07-21-21 Tallassee Tribune

ECLECTIC, PAGE B6

LOCAL, PAGE A6

SPORTS, PAGE B1 STAR SEEDS OFFERS FREE CAMP

SoilKit gives homeowners researchbased results

Council, EYBO talk lease agreement

INSIDE:

LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, MENTS PAGE A2

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

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

$1.00

July 21, 2021

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 123, NO. 29

City aims for more competitive employee salaries

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Unemployment numbers are still higher than pre-pandemic, and recruiting new employees is proving to be a difficult task especially in the field of law enforcement.

In an effort to recruit and retain police officers as well as “safety-sensitive employees,”

the city of Tallassee is looking to offer a more competitive pay to those workers.

“We lost two police officers in the last few months to the same agency that is actually smaller than this municipality,” Mayor John Hammock said in Tuesday’s work session. “We’ve got to be competitive. Not only with police but with utility workers.

Simply Southern Acres opens in Tallassee

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Simply Southern Acres opened this week at 5370 Highway 299 South in Tallassee.

This new local business offers storage units, zero-turn mowers, golf carts and utility vehicles. The company offers Spartan zero-turn mowers and Bighorn golf carts and UTVs. “We have the storage units. Those are climate-controlled and regular storage units,” owner Joey Wiginton said.

The storage units also offer an extra layer of security with coded gate entry.

Spartan zero-turn mowers are manufactured in Batesville, Arkansas.

“They are top notch,” Wiginton said.

See OPENING • Page A3

Alumni association seeks nomination for 2022 Hall of Pride inductees

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

It is that time of year again. It is time to nominate Tallassee High School alumni for the upcoming Hall of Pride induction.

“The Tallassee High School Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2022 Tallassee High School Hall of Pride,” THSAA’s Suzannah Wilson said.

“Any member of the alumni association may nominate someone. The person being nominated does not have to be a member of the alumni association.”

Each year, the alumni association also recognizes someone from the community who has made a positive impact but may not be a graduate of THS. The first recipient was the late Edwin R. Watkins, longtime director of music for the Tallassee City Schools.

See NOMINATION • Page A6

All of our skilled workers, safety-sensitive workers, police, gas, water, sewer.

Those people who are in harm’s way or have a certain skill set.”

Councilmember and finance committee member Bill Godwin said municipal employee pay is something he and other finance committee members hope to work into

the upcoming fiscal year budget.

“We started working on the budget yesterday,” Godwin said. “We came up with a projection of what we thought the revenue was going to be.

It’s a pretty good ratio. That is a priority to look at and see what we can do for all employees, especially those that are in the line of fire. We

have got to be competitive.

We have to keep police, and everybody else.”

Councilmember Bill Hall asked Tallassee Police Chief Matthew Higgins to look at what other surrounding agencies are paying police officers.

With just over 20 police See SALARIES • Page A6

Boy Scouts make camp in DeSoto Caverns

Submitted / The Tribune

Members of Tallassee Scouts BSA Troop 59 and Wetumpka Scouts BSA Troop 13 spent the night inside the cave at DeSoto Caverns in Childersburg on Saturday, July 17.

Moseley speaks to Tallassee Rotary Club

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Willie Moseley spoke to members of the Tallassee Rotary Club on Thursday, July 15. Moseley is the senior writer for Vintage Guitar Magazine.

He is a former editor, writer and photographer for The Tallassee Tribune.

He has also published numerous books.

Moseley moved to Tallassee 27 years ago.

He is originally from Montgomery and his wife Gail is a Tallassee native.

“One thing I have always appreciated whether I was covering this or whether I was interested in this, is the traditional values often reflected here in Tallassee,” Moseley said.

“Traditional work values, traditional religious values, and traditional patriotism.”

See MOSELEY • Page A3

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Willie Moseley speaks to the Troy Rotary Club Thursday.

Today’s

Weather

86 71 High

Low

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

THURS: HIGH 89 LOW 73

USPS 681-260

Page A2 • July 21, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Police Reports July 12

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Freeman Avenue.

Extra business patrol was given on Gilmer Avenue.

Negative contact was made following an attempt to contact on AL Hwy 229.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Freeman Avenue.

A report was made for theft on North Indian street, a subpoena was served on car circle.

Negative contact was made in a subpoena service on Macedonia Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A written warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers assisted on a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

A written warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

There was an animal complaint on Rec Center Road.

Advice was given in a walk-in on Barnett Boulevard.

Animal Control was called to East Roosevelt Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A report was made for theft on Central Boulevard.

Animal control was called to North Ashurst Avenue.

A subpoena was served on Macedonia road.

An accident report was made following a vehicle accident on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers assisted a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

An accident report was made following a vehicle accident on East Patton Street.

Animal patrol was called to Albert Drive.

Advice was given following a complaint of suspicious subjects on S Ann Avenue.

No report was needed

Obituaries

following a complaint of theft on Upper River Road.

Officers assisted a motorist on King Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

There was an attempt to contact on Herbert Street.

July 13

A report was made for harassment on Powers Avenue.

Advice was given following a complaint of suspicious activity on James Street.

Advice was given following a report of a suspicious person on Wall Street.

A report was made for commercial alarm burglary on Kent Road.

A report was made following a walk-in on Barnett Boulevard.

Officers assisted a medical call on Knox Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A subpoena was served on Jordan Avenue.

Officers directed traffic on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers removed a tree from the roadway on Derry Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on East Patton Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A report was made for theft on South Wesson Street.

An arrest and a report were made for theft on South Wesson Street.

Advise advice was given following a complaint of suspicious subjects on Gilmer Avenue advice was given following a complaint of suspicious activity on East Patton street.

A report was made in a citizen inquiry on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers assisted a motorist on Lower Tuskegee Road.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers assisted on

a medical call on South Tallassee Drive.

Officers conducted a follow-up on West Gantts Mill Road.

Advice was given following a complaint of a suspicious subject on Carr Street.

Animal Control was called to Freeman Avenue.

Advice was given in a domestic dispute on Notasulga Road.

Advice was given following a complaint of a suspicious subject on Friendship Road.

Officers assisted on a medical call on Plantation Place.

Advice was given in a civil matter on Gilmer Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A felony warrant arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.

Officers made negative contact following a complaint of a civil disturbance on 2nd Avenue. Advice was given following a complaint of public lewdness on Oak Heights Road.

There was a complaint of theft on Lily Avenue.

A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.

Officers gave extra business patrol on N Ann Avenue.

Advice was given following your complaint of a suspicious vehicle on AL Hwy 229.

Advice was given following a complaint of trespassing on Princess Drive.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road.

July 14

Advice was given following a welfare check on Herbert Street.

A report was made following a domestic incident on Herbert Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Animal Control was called to 7th Street.

There was a walk-in on Barnett Boulevard.

Animal Control was called to Ashurst Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Animal Control was called 7th Street.

There was a smoke investigation on Stroud Street.

There was an animal complaint on Stewart Street.

Advice was given following a complaint of littering on East Patton Street.

Officers assisted a motorist on Central Boulevard.

Animal Control was called to Sims Avenue.

Officers assisted on a medical call on AL Hwy 229.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Hudson Place.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on West Butler Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A report was made for a shooting a Community Hospital.

Advice was given in a juvenile complaint on Hickory Street.

Advice was given following a citizen inquiry on Friendship Road.

Advice was given in a juvenile complaint on Hickory Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Hudson Place.

July 15

Advice was given following a complaint of a prowler on Ashurst Avenue.

A verbal warning was

given following a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.

Officers assisted on a medical call on 3rd Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Extra residential patrol was given on 1st Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

There was a business check on Gilmer Avenue.

Officers directed traffic on Gilmer Avenue.

A subpoena was served on Joy Street.

Animal Control was called to Albert Drive.

There was a business check on Ashurst Bar Road.

There was a traffic accident with no injuries on Dolan Road.

There was an investigation on Bush Circle.

Debris was removed from the roadway on Ashurst Bar Road.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on South Dubois Street.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on West Gantts Mill Road.

A warrant arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.

Extra residential patrol was given on First Avenue.

Extra business patrol was given on Sistrunk Street.

Animal Control was called the Central Boulevard.

There was a business check on Gilmer Avenue.

Extra residential patrol was given to East Patton Street.

Animal Control was called the Central Boulevard.

A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

Information was exchanged in a private property traffic accident on Gilmer Avenue.

A verbal warning and a warrant arrest were made following a traffic stop on Caldwell Street.

Advice was given following an attempt to contact on

Tommy Dillard Tommy Dillard, 73, of Notasulga, passed away July 15, 2021. He was born August 10, 1947.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, July 17 at Elam Baptist Church where he was a member for many years. Rev. Joe Fain and Minister Mike McElroy will be officiating, Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m.. He is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Myrtice Dillard and brothers, Roger Dillard and Lynwood Dillard. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janice Dillard; children, Trent Dillard (Tammy) and Jennifer Tyler (Bill); grandchildren, Tanner, Taylor, Tera Beth and Trevor. He was a 1966 graduate of Reeltown High School where he played Halfback with the Reeltown Rebels.

He was a member of 1965 Associated Press 1A All State Team. In addition to Reeltown football, he also enjoyed Alabama football and fishing. He retired from UniroyalGoodrich after a loyal 37 year career. He cherished time together with his family and grandchildren.

Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

Many a

small

thingg

largge... hhasass bbeen eeen mmade ade

...with the right kind of advertising.

256.234.4281

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

July 21, 2021 • Page A3

Opening Bighorn Powersports are manufactured in Coppell, Texas and their parts are stocked and shipped directly from the manufacturer to the dealers.

Wiginton opened Simply Southern Acres with his wife Nancy and son Barry and his family. The Wigintons have lived in Tallassee for 24 years.

They moved here from Montgomery and their children attended and graduated from Tallassee City Schools.

“We have five children and we needed to get out of Montgomery and this was the place,” Wiginton said.

“We found a house and we feel in love with the town.”

Opening a new business was an easy choice.

“We owned the property. It was Nancy, my wife’s idea for the storage units, and it was my son, Barry, who came up with Bighorn and Spartan. We had the place to do it.

continued from Page A1 We had plenty of room. We will have someone out here all the time, so why not,” Wiginton said.

With a good selection already onsite, even more inventory is expected soon.

“I have five golf carts coming next week,” he said. “We are able to get just about anything anyone wants.

These are fun and convenient. They are street legal. They have blinkers, mirrors, and tail lights. They will go about 16-35 miles per hour.”

Simply Southern Acres offers financing through 1st Franklin Financial with 24 months of finance free.

As a new business owner, Wiginton encourages everyone to shop locally.

“Shop Tallassee,” he said. “There are a lot of good family-owned businesses here in town that need Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune support. It’s a great community.

Joey Wiginton and family celebrated the grand opening of Simply Southern Acres with a ribbon Tallassee has something really great.” cutting hosted by the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17.

Moseley Each year, a group of volunteers put on a Patriotic Celebration that spotlights American patriotism. The celebration is free of charge and features the Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.

“Patriotism is a little bit of a hot topic these days and times because a lot of people have a lot of different interpretations of what they think patriotism is, or what it should be,” he said. “One thing about patriotism in Tallassee that I have always appreciated is some of the presentations that we put on.”

It was at a local patriotic concert that Moseley noticed that a lot of people only know the first verse of the national anthem.

“Another thing Tallassee has done well is local patriotic celebrations that involved a choral group, and it’s usually a local group of different church choirs that get together and sing patriotic songs. I remember one time, the one that I remember more than anything else, it was at a patriotic concert. One of the songs was ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Everybody in the audience stands up and sings

continued from Page A1 loudly and proudly for the first verse.

