Tallassee Tribune Sept. 20 2023

Tallassee child struck by truck

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Tallassee juvenile was flown to a Birmingham area hospital after an accident Friday morning.

Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said the accident occurred near the East Tallassee Baptist Church.

“One of our students was airlifted to Children’s Hospital,” Nolin said. “From the information I have, he was conscious at the time.”

Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said he is limited as to

Council considering higher sewer rates

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

No business can stay open for long selling something for 70 cents when it costs $1.

But that is what the City of Tallassee is currently doing with sewer treatment.

At last week’s Tallassee City Council meeting, Jackson Thornton’s Jim Marshall presented a rate study to councilmembers to provide information about the city’s utility costs and revenues.

what he can say.

“It was a juvenile riding a bicycle and then struck by a truck,” Buce said. “Once we saw the seriousness of it, we called the Troopers.”

Buce said later Friday the child was 8 years old.

“The vehicle was heading

westbound on Oak Heights Road approaching Powers Avenue,” Buce said. “The child was on Powers Avenue crossing Oak Heights Road.”

Buce said the driver of the automobile involved in the accident remained on the scene and no charges or citations were issued. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) sent out a notice at 7:53 a.m. Friday that Central Boulevard in the area of Oak Heights Road was closed. Buce said the closure was to allow a medical helicopter to land.

“With public utilities, there are no profits,” Marshall said. “There are no shareholders to worry about. You do have to continually reinvest money into your systems to provide safe, reliable service.”

He presented a 153 page document of findings but summarized them in the meeting.

Marshall said the council has to carefully monitor costs and their recovery to keep the systems operating as they should without

Marshall said the city is recovering about 84 cents of every dollar the city spends in gas, water and sewer. He said the city was getting about 90% of its expenditures back in water and 89% in gas but only 70% in sewer. Ultimately Marshall suggested a rate increase in sewer that would increase residential customer bills $10 per month and commercial bills by $28 on average.

See COUNCIL, Page A2

Council in middle of budget process

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The City of Tallassee budget for fiscal year 2024 is still a work in progress.

A draft of portions of the budget was presented to city councilmembers at last week’s council meeting. Much of the budget is close to being finalized including a 5% cost of living allowance

for all city employees and also included a requested increase for the Tallassee Police Department to help with recruitment and retaining officers is still in the works.

“At the last finance committee meeting the police department put forth a proposal,” Mayor Sarah Hill said. “That is not reflected in this. We

See BUDGET, Page A3

GETTING THERE

CLIFF WILLIAMS

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

SEPT. 17

• Theft was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Powers Avenue.

• An animal bite was reported on Herd Street.

• Animal control was requested on Thompson Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Delta Road.

• A civil dispute was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A downed power line was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Thelma Drive.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Second Street.

• A prowler was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A prowler was reported on West Butler Street.

• Theft was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

SEPT. 16

• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.

• Harassment was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.

• A verbal fight was reported on Gammils Store Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Washington Street.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Jordan Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gammils Store Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Joy Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

SEPT. 15

• Trespassing was reported on Worthington Circle.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Johnson Street.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Friendship Road.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassment was reported on First Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on First Avenue.

• A reckless driver was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

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

SEPT. 14

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Delta Road.

• A missing juvenile was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on South Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Highway 229.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Oak Heights Road.

• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Little Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Cannon Road.

• Animal control was requested on Paxton Drive.

• A suspicious person was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A mentally disturbed person was reported on Mott Lane.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A mentally disturbed person was reported on Mott Lane.

SEPT. 13

• A fire was reported on First Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Hickory Street.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Powers Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Powers Avenue.

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

• Identity theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on North Ashurst Avenue.

SEPT. 12

• A civil disturbance was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Preer Street.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Fourth Street.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on North Dubois Street.

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gammils Store Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Lee Street.

SEPT. 11

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• A verbal fight was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• A civil dispute was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Powers Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Third Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Fraud was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Property damage was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Friendship Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT SEPT. 11

• Harassing communications was reported on Cross Street.

SEPT. 8

• Theft was reported on Ross Road.

Sept. 6

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

• Domestic violence was reported on Kelly Fitzpatrick Road.

Grant to provide new fire truck

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Tallassee Fire Depart-

ment will have a new mini pumper truck thanks to a grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

Federal funding in the amount of $362,857.14 has been awarded to go along with a 5% match of $18,142.86.

“The grant award is for a new mini pumper to replace our brush truck and provide fire fighting capabilities in hard-to-access areas of our response area,” Tallassee fire

COUNCIL Continued from A1

chief Eric Jones said. “This new apparatus will enable firefighters to respond safely and effectively to rescue calls, wildland fires, brush fires, interface fires and in areas where we cannot maneuver our current fleet of firefighting vehicles.”

The fire department anticipates the new fire truck to be ready in 12 to 18 months.

The city is helping with matching funds and to pay for grant writing. At last week’s council meeting, the movement between line items in the amount of $38,032.80 facili-

financing.

pulling too much funding from the general fund. At the same time no one utility should be making a large profit.

“With a multi-system utility you don’t want water customers overpaying to subsidize sewer or sewer overpaying to subsidize water,” Marshall said. “You want rates fair and equitable. Everyone should be paying their fair share. You are not looking for big industry to subsidize residential and residential should not subsidize commercial.”

Marshall said rate increases in recent years have helped keep the situation from becoming dire. Given the current environment with Tallassee, Marshall said utilities has no current recommendations for gas and water.

