03-02-22 Tallassee Tribune

LOCAL, PAGE A6

LOCAL, PAGE A7

SPORTS, PAGE B1

WILL BLOCKER BREAKS SINGLE-GAME SCORING RECORD IN SOCCER OPENER

Tallassee, AL 36078 TallasseeTribune.com

No injuries as fire consumes home

Chamber gives out trees for Arbor Day

INSIDE:

MEET THE PET OF THE WEEK, PAGE A7

$1.00

March 2, 2022

VOL. 124, NO. 9

Mayor asks about utilities superintendent

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Tallassee has been without a superintendent of utilities since the second week of October when the Tallassee City Council removed Mayor John Hammock from the position.

Hammock asked the council at its meeting if they had any ideas on how to cover the duties of the position.

“Are we going to put something out to hire a superintendent of utilities in the near future?” Hammock asked the council.

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Fathers and daughters entered the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department for a Daddy Daughter Dance Saturday evening. The fire department held the dance to let fathers create special memories with their daughters while also raising funds for the department.

Councilmember Bill Hall said Hammock’s wrongful termination lawsuit presents issues with filling the position until the issue is resolved.

Hammock said without anyone serving in the position, he is serving close to 40 hours a week and more for what should be a part-time position that pays $25,000 per year.

“What’s our thoughts here?” Hammock asked. “Legally, me being part time, I don’t need to be working over 40 hours like I do some weeks.”

Hammock said it is affecting progress in Tallassee.

“Our grants have slowed down with the demolishing of the houses,” Hammock said. “We almost lost a $2.4 million [economic development] grant. I had to step in and have some conference calls with CDG [Engineering] and [Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Committee]. Luckily we all got on the same page and got that together.”

Hammock said he is working with other city employees to delegate but it’s just not working.

See UTILITIES, Page A3

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

CDG’s Jeff Harrison speaks to the Tallassee City Council as Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission director Greg Clark looks on.

Hall of Pride induction to be held Friday

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

City Schools will be recognized with a service award.

“We are inducting Col. Jesse Charles (Jake) Bush Jr.,” Suzannah Wilson said. “We believe he is the oldest living Tallassee High alum at 99. There is also Dr. Boyde Jerome (Jerry)

Four more Tallassee High School students will be honored by the Tallassee High School Alumni Association this week.

Three former Tallassee graduates will be inducted into the Hall of Pride and another person who See INDUCTION, Page A3 is important to Tallassee

Arrest made in Wetumpka homicide

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer The Wetumpka Police Department has made an arrest in the Jan. 20 murder of Tallassee resident Centel Winston.

Calvin J. Wells of Montgomery was arrested Friday by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Taskforce and charged with murder.

The Wetumpka Police Department was called to the Walmart parking lot on U.S. Highway 231 around 11 p.m. Jan. 20 where they found Winston, 42, inside

his SUV dead of a gunshot wound.

Detectives are currently interviewing Wells. Wells will be transported to the Elmore County Jail and have a $1.5 million bond available to him.

The Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Prattville Police Department, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Central Alabama CrimeStoppers have assisted in the investigation.

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Obituaries BONNIE QUINTON CALDWELL, JR. Bonnie Quinton Caldwell, Jr. of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Bonnie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Mayfield Caldwell; his two daughters, Alisa Caldwell and Bonita Caldwell; his three grandchildren, Rachel Ware, Blake Ware, and Mallory Caldwell. Bonnie was born November 1, 1942 and was a lifelong resident of Tallassee, AL. Throughout his life, he spent every day working to provide for his family and others who he felt were in need. He was the work horse of the family and was selfless with his work and time. He said frequently, “Don’t expect too much, and you won’t get disappointed”.

He gave of himself to his family and loved ones never expecting anything in return. Bonnie told many good life lessons stories to those who took the time to listen. He was a rock for those who relied on him, and was a consistent source of love and reason for those who had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He will be forever missed. Graveside service and burial will be Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Psalm 23.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

Police Reports TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEB. 24

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Central Boulevard.

• Gunfire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Benson Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Rickey Lane.

• Two Black males were arrested during a traffic stop on James Street.

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

• Theft was reported on Adams Street.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Ransom Drive.

• A motorist was assisted on Barnett Boulevard.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Kent Road.

FEB. 23

• Theft was reported on Adams Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Weldon Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Greenwood Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cliff Street.

MRS. TOMERA LENOIR Mrs. Tomera Lenoir, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the age of 97. She was born October 17, 1924, in Chilton, Alabama to William and Chloe Williams.

Mrs. Lenoir is survived by her daughter, Sharon Mayer (Richard); grandchildren, Laura McGehee (Todd), Jennifer Crew; great grandchildren, Bennett McGehee (Kate), Morgan McGehee, Holland Crew and Crayton Crew.

She is preceded in death by her husband, CB Lenoir; daughter, Cathy Ann Lenoir; parents, William and Chloe Williams; sister, Jean Bryant.

Mrs. Lenoir is a charter member of Tallaweka Baptist Church and loved her family dearly.

The family will receive friends Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 1:00pm until service time at 2:00pm at Tallaweka Baptist Church with Rev. Isaac Kervin and Todd McGehee, officiating.

Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tallaweka Baptist Church, 1419 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, Alabama, 36078.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

FEB. 22

• An assault was reported on Second Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Weldon Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Kent Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Murphy Road.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Macedonia Road.

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

• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on North Ashurst Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Friendship Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

FEB. 21

• A white female and white male were arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A traffic accident was reported on Highway 229 at Hanil Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A traffic accident was reported on Central Boulevard.

MR. EMMETT ROSS PUGH Mr. Emmett Ross Pugh, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born September 21, 1935, in Notasulga, Alabama, to John and Jewel Pugh.

Mr. Pugh is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Martha Ann Pugh; sons, Lavon Pugh and Mark Pugh (Angie); daughters, Anita Brantley (Thomas) and Deborah Mason (Brad); grandchildren, Justin Pugh, Morgan Lock (Josh), Ann Malone Hinson (Jacob), Caleb Mason, Brady Mason and Nathan Mason; great grandchildren, Everly Lock, Kennedy Lock, Blaire Hinson and Will Hinson; sister, Judy Meadows Weldon. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Jewel Pugh, grandson, Dane Pugh; brothers, Wilbur Pugh and Paul Pugh.

Mr. Pugh was a member of Antioch Methodist Church in Notasulga, Alabama, for many years and raised his family at East Tallassee Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and RA leader.

He later joined the First Baptist Church, Tallassee, where he was a member over 20 years.

Mr. Pugh enjoyed music, playing the guitar and piano and especially enjoyed gardening.

He was known as being very compassionate and generous.

“GrandDaddy” loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending

• A hit and run accident was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Rickey Lane.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Second Avenue.

• Theft was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Burglary was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A vehicle accident with a fatality was reported on Kent Road.

• A traffic accident with no injury was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to medics on James Street.

• A Black male was arrested on Quail Run Drive.

FEB. 20

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Lily Avenue.

• A private property traffic accident was reported on Quail Run Drive.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Venable Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Harassment was reported on Rickey Lane.

• Reckless driving was reported on Stewart Street.

• Harassment was reported on John Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

valuable time with them.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 10:00am until service time at 11:00am at First Baptist Church, Tallassee, with Dr. Trey Waldrop and Bro. Barry Tice officiating.

Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1279 Friendship Road, Tallassee, Alabama 36078.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama SYBIL FRANCIS ROYE STROUD Sybil Francis Roye Stroud was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She left this world on February 11, 2022 at age 94.

Sybil was born to Hardaway and Hattie Roye on August 13, 1927.

After graduating from Tallassee High School in 1945, Sybil began working at the Tallassee Mill where she met the love of her life, Walter “WL” Stroud. Sybil and Walter had a small wedding in East Tallassee on June 24, 1950.

Together, they had 1 child: Glendon “Glen” Roy Stroud, born on October 6, 1951. Sybil worked for 20 years at Tallassee Community Hospital as a respiratory therapist.