Then when the choir starts singing the second verse, the audience shut down like a speaker going out on one side of the stereo system,” Moseley said. “’The Star-Spangled Banner’ has four verses to it. The second through the fourth are a little obscure in general knowledge.”

This sparked the journalist within Moseley and he began gathering information on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“That brought me to do a little research on the national anthem, what we call the national anthem, which is actually ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ which is intriguing on its own.”

Some may be suppressed to know that the song began a poem and it was written long before America gained its independence.

“It was written during the War of 1812, not the American Revolution,” Moseley explained.

The man who wrote ‘The StarSpangled Banner’ was not a soldier, but he was on board a British naval ship to free American soldiers when he was detained. That is when Key

began to author the poem that would become one of the most famous songs in American history.

“It’s author, Francis Scott Key, was an attorney by trade, and an aspiring poet,” Moseley said. “He wrote the first verse overnight, aboard a ship. He was negotiating a prisoner exchange.”

That night, the battle at Ft. McHenry ensued. The next morning, after seeing the Ft. McHenry flag still flying, Key wrote the first and most well-known verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

It wasn’t until later that he would go on to finish the poem that would go on to become the national anthem.

“He didn’t write the second, third, or four verses to this poem until he got back to land,” Moseley said.

Moseley pointed out that the McHenry Flag was missing a few stars and had a couple of unexplained stripes.

“The flag that was displayed has 15 stars on it. There were 18 states at the time. Louisiana had become the 18th state in 1812. This was 1814, so that flag hadn’t caught chronically with the stars on its blue field, and it had two extra stripes. No one has ever been

able to explain how that worked out like that,” Moseley said.

Moseley points that some of the lyric lines seem to be questions and other lines could be better suited with an exclamation point.

“It’s also interesting and meaningful to Americans to think about some of the things that the lyrics say,” Moseley said. “What’s interesting to me about the first verse, that we all know, is some of the punctuation at the ends of the lines. Some of them, you would think Key would have used a different type of punctuation to make it more inspirational.”

While the song’s punctuation is a little obscure, the message it holds is loud and clear.

“I think the overall theme of all four verses is something that is supposed to be motivational and affirming patriotism to those folks back then and to folks now. So, I recommend that you get online, look at those lyrics.

See what they mean to you,” Moseley said.

Moseley also suggested looking up the lyrics to “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash.

Local businesses and restaurants need your support more than ever. Whether you visit stores, get delivery or shop online, keep your spending local and keep your community healthy.

Newspapers are LOCAL. We are dedicated to keeping you informed, safe and connected and care about the issues that are important to our neighbors, our schools and our businesses.

When you support your local newspaper, you support your community.

SUPPORT LOCAL

SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Give Erin Burton or Linda Ewing a call to subscribe today! alexcityoutlook.com | thewetumpkaherald.com | tallasseetribune.com

America’s Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities.

Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on Facebook @americasnewspapers.

Tallassee

Page A4 • July 21, 2021

Our

Mission

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

Staff

Directory

Telephone: (334) 283-6568 Website: www.tallasseetribune.com

Management Steve Baker Publisher, 256-414-3190 steve.baker@tallasseetribune.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, 256-414-3191 angela.mullins@tallasseetribune.com Jacob Holmes News Editor, 256-414-3179 jacob.holmes@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, 256-414-3177 marketing@tallasseetribune.com Audra Spears Art Director, 256-414-3189 audra.spears@tallasseetribune.com Brittany Smith Magazine Managing Editor, 256-234-4282 brittany.smith@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Circulation Manager, 256-234-7779 erin.burton@tallasseetribune.com Lee Champion Production Manager, 256-414-3017 lee.champion@tallasseetribune.com Newsroom Carmen Rodgers Bureau Chief, 334-283-6568 carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com Andy Anders Regional Sports Director, 256-414-3180 andy.anders@tallasseetribune.com

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

The employee supply chain is broken

K

udos to the city of Tallassee for taking the initiative to at least consider offering a more competitive pay for police officers and other municipal employees.

Police Chief Matthew Higgins said in Tuesday’s work session that it is difficult to recruit new officers when McDonald’s is offering $15 an hour.

Chief is correct, it’s a buyer’s market when it comes to employees. Someone looking for employment has the upper hand right now.

There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of jobs available but there are not enough employees to fill these positions.

It’s like I told my daughter: there’s never been a better time to look for a job. You can literally pick a place that you would like to work, apply for the position you want, and bam!—you have a job.

In many cases, especially entrylevel jobs, it is that easy. Most of these jobs are well-paying jobs.

Employers are beginning to better understand that to recruit and

CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief retain employees, there needs to be a strong incentive to sign on and to stay.

I said in a column earlier this year that I was in favor of increasing the minimum wage.

I got some blowback from that statement. But I stand by it.

Furthermore, I stand by the statement that the best employees will go to the best employers, basically forcing a wage increase across the board.

The employers that offer above-average pay and benefits will attract the most employees.

Now, with the larger corporations offering big sign-on bonuses and higher starting pay, that forced wage increase is taking place right before our eyes.

Are we paying more for merchandise and commodities?

Yes. The inflation rate is growing

like kudzu in Alabama after a good rain. But that has a lot more to do with lack of supply than increased payroll expenses.

COVID slowed and in some cases halted manufacturing on a global scale and we are just beginning to see the effects. This has affected the supply chain, including the employee supply chain. Let’s face it, employees are also hard to come by.

How long will this last? I don’t know, but I have heard some experts say prices will continue to rise for at least the next six months. Offering competitive wages will help.

Offering competitive pay will have a trickle-down effect. As prices rise, a higher income will help offset that overall increase.

The more an employee is paid, the more they can spend. Increased spending strengthens the economy, and generates increased tax revenue. It’s a win-win.

So, again, I commend the city of Tallassee for taking steps to recruit higher-paid employees. I hope other entities will take note and follow suit.

Advertising Sales Andy Carr Marketing Consultant, 334-350-3921 andy.carr@tallasseetribune.com

Subscribe Today!

$25 annually

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

Call 256-234-4281

What’s your Opinion?

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

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

Submissions

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

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@ thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.

Follow us On the Web

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

The Tallassee Tribune We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.

The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

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

Postal

Information

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

Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama.

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

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

www.tallasseetribune.com

T

Old pew, new view

he light streamed through the stained glass as the sun will often do.

As I knelt to pray, my eyes were drawn to the scratches on the pew.

–

It was the row in front of me, and there were more than a few

I began to think of others who’d seen the scratches on the pew.

How many people sat there?

Did their prayers all come true?

I couldn’t help but wonder about them, the scratches on the pew.

The colors on them were beautiful, in every shade and hue, and I nearly wept to consider the

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist meaning of the scratches on the pew.

To me they represent the starts and stops of all the people who take an hour when they come to add scratches on the pew.

Purses and keys dragged across, And all posteriors, too!

All of us have made them – the scratches on the pew.

Wooden benches have been in

place for the years and decades through; I looked to find the meaning in the scratches on the pew.

There was a cross also made of wood back then, not many knew a Savior was born to die for us – we’re scratches on the pew.

When we are in trouble, hopeless, lost, and falling out of view, He is there with gentle hand to help us begin anew.

A church is not a museum for saints It’s for sinners like me and you.

May we find sweet peace divine in those scratches on the pew.

Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

July 21, 2021 • Page A5

Reducing hot air in Washington, state and D.C. STEVE FLOWERS Columnistt

Bibb Graves, the education governor

M

ost states have one General Fund Budget. We are only one of five states that have two.

Some of you have asked why we have two budgets – one for the General Fund and one for Education. Here is why.

During the era of the Great Depression and even afterwards, education in Alabama was woefully underfunded and that is really being generous to simply say underfunded. Our schools were similar to a third world country.

We had two separate systems, one for white students and one for black students. Many rural schools were one room shanties like folks used in the 1800’s, like Blab schools, no air condition, wood burning stoves for heat. There were no buses to transport children, so they really did walk to school, barefooted, many times miles to and from. This was for the white schools. You can only imagine what an abysmal education was afforded black kids. Many times teachers were not even being paid. They were given script notes in hopes of getting paid in the future.

We had a governor come along named Bibb Graves that made it his mission to make education a priority in Alabama. He and the Legislature created the Special Education Trust Fund Budget. They earmarked two tax revenues to be used for the new Education Budget.

Education was to be the recipient of the state sales tax and the state income tax, which was a new tax system idea just created by the federal government.

Little did Governor Bibb Graves know that today, these two revenue streams would be the largest source of revenue for the state. That little Special Education Fund Budget now dwarfs the General Fund by over a two-to-one amount.

When I was first elected to the Legislature in 1982, the General Fund and Education budgets were 50/50 dead even. Today, the budgets the Legislature will pass are at least 75% Education and around 25% General Fund.

Governor Bibb Graves built an indelible legacy as the Education Governor. His efforts also enhanced higher education in the state. He established teacher’s colleges at Troy, Florence, Jacksonville and Livingston along with enhancing funding at the State’s two flagship institutions.

The University of Alabama and at the time the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, were recipients of new education dollars.

Every university in the State has a primary building usually in the center of the campus named after Governor Bibb Graves. That is quite appropriate because Governor Bibb Graves left an education legacy as governor.

He may very well be Alabama’s greatest Governor. In fact, he was our only two term governor between 1901 and 1954. Alabama law did not allow governors to succeed themselves.

Therefore, they would have to wait out four years to run again. Graves was governor from 1927 to 1931 and again 1935 to 1939.

The only other two term governor in the no succession era was James E. “Big Jim” Folsom.

He also had an indelible legacy. Many of the rural roads in the state were dirt and impassable when the rains would come. Most folks in the state farmed for a living. When the roads washed out they could not get their crops to the market, so their year long work was washed out. Big Jim knew the plight of these farmers, he was the little man’s and rural man’s big friend. Big Jim paved almost every rural road in the state with his legendary Farm-to-Market Road Program. Ole Big Jim has a legacy as Governor.

His son, Jim Folsom, Jr., has a legacy as governor. Even though he was only Governor two years, he brought Mercedes to Alabama.

The German company now builds more of their luxury automobiles at their Vance-Tuscaloosa plant than anywhere in the world. This initial Mercedes coupe by Folsom was the impetus for Hyundai, Honda and now Toyota-Mazda making Alabama the home of automobile manufacturing.

With these facilities come major spin-off accessory manufacturing plants. We are now the second largest automobile manufacturing state in America and are poised to supersede Michigan and become number one in the next few years.

Some Governors have left a legacy. Bibb Graves, “Big Jim” Folsom, and Jim Folsom, Jr. are three that have left their mark on Alabama history. Bibb Graves has a legacy as Alabama’s Education Governor.

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.

A

catastrophic event killed 600 people out West at the end of June. It wasn’t a terror attack, mass shooting, or a typhoon. It was a killer heat wave of historic proportions, with triple-digit temperatures reaching 130 degrees in places. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there is a bipartisan solution to such deadly heat domes, which threaten those with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, as well as fuel fires and the rolling blackouts that follow.

Heat is a killer. I was surprised to learn that such heat waves cost more Americans their lives over the last decade than any other event, from either floods and rip currents, to storms like tornadoes and hurricanes, annually.

And it could get worse. An international team of climate scientists has found that such events, normally occurring once in 1,000 years, could soon be once every 5-10 years, at current trends. Higher death rates, higher fuel prices, and higher air conditioning bills, will certainly follow.

