Tallassee Tribune 01-12-22

SPORTS, PAGE B1 TALLASSEE WRESTLING WINS CHAMPIONSHIP

LOCAL, PAGE A7

OBSERVER, PAGE B6

INSIDE:

THIS WEEK’S OBITUARIES, PAGE A2

Giving library offers free books

Tent revival comes to Tallassee

Dedicated to the Growth and Prosperity of the Greater Tallassee area Tallassee, AL 36078

January 12, 2022

TallasseeTribune.com

$1.00 VOL. 124, NO. 2

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE: TUESDAY, JAN. 11 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Here’s the latest on COVID-19 in the Lake Martin area, updated every weekday:

ELMORE COUNTY

Positivity rate — 42.9 percent Seven-day caseload — 917 new cases (as of Friday) Average daily caseload — 131 new

cases per day (as of Friday) Current one-day record — 251 on Aug. 11

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

Positivity rate — 28.9 percent Seven-day caseload — 722 new cases (as of Friday*) Average daily caseload — 103 new cases per day (as of Friday*) Current one-day record — 161 new cases on Jan. 3

COOSA COUNTY

Source: Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). *Note: seven-day caseloads and seven-day moving averages represent the most recent week of data, with a twoto four-day lag depending on the county. The number of COVID-19 cases on each calendar date represents the data the case occurred, not the date it was reported to ADPH, and is therefore subject to change.

Positivity rate — 35.6 percent Seven-day caseload — 158 new cases (as of Friday) Average daily caseload — 23 new cases per day (as of Friday) Current one-day record — 44 new cases on Jan. 4

ALABAMA

Positivity rate — 41.2 percent Hospitalizations — 1,779 as of Jan. 10

‘IT’S BACK’

‘Man of the People’ Former Mayor Bobby Payne passes, leaves legacy of public service

Missoula Children’s Theater returns to Tallassee

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Many serve in public office for only a few terms but Bobby Payne defined public service in Tallassee.

The longtime Tallassee resident and Gadsden native who served most of his adult life as either a councilmember or mayor of TalPAYNE lassee died Saturday at the age of 76.

Friends and officials remember Payne for the respect he showed everyone in his three terms on council and four terms as mayor.

“Mayor Payne served our

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Staff with Missoula Children’s Theater help with auditions Monday afternoon at Tallassee Elementary School for a production to be performed Saturday.

It’s a tradition more than two decades in the making.

The Missoula Children’s Theater has been helping area children put on a special program. The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council has been helping bring the favorite children’s theater program to Tallassee for years and Jerry Cunningham is always impressed with what staff can do in less than a week.

“The quality of people they have is amazSee THEATER, Page A3

See PAYNE, Page A3

Sheriff opposed to eliminating gun permits

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Alabama House Bill 6 has been prefiled and likely to get its first reading as state legislators meet this week.

“This would authorize individuals to carry a pistol or other firearm concealed or in a vehicle without a permit,” the proposed bill states.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett is opposed to the bill, but he – and

other sheriffs across Alabama – are not opposed to constitutional rights to carry arms.

“If you take away the permits, you are unable to check a background on any of these individuals that comes in, you are not checking on mental status,” Abbett said. “They can go on school grounds or anywhere – or on private property.”

Abbett said not having conceal carry permits puts the lives of law enforcement officers at stake.

“Without a permit we can not ask about the guns on private property; they can go on private property carrying a gun without a permit,” Abbett said. “We feel like it is a bad bill in regards to safety of the officer and the safety of citizens.”

Abbett said if the bill passes there would still be no firearms allowed in places such as courthouses and sheriff’s offices.

See GUN, Page A3

File / THE TRIBUNE

The Sure Shot in Tallapoosa County saw the sale of more than 100 handguns in December 2020 compared to 77 sold in December 2018. Many purchasers at The Sure Shot said they were buying guns for their wives or daughters.

Today’s

Weather

55 31

High

Low

CONTACT US 334-567-7811 Fax: 334-567-3284

THURS: HIGH 58 LOW 33

USPS 681-260

Recycle Your Stuff for Cash in the Classifieds Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!

The Outlook & Recordd Classifi l fieds d WWW.ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM • 256.277.4219

Page A2 • Wednesday, January 12, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Obituaries MAYOR ROBERT “BOBBY” PAYNE Oct. 30, 1945 – Jan. 8, 2022 Mayor Robert “Bobby” Payne, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Saturday, January 08, 2022, at the age of 76. He was born October 30, 1945, in Gadsden, Alabama, to Herbert and Hazel Payne.

Mayor Payne is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mrs. Mary Carroll Payne; son, Robert Russell Payne; Grandchildren, Avery Payne(Courtney), Camden Payne, Neely Payne and Annie Payne; sister, Mrs. Julia Payne Norton (Earl); brother-in-law, William Taylor (Faye); several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Hazel Payne and his

son, Will Payne.

Bobby graduated from Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama and enrolled in Auburn University on a Football Scholarship. He received the Southeastern Conference Halfback of the Year Award for his Freshman Team.

He was a member of the Auburn Football Letterman Club.

During Bobby’s 24 years as Mayor of Tallassee, he also served as President of the League of Municipalities (1996-1997), Chairman of the Southern Municipal Conference (9 states), Chairman of Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission and Chairman of Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation for 12 years.

Bobby was a member of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and Past President of the Tallas-

see Rotary Club.

He also was Co-Owner of Town and Country Motors in Tallassee for several years.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 1:00 pm, from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until service time.

A private burial will be at a later time in Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

GLORIA LOWERY LINDSEY Gloria Lowery Lindsey, 83, passed peacefully on January 8, 2022. Gloria was born on December 14, 1938. She is preceded in death by her parents Da-

vid Durward Parker and Mary Frances Parker; brothers Jimmy Parker and Charles Parker; sister Joyce Ellis; nephew Larry Ellis; and husbands Tommy Lowery and Hugh Rule Jr. She is survived by her husband, Billy Lindsey; Stepsons Sonny Rule (Penny); Wade Lindsey (Janice); Steve Lindsey (Donna); Grandchildren, Jordan Rule, Hayden Rule, and Lauren Rule; Sister-in-law Gloria (Charles) Parker; nephews Robert Ellis (Diane); David Parker (Heather); Duane Parker (Bridget) and several great nieces and nephews.

Gloria was a member of Riverside Heights Baptist Church. She loved her church and her church family. She was a selfless person who always put others first.

She volunteered her time for 15 years after retirement at the hos-

pital working and serving the Elmore County community through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. She loved her family and took care of them always.

Gloria retired from the Alabama Power Company where she worked for many years. Upon retiring, she became an Energizer and committed her time and unselfish service to the communities of Alabama helping others in need.

Services for Gloria will be held on January 11, 2022 at 2:00 at Riverside Heights Baptist Church. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Carville Cemetery following the service.

Pallbearers are Robbie Ellis, Jeffrey Ellis, Scott Alexander, Steve Schmitt, Wade Lindsey, and Paul Lindsey.

Humane Society of Elmore County News – 10 Jan ‘22

By REA CORD Executive Director

PET OF THE WEEK – LIBRA

Libra is a female Bulldog looking mix, about two years old and around 50 lbs. She is a super sweet and laid-back gal, great with other dogs and cats. She came to the Humane Society of Elmore County as a stray with another dog and no one ever came for them.

The adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Libra or any of the pets at the humane society, please first email them at hselco@ bellsouth.net for an adoption application. Once that is cleared, the humane society will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.

The shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, and their phone number is 334-567-3377. You can also visit them online at www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says January is both National Train Your Dog and Walk Your Pet Month. Since it takes a bit of training to teach your dog how to walk nicely on a leash, these two certainly go hand-in-hand.

One very common reason bigger dogs are surrendered to Shelters is because they need more exercise than they are getting, but they were never taught decent leash manners, so the owner never takes them out of their yard leading to a frustrated dog with pent up energy and no manners. No one wants to be pulled down the road behind their dog so why not start the New Year off great for both yourself and your dog by adding your dog into your new exercise program – good for you and good for your dog! With just a little work your dog can happily be your walking/hiking/jogging partner so you can both get in shape together.

Bottom line is a tired dog is a more well-mannered dog too, so it is a win-win for both of you.

Teaching your dog to walk or run with you on a leash, to not jump and just to have basic nice manners is not rocket science though if owning a dog is new to you, then you might want to seek a professional train-

er. Our dogs simply love making us happy so think reward for when they do what you want as they will quickly figure out what makes you happy. Some dogs are motivated by treats (use a treat they do not get at any other time and small so they don’t stop to chew), others are motivated by toys, and others just by your praise. Dogs understand clear, concise commands and most owners simply talk too much so the dog is confused and has no idea what is being asked of it. This is why a professional trainer can take your dog from you and in five minutes likely have it responding to commands. A good trainer simply knows how to clearly communicate with your dog. Kind of “OH, THAT is what you want me to do!” In reality – training a dog is about 75 percent training the owner as to how to effectively communicate with their own pet.

Of course, our dogs are as different as we are so some pick up on lessons quickly while others take a bit longer. Knowing your dog’s attention span is very important as one dog may work great for 15 minutes before losing interest and for another five minutes is all they can give you before they simply tune out. Some are quicker on the uptake than others and knowing what really makes your dog tick also makes a big difference. Does your dog respond to

treats? Or toys? Or clicks or whistles? Every dog is different so finding what gets their undivided attention can greatly improve the chance of training success.

One caution – some folks think they can send their dog ‘off’ to a trainer and they will come back and be the perfect dog – NOT. Remember – you, the owner, are a HUGE part of the training process and you have to also learn how to communicate what you want so your dog will understand. You can send a dog to a trainer but part of that will also be YOU spending time with your dog AND the trainer so the dog trainer can train YOU, the owner. Training of any kind takes patience and perseverance on everyone’s part, and it never really ends. Refresher training should honestly take place throughout your dog’s life – for both of you! A professional golfer isn’t successful only playing golf during tournaments – they practice, and get coaches, and research and practice more – true success entails dedication!

So get out those comfy walking or running shoes, teach your dog first how to walk nicely on a leash, and start out 2022 with daily nice long walks/runs with your dog – the reward will be a tired and better behaved dog, and perhaps a more fit & more relaxed YOU as well!

Police Reports TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT JAN. 10

• A white male was arrested on Kent Road.

JAN. 9

• A Black female was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Recreation Center Road.

• Assistance was provided to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on North Ashurst Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on First Avenue.

• Debris was reported in

the roadway on North Ann Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Potts Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Friendship Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A subject was shot on Third Street.

JAN. 8

• A domestic dispute was reported on Benson Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Outer Drive.

• Reckless driving was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A noise complaint was filed on East Roosevelt Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• A noise complaint was filed on East Roosevelt Street.

• Debris was reported in the road on Highway 229.

• A Black female was arrested on West Roosevelt Street.

• False reporting was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

JAN. 7

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

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An intoxicated person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Identity theft was reported on Carr Street.

• Harassment was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• A civil dispute was reported on Popular Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Paxton Drive.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A missing person was reported on Delta Road.

