03-16-22 Tallassee Tribune by Tallapoosa Publishers

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SPORTS, PAGE B1

ALL-COUNTY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM RELEASED

Wetumpka native reflects on evacuation from Ukraine

Over 500 new jobs coming to Wetumpka

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March 16, 2022

TallasseeTribune.com

VOL. 124, NO. 11

‘CRIME OF PASSION’ Accused Tallassee shooter all but admits to Friday murder

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Clifton Potts Jr. is called before Elmore County district court Judge Glenn Goggans for a first appearance hearing Tuesday.

Accusesd murderer Clifton Potts Jr. made his first appearance in court since the Friday shooting death of his wife Britney Potts. The Tuesday hearing before Elmore County district court Judge Glenn Goggans was to let Potts know his rights. No questions

were asked of Potts and Goggans cautioned Potts he did have to say anything about the incident as it could be used against him. But Goggans’ warning didn’t stop Potts. “I don’t deserve to get out,” Potts said. “I deserve to be in prison the rest of my life. I plea crime of passion.” Goggans stopped any further re-

Council approves policy to bag leaves

See LEAVES, Page A3

See MURDER, Page A3

CHAMBER

AWARDS

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Tallassee city employees will now be a little safer while picking up leaves. The Tallassee City Council approved a new ordinance at its Tuesday meeting requiring residents to bag leaves if they want the city’s brush truck to pick them up. Mayor John Hammock said employees were spending too much time picking up long rows of leaves. “They have to put out the stabilizers for the truck everytime the arm is used,” Hammock said. “Some residents have a long row of leaves and they have to move the truck multiple times. It becomes an issue because it puts them at risk for someone running into the back of the truck.” City attorney John Smith crafted the ordinance. “It’s an adaptation of the policy put in place during the [George] McCain administration,” Smith told the council. “This is an ordinance and makes it enforceable.” Smith said it was his opinion the city couldn’t reasonably enforce the previous policy and it needed to be an ordinance. Councilmembers said they had

sponse from Potts until Potts either hires an attorney or one is appointed for him. Prior to Potts’ utterance of wanting to return to prison, chief assistant district attorney C.J. Robinson told Goggans the circumstances of the case. “He twice shot the victim at

Cliff Williams / THE TRIBUNE

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards last week recognizing individuals and businesses for their support of the chamber and community. The chamber presented awards to James Bush, Chamber Lifetime Award; L.D. Bell, Frances Wagnon Volunteer of the Year; Dylan and Haley Daniel at Restoration 49, Business of the Year; Dr. Melvin Russell, Making a Difference; Ivy Creek Health, Making a Difference; and Amanda Glasscock, President’s Award. Chamber director Jerry Cunningham recognized outgoing board members and introduced the new board members.

Tallassee police promotes seven employees By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Tallassee police chief Todd Buce was able to honor the dedicated personnel in his department Monday with seven promotions. Buce said promotions are the main reason some chose to move on to larger law agencies. “One of the main concerns is the lack of upward mobility,” Buce said. “As a smaller department we are not often afforded the opportunity to

Sgt. Christopher Howard poses with chief Todd Buce and Mayor John Hammock as Howard is promoted to lieutenant

provide as much upward mobility as one would expect at an agency that is much larger than our own.” There may not be much change among the ranks of the Tallassee Police Department when it comes to titles, it doesn’t mean the officers of the department are bad. “We employ some of the finest officers in the state of Alabama,” Buce said. “Those officers should be recognized.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

See POLICE, Page A3

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The Tallassee Tribune

Obituaries MR. MERRELL MANUEL MEADE Mar. 7, 2022 – Sept. 8, 1947 Mr. Merrell Manuel Meade, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, at the age of 74. He was born September 8, 1947, in Montgomery, Alabama to Deairl Gwinn and Christine Meade. Mr. Meade is survived by his children, Brad Wright (Heather), Candace Whetstone (Brett), Michael Collier (April) and Cynthia Collier; grandchildren, Easton Wright, Tanner Wright, Christian Collier and Grace Collier; siblings, Libby McDowell (Bill), Connie Meade, David Meade, Dale Meade and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Deairl and Christine Meade. Mr. Meade was a member of Friendship Baptist Church for many years and loved his Lord and Savior. He loved to work with his hands such as in leather working, gardening and woodworking. The family will receive friends Thursday March 10, 2022, from 10:00am until service time at 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church with Pastor Ronnie

Knight officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Flowers may be sent to the church or in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 4345 Friendship Rd., Tallassee, Alabama, 36078. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama MR. JAMES MACK “JIM” WHITE, SR. Mar. 9, 2022 – Aug. 11, 1940 Mr. James Mack “Jim” White, Sr., a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born August 11, 1940, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to William Evert and Beatrice Marie White. Mr. White is survived by his son, James M. “Jim” White Jr. (Melissa); daughters, Leah Nicole Rackley (Travis), Kelly Brown (George), Debbie Wright (Richard); sons, Allen Messer (Pam), Paul Houlton (Jennifer); 24

grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister, Rosemary W. Bayne (Dale). He is preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Mrs. Jo White; parents, Bill and Bea White; brother, Donald White and grandson, Chris Messer. Mr. White retired from Uniroyal after 40 years of service. He loved to play golf and Auburn Football. He was a very active member of First Baptist Church, Tallassee, and he also was a member of Jack’s Crew. He was on the City of Tallassee Planning Commission for several years. The family will receive friends Monday, March 14, 2022, from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. from First Baptist Church, Tallassee with Rev. Barry Tice officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 1279 Friendship Road, Tallassee, Alabama, 36078. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Middle school receives grant from local retailer STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Southside Middle School was one of 23 schools across the United States to be awarded a $1,000 grant from TCC, a Verizon Authorized Retailer. TCC awarded the school a $1,000 gift card to Amazon as a part of the company’s ninth annual Teachers Rock Supply Giveaway. In this year’s Teachers Rock Supply Giveaway, participating TCC stores delivered teacher appreciation boxes to 520 schools nationwide to benefit and support their educators. As a part of the giveaway’s impact, TCC

then selected 23 of those schools to receive $1,000 each to further support their biggest needs, which included Southside Middle School. “All of us have been impacted by a teacher in one way or another, and we wanted to show our gratitude to the educators at these schools who invest an immense amount of time, energy and even money, to help their students succeed,” TCC parent company Round Room CEO Scott Moorehead said. “We look forward to seeing how each of these schools utilize the funding in order to provide optimal educational experiences for their students.”

The Teachers Rock Supply Giveaway is also the first event of TCC’s 10 Days of Giving, a company-wide celebration leading up to the company’s 10th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway, which has donated more than 1.2 million backpacks full of school supplies to students since 2013. As a company, TCC will perform 10 acts of giving for its customers, employees and other members of the communities it operates in nationwide. Round Room, LLC operates 1,241 TCC and Wireless Zone stores across 43 states. Its portfolio of companies shares a deep commitment to

improving the communities they serve nationwide. TCC is a Culture of Good, Inc. company and makes ongoing investments in the local communities where it operates. In 2021, TCC stores nationwide purchased holiday gifts for 25 veteran families for Veterans Day, donated more than 140,000 backpacks full of school supplies to students, donated $50,000 to children’s in-person summer camps and provided teacher kits to more than 500 schools nationwide. The company’s nonprofit organization, TCC Gives, recently surpassed $3.3 million in donations to local nonprofits across the country.

Pet of the Week Smudge was found as a stray and brought to us. He is one-year old Ameican Pit Bull Terrier mix, about 40 lbs, very striking with his vivid blue eyes. Good with other dogs, loves toys and treats, just wants to be a big 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 Smudge or any of our pets, our first step is our Adoption Application you can do here: https://elmorehumane. org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . Once approved, 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 334567-3377 and our website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