But there is hope. Normally, this is an issue that the Democrats would demand a solution, and Republicans would run away for an early Summer recess. But the political climate, not just the natural climate, is changing, as GOP members form caucuses like the Conservative Climate Caucus that address climate change, and clean energy.

Just a few years ago, I was able to co-sponsor a campus event for “Conservatives for Clean Energy,”

JOHN TURES Columnist (CCE) chaired by ex-Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, a Republican with a near perfect conservative voting record (if not perfect). Other members came from the state legislature and the Public Service Commission. One of LaGrange College’s graduates organized the event.

“Georgia conservatives have helped to lead the conversation when it comes to clean and renewable energy,” wrote CCE Executive Director Theresa Garcia Robertson in an email to me. “The allconservative Georgia PSC has enough solar in our Integrated Resource Plan to make Georgia 4th in solar production by 2024. Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp have been huge supporters along with Commissioner Pat Wilson for more economic development through solar production and battery facilities. I am convinced PSC Commissioners Bubba McDonald and Jason Shaw won statewide elections last year, in part, due to their support for clean energy. This new development at the Congressional level can only propel us even further. Republican Congressman Buddy Carter gave an interview last month on how real the change in climate is to his district on the coast. It is only a matter of time before more jump on board as evidenced

with the latest addition of our own 3rd Congressional District Representative, Drew Ferguson. The changing climate is real and our economy depends on conservative climate solutions.”

It can’t happen soon enough. Even though Republicans generally support clean energy, renewables falsely took a beating during the Texas winter storm. Those generators powered by renewable energy failed not because they used renewables, but because some in the state decided to “save money” and chose not to winterize them.

That’s why other states and countries, which run on such renewables, have not had such problems, and generally avoided blackouts. The GOP badly needs to counter such propaganda. The Conservative Climate Caucus can do just that, and maybe some misleading arguments about climate change.

Despite some slipping numbers due to the recent disinformation about renewables, strong majorities of Republicans support solar power and wind power. And such numbers are reportedly stronger among young conservatives, the future of the party.

With Conservatives for Clean Energy, the Conservative Climate Caucus, and the Republican Roosevelt Conservation Caucus, lowering the actual temperature, and maybe the political temperature as well.

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

White House blames misinformation for low vaccination rates

C

ubans have begun a revolution for freedom from communist tyranny. They are marching and protesting in the streets waving Cuban and American flags, and begging US to help them gain their independence. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that Haitians or Cubans who come to America by sea “will be returned.”

Meanwhile, Mayorkas continues to insist that our Southern border “is closed,” while hundreds of thousands of migrants from around the world stream across the closed border to the extent more than one million have crossed this fiscal year. At the rate migrants are coming, America will see more than 2 million migrants enter this year.

Escalating violent crime rates continue to ravage cities across America. The “Defund the Police” movement is alive and well, and being cheered on by representatives in Congress. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is dividing parents, teachers, and children into racial and political identity groups in the name of ending racism. Everybody in the whole country appears to be mad about some things and at some bodies.

From January to the middle of May, fourteen states enacted 22 new voting laws. In Philadelphia last week President Biden claimed, “We are facing the most significant test of our

DANIEL GARDNER Columnist democracy since the Civil War. That’s not hyperbole — since the Civil War.” Are new voting laws tantamount to the Civil War? But, the BIG news out of the White House last week was misinformation about COVID on social media. In fact, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki earned the title of Miss Information with some of her comments about monitoring and correcting Facebook and other social media accounts that spread misinformation about COVID, particularly about vaccines.

Not to be undone by his press secretary, President Biden himself made comments about “trusted” people going door-to-door to increase vaccination rates, and told a reporter that social media was “killing people” with misinformation.

More than 34 million Americans have contracted Covid-19, and well over 33 million recovered. Should they be forced to take a vaccine?

How many have died after taking the vaccine? How many have encountered adverse reactions after

taking the vaccine?

Last year about this time and through the end of the year, the LEFT relentlessly attacked the notion of producing a safe vaccine that could help end the pandemic. The LEFT didn’t get onboard with the vaccine until after President Biden was inaugurated. Why? Was it a question of science?

No one doubts, or should doubt that social media is full of misinformation. That is not news. The real news is the White House’s threats to control what its current residents consider to be misinformation. Let’s try an experiment: What if President Trump had won? Would some still refuse to take the vaccine? Would the LEFT enthusiastically encourage everyone to take the vaccine?

Misinformation is not the problem.

Politics is the problem. Politics says the border is closed. Politics says migrants fleeing from Haiti or Cuba will be returned to their failed states.

Politics says police are making violent crime rates soar. Politics says we can end racism by separating people by race. Politics says new voting laws are Jim Crow laws.

Politics says we will tell you what the truth is and censor what anyone else says.

Maybe misinformation is the problem? Where is all of this misinformation coming from?

Page A6 • July 21, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Submit calendar items: Participate in your Tribune by calling 334-567-3284, faxing them to

CommunityCalendar July

The Tallassee High School Alumni Association is accepting nomination for 2022 Hall of Pride inductees as well as a Service Award nominee.

July

The Tallasse Senior is open and accepting new program participants. The center also offers Meals on Wheels to Tallassee seniors.

July

‘Live Here, Buy Here’ campaign to raise awareness about the impact of supporting local businesses in Elmore County.

July

The Tallassee High School Alumni Association is seeking grads from THS class 1938 and prior. If you think you might be one of those, or know who is, please pass that information along. Call at 334-315-1859, or email talacphysics@elmore. rr.com.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

334-567-3284, sending your event to carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com or logging on to

http://www.thewetumpkaherald.com/.

July

for school-related items.

July

A regular city council meeting will be held at city hall beginning at 6 p.m. A work session will be held prior to council meeting starting at 5 p.m.

Registration for The Tallassee Family Guidance Head Start/ Early Head Start program opens.

Mother-Daughter Dance tickets are now available. The dance is slated for Aug. 21. For more information, call 334-415-3952 or email sonyasingleton2020@ gmail.com.

July 16-18

16th annual sales tax holiday

Salaries

July 27

Aug. 1

Backpack and school supply give away at Verizon Wireless on Gilmer Avenue from 1-4 p.m.

The City of Tallassee is hosting

continued from Page A1

officers, TPD is not a large or a small agency.

“It would be difficult to be competitive with Montgomery, Opelika, and Auburn,” Higgins said. “That’s just unrealistic.

An agency that only has to pay four officers or six officers can sometimes pay those four or six a little more because they only have to pay four or six.”

TPD employs 22 police officers.

Higgins pointed out that the department also has other operational costs that other smaller municipalities may not have to fund.

“My budget is little different than an agency that doesn’t have dispatch, doesn’t have

animal control, doesn’t have crossing guards, doesn’t have administrative staff. All they’ve got is five or six officers. So, it’s a whole lot easier to pay those guys, starting out, $16$17 an hour. That’s what we are competing with some with of the smaller agencies,” Higgins said.

Finding new police officers is not a problem unique to Tallassee. Police recruitment is down nationwide.

“It’s definitely something we have to look at in the future because the recruiting pool, over the years, has taken a huge hit. And, right now, with public perception because of what the media has done, people don’t want to come do this,” Higgins

Aug. 10

continued. “No one wants to come do this when McDonalds is paying $15 an hour.”

According to Higgins, he understands that some officers will move on to the next level in law enforcement, but to have an officer leave to go to a smaller agency is not an average occurrence.

“In some cases, officers are leaving for different reasons, but I have had some get out of it altogether. If they are stepping up to the state or the FEDs, that’s something you expect and you plan for. But it hurts when you are losing them to agencies that are smaller than us. You typically don’t leave bigger for smaller,” Higgins said.

a Job Fair from 5-7 p.m. at the Tallassee Recreation Center.

Aug. 13

Not Our First Goat Rodeo: Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile with guest Aoife O’Donovan starting at 7:30 p.m. at Auburn University’s Gogue Performing Art’s Center.

Submit an upcoming event at carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune. com or text 334-580-7089.

Nomination

continued from Page A1

“The Hall of Pride inducts up to three outstanding alumni each year and gives the Service Award to an individual who did not graduate from Tallassee High School but made a significant impact on the lives of the student and faculty,” Wilson said.

Last year’s John Edward (Hot) O’Brien, teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and revered mentor was honored with the Service Award. The 2021 Hall of Pride Inductees includes Michelle Hayes Cole, a Tallassee native and THS Class of 1992. Olivia Pienezza Solomon, educator, author, historian, beloved Alabama short story writer and folklorist, and 1955 THS graduate. Sylvia Farrow Phillips who was in the seventh grade, Tallassee City Schools started its integration plan, and students were given a choice to stay at R. R. Moton or attend THS. The deadline to nominate is Oct. 1. To request a nomination packet, email suzy@ suzannahsphotography.com or call 334-283-8172.

Specialty Auburn-branded SoilKit to give homeowners access to research-based results STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The College of Agriculture at Auburn University recently partnered with AgriTech Corp. on a specialty Auburn-branded SoilKit to deliver digital, easyto-understand soil test results to homeowners, landscapers and municipalities.

This SoilKit marks the first time a public, land-grant university has partnered with a private company to deliver a product of its kind. Consumers who purchase the Auburnbranded SoilKits will send their samples to be tested by Auburn agronomists at the Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory.

After samples are processed, consumers receive a digital

version of their soil test results and recommendations via email. The test results and recommendations are based on decades of agricultural research dating back to the founding of the Auburn College of Agriculture in 1872.

With the digital tools SoilKit provides, such as address autofill and satellite-driven square footage calculation, it is now easier than ever to receive quality soil test results.

“This partnership with SoilKit will allow the Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory to connect with even more homeowners while providing clear and concise soil care recommendations utilizing research backed

by Auburn University,” said Jessica Davis, lab

manager.

Through the data they receive through this partnership with SoilKit, Auburn can monitor soil health throughout the state of Alabama and make recommendations based on what is best for the health of Alabama soil and water.

“Auburn University fertilizer recommendations are based on decades of research to correlate soil-test nutrient levels with plant response,” said Audrey Gamble, assistant professor and extension specialist in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences.

“Using research-based recommendations ensures that enough fertilizer is applied to promote healthy plant growth without adding excess fertilizer, which can pollute nearby

ground- and surfacewaters.”

This partnership benefits both parties as SoilKit is now matched with a national leader in agricultural science and Auburn can connect with a greater number of homeowners, landscapers and municipalities to deliver easy-tounderstand results and recommendations through this simplified soil testing technology.

“From the beginning, this partnership has always seemed like the perfect fit,” said Christina Woerner McInnis, CEO and founder of AgriTech Corp. “From the SoilKit side, it’s exciting to partner with Auburn as they are a nationally recognized agriculture land-grant university and have been experts in agricultural science

Submitted / The Tribune

New, specialty Auburn-branded SoilKits deliver digital, easy-to-understand soil test results to homeowners, landscapers and municipalities.

for over a century. As my alma mater, Auburn has a special place in my heart, and I look forward to collaborating with Auburn on the forefront of cutting-edge agronomy.”

Each Auburn-branded SoilKit will cost $29.95 and will be available

to purchase online at soilkit.com. They will also be available to purchase at Alabama Extension offices located in each of Alabama’s 67 counties.

To find the Alabama Extension office closest to you, visit the online directory.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

July 21, 2021 • Page A7

Win $4k at the Sanders announces campaign for Circuit Judge Tallassee Rotary Club’s Ball-drop STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Tallassee Rotary Club is planning a ball drop that could net a lucky winner $4,000.