JAN. 6

• A domestic dispute was reported on Clay Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on East Patton Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Highway 229.

Harassing communications was reported on James Street.

JAN. 5

• A welfare check was conducted on Fourth Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Tallassee Highway.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Floyd Lane.

• Trespassing was reported on Herren Street.

JAN. 4

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A private property accident was reported on Friendship Road.

• A white male was arrested on Lower River Road.

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

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A parking violation was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Jack Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Airport Road.

JAN. 3

• An assault was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black female was arrested on Hanil Drive.

• A suspicious person was reported on Cobb Road.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT JAN. 3

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

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

JAN. 1

• Domestic violence was reported on Hollowood Lane.

DEC. 31

• Theft and Criminal trespass were reported on U.S. Highway 231.

• Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on on Barnes court.

DEC. 30

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

Dec. 27 • Criminal trespass was reported on Cherry Street.

• Theft was reported on Cherry Street.

The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Page A3

PAYNE

Continued from A1

THEATER

Continued from A1

ing,” Cunningham said. “They have to, they are out there representing Missoula, one of, if not the best at this. The staff that comes in have a degree in some form of music or theatre. They’ve always been very efficient and effective in how they get it done.”

The process is methodical but fun.

Auditions start after school Monday at Tallassee Elementary School.

“There are a lot of things they look for,” Cunningham said. “The more kids they get, the better. They are looking for kids that can follow instructions.

They are looking for kids that will take suggestions. They want kids that won’t hold back.”

The auditions aren’t just reading a script. The auditions are activity based to allow the children to get comfortable and explore the various expression based activities.

“They will put them in a circle and try a lot of different things,” Cunningham said. “They will play games and do stuff like, ‘I want you to jump and say this sound.’”

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Staff with Missoula Children’s Theater help with auditions Monday afternoon at Tallassee Elementary School for a production to be performed Saturday.

There are parts for children of all ages and for those with no experience being on stage or acting. Once selections are made Monday, at least two practices will occur at locations throughout Tallassee before the production back at Tallassee Elementary School at 6 p.m Saturday.

This year’s production will be a variation of Rumpelstiltskin.

“They write their own stuff so it will have a different twist to it,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham said the Missoula staff are great in making sure the production is entertaining for all.

“One of the staff will be on stage with them being part of the scene and one behind the stage to help make sure things run smoothly,” Cunningham said.

“What I love about Missoula is they get the kids involved in the process.

By doing this, the kids are much more hands on and get a great introduction to theater. They are not just watching, they are being part of the play.”

city for many years,” current Tallassee Mayor John Hammock said. “He always would listen to people’s opinions and tried his best to make the best of what he had to work with. Anyone that serves their community should be commended.

No one really understands the toll that it takes on you mentally until you are in this position. I want to send my prayers to the family.”

Suzy Solomon Wilson said Payne was mayor of Tallassee most of her life and believes anyone could approach Payne with their issues.

“He was a wonderful person,” Wilson said. “He loved the people of Tallassee. He treated everybody the same, it didn’t matter what neighborhood you were from.”

Wilson said Payne had an open door policy, but city hall wasn’t the only place he would engage the public.

“He loved to get out and see people,” Wilson said.

“He was an amazing person.”

Payne’s public service extended beyond the city limits of Tallassee. He served as president of the League of Municipalities in 1996 and 1997, chairman of the Southern Municipal Con-

GUN

Continued from A1

Abbett said some legislatures have questioned the fees that sheriff’s departments charge citizens to obtain conceal carry permits.

Sheriffs have said it covers the cost of staff to run the needed background checks and to produce the permit.

Abbett said the remaining funds are accounted for.

ference covering nine states, chairman of Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission and chairman of Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation for 12 years.

The Tallassee City Council approved the naming of Payne Park on Central Boulevard in June 2021. The park is on the same side of the Tallapoosa River as Mount Vernon Mills, the job Payne held before becoming mayor.

“We thought it would be fitting to put a nice place over here for the people in east Tallassee,” Hammock said in June.

Payne was also a cheerleader for Tallassee beyond city hall.

“You were always very spirited,” Hammock said in June. “You were at all the football and baseball games, and always had on your purple and gold. So, we thought it would be a nice touch to have a sign that says Payne Park in purple and gold.”

An orange and blue sign might have been fitting as well. Payne played at Auburn University on a football scholarship.

A memorial service for Payne will be held at Jeffcoat Funeral at 1 p.m.

Wednesday. Payne’s family will receive friends beginning at noon. There will be a private burial at a later time.

“We do have funds that come in from [conceal carry permitting] and are used for law enforcement purposes,” Abbett said. “Those funds are audited by the [Alabama Department of] Examiners of Public Accounts.”

Abbett said there are several proposed bills to do away with the permits but in all cases he is opposed to them as they put the safety of law enforcement and the public at harm.

Page A4 • Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Our

Tallassee

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Mission

The Tribune strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Staff

Directory

Telephone: (334) 580-7089 Website: www.tallasseetribune.com

Management Steve Baker Publisher, 256-414-3190 steve.baker@tallasseetribune.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, 256-414-3191 angela.mullins@tallasseetribune.com Kaitlin Fleming Managing Editor, 256-234-3412 kaitlin.fleming@alexcityoutlook.com Lynn Cox Magazine Managing Editor, 256-414-3185 lynn.cox@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, 256-414-3177 marketing@tallasseetribune.com Audra Spears Art Director, 256-414-3189 audra.spears@tallasseetribune.com Erin Burton Audience Development Director, 256-234-7779 erin.burton@tallasseetribune.com Lee Champion Production Manager, 256-414-3017 lee.champion@tallasseetribune.com Newsroom Cliff Williams Bureau Chief, 334-740-1116 cliff.williams@tallasseetribune.com Dalton Middleton Sports Editor, 256-414-3180 dalton.middleton@tallasseetribune.com Advertising Sales Marilyn Hawkins Regional Sales Manager, 334-350-3917 marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com Cathy Parr Sales Manager, 334-350-3921 cathy.parr@tallasseetribune.com

Subscribe Today!

$25 annually

For residents in Elmore County, Tallapoosa County and Notasulga. $38 annually elsewhere.

Call 256-234-4281

Tallassee

What’s your Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions.

Mail: Your View, The Tallassee Tribune 211 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee, AL 36078 Email: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com

Submissions

Obituaries: 25 cents per word with a $15 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 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 Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.

Follow us

On the Web

Follow The Tallassee Tribune at www.tallasseetribune.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

The Tallassee Tribune 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.

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 Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

The Tallassee Tribune is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281

Postal

Information

USPS-533-160 ISSN: 2150-3983 The Tallassee Tribune is published weekly on Wednesday, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010.

Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tallassee Tribune, 211 Barnett Blvd, Tallassee, AL 36078.

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee Tribune, The Eclectic Observer, Lake Magazine, Lake Martin Living, Elmore County Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher.

www.tallasseetribune.com

Year in Review, Part II

L

ast week’s column was part one of the annual year-end roundup of what Cousin Rendell calls “info-tainment.” It was written before Christmas, so some things were left off. Now that we are into the new year of 2022, here is the second half.

Virtual Learning: It’s the double-edged sword. In 2020-21, we had to reach out to people via nontraditional methods due to the pandemic. We teachers were forced to learn new platforms and find ways to move education online every time we went virtual. If you have a child in school, you’re probably familiar with Google Classroom, PowerSchool, and SchoolStatus. You may know about Remind or ClassDojo, or have received phone calls and emails from SchoolCast – just a few of the seemingly thousands of programs and services. The question remains: did it work? Educators worked overtime trying to get lessons out of the textbooks and chalkboards on to social media and the various digital services, and some students responded while others disappeared.

While some students found success with the new format, there were others who fell through the cracks and never logged in to an iPad nor checked a single email. The fallout from not only the pandemic but the disrupted years of school will affect public education for years to come.

The Supply Chain: The biggest story that affected my other job in 2021 was the supply chain issues that were rumored to threaten Thanksgiving and Christmas. What was so special about Super Foods was that our managers, Hollis Mann and Craig Webster, were thinking way ahead of the game and had pallets of holiday merchandise in stock while all the other stores around us were scrambling for product, raising their prices in the process. We had soup and broth, confectioners sugar and cake mix, cranberry sauce and turkeys – and never ran out. I was the closing manager on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, and it

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist was such a pleasure to lock the door that night, fully confident that we had been so prepared for our customers.

Favorite Television Series: Last week, I mentioned the reboot of “The Wonder Years” on ABC for its heart and humor. “All Creatures Great and Small” on PBS was just what we needed – or perhaps what the doctor ordered. Documenting the memoir of rural veterinarian Dr. James Herriot, this quiet series set in 1930s Britain was very comforting in the troubled months of 2021. Somehow, this show was able to wring drama from an abcess on a horse’s hoof, a cow with milk fever, or a horse with twisted bowels. The new season debuts this week on Masterpiece Theatre and is highly recommended.

Favorite Limited Series: Last week, I heaped praise upon the seven-hour “1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything” on AppleTV and eight-hour “Get Back” on Disney+. While both are recommended, there was an even longer one that I left out – Ken Burns’ deep dive into the life of “Muhammad Ali,” nine hours of which aired on PBS in September.

Ali called himself the Greatest, and he may have been. Certainly, nobody kept him down for long – his braggadocio was as impressive as his bravado when it came to boxing. I learned a lot about his relationship with the Nation of Islam, as well: when Cassius Clay signed over his career to Elijah Muhammad, Ali became the new poster child for Muslims, inadvertently helping to hasten the demise of Malcolm X. It was a fascinating watch.

The Rest of the Cast: Last week, I wrote about “Mary Tyler Moore” show actors Ed Asner (Lou Grant) and

Cloris Leachman (Phyllis Lindstrom) passing in 2021, without mentioning Gavin MacLeod (Murray Slaughter) and Betty White (Sue Ann Nivens).

The entire cast of that glorious sitcom is gone now. While most people these days know MacLeod as Captain Stubing from “The Love Boat” and White as Rose Nylund from “The Golden Girls” due to their near-constant airing on rerun channels, I have always been more of a fan of their characterizations on the “Mary Tyler Moore” show.

Magazines: I did something I thought I’d never do this year – I allowed magazine subscriptions to cease. While I still receive the scholarly journals that are part of my memberships in the Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Education Association, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations, I ended some longtime subscriptions because I just don’t read the magazines like I used to. And this seems to be a part of a larger trend, as 2021 was another year of scaled back production at newspapers and other publications across the country. Strangely, however, circulation of the big boys like The New York Times and the Washington Post was at an alltime high, thanks to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in January.

The 50th Anniversary Party: In June, my sister Meredith and I planned a 50th anniversary party for our parents, Chris and Sherril Bird, at Restoration 49. For months, we collected pictures and stories for a slideshow; we created playlists filled with the music of ’71; and located childhood friends as well as relatives near and far, inviting them to surprise our parents. It was a nice event that was made very memorable by the number of people who came out to show their love and appreciation for them. And with all that went on in 2021, we were grateful to have our family close and let them know how much we cared about them in such a public way.

Onward to 2022!