Sybil had a deep love for God, family, living life to the fullest, and her dogs. She always found the bright side in even the worst of situations, and she had a way of making everyone smile. People seemed to always gravitate towards Sybil because of her infectious personality. She never met a stranger and would make friends with everyone she encountered; “Hey Shuga” she would say to all those near and dear to her. She kept people rolling in laughter because she could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances. She loved telling people, “I can’t see, I can’t hear, but thank God I can still drive”. Sybil is survived by her grandchildren: Hannah (Chase) Hornsby, Justin Stroud, Nikki (Bryan) Cooper; Great-Grandchildren: Ryder and Pyper Hornsby, Madison Moreland; and Niece: Robyn Hill. She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter “WL” Stroud; Son, Glen Stroud; grandson: Chris Moreland; brother: Glendon “Marvin” Hethcox, and her twin brother: Sydney Roye. A funeral service is scheduled for 2 pm on February 14, 2022 at Linville Memorial Funeral Home (viewing will be 1 hour prior) officiated

by Rev. John Sparks, followed by a brief graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery.Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

motorist on King Street.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Burt Mill Road.

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

• Gunfire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with injury was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A robbery was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Little Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Little Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Peachwood Drive.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Peachwood Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was in the roadway on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

• A verbal fight was reported on Weldon Road.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A noise complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic complainant was reported on Third Avenue.

FEB. 19

FEB. 18

• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Riverside Avenue.

• An assault was reported on Lee Street.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A burglary was reported on West Gantts Mill Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a

FEB. 17

FEB. 16

• A welfare check was conducted on West Butler Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Lee Street.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Third Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to medics on Camelia Drive.

• An animal complaint was report on Azalea Street.

• A traffic accident was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A domestic incident was re-

ported on Third Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Walnut Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

FEB. 15

• Assistance was given to a citizen on E.B. Payne Street.

• Gunfire was reported on Upper River Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Ice Plant Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• A burglary was reported on Sims Avenue and two white males and two white females were arrested.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Reckless driving was reported on Weldon Road.

• A disorderly person was reported on Main Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department.

• A welfare check was conducted on Caldwell Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Whatley Drive.

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BAGGING LEAVES

UTILITIES

Continued from A1

“When I was superintendent of utilities, I was one point of contact,” Hammock said. “Things are really slowing down.”

Mayor pro tem Bill Godwin said many of the councilmembers put in way more work than most see.

“We are all spending a lot more hours than people realize. We don’t just come to meetings twice a month, do this and go home,” Godwin said. “I think it’s a crossover. I think as mayor you do the things that are best for the city and if it gets over in utilities that is part of it. I think part of that is doing what’s best for the city.”

The city contracted with CDG to provide updates on utility projects. CDG’s Jeff Harrison has been presenting reports on utility projects. Hammock said he could just leave it up to Harrison and allow CDG to bill the city Harrisons’ work.

Godwin told Hammock there are also others that can step in and help.

“I don’t think you need to do more than your fair share,” Godwin said. “If they need me, Jeremy [Taunton] or Bill Hall to do three hours to make it work — we do that — we all do that right now. It comes with the territory.”

INDUCTION Continued from A1

Harrison of the Class of 1970. There is also Coach Howard Dean Tippett of the Class of 1953. Getting the service award is Mr. Russell Hill Stokes.”

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 4, at First United Methodist Church.

COL. JESSE CHARLES (JAKE) BUSH, JR. CLASS OF 1941

Bush was born in Montgomery on Nov. 13, 1922, but lived his early life in Elmore County.

Bush’s parents were Jesse Charles Bush, Sr. and Mary Estelle McCain Bush.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps (now the United States Air Force) when he was 20 and completed radio operator training at Sioux Falls Army Airfield in South Dakota. In August, 1944, he completed basic and advanced pilot training at Columbus Army Airfield, Mississippi. He graduated and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and received his aeronautical rating (pilot wings).

His last duty assignment was at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, where he served as Deputy Director, J-3 (Logistics) for the U.S. Readiness (Strike) Command.

Bush’s awards and honors include: Legion of Merit; Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters; USAF Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters; Medal for Humane Action (Berlin Airlift); and the USAF Outstanding Commander, 7th Aerial Port Squadron.

His community service includes YMCA volunteer for seven years, member and officer of the Nation-

The council requested city attorney John Smith to draw up an ordinance for leaves from residential yards to be bagged. Hammock said it was common practice for residents to leave long rows along the curb forcing the limb truck to be exposed to traffic for long periods of time. The leaves also cause issues for the city’s storm water and sewage systems.

Hammock said there was a policy on the books from 2009 for leaves to be bagged but it wasn’t being enforced.

CHANGING FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Hammock brought up the idea of changing from seven wards in Tallassee, each represented by a councilmember to having five districts each represented by a councilmember. Hammock said the ward system was archaic and the move would save the city money because it would save $7,200 per year for each councilmember removed from payroll.

Smith said any such move would have to be voted on by the residents of Tallassee and the change would have to occur at the end of a term.

Councilmembers wouldn’t agree or disagree with the idea but were united in believing more information was needed.

“We can look at anything,” councilmember Bill Godwin said.

al Fraternity of Military Pilots and member of the Military Officer Association of America. He is also the oldest living Tallassee High School graduate, at age 99.

DR. BOYDE JEROME (JERRY) HARRISON CLASS OF 1970

Dr. Harrison is a medical doctor serving Haleyville.

He is a 1970 graduate of Tallassee High School.

During Harrison’s time as a student at Tallassee High School, he was a member of the band, The Long Blue Line, and played the piano for his parents’ gospel quartet in grades seven to 10. Harrison played football his junior and senior years and was elected class president and Mr. THS his senior year. He worked on a farm baling hay and in the cotton mill on the third shift during high school to help pay for college.

After high school graduation, Harrison attended Birmingham Southern College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1974. He attended graduate school at Tulane University (biochemistry) and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1980.

Harrison has been in private practice in Haleyville for 40 years and is president and co-founder of the Alabama Medical Directors Association.

COACH HOWARD DEAN TIPPETT CLASS OF 1953

Tippett was born in Tallassee and graduated from Tallassee High School in 1953.

At Tallassee High School Tippett played four years of football, basketball and baseball. He received thirteen varsity letters — one

“I don’t think it’s a priority right now. I have to be well versed in it before considering it.”

In other action the Tallassee City Council: • Approved the minutes of the Feb. 8 meeting.

• Approved an agreement with Joe Whatley to allow one water meter to serve three cabins for short term rental in East Tallassee.

• Appointed Brad Davis to the planning commission.

• Selected Hammock as a voting delegate of the May Alabama League of Municipalities conference in Tuscaloosa.

• Approved to allow repairs to the library chimney to avoid further damage as reimbursement from insurance is worked out.

• Approved an $5,900 estimate to repair the roof of the senior center.

• Tabled a decision on a donation to Tallassee Softball until Kyle Patterson can address the council on the program’s needs.

• Approved contacting Houston Baker to perform electrical inspections as part of the building inspections process.

Councilmember Sarah Hill was absent from the meeting.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 8.

in 8th grade as varsity football manager. In 1952-53, he was elected captain of the football and basketball teams.

Tippett attended East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, from 1953 to 1958, where he graduated in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Political Science. He lettered all four years in football and baseball and was elected captain of the Buccaneer football team in 1956. In the 1957 Buccaneer yearbook, he was voted the most popular male student.

Tippett’s remarkable college football experiences, of 13 years, began in 1964 at Tulane University.

Tippett’s extraordinary professional football coaching career of 22 years began in 1975, when he coached the Jacksonville, Florida Sharks.

Coach Tippett is the son of Lloyd Dean Tippett (1908-1974) and Mary Jo Howard Tippett (19082000).

MR. RUSSELL HILL STOKES (NOVEMBER 2, 1935-AUGUST 4, 1998)

Worked at Tallassee City Schools, 1958-1991 Stokes was born Nov. 2, 1935, in Fort Deposit and graduated from Lowndes County High School.

Stokes joined the Army after high school and served for three years as a paratrooper in the Airborne Infantry. After his discharge from the Army, he joined the Alabama National Guard and retired in 1996 after 42 years, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Stokes received a bachelor’s degree from Troy University. Upon graduating from Troy Uni-

versity, his first and only job in the field of education was with the Tallassee City School system, where he served for 31 years as a teacher, assistant coach, principal, and interim superintendent. During his career in Tallassee, he earned a master’s degree from Auburn University.

During his time with Tallassee City Schools, Mr. Stokes was also active in the community. He served on the Little League, Babe Ruth, and Dixie Youth Baseball boards and was instrumental in establishing a Babe Ruth league in Tallassee. He helped build the first Babe Ruth field, located in Carrville, and served on the Tallassee Parks and Rec Board. He spent many hours volunteering for the children and youth of Tallassee, including keeping the clock at almost every home game for the Tallassee Tigers basketball teams.