That’s right, you could win big if your lucky number drops the closest to the target. The Tallassee Fire Department has agreed to help with the ball drop. Using the ladder truck, the balls will be dropped onto the football field following the Sept. 17 game between the Tallassee Tigers and the Eclectic Panthers.

“This fundraiser has done very well in the past in other cities,” Tallassee Rotary Club President Logan Steers said. “It’s pretty simple. You buy a ball and you have a chance to win $4,000. People can also buy multiple balls. Say, 10 balls for $100. I think $100 for 10 chances to win $4,000 is pretty good.”

Tickets will be available soon and can be picked up at the State Farm office, at 576 Gilmer Avenue, or Max Credit Union, at 1415 Gilmer Ave. There will be a limited number of tickets available, and tickets are expected to sell quickly.

Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to the club’s scholarship funds which helps a deserving Tallassee senior pay for tuition.

“This is a fun way to help local students. The Tallassee Rotary Club has funded a scholarship for many years and we hope to continue this for many years to come,” Steers said.

This year, The Tallassee Rotary Club award Kennedy Taunton with a $1,000 scholarship.

For more information about the upcoming ball drop, contact Steers at 256-267-4801.

Longtime Assistant District Attorney and Conservative Republican Jessica Sanders announced her intention to seek the office of Circuit Court Judge, Place 2, in the Republican Primary.

“Judges should be impartial, fair, and most importantly have experience with the type of case this court hears,” Sanders said. “My history and more than a decade of experience as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting the very same crimes this court will hear, has prepared me to serve our community judiciously. My priority will be to ensure that our families, neighbors, and children are protected from criminals and those who seek to break the laws we all live by each day. I’ve devoted my life to the families and children of our community and state, I’m excited to step up and offer to serve my community as one of their next Circuit Judges.”

Following her tenure as a prosecutor, Sanders was appointed as Assistant Attorney General for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) where she represented the state in both federal and state courts. Currently, Jessica serves as an Assistant Attorney General and Governmental Affairs Director for the State Department of Education where she has been responsible for the passage of more than 20 education-related bills that protect Alabama’s classrooms and provide for 725,000 students with the passage of a $7.5 billion budget.

“Judicial activism from judges who seek to legislate from the bench has concerned me recently. I’ve watched as those on the left have attacked good Republicans of character simply because they would rather pack the courts and change the fabric of our country from the bench.

Consumer horticulture benefits everyone STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Consumer horticulture is one aspect of the agricultural sector where nearly every household in the country is involved.

According to Kerry Smith, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds team co-coordinator and Master Gardener program coordinator, consumer horticulture includes everything from vegetable gardening to playing in a park, strolling in a public garden or growing plants in a windowsill. For this reason, the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) was born.

“We started as a multi-state group of Extension agents and specialists wanting to bring attention to consumer horticulture as a major segment within the larger arena of agriculture,” Smith said.

She said what began as a push to gain traction and attention for grant funding within the industry, became a publicity and educational effort to bring awareness to the multifaceted consumer horticulture sector.

The NICH seeks to promote the numerous benefits Americans receive through plants at home and in their communities.

“We support human health, community beautification, environmental stewardship, local food and so much more,” Smith said. “Consumer horticulture provides jobs and revenue in all aspects of growing, marketing and managing plans. All of these aspects are integral to our Auburn University horticulture department curriculum, as well as

the focus of what our Alabama Extension home grounds agents do on a daily basis.”

As experts worked across state lines to develop talking and teaching points for public education, Smith said the need for promotional materials became apparent. There are now six publications available for use and viewing. These publications categorize some of the sector’s benefits.

“Of course, we see strength and value in research data,” she said. “We compiled these literature reviews from world-wide studies, as proof of our segment’s value to the agricultural industry. Not just dollar value, but we included social and health-related values as well.”

After extensive research compilations, the team decided to focus on six benefits.

Environment Schools and communities Individuals and families People and plans Housing and residential areas Businesses, workplaces and employees Each publication was designed by a land-grant university partner in the project. Specialists from Auburn University, the University of Georgia, the University of Tennessee, the University of Nebraska, Louisiana State University and the University of Kentucky were contributors.

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.

Submitted / The Tribune

Republican Jessica Sanders has announced her campaign for Circuit Court Judge, Place 2 in the Republican Primary.

We need solid Constitutional Conservative Republicans who are qualified to serve on our courts-- which is why I’m running,” Sanders said.

Jessica and her husband, Russ, live in Prattville where they are actively involved in the community and church. The Republican Primary is on May 24, 2022.

The publications are available online through the NICH website. The project is called Benefits of Consumer Horticulture.

Smith said consumer horticulture is much more than lawns, mailbox flowers and garden vegetables.

“It’s literally all around us—city parks, retail shopping areas, outdoor classrooms, community gardens and walking trails,” she said. “Because these people-plant interfaces are all within built landscapes, we must recognize their critical roles in sustainable cities, towns and neighborhoods.”

Smith supports and encourages the goals of the NICH on an Alabama level.

Recognizing consumer horticulture as an economic driver within the agricultural industry.

Restoring, protecting and conserving natural resources through consumer horticulture research.

Using consumer horticulture to cultivate healthy, connected and engaged communities.

By recognizing the value of consumer horticulture, society bolsters the funding opportunities that support research related to the diverse realm the sector encompasses.

“Knowledge gained through research is not only Extension’s foundation; it is critical to society’s successful future,” Smith said.

More information about the NICH is available online.

For more information about Alabama Extension’s Master Gardener Program or the home grounds team, visit www. aces.edu.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited ,I \RX VXVSHFW WKLV LV KDSSHQLQJ WR VRPHRQH \RX NQRZ SOHDVH UHSRUW LW WR $GXOW 3URWHFWLYH 6HUYLFHV E\ FRQWDFWLQJ \RXU ORFDO '+5 RIILFH RU FDOOLQJ WKH

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Call now for your free evaluation.

1-(888)432-6020 7KHUHҋV QR H[FXVH IRU Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

A L A B AM A DE PT OF C O R R E C T ION S CLEAR AND SECURE CAREER PATH

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

JOBS AVAILABLE

NOW.

OPPORTUNITY TO EARN UP TO

$7,500 IN BONUSES!

G E T S TA RT E D TO DAY !

VISIT ADOCJOBS.US

ELDER ABUSE

“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

RELIGION

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

Page A8 • July 21, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Dying to live I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

- Galatians 2:20

I

n a “previous life,” I was a disc jockey on a Top 40 radio station. Every now and then a song lyric from the past comes up in my mind and seems to stay there. That happened this past week with a song that asked the question several times in its chorus, “Why am I dying to live, if I’m just living to die?” The 50-year-old song was “Dying to Live,” by Edgar Winter. I thought about that expression for a while.

I’d like to share some of those thoughts with you today.

“Dying to Live” is a good

way to understand what it means to become a follower of Jesus.

He told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Paul explained in Romans 6 that we are baptized into the death of Christ, and raised to walk in newness of life. He said our old self was crucified with Christ.

That was all said to answer his rhetorical question, “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Following Jesus begins with denying self, putting self-will to death to do the will of Christ. All who want to live with Christ and in Christ must surrender, or die to self, in order to live.

But “Dying to Live” is also a good way to describe how we live our day-to-day lives in Christ.

Self-denial begins (not ends) in

MIKE MCELROY Columnist obeying the gospel. Remember Jesus said, taking up the cross is done daily. Paul said, “I die every day!” (1 Corinthians 15:31). He said the world had been crucified to him and he to it by the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14). And he taught the Colossians to “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). To live in Christ and with Christ and for Christ calls for a daily commitment of our hearts, minds and bodies to Jesus. We’re “dying to live” when we live out Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer: “Not my will, but yours be done.”

“Dying to Live” is also how

The Suffering Mustard Seed He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when fullgrown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’” Matthew 13: 31-32

T

he reign of God’s Kingdom on earth began very humbly.

Twelve regular guys. Nobody special there.

While they followed Him, until the end of Christ’s life they didn’t really understand Him. They betrayed Him, they left Him alone for crucifixion. They were terrified of the persecutions and disappointed with what happened to their teacher.

These were the humble beginnings. How fragile was God’s Kingdom in those days? And how small in

human categories. Like a mustard seed.

These are our beginnings.

Perhaps we sometimes dream of big things.

Successful careers, being famous, being successful, or for me as a priest, it was dreaming about being wellknown, leading retreats and revivals for millions of people, doing big, great things. Well that may never happen.

Let’s get to the point. Look at this mustard seed, or any seed per se. For a seed to grow, it first needs to be put in soil. It needs water, and needs to crack its shell, or outer skin so it can go up through dark soil into light above.

Seed needs to be cracked and broken, and if seed had feelings I would assume it does hurt.

Isn’t that the point? There is no growth without pain. No pain no gain as some say.

Let’s take another view and say that you are this mustard

FATHER MATEUSZ RUDZIK ST. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church seed. Could it be that you feel small, unnoticed, not important? That would fit the definition of mustard seed.

But we cannot stop there.

There is this suffering thing. Life is quite generous when it’s about suffering.

Illness, death in family or friends, loss of job, betrayal, economic crisis, and on the top of it you can add your own deserved suffering that comes from your mistakes, sins and vices. Whether it’s your fault or not, suffering will always be there.

Can we say that like this mustard seed in the ground, we experience life events similar to being cracked, smashed and broken by the pains and ills of life? If yes, then we could say that we

faith sees our approaching physical death. To a child of God, death is not a dead end. We may dread the unknown and cling to life as we know and love it here as long as we can. But when death comes, we are not defeated by it; we are instead freed from the pain, tears, loss and darkness that characterize life in this fallen world. Paul said it would be gain for him to die. He said it would be far better to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:21,23).

We share his confidence that he “would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Revelation 14:13 pronounces a blessing on those who die “in the Lord.”

They can rest. 1 Thessalonians 4 shows how those who are asleep in Christ will wake up to eternal life with the Lord. Truly when the time comes, a Christian is indeed “dying to live.”

There’s a reflection of the gospel itself in the words, “Dying to Live.” That’s exactly what Jesus came to do, and what he

did. He was born to die (Hebrews 2:14). He died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 2:24). He was raised never to die again by the power of God: “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him” (Romans 6:19). All our hope in Christ centers on this truth. When we die to self to live for Jesus, we live changed lives under his control. When our life here is over, we face death confident of the resurrection, welcomed home to live with the Lord forever.

The last chorus of that old song changes the rather dark question of “Why am I dying to live?” to something more positive and instructive: “You know I’m dying to live until I’m ready to die.”

That’s how I want to live for Jesus every day. I want to live to glorify and serve him. I want to live life to the fullest, be ready when the time comes to die, and live with him forever. I hope you share that desire with me. If I can help you, please let me know.

cannot avoid things like that.

What we can do when it is happening to us?

Someone there in the Gospel watered this poor mustard seed. Someone there watched over it so chickens from the neighborhood would not take it out of the soil.

Someone there was keeping weeds away so it could grow. Yes, it was the Master Gardener. He is present in your life, too.

Unlike the seed, you can run away from Him, which we all do very well. It has been going on since our first parents in the Garden of Eden. The first thing they did after their little rebellion about fruits and trees was to run away and try to hide from God. And so, we do the same.

I’m positive as it was in the case of Adam and Eve – in our own lives, it’s never a good idea.

Perhaps you may wonder why. It doesn’t matter how broken we are.