Talks

The Tallassee Tribune

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

U.S. Senate race is 2022 election premier

T

his year’s midterm congressional elections will be the political story of the year in American politics. The U.S. House of Representatives will be in play big time. Whichever party has the majority has all the power.

Currently the Democrats have a very small majority. Polling and history reveal that Republicans are poised to pick up a large number of seats and gain back a majority in the House and will more than likely gain a slim majority in the U.S. Senate where there is currently an even 50 to 50 split, with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris having the tie breaking vote that gives the teetering majority to the Democrats.

History has portended without deviation to a clear historical political fact that the party that wins the White House and concurrently House seats loses those seats in the next midterm elections. It is usually a significant pickup, especially when there is a Democratic president.

Early polling indicates this will happen this year.

President Joe Biden’s approval ratings are abysmal, which will spill over into the swing House districts throughout the country. The first revealing salvo occurred in November in the Democratic State of Virginia when voters elected a Republican Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and the majority of Virginia House delegates. A Republican takeover of the U.S. House will affect Alabama favorably because our House delegation is made up of six Republicans and one lone Democrat.

The marquee event for this year, politically, in Alabama will be for the open seat of retiring Senior Senator Richard Shelby. The race has been ongoing for almost a year and will be decided in a few short months from now. The election is May 24. The runoff will be June 21. The winner of that runoff will be our next U.S. Senator.

The favorites to capture the seat are either Katie Britt or Mo Brooks. Recent reliable polling reveals a close dead even contest between Brooks and Britt.

Mo Brooks is the current congressman from the 5th Congressional District, which encompasses Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley. There is probably not a congressional district in the entire country that has benefited more from federal spending than the Huntsville Redstone Arsenal. Brooks has not been helpful in this attraction of federal dollars to his district. The heavy lifting towards Huntsville’s growth has fallen onto the shoulders of Senator Richard Shelby. Brooks has been an obstacle to Huntsville’s federally funded prosperity. Brooks is seen in Washington as a right-wing gadfly nut that is more interested in finding a Fox News camera than helping his District or State. His claim to fame is that he is currently the endorsed candidate of former President Donald Trump.

Katie Boyd Britt is the mainstream, rational, conservative candidate. She is the choice of the pro-business, pro-growth Republican establishment in the state. She is the former CEO of the Business Council in the state. She has received the endorsement of most business groups as well as the coveted Alabama Farmers Federation. The business community sees her as a stable, reliable, and youthful successor to Shelby.

Katie Britt and Mo Brooks will both be well funded. Britt has outdistanced Brooks in fundraising.

However, Brooks will be bolstered by the right-wing Washington conglomerate Club for Growth and may be able to match Britt dollar for dollar. It will be an expensive race.

The wildcard in the contest is the entry of one Mike Durant. He announced his entry about two months ago and immediately began a bombardment of excellent television and radio ads. Durant is a decorated war hero and POW, who came to Huntsville from New Hampshire and built his own successful business from scratch. He has a real story that if told well, will sell. In fact, it already has begun to sell. The hidden fact in the recent polling, which shows Britt and Brooks knotted at about 30 percent each, reveals that Durant is polling at 15 percent after only one month in the race. Durant is the wildcard in this race.

Katie Britt’s polling numbers are good. They show her trending upward. She is also the only candidate with a grassroots organization. She has campaigned in every county in the state, while Brooks’ handlers have worked to keep him off the campaign trail in fear that he will go off script and implode which he has tendency to do.

It would not surprise me that if Durant can sustain his ads for four months, which will be a heavy lift of his personal assets, that when the votes are counted on May 24, you may have a Katie Britt vs. Mike Durant runoff on June 21. It will be fun race to watch.

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.

D

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Page A5

The Moore you know

emocrats control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, but they still are unable to pass their unpopular agenda through the legislative.

The Build Back Better scheme is on life support, and Congress seems to be incapable of doing much more than going after President Trump, who has not been in office for over a year. But that legislative stalemate hasn’t stopped their power grab.

The vaccine mandates being pushed through by the Biden administration are incredibly unpopular and could never pass Congress. In fact, after Republicans forced a vote in the Senate, a bipartisan majority of Senators voted to revoke some of Biden’s mandates. But the Administration is exploiting its authority to advance its agenda, including by invoking an emergency provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act to force those who employ more than 100 people to require vaccinations or weekly COVID testing.

That is not how accountable government is supposed to work.

Rightly, these vaccine mandates are being challenged in the courts, but arguments last week before the Supreme Court demonstrate what our freedoms are up against. Liberal Justice Sonia

BARRY MOORE Columnist Sotomayor, nominated by the ObamaBiden White House, betrayed a shocking misunderstanding of the facts of the case before her.

Sotomayor falsely claimed, “numbers show that omicron is as deadly and causes as much serious disease in the unvaccinated as delta did.” She also said, “we have over 100,000 children, which we’ve never had before, in serious condition and many on ventilators.”

Even the liberal Washington Post fact checker gave Justice Sotomayor “Four Pinocchios” for these whoppers! The highest court in the land is charged with protecting our constitutional rights. But when its Justices let their political agendas and partisan pandemic hysteria come before facts and our constitution, our freedoms are endangered.

Last week, January 6 came and went without the security issues in Washington Democrats predicted without evidence. I have been clear that the violence one year ago has no place in politics,

and all those who broke the law must face the legal consequences of their actions through our judicial system. But it is clear that Democrats are exploiting January 6 for political theater. Last week Speaker Pelosi held what resembled a one-year anniversary party, inviting CNN and celebrities to the Capitol to bash Republicans and even including a performance by the cast of the musical Hamilton.

This is no surprise. Speaker Pelosi last year used a Congressional Gold Medal bill, meant to honor our fallen officers, to suggest an officer who was tragically killed in an unrelated event months later was somehow associated with January 6, and her sham January 6 Committee has made clear it is more concerned with attacking President Trump than legitimate investigations. Speaker Pelosi may hold the gavel for the remainder of the year, but that won’t stop me from serving my constituents.

Last year, I responded to over 17,000 letters, calls, and emails from constituents, and my office resolved over 750 cases, returning over $1 million to constituents.

Rep. Barry Moore 1504 Longworth House Bldg.

Washington, DC 20515

Guest Editorial

American leadership immense in ending pandemic

A

s we surpass the two-year mark of Covid-19, the need for American leadership in the global response continues to be immense. We must intensify efforts to bring the virus under control both here and abroad. Our international partners need us to serve as the lead actor in defeating the pandemic.

Ensuring success will require a number of actions.

First, the U.S. must accelerate the availability of vaccines, therapies and diagnostics to low- and middle-income countries. Only when high levels of immunization are achieved everywhere will Americans and our global partners be freed from the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 virus.

Under the leadership of American pharmaceutical and bioscience companies, 7.5 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines were produced by the end of September.

An estimated 24 billion doses will be manufactured by June 2022. This unprecedented production has been achieved through more than 300 voluntary manufacturing and production agreements, including technology and knowledge transfers. Delivering these doses to those who lack access is the most critical task that requires our attention.

The U.S. must also pressure other countries to support increased dose-sharing,

optimization of production, country readiness, innovation, and the elimination of trade barriers.

Nearly 50 percent of the globe is now fully vaccinated. But achieving the WHO’s goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the world population by mid-2022 will prove impossible unless significant new investments are made in countries where current rates of immunization are stuck in the single digits.

Stepping up our health diplomacy will help accomplish that.

America has done more than any other nation to develop and deliver Covid treatments and provide health, economic and humanitarian assistance across the world. Yet in the first phase of the Covid response, China and Russia won the vaccine diplomacy competition through aggressive communications campaigns and coercive vaccine procurement deals. We have seen how impactful global health programs such as the President’s Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) can be in positively shaping public opinions of the United States in developing countries. There must be a clear public diplomacy strategy that accompanies our global Covid response efforts.

The most important component of U.S. pandemic leadership is innovation. But the success of Operation Warp Speed was

just a preview of what’s possible when government and industry come together to invest resources and deploy health solutions at lightning pace.

At the recent G7 Leaders meeting, a 100-day pandemic preparedness plan was presented by a coalition of scientists, philanthropists and policymakers to ensure that a pandemic of the scale of Covid-19 never happens again. This plan calls for up-front investments and policy changes to enable the full spectrum of pandemic preparedness and response capabilities needed to stop the next pandemic threat in its tracks in the first 100 days.

The effects of the next pandemic can be minimized only when high levels of preparedness are achieved and planned for, along with the logistics to deliver these tools internationally. If America leads in this arena -- and dedicates the needed resources for a strategy of healthcare diplomacy -- it will go a long way in making the world a safer place for all mankind.

Ed Royce formerly served as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2013-2019. Ted Yoho formerly served as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and is a doctor of veterinary medicine.

Page A6 • Wednesday, January 12, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Polar Plunge is back

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / THE TRIBUNE

Participants in the Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge run into the chilly water of Lake Martin at Kowaliga in January 2020.

Vehicle Title Problem?

We have a Solution!

Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicles, Mobile Homes & Surety Bonds

JSE:Alabama's Vehicle Title Recovery Service!

We can help with most Titled Vehicles in Alabama, including Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s & Trailers. Stop in, by phone or online!

Fre e Phone C onsu ltation C a l l 1-205-267-5735 w w w.JSEAL.c om

After taking a break for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge is back.

For the sixth time participants can take a cool plunge into the waters of Lake Martin and have a little fun all to benefit the Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA).

“We want everyone to come out and have a good time with the plunge this year supporting a great cause in LMRA,” Lake Martin Young Professionals Jacob Meacham said. “We

had to pause it last year due to the restrictions but with the vaccine and a higher comfort level, we feel confident in holding the event again this year.”

The plunge includes a costume contest and a dash for cash where participants make a run and swim through water to collect prizes.

LMRA will use the proceeds from the event to support its ongoing endeavour to make Lake Martin safer for boaters.

“They are going to use the funds to enhance the lighted buoy program,” Meacham said. “Those buoys are a high priority on Lake Martin as they

help mark dangerous spots for boats on the lake.”

The fun gets started at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at Kowaliga Restaurant. A $30 entry fee gets participants into the event and includes food from Kowaliga Restaurant’s special polar plunge menu and live music. Participants can come and watch.

“But the brave will take the plunge,” Meacham said.

Changing tents will be on-site for anyone taking the plunge to dry off and change clothes. Participants taking the plunge are asked to bring a pair of water shoes as the beach is a little rocky.

Sign of working together

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer The Tallapoosa River has presented challenges to county residents in the past.

“Which courthouse does this? Why do they have a “fill in the blank” on that side?” are all questions that have been asked before.

The Tallapoosa County Commission and Alexander City are trying to bridge the gap between the two sides of the river more and want to use tourism and Lake Martin to do it.

The last several weeks the two governmental bodies have been talking about combining efforts for tourism for which each has an entity. Tourism unification is likely close.

Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird was at Monday’s commission meeting to inform commissioners on the city’s efforts to join a combined tourism effort. Baird

said he knows some are frustrated at the time it has taken but is hopeful the end is in sight.