Humane Society of Elmore County News – 14 Mar ‘21 By REA CORD Executive Director This Saturday, 19 March, come out and join the fun at The Rex, 3630 Edgewood Rd in Millbrook, AL starting at 3 pm. We will have some of our adoptable pups there to also enjoy some great music, food truck, great drinks, children’s game and more. One of the most frustrating things in the Shelter world is all the animals that come to us that no one ever reclaims. About 15% of dogs are reclaimed by owners and only about 1% of cats sadly. We are constantly screening the lost (and found) reports that have been called in to see if we might have a match as nothing makes us happier than reuniting a lost pet with its very relieved owner. We are also looking at all the lost and found pages on Facebook daily with the two best for our area being, “Lost & Found PETS in Elmore County Alabama” and “Elmore County Alabama Lost & Found Pets.” We highly recommend that you post a lost pet to at least one of these pages as they will get the widest circulation by people who will share them. Many owners’ post their pet

to neighborhood pages and while that is good, those pages/groups tend to be private meaning a wider audience cannot see the posts and the post also cannot be shared. We also highly recommend you post your lost pet to our own page in case a finder is trying to verify ownership. Probably 90+% of pets coming into our Shelter have no collars and of those with collars only a small fraction have rabies or identification tags. When we get an animal in with a rabies or ID tag the very first thing we do is call the veterinarian so they can help us get pet and owner reunited. And it does work – in most cases an animal with a tag can be reunited with its owner the same day. For those who say their pet loses their tags we highly recommend two other methods of identification – microchip and writing your phone number on your pet’s collar. We scan every animal coming into our shelter for a microchip. Microchips are placed by your veterinarian under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet via a simple injection. If a pet has a microchip our scanners will pick it up, we then contact the chip maker who

can then put us in touch with that pet’s owner – it works! Please contact your vet to ask about getting your pet micro chipped – it is simple and only takes a few minutes. For those who find pets, the same applies – call us with the pet’s description as we have reunited many a lost and found pet without it ever coming into our Shelter. BUT – one very important thing is to take the found pet to the closest Vet or Shelter to be scanned for a microchip. All three Shelters in the River Region microchip our adopted pets so a quick scan can reunite a pet in no time. And, very important, a found pet is not the finder’s to just keep or give away as, under law, any finder must do due diligence to find the proper owner. In all honesty this is why it can be best to bring a found pet to your supporting Shelter as we do this day in and day out and make sure to validate ownership before a pet is released. And sadly, some people can be, how shall we say – less than gracious about someone ‘finding’ their pet, so let us deal with those situations at the Shelter where we keep the identity of finders, owners and adopters confidential.

The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • Page A3

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Officer India Tuck poses with chief Todd Buce and Mayor John Hammock as Tuck is promoted to corporal.

POLICE

Continued from A1

This week Buce honored the seven who were promoted at the Tallassee City Council meeting. Det. Jonathan Rawls was promoted to lieutenant over the criminal investigations division. Sgt. Christopher Howard was promoted to lieutenant over the patrol division. Sgt. Brian Clayton was promoted to Lieutenant over school resource officers. Cpl. Taylor Smith was promoted to sergeant. Officer India Tuck was promoted to corporal. Dispatcher Heather Jones was promoted to dispatch supervisor. Dispatcher Cynthia Grover was promoted to training dispatcher. “I want to congratulate the seven employees for their service and dedication to the City of Tallassee and its citizens,” Buce said. “It is my hope these seven employees will serve as an example to all current and potential personnel that you will be rewarded for all your hard work, diligence and dedication to this profession.”

LEAVES

Continued from A1

Councilmembers said they had been guilty of creating rows of leaves near the curb but did not realize it was an issue. The leaves also created issues when they entered storm drains forcing city employees to use water jets to remove them to allow storm water to flow. The ordinance requires leaves to be bagged but limbs can still be left in piles. “This goes along with us trying to beautify the city,” councilmember Terrel Brown said. Hammock also said there was an issue with some residents leaving construction material at the roadside. Hammock said the roofing materials removed from homes and buildings should be disposed of by the contractor. “The limb truck does not pick up shingles or tires,” Hammock said. CITY TO GET EMERGENCY GENERATOR The city has been working on a way to power its 14 sewage lift and pump stations when one might lose power. Hammock said a previous storm created issues at one life station when Alabama Power couldn’t use a bucket truck due to high winds. It was determined the city could use a portable generator.

“We applied for a grant,” Hammock said. “We are in the final stages, just waiting on FEMA approval.” The council approved matching funds totaling approximately $14,000 of the $59,900 project cost. It will likely be next fiscal year before the generator arrives. NEW FULL-TIME CITY POSITION The council approved changing the administrative assistant in the building department to full-time status. Hammock said the current administrative assistant in the building department had put in notice she was leaving. Hammock said there was enough work between business licenses and keeping up with reports of the code enforcement officer and building inspector for the position to be full-time. The position had been full-time in the past. Hammock also sought advice on what to do with the building inspector’s position. It has been open since October and advertised since November. “We have only received two or three applications,” Hammock said. “I would like to keep it open until we get more applicants.” Councilmembers said they were fine with Hammock starting interviews. “I will wait another two weeks,” Hammock said. “Hopefully we have more applicants.”

NEW POLICE POSITION DISCUSSION Tallassee police chief Todd Buce asked councilmembers about adding a police officer to the department. Councilmember Bill Hall said it likely wasn’t possible this fiscal year especially after all the promotions. “We looked at the budget,” Hall said. “Looking at numbers after promotions it’s going to about tap out [your budget].” Buce also inquired about adding a K9 unit to the department. Buce said it looked like it cost the city about $8,000 per year to cover the extra training, food and veterinary bills. In other action the Tallassee City Council: • Approved minutes of the Feb. 22 meeting. • Allowed a resident building a home to move a travel trailer on the lot for up to six months. • Tabled a decision to surplus an old, inoperable brush truck until its ownership can be determined. • Was reminded of the 12:15 p.m. Saturday Tallassee Softball opening day. • Was reminded of the April 9 Keep Tallassee Beautiful cleanup. Councilmember Bill Godwin was absent from the meeting. The next scheduled meeting of the Tallassee City Council is at 5 p.m. March 22.

CHAMBER

AWARDS CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

MURDER

Continued from A1

point blank range,” Robinson said. “One was to the face and [the round] exited entering other parts of her body and the other was a kill shot to the head.” Robinson said another shot struck the building at Tallassee’s Hanil manufacturing plant Friday and that no shots from Potts’ .40 caliber handgun were fired inside the building. Robinson said it is not a question of who killed Britney Potts. “It’s on video,” Robinson said. Robinson said Potts was driving his wife’s car when he fled to Phenix City.

Robinson said he couldn’t comment on possible motive but said it would come to light during the proceedings of the case. Robinson also said an upgraded charge of capital murder is possible, but not until all the evidence had been taking into account. Robinson said in the last 25 years there have been few opportunities when Potts was out of jail and every time he was quickly in trouble. Robinson told Goggans that Potts has an extensive criminal record with 19 arrests that he could find in Elmore, Jefferson, Macon and Tallapoosa counties. Potts has five prior felony convictions — 1998 second-degree assault in Elmore County; 2001 domestic violence and intimidation of a

witness in Elmore County where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison; 2011 and 2018 distributions of narcotics in Tallapoosa County. Potts was just released from Holman Prison in Atmore Thursday. Robinson addressed concerns of bond for Potts. “There is no hope of returning to the free world upon conviction,” Robinson said. Due to his five prior convictions, if Potts is convicted of murder the only option for sentencing is life in prison without the chance of parole. Goggans set a $2 million cash bond and if the charge is upgraded to capital murder Goggans said there would be no bond.

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The Tallassee Tribune

The Parable of the “Phanty Cat”

used to listen to preachers on the radio and television. Pat Robertson, Jim Bakker, Rex Humbard, Jack Van Impe, Ernest Angley, Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Schuller, Oral Roberts – you name ‘em, I watched ‘em. There were some locals, like Coy Barker (of First Assembly of God) and Marcus & Joni Lamb (founders of WMCF-TV 45) who could be seen, live and in person, with real TV studios in Montgomery. Barker went on to form a megachurch in Oklahoma, and the Lambs began the DayStar Network. Lamb passed away from Covid19 earlier this year. Further north, you could actually visit Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, where Mother Angelica operated Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). EWTN’s programming was produced in the Birmingham suburb of Irondale, and Mother Angelica welcomed live audiences for her entertaining talk show. I was recently reminded of this radio preacher I used to listen to. He sounded like he had just fallen off the turnip truck on the way to the radio station. His scratchy, country delivery was unique; his pronunciations were often so wrong I could barely understand the point he was making. He once spent an entire episode talking about a parable I’d never heard. In it, a father threw a big party that included a Phanty Cat.

Upon returning home from Troy, where I had been talking MICHAEL with this former student about the prodigal story, I turned on BIRD the TV and saw that Jim Bakker Columnist is back in the TV-preacher business. Jim Bakker, the guy who The Phanty Cat sounded lost everything? He was the mysterious, like a job for first host of the 700 Club with Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the Pat Robertson, then went on to Mystery Machine gang. I start the Trinity Broadcasting envisioned a ghostly feline, Network with Paul and Jan coming back home for this big Crouch before beginning his shebang that was being thrown. PTL empire. But just where in the Bible was Jim Bakker may have this Phanty Cat? been the most famous of This past weekend, a former all the televangelists. But, student was talking about how unfortunately, for all the wrong long it had been since she’d reasons. It was revealed that been home to visit her parents. he and his ex-wife Tammy “I am the Prodigal daughter,” Faye were living large on the she said of herself. donations made by faithful The Prodigal. The word PTL Club viewers – and some means “wastefully extravagant.” money had been spent on Such a fascinating story: keeping his mistress quiet for a father has two sons. The several years. younger son asks for his Ah, the prodigal again. inheritance and then squanders I was reminded that the it all, living the high life while Phanty Cat was really the seeing he world. He returns Fatted Calf. home, expecting to have to beg And I was also reminded for a job on his father’s farm. that, no matter how bad we can Instead, the father orders up a be sometimes, we can always feast for his long-lost son. The come home. It looks like Jim older son, who had stayed loyal, Bakker did his time. He’s a refuses to participate. But the lot older now. Even though he father reminds him why they was railing against government are celebrating: the younger son mask mandates, he was still was once lost, but now is found. Jim Bakker. But he was also The father instructs the oldest preaching about forgiveness, son to get the fatted calf. This and loving everyone like Jesus would have been a big deal did even if they look or act or back in the day. believe differently than you. Where do these stories That’s something even the intersect, exactly? Phanty Cat could believe in.

