09-08-21 Tallassee Tribune

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LOCAL, PAGE A7

LOCAL, PAGE A6

SPORTS, PAGE B1

TALLASSEE YOUTH FOOTBALL COMPETES IN REELTOWN JAMBOREE

Nurses Association speaks about staffing crisis

Stubbs announces bid for House District 31 INSIDE:

TALLASEE AREA OBITUARIES, PAGE A2

The Tallassee Tribune Dedicated to the Growth and Prosperity of the Greater Tallassee area

Tallassee, AL 36078

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Man guilty of attempted murder attempted to use military service to lessen sentence By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer A Notasulga man was sentenced to 25 years in prison Friday. Jody Gann was charged with four counts of attempted murder and firing a gun into an occupied vehicle. In June, a Tallapoosa County jury only returned guilty verdicts on one count of attempted murder GANN and the shooting into an occupied vehicle.

VOL. 123, NO. 36

Council approves additional sick pay for municipal employees who test positive for COVID By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief With the COVID Delta variant making its way through cities and towns across the country, the Tallassee City Council made a proactive move to help municipal employees who may be affected by the illness. “Other cities are doing certain

things. They are giving bonuses to frontline workers, public safety workers,” Mayor John Hammock said. According to Hammock, the city is losing employees. “As you know, or if you don’t know, we have lost two people at the water filter plant that went on to work other jobs making more money,” he said. “We have lost

police officers, utility workers, a lot of them have already had the COVID. It’s coming back around, the Delta variant. Alabama’s the lowest vaccinated rated state in the Union, the United States.” Hammock proposed implementing an employee policy that will discourage employees from reporting to work if they are sick with the virus.

“If they test positive, and they don’t have enough sick time, I am afraid they will come in and get everybody infected,” Hammock said. Last year, the city had access to CARES Act funding meant to cover additional sick leave for municipal employees with COVID See SICK, Page A3

See SENTENCING, Page A3

City fighting mold in City Hall By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief Tallassee has a number of infrastructure problems and it seems that mold inside city hall can be added to the list of troubles at municipal facilities. “We have all kinds of different mold in this building,” Mayor John Hammock said. “The school system gave this building to the city in 1993. It is a maintenance nightmare. We have all kinds of problems.” According to Hammock, besides the health issues mold can cause, it is causing foul odors inside offices at city hall. “That whole wing is terrible,”

FUNTASTIC FORT

CLOSED

AS IT UNDERGOES MAJOR UPGRADES

By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief

T

he Funtastic Fort in the Carrville community of east Tallassee is now closed to the public and will soon be under renovation to replace the current wooden structure that is currently in use at the park.

There were already plans in place to close the park to replace the playground equipment, but after vandals damaged picnic tables, knocked down a portion of fencing, and caused other destruction to the park, city officials decided to close the park See CLOSED, Page A3

See MOLD, Page A3

Organizers seeking support for Spaghetti Supper planned in Red Hill By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

The annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Historic Red Hill School House is set for Friday, Sept. 17, from 4-6 p.m.

The Red Hill Historical Preservation Association will resume the annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Historic Red Hill School House on Friday, Sept. 17, from 4-6 p.m. This is an important fundraiser for the Red Hill Historic Preservation Association and organizers are asking for assistance from the community.

“This will be a major fundraiser for our organization and we are asking you to give us a hand again this year as many of you have so generously done at our previous suppers,” President of the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association Paula Castleberry said. “Any items, supplies, and foodstuff that you can provide will be so much appreciated to help in the cost of this event,” Castleberry said she is grateful to the supportive surrounding community, and she looks forward to seeing everyone

at the upcoming event. “Thank you in advance for any way that you can help us make this event a success,” she said. Most of all please come and be with us and enjoy the evening.” In past years money raised through this event helped with the cost of a new roof on the former school and much more. The Red Hill Community Club also serves as the community’s fire station and as a gathering place for the community on a regular basis.

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Page A2 • September 8, 2021

Obituaries GEORGE “EDDIE” DANIEL JR. Mr. George “Eddie” Daniel, Jr., a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the age of 54. He was born November 3, 1966, in Georgia to George and Geneva Daniel. Mr. Daniel is survived by his wife, Suzanne Daniel; son, Kyle Daniel; daughter, Savana Daniel; step daughter, Kristen Bryant and step son, Braxton Bryant; one grandson, Mikhailo Daniel. He loved racing cars, fishing, fast boats and enjoyed life to the fullest. Visitation for Mr. Daniel will be Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Jeffcoat Funeral Home will be in charge of all local arrangements. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama JESSIE LOU LEDBETTER WHATLEY Jessie Lou Ledbetter Whatley, 88, of Tallassee, passed away September 5, 2021, one day shy of her 89th birthday. She was born in Reeltown on September 6, 1932. Visitation will be held at Macedonia Christian Church on Wednesday, September 8 from 5 to 7 p.m., and also one hour before the funeral on Thursday. Funeral service will be Thursday, September 9 at 1 p.m. at Macedonia Christian Church with Rev. David Hooks officiating. Pall bearers will be Joe Gober, Jamie Webster, Zach Whatley, Robert Chapman, Jonathon Webster and Bo Chapman. Burial will follow in Reeltown Baptist Church Cemetery. She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Hazel Ledbetter; sister, Dean Flurry, her first husband, Ed Webster; her second husband, W. C. Whatley; step daughter, Lisa McCaulley and grandson, D. J. Whatley. She is survived by her children, Charles Webster (Margaret), Debra Brown (Roger), Lisa Chapman (Bo), John Whatley (Christine), Jeff Whatley (Donna) and Cindy Hathorn (Buddy); brothers, Robbie Ledbetter (Angela) and William Ledbetter (Mary Ellen) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jessie Lou was a graduate of Reeltown High School and remained a Reeltown Rebels Football fan all her life. In fact, she was a big fan of both Reeltown and Auburn football, often engaging in friendly hijinks and lively debates about the Auburn Tigers with her coworkers at Neptune, from which she retired in 1995. Online condolences at www. linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama MR. PAUL R. STREETMAN Mr. Paul R. Streetman, age 69 passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Tallassee Community Hospital. He was born May 27, 1952 in Aragon, Georgia to Mr. Jacob and Annie Streetman. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Hathcock; sons, John Paul Streetman, Jamie Metcalf; brothers, Guy Streetman, Edward Streetman; three grandchildren, Georgia Hathcock, Savanna Hathcock and Christina Bushell. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Annie Streetman. Mr. Streetman loved his “Darling Bride” Suzanne, his children and the Lord. He was a Veteran in the United States Army. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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Police Reports AUG. 30