Mr. Stokes, his wife Zelda, and their three sons, Steve, Mike, and Randy were members of First Baptist Church and all three sons graduated from Tallassee High School. The Stokes grandchildren are Courtney Stokes Watson, Kyle Stokes, Russ Stokes, Hill Stokes, and the late Timothy Popwell. The Stokes great grandchildren are Elijah, Sam and Mattie Watson, Keely Stokes, Jackson Stokes and Sawyer Stokes.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • Page A3

VISITING AUTHOR

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Southern fiction author Kay Chandler stopped by the Wetumpka Library to read some of her work while visiting with local friends. Chandler got her start writing in 2007 when two events came together – looking at a writing conference while having a phone conversation led to a suggestion that Chandler write. Chandler submitted a short story and won.

Page A4 • Wednesday, March 2, 2022

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“Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

E

aster is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It coincides with Passover, and occurs each year on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon after the vernal equinox.

Therefore, Easter could happen on any given Sunday between March 22 and April 25 depending on the year.

The forty days prior to Easter are called Lent. The forty days represent the time in Jesus Christ’s life spent in the wilderness before he began his public ministry, where he was tempted by the Devil.

Lent is a time for self-denial and sacrifice, prayer and penitence, and reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday. But that day before Ash Wednesday gets the most notice: Fat Tuesday. Unfortunately, the world never seems to take note of the religious significance of this particular day.

Fat Tuesday is the English translation of the French “Mardi Gras”. The largest celebrations in the

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist world can be seen in Rio de Janiero (“Carnivale”) and, closer to home, along the Gulf Coast in places like Mobile and New Orleans.

On that day, there are celebrations all over the world to mark the end of Ordinary Time for now, saying farewell to old ways with overindulgence in food and drink.

Cleaning out the pantry and cabinet, finishing off all the sugary, badfor-you food (and, for many, the remainder of their liquor) is the goal of Mardi Gras.

Pancakes and King Cakes are consumed on this day. There are thousands of parades from one Krewe or another. This year, a 330foot float, the largest ever, appeared

in New Orleans. Even towns with no connection to the original Mardi Gras – such as Wetumpka and Millbrook – have started staging parades.

Schools in the Mobile area let out for an entire week in celebration of Mardi Gras.

When people mention Fat Tuesday, it sounds like a holiday soaked in grease. However, I think of it as a chance for a fresh start, for those New Year’s Resolutions to get a second chance.

As we start this 40-day period, consider fast and abstinence as part of a self-denial plan. It’s a crazy world, and occasionally we need to slow down and think about making it better, one person at a time, with a little self-sacrifice and soul searching.

Michael Bird is a choral director for Tallassee City Schools and cohosts “The Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 98.5

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Kay Ivey still favorite to win reelection

U

sually in a gubernatorial year the Governor’s Race grabs the spotlight. However, our open Senate Seat with the avalanche of Washington dollars flooding into the Heart of Dixie, the Governor’s Race has become overshadowed.

It is also an obvious fact of political life that an open Senate Seat is certain to be more competitive than a race with a popular incumbent governor running for reelection. Incumbency is a tremendous advantage. You get free daily publicity just by governing.

My prediction from the onset was that Kay Ivey would win reelection to another term and now with three months to the May 24 election, my prognostication is still that Governor Ivey will win a reelection victory.

Furthermore, my guess is that she wins without a runoff.

The best barometer of a gubernatorial outcome in a race with an incumbent governor running, is to look at how they ran the last time.

Four years ago, Kay Ivey was a semi-incumbent. She had served over a year of Governor Robert Bentley’s last term and was running for her first full term.

In that 2018 race, she trounced the entire field of GOP candidates and won without a runoff. Folks, that field she beat in 2018 was much more formidable than the one she faces this year. If for no other reason, she beat Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle one of the most qualified thoroughbreds to seek the brass ring in years. He was well liked and from a vote rich area of the state and had grown his city to one of the fastest growing and prosperous cities in America. Battle was well-financed and a good campaigner. Many of us

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist wondered why he was seeking a job that was probably a demotion from being mayor of Alabama’s largest and most prosperous city.

Battle was just one of the carnage that Ivey destroyed in the 2018 GOP Primary. Also left in the wake were popular Birmingham Evangelist Scott Dawson, as well as well-financed Mobile State Senator Bill Hightower.

She went on to trounce the last viable Democratic candidate to run for governor, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox who was well-financed and a viable candidate. Kay Ivey beat Maddox 60 percent to 40 percent in the General Election. This Maddox race wrote the book for what is the benchmark level for what a Democratic candidate can get in an Alabama state race. The bar is set at 40% for a Democrat. Doug Jones’ 39 percent to 61 percent loss for Senate in 2020 confirmed that threshold.

There are six unknown candidates who qualified to run as Democrats this year. The general election is irrelevant. The winner of the May 24 GOP Primary will be governor.

The big question in the governor’s race is not whether Kay Ivey wins, it is whether or not this 2022 field of candidates can force her into a June 21 runoff? The answer is probably not.

There are only two viable opponents, Lindy Blanchard and Tim James. The reason they are viable

is that they have personal wealth to spend. Both are spending their dollars, which shows a commitment.

Tim James and Lindy Blanchard are both working hard. One of them will finish second. However, that only counts in horseshoes and marbles. Running second was good in the old days of Alabama politics, because the governor could not succeed themselves. Therefore, whoever ran second would win four years later. It was called running a “get acquainted race.”

In addition to Blanchard and James there are six other candidates vying to beat Kay Ivey. They all have some credentials and they are not all, “run for the fun of it” candidates. Lew Burdette is a successful businessman who heads the King’s Ranch in Birmingham. Dean Young is an ultra-right-wing candidate who has run several times for office in Mobile and is known in that area of the state. Dave Thomas is a former state representative and current Mayor of Springville in St. Clair County. Some voters may think he is the founder of Wendy’s. Dean Odle is an Opelika minister. Stacey George is a former Morgan County Commissioner who has run for governor before.

If Burdette gets six percent, Young gets five percent, Thomas gets four percent, and George and Odle get three percent each, that adds up to 21 percent. That many candidates could force a runoff. We will see.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.

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March 2, 2022 • Page A5

Could Putin lose more than Ukraine?

N

o one was seriously thinking Vladimir Putin had any chance of being deposed any time soon before his invasion of Ukraine. He may well take Kyiv and assassinate those who disagree with him. But analysis from political science could show that such a risky move could come back to haunt him, especially if this bogs down into a long, brutal occupation resembling the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

“Governments are likely to be held accountable for success or failure of their foreign policies,” write Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, Randolph M. Siverson and Gary Woller. “Consequently, we claim that international wars can, under specified conditions, have domestically instigated consequences for violent regime change in the political systems of the participants.”

These authors wrote this article in the American Political Science Review around the time Vladimir Putin was just finishing up his lengthy service in the KGB. Their research covers cases from 1816 through 1975, though the

Permitless carry one step closer to passing

By BETH CHAPMAN

L

ast week the House of Representatives voted 65-37 on House Bill 272, which will allow Alabama citizens to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

Rep. Shane Stringer from Mobile County has 3 decades of law enforcement experience. His bill omitted the requirement that gun owners acquire a permit to carry a concealed handgun on their person, in their bags and in their vehicles in HB 272. With its passage, the bill will now be sent upstairs to the Senate for a vote.

Pistol permits would still be accessible from each county sheriffs’ office for other purposes. Such purposes would be the reciprocal agreements with other states and carrying guns in restricted areas. For instance, if you choose not to have a license in Alabama and you travel to Georgia and are stopped by law enforcement, you would be ticketed for not having a permit. This reason alone is enough to continue to get a permit for those who travel much.

“Permitless Carry” has become a catch phrase in the political arena with the Democrats and Republicans split on the controversial issue. Much of law enforcement is split on it too, with many of the state’s police chiefs and sheriffs having opposed the bill.

Those officials say the permits are an important safety precaution for law enforcement officials.

Others say criminals don’t have gun permits so why does it matter if law-abiding citizens do? Maybe because it helps the law enforcement officials know the difference in the two?

One of the pro arguments is if the bill passes, law-abiding citizens will be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to carry a concealed handgun without having to pay for that right by purchasing a pistol license.

Some of the cons are that sheriff’s departments will no longer have a big percentage of their budgets which they need to run their departments.

Also, they will be more endangered because they won’t know who is and is not a law-abiding citizen carrying pistols.

I have a 5-year pistol permit, and I carry a handgun. I will continue to carry a handgun and will do so legally whatever that requirement may be. I’m just ready to know what it is. That too, is my constitutional right.

killing domestic opponents with ease.