“It will take us at least two more weeks with the next council meeting,” Baird said.

“I just would ask y’all to hang with us and wait for us to get this done. I do believe and see Lake Martin as a county asset. It’s not an Alex City asset.

If we work together and combine our assets we will have a much greater opportunity to take advantage of the growth that is coming.”

The county commission established Tallapoosa County Tourism with Sandra Fuller as its director in 2018. Alexander City established the Lake Martin Tourism Association.

It’s most recent director Brandy Hastings resigned late last year.

Baird said the move started discussion about a combined tourism effort to help better unify all of Tallapoosa County

for growth potential.

“Y’all know it on this side of the lake, the growth is coming,” Baird said. “We have been discovered and we are going to explode. I truthfully believe that if we combine our efforts, no matter how much time it takes, I think it will benefit all of us. I think we will all reap the benefits, the revenue that will be brought in from that.”

Commissioners are fine with waiting a little longer to see what Alexander City officials will do.

“We are comfortable with what we have in place,” Commissioner T.C. Coley said.

“We are very open to the dialogue about combining tourism organizations.”

The delay is now fine with county officials once it was determined the combined tourism authority would not have to go before the state legislature. State officials already have statues in place to handle

such an authority.

Both the commission and Alexander City officials believe a combined tourism effort is the tip of the iceberg on future cooperation.

“I’ve been there supporting you the whole time through this,” Commissioner John McKelvey said. “I think this is a great idea. I think it will lead to other combinations of us and the cities doing things in future.”

Baird said working with other entities in Tallapoosa County and beyond has been something he has wanted Alexander City to be a part of.

“I know we have always had that river that divides us in things going on,” Baird said.

“I’m doing my best to breach that and bridge it and come together and do more things together. I think working together will do us good. The growth we will see around this lake is going to reap huge benefits for us all.”

Alabama abortion ban author cautions against following Texas’ example

By JACOB HOLMES Special to The Tribune The author of a 2019 bill banning almost all abortions in Alabama is urging lawmakers to drop a new bill taking a different angle to accomplish the goal.

The new bill mirrors a Texas law that has been in effect since Sept. 2021. It would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, but instead of enforcing that ban through criminal penalties, the law creates the ability for anybody to sue a person or organization who performed or aided in the abortion.

With a $10,000 minimum reward for successful suits, some critics have called the law a “bounty hunting scheme.”

Birmingham attorney Eric Johnston, president of the Alabama Pro-Life Coalition, has written more than 12 of the state’s anti-abortion laws, including the 2019 overall ban.

He says the new law “violates the basic tenets of legal procedures in this country.”

“There are proper ways to do things and improper ways to do things,” Johnston said. “In order to sue someone, you have to show some sort of injury that gives you a right to sue. Under this law, anyone can sue abortion clinics and get a $10,000 judgment.”

Opponents of the bill have argued the bill was written to be enforced by private action as a way to sidestep Roe v. Wade.

Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, said he is sponsoring the bill as a “stop-gap” measure while the 2019 bill makes its way through the courts.

“The 2019 bill is currently being appealed and is not in effect,” Kiel said.

“The Texas bill is in effect in Texas. There are 16 abortions in Alabama every day … My only concern is saving the lives of those who cannot protect themselves.

If it stays on the books one day, that’s 16 lives in Alabama.”

Kiel pointed to the law’s success in Texas, where it has been able to remain in effect even after being reviewed by the Supreme Court.

However, Johnston said the Supreme Court’s 8-1 opinion is merely a procedural issue and not based on the merits of the law.

“Basically, the court was saying it could not address the merits of the case on appeal “pre-enforcement” of the law and based only on a motion to dismiss the case, that is, the earliest stage of pleading,” Johnston said.

Although the Supreme Court did not block the law, Johnston said the opinion provides “the road map” for challenging

the law on its merits and would mean the law would never have a chance to be enacted in Alabama if the Legislature passed it.

“The case has a long ways to go and a lot of potholes in it,” Johnston said.

Although the 2019 abortion ban is still “held up in Judge Myron Thompson’s court,” Johnston said the bill is progressing through the courts exactly as expected. It was designed to be immediately blocked and work its way up to the Supreme Court to challenge Roe v. Wade.

Johnston said the fetal heartbeat laws don’t directly make the case for the personhood of the fetus, which is the key element that anti-abortion-choice advocates seek to argue before the justices.

The Supreme Court’s opinion on Roe v.

Wade explains: “[Texas] argues that the fetus is a ‘person’ within the language and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment…

If this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant’s case collapses, for the fetus’ right to life is then guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.”

The House Republican Caucus did not list the bill as part of its agenda Wednesday, but House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said the caucus would consider supporting it. The bill has 23 Republican co-sponsors.

Tax credit available to build storm shelters

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Alabama is no stranger to dangerous storms and the destruction that follows those storms.

Residents of the state can now get some help with construction of protection from storms through the Alabama Storm Shelter Tax Credit.

Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Association (EMA) director Jason Moran said the Alabama EMA and the Alabama Department of Revenue are in charge of the tax credit.

“You can get 50 percent of

File / THE TRIBUNE

Lake Martin Storm Shelters in Tallapoosa County sells a variety of types and sizes of shelters.

the cost up to $3,000 of the total cost of a storm shelter,” Moran said. “Every [Alabama] citizen is eligible to make an application.”

Alabama EMA is in the process of creating a website where documentation can be

submitted to apply for the tax credit.

“The total costs for qualification of the tax credit will exclude any costs reimbursed or expected to be reimbursed by any other reimbursements, grants or other government

subsidies or incentives,” Alabama EMA said in a statement.

The state legislature authorized up to $2 million annually to be reimbursed to Alabama citizens through the tax credit.

The credit can not be used to make a taxpayer’s liability less than zero.

“Tax credit certificates will be first-come, first served until the annual cap is met,” Alabama EMA said. “The tax credits allowed will be effective Jan. 1, 2022 for the 2022 tax year and will continue through the 2025 tax year unless continued by the legislature.”

The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Page A7

Tent revival comes to Tallassee

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Members of the Living Waters Worship Center felt the call for crusade last week.

The church felt a calling to be more visible to proclaim the word of God despite its location on Upper River Road.

The church packed a tent and sound equipment and marched four miles away to a parking lot on Gilmer Avenue.

Pastor Chris Whitting-

ton said other churches joined in to pull off the mobile ministry.

“We just felt it was a great opportunity to bring the hope of Jesus to everyone,” Whittington said. “We feel His word is exactly what people need in times like these.”

The congregation gathered with praise and worship to the standing room only in the event style tent for everyone to see Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

FREE MAMMOGRAMS AND PAP TESTS

with FREE CANCER TREATMENT AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE WOMEN • Breast Cancer Screenings 40-64 yrs old • Cervical Cancer Screenings 21-64 yrs old

DON’T DELAY DO IT FOR YOURSELF DO IT FOR YOUR FAMILY For a referral or more information go to: www.alabama.gov/bandc scan the QR Code below, or contact the hotline: 1-877-252-3324

Take care of yourself and others with an easy test.

Don’t wait. If you have symptoms, find out if you have the virus.

Relief funds approved to improve county water

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Part of the funding approved by the United States Congress through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be used by the Tallapoosa County Commission to improve water service to county residents.

It is estimated that more than $1.1 million will be needed to make repairs to water lines near Davis Circle and near the Lakeview Heights subdivision near Madwind Road.

County administrator Blake Beck said water service in the two areas had issues that needed to be addressed.

“The project at Davis Circle will replace water lines under the road,” Beck told the commission at its Monday meeting. “The road has lots of construction [traffic] on it and the water lines are [breaking].”

Beck said the water lines in the Lakeview Heights area are also failing and need to be repaired and replaced.

DEPUTY SHERIFF’S PAY TO INCREASE

The commission approved a recommendation of Tallapoosa County sheriff Jimmy Abbett that will increase pay for deputies in his department. Abbett had previously asked the commission about deputies in the department being moved up one step on the pay matrix and for deputies starting out to move up the matrix more quickly.

Abbett’s request is to help with retention and recruitment of law enforcement officers. The move will cost an estimated $135,000 in 2022 and also required a budget amendment by the commission.

NO SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS TAX HOLIDAY

The commission went along with the recommendations of the Alexander City and Tallapoosa County boards of education and did not pass a sales tax holiday for state approved severe weather preparedness items. Beck said it has been customary for the commis-

sion to go along with the boards of education recommendations on sales tax holidays.

In other action the Tallapoosa County Commission: • Approved minutes of the Dec. 13 meeting.

• Approved warrants and purchase orders.

• Awarded a bid to SCF Erections of Tallassee to construct a shop for commission districts one and two on Elkahatchee Road in Alexander City.

• Authorized Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Association to seek DR-4503 COVID-19 Disaster Funds for mitigation.

• Accepted bids on three new patrol cars, an x-ray machine for the Tallapoosa County Courthouse Annex in Alexander City and for jail lock repairs for the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department.

• Approved the commission joining the State of Alabama as participants in the Endo settlement for one

of many lawsuits against opioid manufacturers.

• Approved the normal rotation of commission chair to George Carleton and vice chair to T.C. Coley.

• Approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of Camp ASCCA Road.

• Was informed by Abbett that the commission the courtroom of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse was about to undergo minor renovations.

• Was reminded that the courthouses of Tallapoosa County will be closed Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee’s birthdays.

Commissioners Steve Robinson and Emma Jean Thweatt were absent from the meeting due to deaths in the family.

The next meeting of the Tallapoosa County Commission is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14.

The testing is simple, fast, and effective at identifying COVID-19.

Find testing near you at

AlabamaUnites.com.

■■ ■■ Community 9iospita{ 'Eit_ce«ence in Community J{eaCtn Care

Vaccine Clinic Update

Current Status: Vaccines Administered: 2534 Current Vaccine: Moderna ( for Ages 18 and above)

Upcoming Clinic: January 13, 2022

Appointment Request Hotline

(334) 283-3842 • Monday through Friday 7 AM - 5 PM

To learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit www.ADPH.org

Happy New Year

Religion

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

Page A8 • Wednesday, January 12, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Speech that honors God M

y generation remembers the TV serial “Dallas” featuring the oil-baron Jock Ewing family.

All the mischief was done by corrupt son J.R., but son Bobby was the luckiest Ewing. He married three beautiful women, including April (Sheree Wilson who later married “Walker Texas Ranger!), Victoria Principal and Priscilla Presley.

“Dallas” gave us the “cliffhanger” episode every spring that kept us interested until fall. The most well-known cliffhanger was “Who shot J.R.?” This mystery inspired a very collectible political pinback featuring Ronald Reagan from a Western movie holding a six-gun. The caption reads, “I shot J.R. I despise bleeding-heart liberals!”

I heard about a new Western serial and

watched a few episodes during my recent COVID isolation. This series has a ranch, a patriarch and an evil spawn, too.

A friend alerted me to expect shocking language, and he was correct. One word is the most frequent and profane. The word deals with God’s gift of marriage, and this gift is cheapened by this cheap word. And God’s name is constantly taken in vain. I never heard anyone in the episodes I saw ask God for wisdom or thank him for his kindness.