Officers assisted another agency on Central Boulevard. A report was made for criminal mischief on Gilmer Avenue. There was an animal complaint on Ashurst Bar road. Animal Control was called to Ray Street. There was a follow-up investigation on Grant Street. There was a follow-up on Gilmer Avenue. Officers assisted another agency on Central Boulevard. Officers assisted another agency on Central Boulevard. There was a false alarm call on Jordan Avenue. A report was made for a domestic incident on Riverside Avenue. Officers assisted another agency on Central Boulevard. Debris was removed from the roadway on Central Boulevard. Officers assisted a motorist on AL Hwy 229. There was a false alarm call on Friendship Road. There was a domestic incident with no report taken on Gilmer Avenue. Extra business patrol was given on Freeman Avenue. A report was made for a domestic incident on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made for information only on White Oak Lane. There was extra business patrol on Gilmer Avenue. There was extra residential patrol on 1st Avenue. There was extra residential patrol on E Patton Street.

AUG. 31

There was a citizen assist on Friendship Road. There was extra residential patrol on 1st Avenue. Officers directed traffic on Notasulga Road. There was a follow-up on Gilmer Avenue. There was a juvenile complaint on 3rd Avenue. There was a follow-up on 3rd Avenue. A report was made for criminal mischief on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made for theft

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on Riverknoll Road. There was a funeral escort on Notasulga Road. A report was made for a burglary on Log Circle. An accident report was made following a vehicle accident on S Ann Avenue. A report was made for burglary on Log Circle. A report was made for burglary on Log Circle. Negative contact was made following a complaint of suspicious subjects on the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Central Boulevard. There was a citizen inquiry on Central Boulevard. A citation was issued a report was refused following a traffic accident on Powers Avenue. Extra business patrol was given on Redden Avenue. There was a civil matter involving harassment on Gilmer Avenue. There was extra business patrol on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made for burglary/theft on first or 4th Street. Advice was given following a noise complaint on E Patton Street. Extra residential patrol was given the 1st Avenue.

SEPT. 1

Extra business patrol was given on Main Street. There was a welfare check on Gilmer Avenue. There was extra residential patrol on 1st Avenue. There was extra residential patrol on East Patton Street. A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard. Advice was given following a complaint of a suspicious person on Macedonia Road. Officers answered a false alarm call on N Ann Avenue. A report was made for criminal mischief on Hickory Street. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. There was a false alarm call on South Tallassee Drive. A report was made for identity theft on Little Road. Debris was removed from the roadway on Freeman Avenue. Officers assisted a citizen on Lily Avenue. Citations were issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. Debris was removed from the roadway on Gilmer Avenue. Officers assisted on a medical call on Friendship Road. An accident report was made following a traffic accident on Central Boulevard. Officers assisted another agency on Ashurst Bar road. There was a juvenile complaint on Magnolia Street. Advice was given following a complaint of harassment on Sims Avenue. Advice was given following a complaint of theft on Sims Avenue. There was a business check on Gilmer Avenue. There was a business check on Notasulga Road. There was a business check on Kent Road. Advice was given following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle on Tallassee Highway. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on

Gilmer Avenue. Advice was given following a noise ordinance complaint on Stewart Street.

on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made for harassing communications on Hickory Street.

Advice was given following a noise ordinate complaint on Stewart Street. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Friendship Road. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. Officers assisted another agency on Main Street. Animal Control was called to Adams Street. Officers assisted another agency on Gilmer Avenue. There was a welfare check on Friendship Road. Negative contact was made following an attempt to serve on Tallassee Highway. Advice was given in a walkin on Barnett Boulevard. Negative contact was made following a complaint of shots fired on Dorman Avenue. There was a follow-up on Dorman Avenue. There was a felony warrant arrest on Barnett Boulevard. Officers assisted another agency on Lower Tuskegee Road. There was a follow-up on Gilmer Avenue. There was a welfare check on AL Hwy 229. There was a welfare check on AL Hwy 229. There was a traffic accident with no injuries on Gilmer Avenue. Officers direct the traffic on AL Hwy 229. A report was made for missing on Ashurst Avenue. A report was made for theft on Arthur Street. Officers assisted a motorist on Barnett Boulevard. There was a funeral escort on Cherokee Trail. Animal Control was called to Ashurst Bar Road. A report was made for theft by deception on Friendship Road. A warrant arrest and a report were made on Gilmer Avenue following a welfare check. There was an investigation call on Friendship Road. Negative contact was made following a complaint of reckless driving on Central Boulevard. Debris was removed from the roadway on Central Boulevard. There was a follow-up investigation on Log Circle. Advice was given at a citizen inquiry on Sims Avenue. There was a business check on Notasulga Road. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. A report was refused for theft on Gilmer Avenue. Advice was given in a welfare check on Macedonia Road.