The gas recommendation is based heavily on the city’s $9.7 million grant to replace cast iron pipe in west Tallassee.

“That is money that does not have to come from your rate plan,” Marshall said. “That is very good news.”

Marshall explained there are fixed and variable costs in the utilities. As pumps at the filter plant move more water, there is a higher power bill. But a customer service representative is a fixed cost because its costs are unaffected by how much water is sold as is

tated the match but also had another benefit.

“It will allow a new boat for quick water rescue,” deputy fire chief David Rogers said.

Such a boat would allow easy access to the Tallapoosa River for rescues and other operations where a boat is needed in swift water.

Part of the agreement in moving the funds is the Tallassee Firefighter Association will also assist in the completion of the projects.

The council approved applying for the grant in Jan-

just 59%.

uary and last week the fire department was notified of the award. But the process is not complete.

“The Tallassee Fire Department will form a truck committee to plan and prepare specifications to present to the department and the City of Tallassee based on our needs and those of our citizens we provide fire and rescue services,” Jones said. “We will make a recommendation to the city council in the coming months for the purchase of this new apparatus from a responsible vendor.”

“You are paying the bank every month regardless how much water you are selling,” Marshall said.

Marshall said the city is doing a good job of managing the expenses it can especially in operations and maintenance (O&M). But overall cost increases is the reason behind his sewer rate increase recommendation.

“O&M expenses went down from 2019 to 2021,” Marshall said. “Debt service is driving this.”

The debt service comes from renovating the sewer lagoon but the project was a requirement to satisfy a court consent decree with ADEM. It’s an additional $263,000 per year the city must come up with to make the payments on the project debt.

“You are in a bit of a pickle in that you didn’t have a choice but to do the work,” Marshall said. “You had to spend the money on sewer because of the ADEM consent decree. It is not driven by growth.”

Marshall current residential sewer customers are paying approximately 74% of what it costs the city to treat sewage.

“It costs you $31 per month for a residential customer before they send you the first gallon,” Marshall said. “That is paying debt service, that is paying a portion of salaries. Then $3.69 for every gallon they send you.” Commercial customers are paying

“Ideally the system in each rate class should be at 100%,” Marshall said. “There is work to be done. I don’t think you can get there in one bite.”

Marshall recommended a residential increase of $10 per month on the base rate. His recommendation for commercial was an increase of $15 in the base rate plus $1 per thousand increase in the volumetric rate.

“At 15,000 gallons for a commercial customer, the current bill is about $69 and costs is about $127,” Marshall said. “This gets them to $97.20. It’s a 40% increase.” Marshall said the council will face decisions on increases in all of the city’s utilities in the future if costs of chemicals, power and needed projects increase. “This idea with this rate recommendation is to get all three utilities at about the same place,” Marshall said. “This would be pretty close.” The council made no decision on rate increases at the meeting. Instead councilmembers said they wanted some time to look over the voluminous information and make a better decision in the near future.

“Nothing has been done in a number of years,” Tallassee councilmember Jeremy Taunton said. “This has kind of fallen in our laps.”

Tallassee PD makes fentanyl arrest

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Vestavia Hills

woman finds herself in the Tallapoosa County Jail charged with trafficking fentanyl.

The arrest occurred after patrol officers with the Tallassee Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Central Avenue near Tallassee City Hall.

“During the stop officers found a pill bottle containing 13 grams of pills that field tested positive for fentanyl,”

Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls said.

Andrea L. Gregory, 39, of Vestavia Hills was arrested and charged with the Class A felony trafficking fentanyl. Court documents state the fentanyl was pressed into a pill form and there was also some pink powder.

Rawls said the con -

GREGORY

fiscated pills will be tested by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for analysis to confirm the field test results.

According to court records, Gregory pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in Elmore County in August 2022. She was issued a 13-month suspended sentence and ordered into court referral.

Gregory has a $20,000 bond available to her.

According to Alabama Law signed by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this year, if Gregory is found guilty of trafficking fentanyl the mandatory sentence is life in prison and a $750,000 fine.

The Tallassee Police Department found 13

believed to

Sherman Peters III identified as sixth shooting suspect

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

Sherman Peters III has been booked into the Tallapoosa County Jail as the sixth suspect in connection with the April 15 mass shooting that left four dead and 32 injured.

Peters, 15, of Tuskegee, was initially arrested Thursday, April 20 but until now had not been identified due to his age. Initially, he was charged as a juvenile by law, but 5th Judicial Circuit district attorney Mike Segrest filed a motion asking the juvenile court to transfer Peters to the Tallapoosa County Circuit Court to be tried.

“In the juvenile court, the maximum punishment that they would be able to give would be three years for this,” Segrest said. “The 15-year-old was practically the same age as the 16-year-old, and he

BUDGET

Continued from A1

are looking at a couple different options. That will probably be adjusted before the final September meeting when we have to pass it.”

Hill said requests from nonprofit organizations seeking appropriations are still coming in.

Those help fund organizations such as child advocacy centers and the historical society. But many organizations are still making requests.

Councilmember Bill Godwin made a suggestion to wait on putting appropriations in the budget until after the Oct. 1 fiscal year starts.

“With everything going on and some things still pending, it would be easier to approve the budget and take the appropriations off to see if we can help,” Godwin said. “Let’s get the big things

needs to be subject to the same punishment.”