It doesn’t matter that you promised God or your spouse two hundred and fiftysix times that you’ll never ever do it again. It doesn’t

matter that you feel like you don’t deserve any love. It doesn’t matter that you feel undeserving of forgiveness, or that you’re no good.

The Gardener is still there for you.

He is there especially when you are broken. He is there to put on you the balm of his healing, wash you with water of forgiveness, feed your broken self with his own body and blood.

And perhaps when you end up in the pit next time, try not to run away from God. He is already there, ready to help you and not to judge you. He is there to nourish you, not reject you. The Lord is ready to take you into His arms again and carry you where you need to go.

Let Love come into your life.

Father Mateusz Rudzik is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tuskegee.

Listen to his weekly radio show, “Our Life’s Journey,” on WACQ-AM 580 & FM 98.5/101.1, or online at www. wacqradio.com.

Church Briefs Bethlehem East Baptist Church

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

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

Carrville Baptist Church

Carrville Baptist would like to invite everyone to its 67th Homecoming Service on Sunday, Aug. 8, at 10 am. The church is excited that the Guest Speaker will be Mike Jackson, The Associate Executive Director of the Alabama State Board of Missions. There will be a covered dish luncheon to follow.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 pm, there will be a Back to School Bash for the whole family.

There will be games and a

cookout. We will be giving out 72 backpacks filled with school supplies that day on a first come first serve basis. If you know of a student that might need a backpack please let them know.

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

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

East Tallassee United Methodist Church

ETUMC is holding services on Sunday at 11 a.m. and at 5 p.m.

The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located at the side of the old East Tallassee Hospital,

HERREN HILL PHARMACY & GIFTS

Hometown Service from the People You Trust!

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

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

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

(334) 252-8800

eat fresh.

™

“Come to see us.”

464 Gilmer Avenue 283-2247

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

Beautiful, Quality, Flowers For Any Occasion.

LOW COST CARS

Used Carss & Trucks

5264 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL

“Take a Ride...

Then Decide!”

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

Serving Tallassee since 1992

across from the library. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913 or Melanie Baker at 334-415-8314. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

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.

Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus is encouraged 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 The First Presbyterian Church

SCF

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

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

(334) 252-1333

BUILDINGS

of Tallassee will be hosting a First Responders’ Appreciation Day. We want to celebrate the work first responders do for our community year-round; therefore, we are inviting the first responders of Tallassee to join us for lunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on July 5. It will be at our church located at 514 Central Blvd. You are welcome to eat at the church or take the food to go.

Thought of the Week: ““The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention is the Bible. I speak as a man of the world . . . and I say to you, ‘Search the Scriptures.’” John Quincy Adams, 6th President.

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)

Phone

East Tallassee Baptist Church

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

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

CITY COLLISION FOR ALL YOUR PAINT AND BODY NEEDS 89077 Tallassee Hwy. • Tallassee, AL dlh4012@aol.com Dana Haynes, Owner 334-391-7345

Submit your church news to: editor@tallasseetribune.com

The deadline is FRIDAY at noon

or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants.

CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-2832195. 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.

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

–––––– The Tallassee Tribune

Sports

www.TallasseeTribune.com

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

July 21, 2021 • Page B1

The

Tribune

Reeltown faces Generals for preseason scrimmage

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

Jake Arthur / The Tribune

A Reeltown player and coach celebrate during an OTA scrimmage against Horseshoe Bend.

Outside competition can make it easier to fine-tune your team.

Such was the case for Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown’s football squads Tuesday evening, when the two sides practiced together in an OTA. The Generals and Rebels went through drills, worked 7-on-7 then eventually came together for a full scrimmage against one another.

“We’ve been practicing all summer against each other, and it’s good to get out and practice against somebody else,” Horseshoe Bend head coach Jeremy Phillips said. “They threw some stuff at us we haven’t necessarily practiced on, so it gives us some talking points.”

For Phillips, the OTA represented an opportunity to season his young squad against a well-disciplined team.

The Horseshoe Bend head man has a lot of respect for the program head coach Matt Johnson runs at Reeltown.

“They’re well-coached, and I wanted our guys to go against some guys that are like that,” Phillips said. “Going into the season, we’re gonna play many teams that are well coached and disciplined. That’s what we were looking for.”

The Generals also took the opportunity to experiment with a healthy dose of different lineups, formations and plays to see what may work best on the offensive side of the ball.

In the two-hour runtime of the practice, Horseshoe Bend could be seen running a wishbone, Wing-T or spread offense at any given point.

“We’re gonna line up and we’re gonna run the ball,” Phillips said. “That’s just

Jake Arthur / The Tribune

Reeltown wide receiver Marcus Haynes hauls in a pass.

point blank. But at the same time, there comes a time during the game when you might need to spread it out or you might need to throw a different look at a team, and these are perfect opportunities to work on that, especially against a good defense.”

One of the biggest standouts from either side was Reeltown senior wide receiver Marcus Haynes, who seemed to be all over the field using his large frame to seal off defenders and make big plays. He hauled in multiple touchdown passes throughout 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 competition.

Phillips said the next step for Horseshoe Bend is to complete its July strength and conditioning program before starting legitimate practices in August.

“We’re gonna finish out summer workouts, we’ll run and lift,” Phillips said.

“We’ll start practice August 2nd, and we’ll be full force then.”

Both Reeltown and Horseshoe Bend kick off their seasons Aug. 20.

ANDY GRAHAM Columnistt

Media Days are always good for a quote or two

S

EC Media Days has arrived in Hoover and the clichés and platitudes are flying around like gnats at a summer picnic. This will be Auburn HC Bryan Harsin’s first true introduction to the enormity of SEC media coverage and general fandom.

However, it will be slightly muted due to the public being forbidden to attend. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to hearing what Harsin has to say and seeing how he handles the whole situation. While the 24-hour news cycle and instantaneous updates from numerous team websites has lessened the value of Media Days, it’s still interesting and marks the unofficial beginning of the college football season. Thinking back on some recent Media Days’ of the past, here are some quotes that seemed perfectly reasonable at the time, but, now with the advantage of hindsight, are actually pretty funny.

SEC Media Days 2013 – Auburn was obviously coming off an utterly horrendous 2012 season and had just hired Gus Malzahn. It was his first trip to Hoover.

The Tigers had come out of spring and Kiehl Frazier was the leading candidate at QB. A true freshman named Jeremy Johnson and a transfer named Nick Marshall had joined the team in the summer. Malzahn said, “We will give Nick and Jeremy a fair chance and we’ll see what happens.” Well, usually when someone is given a “fair chance”, that means they have no chance. I’m glad Marshall was the exception, because what happened was an unstoppable offense, an SEC title and a national championship game appearance.

SEC Media Days 2015 – There were a couple of great quotes from this year that are rather priceless.

Jeremy Johnson was an AU representative and speaking about Malzahn he said, “he’s a genius.”

I know it’s difficult to remember, but lots and lots of people used to feel the same way. Malzahn was asked about how the offense would change with See GRAHAM • Page B7

All Lawn Maintenance • EDGING • TRIMMING • WEED EATING • PINE STRAW

FREE ESTIMATES!

(334) 309-4422 (334) 580-7879

Submitted / The Tribune

Taliyah Adams, pictured second from left, earned 2A best in show with Tallassee’s other majorettes in 2019 and will be among the instructors for Star Seeds’ dance majorette and cheerleading camp July 31.

Star Seeds program to host dance majorette and cheer camp

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

Girls ages 4 to 13 from across Elmore County will have an opportunity to learn from some of the area’s best dance majorettes and cheerleaders at the end of this month.

Star Seeds, the city of Tallassee’s youth mentorship program, is hosting a dance majorette and cheerleading camp July 31 at the Tallassee Recreation Center.

“What they can look forward to is getting trained by girls who are in college for these things, girls who are doing this at their local high schools,” Star Seeds president LD Bell said.

Bell’s wife GiGi Bell will host

the camp at the end of this month.

She’ll lead the instruction for the youth that sign up, with help from five former dance majorettes or cheerleaders from Tallassee and Elmore County high schools.

Three of the instructors, Kanasia Lyles, Jakiyah Williams and Taliyah Adams are all involved with the dance program at Troy University.

Learning from local products with such experience should help inspire some of the young girls who choose to attend, LD Bell said.

“It’s gonna be a really good time for them. It’s gonna be a little tough for them, because it’s a camp. It’s gonna be difficult for these young girls at first. But once they get there and get going it’ll be

like second nature to all of them.”

Former Tallassee and current Jacksonville State cheerleader Orliyah Poole and former Elmore County majorette Raqueal Thompson round out the list of the five featured instructors, with Bell saying more have volunteered to help with the camp. The added volunteers include a few current Tallassee cheerleaders.

Girls will be taught techniques essential to cheerleading, dance and being a majorette at various stations in the camp. One of the five featured instructors will be leading the learning at each station.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with the camp itself running from 9 a.m. to noon July 31 at 450 Gilmer Ave. in Tallassee.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Graham Johnson at the helm. “We’re going to have the same offensive philosophy and foundation every year, but we’re going to build the offense around the quarterback’s strengths.” Considering the prolific offensive numbers from 2013 and 2014, this sounds like a no-brainer.

July 21, 2021 • Page B2

continued from Page B1 Unfortunately, the part Malzahn could never figure out was recruiting quarterbacks that resembled Nick Marshall to run the offense. Adapting the offense to quarterbacks that were illequipped to run it ultimately changed the offense.

SEC Media Days 2019 – Malzahn reflected on giving up calling plays, apparently against his will, after 2015.

“I decided to go back and call plays, that’s really who I am. I’m an offensive guy. Three years ago you get some bad advice and all that. And of course I made

a mistake.” I actually really respected this moment and thought it was a great idea that he win or lose on his own terms.

Then, of course, Gus turned around one year later and gave up playcalling duties again to his good buddy Chad Morris.

That worked out really well!

What to consider before getting a pet

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Moving, too active, digs, no time for, cannot afford, too big, can’t find homes for the litter, chewing everything, new baby, allergic, too old, keeps running off, got a younger one, can’t take care of, don’t need any more, can’t control, scared of, getting aggressive, keeps breaking the chain, sheds too much, won’t housetrain, not using litter box, too many animals, new partner doesn’t like, kept her puppy/kitten instead, jumps on people, needs too much attention, neighbors complaining, wrong color, chasing livestock (especially their new freeroaming chickens), killed another animal, not protective enough, children not taking care of, simply don’t want…

All of the above are reasons we have been told by owners surrendering their pets. For those unpredictable life changes or unavoidable situations where re-homing a pet is in the pet’s best interest or a true necessity for the owner we are glad our shelter is able to help both the pet and the owner. But our reality is that far too many pets are surrendered for lack of homework before getting the pet, or lack of a true lifetime commitment to that pet. Responsible pet ownership means making sure you are not only ready to take on a pet, but that you will commit to caring for that same pet throughout its entire life.

That entails all the challenges of raising and training a puppy or kitten and then also dealing with it during adolescence when you are ready to throw in the towel until the pet matures and settles down. It means committing to providing adequate food and fresh water, shelter, containment to keep the pet safe, bathing and grooming, exercise, vaccinations and necessary veterinary care, pooper scooper patrol, cage cleaning (for a smaller critter), and spaying or neutering to prevent

unwanted offspring. And it means dealing with all of this for the entire 10-15-20 year lifespan of that pet.

In this age of the internet, books, experts, TV and even our knowledgeable shelter staff, doing some homework before obtaining a pet is just too easy. You might find out that either the pet you were thinking of just might not work for your family or situation, or you can confirm all the good things you were hoping for and learn how to best raise that pet so that it becomes a well-adjusted and loved member of the family.