Tallassee

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n Athens, young adults spent two years in public service. Many over 30 formed a huge city council to make laws for the population. In Rome, citizens had extensive and regular civic duties. Elected officials served only one-year terms, so many would have the opportunity of being leaders. In Israel, land owning parents administered the law among all relatives, boarders, and workers on their land. Parents

taught law and literacy to their children. In England, families contributed labor to the castle guard, just as in America men rotated duty as night watchmen. Both democracies had extensive militia and jury duty requirements. Today, Americans shirk even jury duty and can’t be bothered to vote in local elections. We have withdrawn from charitable causes, and civic, electoral, and church participation. We

are too busy with social media, video gaming, Netflix binging, on-line shopping, porno, and the new sports gambling craze to be of service to our country and our fellow human beings. The shame falls squarely on business, political, and even church leaders, who regularly invite us to lead highly privatized lives dedicated to their products, services and causes. Can’t we do better? KIMBALL SHINKOSKEY

Talks The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

March 16, 2022 • Page A5

Incumbency reigns supreme in state senate B eing an incumbent state senator in Alabama is like owning that seat. The level of reelectability odds is probably better than that of an incumbent congressman, which is about the same as being elected to a seat in the Russian Communist Politburo. Being a freshman state senator in Alabama is a more powerful position than being a freshman U.S. congressman. Especially if you want to affect public policy. Many times, a 50-year old, successful person, who is interested in seeking a representative role will approach me and seek my advice about running for either a state senate seat or an open congressional seat. I will quickly advise them that as a state senator you are one of 35 and you immediately have an impact your first year as a state senator. However, if you win a congressional seat, you are one of 435 and because of the seniority system it will be 15 years before they know your name in Washington and 25 years before you are chairman of a committee and then it is time to retire. In the 35-member Alabama Senate, there are 27 Republicans and 8 Democrats – a pretty super majority for the GOP. Twenty-four of the twenty-seven senate Republicans are running for reelection. Republicans Jimmy Holley,

STEVE FLOWERS

Columnist Del Marsh and Jim McClendon are retiring. These seats will be filled by another Republican. Therefore, when the senate organizes next January the 27 to 8 super majority will remain the same. The lines are drawn to protect incumbents on both sides of the aisle. The Constitution provides the power of the pencil for legislators to draw their own legislative districts. Seventeen of the 24 Republican incumbents have no opposition in the Republican Primary. Of the seven Republican senators who drew a Republican opponent, they only got an opponent the last day of qualifying and their opposition is token at best. All 24 Republican incumbents will be reelected. If my prognostication is correct, that is a 100 percent re-electability rate. There are only two GOP incumbents that were first thought to have viable opponents. Tom Whatley at first blush was rumored to have a race. However, polling and fundraising reveals he will win easily. The only interest-

Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame By BETH CHAPMAN

arch is National Women’s Month, so it is fitting that the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame (AWHOF) held its annual induction ceremony this month. Housed at the University of West Alabama, each year the hall “selects up to two women for induction who have made significant contributions on a state, national, or international level . . .” Only those deceased two years or more are considered. Members of the AWHOF come from every avenue of life. They include such notable names as Rosa Parks, Tallulah Bankhead, Kathryn Tucker Windham and Harper Lee. This year’s inductees are Vestal Goodman and Allison Wetherbee. Goodman was from Fyffe and known as the Queen of Gospel Music. She was the lead singer for the Happy Goodman Family who won multiple Grammy Awards, Dove Awards and had 15 No.1songs. Both Goodman and the group are members of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. Southern gospel music great, Bill Gaither said Goodman had the “most dynamic and greatest voice in the history of gospel music.” He proclaimed her a “national treasure.” Goodman was also one of the first female preachers to travel the state and nation preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Allison Wetherbee was born in Selma and raised in Camden. She was born with quadrilateral tetra-amelia, a syndrome characterized by the absence of both arms and legs. But that never stopped Wetherbee. She received a B.S. degree at Auburn University in Montgomery and earned a Master’s degree in mental health counseling. She was a tireless advocate for multiple noble causes including March of Dimes, Easterseals and Camp ASCCA where she visited as a camper as a child and later became an employee as an adult. Wetherbee shared her inspirational story on the camp’s behalf across Alabama in 67 counties. Wetherbee’s autobiography “I Was Born This Way” was recognized by Anytime Fitness as a national member success story. These two women, though totally different, represent the work ethic and spirit of the Alabama woman. Their names are now enshrined in the hall of honor, but their works continue to live and change lives everyday even though they are no longer with us. Thank you to the AWHOF for choosing to induct them this year.

ing race may be in the Huntsville area where incumbent Tom Butler is being challenged by Bill Holtzclaw, who previously served in that senate seat. The rule of incumbency also prevails on the Democratic side of the aisle. There is only one Democratic seat open. Priscilla Dunn holds the post in name only. She has never attended a senate day in Montgomery for this entire quadrennium. The Senate has in essence been operating with 34 senators. In actuality, the Democrats have only seven senate seats. There are 150,000 residents of Jefferson County who have had no voice or vote in the Alabama Senate for four years. There are two Democratic House members vying to fill this seat, Merrika Coleman and Louise Alexander. Ms. Coleman is favored to win this open senate seat. The cadre of leadership on the Democratic side will return, including powers Bobby Singleton, Rodger Smitherman, and Vivian Figures. Hank Sanders will return to represent Selma and the Black Belt after a fouryear sabbatical. His daughter was in the seat this last quadrennium. The entire leadership of the Republican led senate will return unopposed, including Greg Reed, Jabo Waggoner, Clay Scofield, Arthur Orr, Greg Albritton, Steve Livingston, Gerald

Allen, and especially Clyde Chambliss. They will be joined by a superstar freshman class, who will become even more powerful. This class of leaders includes Will Barfoot, Garlan Gudger, April Weaver, Sam Givhan, Donnie Chesteen and a trio contingency of Baldwin/Mobile senators Chris Elliott, Jack Williams, and David Sessions. Another member of this sterling class, Dan Roberts of Jefferson, has an opponent but will be reelected. The three open Republican seats and one Democratic open seat will give us some interesting senate races to follow. One of, if not the most important ingredients which creates the power of incumbency, is the almighty campaign dollar. Money is the mother’s milk of politics. Most of this campaign money comes from Special Interest Political Action Committees. Ninety percent of those special interest dollars goes to incumbents. Thus, over 90 percent of Alabama state senators are reelected. 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.

Page A6 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

‘We are excited’

The Tallassee Tribune

Over 500 new jobs coming to Wetumpka

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Portions of a Wetumpka building vacant since 2013 will see life again. Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday Los Angeles-based BELLA+CANVAS will invest $11.9 million to establish an operation in a building once operated by Russell Corp. “The decision by BELLA+CANVAS to locate its high-tech cutting facility in Wetumpka is welcome news for Elmore County and for Alabama,” Ivey said in a statement. “Not only will the company’s growth project spark the creation of a significant number of jobs, but it also underscores how Alabama is ready and eager to play a role in America’s manufacturing renaissance.” Elmore County Economic Development Authority director Cary Cox said BELLA+CANVAS, a fast-growing apparel manufacturer with a “Made in the U.S.A” focus. “It’s always exciting when a company chooses to put down roots here,” Cox said. “They had opportunities to go elsewhere. It’s satisfying when so many entities in Elmore County came together to put this together.” BELLA+CANVAS president Chris Blakeslee said in a statement the company produces clothing for the retail and wholesale markets, while also offering clothing design and manufacturing services. The company is known for its domestic manufacturing

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE HERALD

The old Russell Corp. plant on Highway 14 is coming to life again as Los Angeles-based BELLA+CANVAS announced it will invest $11.9 million to bring 557 jobs to Wetumpka.

mission, the development of innovative new fabrics, and its sustainability practices. “We are thrilled to be part of the community and look forward to creating jobs and opportunities for many in Alabama,” Blakeslee said. “After a comprehensive search, we ultimately concluded that our new location in Wetumpka was not only optimal to enhance our manufacturing footprint and technologically advanced operations levels, but also ideal in terms of support from the local government and access to great new team members.” Elmore County is home to many former textile industry employees. Frontier