There was a business check on Kent Road. A report was made for theft on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made for theft on Dorman Avenue. There was an alarm call on Wall Street. A report was made for domestic violence on Upper River Road. A report was made in a domestic complaint on Caldwell Street. There was an animal complaint on Main Street. A report was made for harassing communications on Cotton Ridge Road. Officers assisted medics on Hornsby Drive. Negative contact was made following a complaint of shots fired on North Ashurst Avenue. Officers advise following and complain of suspicious activity on Hillcrest street. There was a noise complaint on Macedonia Road. There was a noise complaint on Notasulga Road. A report was made in a domestic incident on Quail Run Drive. Officers advise following a complaint of trespassing on Clair Street. Negative contact was made following a complaint of shots fired on John Street. A report was made following a walk-in on Barnett Boulevard.

SEPT. 2

SEPT. 3

Advice was given following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made after officers assisted the fire department with a structure fire on Dorman Avenue. Advice was given following a complaint of theft on Dorman Avenue. There was a medical call or Little Road. There was a noise complaint on 1st Avenue. There was a welfare check on Lower Tuskegee Road. Advice was given in a civil disturbance on Ashurst Avenue. There was a business check

■■ ■■ Community 9iospita{

SEPT. 4

SEPT. 5

There was a citizen inquiry on Central Boulevard. Advice was given in a follow-up on Gilmer Avenue. A report was made for property damage on Ashurst Avenue. There was a verbal warning given following a traffic stop on Central Boulevard. A report was made for harassment on Ashurst Avenue. Advice was given following a citizen inquiry on Richard Street. A report was made following a child custody complaint on N Ann Avenue. Officers made a DUI arrest on South Dubois Street. A report was made for harassment on Wall Street. A report was made for criminal mischief on Sims Avenue. Advice was given following a blocked roadway on Lower Tuskegee Road. Negative contact was made following a complaint of reckless driving on Barnett Boulevard. There was a false alarm call on Freeman Avenue. There was a welfare check on Worthington Circle. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Tallassee Highway. A verbal warning was given following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. Officers advised in a child custody dispute on Hornsby Drive. A citation was issued following a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. Officers advise following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle on Airport Drive.

SEPT. 6

Debris was removed from the roadway on Notasulga Road. Officers assisted with a commercial fire alarm on Davidson Street. Advice was given in a civil matter on Worthington Circle.

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SICK

Continued from A1

or who had to be quarantined due to possible exposure to the virus. “We had federal funds and we got federal reimbursements. The COVID relief funds that were available last year are expired. “There is none now,” Hammock said. In March, it was announced that the newest COVID stimulus package would give the city “a little over 834,000”. Those funds were earmarked for the downtown water tank project. “A lot of other cities have independent water boards and stuff like that. So, they have the money. We are planning on doing water tanks, which is desperately needed and things like that so a lot of the larger cities are able to do that kind of stuff.” Hammock went to explain that morale is low right now. “We fund the school, we have a utility system that still does not even break even. We have buildings falling apart. We are in shambles here,” Hammock said. “I’ve been trying my best for the last 5 years to hold it together with several of my employees, and I’m just going to tell you morale is low. We are working in a rainy, leaking building with mold, and

CLOSED

Continued from A1

early. “We were already planning on closing it Monday,” Miller said. There is an open investigation in the vandalism case. “We have really good cameras,” Miller said. The new facility will be better protected from would-be vandals. “By the time we are done with the park, there’s not going to be any wood left. The only things that will be wooded are the pavilion and the gazebo but we want metal picnic tables, we are going to replace all the equipment. So, basically, if they want to break anything, they will have to have a chainsaw.” Currently, the Funtastic Fort is a massive wooden structure. But soon, that will be a thing of the past. The council voted earlier this year to replace a portion of the current wooden play structure with new playground equipment. However, after further considerations, those plans have shifted. The new plan includes removing the entire wooden structure, according to the Tallassee Recreation center’s Megan Miller. “We thought about saving some of it and putting in a piece and keeping it until we could figure it out but then we got to thinking about the liability of it beginning half of a structure. If we didn’t do it just right the playground inspector could come in and say that will not work. So, we are just going to tear everything down at one time.” The council voted to fund a large playground structure and the Rec Center plans to utilize funds in the upcom-

MOLD

Continued from A1

Hammock said. A recent report detected the presence of toxic mold at city hall. “We had a report done and it’s not good,” Hammock said. With rising COVID cases, the health pandemic is not the only worry for employees who work inside city hall, according to Hammock.