Even the children in this series have foul mouths for alleged comedic effect.

I suppose the plot escaped me, shrouded in the continuous and shocking profanity.

At least President Nixon had the decency to use “expletive deleted” when he published his Oval Office taped conversations.

In an article entitled, “Why Do People Swear” on psychcentral.com, the writer cites researcher Timothy Jay who suggested cursing is like sounding the horn in our cars—it can mean different things, including anger, joy, frustration or surprise.

I remained at the intersection for two seconds after the light turned green last week and the driver behind me blasted her horn.

What was she saying? I can only imagine that it wasn’t very nice.

“Taboo words,” as Jay calls them, can be a substitute for violence, and this is a good thing. We’d rather be cursed at than assaulted. But Jay said these words can also be the springboard for hate speech, verbal abuse, sexual harassment and obscene phone calls.

Jay further noted we make word

MICHAEL J. BROOKS Columnist choices due to the company and situations they’re in. Thus, he insisted, we exercise control over our speech.

Since this is true, the obvious question is why not choose not to use profanity?

The Bible commands we never take God’s name in vain, and Jesus said “yes” or “no” should suffice. The Apostle Paul cautioned that our speech must always be full of grace.

The new year is a good time to humbly ask God to help us use our speech to honor him at all times. -30Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.

Church Briefs BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.

We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting.

Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday ser-

vices at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their fami-

ly members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants.

CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or

Tallassee Churches

BAPTIST Bethlehem East 7561 Upper River Road Calvary Baptist Church 293 N Wesson Street Word of Life 501 Sims Avenue Carrville Baptist Church 2436 Notasulga Road East Tallassee Baptist Church 314 Central Boulevard Elam Baptist Church 4686 Notasulga Road First Baptist Church 1279 Friendship Road Flatrock Missionary Baptist Church 1024 Flat Rock Road

Friendship 4345 Friendship Road Liberty Baptist Church 574 Liberty Road Mount Zion Baptist Church 64 Log Circle Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road River Road 239 Lower Tuskegee Road Riverside Heights Hispanic Mission 495 Little Road Rock Springs 375 Rigsby Road

Rock Springs Baptist Church 2810 Rock Springs Drive Tallassee First 1279 Friendship Road Tallaweka Baptist Church 1419 Gilmer Avenue Westside Baptist Church 1825 Gilmer Avenue CATHOLIC St Vincent De Paul Parish 620 Gilmer Avenue

CHRISTIAN/OTHER Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ 1072 Muskogee Trail East Tallassee Church of Christ 501 Central Boulevard

First Presbyterian Church 514 Central Blvd Light of Jesus Outreach Ministries 140 Gin Street Macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Road Mount Olive Congregational Christian Church NACCC 492 Kent Road Oak Heights Church of Christ 74 Manning Circle Tallassee Church of Christ 209 Gilmer Avenue Wind Rain & Fire Ministries International 1201 Gilmer Avenue Vessel Church 84632 Tallassee Highway, Eclectic,

the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY

Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio.com.

Please share on social media.

This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.

AL 36024 God’s Church, Campfire Ministries 209 Barnett Bouelvard Tallassee, AL 36078 The Lord Our Righteousness Center, Inc. 4566 Claud Road Eclectic, AL 36024 Tallassee First Assembly of God 185 Friendship Road, Tallassee, AL 36078 EPISCOPAL Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue METHODIST

Surrounding Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), El-

more 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-

HERREN HILL PHARMACY & GIFTS Hometown Service from the People You Trust!

24 Herren Hill Road P.O. Box 780061 Tallassee, AL 36078

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

(334) 252-8800

eat fresh.

™

“Come to see us.”

464 Gilmer Avenue 283-2247

Talisi Florist 906 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL (334) 991-4230

Beautiful, Quality, Flowers For Any Occasion.

LOW COST CARS

Used Carss & Trucks

5264 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL

“Take a Ride...

Then Decide!”

LOW COST CARS...............................(334) 283-3051 BOBBY KELLEY (Cell).....................(334) 415-3062 DAWN HAMMOCK..........................(334) 283-3051

Serving Tallassee since 1992

2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 2855545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka

SCF

•Portable Storage Buildings •Frame Tech Steel Buildings •Garages •Gazebos •Greenhouses •Playhouses

5427 Notasulga Road Hwy. 49 & 14 Tallassee, AL 36078

(334) 252-1333

BUILDINGS

569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church 2520 Lynwood Dr., Millbrook 2855213 Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 5142881

Phone

East Tallassee Baptist Church

SUNDAYS Sunday School.......................................9:15 AM Worship Service...................................10:25AM Evening Worship...................................5:00 PM Youth & Children’s Bible Study...........5:00 PM WEDNESDAYS Bible Study..............................................6:00 PM Youth & Children’s Bible Study............6:00 PM Children in Action.................................6:00 PM 314 Central Blvd. • Tallassee, AL • (334) 283-5808

‘‘ Y O U R L O C A L G A S G O M P A N Y ’’ WETUMPKA OFFICE CLANTON OFFICE 1050 Woodfin Lane • (205) 755-2739 7616 US Hwy. 231 • (334) 567-8833 SLAPOUT OFFICE TALLASSEE OFFICE 9945 Holtville Road • (334) 569-3325 1603 Gilmer Avenue • (334) 283-2795

CITY COLLISION

FOR ALL YOUR PAINT AND BODY NEEDS

89077 Tallassee Hwy. • Tallassee, AL dlh4012@aol.com Dana Haynes, Owner 334-391-7345

Submit your church news to: editor@tallasseetribune.com

The deadline is FRIDAY at noon

Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist 3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 2856792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 5674729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., 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

Sports

The www.TallasseeTribune.com

Tribune

Phone: 334-283-6568 Fax: 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Page B1

Elmore County boys, girls win county championship

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

The Elmore County boys basketball team won the Elmore County Tournament Championship on Saturday.

The Panthers beat Stanhope Elmore, 64-62, on a buzzer-beater by junior Garrett Allen.

For the first time in school history, both Elmore County tournament champions reside in Eclectic.

Both the Elmore County boys and girls basketball teams won the Elmore County Basketball Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams beat Stanhope Elmore in the championship game, and

both were thrillers that came down to the wire.

The Elmore County boys beat Stanhope 64-62.

After Stanhope tied the game at 62 with 11 seconds left, junior guard Garrett Allen dribbled down the court, passed the ball, then got the ball back and hit a buzzer-beating game-winner.

See CHAMPIONSHIP, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

The Elmore County girls basketball team won the Elmore County Tournament Championship on Saturday.

The Lady Panthers beat Stanhope Elmore, 46-44, on two Seanna O’Daniel free throws in the final seconds.

Elmore County’s Darnell signs with Wallace CC-Dothan baseball

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

TALLASSEE WRESTLING WINS REGION 2 CHAMPIONSHIP Benjamin Russell finishes runner-up

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Tallassee senior wrestler Russell Phillips knew his team was going to win the AHSAA Region 2 wrestling championship before they even started their most important match on Friday night.

With Tallassee sitting in the Region 2 tournament with a 2-0 record after beating Russell County and Beauregard, the Tigers were set to face Benjamin Russell in the de-facto region championship.

As the team warmed up, Phillips turned and said “Tallassee will win the region championship. Mark my words.”

Two matches later, Phillips’ words came true as Tallassee clinched the Region 2 championship with an undefeated night.

The Tigers went 4-0 on the night with wins over Benjamin Russell, Beauregard, Russell County and Opelika to clinch a No. 1 seed in the playoffs next weekend. Benjamin Russell finished as the No. 2 seed.

Tallassee will face No. 2 seed Spanish Fort out of Region 1 while Benjamin Russell faces No. 1 seed Gulf Shores from Region 1.

“As a whole, from the second match on, it seemed like our kids really turned the corner and hit a different gear,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “We’ve had a great year.

We have tremendous leadership and hard workers. Since we came back Monday, we’ve been really getting after it. I thought it was a great tournament and the kids exceeded any expectations that we had.”

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

TOP: Tallassee senior wrestler Russell Phillips (left) tries to pin a Benjamin Russell wrestler. ABOVE: Freshman Tallassee wrestler Land Bell attempts to pin an Opelika wrestler.

Phillips’ statement could have seemed cocky or overconfident, but he backed them up with one of the best performances of the night. The senior won all four of his matches, and was one of six Tallassee seniors who went undefeated on the night.

He was named All-Region in the 138 pound weight class for not losing. And while he beat his opponent from each team, his most important win came against Benjamin Russell, shortly after making his championship statement.

Russell was the third wrestler to face Benjamin Russell, and he began his match with Tallassee trailing 6-3 in the team score.

He quickly gave his team their first lead of the match, 9-6, after a dominant pin in the second round, and Tallassee never looked back after that.

The Tigers pushed their lead out to 19-9 after three more wrestlers, then

cruised to the 52-18 victory over the No. 2 seed.

“Russell is a senior and has been wrestling for a while,” Mask said.

“It’s great to see those guys who have been with you for a while have success. A lot of them fought through for a spot in the lineup, and now it’s really clicking for those guys. It’s great to see them have success.”

Tallassee was pretty dominant both in individual and the team scores all night long. The Tigers beat Russell County in the opening round, 5130. They then beat Beauregard, 729, and closed the night with a 69-12 win over Opelika.

Six Tallassee wrestlers earned All-Region honors after going undefeated on the night. Those wrestlers were Rutland Phillips in the 106 weight class, Brendan Emfinger in the 120 weight class, Land

Sean Darnell’s journey to playing college baseball has been a long one, but the Elmore County star has finally accomplished that goal.

Darnell, who serves as a utility player playing the infield, catcher and pitcher, signed his National Letter of Intent on Friday morning to play college baseball with Wallace Community College-Dothan.

“This has been such a big journey to get where I am now,” Darnell said of signing. “There’s so many people that have contributed and helped along the way, and this is just a celebration for me and my family and everyone who has supported me. To be given a chance to play college baseball is big.”

Darnell first came into contact with Wallace CC-Dothan this fall when his travel ball coach, Nick Singleton, referred him to a private workout on campus with a few other kids.

Darnell went and worked out and took ground balls to show the team what he can do. A few weeks later, his travel ball team scrimmaged the college team. The following week, coach Mackey Sasser offered him.

He took his time before committing and weighed his different options, but eventually committed to play for Sasser the week before Thanksgiving. Wallace-Dothan was always at the top of his list, but he didn’t want to move too fast and made sure to think about everything.

“I thought they gave me the best opportunity to further my baseball career,” Darnell said of Wallace-Dothan. “They have a great baseball legacy there. They have a wonderful organization and team. I love the coaches. I think it’s just a great fit for me and my next opportunity for me.”

Wallace-Dothan has had quite the baseball program under Sasser.

Under Sasser, the Governors have won 779 games since the 1997-1998 baseball season, and they’ve found plenty of success over the years. They hold six conference championships, and won one as recently as last season.

They also won a Region XXII championship in 2017 and finished region runner-up six times.

Last season, the Governors went 39-19 overall with a 24-8 conference record before winning the conference championship and finishing as region runner-up.