Spinning Mills opened in Wetumpka in 2001. The plant closed in 2019 and 148 employees lost jobs as the company consolidated operations to Carolina. Frontier had just two years earlier invested more than $6 million to expand its operations in Elmore County. Cox said the workforce in Elmore County is one reason why BELLA+CANVAS chose to locate an operation in Elmore County adding to its more than 1,000 people at a Los Angeles cutting facility it calls North America’s most advanced, thanks to proprietary software and cutting tables that enable the cutting of about three million gar-

ments per week. The Wetumpka facility is expected to be modeled after this operation. “We have a lot of textile experience in Elmore County,” Cox said. “There will be no spinning here. This is not a traditional textile operation. They will be doing high technology cutting.” Cox said the company is already hiring and will be in operation mid to late summer. The 557 jobs being created at the new Alabama facility include spreaders, general cutting laborers, forklift operators, shipping and receiving clerks, and administrative staff. Average annual wages for the new positions are $46,000. “Alabama’s manufacturing sector provides an ideal home for technologically

advanced operations like the one planned by BELLA+CANVAS in Wetumpka,” secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce Greg Canfield said in a statement. “This is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to be highly efficient with precise processes, and I know our capable workforce will help make it successful.” AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, will assist BELLA+CANVAS with pre-employment and job training services. Thanks to significant job creation, BELLA+CANVAS’ project is expected to have a massive economic impact in the Wetumpka area of central Alabama. “We are excited to welcome BELLA+CANVAS to Elmore County,” El-

more County Commission chairman Troy Stubbs said. “In addition to the boost our local economy will receive from the infusion of jobs, we are proud to be part of the efforts of Phoenix Investors and BELLA+CANVAS to reshore manufacturing jobs to the United States.” BELLA+CANVAS will use a portion of an 890,000-square-foot building just west of Wetumpka on Highway 14. BELLA+CANVAS is leasing the building from Wisconsin-based Phoenix Investors, a national private real estate firm. Phoenix announced that an affiliate had acquired the former Russell Brands building in 2020. BELLA+CANVAS will occupy about one-third of the building.

The Tallassee Tribune

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Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • Page A7

Bills banning transgender puberty-blockers advances to House By JACOB HOLMES Special to The Herald

Wetumpka native Isaac Stubbs evacuated Ukraine about a month before Russia invaded the country on Feb. 24.

‘HOPE DIES LAST’

Wetumpka native reflects on mission, evacuation from Ukraine By JACOB HOLMES Special to The Herald Wetumpka native Isaac Stubbs evacuated Ukraine about a month before Russia invaded the country on Feb. 24. “Saying goodbye to my friends in those circumstances was heartbreaking,” Stubbs said. Stubbs had been serving in Ukraine on his two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Troy Stubbs, chairman of the Elmore County Commission and candidate to represent District 31 in the Alabama House of Representatives. The elder Stubbs took his two-year mission to Russia from 1998-2000. The tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been simmering for more than a decade, with the Russo-Ukrainian War beginning in earnest in 2014 with the Russian annexation of Crimea. Despite the ongoing conflict, Isaac said the Ukrainian people did not initially show concern that Russia would take the step of invasion. “In general, the Ukrainian people were very relaxed themselves regarding their relationship with Russia,” Isaac said. “Because of the constant threats, border issues, and past conflicts, I think that they became somewhat numb to the ill treatment they received.” Isaac spent the majority of his time in the Eastern city of Kharkiv, which has dominated the news over the past two weeks as a flashpoint of conflict due to its position so near the Russian border. “I saw occasional gatherings/parades celebrating Ukrainian independence and had isolated incidents with both radical Pro-Russian and Pro-Ukranian citizens,” Isaac said. “The divide was often only a matter of age. As the Russian troops gathered around the border, my service changed and I was relocated to Kiev, further away from a potential border conflict. Like I stated previously, the people were generally nonchalant about the threats, but in late December and January it was a common conversation on the street to mention the potential conflict. “It was also generally unexpected – we heard from most native Ukrainians that ‘this happened every year’ or that ‘they wouldn’t reasonably cross the border.’”

Isaac and the others were evacuated to Kyiv on Christmas Eve to be further from the Russian border, but the Ukranian capitol soon became another prime target as Russia began collaborating with Belarus to position troops there. “He moved from one place close to Russia to another close to Belarus,” Troy Stubbs said. Russia and Belarus are obviously working together— now we know— so mid-January there began to be a buildup of Russian military on the Belarus border with Ukraine which escalated things.” Stubbs said Isaac and 60 other missionaries had to ensure all their documentation was together and had to get negative Covid tests to leave the country. Finally, Isaac made it home to the U.S. to carry on his mission in Chicago. Even though his mission work in Ukraine is done for now, Isaac said he remains in contact with some of his friends he made in the country. “Most of the young men are either engaged in fighting or on the way to do so,” Isaac said. “Many of my friends are strong, and, all things considered, optimistic. Many are also scared. I am connected with a few Russian citizens as well, or others who have many connections with Russia, so my current communication pool has a variety of political opinions. Ultimately, the resounding sentiment is to end violent aggression in favor of more diplomatic pursuits.” So far, the war has waged on for nearly two weeks despite sanctions from the majority of the international community against Russia for the unprovoked invasion. So far, all attempts at peace talks have fallen through. Because Kharkiv is so close to Russia, Russian is spoken conversationally and both Russian and Ukrainian are spoken natively. So Isaac learned Russian, although he said people were “occasionally surprised … because it seemed unpatriotic.” Isaac called back to a Russian phrase though in regards to the Ukrainian people: “Надежда умирает последней” or “hope dies last.” “It is true and evident from the Ukrainian people that their hope is the fire which fuels their defense, and it is that very hope that they will cling on to in the difficult, coming days,” Isaac said.

A bill that would criminalize the prescription and administration of puberty-blocking medications and sex-change surgeries to Alabama minors passed a House committee on Wednesday. The House Judiciary Committee gave HB266, sponsored for the third consecutive year by Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, a favorable report after about an hour of debate between committee members. Rep. Allen Farley, R-McCalla, called the bill “the toughest bill (the House Judiciary Committee) has ever had in my 12 years.” “I locked my office for three hours today, I didn’t go to lunch, because I wanted to go through the many letters I have gotten from both sides,” Farley said. “It broke my heart on both sides. We’ve got not one, but several medical doctors telling me on one side why this must be stopped, and medical doctors on the other side why this must not be stopped. I have mommas and daddies talking about how this bill must be passed. Others are telling me the horrors they’ve gone through as to why this should go forward.” Farley ultimately voted in favor of the bill. Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, told the committee the bill is clearly political. “Once upon a time, I was a political animal— but I have just about lost my appetite for it, that’s why I’m leaving the Legislature,” Ball said. “The legislative findings (in this bill) almost immediately tells me it is making a statement … There is a political agenda movement from the left to empower various … sexual diversity — whatever the correct terminology is. I’m not good at political correctness cause I’m an old fogey. “I joined the Republican Par-

ty many years ago. I believe in bottom-up governance and that means the most basic governmental unit is the family. The higher up you make decisions, the less responsive it is to the people it affects. What happens though is you get this gay rights political movement that has grown. It creates an equal and opposite reaction, the right wing has had a reaction, I understand why, they don’t understand it any better than I do. We don’t understand something, so we react against it. … What happens a lot of times is innocent victims get caught in the middle. Quite frankly, I’m not sure that this legislation gets us where we need to be legally … I don’t think this bill is going to have the desired effect. I wish there was an answer to help this problem.” Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, criticized the bill on several fronts, and introduced an amendment to remove legislative findings. England has signaled his disagreement with including legislative findings in any bills. Legislative findings in the bill include that “some in the medical community are aggressively pushing for interventions on minors that medically alter the child’s hormonal balance and remove healthy external and internal sex organs …” “We really shouldn’t be putting these sorts of declarations in legislation,” England said. “Some of these are really just political statements. There’s nothing substantive in the findings. As Rep. Ball pointed out, it’s just political statement. You can make those on your own time, I don’t want to have a part of it.” The amendment was denied by voice vote. England pressed Allen on whether prescribing the medications equates to child abuse. “In my opinion, administering these powerful medications

to minors whose minds are not made up, it is not good for these children,” Allen said. “Yeah, I’d consider it child abuse.” England then asked whether Allen would consider the parents seeking this treatment for their children would also be guilty of child abuse. “It’s not lost on me how parents are making tough decisions,” Allen said. “For this situation, it is not good to give these medications to these children. I consider it abuse … Would it be child abuse if I gave my child alcohol or any number of drugs?” “How big does government have to be to substitute the parent’s judgment for our own?” England asked. He then listed other examples where the Legislature could try to step on parents’ judgment including somebody who doesn’t want their children to be vaccinated or hav a life-saving surgery. England also challenged how the law would be applied practically, saying it could lead to teachers, parents or the children themselves having to testify against doctors who are providing treatment. Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, challenged the notion and said that a district attorney could subpoena a pharmacist for the proof that the doctor prescribed the medication to a minor. An equal mix of citizens spoke out in favor and against the bill last week, including medical professionals that disagreed on the correct treatment for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. Parents of two separate transgender teens made pleas before the committee not to pass the bill, while a woman who formerly spent a year as a transgender man shared her experiences and asked the committee to approve the bill. About 20 people held signs and waved transgender flags outside the statehouse Wednesday in opposition to the bill.