All of the above is why we want to work with our adopters to help try and find the best match for their family, energy level, personality and living situation. All puppies are cute, but if an adopter lives in a small apartment and works all day, then an active Labrador pup that’s guaranteed to chew everything and that will eventually turn into a 70-pound adult might not be a great fit. A reactive and nervous small dog might be risky in a home with a toddler, and a declawed kitty certainly cannot go to an adopter who wants an outdoor cat. So, bear with us as we ask questions about lifestyle and home and family as we truly do have not only our pet’s best interest at heart, but the adopters as well.

We ask prospective pet parents to please think before you obtain a pet, do some homework and take into account that any pet you get is completely dependent on you for its future. For those who find a stray and want to help – once you have done the due diligence to make sure there is no one missing the pet, please take it to a veterinarian for a check up, vaccinations and make an appointment for spay or neuter surgery without delay. Far too many preventable and unwanted litters are brought to us from strays a family kept but never had spayed. Please be a part of the solution to pet overpopulation instead of part of the cause.

Pet of the Week: Athena Athena is supposed to be a Heeler/ Bloodhound mix though does look more Beagle’ish. She is three years old and only about 35 lbs so not a big gal. This adorable pooch has just the right amount of fun and energy. She loves to play fetch and actually returns it right to you. Her family moved without her and she needs a new place to play.

Adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1-year-old. Cats over 1-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 and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Holly or any of the pets at the humane society, send an email to hselco@bellsouth.net to get an adoption application. Once that is cleared, an appointment will be set up.

Walk-in adoptions are not allowed at this time.

The shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka, the phone number is 334-567-3377, and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

File / The Tribune

Edgewood junior Michael McLing will race for a motocross national championship for the fourth time in the last six years.

Michael McLing earns fourth trip to motocross national championship

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the fourth time in the last six years, Edgewood Academy junior Michael McLing will race for a national championship.

The 16-year-old McLing has qualified for the 40th Annual Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, the largest amateur motocross race in the world. The event, which is located at the historic Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., spans from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7.

He will race in two events, the Schoolboy 2 and the 250B. McLing is the only participant from Alabama out of 42 racers in his events.

This is the fourth time McLing has qualified for the championship races. He qualified as an 11-year-old in 2016, a 13-year-old in 2018, and a 15-year-old in 2020.

“The Amateur National at Loretta Lynn’s is the best of the best motocrossers in America and around the world,” director of MX Sports Tim Cotter said. “Just being here makes you an elite racer and a top athlete. A solid finish at Loretta’s would you give you instant national recognition and a possible professional career.”

McLing has spent the entire summer traveling across the United States to race in qualifying events, while also working and participating in summer football practice.

He, along with his parents, have traveled to Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Michigan and Minnesota for qualifying events to the championship race.

He has been able to travel across the country thanks to local sponsors, which consist of Alabama Better Built Homes, Premier Pool and Spas, M&M Construction, Parrish Air, Rock Springs Land and Timber, Levin’s Lawn and

Construction, Robinson Lawn Care, Reliable Tire and Auto, Riptide Car Wash, Elite Pools, Levin’s Sand and Gravel, Kreations Homes, Quality Dirt Works, Farmers Feed Service Inc., Ben Rives, Lance and Kassi Abernathy, Shane, Vanessa & Maddy Wilson and Keith, Donna and Seth Smith.

To qualify for the championship races at the Loretta Lynn Ranch, racers must go through the national qualifying program. That program consists of placing in the Top 9 in any of the 51 area qualifiers and the Top 6 in any of the 18 regional qualifiers.

Over 20,000 participants raced in the area and regional qualifiers, with only 1,512 racers advancing to the championships.

McLing excelled in the area qualifiers, and made it to the regional races in four different categories; 250B, 250B Limited, 450B Limited and the Schoolboy 2. He even had two first place finishes in a 250B race in Alabama and a Schoolboy 2 race in Kentucky.

Once in the regional qualifiers, he placed in the Top 6 in the 250B and the Schoolboy 2 races in the Spring Creek MX NC Amateur, the regional race in Millville, Minnesota.

Due to his two impressive finishes there, he moves on to the championship races, where he hopes the fourth time is the charm. With a win, he would join a legendary list of AMA Amateur winners such as Ryan Dungey, Travis Pastrana, Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart.

McLing has found success in this race in the past. In 2016, at just 11-years old, he placed in 9th and 14th overall in his classes, while he has placed 31st, 25th, 24th, and 29th in 2018 and 2020.

The race action will be broadcast live daily at www.RacerTV.com, August 2 – August 7, for a total of 40 hours of live coverage. In addition, highlight shows featuring the event will air on MAVTV in the fall.

Many a small thingg

largge... hhasass bbeen eeen mmade ade

...with the right kind of advertising.

256.234.4281

Page B3 • July 21, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

PRACTICING SUMMER SAFETY

Summer is a time of warm weather and lots of fun, but you must remember the rules of Summer safety! There are many hazards that go along with Summer activities, but with a few simple precautions you will remain safe and sound. Protecting yourself from the Sun is one of the most important things to remember when it is hot and sunny. Using a sunscreen everyday with an SPF of at least 30 will protect your skin from burning and protect you from skin cancer years down the road. Do not forget places like your ears, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Always carry a water bottle with you because the heat from the Sun can dehydrate you more quickly than you may realize. Water safety is another important thing to follow. Never go near water unless there is a lifeguard or other adult (who can swim) there to supervise. Always use protective gear, like a lifejacket, when on a boat or a jet ski. Pay attention to the AY ROTECTION AME ÀDJ ZDUQLQJ V\VWHPV RQ EHDFKHV DQG OLVWHQ WR WKH DXWKRULWLHV LI WKH\ WHOO \RX WR JHW RXW RI WKH ZDWHU Ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage Outdoor safety is important anytime you may be camping or hiking. Always wear protective shoes. your skin, even when there are clouds out. Never go out into the woods alone. Use the buddy system! Never eat any plants that you do not know Find the two suns below that are the same. are safe, and learn what poison ivy, oak, and sumac look like to avoid touching them and getting an allergic reaction. Be careful to watch for ticks and other insects that may harm you. Use bug spray to UHSHO LQVHFWV ,I \RX GR JHW ELWWHQ WHOO DQ DGXOW LPPHGLDWHO\ ,I \RX VWDUW D FDPS¿UH QHYHU OHDYH LW XQattended. When riding a bicycle or scooter, wear a helmet. Fireworks are great Summer fun, but only ZKHQ DQ DGXOW LV LQ FKDUJH 1HYHU VHW Rႇ ¿UHZRUNV \RXUVHOI /HW WKH JURZQXSV KDQGOH WKLV 6XPPHU job. Have a safe Summer!

UV R

P

G

LIFEGUARD COLOR IT!

SUMMER SAFETY WORD SEARCH

Boating, Buddy System, Camping, Equipment, Fireworks, Heat, Helmet, Hiking, Hydrate, Lifeguard, Life Jacket, Poison Ivy, Protection, Safety, SPF, Summer, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Ticks, Water

SAFETY TIME CROSSWORD QUIZ

Across Clues: 2. A plant that causes an allergic reaction.

3. Never leave this unattended at camp.

4. Only swim where there is a _____.

7. Protect your eyes with these.

9. Be sure to drink a lot of __ in the heat.

11. Only an adult can handle this activity.

12. U.V. stands for _________.

Match Ans: 4 &10

Down Clues: 1. Always wear this on a boat.

5. Never go alone! Use the ____.

6. Always wear a bike _____.

8. This protects your skin in the sun.

10. A type of bug to avoid outside.

&URVVZRUG $QV $FURVV 3RLVRQ ,Y\ &DPS¿UH /LIH *XDUG 6XQJODVVHV :DWHU )LUHZRUNV 8OWUDYLROHW 'RZQ $QV /LIH Jacket 5.Buddy System 6.Helmet 8.Sunscreen 10.Tick

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS! ALIGNMENTS

Alabama Foot Care Center

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

334-741-7600

www.alfootcare.com

Russell

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

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

89037 Tallassee Hwy. (Hwy 14 W) • Tallassee, AL 334.283.8000 www.tallaseepower.com

SWAT

1161 COUNTY RD. 39 NOTASULGA, AL

334-257-3441

DRIVE A LITTLE AND SAVE A LOT

740 Memorial Drive • Prattville, AL

334.283.4111

(334) 567-4567 www.arrowpestcontrol.net

LOGAN STEERS 576 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee,AL 36078 Bus: 334.991.4476 • Fax 334.991.4519 logan@logansteers.com The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.

SALES & REPAIR

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

JACKSON THORNTON

(334) 283-6711

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

PROUD SUPPORTER OF AREA YOUTH SPORTS

Farmers & Merchants Bank 216 S. Broadnax Street • Dadeville, AL

www.tallasseehealthandrehab.com

256.825.9943

Steve Martin

Engineering & Surveying

(334) 262-2544 www.tallasseeautomotive.com

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

110 Court Street • Wetumpka, AL (334) 567-6606 Wanda S. Jones, LPA jonesaccounting@ainweb.net

334-265-1208

1618 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL

Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC

AMBULANCE 2530 East 5th Street Montgomery, AL

TALLASSEE

AUTOMOTIVE

Agent

PROPANE + APPLIANCE + HVAC

2251 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL

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

CARMACKS GROCERY

DRIVE A LITTLE, SAVE A LOT!

EXTERMINATING CO. 2808 Kent Road Tallassee, AL

TIRES/BRAKES

Singleton’s Alignment and Muffler Service, LLC

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS | CONSULTANTS

www.fbctallassee.com

1279 Friendship Road • Tallassee, AL

Martin Johnson

Construction 915 Wildlife Rd. Dadeville, AL 256-786-9245 Quality Built Homes

Hornsby & Son

Body Shop L.L.C.

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

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

Joyce Wright Broker 334-399-5100

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

The Tallassee Tribune

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

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

62 Claud Road Eclectic, AL

(334) 541-2231

J. Alan Taunton & Company, LLC Certified Public Accountants • Tax Planning and Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping and Accounting Services • Payroll and Payroll Tax Services • Small Business Consulting Services • Quickbooks and Sage Peachtree Assistance

200 Executive Park Dr. Phone: 334-283-2567 P.O. Box 780248 Fax: 334-283-6900 Tallassee, AL 36078-0248 E-mail: alantaunton@taunton.cpa.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

July 21, 2021 • Page B4

ClassiÄeds

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

The Dadeville Record

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) This is a lovely day because the Moon, Venus and Mars are all supportive to Aries. This means that whatever you attempt to do will probably succeed. It’s a great day to schmooze and enjoy playful outings. Tonight: You are admired.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You might be dealing with Änancial issues like loans, mortgages, debt or shared property, especially with how they relate to your home or your family. If so, be aware of the brief Moon Alert. It’s a lovely day to entertain. Tonight: Explore travel plans.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) With the Moon opposite your sign today, you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. Nevertheless, this is a friendly day! Enjoy talking to everyone.

Something will make you appreciate who and where you are. Tonight: Expect a favor.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Although this is a friendly day for most, you will use this energy to get better organized and work smart at your job.

You might want to do something that helps you get better organized with a pet.

The good thing is you have the energy!

Tonight: Warm conversations.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Even though you are low-key, you can’t resist invitations to party and socialize today! Enjoy social outings, playful activities with kids, sports events and fun times. With both Mars and Venus in your sign, you’ll make a memorable entrance.