That success played a large role in Darnell choosing Wallace-Dothan.

“I think it’s really big having a successful baseball background,” Darnell said. “This school is huge in the junior college world and being able to further play at a four-year college after that. Everyone loves winning, but being able to be successful gives you a great chance at furthering your career past the junior college level.”

When Darnell gets to Dothan, he will continue to serve in a multitude of roles like he has at the high school level. He said when being recruited, he was See DARNELL, Page B2

See WRESTLING, Page B2 COURTESY PHOTO

Elmore County senior Sean Darnell, the 2021 Elmore County Baseball Player of the Year, signed to play college baseball at Wallace Community College on Friday morning.

Page B2 • Wednesday, January 12, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Sizzling second quarter drags Dadeville past Reeltown

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director Dadeville’s attack attracts the eyes of its viewers when it starts to find its stride.

For five-and-a-half minutes of second-quarter basketball action at Reeltown Friday, the Tigers were in a free-flowing offensive groove, bolting down the floor for transition buckets and draining triples from the outside.

It was a stretch strong enough to effectively end the night’s contest, even though Reeltown showed plenty of will in the game’s waning minutes.

Dadeville took home a 65-54 win to open area play.

“That’s what we want to do, push that ball up the floor and take the first good look we get, whether it’s a three or a two,” Dadeville coach Jesse Foster said. “We want to take it. That’s the way we practice it, getting up and down the floor. That’s what we want to do.”

Antojuan Woody, Philstavious Dowdell and Jordan Rambo piled up 15 points each to set the pace for Dadeville scoring the ball.

DARNELL

Continued from B1

told he would be expected to play third base and shortstop and then he would also have the chance to pitch some.

He found plenty of success playing in the field and on the mound in high school, especially as a junior last year.

Last season, Darnell led the Elmore County Panthers in every hitting category on the team. He had a whopping .545 batting average and .605 on base percentage while recording 55 hits, 30 RBIs and scoring 29 runs.

He added 12 doubles and 3 triples.

Serving as the team’s No. 2 pitching option, he finished the year with only a 2-3 record but had a 2.58 earned

Blake Smith led the way for the Rebels with 15 of his own. Demetrius Brown and Finley Henderson each finished in double figures.

“We played well. Had a bad second quarter, the pressure got to us,” Reeltown coach Jonathan Gardner said. “We went into halftime, made some adjustments. I told the boys to keep fighting and they did that.”

The Tigers failed to record a single point in six minutes of game action leading into its explosive second-quarter sprint.

They carried a 12-8 lead into the end of the first quarter but an early layup from Henderson cut the edge to two.

Then Rambo nailed a 3-pointer and takeoff commenced.

Rambo found space for a layup and got fouled off a steal by Woody, then hit both free throws to make it a 22-13 advantage for the Tigers.

Smith hit a triple to stem the tide, but those waters came flooding over after a floater and a 3 from Dowdell coupled with two transition layups from Rambo pushed the score to 33-19 Dadeville.

When Reeltown’s Sedarico Brooks hit a

run average in 38 innings of work.

He allowed earned runs in only four of his nine starts, and he recorded 39 strikeouts on the year.

Darnell will bring that talent to Dothan in a year’s time, but he doesn’t just bring a high batting average and low ERA. He also hangs his hat on being a team leader, and hopes he can bring that to the next level as well.

“I think I’m able to do everything,” Darnell said. “I’m technically a utility player, but I’m willing to do anything. I think I have a big responsibility as a pitcher and a hitter. The team relies on me to succeed both on the mound and at the plate. I try to be a leader for everybody else and hold the leadership role. I want to influence everybody to work their hardest and do their best.”

GET CONNECTED. GET TRAINED. GET HIRED. Begin your construction career with Go Build Alabama.

GO BUILD Apply Today GoBuildAl.com

Poarch. Partners in Alabama’s progress.

We share with our neighbors a common goal—the health, education and well-being of people statewide.

Poarch provides over 9,000 jobs to Alabamians, pays millions in state taxes each year, and makes charitable contributions reaching nearly $9 million annually.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indian’s creates opportunities for Alabamians.

Let’s grow Tomorrow Together.

layup of his own, five free throws made it 38-21 Tigers entering halftime.

“The first half, first three quarters we played pretty good defense,” Foster said. “[In the fourth] we got a little lax on the pick-and-roll, they got some easy baskets.”

Dowdell hit another outside shot a few minutes into the third to make it a 20-point lead for Dadeville. That lead never fell below single digits.

All that being said, there were still some things Gardner saw that he liked from his team.

The Rebels outscored the Tigers 26-18 in the final period.

“I love that they did that,” Gardner said.

“We’ve just got to keep working hard.

[Dadeville is] a very quick team, so we’ve got to make better decisions with the ball when we’re getting pressed and be able to make our foul shots and open shots as well.”

Dadeville and Reeltown will rematch at Dadeville Jan. 24, but several games await both sides in the meantime. Dadeville takes on Notasulga at home Tuesday while Reeltown plays at Beulah in another area matchup.

Wetumpka boys face tough week as area play begins

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor The Wetumpka boys basketball team begins area play this week, and head coach Byron Gaskin likes where his team is entering the matchups.

Wetumpka, which has an 11-5 record, travels to Benjamin Russell on Thursday night to begin AHSAA Class 6A, Area 5 play. The Indians then turn around and host Stanhope Elmore on Saturday night.

The Indians (11-5) have won seven of their last eight games following back-toback losses to Prattville early in December, but lost their last game. The Indians faced Stanhope Elmore in a non-area game in the Elmore County basketball tournament, and lost 87-79.

“I feel like we’ve been playing better lately,” Gaskin said. “We fell to Stanhope in the county tournament, and it happened last year as well. I think the guys’ mindset will be in the right place. I think it was a wake-up call for us. We’ve been playing good ball as of late, but had that one drop to Stanhope last week.”

Gaskin said his team made way too many miscues that he hopes can get cleaned up this week before facing Stanhope again.

But before the Indians host the Mustangs on Saturday, Gaskin’s team has their eyes on Benjamin Russell.

WRESTLING Continued from B1

Bell in the 132 weight class, Phillips in 138, Christian McCary in the 160 weight class and Caden Griffith in the 182 weight class.

Benjamin Russell also had a very successful night on the mats.

The Wildcats went 2-2 on the night, with wins against Beauregard (44-36) and Opelika (39-36) and losses to Tallassee (52-18) and an upset loss to Russell County (3931).

Their most important match of the night and the one that

Benjamin Russell enters the week with an 8-4 record. The Wildcats have won three consecutive games, one against Montgomery Catholic and two against Talladega.

They open area play against Stanhope on Tuesday night, where Gaskin can get a better look at each team.

Gaskin remembers Benjamin Russell well from last year, and said the Wildcats returned most of their team from last season.

The two teams split the two regular season games last year, each team winning their respective game by 11 points.

“We’re trying to take those miscues and getting them cleaned up,” Gaskin said. “We had probably our worst game of the year both offensively and defensively against Stanhope. Benjamin Russell is always a scrappy, hard-fighting team. They shoot the ball well, so we have to be aware of where their shooters are and rebound the ball well.”

Wetumpka has plenty of talented players on its roster this season, but the two most consistent have been sophomore point guard Nate Rogers and senior forward/center PJ Merkerson.

Rogers is the team’s leading scorer at right near 20 points per game, but Merkerson has improved every game this season and is right behind Rogers at 18. Merkerson is also the team’s leading rebounder on the year.

“They work well together,” Gaskin said of Rogers and Merkerson. “PJ handles ev-

sent them to the playoffs was their opening match against Opelika. The match was back and forth, but Opelika took a lead after winning four consecutive weight classes.

That didn’t matter, however, as Benjamin Russell stormed back to take the last weight class of the match and took a slim 39-36 victory to the playoffs.

“We had a big, emotional win over Opelika,” Benjamin Russell coach Michael Ransaw said. “We had given up four weight classes, and it’s hard to make up those points after giving up that many weight classes. I told the guys they did a great job

CHAMPIONSHIP Continued from B1

LEARN MORE AT WINNINGFORALABAMA.COM.

ANDY ANDERS | THE TRIBUNE

Dadeville forward Jordan Parker goes up for a shot against a pair of Reeltown defenders in a basketball game at Reeltown High School Jan. 7, 2022.

Payton Stephenson was named the tournament MVP while Allen grabbed All-Tournament honors.

In the girls’ game Elmore County beat Stanhope 46-44. With a tie game dwindling down to the end, senior Seanna O’Daniel was fouled late. She went to the free throw line and hit both attempts to put the Panthers up by two points, a lead they held onto.

O’Daniel was named to the all-tournament team while Courtney Bolton was named the tournament MVP. Head coach Rodney Taylor said it is the first time in school history that both teams won the tournament on the same day.

“Both teams just played unbelievably well with each other,” Taylor said. “It was almost identical how the games finished. The kids just persevered and played so hard. They did what they had to do to win. I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years now, and it was probably one of the most special days I’ve had in coaching.”

The tournament championship wins

erything inside and grabs a lot of rebounds on both sides of the court and gets a lot of baskets that way. Nate just kind of finds a way to score. He can score inside and shoot outside as well. Having both of those guys doing those things propels us a lot.”

While those two continue being consistent and leading the team, Gaskin is hoping to have a few more guys step up as area play begins. Guards Xavier Harris and D’marcus Peake are playing right behind Rogers, and have both been playing well every game.

Peake has led the team in assists in every single game this season, and center Breyin Young has helped bring the team another big presence inside. Standing at 6-foot-7, Gaskin said Young is averaging nearly 3 blocks per game and 6 rebounds per game this season.

“We need to get those guys going and keep playing well for at least these next four or five games so we can be sitting where we want to sit in area play. We’ll let the chips fall where they may after that.”

“We are looking forward to big things from those two guys going into area play and the rest of the season as well,” Gaskin said. “PJ has been coming along as the season is moving. He’s definitely helped us offensively and he’s been a machine rebounding. Hopefully he can keep that up and we need to get a little bit more help from some of our guys as well.”

and did what they were supposed to do. I had some seniors and juniors that knew exactly what they had to do and they did it.”

Following the big win over Opelika, Ransaw said his team let a match against Russell County, that they should’ve won, slip out from under them. Russell County won the match, 39-31, after a pin and a forfeit gave them 12 points in the last two weight classes.

After losing to Tallassee in the their third match, the Wildcats had to cap off the night with a win over Beauregard to punch their ticket.

They did just that, winning

over Stanhope come just a few weeks after both Elmore County teams were blown out by the Mustangs. On Dec. 2, the Stanhope girls beat Elmore County, 57-33, while the Stanhope boys won, 76-55.

Taylor has used both of those losses as a point of emphasis this season. Since that loss, the girls team has reeled off seven consecutive wins while the boys have won six of their eight games since.

Despite losing those games by 20+ points, Taylor didn’t think his teams were 20 points worse than Stanhope.

They proved that they weren’t on Saturday.