A transfer hearing was held in the juvenile court July 19, and Tuesday, juvenile court judge Kim Taylor entered an order transferring the defendant to the circuit court to be tried as an adult.

According to Segrest, the process will start from the beginning as it did with the other five defendants. First, an Aniah’s Law hearing, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, will be held followed by presenting evidence to the grand jury.

“The charges will be the same that were presented on the others,” Segrest said.

Peters has been charged with four counts of reckless murder, 24 counts of first-degree

done and then do these amending the budget.”

At the meeting Hill said the city had an offer to purchase two lots on Washington Street across from the old softball field for $10,000. The council took no action.

Hill also said the 2021-22 audit is complete and should be presented to the council at a future council meeting.

“There isn’t much there that we didn’t already know,” Hill said The council also entered into an executive session to discuss good name and character. The council returned to a regular session after

assault and one count of third-degree assault. The grand jury returned indictments on all counts for all five other suspects on May 22.

Because there was a transfer hearing, the defendant will not be entitled to a preliminary hearing but Segrest does anticipate the defendant will file for youthful offender status if indictments are handed down.

The other five defendants are Johnny Letron Brown, 20, Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, all of Tuskegee; and Willie George Brown Jr., 19, and Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, both of Auburn. Brown was denied youthful offender status at a hearing Aug. 17, while the others have hearings scheduled for Oct. 26.

These charges stem from a mass shooting in downtown Dadeville on April 15 that left four dead and 32 injured.

15 minutes and took no action.

IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 22 meeting.

• Accepted a bid of $1,500 to purchase a surplused streetsweeper from the city.

• Approved moving $38,032.80 within the fiscal year 2023 budget to allow the fire department to have matching funds for a grant.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Lake Martin’s Best Source for News and Information.

PETERS

Tallassee Talks

Never stop talking about the memories

Normally I’d wait until the end of the year to share my thoughts on resiliency but a few things have happened already that have prompted me to reconsider the timing. I want to specifically address the children in our community but really, this applies to everyone.

It’s only September and already, a lot has happened this year to rattle your world. Back in April, the unthinkable happened when multiple shooters opened fire at a birthday party in Dadeville and killed and injured numerous children. The aftermath has been incredible grief, anger, sadness, tears and everything in between. You didn’t deserve this and you are now left with memories of your friends and family. Even worse, some of those memories are from the birthday party and are more than most of us will ever have to endure. I am sorry.

A few weeks ago, a beloved Benjamin

Russell High School student with a heart of gold who’d just started his senior year died in a car accident. Although I didn’t know him, I vividly remember him chatting up my child on the sideline during a football game (more than once), even though my child was younger. I think a great deal of the older students who include the younger ones, and I immediately knew this child was a good soul. I have pictures of each of the interactions, because, again, it’s not always typical to see the older kids interact with the younger ones and I wanted to always remember those moments. It was also a teaching moment as I knew it would be a good reminder when my child is older to show him how well

he’d been treated.

There are other children (and adults) in our area going through equally hard experiences, and what I want you all to know is I’m sorry you lost people who were so close to you especially at such a young age. It will change who you are, permanently. Your outlook on life could be tainted with pessimism, negativity, and sadness. You just experienced the highest of highs by celebrating friends with laughter and fun times to losing some of the people who mean so much to you. The halls of your high schools are missing their smiling faces. Celebrating milestones will never be the same. It is important you remember you control how your future looks and feels. Honor your friends by being the best person you can be.

From everything I hear, that’s what your classmates would do. Look for the good in every day and when you can’t, reach out to someone. Please reach

out to someone. I also want to say you should never hold back from talking about the memories. I lost a high school friend days before we were to move to Auburn to start the next chapter of our lives. Although I have second-guessed myself and still do occasionally, I have never made a mistake in bringing Leigh Anne’s name up. The conversations or social media posts are proof Leigh Anne will never, ever be forgotten. And even though there’s still sadness, we do smile quite often when talking about “Lee-Lee Pickle,” and, in case you forgot, smiling is contagious. So keep the shares going, make sure the memories are talked about and speak their names. These are the most beautiful tributes you can do to honor your classmates and their families. You also deserve to talk about the good times.

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of

(Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

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

Have you ever been to a doctor’s office or pharmacy and seen a picture or a piece of art featuring snakes wrapped around a pole?

It is the official logo of the World Health Organization, but the symbol has been around a lot longer than that — way longer, in fact.In our world of signs and symbols, this one is a bit of a mystery unless one reaches back into Biblical history. In the Old Testament, the story of the miraculous delivery of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt has been repeatedly told and remembered. In the book of Numbers, however, they were complaining about the long road to the Promised Land and began to blas -

pheme God. They also blamed Moses, saying he only brought them out of Egypt to starve in the wilderness.

You may remember God sent fiery serpents among the Israelites and the snakes were biting the people. The Israelites had an attitude adjustment and begged for a release from the curse. As the Bible says:

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’ So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.”

So, to be healed, all they had to do was look at this rod with a

brass snake on it? The Caduceus survived for 700 years, even becoming an idol of worship among the Israelites. And people from all over would have seen this metal snake on a rod.

Even today, people may think the Bible has nothing to do with our modern world, but in reality we are surrounded by the Bible! Today’s version of the snake bites might be how we treat one another, particularly online as we talk about events in our town.

Obviously, I am not perfect by any means, but one thing that is disturbing to me is how people will talk about other people’s children on social media.