Religion

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Page A8 • Wednesday, March.16, 2022 www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

The Far Country

grandson was with me a few years ago when he picked up something and puzzled over it. “Papa, what’s this?” he asked. He held a roadmap. At the time I’m sure I had at least three in the car from ours and neighboring states. A colleague once taught me to stop at rest areas in new states and get fresh roadmaps to keep in the car. This experience gave opportunity to launch into a grandfather story. “Brooks,” I said, “a long, long time ago in a far distant land, ancient peoples used these documents to chart their travels across the planet, until God in his goodness gave us the

Garmin!” I didn’t tell him how distracted we were in the day when we unfolded the roadmap on our laps and attempted to read it while driving. This was “unsafe at any speed” before texting and driving. But the trusty roadmap was a useful tool for many years. I only remember one “epic fail” when either it or I messed up in West Virginia. We drove all night attempting to find the interstate instead of the dark and desolate “country roads” we were on—the ones John Denver sang about so appealingly. One of Jesus’ most well-known stories is what we call that of the prodi-

MICHAEL J. BROOKS Columnist gal son. “Prodigal” isn’t a word we use much these days, though I remember my mother often declared “the prodigal is home” when as an adult I came home to visit, though she said it with a laugh. The younger son in the story decided he wanted out of the father’s house. He wanted to find new adventures to celebrate and to spend his money on pleasure. In effect, he told the father he couldn’t wait for death to claim his inheritance; he wanted it then. We have no record the wise father argued with

him. He simply divided his estate. Then the boy went to the far country. I’ve often wondered where this was. If we searched on a roadmap, or typed “far country” on our GPS or cellphone, where would it take us? I rather doubt we’d find it on the other side of the globe. The far country might be down the street. The elder brother has been called “the prodigal who stayed home” since he didn’t leave but either did he have the father’s love in his heart. Thus, the far country isn’t so much a place as an attitude. If we reject the father’s plan we’re in the far country no matter the ZIP code. Home is where the father is. Home is where we find fulfillment in serving him. Home is such a better place than the far country.

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 Gos-

pel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday 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 in-

Tallassee Churches

BAPTIST 4345 Friendship Road Bethlehem East Liberty Baptist Church 7561 Upper River Road 574 Liberty Road Calvary Baptist Church Mount Zion Baptist Church 293 N Wesson Street 64 Log Circle Word of Life Providence Primitive Baptist 501 Sims Avenue Church Carrville Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road 2436 Notasulga Road Refuge Baptist Church East Tallassee Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road 314 Central Boulevard River Road Elam Baptist Church 239 Lower Tuskegee Road 4686 Notasulga Road Riverside Heights Hispanic Mission First Baptist Church 495 Little Road 1279 Friendship Road Rock Springs Flatrock Missionary Baptist Church 375 Rigsby Road 1024 Flat Rock Road Rock Springs Baptist Church Friendship 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

formation about our 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.

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

Surrounding Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5674413 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 ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231, Wetumpka 5679143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center

11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 5675754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church 2520 Lynwood Dr., Millbrook 285-5213 Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist

3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 2856792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 5674729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 5412556 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 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore

Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 5674178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist 304 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 2855125 Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 5672486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka

Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5678750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Titus 514-7304 Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 5674441

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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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

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Sports

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • Page B1

Five Wetumpka football players sign with college programs By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Tallassee at Pike Road

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Prattville at Stanhope Elmore THURSDAY, MARCH 17

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

The Wetumpka football program sent five seniors to play at the collegiate level on Thursday morning. Wetumpka’s Avery Thomas (Belhaven University), Imarius Roberts (Birmingham Southern University), Alex Londell (Huntingdon College), Lamarius Jackson (Lane College) and P.J. Merkerson (Chilton Prep Academy) all signed their National Letters of Intent with their respective colleges. The five signees join a long list See SIGN, Page B3

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR

4Sylacauga at Tallassee 4Holtville at Stanhope Elmore 4Wetumpka at Central Clay County 4Elmore County at Lee

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

DALTON MIDDLETON |THE TRIBUNE

From L-R: Wetumpka’s Avery Thomas, Alex Londell, Imarius Roberts, Tim Perry, P.J. Merkerson, Lamarius Jackson.

4Tallassee at Beauregard 4Wetumpka at Elmore County 4Montgomery Catholic at Stanhope Elmore 4Holtville at Thorsby 4Edgewood Academy at Glenwood

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Holtville at Elmore County 4Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell 4Lee at Tallassee

ELMORE COUNTY

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Tallassee at Shelby County 4Chelsea at Wetumpka 4Edgewood Academy at Evangel 4Elmore County at Trinity

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Edgewood Academy at Macon East Tournament 4Wetumpka at Calera SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Stanhope Elmore’s Jacey Haynes overcomes injury for stellar senior season

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Stanhope Elmore senior Jacey Haynes has dealt with numerous injuries during her career, but the star center wasn’t going to let an injury end her Mustangs career. Haynes suffered a partial tear in her rotator cuff during the summer, the second injury in the same spot, after not resting long enough after the first time tearing it. She spent much of the first half of the 2021-2022 season not at full strength while she re-

covered from the injury, but she was near unstoppable once she got back to full strength around Christmas. Haynes finished her senior season averaging 16.5 points per game, 15.7 rebounds per game and a whopping 8.3 blocks per game as she helped the Lady Mustangs reach 21 wins on the year. She was a walking double-double and even recorded four triple-doubles on the year with points, rebounds and blocks. For her dominant play, Haynes has been named the 2022 All-Elmore County Play-

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

CALEB TURRENTINE / TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS

Stanhope Elmore’s Jacey Haynes (34) has been named the 2022 Elmore County Player of the Year.

er of the Year. “Honestly, this year I felt like I started to find my groove back. It took me a minute because of that injury, but I felt like I started to find myself around midseason. That was when I got my chemistry back and when I started to do my best.” The Stanhope Elmore offense ran through Haynes, and for ob-

vious reasons. The 6-foot-3 center was taller than nearly every single player on opposing teams, and her height was complemented by 6-foot-2 junior forward Summer Hicks. The two were a dominant force inside, but it all began with Haynes. The Lady MusSee PLAYER, Page B3

COACH OF

YEAR

THE

Edgewood Academy’s Jason Fisher leads team to program’s first state championship By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

JAKE ARTHUR / THE TIRUBNE

Edgewood Academy coach Jason Fisher has been named the All-Elmore County Coach of the Year.

Entering the 2021-2022 school year, every single sport at Edgewood Academy had won a state championship except for the girls basketball program. Head coach Jason Fisher wanted to change that, and he knew entering the season that his team would have a chance to be special. He didn’t realize just how special, however, until midway through the season when his Lady Wildcats won the Macon East Tournament. After the tournament win, Fisher decided to keep what he thought close to the vest because he didn’t want his team to get cocky. But as soon as Edgewood beat Lowndes Academy in the quarterfinals of the AISA Class AA tournament for the third time this year, there was no hiding how special See COACH, Page B3

4Holtville at Trinity 4Elmore County vs Charles Henderson at Shelby County 4Elmore County vs Minor at Shelby County

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Edgewood Academy at Macon East Tournament

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka MONDAY, MARCH 21

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Tallassee at Gulf Shores Classic 4Stanhope Elmore vs. Gadsden City at James Clemens 4Holtville at Beauregard

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Elmore County at Gulf Shores Classic 4Wetumpka at Gulf Shores Classic

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4Wetumpka at Elmore County TUESDAY, MARCH 22

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4Tallassee at Gulf Shores Classic 4Stanhope Elmore vs. Grissom at James Clemens 4Stanhope Elmore at James Clemens 4Wetumpka at Auburn 4Holtville at Hoover

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4Elmore County at Gulf Shores Classic 4Wetumpka at Gulf Shores Classic

Page B2 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

CALEB TURRENTINE / THE TRIBUNE

Edgewood’s Lindsey Brown averaged 19.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.7 steals during her sophomore season.

JAKE ARTHUR / THE TRIBUNE

Wetumpka’s Zariah Fannin (5) averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals during her junior season.

JAKE ARTHUR / THE TRIBUNE

Wetumpka’s Janae McCall averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists during her senior season.

The Tallassee Tribune

JAKE ARTHUR / THE TRIBUNE

Stanhope Elmore’s Kelbi Johnson averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game during her senior season.

CALEB TURRENTINE / THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County’s Seanna O’Daniel averaged 13.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals during her senior season.