In the girls’ game, Taylor was able to take advantage of a few mismatches his team had, especially at the guard position. Taylor put sophomore Kyasia Brown in the game, and her speed and quickness gave Stanhope issues.

Another one of the mismatches was sophomore Emily Mason, who also ran the point.

“Going into both games, I’m not going to sit here and say I knew we were going to win them both, but I felt like we had an opportunity to win,” Taylor said. “With the way both teams played and executed and made the plays they

44-36, after holding on for the win. The Wildcats led, 3830, going into the final two weight classes. A Beauregard wrestler pinned a Benjamin Russell wrestler to cut the lead to 38-36, but a late forfeit in the final weight class gave the Wildcats a comfortable win.

Four Benjamin Russell wrestlers were named to the All-Region team with their undefeated performances.

Those wrestlers were Sandlin Pike in the 126 weight class, Jamarion Whetstone in the 152 weight class, SaVon Spradley in the 170 weight class, and Trace McCaleb in the 220 weight class.

needed to make when they made them, it made for a great day.”

Going forward, both teams jump right back into area play this week. Elmore County hits the road for another matchup with Holtville on Thursday, then they play Marbury on Friday and Tuesday.

The Elmore County girls, which are 9-3 and 2-0 in area play, played and beat Holtville on Friday night in a non-area game. They’ve already beaten area opponent Jemison twice, both before Christmas, to take an early lead in the area standings.

The boys team is not far behind and currently holds a 9-4 record and a 2-0 record in area play. It also beat Jemison twice already this year, and they beat Holtville in a close game in the first round of the county tournament.

Elmore County won that non-area game against Holtville 79-74 last week.

“If we can continue playing like we are playing, both teams, we have a good opportunity to take care of business in these next three games and wrap up hosting the area before we even play Holtville again on Jan. 31,” Taylor said.

“Winning those games and hosting the area tournament is our total focus right now.”

The Tallassee Tribune

MLK WORD SCRAMBLE Unscramble the letters below to discover important terms and People from the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

1.GINK _ _ _ _ 2. IITNS _ _ _- _ _ 3. LRYLA _ _ _ _ _ 4. SRKPA _ _ _ _ _ 5. CEEPA _ _ _ _ _ 6. MREDA _ _ _ _ _ 7. RMCAH _ _ _ _ _ 8. RMCSIA _ _ _ _ _ _ 9. XSTIOCE _ _ -_ _ _ _ _ 10. TREAOCT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 11. TOBYTOC _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 12. AQLEYITU _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 13. DEPRJCIEU _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 14. ELRTCAONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Page B3

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a civil rights activist, and a Christian minister, just as his father was before him. He became the Pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1953. Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, married and had four children. He began his non-violent, civil rights activism in the 1950’s. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott which began when Mrs. Rosa Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white man. King emphasized the use of non-violent protest using boycotts and sit-ins and through rallies and speeches. His most famous moment as a public speaker was the “I Have a Dream” speech made during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

His words from that day have echoed through history and are still taught to children today. King was also well-known for his written works, such as the piece “Letters from Birmingham Jail” written during an incarceration after his arrest at a non-violent protest. He helped bring about changes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the American Liberties Medallion in 1965 for his efforts to create equality among all races. Dr. King was assassinated

by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968, while organizing a local march in Memphis, Tennessee. On January 20, 1986, the first Martin Luther King Day was observed after being signed into law as a national holiday by President Ronald Reagan. Each year since, Martin Luther King Day is celebrated every third Monday in January to honor the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For Tallassee over 50 years, his words haveTribune been an inspiration to millions of people, and his legacy will live on through history. In 2011,Kidz a monument to his legacy was opened in Washington, D.C. His birthplace Page in Atlanta is a museum for all to visit and learn about his legacy.

COLOR IT!

MLK DAY WORD FIND MAKE IT A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF! For more information about how you can volunteer on MLK Day, visit https://americorps. gov/newsroom/ events/mlk-day.

1929-1968

Word Scramble Answers: 1)King 2)SitIn 3)Rally 4)Parks 5)Peace 6)Dream 7) March 8)Racism 9)Co-Exist 10)Coretta 11)Boycott 12)Equality 13)Prejudice 14) Tolerance

Activist, Alabama, Boycott, Civil Rights, Equality, Freedom, Honor, Humanity, King, Liberty, Love, Nobel Prize, Parks, Peace, Protest, Race, Respect, Speech, Theology, Tolerance

Peaceful marches and rallies were two of Dr. King’s most powerful tools during the Civil Rights Movement.

Color the Marchers and then create positive signs about love and equality.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

Alabama Foot Care Center

2304-B Gateway Drive (Hwy. 280) Opelika, AL Feet Hurt at All? Call Dr. Paul!

334-741-7600

www.alfootcare.com

Russell

Building Supply 350 Fulton Street | Dadeville, AL (256) 825-4256

EDGEWOOD 5475 Elmore Rd. Elmore, AL 334-567-5102

Alayne Wilson 334-657-6051 alsplan@aol.com Follow me on Facebook@ Alayne Wilson, rƞƚƥtƨr

ACADEMY

Head Master: J. Clint Welch

www.edgewoodacademy.org

SWAT

TIRES/BRAKES

Singleton’s Alignment and Muffler Service, LLC

KEITH CANNON, OWNER 220 Company St. • Wetumpka, AL 334-567-6760 www.singletonsmuffler.com EXHAUST OIL CHANGES

CARMACKS GROCERY 1161 COUNTY RD. 39 NOTASULGA, AL

334-257-3441

DRIVE A LITTLE AND SAVE A LOT

DRIVE A LITTLE, SAVE A LOT!

EXTERMINATING CO. 2808 Kent Road Tallassee, AL

ALIGNMENTS

740 Memorial Drive • Prattville, AL

(334) 567-4567

334.283.4111

www.arrowpestcontrol.net

Eclectic Family Care, LLC. Gary L. McCulloch, M.D.

Teresa Hodge, PA

Teresa Hodge, PA is Accepting New Patients 575 Claud Road 334-541-3020 Eclectic, AL Monday - Thursday 7:30AM - 5:00PM Friday 7:30AM - Noon HOURS: Closed Daily Noon - 1:00 for Lunch PROPANE + APPLIANCE + HVAC SALES & REPAIR

TALLASSEE

AUTOMOTIVE 1618 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL

(334) 262-2544

www.tallasseeautomotive.com

Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC

PROUD SUPPORTER OF AREA YOUTH SPORTS

Farmers & Merchants Bank

66 Lower Tuskegee Rd, Tallassee, AL 36078 PH: 334.283.3975 | FX: 334.283.4270

216 S. Broadnax Street • Dadeville, AL

www.tallasseehealthandrehab.com

256.825.9943

405 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL (334) 252-0099

62 Claud Road Eclectic, AL (334) 541-2231

J. Alan Taunton & Company, LLC Certified Public Accountants

AMBULANCE

• Tax Planning and Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping and Accounting Services • Payroll and Payroll Tax Services • Small Business Consulting Services • Quickbooks and Sage Peachtree Assistance

2530 East 5th Street Montgomery, AL

200 Executive Park Dr. Phone: 334-283-2567 P.O. Box 780248 Fax: 334-283-6900 Tallassee, AL 36078-0248

“YOUR LOCAL GAS COMPANY” Slapout Wetumpka Clanton Tallassee 334-569-3325 334-569-3325 334-755-2739 334-283-2795

334-265-1208

E-mail: alantaunton@taunton.cpa.com

Hornsby & Son

4366 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL

Body Shop L.L.C.

JACKSON THORNTON

334-252-1688 BCBS Accepted Here

Delivery Available

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS | CONSULTANTS

www.fbctallassee.com

1279 Friendship Road • Tallassee, AL

194 Fort Toulouse • Wetumpka, AL (334) 567-3400 www.jacksonthornton.com

The River Region’s best source for news and information!

The Tallassee Tribune

To subscribe call Erin 256-234-4281 | www.tallasseetribune.com

We accept all deer claims & all insurance claims. Call us for great customer service & a quick turnaround.

334-283-3463 • 334-283-8024 fax 101-B Caldwell Street, Tallassee, AL 36078 bhornsbyandson@elmore.rr.com

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Page 4B • January 12, 2022 Page B4 • Wednesday, January 12, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE The Tallassee Tribune

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) ou have strong feelings about nancial matters today. Whatever you want to do, you really want to do it. For example, if you are shopping, you might be obsessed about buying something. “I have to have it!” Similarly, you might work fervently to earn money. Tonight: Study and learn.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with big daddy Pluto. Although this can make you more sensitive to everything in your surroundings, it will intensify your responses to others and magnify your emotions. Nothing will be casual today. Everything is black and white.

Tonight: Check your nances.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Your ability to do research, ferret out secrets or see the subtext of something is uncanny today. It’s almost as if you have X-ray vision. You might use this to your advantage by looking for information you want to nd. You also might discover answers to old questions. Tonight: You run the meeting.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You might encounter someone very powerful today. Possibly, they will inuence you in such a way that you decide to modify or change your future goals. They also might entice you to join the club or a group. (Or you might be the powerful person persuading someone else.) Tonight: Enjoy solitude.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) A powerful discussion with a boss or parent might be made rather public today. In fact, for some of you, this discussion might be with the police or an authority gure. Whatever happens will be intense and will produce an intense reaction in you. Stay chill. Tonight: Talk to a friend.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Avoid discussions about controversial subjects like politics, religion and racial matters today, because people are too emotional and obsessed about things.

Logic and analytical reasoning will not prevail. Instead, people are hotheaded!

Tonight: You are noticed!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) When dealing with shared property, taxes, debt, inheritances or anything to do with the wealth of your partner, you’ll be determined today. In fact, you might be obsessed about getting your fair share of something. (This is understandable.) Easy does it. Tonight: Explore something new.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You might attract someone to you today who is emotional or obsessed about an idea. No doubt you will nd this meeting to be exhausting. Too much intensity. Too many emotions.

Work with this as skillfully as possible.

Tonight: Remain calm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Because you are determined and super focused on your goals today, you will get a lot done. However, when it comes to issues regarding your health or your pet, you might go overboard.

Take it easy. Think about your longterm objective. Tonight: Cooperate with others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This is a passionate day, and intimate relationships will reect this energy.

One benet is that you will be able to cut through supercial ideas and phony stances and get right down to the nitty-gritty of things. Intense passion.

Tonight: Get better organized.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Discussions with parents and authority gures at home will be intense today.

However, this same intense, obsessive inuence can be channeled so you can make improvements at home or get things done. “Move that mountain!”

“Build that bridge!” Tonight: Socialize!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You’ll have no trouble convincing others about your ideas today because you’re coming on like gangbusters!

(When you see the hair blowing back over their ears, that could be a hint for you to lighten up.) Fortunately, this same energy can help you study and learn something new. You’ll stay focused! Tonight: Cocoon at home.

classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

Employment

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

NOW-HIRING!!!

Are you looking for employment at this time?

Are you currently employed and wanting to make a career change?

Call Allegiance Staffing today!

We have job opportunities in both the Alexander City area and the Dadeville area.

Let us get you started on your new career path today!