It’s one thing to say, “We need to do this,”

or “We need a new that,” but when you start calling out the kids by name for what they did or didn’t do at a ball game — isn’t that just a bit beyond what is acceptable? Even worse, calling out their families and bringing up past hurts or events to try and draw out the other party for an online response?

I don’t know, but to me, the snake bites that need healing are self-inflicted. Hopefully someday, they will create a Caduceus to keep us from harming ourselves.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

The meaning of the Caduceus MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

A BARKING SUCCESS

Humane society hosts annual Bark in the Park fundraiser

Pet of the Week — Pugsley

Pugsley is a 2-year-old male who weighs 50 pounds. He is a laid-back boy who came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. Pugsley is great with other dogs and loves meeting new dogs. He will be in your face for attention. He loves to explore but also come back for a tummy rub. 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.

Dogs celebrated at annual Bark in the Park

By REA CORD

HSEC Exeuctive Director

Thank you to everyone

who came out as we had a huge crowd. We think all the Vendors were happy and made lots of new contacts.

There was great food, fun and oh, so many happy dogs and tail wags. Pam, our photographer, took a gazillion photos, so check out the Humane Society of Elmore County Facebook page so you can either find yourself or see all the fun you missed if you were unable to attend.

This was year 17 for Bark in the Park and, as always, Fort Toulouse was perfect for our even. On behalf of our Board & Staff we so appreciate the great turnout and all these great partner exhibitors: Venice Gelato, Grumpy Dog, Crepe Magic, By a Nose - Nosework Classes, Sumdog K9 Training, The Crafty Hedgehog, Mini and Me Jelly and Jams, Camp Bow Wow Montgomery, Cat Lady Bling, CB&S Bank, For Healthy Pets, Fofo Pet Sitting Services, Gabbs Of Love Candle Company, Camellia Veterinary Hospital, Lanmac Mortgage, Furry Hearts Bakery, Centerpoint Fellowship, Mimi’s Designs by Leigh, Montgomery Alabama Dog Obedience Club, Better Life Veterinary, Absolute Termite & Pest Control, Robin’s Sew & Gift Shop, Simply Sugar Company, So Boho, The Vault Variety Shop, Ultimutt Dogventures & Nutrition, Vanity Fur Pet Salon & Resort, White Tail Soaps, AL Department of Natural Resources & Conservation and City of Montgomery COVID-19 Information.

With the help of Tuskegee Veterinary College, 20 dogs were microchipped thereby enhancing their chances of being reunited with their family if they

ever become lost. Four of our pups were adopted and 41 dogs went home with their very own and unique Pet Picasso paintings.

The silent auction was a huge success with winning bidders finding treasures and helping us raise a bit more money.

We also want to thank the following, most who have sponsored Bark in the Park for many, many years: Buffalo Rock Montgomery, Tuskegee University, College of Veterinary Medicine; Blue Ridge Animal Clinic; Dr. Bipin Kumar; CB &S Bank; Ark Animal Hospital; Coosa River Adventures; Gray’s Tire & Service Center; Dennis & Lynda Fain; Steve McGhehee; Collier Ford; Marla H. Wohlman M.D; The Davey Tree Expert Company; Taylor Athletic Wear; HSELCO Secret Admirer; Dawg Gone Pretty Pet Salon; Cousins Insurance Agency; For Healthy Pets; Jill & Harley Samuelson; Camellia Veterinary Hospital; Castaway Animal Clinic; Centerpoint Fellowship Church-Wetumpka; Champs Barbeque; Bryson Veterinary Clinic; Grier

Services; Zap Pest Control; Bell Family Chiropractic, Montgomery Alabama Dog Obedience Club; Better Life Veterinary, and Phoenix the Wonder Dog!

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Andre’ Harrison for being our Master of Ceremonies, announcing our Pet Parade and conducting our Blessing of the Animals.

And more thanks to David Craig for filling in on short notice and providing our sound system and music.

The Pet Parade was huge; pet contests are just too much fun and it was just a great day seeing so many loved dogs with their owners.

We have a few of our “Ameri-Pets” 2023 Bark in the Park T-Shirts left and you can purchase them at our shelter office or Tail’s End Thrift Store for $15.

And finally, our sincere thanks to our board members, staff and volunteers who work hard to ensure Bark in the Park runs smoothly and is fun for all who attend. Look for another great year in 2024 for year 18.

Rea Cord is the execu-

tive

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director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD

It was a doggone good time at Fort Toulouse Sunday. More than 100 dogs and their humans celebrated the 17th annual Bark in the Park to benefit the Humane Society of Elmore County. The event attracted dogs of all sizes from the little chihuahua to the Great Dane and mixes of sorts. The dogs paraded their humans around the park and were blessed along the way too. Meredith Dennis, 12, adopted another dog from the shelter who happened to be at the park.

We can do better

from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! It was actually a bit crisp this morning. Perhaps fall is trying to make its arrival here in the city of natural beauty. I don’t know about you, but I am growing ever more disgusted with political headlines. All we hear, day in and day out, is who is being indicted for what. Each announcement is met with the same response. Some cry, “It’s about time!” while others cry foul.

Be sure to note this observation has no partisan identity attached to it. The front runners of our two major political parties are both in legal hot water. Is the timing of this activity accidental? Absolutely not, but that is not the source of my disgust.