our morale, believe it or not, is very low.” A member of the council questioned the urgency of the resolution. “Is there an immediate emergent need?” councilman Bill Hall asked. “I think we need to discuss health issues and employees. The reason I am asking is if we postpone one council meeting until after the finance committee for the budget this year.” Another member of the council proposed raising utility rates. “We need to go on and get our rates up to where we are not losing money,” Bill Godwin said. “And the Mayor, I think, did a tremendous job with the studies and getting the rates closer but I think the city is paying the price now for the limpness of past administrations.” Godwin also explained other cities do not fund a local Board of Education. “Give us that 1.4 million for the school. I’m not against the schools. We are the only city I know of that’s having to fund our school system,” Godwin said. Godwin then asked the Mayor for possible solutions. “Do you have a suggestion that might help the situation?” he asked. Hammock suggested that any municipal employee who receives a positive COVID test should stay at home, even if that employee has no sick time remaining. The city would continue to pay regular wages until

ing fiscal budget to add two additional play pieces. These pieces of playground equipment will be accessible to everyone. “We budgeted for a toddler piece and musical activity that any child can play with. We are getting two new toddler swings and two new harness swings. Anyone will be able to use the harness swings.” These new playground pieces are ADA compliant. “The musical activity center, you will be able to walk in and play and wheelchairs can fit. Technically, all playground equipment made now is ADA compliant,” Miller said. The new park will have less playground equipment; however, this will leave more green space for community events and other functions. “It’s still going to be a huge playground, but you are going to have a grassy area to play ball or let the kids run around or a blanket picnic,” Miller said. “We would love to have a family fun day at the park and we’ll have room for face painting, balloons, snow cones.” The new playground will be safer and more parent-friendly. “Everything will be so much more visible. You will be able to sit under the gazebo or the pavilion and see everything,” Miller said. “If we want to hold a community movie night, there will be space for that.” A portion of the new playground will be installed on Oct. 11 and the park is expected to reopen in November. The toddler play area and the musical activity will be ordered in the coming weeks and should be delivered by December. The Funtastic Fort’s collective completion date is expected to be in early spring of next year.

“It’s bad enough that we have to put our lives on the line working here with the public during COVID. Now, we are breathing in black mold,” he said. According to Hammock, it is not only city hall that has an issue with mold. “Not to mention the police department and the fire department. Both have mold. I haven’t had those tested but you can see it,” Hammock said. Hammock said he would send the mold report to the council for further review.

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the employee is cleared by a doctor to return to work. “If someone tests positive for COVID, if they have sick days, use the sick days first. When they run out and don’t have anything,” he said. “I need a safety net for them.” According to Hammock, if an employee must choose between putting food on the table or self-quarantining, he or she will not let their family starve, and that could be problematic for other city employees. Hammock gave a scenario of what could play out if a city employee had no sick time remaining and may have been exposed to COVID. “When they got to choose between, I am not going to get tested because I don’t want to be out for two weeks and I don’t have enough time, I’m just going to come in and get everyone sick,” he said. “That’s what’s going to happen.” After listening to Hammock’s remarks, Godwin expressed approval. “We got to,” he said. “Let’s just do it.” Hammock asked the city attorney John Smith if the city could amend the absence policy for city workers. “Make an emergency amendment to the employee handbook,” Hammock said. “When someone tests positive with COVID, they have been to the doctor, after their sick days are expired and they

SENTENCING Continued from A1

Gann tried to say he suffered from PTSD caused by combat military service while military records said otherwise. At trial Gann said he went to Afghanistan and it was a story he held onto Friday as he spoke to Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Issac Wharton during sentencing. “I wasn’t able to turn my orders in when I got back,” Gann said. “I didn’t turn in my records for awards either.” Tom Stanton, a civilian at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina is chief of data correctness, testified he searched through two military databases that cover military service and could find no records supporting Gann served in the Middle East. Stanton said he saw where Gann was deployed to Haiti for two months in 2010. “There were no combat citations, no combat action badge,” Stanton said by video conference in the sentencing hearing. Gann said when he returned from Haiti he attached to another unit to go to Afghanistan. Gann’s attorney Mark Allen Treadwell asked if it were possible for his records to be classified. Stanton said he could see if Gann was part of a special forces or classified unit but Gann was not. Stanton testified Gann never saw combat. “I got sent to the 119th when I got

September 8, 2021 • Page A3

come up a little shy, can we pick up the slack?” Smith explained that it could be done in the form of a resolution. “A temporary resolution that during the time of the COVID pandemic, if you have an employee who is either diagnosed with COVID or on quarantine because of exposure to COVID that the city would continue to pay them once their days were exhausted,” Smith said. Councilmember Jeremy Taunton asked if that resolution would include sick days and comp time. “That’s something you will have to decide. You have people who have kept their sick time, kept their comp time, and other people will just use them. Some might say, ‘I’ve been frugal with my sick time and my comp time and I am getting punished for doing that’, because the others have used it,” Smith said. “There might be some fallout with that.” Smith also explained that sick and comp time could be excluded from the resolution altogether. “You could say to the employees, if you are out for COVID-related reasons, we won’t count it against sick time or you comp time. We’ll just pay you,” Smith went on to explain. Some members of the council were in approval. “I like that better,” councilman

back from Haiti,” Gann said. “My squad leader told me (not turning in orders) would come back to bite me.” Gann’s claim of serving in Afghanistan could see more charges brought against him according to Fifth Judicial Circuit district attorney Jeremy Duerr. “We are incredulous that in 2021 and in light of recent events that Gann persists in claiming a combat deployment and seeing active combat when the Department of the Army denies any record of him being deployed to a combat zone, being under fire, or receiving any type of combat award,” Duerr said. “Such a false claim is despicable and we will cooperate fully with any investigation or further prosecution.” In March 2016 Gann was on a south Tallapoosa County road. Wharton said he recalled testimony and evidence of three people in a car being shot but the jury only found Gann guilty of one count of attempted murder. Gann did apologize for his role in the incident. “I wish things would have went different,” Gann said. “I wasn’t trying to hurt anybody. I was just trying to protect myself and my passenger.” Gann said just a few months prior to the shooting he was talking weekly with a psychiatrist about his PTSD when he revealed at one point after his military service he had sat a table contemplating sucide. “My wife left me, I was drinking and had a loaded 357,” Gann said. “I didn’t have the guts to pull the trigger. I went