Their ill-fated Falkland Islands invasion JOHN A. and defeat at the hands of the British ousted them from power, never to TURES return, as democracy has ruled since Columnist then in Argentina. Fascist leaders were pretty confident of their blitzkrieg strategies going into WWII. And when findings still have lessons for today. the Soviets pounced on Afghanistan The three authors look at more than and killed their leader, it looked like 30 countries with leaders which initiated an easy occupation at first, didn’t it? conflicts, from WWI and WWII to Latin Thankfully, it was the beginning of the America, South Asia and the Middle end of the USSR that Putin once served.

East, that sewed the sees of their own The ousting of such dictators though doom. Far from being innocent victims, a rapid sequence of events tends to these countries featured are often “cases catch pundits off-guard. That’s because where leaders generally thought the those media personalities may well be foreign policy action would turn out well buying into the autocrat’s propaganda, from the perspective of their regime. which always claims everything is fine.

They thought the potential benefits Such authoritarians surround themselves outweighed the associated risks to the with “Yes Men,” too afraid to reveal regime.” the truth, even when it’s pretty obvious More often than not, I have found that the game is up. And some of those these cases, and more recent examples, leaders have a massive God complex as to have an authoritarian leadership. well, talking more than listening.

You’ll find the hubris of the Argentine Subsequent research by de Mesquita military junta, which looked invincible, and Siverson find this connection

between undemocratic leaders and war risk. “Democratic leaders select wars to participate in that have a lower risk of defeat than is true for their authoritarian counterparts.”

As Putin finds Ukraine doesn’t want to be ruled by Russians like him, experiences the harsh bite of international sanctions, and sees other countries becoming less reliant on the energy he dominates in favor of renewables that he doesn’t have a corner on the market, it’s going to be harder for him to justify the soaring costs of war, from body bags to taxes to rationing. Fewer will believe the propaganda machines that promise it’s all going well. If he persists, the Russian leader may well share the same fate that he frequently deals out to his neighbors.

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2.

Page A6 • Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Saturday morning crash kills two Staff Report A Wetumpka man and a Deatsville juvenile were pronounced dead following a two-vehicle crash in Coosada.

The crash occurred about 1:35 a.m. Saturday on Highway 14 approximately one mile west of Coosada in Elmore County.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), a 19-year-old was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry that crossed the centerline and collided with a 2013 Ford Mustang. The 19-year-old from Deatsville and a passenger in the Mustang, Randall Wayne Singleton, 32, of

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TASTY FUNDRAISING

Wetumpka were fatally injured in the collision and pronounced deceased on the scene.

ALEA said the Mustang was driven by Steven Douglas Massey, 46, of Millbrook. Another passenger in the Mustang, Jennifer Ann Hutton, 37, of Prattville was transported to an area hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Highway 14 near the Wetumpka airport was blocked for several hours as cleanup and investigation of the accident scene occurred.

ALEA said no further information is available as Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Jamie Thompson puts on Boston butts as the Eye of the Tiger Alumni Club held a BBQ contest and fundraiser.

Kowaliga boat ramp to close for renovations Chamber gives out trees for Arbor Day Staff Report Repairs and renovations are coming to the Kowaliga public boat ramp.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) will close the for approximately two weeks as work begins Feb. 28.

During the closure the parking lot will be resurfaced and potholes near the boat ramp will be repaired.

The Kowaliga Public Boat Ramp on Lake Martin in Elmore County is one of five public boat ramps on Lake Martin operated by WFF. For

more information, visit www.boatramps.dcnr. alabama.gov or call the WFF Fisheries Section at 334-242-3471.

Funding for this project was provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

Learn more at outdooralabama.com.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Yellow poplar, birch, red maple, dogwood, persimmon, red bud, cypress, white oak, red mulberry and sourwood are all common trees for Elmore and Tallapoosa counties.

Though not commonly found on sidewalks, they were on the sidewalks of Tallassee as the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce handed out saplings to those stopping by. The saplings were provided by the Alabama Forestry Commission to help celebrate Arbor Day. “We have never had this many, or this much variety,” chamber director Jerry Cunningham said. “We’re thankful to have them.”

Ambassadors from Tallassee High School were at the chamber on Barnett Boulevard to help hand out the saplings.

Arbor Day is a secular holiday that

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce gave out trees provided by the Alabama Forestry Commission to help celebrate Arbor Day.

took root on January 4, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The tree planting tradition became prominent in schools across the nation by 1882, with children learning about the importance of trees as well as receiving a tree to plant in their own yard. The day is now celebrated in all 50 states.

The most common date for observance is the last Friday in April, which is National Arbor Day. However, a number of state Arbor Days are at other times to coincide with the best tree planting weather. For the south, it is celebrated from January to February and in the far north, it is celebrated in May.

The Tallassee Tribune

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No injuries as fire consumes home

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer An Emerald Mountain homeowner escaped injury during a Wednesday fire.

Wednesday morning the Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was paged out to a visible fire just a half mile down the road from the fire station.

When firefighters arrived, there was little they could do to stop the blaze. Authorities said the homeowner and dog were able to get out but they are left with only the clothes on their back.

The Redland Volunteer Fire Department and the Wetumpka Fire Department also responded to the call.

MAR. 2

BLOOD DRIVE - LifeSouth is hosting several blood drives throughout the Montgomery region to help combat the national blood shortage. All blood types are in great demand. Giving blood helps save lives. The Walmart in Millbrook will be a blood drive site from 1 – 6 p.m.

To find the nearest blood drive near you, visit lifesouth.org.

MAR. 5

Lavender is a four-year old, 45 lb female Retriever mix that came to us after her owner passed away. She has completed her treatment for heartworms and is now ready to find her forever home. She is a very sweet gal, loves attention, is good with other dogs and children and just wants to be a lap dog!

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $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 Lavender or any of our pets, please first email us at hselco@bellsouth.net for our Adoption Application. Once that is cleared, we will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet & adopt.

We are located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, our phone number is 334-567-3377 and our website is www. elmorehumane.org for more information.

Humane Society of Elmore County News – 28 Feb ‘22 One very special way to help our shelter (or any humane shelter for that matter) is to volunteer as a foster home for animals in need. Now this isn’t a task for everyone as it is a lot of responsibility and can be quite demanding. But the rewards are also immense for those who are able to bring animals in need into their homes until they are ready to find their forever homes.

Fostering for our Shelter is generally for those animals recovering from medical treatment or for those too young to be in our Shelter. With spring right around the corner, we will most need fosters who are capable of bottle-feeding orphaned puppies and kittens, or who can safely house a mother dog or cat with her litter until they can be weaned,

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

BLOOD DRIVE - LifeSouth is hosting several blood drives throughout the Montgomery region to help combat the national blood shortage. All blood types are in great demand. Giving blood helps save lives. The Santuck Flea Market in Wetumpka will be a blood drive site from 8:30 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m. To find the near-

PET OF THE WEEK – LAVENDER

By REA CORD Executive Director

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • Page A7

or who can take on a young litter of puppies or kittens who need time to grow before they can be readied for adoption.

We understand that bottle feeding a litter is not for the faint-hearted as it can require feeding sessions as little as every two hours, round-theclock, but only for about three weeks generally until they can start eating a mush mixture. Of course, as these puppies or kittens grow, they become more active which also means they get into a lot more trouble and make bigger messes! Mother dogs and cats with litters mean not only babies, but an adult animal in the household and they simply cannot intermingle with family pets and must be kept safely contained at all times.

Year-round we need fosters for dogs undergoing heartworm treatment which entails keeping that dog contained and relatively calm during

the 30+ days of the treatment so that they are not taking up valuable kennel space other dogs need during that time. These dogs must generally be kept inside the home and cannot be outside romping in the yard as it is imperative to keep their heart rate down during treatment.

And there are times we need fosters for animals recovering from serious surgeries like amputations, hit by car injuries, gunshot wounds, etc. These pets generally also need a calm environment where they can get lots of sleep, exercise and time to heal.

To find out more and to fill out our online Foster application go to: http://www.elmorehumane.org/foster-information--forms.html .

Our Fosters are a very special group of people whose selfless love helps us save even more lives and we welcome the chance to add even more Fosters to our Shelter family!

est blood drive near you, visit lifesouth.org.

MAR. 18

CALL FOR ART - The annual Capitol Showcase Art Exhibition will be in person this year. Tours of the Alabama Capitol Building have resumed, so the expectation is that there will be an audience present to view the artwork.