If you are interested, please contact

Allegiance Staffing Alex City Branch at 256-329-3477 for more information or apply online at www.allegiancestaffing.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!!

Housekeeping Needed All shifts available at 30-bed, upscale lodge in Kellyton – Full-Time, Part-Time, or Weekends.

Great growth opportunities for motivated applicant.

Equal Opportunity.

Housekeeping@fivestarpreserve.com

The Wetumpka Herald

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Bill Nichols State Veterans Home •RN/LPN Charge Nurse Full-Time Sign-On Bonus Available!!

•CNA Full-Time Sign-On Bonus Available!!

3pm-11pm & 11pm-7am Off every other weekend •RN Infection Preventionist •RN Wound Care •RN Supervisor 3p-11p and 11p-7a all full-time and sign on bonus

FRUIT OF THE LOOM RUSSELL DC NOW HIRING for Multiple Positions 1st and 2nd Shifts Available •Full-Time •Temp. Seasonal •Part-Time

Apply in Person: 1357 Lee St. Alex City Contact HR: 256-500-4000

Apply at:

hmrveteranservices.com Contact:Brandy Holman

256-329-0868

Full time positions for: MDS Coordinator (RN), Restorative Nurse (LPN or RN), Charge Nurse7a-7p and 7p-7a and PRN positions available, &HUWL¿HG 1XUVLQJ Assistants 2nd and 3rd shift, and Dietary-COOK. SIGN ON AND REFERRAL BONUS !

Adams Healthcare 256-329-0847 ask for Rosland Graham, 6WDI¿QJ &RRUGLQDWRU

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Sarah Sessions (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: sarah.sessions@ learning-tree.org

Need Help Placing A Classified Ad? Give Us A Call!

334-478-6003

SUDOKU

The Bath or Shower You’ve Always Wanted IN AS LITTLE AS 1 DAY

500 OFF

$

*

OR

No Payments & No Interest For 18 Months **

OFFER EXPIRES 3.31.2022

CALL NOW!

(877) 368-0690 Military & Senior Discounts Available *Includes product and labor; bathtub, shower or walk-in tub and wall surround. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer.

Other restrictions may apply. This offer expires Mar 31, 2022. Each dealership is independently owned and operated. **Third party ¿ QDQFLQJ LV DYDLODEOH IRU WKRVH FXVWRPHUV ZKR TXDOLI\ 6HH \RXU GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV %&, $FU\OLF ,QF

Local manufacturing company seeking production workers and truck loaders.

Please contact Laura at 334-514-4524 for application.

CLASSIFIEDS

Visit our sister websites: www.AlexCityOutlook.com www.TheWetumpkaHerald.com The Tallassee Tribune

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Concrete Construction Company

ONIN STAFFING MONTGOMERY NOW HIRING 5415 Atlanta Hwy Suite B Montgomery, AL 36109 For more information 334-272-8499 PRQW#RQLQVWDI¿QJ FRP

NOW HIRING

•CDL Drivers •Laborers •Heavy Equipment Operators •Must be highly motivated and able to follow directions •Must have own transportation

Please call: 334-315-0073

www.TallasseeTribune.com www.TallasseeTribune.com

Real Estate Homes For Sale

is hiring CDL-A Drivers in your area Great Pay! ([FHOOHQW %HQH¿WV Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V

Apparel Manufacturing Please send resumes: adurbin@southernapinc.com

Rentals Apartments

Notices

1BR Completely Furnished in Still Waters. $800/Month, $800 Security Deposit.

No pets. (256)212-3058

Transportation Collector Cars

1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 8 cyl rwd, garage kept, 27k miles. $12,200.00 Info: ch659967@gmail.com or 205-284-2639.

•Caffco Outlet - Sales Associate, Cashier, Stocking.

AlaScans

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards!

Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 888-283-4780 LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534 EDUCATION ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families!

To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

General Notices

CCC Associates: Available Positions:

State Classified

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

Call: 833-449-1307.

Southern Apparel Inc Now Hiring for

Computer Operator Required computer skills in typing & software use.

Position in Tallassee.

334-991-0872

January 12, 2022 • Page 5B

SERVICES ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by Region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week!

Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

White Oak Transportation

Call 334-567-5044

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Page B5

LEARN MORE about high-demand skilled trades and construction positions. Begin your construction career with Go Build Alabama. Apply today at GoBuildAL.com.

HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit.

Call 844-322-9935.

Public Notices

AlaScans ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

FOR SALE DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month!

Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108 NEED NEW Flooring?

Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring.

Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades.

FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation.

Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165.

Ask about our specials!

ELIMINATE ROACHES GUARANTEED! Buy Harris Roach Tablets. Odorless, Long Lasting. Available: Publix, Hardware Stores, Home Centers.

AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24 hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required!

Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

Public Notices Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Bond Construction, LLC, Contractor, has completed Contract for 5H 5RR¿QJ RI WKH 7DOODVVHH High School Gymnasium at 502 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee, AL

36078 for the State of Alabama and the Tallassee City Schools, Owner(s), and have made reTXHVW IRU ¿QDO VHWWOHPHQW RI VDLG Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee & Associates Architects, Inc. Bond Construction, LLC 1001 30th Ave Northport, AL 35476 Tallassee Tribune: Dec. 29, 2021, Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2022 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2021-397 FILED IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LONNIE ROY PARKER, DECEASED Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LONNIE ROY PARKER, deceased, having been granted to ROBERT BRADLEY PARKER on the 5th day of January, 2022 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

ROBERT BRADLEY PARKER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LONNIE ROY PARKER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JIM L, DEBARDELABEN ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 1136 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-265-9206 Tallassee Tribune: Jan. 12, 19 and 26, 2022 EST/PARKER, L. Put your ad here call 256.414.4250

Do you have available jobs?

Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Finally! Satellite Internet With No Hard Data Limits!

And FREE Standard Installation!

2

Limited Time Offer. Restrictions may apply.

Trucks, SUVs & Vans

•Automotive Tech/Mechanic Knowlege of gas/diesel repairs. Full-Time.

Apply at 3601 Wetumpka Hwy in Montgomery (334)272-2140

Ford F-250, 2002, Super Duty 7.3L Diesel, 4WD, 121751 Miles, Extremely clean inside and out., $5,530.00 205-302-7139

Services 3

Cleaning Services

Business Opportunities BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT IN ONLY 7 WEEKS! Visit our website

capstonedentalassisting.com or call 205-561-8118 to get your career started!

SUDOKU ANSWERS

NOW HIRING: FT Employment Cabinet Shop Wood working experiences a plus.

Come by or call for an application!

59 Wellborn Way Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-3366 Property Manager (Full-Time 40 hrs) needed for apartment complex in Tallassee. $14-$16 per hour. Previous residential property management experience preferred.

Email resume to employment@huffmgt.com or fax 225-341-8148.

“You can get High-Speed Internet wherever you live!”

25 Mbps Download Speed 25 mbps download and 3 mbps upload1

Plans starting at

No Hard Data Limits

MO.

for 24 Mos.

Wi-Fi Built-In Connect your wireless devices at home

CALL TODAY - LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

1-877-271-3236 HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company.

1 The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the Websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.

2. Free standard installation applies to new Lease subscribers only. Not valid with Purchase option. Limited-time offer. Restrictions may apply.

3. Per the “5th, 6th, 7th and 8th FCC Measuring Broadband American Reports.” Go to: https://www.hughes.com/who-we-are/resources/press-releases/ - Minimum term required. Monthly service and early termination fees apply. Visit legal.HughesNet.com for details.

- HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company.

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 12, 2022

Vol. 31, No. 2

KAITLIN FLEMING / THE OBSERVER

Katie Farris, left, and librarian Betty Coker show off books that can be found inside the Giving Library located outside Eclectic Public Library. The books inside are free to take.

Giving Library offers books free of charge

By KAITLIN FLEMING Managing Editor The Eclectic Public Library may only be open 16 hours a week, but that doesn’t stop librarian Betty Coker -- or the generous friends of the library -- from keeping books in the hands of citizens.

Toward the end of July 2021, retired teacher and library volunteer Katie Farris had an idea to create a giving library after she had seen many lending libraries around different cities and towns.

“I think one day Betty and I were just talking about how we just had so many books we kind of needed to sell or get rid of,” said Farris. “We talked about just giving some of them away, but we didn’t have any way to do it. So, I said ‘You need one of those boxes.’”

Wi t h a n

overstock of books and the library’s limited hours, Coker knew It would be a great idea to have one just outside the front of the library.

Farris, who donates much of her time to the library, knew just the person to build the Giving Library box – Clyde Williams.

“I asked Clyde to build it and probably within two weeks it was out here,” said Farris.

Coker said it came ready to put in the ground.

The red box with a door affixed to a post stands just outside the entrance to the library.

It looks deceivingly small on the outside, but when opened, dozens of books wait inside.

When asked if the Giving Library was successful Coker said, “Oh, yes. It is a success. We keep putting books in there, especially Deb. I

ask her to find books that our patrons would enjoy. We have a variety of children, teens and adult books in there.”

The books in the Giving Library are free to take. You do not have to bring the book back or give one yourself.

“I just want people to know it is here and that they can come get books whenever they need them,” said Coker. “Most people might feel a little strange just taking something if they think it is someone else’s property, but it is totally free to take.”

Coker and the friends of the library have been trying to get the word out about the Giving Library. Eileen Kennedy, a volunteer at the public library posted some photos of the Giving Library on the public library’s Facebook page saying, “Look what’s new at Eclectic Public Library! Stop by and pick up a free book after hours for your reading pleasure. Thank you Clyde Williams for

building the Giving Library and Katie Farris for instigating the project.”

Coker hopes to be able to keep supplying the town with free books, so far, there are still plenty of books to replenish the box thanks to donations by locals.

“People here are so generous with their donations, they really support us,” said Coker. “They give us so many books. The ones we can’t use out [in the library] or donate to Better World Books we put them in the Giving Library box.”

Several boxes of donated books sat taped up in the Eclectic Public Library’s Annex Building Monday afternoon.

Those boxes will be sent to the organization Better World Books, which helps fight illiteracy in different countries.

According to the Better World Books website, the organization has helped to donate over 26 million books since its inception – and several hundred of

those books came from Eclectic.

“We have a ten-year rotation on books on the shelves,” said Coker. “When we get new books and older ones come off the shelves, we sell them to raise money for the library or we donate them.”

The public library, which runs off a very small annual budget, uses the funds made from their book and gift sales, as well as their annual fundraiser, to keep programs going.

“The town pays for my salary and the building’s electricity bill,” said Coker. “The rest of it we have to come up with.”

The library’s annual fundraiser is coming in the next few weeks, with the date to be determined soon.

For more information about the Eclectic Public Library, call 334-639-4727. The library is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 – 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

KAITLIN FLEMING / THE OBSERVER

LEFT: Retired teacher and friend of the Eclectic Public Library, Katie Farris shows off some of the children’s books available inside the Giving Library box located outside Eclectic Public Library. ABOVE: The Giving Library box stands outside the Eclectic Public Library and is stocked with dozens of books of a variety of books for all ages.