My disgust is with us, the voting citizenry of our potentially great country. I say potentially great on purpose, because history reveals our capacity to do great and wonderful things. That capacity is real, but so, too, is our capacity for ridiculousness.

One definition of crazy behavior is doing things the same way and expecting different results. The political process of our potentially great nation has gone crazy. It keeps doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results.

For the past several years, I have looked at the candidates for president endorsed by our two major parties and shaken my head in disbelief. I cannot escape wondering how those selected can possibly represent the best

either party has to offer. I know I am not alone in this.

To be clear, I am pointing the finger squarely at the voting populace, and I include myself in that group. Somehow, voters have allowed the two major parties of our nation’s political system to endorse candidates that clearly do not have the nation’s best interests at heart.

I am also in no way trying to judge the indictments made against them. I am pointing out these indictments are not flukes.

The sheer volume of indictments alone clearly demonstrates that the politicians in question are guilty of something.

What they are guilty of is a lack of humble servanthood.

The top leaders of the free world have, for some years now,

Tallassee Churches

continually placed self-interest ahead of national interest. This behavior is the farthest thing from true statesmanship. The voting public keeps putting these folks in office. Crazy, isn’t it?

Before anyone reads these words and interprets them as a declaration of guilt, they are, don’t stop there. I do hold the voting population responsible, but I urge us all to move beyond guilt and into resolution. It is time to change our behavior if we desire a different outcome.

Don’t get me wrong, I do not claim to have the solution. I do, however, know where to start. I sincerely believe the only starting place is with the process itself.

What if the voting populace focused its energy on lifting up

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

the majority of elected officials who do have serving the people as their top priority? I believe that taking such action would empower those true servants to rise above the current fray of ridiculousness and into higher positions of power and authority for the right reasons. But what do I know? I follow the one God appointed as leader of the earthly kingdom who defies most every human expectation for a ruler. You remember him? The one who never gave in to human deception. Yep, he’s the example for us all.

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

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licly opened and read. The Owner highly recommends all interested contractors attend a

lassee, AL 36078, Tallassee to familiarize themselves with the project. There will be a site visit of the two sites immediately following the PreBid Conference. The project consists of the roof replacement of all units at upper and lower sites. The scope includes removing the existing shingles and underlayment to the plywood decking, replacement of any damaged wood decking and trim, installation of new underlayment and architectural shingles. Work will be in occupied units. Questions should be directed to Ms. Amanda Morris or Ms. Stephanie Vaughn: Aho Architects, LLC 1855 Data Drive, Suite 150 Hoover, Alabama 35244 205-983-6000 phone; 205-983-6001 fax projects@ahoarch.com

Public Notices

q the signing of the Contract. The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with the rules, regulations, and policies of the Tallassee Housing Authority and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The

Contractors

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the above-referenced project will be received by the Tallassee Housing Authority on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 2:00 pm local time, in the Tallassee HA Tallassee, AL 36078, at which time and place they will be pub-

The CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, including drawings may be examined starting Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the of Aho Architects, LLC, (1855 Data Drive, Suite 150, Hoover, Alabama 35244, Phone: 205983-6000, Fax: 205-983-6001, E-Mail: projects@ahoarch.com) and at Alabama Graphics. Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be obtained from Alabama Graphics, algraphicsplanroom.com. Only those bidders who havements” from AHO Architects, LLC, will be included on the holders” for Addenda or other project information during the bidding period. Any prospective holders” must notify, in writing, AHO Architects, LLC, of their intent to bid the project by 2:00 p.m., CDT, Thursday, September 28, 2023. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. Licensing required by local municipalities shall be obtained prior to the execution of the construction contract. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Tallassee Housing Authority in an amount not the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at

Tallassee needs to fire on all cylinders

FILE THE TRIBUNE

Joseph Hooks (2) and the Tallassee Tigers will travel to Marbury on Friday night in search of their first victory. Hooks scored his first touchdown of the year last week against Beauregard.

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

TALLASSEE (0-4) AT MARBURY (1-3) THE PLAYERS

Tallassee: QB Trent Norris earned his first career start last week. … RB Christian McCary leads the team with two rushing touchdowns. …

Stanhope Elmore returns home

following bye week

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

After a much-needed week off, Stanhope Elmore has its biggest game of the young season in sight. The Mustangs (2-1, 1-0) will host AHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 opponent Carver Montgomery (3-1, 2-0) on Friday night.

Carver, the defending region champion, has been on a tear as of late. The Wolverines have won their last three after losing the opener and have dominated region opponents Park Crossing and Russell County by a combined score of 61-6.

“They fit the profile as the same type of Carver team that they’ve had the last couple of seasons,”

Stanhope coach Hunter Adams said. “They have some really elite skill position talent, especially at receiver, and they’re really big up front on both sides of the ball.”

Carver’s defense has been nothing short of stellar this season. The Wolverines have allowed 50 total points in four games this year, good for an average of 12.5 points per game.

Thirty-seven of those points, however, came in the season-opening loss to

, Page A11

offense, which has scored 61 points in the last two games.

RB/LB Joseph Hooks reached the end zone on a 30-yard score, his first of the year.

Marbury: RB Carsyn Cobb has rushed 48 times for 514 yards, 4 TDs. … RB Jeremyah Williams has rushed 17 times for 141 yards. … LB Jason Crenshaw has recorded 10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack.

FOUR DOWNS Last week, Tallassee lost to Beauregard, 35-14; Marbury lost to Demopolis, 37-8.