Damian Carr said. This resolution would only apply to employees who have seen a doctor and had a positive COVID test. “I love that idea,” councilmember Terrel Brown said. Councilmember Bill Godwin agreed. “This will help with morale,” he said. However, councilmember Jeremy Taunton had reservations about the resolution as stated. “So, if they are out 6 months, we are going to pay them for 6 months?” he asked. Councilmember Bill Hall offered a different option for the council to consider. “I am more in favor of doing an 80 hour, up to 80 hours, provision,” Hall said. After further discussion, the council agreed upon an 80-hour sick leave for employees with positive COVID cases. For employees who may exceed the 80-hour COVID sick time provision, a 40-hour extension may be granted on a case by case basis. “It gives a little bit of a safety net, in my opinion,” Hammock said. This resolution is limited to employees and does not apply to an employee’s family member. The council voted in favor of the resolution, except Sarah Hill who was not present for the vote.

to the bedroom and took a whole bottle of trazodone.” Gann said he wrote a two-and-a-half page letter explaining why he was committing suicide. Gann said the psychiatrist sent him to the mental health unit of the Tuscaloosa VA hospital. Gann could have been sentenced up to 99 years for the attempted murder verdict and up to 20 years on the shooting into an occuppied vehicle. Wharton sentenced Gann to 25 years on the attempted murder charge and 15 years for shooting into the occupied vehicle. Wharton ordered the sentences be served concurrently meaning Gann will serve 25 years in prison. Duerr believes the sentence fits the circumstances of the incident. “First, we thank the Jury for their service and returning a just verdict for the senseless and needless actions of Gann that night on Hayes Mill Road,” Duerr said. “What Gann did was wrong, and the verdict reflected that he was wrong. The investigation by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office built an impressive case against Gann and we greatly appreciate the hard work of investigators Hilyer, Hough and Temple. Their hard work enabled us to present the jury with a clear case of senseless and inexcusable wrongdoing by Gann. “We feel that the sentence is appropriate to the verdict and gives the victims some measure of justice for being repeatedly shot as they tried to escape Gann’s fusillade of bullets.”


Page A4 • September 8, 2021

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Labor Day shouldn’t be for everyone this year

W

e celebrated Labor Day this past weekend. Most people are familiar with the reason we celebrate Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day…. the list goes on. But I’m not sure everyone understands why we celebrate Labor Day. “Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States,” according to Wikipedia. Many Americans think of Labor Day as the unofficial end to the summer season. On a typical Labor Day, you can find people cooking out or spending the day at the lake. They are enjoying their time off. I know I sure enjoyed my extra day off. However, given the state of the American workforce, some people should have sat out this year’s celebration. There has never been a time in my life where so many jobs were read-

CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief ily available, yet these positions remain empty. Employers, quality employers, are desperately seeking workers. Chicken farms are offering $1,500 sign-on bonuses. Maybe I’m old, but $1,500 is a nice incentive. Yet, these jobs go vacant. Restaurants cannot operate at full capacity because there isn’t enough staff to meet the consumer demand. Shelves at local retailers are empty because there are not enough employees to keep them stocked. The employee shortage is affecting almost every aspect of retail. I just don’t get it. I do understand that people are afraid of COVID, I get that. We are trying to return to normal, but what is normal? If we look at history, it may give us an understanding. I have been looking through old Tallassee Tribune archives, the earliest is a 1929

edition, which was 10 years after the Spanish Flu had infected 500 million people worldwide and killed an estimated 20- 50 million individuals. Still, 10 years after the Spanish Flu, in 1929, Tallassee City Schools and churches were forced to close their doors due to a “bad flu.” Schools were again closed 7 years later, according to an article in the 1936 Tallassee Tribune archive. With all of that said, I am asking, how far will the pendulum swing due to the effects of COVID? We are about to transition from summer to fall, and I wonder what the next season will bring? I hope the pendulum stops swinging and we truly return to life as we knew it pre-COVID. But I also think we have to consider, and prepare for, the continued ripple effects of this virus. One thing is certain, time will tell. But in the meantime, thank you to everyone who has continued to work through the pandemic. You have remained steadfast and your dedication does not go unrecognized. Keep up the good work! I hope you enjoy your Labor Day!

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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

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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.