2022 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY

GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Basketball season in Elmore County came to an end in the middle of February, but that didn’t stop plenty of highlights from occurring over the course of the season. Two of the biggest highlights from the season were the Edgewood Academy girls basketball team winning the AISA Class AA state championship, the first state title in program history, to end the season as the county’s most successful season. No other team in the county made it out of the first round of the playoffs, but a few teams saw a lot of success. Holtville, for example, set a program record for the most wins in a single season. The Lady Bulldogs finished the year 12-11. Stanhope also saw a lot of success on the year. The Lady Mustangs finished 21-7, head coach Kelvin Stokes’ best record in Millbrook, as they won the area tournament and hosted a firstround playoff game. The 2022 All-Elmore County basketball team is headlined by one of the Lady Mustangs that helped propel Stanhope Elmore to that record. Senior

center Jacey Haynes has been named the Elmore County Player of the Year after averaging 16.5 points, 15.7 rebounds and 8.3 blocks per game. The 6-foot-3 senior recorded four triple doubles on the season with points, rebounds and blocks. She is currently committed to Bishop State Community College. Joining Haynes on the All-County team is a plethora of scorers and talented guard players, along with some strong defensive performers and rebounders.

FIRST TEAM

G: Lindsey Brown, Edgewood Academy sophomore Brown has already left her mark in the AISA ranks as just a sophomore. The star point guard averaged 19.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 1.1 assists per game this year. She reached the 1,000-point mark midway through the season and helped lead the Lady Wildcats to their first state championship in school history. G: Zariah Fannin, Wetumpka junior Fannin was the second piece of the 1-2 Wetumpka punch of Fannin and McCall. The star junior was a threat to

score at any time, and she averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists per game this year. She was also one of the top 3-point shooters in the county and finished with a 33.3 shooting percentage from deep. G: Kelbi Johnson, Stanhope Elmore senior Johnson’s name was already known as one of the most accomplished players in multiple sports in Elmore County, and she showed why during her senior season. The senior shooting guard led Stanhope Elmore in scoring, averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. She was the area’s biggest threat from outside the arc as she hit 117 3-pointers on the year. G: Janae McCall, Wetumpka senior McCall was one of the best players in Class 6A at both scoring and rebounding, and she seemed like a walking double-double for most of the season. The senior ended her great career by averaging 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists per game. Whenever the Lady Indians needed a basket or rebound, McCall was there to provide for the team. G/F: Seanna O’Daniel, Elmore County senior

O’Daniel was the leading scorer for the Lady Panthers, and she was another threat shooting the ball from 3-point range. She averaged 13.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. She was most efficient from deep and showed that with a 33.7 shooting percentage while hitting 60 3-pointers in only 22 games.

SECOND TEAM

G: Jaylyn Strength, Edgewood Academy junior F: Holly Smith, Holtville junior F: Kennedy Mensch, Edgewood Academy senior G/F: Bri Autrey, Elmore County senior F: Summer Hicks, Stanhope Elmore junior

HONORABLE MENTION

Wetumpka: Khloe Harris, F, Jr.; Holtville: Ana Brown, G, So., Rylee Helus, Sr., F; Elmore County: CK Bolton, G/F, Sr., Kyasia Brown, G, So.; Stanhope Elmore: Ariel Gilchrist, G, So.; Tallassee: Jy McKinnon, G, Sr., Janiya Johnson, G, Sr.; Edgewood Academy: Madison Martin, C, So., Emma Weldon, G, Sr., Molly Snow, G, Sr.

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“Today didn’t happen by accident. These young

SIGN

Continued from B1

of 30 total Wetumpka football players that have signed to play college football in the last nine years. “Today didn’t happen by accident,” Former Wetumpka coach and Athletic Director Tim Perry said. “These young men and their families in front of us right now, this is the result of countless hours and hard work. This is sacrifice and determination. They had to learn very early to establish priorities and those priorities are academics first and athletics second.” Thomas, who signed with Belhaven University, was one of the top defensive backs and punt returners not only in Elmore County, but across the entire state. During the season for the Indians, Thomas helped lead a stout defense and recorded 30 tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 pass break ups and 1 forced fumble. He was named to the Herald’s All-County football team and played in the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game. He was the only player from Elmore County to participate in the All-Star event. He is joining a Belhaven squad that is on the rise. Belhaven has won 10 combined games in its last two seasons. In the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Belhaven went 3-2 and then followed that up with a 7-3 record in the 2021 season. Perry said that Belhaven’s coaching staff made multiple trips to visit the team and Thomas, and that was what ended up catching Thomas’ attention the most. “It’s a dream come true,” Thomas said. “I always had a dream that I’d be like my dad and play collegiate sports. I’m really excited. The coaches really came in and they told me about the team and how I’d fit in, and that really persuaded me.” Roberts, who signed with Birmingham Southern College, played defensive line for the Indians and ended his Wetumpka career with a strong senior season. Birmingham-Southern is coming off a fan-

COACH

Continued from B1

his team could be anymore. Edgewood went on to win the next two games and claimed the AISA Class AA state championship, the first in program history, as they finished the year 23-6 in Fisher’s second year leading the team. For that reason, Fisher has been named the 2022 All-Elmore County Coach of the Year. “Words cannot express what it means to me being the first coach to win a state championship in girls basketball for our school,” Fisher said. “I first have to thank God for giving me this opportunity to do what I love and my wife Rachel and daughters Ella and Lincoln for their continuous support. This being only my second year as a head Varsity coach was unbelievable. Knowing the returning players from my first year’s team I knew we had a chance to be very good.” Even when his team realized their full potential, Fisher never saw the team

men and their families in front of us right now, this is the result of countless hours and hard work. This is sacrifice and determination. They had to learn very early to establish priorities and those priorities are academics first and athletics second.” TIM PERRY Former Wetumpka High School football coach and athletic director tastic season where they went 10-2 and 6-1 in conference play. Roberts was heavily influenced by the family aspect of the team and coaching aspect, and said the coaches made him seem like he was included in the family and not just another player getting a scholarship. “It really means a lot because in my family, we have athletes but none ever really make it,” Roberts said. “I’m one of few that made it. I feel really proud of myself to pull through and sign. It was really a family thing. They were more family. I loved the campus and the coaching staff.” Londell, who signed with Huntingdon College, was one of top kickers in the state this past season. He was named to the Herald’s All-County team after making 18 of his 21 point after attempts. Londell had multiple scholarship offers to choose from, but ultimately decided on Huntingdon due to how close to home it was. “It means everything to me to sign,” Londell said. “This is what I’ve been playing for the last four years. It feels good. It’s like a weight off my shoulders now. Me and my family have talked about it and it was the best option financially and it’s close to home. Everything was in the right spot.” Jackson was another one of the Wetumpka players who had numerous offers, but he ended up deciding on Lane College after an official visit to campus just this past weekend. Jackson had a successful senior season where he recorded 47 tackles,

get cocky like he feared early in the season. He constantly preached ‘Confidence, not cocky’ to his girls, and they embodied that as the season went on. The Lady Wildcats got better as the season progressed. They lost three of their first four games, then won 19 of their last 21 games including the postseason run. The only two losses during that stretch were a 3-point loss to Lakeside School in December and a 3-point loss to Evangelical Christian Academy in January in the regular season finale. That confidence didn’t go away in the postseason, and it paid off down the stretch. In both the quarterfinals matchup against Lowndes Academy and the semifinals matchup against South Choctaw Academy, Edgewood entered the fourth quarter in a one-point game. Against Lowndes Academy, Edgewood trailed by six points, 39-33, with five minutes in the game when Edgewood took over. The Lady Wildcats went on a 20-0 run to secure the win and punch their ticket to the

4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception and 2 pass break ups. During his official visit this past weekend, Jackson said he fell in love with the campus and the team and couldn’t wait to make it back. The Lane College Dragons went 6-4 last season with a 3-3 record in conference play. “I’ve been working since I was a little kid and it’s a dream turned into a reality,” Jackson said. “ It was the location where I wanted to be. It’s not too far from home but it’s far enough. I fell in love with the coaching staff and the team while I was up there.” Merkerson was one of the biggest and best tight ends in the area last season, and that showed by his production on the football field. Merkerson had an average of 20 yards per catch last year as he reeled in three touchdowns throughout the season, nearly half of the passing touchdowns the Indians had. He will join a Chilton Prep Academy squad that is entering its second season as a program. They went 4-6 and lost in the first round of the playoffs during the 2021 program. Merkerson decided to go with CPA due to his relationship with head coach Blake Shirah. “This feels great,” Merkerson said. “I want to thank my grandma because she is the one who got me here. I’m glad to be playing football at the next level. I’m just ready to play now. My dad coached coach Shirah, and I want to give him a chance. I’m picking him because he’s family to me. I’m glad to play for him.”

