch two bad teams play basketball and the less worse team won. Auburn lost 79-66. Overall, it was a great trip and hopefully, just the first of many. I’m not sure what the next destination will be, but I already know the ending. Good friends sitting around a table telling stories and enjoying a fine piece of pie. Andy Graham is a regular columnist for The Tribune.

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

During the first game of the doubleheader senior pitcher and outfielder Dylan Hathcock pitched 2-2 with seven strikeouts, two hits and no walks leading the Tigers to a 14-1 victory over the Wetumpka Indians.

Tigers baseball looks to a bright future By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

After a bumpy week last week, the Tigers turned things around by winning three out of four games of two doubleheaders played this week. Tuesday the Tallassee Tigers faced the Wetumpka Indians, winning the first game 14-1. During the first game of the doubleheader, Dylan Hathcock was on the mound and logged seven strikeouts, two hits and no walks. At the plate, Casey Baynes went 2-2 and had two runs batted in. Dylan Hathcock went 3-4 with five runs batted in. Dee Williams went 2-3 with two runs batted in and Dylan Davidson went 2-3 with two runs batted in. “We had a real good first inning in that game. We scored ten runs in the first inning,” said head coach Adam Clayton. “That’s one thing we are working on right, being more consistent offensively. We have good innings here and there but we have a lot of bad innings too. That’s

one thing we’re working on real hard right now.” During the second game of the doubleheader the Wetumpka Indians fought back and beat Tallassee with a final score of 3-5. During the game Will Peters pitched four strikeouts, had one hit and walked three players. Dylan Davidson went 2-3 and Will Peters was 1-4 with two runs batted in. On Saturday the Tallassee Tigers traveled to Seale, AL, to face Russell County in a doubleheader. The Tigers dominated both games with a 8-2 win in the first game and 8-0 in the second game. In the first game of the doubleheader against Russell County Dee Williams had 10 strikeouts, giving up just six hits and one walk. Will Peters batted 2-4 and Dee Williams batted 1-4 and had two runs batted in. During the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Russell County Warriors Dylan Hathcock had 10 strikeouts, allowing just one hit and no walks. At the plate, Will Peters went 3-4,

Dylan Hathcock went 2-4 and had two runs batted in, Dee Williams batted 2-3, Drew Coker going 1-2 with two runs batted in and Cody Hamilton was 2-4 in the game. “We had a good Saturday,” Clayton said. “Dylan Hathcock started those games on the mound and had real good outings. Dee (Williams) is just coming back from basketball and he was a little behind in getting his arm in shape and he’s really starting to get strong now.” After this weekend’s 3 out of four wins, it is obvious that the time spent practicing is beginning to pay off for the baseball team. “We worked all three phases of the game in practice offense, defense and hitting,” said Clayton. “Sometimes if we are struggling in one area we will focus more on that. I think we are improving, but we still have a ways to go. It’s early so we will continue to grind and work towards peaking at the right time.” Tallassee will travel to Robert E Lee Thursday for a makeup game at 4:30 p.m.

The heart of soccer season has begun for the Tigers By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

Due to rain, the soccer games scheduled for last week were cancelled. This gave the Tigers time to assess the team. “I think we have figured out our starting 11,” said head coach Katie Hayley. “We also have some depth to the bench, so we have some really good subs, too.” As the season progresses, so does the competition. “We are staring to get into area play, which is very important to us,” she said. The next game is against Jeff Davis on Tuesday night. The Tigers have faced and defeated the Jeff Davis team before. “So hopefully we will win that game,” Hayley said. Thursday’s game is against an area team with similar skill and ability. “Thursday is a big game for us. We head to Elmore County in Eclectic. JV plays at 5:30 and Varsity will play right after. It’s an area match, very big game for us” With no area wins this season, the Tigers hope to see better results throughout the remaining season. “We are 0-1 in the area right now because we got beat by Marbury so we need to win that (Thursday’s game) because you have to be in the top two to go to playoff,” Hayley said. “We are always fighting for first

or second.” Even though last Tuesday’s game against Park Crossing was rained and technically did not count as a game, Hayley was very impressed with the team’s performance on the field. “We played 20 minutes against Park Crossing last Tuesday and got rained out,” she said. “That doesn’t even count as a game because we have to play through half time.” “Even though the game was rained out, the players were able to come together and play as a team. We were beginning to play some of the best I have seen against Park Crossing.” After watching the Tigers come together during the Park Crossing game, Hayley strongly believes the season will begin to look up for the team as they go into area play. “I think we are starting to put everything together and figure out where everyone needs to go,” she said. “The guys are meshing well. I have that starting 11 and I’m ready to see the results of that.” Because of the rain last week, the team was unable to practice on a field but that did not stop the determined Tigers. “It’s hard because we don’t have anywhere to go (practice) when it rains. We could practice in the gym but the gym is taken by baseball,

Carmen Rodgers/ The Tribune

Gregory Anecito a junior varsity player servesa swift kick in the game against Catholic High School. The Tigers had the home-field advantage during the Friday night game.

softball and track. It’s hard for us, we sometime practice in the weight room and do some conditioning.” This week’s upcoming games are very important and Hayley encourages everyone to come out and support the Tallassee Tigers as they travel to Elmore County High School to take on the Panthers. “Thursday we play Eclectic, so it’s kind of back to back area games. This is the heart of our season and

we really have to put in the work to see the results we have been working for.” Following the game against Elmore County High School, the Tigers will travel to Holtville to face the Bulldogs in an area game Thursday. Like the ECHS game, Hayley is optimistic and encourages everyone to come support their hometown team. “We’re looking forward to it,” she said. “Hopefully, we will get good results.”