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Letter to the Editor

Vaccinate for the children of Alabama

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month ago, we thought things were getting better. We could take off our masks around vaccinated friends, we could go out to eat— we felt safer going to church and to the grocery store. Then the Delta variant hit and it’s a game changer, especially for children. Because of low vaccination rates the virus was circulating widely in our community—then it mutated, and we have Delta Covid. We are on the verge of having schools shut down again. Delta Covid is so much more contagious, and it seems to be hitting children much harder. Covid patients are filling up our hospitals again. Children and teachers are being sent home. Last week in the United States there were more than 121,000 new cases among kids. The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on all of us. We have felt powerless to deal with daily frustrations including loss of work, inadequate childcare, putting off family vacations and for some having adequate food. But for many this pandemic has also meant seeing family members and friends get very sick and even dying. In the last few weeks, we have seen a dramatic uptick in cases of Covid mostly due to the Delta variant. This virus seems even more contagious and is infecting children in increasing numbers. Because people infected with Delta carry much higher levels of virus it can spread quickly and infect more people. We have just learned that

people who have been fully vaccinated can have a milder illness but still spread the virus. Late on an August Saturday night I saw a 7-week-old baby in the Emergency Department. She was fussy, had a 102 temp and was Covid positive. She was feeding well and seemed stable. But because this is new to me, I consulted a pediatric infectious disease specialist. He told me the child needed several blood studies to rule out inflammation of the heart. He is treating a three-week-old hospitalized with the Covid virus who has serious heart issues. Although the baby had already been stuck several times, I was forced to draw more blood myself for those studies. Thankfully, they were normal. I explained to the parents that she would need to be followed very closely for several weeks for any of the serious complication’s children are known to have after an acute Covid infection. All last week I have needed to test children for Covid—several are sick with this virus and have exposed others. We need all hands-on deck to keep our schools open. This is urgent. Everyone age 12 and over need to be vaccinated. It takes 5 weeks to be fully immunized after that first shot. And we all need to wear masks. Kids do this very well when they follow the lead of adults. Masks are safe and have shown over and over that they decrease the spread of respiratory viruses. There is not yet a vaccine for chil-

dren younger than 12. How can we protect them? First, stop this circulating virus by everyone 12 and over being vaccinated. Wear a mask, which is recommended for everyone ages 2 and older. Wash hands frequently and practice distancing as much as possible What makes Alabama special? We are a caring bunch. We look out for our neighbors; we love our kids. We can do this! Get vaccinated, wear a mask! I went to college for four years, did two extra years of premed courses, went to medical school for four years and then did three years of pediatric residency. I have served as president of the Alabama Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, The Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and VOICES for Alabama’s Children. I’ve chaired the Committee on Federal Governmental Affairs for the American Academy of Pediatrics and testified before Congress several times as an advocate for children. Currently, I serve as Vice Chairman on the Children First Board of Directors. I continue to feel called to my role as a physician for children in Brewton, where I have practiced since 1981. Please trust me now and get your vaccine as soon as possible. Together, we can stop the spread of Covid-19, but it is up to you. Dr. Marsha Raulerson, Pediatrician in Brewton, Alabama and Vice Chairman, Children First Board of Directors


Talks The Tallassee Tribune

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

Trump comes to Alabama

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ormer President Donald Trump paid a visit to the Heart of Dixie last week. Obviously, this is Trump country. Alabama was one of Trump’s best states in the 2020 Election. He got an amazing 65% of the vote in our state. If the turnout for his August 21 rally in rural Cullman County is any indication, he would get that same margin of victory this year if the election were held again. Many of those in attendance were insistent that Trump won last year’s presidential contest and that it was stolen from him. The event was held on a desolate rural north Alabama farm. It was reminiscent of the 1969 Woodstock event in rural New York. In fact, our newly minted U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville referred to it as “Trumpstock.” Tuberville nor I either one attended Woodstock, but we are old enough to know about the legendary music and imbibing event. It was also reminiscent of some of the old George Wallace rallies in the 1960’s – only much larger. The rally drew an enormous crowd. Estimates said there were 45,000 Trumpites in attendance and I am not an expert on estimating crowds, but I do not disagree with that number. It took me 30 minutes to walk through the crowd to get to my car. Trump is truly an entertainer and Alabama is truly Trump Country, although there were quite a few folks in attendance from neighboring states. I was very appreciative to be given a VIP front row private reception invitation to the event. Allow me to share some of my observations. Coach/Senator Tommy Tuberville won his seat in the U.S. Senate because Trump endorsed him. It is obvious that Trump and Tuberville like each other and have bonded. Tuberville ran for and is in the Senate for the right reason. He wants to spend some of his retirement years giving back to this country. Tuberville was not groomed to be a politician. He is a football coach, but he is doing a good job representing Alabama in Washington. He has put together a good staff headed by veteran Stephen Boyd. They are doing a good job with constituent service. Tuberville looked jovial, relaxed, and dapper when he spoke prior to Trump. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth gave a great speech. It was fiery and almost George Wallace level. He is a true conservative. He has two young sons who accompanied him to the rally. They are very gentlemanly young men, who are always courteous and mannerly. Attorney General Steve Marshall gave an excellent speech. It was conversational, sincere and well received. Congressman Robert Aderholt was spectacular and gave a great speech and welcome. He represents Cullman in congress. His 4th Congressional District gave Trump the largest percentage votes of any congressional district in the country. Aderholt looks like a congressman. He is polished and erudite, but has a grassroots appeal. His people in North Alabama love him. Mo Brooks spoke and was fiery as ever. Trump has endorsed him in the senate race. However, Trump only endorsed him once on this night. There is a lot of internal discord among the Republican Party membership. It appears that the Mo Brooks supporters have taken over the Republican Party hierarchy and that this Trump event was a Mo Brooks rally. Trump probably was asked to temper his Brooks endorsement. Indeed, Mo Brooks’ opponents, Katie Britt, Lynda Blanchard and Jessica Taylor were all in attendance. Several state senators were there, along with the aforementioned state constitutional officers. I saw Greg Reed from Jasper, Tom Whatley from Auburn, along with hometown Cullman Senator Garlan Gudger, and PSC Commissioner Jeremy Oden also from Cullman County. In addition, Secretary of State John Merrill and Jefferson/Shelby Congressman Gary Palmer were in attendance. It was good to see some of the old, longtime, 50 year Republican Party faithful founders there – Elbert Peters from Huntsville, Joan and Paul Reynolds from Shelby County, and Vicki and Mike Drummond from Jasper. They were laboring in the Republican vineyards before it was cool to be a Republican, and still are. I had a chance to see Trump closeup. He looks amazing for 75. People age differently. He is a lot more cognizant and alert than 78-year-old Joe Biden. If you made me bet, I would say that Trump is running for President in 2024 and that he will carry Alabama. See you next week.