semifinals. In the semifinals against South Choctaw, Edgewood led 29-28 entering the fourth quarter and started the frame on a 10-0 run to push its lead too far for South Choctaw to catch back up. The confidence paid off in those games, especially in the fourth quarter, as Edgewood outscored its two opponents by a combined 38-15 in the fourth to punch their ticket to the state championship. “In the state tournament at the end of the 3rd Quarter I would always ask them who wants it more us or them,” Fisher said. “They would all respond with WE do. I challenged them in the three games we played at the Multiplex to leave no doubt. When that 4th quarter hit it was our way of leaving no doubt who wanted it more.” Edgewood had arguably the best player in AISA in sophomore point guard Lindsey Brown, but it was a complete and total team effort for the Lady Wildcats to claim their first title. Junior Jaylyn Strength played a huge role offensively when teams keyed

on Lindsey, while sophomore Madison Martin and senior Kennedy Mensch were as dominant of a 1-2 punch inside the paint of any AISA teams. To complement those four, senior Emma Weldon played excellent defense in every single game while the third and final senior, Molly Snow, was a dangerous sharpshooter off the bench. Every single player hit a big shot or played a big role during their season, but also during the three games held at the state tournament in February. “We played as a team and trusted each other to do what they all could do from the beginning,” Fisher said. “Knowing Jaylyn had it in her to facilitate and run the offense when teams didn’t want Lindsey to be a factor was huge. Knowing Emma and Molly could come in and hit a huge 3. Knowing Kennedy, Madison, and Avery could come in and get rebounds and blocks along with scoring a few put back points made this team special. We could not have won a state championship without any of these ladies who wore those Edgewood Green and Gold colors.”

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • Page B3

PLAYER

Continued from B1

tangs tried to get the ball into Haynes’ hands in every possession, and that helped open things up for everyone. As soon as teams had enough of Haynes scoring easy layups and free throws, they’d start to double-team or triple-team her. That led to easy passes to her two guards, Kelbi Johnson and Ariel Gilchrist, who were able to keep defenses honest. Johnson was able to keep the defenses honest with her 3-point shooting ability. Johnson averaged 18.5 points per game and hit 117 3-pointers. Gilchrist wasn’t a 3-point shooter, but she was able to score 11.1 ppg to help out. “It was nice and gave us quick and easy buckets,” Haynes said of the offense running through her. “I felt like if we could set up the offense and get a good look for me, it not only got me open but it also got my teammates good looks. When I’d start getting trapped or double-teamed, I could pass it out to an open teammate and knew they’d knock it down.” Haynes’ offensive status was unmatched by any other big in the county, but what was more impressive than her offense was her defense. Haynes recorded 234 blocks on the year, more than double what she had recorded in her three previous years. She finished her career with 417 career blocks. Her height obviously helped with recording so many blocks, but she had to be strategic with her ability. Fouls are called at a high level, and she did what she did all season without spending much time in foul trouble. That was because head coach Kelvin Stokes worked countless hours with his bigs, teaching them how to block shots and not get called for fouls. It still happened every once in a while, of course, but Haynes was able to eliminate fouls for the most part and dominate. “It’s crazy because I feel like girls games are called really tight, but it’s important that you know the mechanics of how to move your body,” Haynes said. “You have to keep your body away from other girls and away from the offense. It’s really something that I’ve just learned over the years and I’ve kind of perfected at this point. When to jump and my timing and when to swing.” Her blocking ability really depends on who her opponent is in the paint. If Haynes is guarding a girl shorter than herself, she will wait until the ball leaves the offensive player’s hand. Immediately after the ball leaves her hand, she will swing. She likes to block the ball and swing it out of the gym. If the offensive player is taller than her, which is a rarity in itself, Haynes will just try to keep her arms and hands straight up in the air so she isn’t called for fouls. Despite the injuries, her height and her ability has garnered numerous college opportunities, but Haynes is currently committed to Bishop State Community College in Mobile. She is planning to spend two years with the program and see what opportunities open for her.

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Lucky Word Find

Saint Patrick’s Day is inspired by the life of a man named Maewyn Succat, also known as Saint Patrick. Mr. Succat was born around 400 A.D. in Britain. When he was around 16 years old, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland. After he escaped those who enslaved him, he returned to Britain where he became a Monk. He changed his name to Patricius and returned to Ireland where he performed many good deeds as a missionary. Legend even states that he drove all snakes from the Island. (This is not true since there are no native snake species in Ireland.) For his good works, he was made the Patron Saint of Ireland. He died on March 17, 461 A.D. The holiday was originally created as a religious feast day in honor of Saint Patrick. In other parts of the World, it has almost become a celebration of Ireland itself. Today people celebrate the holiday by wearing green and having parties where foods are often dyed green. Parades are held in many major cities around the World. Rivers have even been dyed green to honor the occasion. If you are not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, tradition states that friends might teasingly pinch you. The holiday is celebrated every year on March 17, and this year the holiday will fall on a Thursday. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

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PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) Today you want to get better organized. You also might have to work on behalf of someone else. Personal health issues could be a consideration, as well as an increased focus on a pet. Get your ducks in a row! Tonight: Be patient. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Lucky you! This is a lighthearted day. Enjoy pleasant outings, playful times with children, sports events and planning vacations. If you’re lucky, you’re on a vacation! This is also a great day to use your creative talents. Tonight: Canceled plans. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) This is an excellent day to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings. You might have a signicant conversation with a female family member, possibly Mom. Don’t hesitate to present your views, because people will listen to you with the Sun and Mercury at the top of your chart. Tonight: Interruptions at home. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Today you want a meaningful discussion with someone, perhaps a relative or neighbor. Whatever the case, you want to get down to brass tacks and talk about something real. You don’t want avoidance. You don’t want trivial chitchat. Tonight: Avoid accidents. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Banking, salary and cash ow issues have your focus today. This is a good day to stay on top of what you own and your assets in general. If shopping, you’ll be inclined to make emotional purchases rather than practical ones. Tonight: Guard your possessions. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today the Moon is in your sign, which gives you an advantage over all the other signs. Since you have the edge, this is the day to ask for what you want. Having said that, when the Moon is in your sign, you tend to be more emotional. Tonight: Something unexpected. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you’re happy to take a backseat and work alone or behind the scenes. You are still in a playful, fun-loving mood; plus, you are still working hard. Nevertheless, set aside some time today to catch your breath and enjoy some time alone. Tonight: Patience. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is a playful, prankish time for you. Many of you are redecorating or entertaining at home as well. Today a conversation with a female friend could be important. This person might throw a new light on something about your future goals. This could be helpful input. Tonight: A friend surprises you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today the Moon is at the top of your chart, which happens for two days every month. And when this occurs, it tends to put you in the public view more than usual. For example, people might be aware of personal details about your private life. Tonight: Authority is unpredictable. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today you have a strong urge to “get away from all this.” You want a change of pace or a change of scenery. Basically, you want some stimulation and adventure, because too much routine and ho-hum is starting to get to you. Travel or learn something new. Go someplace you’ve never been before. Tonight: Travel interruptions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re bouncing with energy, because ery Mars is in your sign. Great! You will get a lot done. Today in particular is a solid day to check out red-tape details about banking, insurance, estates and inheritances. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. Tonight: Check your nances. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Today the Moon is in the sign that is opposite your sign, which means you have to be willing to go more than halfway when dealing with others. This is no biggie. It simply requires consideration, respect and cooperation with others. Tonight: Something unexpected.

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

•Must be highly motivated and able to follow directions •Must have own transportation

Please call: 334-315-0073

Tallapoosa County Commission is accepting applications for: Marriage/Business License Clerk Probate Office Deadline is: March 17th , 2022 Please apply at: Tallapoosa County Commission Office Courthouse 125 N Broadnax St., Room 131 Dadeville, AL 36853 EOE

Moco Transportation OTR Drivers Needed •25 yrs old, 2 yrs Exp. •Good MVR. •NO LOCAL RUNS

Call: 1-800-328-3209 Kennel Help Needed Weekends, holidays, hours during the week, ability to care for both dogs and birds, lift 50 lbs. Email contact info to JHQH#¿YHVWDUSUHVHUYH FRP We are an EOE.

Adams Health & Rehab Now Hiring Full time positions: •RN/LPN Med Cart Sunday-Thursday 8 hour shift 11p-7a •Infection Control/ Treatment Nurse M-F SIGN ON AND REFERRAL BONUS ! Adams Healthcare 256-329-0847 ask for Jennifer Kittrell, DON Beginning with the May 2022 Primary, the temporary Election Polling Location at the Mill 280 will revert back to the Alex City National Guard Armory. If you need to know where to vote, contact the Board of Registrars at 256-825-1081.

SUDOKU

Put your ad here call 256.414.4250

Looking for a home?

Look in our classifieds section and learn of great deals for you and your family.

CLASSIFIEDS

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

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Job Opportunities

Notices

Business Opportunities

General Notices

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

Real Estate

Public Notices

Lots

Public Notices

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.