Marbury beat Tallassee last season, 22-20. Tallassee leads this non-region matchup alltime, 5-2.

COUNTY TEAMS FALL IN BLOCK PARTY TOURNAMENT

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County hosted its annual Block Party volleyball tournament on Saturday, and a trio of county schools had successful days on the court.

Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore and Elmore County all participated in the tournament and won at least two games before falling in bracket play.

Stanhope Elmore and Elmore County lost their quarterfinals matches, while

Wetumpka finished in the top four teams and fell in the semifinals.

Wetumpka and Stanhope both lost to eventual champion Prattville Christian and Elmore County was eliminated by Horseshoe Bend.

“I think the tournament went very well,” Elmore County coach Kim Moncrief said. “It went pretty smoothly and we always enjoy having all the teams here and everyone coming to support and help our program. We look forward to hosting it again next year.”

Stanhope Elmore had a successful day, finishing the tournament 2-3. The morning started with a loss to Horseshoe Bend, but the Mustangs quickly rebounded with a win over Chilton County before falling to eventual champion PCA to wrap up pool play. To begin bracket play, Stanhope got matched up with Chilton County again and cruised, 2-0 (25-20, 25-11). Following that, Stanhope fell in straight sets to PCA, 2-0 (2519, 25-10), in the quarterfinals.

Wetumpka’s Walker flies to the football

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka football team earned its first win of the young season last week, and defensive back Kelby Walker was a big reason why.

Wetumpka defeated Park Crossing last Thursday at the Cramton Bowl, and Walker and the Indian defense allowed only one touchdown to the Thunderbirds’ offense. In the dominant performance, Walker recorded seven total tackles and one sack while also forcing a fumble and blocking a PAT.

For his performance in leading Wetumpka to its first win, Walker has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week. Walker’s biggest plays of the game came in the second half. To begin the second half, Park Crossing returned the kickoff back 85 yards for a touchdown to cut Wetumpka’s lead to 21-14.

The Thunderbirds then decided to try and kick the PAT to cut the lead to six points, but Walker was able to get a hand on the kick and keep the lead at seven points.

Later in the game, with Wetumpka leading 29-14, Walker made another play.

Park Crossing dropped back to pass the ball, and Walker came around the left tackle and hit the quarterback. The ball immediately fell out of his hands, and Walker dragged the Park Crossing quarterback to the ground.

After the ball bounced off a few people in the backfield, Wetumpka’s Javian Greene jumped on the ball at the 1-yard line. The Indians’ offense scored on the next play to go up, 37-14, and Wetumpka never looked back.

Wetumpka’s first win came at the perfect time for the Indians.

Following the loss to Pike Road, Wetumpka was on the outside looking in as one of four region

teams without a win. But with the win over Park Crossing, the Indians are now in fourth place in the region.

Now Walker and his Wetumpka teammates are hoping that what they learned in their brutal threeweek stretch to open the season can translate into a win streak. Wetumpka is back at home this week against Russell County then it hosts Greenville.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Stanhope Elmore’s Kam Anderson (0) and Donnie Arnold (5) combine for a tackle against Eufaula. The Mustang defense will need to crack down on Carver’s

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

Wetumpka’s Kelby Walker sacks Park Crossing quarterback Brayden Graham (18) and forces a fumble.Walker is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County’s Isabella Fuller (5) tires to hit through the block of Benjamin Russell players. See COUNTY, Page A11

RETURNS

Continued from A10

Gadsden City.

Since then, Carver has not allowed over seven points in a game.

Adams and his Mustangs will look to challenge that tough defense with a proficient rushing attack. Despite the scoring output staying relatively low due to a few turnovers and drive-killing penalties, Stanhope Elmore has been running the ball up and down the field on its opponents.

The Mustangs rushed for more than 300 yards three weeks ago in a loss to Eufaula, and then they bounced back with over 400 rushing yards in a region win over Russell County.

“Our offensive line continues to improve each week,” Adams said. “We’re getting better at moving bodies, and we also have a really good combination of guys who do well with the ball in their hands.”

That combination is mostly the trio of Arthur McQueen, Dee Barnes and KO Jackson.

McQueen has done the most damage during the last two games, recording 360 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

That was split up by 150 yards and three touchdowns against Eufaula, and 210 yards and a score against Russell County.

Only a freshman, Barnes also had 100 yards and a touchdown in the last game.

“Arthur is having a really big year for us, and it seems Dee makes something happen every time he touches the ball,” Adams said. “Arthur’s biggest gift is his physicality. He’s a big strong kid and never goes down on first contact. Dee has really elite vision and he sees what defenders are going to do and he makes really early moves based on that. He’s an elite one-cut runner.”

TALLASSEE

Continued from A10

While Stanhope Elmore’s bye week is helpful because the Mustangs got two weeks to study Carver, it mostly helped in regards to injuries. Stanhope is one of the most injury-riddled teams in the state and has had multiple starters out since training camp and even more hurt the last two weeks.

The numbers are still down, but Adams is positive about his team’s health.

“We are still banged up and

hosts Chilton County; Marbury at Trinity.