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September 8, 2021 • Page A5

How The Doha deal doomed the Afghan regime and our U.S. Military mission

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s our Afghan government collapsed in August, Americans wondered aloud what happened. When you read the Doha Agreement from 2020, you’ll see exactly why our ally fell apart, imperiling our military mission and any successes our country built over the last 20 years. The Doha Deal, signed on February 29, 2020, is actually known as “The Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan which is not recognized by the United States as a state and is known as the Taliban and the United States of America.” That is no joke. It’s the real name of the agreement. You can read it here if you don’t believe me: https://www.state.gov/ wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Agreement-For-Bringing-Peace-to-Afghanistan-02.29.20.pdf. We signed a deal with a regime that we don’t even recognize that based al-Qaeda on 9/11. The deal called for the U.S. to end UN sanctions on the Taliban by May 29, 2020, enabling the Taliban insurgents to refinance themselves. The Trump Administration forced the Afghan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners by March 10, while the Taliban would release 1,000 government soldiers. You can probably guess who benefitted from that uneven deal. It swelled the ranks of the Taliban fighters, helping them overwhelm the Afghan Army. And, in Section F, “The United States and its allies will refrain from the threat or the use of force against

JOHN A. TURES Columnist the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan or intervening in its domestic affairs,” giving the Taliban the green light to overthrow our allies without opposition from us. Trump backed this up by reducing our troop presence from 13,000 to 8,600 by the Summer of 2020, while other NATO members only cut a quarter of their troops. The Doha Deal also closed five U.S. military bases by the Summer of 2020. Meanwhile, the Taliban continued attacks, with a bombing that killed kids, and even an assassination attempt on an Afghan negotiator, nearly killing her. Taliban attacks rose by 70% in 2020 over 2019, and the number of Afghans killed doubled after the Doha Deal was signed in 2020. Our Afghan allies weren’t invited to the talks, or largely consulted on matters. Some in Congress recognized the danger of the Doha Deal. More than 20 House Republicans wrote a letter condemning the agreement (https:// abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-sign-historic-deal-taliban-beginning-end-us/ story?id=69287465). The House Armed Services Committee voted in

a bipartisan manner by a wide margin for an amendment that attempted to block any U.S. troop reductions below 8,600. But in January 2021, before Biden was even inaugurated, only 2,500 U.S. soldiers remained in Afghanistan, less than 20 percent of their total back in 2019. In the last year of the Obama Administration, the U.S. killed Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, the leader of the Taliban in a drone strike in Pakistan. Six years earlier under Obama, U.S. intelligence was used to help Pakistan nab Taliban military leader Abdul Ghani Baradar. In mid-2018, U.S. negotiators pressured Pakistan to release him. Baradar not only signed the Doha Agreement, but is expected to be the Taliban’s new President of Afghanistan. “Former President Donald Trump went on a radio show Monday and complained at length that some news outlets were covering the devastating Hurricane Ida more than what he called his ‘great agreement’ with the Taliban,” reported Business Insider. I think Trump is on to something. We should focus a lot more on the Doha Agreement…and its role in undermining the Afghanistan government, as well as our U.S. military mission. 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.

Remembering 9/11, 20 years on T he old phrase “shock and awe” is reappearing in the national mindset this week. This Saturday, we commemorate the horrible anniversary of the worst terror attack in our nation’s history. A generation or two have come and gone in those two decades. No one currently in our school system was even alive when it happened – and even among the teachers, some were barely toddlers when the event occurred. For those of us who were around, the painful details of that morning are permanently etched in our memories like the names of the fallen carved in granite at the World Trade Center memorial. Tuesday, September 11, 2001 began like any other school day. It was a beautiful fall morning. I was working at Zion Chapel High School in Jack, Alabama. Every morning, part of my daily duty was assisting with the distribution of the news roundup program called “Channel One.” I was also responsible for raising the flag after playing the Channel One broadcast on all the TVs in the school. That day, I was rewinding the videotape of “Channel One,” watching live news coverage on NBC’s “Today” show. I saw that one of the World Trade Center towers had been struck by an airplane, and that smoke was rising from the uppermost stories of the building. I couldn’t look away, because while Matt Lauer and Katie Couric were talking, a second plane flew into the other WTC tower. Fear gripped me, as it did all of us, the moment we saw that second plane. This was no accident. Katie Couric and Matt Lauer were