LOT FOR RENT!!! Lot for Camper or RV located in Kellyton AL. All Utilities $100 per month 205-637-3559 or 205-253-2811 Do you have available jobs? Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Rentals

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be received, opened, and publicly read by the Owner for the Tallassee Bond Issue Gas Replacements Project. The Owner will receive Bids until 2:00 PM on the 19th day of April 2022. The bid openLQJ ZLOO EH KHOG DW WKH RI¿FHV RI City Hall, located at 3 Freeman Avenue, Tallassee, Alabama. A mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on the 7th day of April 2022. Pre-bid Meeting will be held at the of¿FHV RI &LW\ +DOO ORFDWHG DW Freeman Avenue, Tallassee, Alabama.

Apartments

7KH 3URMHFW LV IRU DQ LQGH¿QLWH TXDQWLW\ LQGH¿QLWH GHOLYHU\ (IDIQ) bid that generally consists of the replacement of 2.25inch and 6-inch cast iron gas mains, abandonment of existing mains, and associated service reconnections within Tallassee’s service area. Each Work Authorization will utilize the unit prices bid for work items issued in the Work Authorization and its associated Plans.

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 APPLY TODAY! Send resume to jobs@hanwhacimarron.com

CCC Associates: Available Positions:

Trucks, SUVs & Vans

to get your career started!

Healthcare Connection Group INC

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

Transportation

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF TALLASSEE

Tallassee Tribune: Mar. 16 and 23, 2022 HEARING

The City of Tallassee will hold a public hearing regarding proposed rezoning of property located on Burt Mill Road from R1 to HC. Said hearing will be

Do you have available jobs? Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Beginning with the May 2022 Primary, the temporary Election Polling Location at the Mill 280 will revert back to the Alex City National Guard Armory. If you need to know where to vote, contact the Board of Registrars at 256-825-1081.

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Bidding Documents may be obWDLQHG IURP WKH RI¿FH RI &'* Inc, 197 East University Drive, Suite #1, Auburn, Alabama 36832, (334) 466-9431. Paper copies are available upon receipt of a non-refundable fee in the amount of $50 for one set. PDF electronic copies are available via email at no cost to the bidder.

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Tallassee Tribune: Mar. 9, 16 and 23, 2022 BIDS/GAS REPLACEMENTS PUBLIC NOTICE

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White Oak Transportation

Apparel Manufacturing Please send resumes:

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Bids.

g held at Tallassee City Hall in the Council Chambers, on Tuesday April 12, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. during the City Council Meeting at City Hall A copy of the proposed amendments is available for review LQ WKH RI¿FH RI WKH %XLOGLQJ ,Qspector at Tallassee City Hall, 3 Freeman Avenue, Tallassee, Alabama. Parcel Number: 1901113001001.00

FREE DATE CHANGES

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

Southern Apparel Inc Now Hiring for

Your Bid will be required to be submitted under a condition of irrevocability for a period of 60 days after submission.

Public Notices

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing on the outside the name of the bidder, bidder’s license number, address, and name of the project.

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

Do you have available jobs?

Public Notices

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Bidders will be required to provide Bid security in the form of a Bid Bond or cashier’s check in the amount of a sum QR OHVV WKDQ ¿YH SHUFHQW RI the Bid Price but not more than $10,000.00.

Collector Cars

•Grounds Maintenance Full-time, lawn care, pruning, weed eating. Benefits. Immediate need.

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.

March 16, 2022 • Page B5

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

capstonedentalassisting.com or call 205-561-8118

Licensed Practical Nurses & Licensed Registered Nurses (LPNs & RNs)

NOW HIRING: FT Employment Cabinet Shop Wood working experiences a plus. Come by or call for an application! 59 Wellborn Way Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-3366

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • Page B7

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WEDNESDAY • MARCH 16, 2022

TallasseeTribune.com

Vol. 31, No. 11

England calls for parole board to follow guidelines By JACOB HOLMES Special to The Observer Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, on Tuesday asked that his bill establishing oversight of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole be carried over. On Wednesday, England participated in a conference in front of the Statehouse in support of the bill. England said he pulled the bill in an effort to combat “misinformation” released Tuesday by Attorney General Steve Marshall. “This bill is highly problematic in that it would undermine the board’s independence—a hard-fought victory of the 2019 reforms—and make it more difficult for the board to deny parole. I strongly oppose this effort,” Marshall said in the statement. “While there is room for debate on matters of criminal justice, these debates must include the perspective of law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims of crime. Our state’s violent crime rates are an undeniable scourge on many of our biggest cities and their suburbs. And, around the country, we have seen what happens when politicians fail to appreciate the practical consequences of progressive criminal justice policies. We should not continue to entertain such proposals here in Al-

JACOB HOLMES / SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER

Diane Files holds up a shirt with a photo of her son, David, who remains in prison on a 2006 murder conviction despite being deemed a very low risk for re-offense. abama.” fact that the 2019 bill cre- ture and hold the parole adopt a validated risk and England said the 2019 ated parole guidelines that board accountable to its needs assessment to objecbill Marshall is referenc- the board currently uses,” own guidelines. tively assist in making the ing was designed to crack England said. “However, “All HB57 would do is final decision. Again, not down on the amount of now they just ignore the give meaning to what he taking away independence people being paroled. recommendations.” supported back in 2019,” or authority, but giving ev“What’s interesting is HB 57, England said, is England said. “It would idence based help.” that he doesn’t mention the designed to provide struc- allow the Legislature to Dillon Nettles, ACLU,

said the actions of the board’s actions do not match with its stated values. “This legislation enhances the accountability of the board by simply stating that the guidelines established by this Legislature in 2019 must be followed, or they must provide an actual reason when he board deviates from its guidelines,” Nettles said. “If you are denied parole in Alabama, you should know why.” Diane Files spoke about her son David, who was denied parole in 2020 on a murder charge. David Files was convicted in 2006 in the shooting death of his girlfriend, which he and his family have maintained was an accident induced by drug-fueled paranoia. The family says David has taken 32 courses to rehabilitate while in prison and received the best possible score of 0 on his risk assessment test, meaning he is very unlikely to reoffend. Diane Files held up a shirt with David’s photo on it and asked for passage of the bill. “I’m a mother just like any mother whose child is in jail,” Diane Files said. England said he is going to assist in working on the Senate version of the bill and plans to bring the bill forward again during the session.

Bill would require net-enabled devices to enable parental controls by default By JACOB HOLMES Special to The Observer An abbreviated hearing on a bill that would set phone parental controls to “on” by default brought passionate reasoning from both sides. One side argued that the bill is a simple, common-sense approach to protect children from early exposure to pornography, which they said is damaging. On the other were technology representatives, who said automatically filtering out content is anything but simple. Each only got two minutes with the committee running out of time before session, and most of the speakers were cut off before completing their prepared remarks. Speakers at public hearings are typically given three minutes each to speak. Melea Stephens, representing

the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, said the bill is “really straightforward” as the “solution is already on the device.” She spent most of her time educating the committee on the harmful impacts of children having early exposure to pornography. “We’re seeing younger and younger children addicted to pornography after two exposures,” Stephens said. She also said there has been a “drastic increase” in sexual incidents between children after exposure to porn. Lisa McCabe, director of state legislative affairs for CTIA, a lobbying arm of the wireless communication industry, told the committee the bill is “well-intentioned” but “unnecessary and unworkable.” “Content filtering is already provided for caregivers to manage the internet content their children have access to,” McCabe said “In

addition to filtering, there are controls to prevent the use of certain apps … There can’t be Alabama-specific requirements for devices used across the country because they’re not designed on a state-by-state basis.” McCabe also said the bill would put “burdensome requirements” on retailers at the point of sale. Eric Gerritson read a letter from Becky Gerritson of Eagle Forum, calling the bill “an elegant and simple step.” “There’s no real impact on providers,” Gerritson said. “It’s a checkbox. I challenge anyone to come up with a less intrusive solution.” Knox Argo, a lobbyist for the Motion Picture Association, told the committee that filters don’t even work. “Not like they want it to work,” Argo said. “You can’t have a filter establish prevailing community

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standard in Los Angeles and Wetumpka. I guarantee you they’re different.” The bill would create a cause of action against manufacturers of internet-enabled devices if those devices do not have content filters turned on by default, resulting in a minor accessing content that is “harmful to minors.” The bill defines “harmful to minors” to mean: “Any description or representation, in whatsoever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse when it: a. Taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors; b. is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and c. taken as a whole, does not have serious value for minors, which includes only serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

for minors.” The bill sets each violation at $10, with a single plaintiff able to claim up to $500. Each device which fails to have the content filter turned on at time of activation is considered a violation if the minor encounters harmful material on that device. “It appears big tech would rather protect profits over children,” said Stacey Oliver, founder of Awaken Ministries. Sponsor Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, said “checks and balances” are needed on children’s access to harmful materials. “It recklessly exposes kids to pornography,” Sells said. “It used to be dirty magazines that only 17-year-old kids could get. Now everything in the world is right here (on a phone).” The bill will come back up before the committee next week for a vote.

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