Please fill out the online entry form and send your best digital photo of your artwork and your typed artist statement by March 18 to participate. Acceptance letters with details about sending your artwork in, and the reception will follow. Completed artwork will be due by April 8, 2022. You can find the entry form online here: http://bit.ly/capitolshowcase

Religion

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

Page A8 • Wednesday, March 2, 2022 www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

The Messiah Complex

I

talked with a young minister at a conference several years ago. He was excited to be under consideration by a church in our city as their new pastor. I knew this particular church, and I knew about their reputation for dismissing their pastors regularly. I was bold enough to tell him so, but he believed he would be the one to tame the unruly board and lead the church to greatness.

I certainly hope so.

I regret I lost track of him and don’t know what the outcome was.

The situation reminded me of a Robert Fulghum story.

Fulghum is best known for

his “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten.” He became my favorite author in the late 80s and 90s. He told another great and true story. A man was rescued by firefighters from his burning bed. One of the officers explained that he must’ve been smoking, dropped the cigarette when he nodded off and the bed caught on fire.

“No, you don’t understand,” the man replied. “It was on fire when I lay down on it.”

The church this young man was “courting” was on fire before they read his resume.

Dr. Charles Chandler, founder of the Ministering to Ministers Foundation, shares a

wealth of wisdom with pastors, especially those who have faced involuntary termination or other crises in ministry.

Chandler asserts that many ministers suffer from a “messiah complex.” They believe they’re gifted to overcome any obstacle, including an unwell congregation. He imagines a minister saying, “Oh, yes; they’ve had problems, but they’ve never had the benefit of my leadership.” Thus they subject themselves and their families to possible turmoil.

Pastors have a messiah complex when they overestimate their capacity to deal with habitually conflicted

MICHAEL J. BROOKS Columnist churches.

Pastors can also be guilty when we believe our way or our interpretation is the only way.

Charles Spurgeon said the church pulpit can become “coward’s castle” if ministers claim they’re the inerrant spokesmen for God, their interpretation is correct and thunder judgment on everybody else.

Pastors must speak the truth in love, but also must avoid belittling others. They should learn to value the thoughts and opinions of congregants. There

are deeply spiritual people in our churches whose wisdom is needed. One Presbyterian elder told me it was a “matter of calendars” since the elders were older and wiser than their young pastor! Leadership begins with listening. And in listening to others we learn, and we engender enriching friendships.

The Christian church doesn’t have multiple messiahs, but only one. He’s easily recognized since he has nail prints in his hands. The rest of us are mortals who should pray for a healthy dose of humility.

Reflections is a weekly devotional feature written

by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church, Alabaster, Alabama.

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

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

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), Elmore

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 334312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday services 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 family 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

Tallassee Churches

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, 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 East Tallassee United Methodist Church 101 Central Boulevard First United Methodist Church 1 Jordan Avenue

Surrounding Area Churches

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 5412006 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 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 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist 3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 2856792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka

church or 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.

New Zion 3523 Ashurst Bar Road St. Paul Tallassee 101 Herren Hill Road Wall Street 71 Zion Street INDEPENDENT Abundant Life Church 2634 Lower Tuskegee Road Saint Mark All Nationals Pentecostal Foundation Church 30 Stewart Street Tallassee Church of God 134 Adams Street Tallassee Holiness Church 194 Honeysuckle Lane God’s Congregation Holiness Church 508 Jordan Avenue Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Highway in Eclectic

567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 5674417

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HERREN HILL PHARMACY & GIFTS

Hometown Service from the People You Trust!

BUSINESS HOURS:

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

Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 6 PM Friday 8 AM to 1 PM Closed Saturday & Sunday

(334) 252-8800

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

– Proverbs 10:12 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindess, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”

– John 3:5

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256.234.4281 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

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Call, 334-567-7811 to advertise your church’s services or if you would like to become a sponsor.

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Sports

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Phone: 334-283-6568 Fax: 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • Page B1

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR

Edgewood Academy’s Jake Allison wins state weightlifting championship

By DALTON MIDDLETON Spor ts Editor Edgewood Academy senior Jake Allison had quite the turnout at his first state weightlifting meet.

Allison, who has been powerlifting for years but never competed in an event, claimed the AISA weightlifting state championship in the 275-pound weight class.

It is his first state championship and Edgewood’s first weightlifting state

championship in school history. Allison excelled in all three lifts - bench press, squat and deadlift. He squatted 405 pounds, deadlifted 385 pounds and bench pressed 350 pounds.

His 350 pound bench press led all weight lifters across every weight class.

“It means a lot to win the championship,” Allison said. “My dad got me going when I was eight or nine years old, showing me mechanics and stuff, See WEIGHTLIFTING, Page B2

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Elmore County at Montgomery Academy, 4 p.m.

4Tallassee at FCA Tournament, TBD 4Calera at Wetumpka, 6:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

Auburn at Elmore County

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

COURTESY PHOTO

Edgewood Academy senior Jake Allison won the state powerlifting championship in the 275-pound weight class last week.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Tallassee at FCA Tournament, TBD 4Marbury at Stanhope Elmore, 6:30 p.m.

4Edgewood Academy at Coosa Valley, 4 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Holtville at Stanhope Elmore, 4:30 p.m.

4Wetumpka Tournament,TBD

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Wetumpka boys at Park Crossing, 5:30 p.m.

4Stanhope Elmore girls at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.

4Benjamin Russell at Stanhope Elmore boys, 7:30 p.m.

4Elmore County at Beauregard, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Elmore County at Luverne, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Edgewood Academy at Glenwood Tournament,TBD 4Wetumpka Tournament,TBD

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Holtville girls at PCA, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COURTESY PHOTO/BRIAN TANNEHILL

Wetumpka senior pitcher Zach Morgan pitched five no-hit innings against Tallassee on Friday night. He struck out eight batters and walked only two.

Wetumpka’s Morgan, Wooldridge throw combined no-hitter against Tallassee

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Wetumpka senior Zach Morgan was not expecting his pitching performance to go as well as it did on Friday night against Tallassee.

Morgan, making his first appearance of the season on the mound for the Wetumpka baseball team, was hoping to pitch four innings and allow four hits or so.

Instead, he pitched five innings of no-hit baseball as Wetumpka nohit Tallassee, 12-0, in six innings via run rule. Morgan allowed no

hits over five innings and struck out eight Tigers while only walking two batters.

He was pulled after his fifth inning of work due to pitch count, and Caden Wooldridge pitched the final inning of the game. The reliever went 3-up, 3-down in the bottom of the sixth with one strikeout to complete the no-hitter.

“That’s a great pitching performance right there,” Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes said.

“Zach hasn’t thrown for us in a while, and he’s been throwing well in the bullpen. We tossed the dice

right there and told him to go get them. He’s a senior and showed up big time. He’s going to be contributing this year. He pitched with a lot of guts and a lot of determination tonight.”

Wetumpka’s offense gave Morgan an early lead in the top of the first, and Morgan took that lead and ran with it.

The Indians scored three runs on two hits and three errors in the top of the first inning, scoring first on an errant throw on a pickoff move.

Doug Johnson then singled in a run and Davis Wells added a RBI sin-

gle as well.

With his 3-0 lead in tact, Morgan showed the Tallassee batting order what they were going to get all night in the bottom of the first. He started his night on the mound with a swinging strikeout on four pitches, then struck out another batter to end the inning.

He added two more strikeouts in each of the second and third innings, then struck out one each in the fourth and fifth innings to give him eight on the night. Along with See NO-HITTER, Page B2

Tallassee’s Will Blocker breaks single-game scoring record

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Just two games into his junior season, Tallassee striker Will Blocker is already breaking school soccer records.

Blocker, entering his third season playing soccer with Tallassee High School, broke the school’s single-game scoring record in the school’s opening game.

In the season-opening win over Lanier on February 8, Blocker scored five goals and added two assists. His five goals set a new school record,

which was previously four goals set a few years ago.

In his team’s second game of the year against Lee, he added three goals and two more assists.

“It feels amazing,” Blocker said of owning the record. “At first, I didn’t think I had actually broken the school record, but when I heard about it I was surprised. I was like ‘Oh crap, I actually just did that.’ It really feels amazing.”

His five goals not only set a new school record, but it also matched his season-high for goals while wearing a Tallas-

see uniform. As a freshman two years ago, Blocker didn’t net a goal for the Tigers.

Last season as a sophomore, he saw some improvement and scored five goals for the team.

This year, he tied his career goal total in the first game of the season and has since blown past that total.