Tonight: Health is favored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Family discussions, especially with females, will go well today because good feelings abound. Some of you might instead prefer to cocoon at home alone.

If so, you will enjoy feeling pampered and private. Tonight: Fun city!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This is an excellent day for those of you

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

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

who write, teach, act, sell or market for a living, because your verbal skills are sharp. Not only that, you will be charming and friendly with everyone. Regardless of what you do for a living, this is an excellent day to communicate with someone.

Tonight: Relax at home.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Business and commerce are favored today (with the exception of a one-hour interval -- check the Moon Alert). You might see ways to boost your income or to get a better paying job. Admittedly, many of you will see ways to spend your money on something beautiful. Tonight: You feel positive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) For most of today, the Moon is in your sign dancing with Venus and Mars, which makes you feel positive, energetic and friendly to everyone, especially people who are diɈerent or from another culture.

This is because you want to broaden your horizons and stretch a bit. Tonight: Money looks good.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This is the perfect day for a nap. It’s also a good day to keep a low proÄle and watch the world go by. Nevertheless, Änancial discussions will go well. If you are negotiating a loan or mortgage, be aware of the restrictions of the Moon Alert for only one hour. Tonight: You’re happy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Your interaction with friends will be rewarding today. You also might feel just as happy interacting with clubs, groups and associations because you’re in the mood to socialize and share your ideas. You are also thinking ahead about the future.

Tonight: Enjoy solitude.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) People notice you today, which is a good thing, because you look very good in their eyes. You look successful and charming, which is why someone might approach you to ask for advice or for your help in some way. Tonight: Warm friendships.

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

The Eclectic Observer

Employment

The Tallassee Tribune

Job Opportunities

The Wetumpka Herald

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities Bill Nichols State Veterans Home

FRUIT OF THE LOOM RUSSELL DC

NOW-HIRING!!!

NOW HIRING for Multiple Positions 1st and 2nd Shifts Available •Full-Time •Temp. Seasonal •Part-Time

•Weekend RN Supervisor Baylor •3p-11p Supervisor Monday-Friday •RN/LPN Charge Nurse Full-Time Sign-On Bonus Available!!

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

3pm-11pm & 11pm-7am Off every other weekend • Housekeeping and Dietary positions available •Now offering C.N.A. classes • W/E Baylor Charge Nurse Positions Available **Work 12hrs get paid for KUV ZLWK IXOO WLPH EHQH¿WV

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

Five Star Preserve Assistant Housekeeper Wanted at upscale private lodge. Full-Time with %HQH¿WV 5DWH RI SD\ EDVHG on experience. Email housekeeping@ ¿YHVWDUSUHVHUYH FRP EOE. No Drop-ins or phone calls please.

Apply at:

hmrveteranservices.com Contact:Brandy Holman

256-329-0868

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

Need someone to drive me for doctors appointments, cleaning and errands. Must be able to pass drug and background check.

Also need someone to help lay carpet. 256-392-5733

Baldwin Transfer Company

Local jobs for truck drivers Class A CDL $1500 Sign on bonus, $20/hr Home nightly 251-433-3391 baldwintransferco.com/driver.aspx

Charge Nurse Adams Nursing Home Full-time & PRN (RN/LPN) $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS & REFERRAL BONUS!!!

Small long term care facility, Alexander City

Are you looking for employment at this time?

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

Call Allegiance Staffing today!

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

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

If you are interested, please contact

All applicants must possess the ability to direct nursing care to the residents and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities. Must be able to work on a medication cart and provide patient care.

Good customer service and positive attitude toward the elderly a must! Competitive pay!

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

Full-time 8 AND 12 hour shifts available, Flexible schedules, every other weekend off!

Also hiring for PRN positions!

BC/BS ins, Vision and Dental ins, 401K retirement plan, Education assistance after requirements met.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!!

DENTAL Insurance

Medicare does not cover dental care1. That means if you need dental work done, it can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your own pocket.

Get Dental Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. It helps cover over 350 procedures — from cleanings and fillings to crowns and dentures.

• See any dentist you want, but save more with one in our network • No deductible, no annual maximum • Immediate coverage for preventive care

Call to get your FREE Information Kit

1-844-319-0359

Paid weekly!

Must hold current, unencumbered, Alabama LPN or RN license. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices & procedures.

Call TODAY and talk with us to discuss this employment opportunity (256) 329-0847, we are waiting to hear from you!

Come join our team!

dental50plus.com/shelby

1

“Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2020 Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/ certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, LA, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B).

6255

SUDOKU

EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITY!!!!

ATTENTION: NURSES & CNA’S Second and Third shift CNAs (2p-10P and 10p-6a) Third shift Charge Nurses LPN or RN 7P-7A. RN Supervisor.

We offer sign on Bonus for nurses $5000 and sign on Bonus for CNAs $2100.

Adams Healthcare 256-329-0847 ask for Angela Bradford, 6WDI¿QJ 'LUHFWRU

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

Call: 1-800-328-3209 Put your ad here call 256.414.4250

Page B5 • July 21, 2021

Job Opportunities

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Job Opportunities Southern Apparel Inc Now Hiring for Apparel Manufacturing Please send resumes:

Rentals Apartments

Call 334-567-5044 Need a jack of all trades, ZHHGLQJ SODQWLQJ ÀRZHUV HWF 4-5 hours per week $12 per hour Call 256-215-3989

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

Call: 833-449-1307.

Merchandise ROGERS BERRY FARM You Pick or We Pick Blueberries Berries in Good Shape!

Hwy 9 1mi South of Goodwater Call For an Appointment 256-839-5338 or 256-794-4036

Lawn & Garden FOR SALE 60in Troy Build Riding Mower 255hrs, new blades Retail price-$3,000 Selling for $900 OBO Call 256-373-3000 or 334-275-1256

Transportation Automobiles 2006 Chevy Cobalt 93,000 Miles $2,500 (256)329-9812 Call after noon.

Boats & Watercraft

Notices

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: White-Glove Service from America’s Top Movers. Fully insured and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out of state move.

FREE QUOTES! Call: 844-513-0651.

SAVE UP TO 80% ON YOUR MEDICATION. Eliquis, Xarelto, Viagra, Cialis and more.

Licensed and Certified. Lowest Price Guaranteed. Call 855-899-6256 and get free shipping on your first order. (Open M-F).

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 866-475-1014.

(M-F 8am-6pm ET).

Sporting Goods 9mm Auto Stainless Steel, 2 Clips with Ammo $500.

Call 256-794-1045

855-887-9533 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST).

Did you receive a HERNIA MESH IMPLANT in 2008 or later and require a revision or removal surgery? You may be entitled to compensation. Let our legal team assist you in getting the maximum amount you deserve! Call 866-943-9202.

adurbin@southernapinc.com

Food & Produce

AlaScans

17’ CLASSIC ANTIQUE BOAT 1959 Thompson Sea Chaser 1992 Honda 4stroke 16 gal alum tank Seat cushions *RRG VKDSH IHZ ÀDZV Panama City FL $5400 850-276-6369

General Notices

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

Call 844-322-9935.

HELP WANTED-GOVT JOBS AVAILABLE now with Alabama Department of Corrections. Opportunity to earn up to $7500 in bonuses!

Competitive benefits package.

Get started today! Visit adocjobs.us.

AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE TITLE Problems?

We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation.

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

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

CCC Associates: Available Positions:

Recreational Vehicles

•Caffco Outlet, Cashier, Sales Associate, room to advance.

•Southern Homes & Gardens, Sales Associate, Cashiering, Closing, Full time.

Apply at 3601 Wetumpka Hwy in Montgomery

2015 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8311SS Bunk house, 3 slides, 2 awnings, dual air, power tongue, stabilizer jacks, much more! $19,900 Call (256)749-0333

Local manufacturing company seeking production workers and truck loaders.

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

Trucks, SUVs & Vans

White Oak Transportation

is hiring CDL-A Drivers in your area Great Pay! ([FHOOHQW %HQH¿WV Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V 'HQLHG %HQHˋWV" 8QDEOH 7R :RUN"

We Can Help!

Fighting For Your

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS For Over 35 Years!

1 2 3

Do You Qualify For Disability %HQHˉWV" &DOO )RU A FREE Evaluation Assisting With: - Initial Applications 'HQLHG &ODLPV - Hearings :H 6LPSOLI\ 7KH Process & Strive )RU 4XLFN &ODLP Approval.*

Call Now For A FREE Evaluation

(800) 208-4396 Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration.

Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states. * The process for determining each applicant’s disability benefits varies greatly, and can take upwards of two years.

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

capstonedentalassisting.com or call 205-561-8118

AlaScans

to get your career started!

Real Estate Homes For Sale For Sale By Owner 365 Booker Street, AL Alexander City 3BR/1BA approx 972sq.ft, single-level brick home. $48,000 obo.

Call 678-982-8753.

SERVICES ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or

by Region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week!

Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week!

Make one call to this newspaper (participating Alascan newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call

Architect: McKee and Associates Architects, Inc., 631 South Hull Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, Phone: 334.834.9933

All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be Tallassee Tribune: licensed under the provisions July 7, 14 and 21, 2021 of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of BIDS/21-208 $ODEDPD DQG PXVW VKRZ PUBLIC NOTICE evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received NOTICE TO CREDITORS or considered by the Architect.

OF ESTATE All bidders shall show such STATE OF ALABAMA evidence by clearly displaying COUNTY OF ELMORE current license number on the CASE NO: 2021-203 outside of sealed envelope in IN THE MATTER OF THE which the proposal is delivered.

ESTATE OF ELSIE J. SMALL, DECEASED PDFs of the project can be reviewed by going to our website www.mckeeassoc.com and se- Letters Testamentary in the lecting “Project Bid List”. Also, Estate of ELSIE J. SMALL, deif you are not receiving NOTI- ceased, having been granted to FICATIONS from us, please ROBERT ALAN SMALL on the register on our website, “Project 25 day of June, 2021 by John Bid List” by selecting manage Thornton Judge of Probate of \RXU ELG OLVW SUR¿OH 7KH GRFX- Elmore County, Alabama, noments may be viewed on-line tice is hereby given that all perand printed by General Con- sons and parties having claims tractors, Sub-Contractors and against said estate are required, Suppliers. Documents pub- within the time allowed by law, lished thru this procedure are to present the same to the Court the only documents endorsed or the same will be barred. by the Architect. The Architect LV XQDEOH WR PRQLWRU FRQ¿UP ROBERT ALAN SMALL and maintain other websites PERSONAL REPRESENTAthat provide documents. Adden- TIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ELdums will be provided to entities SIE J, SMALL, DECEASED that have CONFIRMED bidding for this particular project. The Attorney of Record for Personal Architect retains ownership and Representative: copyrights of the documents. MICHAEL S. HARPER If bidders require printed sets, ATTORNEY AT LAW the following shall apply: Sub- 213 BARNETT BLVD mit to the Architect at mckeep- PO BOX 780608 lans@gmail.com the company’s TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 QDPH ¿UVW ODVW QDPH SKRQH 334-283-6855 number, address, project name QXPEHU DORQJ ZLWK D GHSRVLW Tallassee Tribune: Jul. 7, 14 of $100.00 per set. The deposit and 21, 2021 shall be refunded for each set EST/SMALL, E. returned in reusable condition PUBLIC NOTICE within ten days after bid opening.