RUSSELL COUNTY (0-3, 0-2) AT WETUMPKA (1-3, 1-1) THE PLAYERS Wetumpka: QB Nate Rogers has completed 34 of

Elmore County, which entered as the host team and defending champions, started its defense of the title strong with wins over 6A Benjamin Russell and 7A Prattville in pool play. The Panthers earned the No. 2 seed in the bracket but was knocked out by the hottest team in the tournament. In the quarterfinals matchup,

hopefully not as banged up, and that’s about what I can say with that,” Adams said. “We are still unfortunately dealing with some injuries but this week has allowed us to get some rest. Hopefully some of those start clearing up soon.”

Stanhope Elmore will also enter the game hoping for a little bit of revenge. This game last season, also hosted in Millbrook due to scheduling issues at the Cramton Bowl, was one of the most exciting games of the entire season.

Carver won the high-scoring affair, 46-44, and the loss

86 passes for 397 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs; he has rushed 74 times for 524 yards, 7 TDs. … RB Mike Dillard has rushed 47 times for 206 yards, 3 TDs. … WR Evan Dillard has 7 catches for 117 yards, 2 TDs. Russell County: QB Rob-

Elmore County fell to Horseshoe Bend, 2-1 (25-10, 18-25, 13-15). The Panthers cruised easily in the first set then fell behind in the second set and allowed the game to go to a winner-take-all set. It went back-and-forth at 10, 11, 12 and 13 before Horseshoe Bend’s Reagan Taylor earned back-toback kills to end the Panthers’ weekend. “I feel like we started out strong,” Moncrief said. “We started that last game strong,

started a downward spiral that unfortunately landed Stanhope Elmore outside of the playoffs following a four-game losing streak.

“There are several things that stood out to me about last year’s game that really resonate with me still,” Adams said. “We gave up four touchdowns on fourth down, and all of them were fourth-and-10 plays or longer. They were all big plays and that is something we have to do better this year. We have to win third and fourth down, and we have to win the big play battle.”

ert Calhoun has completed 17 of 28 passes for 139 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT. … RB Devin Brown has rushed for 81 yards, 1 TD. … WR Markevious Yancie has 4 catches for 54 yards and 1 TD.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Wetump-

but Horseshoe Bend is a very good team and they came out and played all the way until the last point. They took care of business and we didn’t. It’s hard because in volleyball, anytime you make a mistake the other team scores a point. It’s hard to recover once you start making a few errors, and ours were very hard to come back from.” Wetumpka made it the farthest of any team in the county. Under new coach KK Dismukes, the Indians earned

ka beat Park Crossing, 37-14; Russell County lost to Carver, 34-6. Wetumpka beat Russell County last year, 49-7, and is 10-3 alltime against the Warriors.

Wetumpka has

one of the top four seeds after sweeping Alabama Christian, losing to Beauregard and winning in three sets against Marbury. The Indians then faced Benjamin Russell and took care of business, 2-0, to advance to the semifinals where they faced a matchup with a very tall PCA team. PCA had three girls over 6-feet on its roster, but Wetumpka had no issues with the height early on. Wetumpka took the first set, 25-18, and led by more

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Stanhope Elmore at Chilton County, 4:30 p.m.

Edgewood Academy at Southern, 5 p.m.

Sidney Lanier at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Montgomery Carver at Stanhope Elmore, 7 p.m.

Tallassee at Marbury, 7 p.m.

Russell County at Wetumpka, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 25

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

St. James at Elmore County, 5 p.m.

Edgewood Academy at Abbeville Christian, 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 26

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Elmore County at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

Wetumpka at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

Edgewood Academy at Autauga Academy, 5 p.m. LOCAL

allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown in all four games this year. Two of Russell County’s three losses have been by three points. NEXT UP: Wetumpka at Greenville; Russell County hosts Valley.

than 10 for most of the set. The game quickly flipped, however, as PCA stormed back and won the second set, 25-17. The third set was all PCA as it won, 15-8, and cruised on to the championship match.

“I feel like they played well,” Dismukes said. “They really did come together as a team for most of our games and sets. I think we beat ourselves those two games. It was all mental and they got in our head a little bit. Overall we did well.”

This is the first time Tallassee has started a season 0-4 since 2003. NEXT UP: Tallassee

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBIUNE

Stanhope Elmore’s KO Jackson (3) runs against Eufaula. Jackson is one of the three leading running backs for the Mustangs this season.

ECLECTIC’S HOMETOWN SPIRIT REINVIGORATES WITH THE

COTTON FESTIVAL

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

With 30 years of history, Eclectic residents hold a variety of memories about the Alabama Cotton Festival and quite a few plans for this year as well.

Homebound meal deliverer and senior center volunteer Robin Nummy said she remembers back in 2007 when the town combined the festival with its centennial celebration.

That year, the festival incorporated the town’s history with some wearing historical costumes and the town founder’s family returned for the occasion. It was also the year the historical murals downtown were painted.

Over the past 22 years she has lived in Eclectic, Nummy said she has seen the festival grow and downtown fill up with shops. Now, the festival brings with it sidewalk sales from local merchants alongside the festival’s vendors.

This year, Nummy is most looking forward to the senior cotton queen pageant, which is the weekend before the festival at noon Oct. 7. It will feature ladies over the age of 65.

“I can't wait to see our seniors get involved and get to dress up,” she said.

Eclectic Senior Center director Minnie Johnson added what she looks forward to every year is talking with people. It's a great social gathering for the town. Many former res -

idents will return to Eclectic on festival day.

Both Nummy and Johnson agree in many ways the festival feels like a town homecoming.