“Honestly, I feel like I’ve just been working harder this year,” Blocker said. “It’s also been a team thing. Everyone is sharing the ball and we’ve been communicating a lot as a See RECORD, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

Tallassee junior Will Blocker broke the school record for the most goals in a single game.

He scored five goals and added two assists in a 10-0 win over Lanier on February 8.

4Shelby County at Elmore County, 11 a.m.

4Stanhope Elmore vs. Shelby County at ECHS, 2 p.m.

4Stanhope Elmore at Elmore County, 4 p.m.

4Wetumpka vs. Enterprise/ GW Long at Enterprise, 1 p.m.

DH 4Tallassee at FCA Tournament, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Edgewood Academy at Glenwood Tournament,TBD 4Wetumpka Tournament,TBD

MONDAY, MARCH 7 4HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL Edgewood Academy at Chambers Academy, 4 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Elmore County at Wetumpka 4Edgewood Academy at Chambers Academy, 3:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Chelsea at Stanhope Elmore boys, 7:30 p.m.

4Stanhope Elmore girls at Prattville, 5:30 p.m.

4Jefferson Davis at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Elmore County at Trinity, 4 p.m.

4Tallassee at Stanhope Elmore 4Wetumpka at Chelsea, 6:30 p.m.

4Autauga Academy at Edgewood Academy, 4 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Tallassee at PCA 4Marbury at Stanhope Elmore, 4:30 p.m.

4Pike Road at Holtville 4Autauga Academy at Edgewood Academy, 4 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Chilton County at Wetumpka, 5:30 and 7 p.m.

4Pike Road at Holtville girls, 5:30 p.m.

4Marbury at Elmore County, 5:30 p.m.

Page B2 • Wednesday, March 2, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Some stellar softball being played in Elmore County

I

was talking to my sports co-worker, Andy Anders, about softball the other day when he told me that he thinks the Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell softball series this year should produce some good softball games.

I was not surprised by that statement. Wetumpka is good, and Benjamin Russell is off to a good start.

What I responded to him was this: “I saw where Benjamin Russell had a really good opening weekend. I’m not sure if Wetumpka is my best team or not, though. Tallassee seems pretty dang good so far.”

I don’t think that was an incorrect statement at the time. Tallassee has been on a tear to start this year. Wetumpka has also been on a tear. Those teams met last Thursday night, and it was quite a game.

Tallassee traveled to Wetumpka softball and the Lady Tigers led 2-0 heading into the final frame. The Lady Tigers scored

DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor runs on an Avary Lumpkin double early and a Catherine Royster solo home run.

Wetumpka, in the bottom of the seventh, tied the game by scoring two runs and sent the game to extra innings. In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Lady Indians loaded the bases and Camille Bowers ended the game with a walk-off grand slam.

Her first career home run couldn’t have come at a better time, and it ended arguably the best game so far in the young Elmore County season.

Wetumpka may have proved my statement to Andy wrong.

It’s hard to determine which team is better after one game, especially one that went into

WEIGHTLIFTING

on Thursday night. In a tight game against Thorsby, Bullock stepped into the batter’s box in the bottom of the seventh and hit a walk-off RBI single on an 0-1 pitch to give Holtville another win.

Holtville is hot right now, so watch out for the Lady Bulldogs.

Another hot softball team is the Elmore County Lady Panthers, which I wrote about last week after they started the season 3-1 in their season-opening tournament.

Elmore County stayed hot this week with two wins over Alabama Christian Academy, 11-0 and 10-0. Through six games, the Lady Panthers have outscored their opponents by 38 runs while they’re averaging 12 runs per game.

That’s a scary lineup to face if you’re an opposing pitcher.

Both Stanhope Elmore and the Edgewood Academy softball teams haven’t had quite the great starts like the other teams

in the county, but they also had to deal with players joining the team late due to basketball playoff runs.

Nonetheless, the teams have some must-watch players.

Stanhope’s Kelbi Johnson is one of the best players in the county, and she could be argued to be the best player. The Central Alabama Community College signee is fun to watch.

Another player that is fun to watch is Edgewood’s Lindsey Brown. Only a sophomore, but she’s already cemented her name and legacy in Edgewood Academy history books. She hit over .500 as a freshman last year.

It’s been a fun two weeks of softball in Elmore County, and that should continue over the course of the season. I mean, these teams and players are really good. It’s been fun to watch, and you don’t want to miss these teams play this year.

Get outside and check out any of the softball teams around the

SOMETHING TO CHEER

Continued from B1

and since then I’ve been really into it. IT’s been a really important part of my life. To be able to get something out of it during my senior year means a lot.”

Being his first event, Allison described the experience like he was the Karate Kid. When he got to the event, he saw a few familiar faces, but they weren’t people he was close enough to hang out with.

He saw players and schools gravitating towards each other because they knew each other well, but he didn’t. So he stuck with his coach, Michael Norris, and his father, and just ran through his lifts to get the best he could.

He saw a few lifters try to intimidate and show off by practicing with heavier than usual weight, but he just ignored and tried to get his normal warm-up lifts in. He stretched well, got loose, and just relied on his coach and dad.

In fact, Allison didn’t even try to lift anything heavier than usual. He was able to win the state championship by not even reaching his maximum weight limit.

The person in second place, behind Allison, was lifting ahead of him. So instead of trying to get the most he could, Allison used a little strategy and lifted the exact weight as him to maintain his lead.

“We did our first two lifts, squat and bench, and we saw that the guy behind me was about 95 pounds behind me,” Allison said. “He went right before me, so we decided to just match him so we would stay ahead and stay on top by that much. I didn’t really know what to expect since it was the first time I’d ever gone to a powerlifting meet. It was pretty exciting.”

His success at the meet was to no surprise to anyone at Edgewood Academy or anyone that knows Allison. It did come as a surprise to many of his opponents, however, coach Norris said.

Norris added that many lifters were eliminated for not getting down parallel on their first lift, the squat, and he saw some wide eyes when Allison went below parallel on his first attempt with a high number.

Norris knew what Allison could lift. The senior not only won the state championship, but he didn’t even reach his maximum weight. He bench pressed 350 to lead the whole event, and he’s lifted more at Edgewood.

He currently holds the school record for bench press at a whopping 360 pounds. He’s put in the work, and it finally paid off him as his senior year comes to a close.

“You see a lot of people going in and out every day and doing what they’re told and nothing else, but my dad always drilled into my head that it takes what you do when nobody is watching and what you do after everybody has left,” Allison said of his work ethic. “That gets you over the hump and lets you do great things.”

COURTESY PHOTO

The Elmore County High School varsity cheerleaders traveled to Orlando to compete in the UCA National High School Cheer Championship.

RECORD

Continued from B1

team. Some goals, I’ve outworked other people. I’ve beaten them to the ball and I’m really just trying to take as many shots as I can on goal.”

While he takes as many shots as he can on goal, Blocker isn’t necessarily just trying to score all of the goals himself. His position as striker allows him to be in the best positions to score, but he also likes to share the ball with his teammates as they do with him.

His coach, Keiven Mixson,

said Blocker plays like his hair is on fire and is always flying to the ball. Because of him being around the ball so much, he’s also able to share the ball with teammates.

That’s shown this year as he is also one of the team’s leaders in assists. Along with his five goals in the season opener, he added two assists, making him responsible for seven of the team’s 10 goals in the game.

In the team’s second game, he had three goals and two assists, making him responsible for five of the team’s eight goals in that game.

“I’ve been trying to be as much of a playmaker as I

NO-HITTER Continued from B1

his strikeouts, he forced four groundouts and three flyouts.

“My fastball was working really well tonight and was tailing away and in with my two-seam and four-seam,” Morgan said. “My curveball came in a little bit and my slider was good once or twice.

All my pitches really seemed to be working.”

While Morgan led the pitching onslaught, senior third baseman and Troy

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possibly can, and I’m trying to really support everybody,” Blocker said. “But at the same time, I’m trying to be there and be in the right spots so I can take the chances that we have and make it happen.”

Mixson said he’s seen major improvement in Blocker’s play, and that comes from how much time Blocker dedicates to the sport. Blocker is one of the only players on Tallassee’s team that doesn’t play multiple sports.

Soccer is the only sport he plays, and spends the entire year playing. This past summer, Blocker joined club soccer and started playing at an

signee Kyle Morrison led the offensive charge.

After a Jaxon Shineflew single to lead off the second inning, Morrison cranked a two-run home run to dead centerfield to put the Indians up, 5-0. He scored again in the fourth inning on another RBI single from Johnson, then started the offense again in the top of the sixth inning.