Case # 2021-0185 NOTICE TO CREDITORS All RFIs and RFAs regarding the bid documents shall be sent and TAKE NOTICE-that Letters Tesaddressed through emails found tamentary having been granted on the RFI and RFA forms in the to Mary E. Bowles, as Executor project manual. NOTE: ONLY of the Estate of Lavaughn WebTHE RFI AND RFA FORMS ster, deceased, on the 16th day IN THE PROJECT MANUAL of July, 2021, by the Honorable WILL BE ACCEPTED. The Ar- Talmadge East. chitect will not accept inquiries NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN via telephone or fax. that all persons having claims against the said Estate are Completion Time: See scope of hereby required to present the work in Project Manual. same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Supervision: Contractor to provide Superintendent(s) to en- /s/ Mary E. Bowles sure proper supervision for all EXECUTOR work.

TAL EAST Owner: Dr. Brock Nolin, Su- Judge of Probate perintendent, Tallassee City Schools, 308 King Street, Tal- Tallassee Tribune: Jul. 21, 28 lassee, AL 36078, Phone 334- and Aug. 4, 2021 283-6864 EST/WEBSTER, L.

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE TALLASSEE BOARD OF EDUCATION TALLASSEE, ALABAMA

HVAC IMPROVEMENTS TO TALLASSEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MCKEE PROJECT NO. 2021208

State Classified

Public Notices

Public Notices

Services

386-589-0752

p p and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades.

FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165.

Ask about our specials!

RE-ROOFING GYMNASIUM AT TALLASSEE HIGH SCHOOL MCKEE PROJECT NO. 2021207

Tennis Racket Stringing Service

Public Notices

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

Call Today!

1-888-381-0916.

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

Miscellaneous Services

Business Opportunities

FOR SALE DirecTV Satellite Service starting at $59.99/month! 1 Year Price Lock! 155+ channels available. Call now to get the Most Sports on TV! 888-404-2087.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Separate sealed proposals as described above shall be received by Dr. Brock Nolin, Superintendent at Tallassee Board of Education, 308 King Street, Tallassee, AL 36078, Phone 334-283-6864, until 2:00 P.M., Thursday, July 29, 2021, then opened and read aloud.

All General Contractors bidding this project shall be required to visit the site and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All Bidders shall have general liability and workman’s compensation insurance.

The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

Separate FHUWL¿HG FKHFNV RU Bid Bonds payable to Tallassee City Schools in an amount QRW OHVV WKDQ ¿YH SHUFHQW

of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s sealed proposal. Performance

DON’T JUST KINDA TV. DIRECTV.

CHOICE ™ Package

69

$

99

Watch your favorite live sports, news and entertainment anywhere

mo

DIRECTV offers more top premium channels than DISH

For 12 mos. plus taxes and fees.

W/24-mo. agmt. Autopay & paperless bill req’d. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $9.99/mo. is extra & applies.*

*$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. CHOICE™ Pkg., monthly service and equip. fees for 1 HD DVR & is after $5/mo. autopay & paperless bill and $10/mo. bundle discounts for up to 12 mos. each. Pay $74.99/mo. + taxes until discount starts w/in 3 bills.

New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply.

Get DIRECTV and get a year of HBO Max included.

Where HBO meets so much more.

Subj. to change. HBO Max auto-renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo.), and Cinemax,® SHOWTIME,® STARZ,® and EPIX® are included for 3 months and auto-renew thereafter at then prevailing rate (currently $38.96/mo.), unless you call to change or cancel. Req’s you to select offers

J.D. POWER RANKED AT&T/DIRECTV #1 IN THE NATION IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FOR TV SERVICE J.D. Power also ranked us highest in these impressive categories: #1 in Programming #1 in Communications and Promotions #1 in Features and Functionality Tied in 2020. Study based upon consumer experiences with AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV. For J.D. Power 2020 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

Don’t settle for cable. Call now!

Iv Support Holdings LLC

1-877-926-6032 1-YR ALL INCLUDED OFFER: Ends 5/1/21. Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Pricing for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies (currently $122/mo. for CHOICE), unless canceled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Pricing subj to change. $5/mo. autopay/paperless bill discount: Must enroll in autopay & paperless bill within 30 days of TV activation to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles.

First time credit will include all credits earned since meeting offer requirements. Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue credits. No credits in 2nd year for autopay/paperless bill. Includes: CHOICE Pkg., monthly service & equipment fees for one Genie HD DVR, and standard pro installation. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes applicable use tax expense surcharge on retail value of installation, custom installation, equipment upgrades/add-ons (min. $99 one-time & $7/mo. monthly fees for each extra receiver/DIRECTV Ready TV/Device), and certain other add’l fees & charges. Call for additional details. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit and telco customers.

DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Must maintain a min. base TV pkg of $29.99/mo. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Visit directv.com/legal or call for details. Programming, pricing, promotions, restrictions & terms subject to change & may be modified, discontinued or terminated at any time without notice. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all offers. HBO Max: Access to HBO Max is included with your HBO add-on subscription at no extra charge. Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Visit att.com/myatt to verify/create your account. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices. HBO MAX is used under license. ©2021 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners

Eclectic Observer The

WEDNESDAY • JULY 21, 2021

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 31, No. 14

Submitted / The Observer

The Eclectic Town Council meets with members of the Eclectic Youth baseball Organization to discuss the lease agreement for use of Aaron Park.

Town Council, EYBO meets to discuss Aaron Park lease agreement

By BRIANA WILSON Wetumpka Bureau Chief

The Eclectic Town Council, Mayor Gary Davenport and members of the Eclectic Youth Baseball Organization met at Eclectic Town Hall on Thursday, July 15, to discuss several points of contention that have boiled over in recent months.

Mayor Gary Davenport said the purpose of the meeting was to begin negotiating a new contract with EYBO. The most recent contract was signed in 2015, but earlier this spring the Town Council terminated its lease agreement with EYBO citing that the organization was not able to pay its portion of the bills associated with Aaron Park, which is owned by the Town of Eclectic.

Davenport also clarified that the town is not looking for youth leagues to replace the EYBO. He said he’d like to come to an agreement with the organization that’s fair for both parties.

Davenport said the town and EYBO have been meeting sporadically over the past two years trying to work out the specifics of a new lease agreement for EYBO’s use of Aaron Park during ball season.

However, the town’s termination of EYBO’s lease agreement triggered a breakdown in communication between the two entities. EYBO board members expressed their dismay with the situation and the lease negotiations temporarily came to a halt.

The goal of the Thursday meeting was

to bring the two sides back together in an effort to reopen the lines of communication.

But before that happened, both parties expressed their grievances.

Mayor Gary Davenport stated that the organization owes the town money for unpaid power bills and for covering its portion of the new ballpark lights that were installed about two years ago. According to the 2015 agreement, EYBO is responsible for paying 25 percent of the power bills during ball season months.

“When the new lights went in, we didn’t realize the three power sources were combined into one and we’re paying all of it,” Davenport said. “It took us two years to realize that.”

Davenport also said previous EYBO board members agreed to pay $25,000 toward the cost of installing new lights. He said $5,000 was paid but no other payments were received once the new and current board members assumed their roles.

EYBO board president Ryan Brown said the town reached out to him about the situation sometime last year. Brown and Kim Reinert, EYBO treasurer since 2016, said the organization has not received a power bill for several billing cycles.

“We haven’t gotten any power bills,” Reinert said. “It came as a shock to us after not getting a power bill for several billing cycles, to then get a bill for thousands of dollars. There’s no way that we could pay that all at once.”

EYBO members voiced that it’s not

reasonable for the town to expect them to pay portions of power bills that they’ve never seen. EYBO members stated that it’s the responsibility of the town to ensure that the EYBO receives a copy of each power bill and an invoice about how much is owed toward it. Town leaders agreed saying that it was an oversight on their part.

However, EYBO agreed to pay their portion of the power bills once the town provides them with copies of the bills.

As for the $25,000 toward the new lights at the park, Brown and Reinert said they were completely unaware of the agreement and felt that EYBO shouldn’t be held responsible for paying the remaining $20,000 balance.

“Between 2018 and 2019, more than $25,000 was spent on upkeep and maintenance at the park,” Brown said.

“Shouldn’t that count for something?”

Davenport agreed to not to hold EYBO responsible for the remaining $20,000 balance.

Brown pointed out that EYBO has footed the bill for several maintenance and upkeep projects at the park. Every year, EYBO hosts a cleanup day and coaches, parents and other volunteers show up at the park with heir personal tools and equipment in-hand, ready to make much-needed repairs. EYBO parents pointed out that Davenport and the Town Council have been absent from those cleanup days. EYBO feels the town has not done it’s part to keep the facility looking nice and in working

order.

“It’s just very tiring for all of us,” said parent Abby Traylor, who’s husband also coaches a team. “We’re expected to do upkeep and maintenance and the guys still have to go out there and coach the teams.

All of this is on top of their regular jobs.”

As the meeting neared the end of its allotted two-hour time frame, council member Stephanie Stepney redirected the meeting.

“We all have the same goal in mind, but we need to figure out a way to work together,” Stepney said.

Progress was made by the end of the meeting – namely in regard to maintenance responsibilities. EYBO will be responsible for cutting all of the grass during ball season and the town will cut all of the grass in the off-season.

It was also agreed that the town will be responsible for maintaining all permanent building structures and the fencing. EYBO will be responsible for keeping up the actual ball fields, like lining the fields and purchasing the needed materials to prepare the fields for playing. Maintenance forms will be created so that EYBO can notify the town of needed repairs. Agreements were also made regarding garbage/waste dumpsters at the park.

The town and EYBO still needs to agree on how the power and water bills will be paid moving forward. The meeting ended on a good note with both parties agreeing to meet again to finish creating a new contract.

File / The Observer

USA Today named the Elmore County High School Maroon Machine Marching Band the Best band Fan Favorite in Alabama.

Elmore County High band wins USA Today’s best band contest

By BRIANA WILSON Wetumpka Bureau Chief

On Thursday, July 15, Elmore County High School’s Maroon Machine Marching Band was announced as the winner of USA Today’s Best Band Fan Favorite Award for high school bands in the state of Alabama.

Band director Anthony Vittore said the 120-student band found out they won in the middle of band camp practice.

“Some of the parents started screaming and at first I thought

something was wrong, but then they started saying, ‘We won, we won,’” Vittore said.

It was up to the community to vote for their favorite band. The voting period took place in March and residents were able to show their support for their favorite band by voting for them once per day. The three finalists and the overall winner were announced during the free, on-demand streaming of the Alabama High School Sports Awards Show.

The three finalists were Elmore County High School,

Gadsden City High School and Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, but Elmore County’s Maroon Machine Marching Band clinched the win.

A trophy will be mailed to the band.

“We’re honored to be able to represent our community,” Vittore said. “It just goes to show the kind of community we have.

Not only did people make the effort to vote for us, but they kept voting every day and they helped spread the word to other people as well. This win isn’t just

for the band – it’s for our whole community. We would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who voted for us.”

The ECHS band was one of 12 bands nominated statewide. The other nominated bands included Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Gadsden City High School, Gardendale High School, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Marching Knights, Prattville High School, Vestavia Hills High School, American Christian Academy Patriot Band in Tuscaloosa,

Spirit of West End High School in Walnut Grove, Pike Road Patriot Marching Band, Gaston High School and The Pride of Southside Band.

The ECHS band’s description on the website read: “When this band takes the field, you know it! The Maroon Machine is known for their extensive props and large sound. They take entertainment to new levels. Most of all the kids have fun and the crowd can certainly feel it! The band director puts his all into his program and it shows!”