This year, the Senior Center will have a booth for the cotton festival with three raffle baskets including an Auburn University basket, University of Alabama basket and a lake-themed basket. The proceeds from the raffle will go toward the center’s activities, such as possibly a trip to Millbrook’s Catfish House.

“The center is a place that people come instead of staying at home — looking at the four walls,” Johnson said. “They come and they play games and socialize.”

Nummy added the center also has Bible studies on Tuesdays, bingo on Wednesdays and activities for the holidays. At its booth, the center will also have information about some of its services and resources.

Assistant library director Donna Parr moved to Eclectic from Wetumpka about 10 years ago. Even over the past few years, she has seen the festival evolve.

One of the events in past years she always enjoyed was the chicken races. There was also one year the band Shenandoah came to the festival, which lasted all day into the evening.

This year's festival will continue to have musical entertainment with the Eclectic String-alongs, a local ukulele group. At the

festival, the String-alongs will be on a big red wagon and they also will be honoring Hank Williams by playing a number of his songs.

Parr said the whole event encapsulates the community spirit. Residents and those from around the area spend that day visiting with new and returning faces.

“It's something that the whole town looks forward to,” she said. “When they end on that day, they start planning it the next day for the next year.”

This year, the library will also have tables of free books for the festival. In 2022, it gave away over 1,000 books.

The Eclectic Museum, which had its grand opening around the festival last year, will also be open during the Cotton Festival. The museum has everything from a washstand with a basin made out of Alabama red clay to yearbooks from the 1940s.

Alongside these activities, the cotton festival will also have a dog show contest, a car show, the Bama flying dogs, more than 200 artisan vendors, food vendors and a cornhole tournament — to name a few.

“We are just a wonderful little town,” Parr said. “We welcome people in and then just promote it all year and we look forward to having everybody come.”

The Alabama Cotton Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 in downtown Eclectic.

Music and fun in the middle of …

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Equality is 15 minutes from Eclectic and 20 minutes from Alexander City.

If you blink, you might not notice the Equality Performing Arts Center but in the last few years, music and entertainment have grown in the once store and garden center.

“You have to want to come here,” owner Rodger Williamson said. “You don’t just pass by and notice this is a happening music spot.”

It now hosts open mics on second Fridays, karaoke on third Fridays and booked musicians on fourth Fridays. Then there is the occasional songwriters night, with one coming up at 7 p.m. Sept. 29.

But the story of Williamson and music at the EPAC starts in 2015 when he met his now wife Jennifer at the Barbers Motorsports Museum Vintage Festival.

“We realized we had a lot in common,” Rodger said. “She was living in Huntsville at the time. I went up there and hung out with her for a while.”

Things were going well for the couple. Jennifer was helping Rodger work through issues after a career in the military. But Huntsville just wasn’t quite right.

“She was moaning the fact she wanted a farm,” Rodger said.

It just so happened Rodger was born in Prattville and bought a farm in Equality in 1999 while still serving in the Army.

“There was no need to buy a farm, I had one,” Rodger said. “She decided to sell her place and we came down here.”

Life on the farm was good, but Jennifer had spied a building on Highway 9. An idea quickly came to mind of a store, but the couple decided against it. Another year rolled by and an antique shop opened nearby. Jennifer juggled her finances and retirement around to buy the nursery built after a fire on the site of the old general store.

At closing though, there was a hiccup.

“The previous owner asked, ‘What about the music?’” Rodger said.

continued the Fourth Fridays and I started booking musicians until I ran out of the list of people I knew.”

Rodger and Jennifer replaced the metal chairs with couches and other items they collected along the way.

“We wanted a more cozy environment,” Jennifer said.

Things were moving along with scheduled performances on Fourth Fridays until a bump in the road.

“Somebody had to cancel out on short notice,” Rodger said. “They called me on Monday before the Fourth Friday. Those who were regular performers were already booked out. [Jennifer] suggested how about making it an open mic.”

Quickly, social media posts went out promoting the relaxed night with no scheduled performers. Instead, anyone was welcome to come to the microphone.

“We pushed it out, promoted it and prayed somebody would show up,” Rodger said. “We had a good crowd. There was a couple that came all the way from Auburn to play.” Second Friday Open Mic Night was born shortly after and karaoke was soon added in the mix on Second Fridays.

“The karaoke crowd started getting as big as the open mic crowd,” Rodger said. “We split it. We moved the karaoke people to third friday.”

Three nights a month the fun is flowing at EPAC. Sept. 29 comes the fourth Songwriters Night featuring somewhat local writers sharing their songs and the stories behind them.

Jennifer eventually got her store, in a way. She sells her natural herbs and things along with candies and sodas for nights when music is happening.

But there is never a cover charge. Donations are accepted for the musicians and to help with the power bill.

Rodger sees EPAC adding food. Jennifer quickly reminds him they are not a full fledged restaurant.

“A deli counter is what I see,” she said. “Simple with sandwiches.”

Until then, Rodger knew nothing of Friday nights at the EPAC but was eager to seal the deal so he promised to keep it going. He found a place on the quarter stage to move his drums from the living room. Soon came a guitar, PA system and amp.

“There was a local guy coming up here on Fourth Friday nights playing guitar,” Rodger said. “We

At any rate, the Williamsons see a future at EPAC. It is a place for Rodger to play his drums and pick up the guitar occasionally. It is also a gathering place the husband and wife want to continue to share.

“We are not making money on this,” Rodger said. “We are doing this as a community service.”