With one out and nobody on base, Morrison hit a solo opposite field home run in the sixth inning. Following his hit, Wetumpka added three more hits and three walks to push their lead out to 12-0

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extra innings. No matter what, both teams are pretty dang good.

And I can’t wait until they meet again this year. Looking at the schedule, they’ll play in April. If you’re a softball fan, you’ll want to be there when that game happens.

That game is just one of the impressive feats that has happened in the last two weeks since softball has started in Elmore County.

If you missed what Holtville did last Tuesday, then let me catch you up. Holtville, which is off to a great start at 5-1 this year just like the two teams I mentioned earlier, was involved on the good side of a no-hitter.

Junior Taylor Price stepped into the circle and pitched all four innings for the Lady Bulldogs as they beat Pike Road, 15-0, in four innings. She struck out seven batters. What a game for her.

Not to be outdone, however, Holtville’s Victoria Bullock delivered for the Bulldogs

LEARN MORE AT WINNINGFORALABAMA.COM.

elite level.

Since joining club soccer, Mixson has seen Blocker’s footwork and his first touches improve more than anything.

Those two things, plus Blocker’s natural speed, made him stand out on the club level, but now it’s really paying off at the high school level.

Blocker agrees, and credits his play to playing club soccer.

“When you’re playing the sport more and you’re playing with tougher competition all the time, you’re going to get better,” Blocker said of his improvement. “Just doing that has helped me improve my game a lot.”

and put the game in run-rule territory.

Morrison finished the night 2-2 with two home runs, three RBIs, a walk, a hitby-pitch and scored four runs. Johnson finished 2-4 with two RBI singles, and Garrit Terrell added a two-RBI single in the sixth inning.

Dawson Fuller and Dorian Jackson also added hits.

“Tonight, we approached our at-bats like we have the last two games,” Dismukes said. We take solid approaches and we finally put some barrels to the baseball and they finally got into the gaps. I’m happy for our guys.”

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Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • Page B3

Who Was harry houdini?

Erich Weisz was born on March 24, 1874, in Budapest, Hungary. Soon after, his family moved to Appleton, Wisconsin. He loved America so much that he often told people he was born in Appleton. When he was 13, his family moved to New York where he began working as a trapeze artist. Erich was interested in magic from an early age and performed, without much success, in vaudeville shows. In 1893, he married Wilhemina Rahner. He took the official stage name of Harry Houdini in 1894, when he began working as a professional magician and escape artist. His wife adopted the name Beatrice Houdini and worked as his stage assistant during his entire career. Houdini created his stage name based on his childhood nickname, Harry, and by modifying the last name of another famous magician, Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin. Houdini was best known for his daring feats of escape from shackles, handcuffs, and locked boxes. He was very successful at this due to his great physical strength and his remarkable ability to pick locks. In 1899, Houdini caught his big break when an entertainment manager named Martin Beck saw his act and booked him on tours in the U.S. and Europe. He would go on to be the highest-paid vaudeville star in America. Houdini constantly invented new techniques to amaze audiences. He often escaped from shackles while underwater.

His greatest feat was the Chinese Water Torture Cell. In this act, he was suspended upside down, shackled, and put into a straitjacket and lowered into a container of water where he would escape, all while holding his breath. Houdini was not only a magician; he was also an aviator, an author, and an actor, where he started his own movie company and produced and starred in several films. He founded the World’s oldest magic company which is still in operation today. During World War I, he helped entertain troops, raise money for the war effort, and even held classes for soldiers on how to escape restraints if they were ever captured.

Houdini died on October 31, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, from complications from appendicitis. Today, he remains one of the single greatest magicians of all time!

houdini Word search Word scraMble Magic shadoW MaTch 1. CESAEP ______ 2. IDIUHNO Tallassee Tribune _______ 3. PTNPLEAOKidz Page ________ 4. TABICREE ________ 5. GMIIAACN ________ 6. LVELIUADE __________ 7. WRUTEREDNA __________ 8. JTSAKEACRTIT ____________

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ClassiÄeds

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PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might seek the advice of someone older or wiser today. (Probably a good decision.) Nevertheless, when you hear their advice, you might be critical or doubtful about its veracity or benet. Be careful, because it’s easy to fall into negative thinking today. Tonight: Seclusion.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Discussions with parents, bosses, teachers and VIPs might be a bit difficult today. You might feel guarded about what you do know and reluctant to share it. Or maybe you will encounter someone who is doing this to you. Tonight: Dodge authority.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) This is a fantastic day to study, because your mind is focused and disciplined today. You will enjoy being very specic in your approach to any subject. You will learn a lot, because you have the motivation and endurance to hang in there, even if it’s boring. Tonight: Study.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You feel nancially conservative today. You might want to guard something or check on the details about shared property, inheritances or anything that you own jointly with others.

You want to make sure everything is correct and fair. That’s smart. Tonight: Checking your resources.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Be careful, because it’s easy to focus on other people’s faults today. (It’s just the end of the telescope that you happen to be looking through.) None of us is without fault. Instead, remind yourself of this person’s positive qualities. You might say goodbye to someone today. Tonight: Check your nances.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You will be productive in whatever you do today, because you won’t overlook details and will work with care and caution. It’s a good day to study the ner details of a plan, because you’re more concerned with the minutiae as opposed to the big picture. Tonight: Cooperate.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This is an excellent day to hone a skill in the performing arts or sports, because you have the diligence, patience and endurance to keep on doing something until you improve and get better at it. (“How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” “Practice!”)

Tonight: Get organized.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You might have a serious discussion with a parent or an older family member today, because you are concerned about practical matters. You might make future plans about how to secure things at home so there’s a feeling of a safe refuge for the future.

“And they lived happily ever after.”

Tonight: Relax.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today your critical faculty is sharp!

This is because both Mercury and Saturn are lined up in your House of Communications (and thinking). You have a ne discriminating mind today, which might tend to make you a bit critical. It is what it is. Tonight: Focus on home.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You respect money and savings. You do not waste things. Today you will be even more conservative about how to handle money and possessions than you usually are. This is a good day to think of budgets and nancial plans for the future. Tonight: Make plans.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Communications with others might be a bit stiff or stilted today because Mercury is lined up with Saturn. You might feel guarded about any information that you do know. You might not trust someone. You might say farewell to someone today. Tonight: Tidy up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) This is an excellent day for you to do research, because you’ll be like a dog with a bone. Your mind is disciplined, focused and persevering. Nevertheless, you might fall into negative thinking, especially about your own aws or the aws of others. Lighten up! Tomorrow is the rst day of the rest of your life. Tonight: You win!

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Business Opportunities

Help Wanted Termite and inside pest technicians needed.

No felonies, pass a drug test and good driving record. No phone calls.

Apply in person: 652 Cherokee Rd. M-F 8am-4:30pm.

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Apparel Manufacturing Please send resumes: adurbin@southernapinc.com

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

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Wall Street Water Authority Fill out an application at Wall Street Water Authority 5059 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, AL 36078.

334-283-5002

•Truck driver - Class A CDL and non-CDL. Home nights/ weekends. Good pay.

Jobs Wanted

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

Rentals Apartments

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

APPLY TODAY! Send resume to jobs@hanwhacimarron.com

Concrete Construction Company 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

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Contact Information: Office: (334) 756-0031 Fax: (877) 750-3376 Email: hccg.reachout@gmail.com

Auctions & Sales Garage Sales Yard Sale 1191 S Tallassee St Saturday,March 5th 8am-until 42in flat screen TV, gum ball machines, car cover, tools, and DVD movies $0.50 each, and much more!

State Classified SERVICES SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? 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!

Transportation Collector Cars

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now.

Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions.

1-877-323-5516 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!

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AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote!

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North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

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).

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

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Healthcare Connection Group INC Looking for direct care help w/previous experience in care/training of individuals w/ developmental disabilities.

We offer a variety of shift options which include: 8-hour, 12-hour shifts and weekends.

Looking specifically for people who have good work ethics.

Candidates will be responsible for the direct care, health, safety, and well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities. $500 sign on bonus upon completion of 90 days of employment.

March 2, 2022 • Page B5

AlaScans

Call 334-567-5044

We’re hiring now for all three shifts! These are direct hire positions with starting hourly rates of up to $23hr depending on experience •Composite Technician: $18hr-$23hr starting pay, DOE •Logistics Operator (Forklift): $18hr-$23hr starting pay, DOE •Quality Technician: $18hr-$23hr starting pay, DOE

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • Page B5

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Southern Apparel Inc Now Hiring for

CCC Associates: Available Positions:

CLASSIFIEDS

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Public Notices Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearing Notice City of Tallassee The City of Tallassee will hold a public hearing regarding the rezoning of property on Burt Mill Road, the property does not have an address, from R1 to HC. Said hearing will be held at Tallassee City Hall in the Council Chambers, on Monday March 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

Parcel Numbers: 1901113001001.000 Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 23 and Mar. 2, 2022 HEARING

Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.

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Trucks, SUVs & Vans

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Services Cleaning Services

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Notices General Notices

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

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Four bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 3,362 SF contemporary farmhouse in Boligee, Alabama, 3 acres, high end finishes, fireplace, barn, large metal building, $475,000.

Call 205-499-6096.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Wall Street Water Authority is currently seeking to fill an office administration position. This person will work directly with the Office Manager.

The Office Administrators daily duties will consists of cashier functions, process monthly customer billing and receipts, computerized data entry, maintaining customer records, respond to customer inquiries, enter meter reading information, process and mail monthly customer billing, assist and resolve customer complaints with Office and General Manager, provide updates from the water system on our social media platform. Provide great overall customer service.

REQUIREMENTS / SKILLS Adequate secretarial skills, ability to perform computer data entry, work efficiently with others, perform well in a public setting, ability to provide great customer service, ability to make responsible decisions.

Must have a high school diploma / GED and a valid driver’s license.

This position reports to the Office Manager and General Manager.

All applicants must fill out an application at Wall Street Water Authority 5059 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, AL 36078.

334-283-5002

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NO ANNUAL CONTRACT Licensed Practical Nurses & Licensed Registered Nurses (LPNs & RNs)

Healthcare Connection Group INC We are seeking Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Registered Nurses (LPNs & RNs) to join our team! You will be responsible for delivering high quality care.

Contact Information: Office: (334) 756-0031 Fax: (877) 750-3376 Email: hccg.reachout@gmail.com

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

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59 Wellborn Way Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-3366 White Oak Transportation

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Get HBO Max™ included for first 3 months with CHOICE™ or ULTIMATE package.*

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Restrictions apply. See directv.com/20streams for details.

Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com HBO Max also includes HBO channels and On Demand on DIRECTV STREAM. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. Offer not available to DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers switching to DIRECTV STREAM. See back for details.

Contact Your Local DIRECTV Dealer IV Support Holdings

205.858.5158 DIRECTV STREAM requires high-speed Internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. †DIRECTV STREAM: Service subject to DIRECTV STREAM terms and conditions (see directv.com/legal/). Compatible device req’d. Residential U.S. customers only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). Your DIRECTV STREAM service renews monthly at the prevailing rate, charged to your payment method on file unless you cancel. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV STREAM through the remaining monthly period. New customers who cancel service in the first 14 days will receive a full refund. Otherwise, no refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Returning customers who disconnected service within previous 12 months are not eligible for a refund. DIRECTV STREAM: Device for well-qualified customers $5/mo. each for 24/mos. on 0% APR installment agreement; otherwise $120 each. Applicable taxes due at sale. Non-qualified customers must purchase devices up front. Purchased devices may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/legal/directv-stream-cancellation-policy/ for more details. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Pricing, channels, features, and terms are subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. See directv.com/stream for details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change.

Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit directv.com/hbomax. HBO MAX is used under license.

Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC. ©2021 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2, 2022

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

VISIONS TO REALITY

Artist brings visions to life through metal

By CLIFF WILIAMS Staff Writer It took a couple of interventions before Ray Bellew really got into metal sculpture.

The Tallassee resident knew the basics — after all he was a welder by trade.

“I was welding on the line all day every day, but I felt like I had another purpose,” Ray said.

“I couldn’t put my finger on it so I just started praying about it.”

A year later a visualization at work opened the door to creating works of art.

“It was like God showed me Jesus on the cross,” Ray said.

“With the pieces I worked with, it just came as a vision. I made it right then. After I made that, everything just took off. I started making all sorts of things.”

It was 2007, but Ray couldn’t construct his visions at work.

He hadn’t met his wife Libby yet, but Ray said she “tells my story better.”

“He didn’t want to get fired for making stuff at work,” Libby said. “He wanted to do things at home but he didn’t have supplies. He had a pastor who came to him and said take a ride with him. He took him to a welding supply store and bought him everything he needed — welder, the whole nine yards.”

Ray started making the visions

reality one weld at a time — at his own welding shop and not at work.

“He was putting them outside on the road where he lived,” Libby said. “It was a road not on the well beaten path. You would have had to have heard about him, lived close by or, by some chance, get off on that road.”

Ray sold a few pieces here and there.

“There were some people from Texas who stopped and bought an alligator,” Ray said.

“They strapped it on the hood of their car.”

Then life got in the way and Ray stopped making his visualizations come to life in metal as he got sidetracked a little. Libby said Ray temporarily stopped following the path God had shown him.

“He had been through a rough time, a divorce and was drinking a little,” Libby said. “It was typical of people going through a hard time.”

Ray and Libby met in 2017 and started attending Living Waters Worship Center between Tallassee and Kent.

“God started showing us a lot of things,” Libby said. “We both got on the right path.”

Ray and Libby married and Libby encouraged Ray to follow the visions of creating metal sculpture.

Vol. 31, No. 9

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE OBSERVER

LEFT: Ray Bellew poses with an angel he created. The piece of metal art is displayed in Restoration 49 in Tallassee. ABOVE: Metal horses created by Ray Bellew are on display in downtown Wetumpka, in front of Marcia Weber Art Objects.

“I had been wanting him to get his little welding shop pulled down to our house,” Libby said. “It was tucked away in another location. Once he went back and got back right with the Lord, the first piece he made was Jesus on the Cross. It’s in our yard.”

After Ray created the angel displayed at Restoration 49 in Tallassee, more life changes came.

“The want for alcohol was gone,” Ray said.

Ray started welding more and more in the small shop at the couple’s home. Then a drive opened more doors.

“We were out riding one Friday night and stopped by Red Hill Gallery,” Libby said. “They were having an art show. He had started taking a shovel and making a face out of it.”

Wetumpka artist Don Sawyer was setting up a show and wanted to see Ray’s work. Ray just happened to have an unfinished shovel in his truck.

“I would cut it and bend and try to make it look like a real face,” Ray said. “I had the face part built and the chin. It was like a rough draft.”

Sawyer purchased it and asked to see more. The Bellews showed Sawyer more of his work that night.

Sawyer introduced Ray to

Marcia Weber in downtown Wetumpka. Now Ray’s art adorns yards and living rooms across the country and can be seen in Tallassee and Wetumpka.

Ray has no formal art schooling or training and both Ray and Libby said his talent is God given.

“He can visualize something,” Libby said. “He will say I need to go to the shop and make something. He might get up early one morning and something is on his mind and he will go make it.”

Weber said Libby has called her concerned about how long Ray works sometimes.

“She said, ‘He has spent the last 14 hours in the shop,’” Weber said. “I told her to make sure he stays hydrated and has a few snacks. He visualizes things and wants to make sure to get his creations well underway before the vision leaves.”

Weber said it’s a trait of many of the folk artists she represents.

“They mostly have little formal art training,” Weber said.

“It’s a God given talent.”

While metal has mostly straight edges and when put together can look rigid.

“A lot of his stuff has life to it,” Libby said. “He has created a fisherman pulling back on the pole and it bends — looks like

it’s in motion.”

Ray said he finds the metal used in all sorts of places and sometimes the visions come in the hunt for material.

“I’ll go to a scrap yard and look for it, some people give me stuff,” Ray said. “Where my grandaddy used to live there are old tools and stuff like tractors with valve covers. Any kind of metal I see I pick up. A few friends have mechanic shops.

I’ll see something just laying there and it comes to me. It happens a lot.”

Ray now creates a lot at home, in between jobs with his lawn care business. The parts are starting to spread out a little at the Bellew home but Libby is OK with it.

“As long as he keeps it on the other side of the shop away from the house,” Libby said.

“God has showed us too many things and done so much. It’s a God given talent. I know there is more, this is not it. We just haven’t gotten there yet.”

But Libby is not caught up on the growing success of Ray’s art. Ray is hopeful his metal art will go to new heights, but he won’t let it get him down if it doesn’t.

“Everyone wants big things to happen,” Ray said. “I’ll let God handle it. I’m not going to try to drive myself crazy.”