MICHAEL BIRD

Columnist speechless. And our long national nightmare was just beginning. Shaken and in disbelief, I walked up the main hallway to let my principal, Wayne Vickers, know what had happened. I suggested he come take a look. When Dr. Vickers saw the television, he made a choice that I barely understood at the time but appreciate today. “Make sure this doesn’t go out to all the classrooms,” he told me, aware of the school-wide hookup I was commanding at that moment. “Why not?” I asked, incredulously. How could anyone not be drawn immediately to these horrible images? “This is a K-12 unit school. I don’t want the young students to be disturbed by this. They need to hear about it from their parents.” The events that unfolded that day have marked an entire generation with raised terror threats, stricter airport security, enforced zero-tolerance laws, and of course, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The departure from Afghanistan the past few weeks was an ignominious end to America’s longest war. We went there to track down the terrorists who attempted to destroy us, and in the process captured and/or killed the masterminds of that horrible event. We also attempted to bring democracy to a part

of the world that doesn’t seem to appreciate it. Judging by the fact that the Afghans did not have the will to fight, the past few weeks have seen one sad image after another as the Taliban claimed province after province, city after city. It’s as if we were never there at all. As some military experts have opined, this was the ending everyone expected, it was just a matter of when. There is plenty of credit and blame to go around, but nobody can dispute the bravery and heroism of our armed forces, who spent two decades serving multiple tours of duty in a radical, anti-American desert land. We may not have converted them into the United States of Afghanistan, but we did what we said we would do: we tracked down the terrorists and kept them from attacking us again over these twenty years. Twenty years. It seems like only yesterday, but yet it is somehow an eternity. For an earlier generation, Pearl Harbor changed their view of the world. For people like me who grew up in peacetime, September 11 was a shock to the system and a horrifying realization that the United States was vulnerable to the types of attacks unleashed on less stable places around the globe. That evening, when both houses of Congress joined on the Capitol steps and sang a spontaneous rendition of “God Bless America,” it seemed as if the world was coming to an end. And, to a degree, the world we knew before September 11, 2001 had indeed ended. We will never forget the heroes of that day, of the firefighters in New York City or the passengers on United 93 as they stormed the cockpit and fought off the hijackers.


Page A6 • September 8, 2021

Rotary Club’s Ball-drop could net one lucky winner up to $4,000 By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief The Tallassee Rotary Club ball drop that could net a lucky winner up to $4,000 is quickly approaching. That’s right, you could win big if your lucky number drops the closest to the target. If you have not purchased your ticket, there are still a few days left to pick them up. 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 against 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 up to $4,000. People can also buy multiple balls. Say 10 balls for $100. I think $100 for 10 chances to win

up to $4,000 is pretty good.” Tickets are available at the State Farm office, at 576 Gilmer Avenue, The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, at 303 Barnett Blvd, or WACQ Radio on Barnett Blvd. There will be a limited number of tickets available, and tickets are selling out 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 awarded Kennedy Taunton with a $1,000 scholarship. For more information about the upcoming ball drop, contact Steers at 1-256-267-4801.

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Humane Society of Elmore County News BY REA CORD Executive Director We are going to repeat much of last week’s newsletter to keep getting the word out on all of these events going on here in the month of September that you don’t want to miss. For all of our cat lovers - want to win a a $500 Litter Robot? Stop by Blue Ridge Animal Clinic to get your tickets and your chance to never have to scoop the litterbox again. They will draw one winner for this Litter Robot, on September 15, 2021 and tickets are only $10 each. All monies raised are being donated to our Shelter so swing by Blue Ridge Animal Clinic at 4422 Wetumpka Hwy, Montgomery, AL for your chance to win. Please join in on a special Community Shred-It Day, 3841 Grandview Rd (the old Millbrook Police Department, Millbrook on Sat, 18 Sep from 9 am – 12 pm! Participants who bring pet supplies for the Humane Society of Elmore County will receive a special goody bag from a host of sponsors and the pleasure of knowing

they’ve helped a precious animal in need. Remember Me Thursday is a contest that is ongoing until 23 Sep where you can share your story of your adopted pet while also helping us potentially win $5000 for our Shelter! Enter your rescue pet’s story to win pet food and money for your favorite shelter or rescue on the contest page: https:// remembermethursday.org. OR, post a picture of your best friend on social media using both the hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #SeeTheLight and encourage your friends to enter, too! Prizes are sponsored by Save This Life, Naturally Fresh and Pet Plan! In addition to the Top 3 entries selected by a panel of judges, the public can cast their vote, too! The individual chosen as the People’s Choice Winner will receive Remember Me Thursday swag, in addition to a gift basket filled with your choice of cat or dog gear, toys and accessories. Also ongoing now until 31 October is the Pedigree The One True Loyalty Program to reimburse adoption fees up to $200. Your first step is to find and adopt

your next dog at 
local shelter. Then purchase two 15-lb. or larger bags of 
PEDIGREE® dog food and digitally submit your receipts for the adoption fees and dog food. Finally check your email for information on how to redeem your rebate and enjoy a lifetime of loyalty from your new pet. And don’t forget that our 15th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse on Sunday, 19 September from 1-5 pm (rain date is Sun, 26 Sep) is just around the corner! Vendors, microchip clinic, Blessing of the Pets right before the fun Pet Parade, Ask the Vet, Pet Paw Painting, Pet Items Silent Auction, our one-of-a-kind bright colored Bark in the Park 2021 T-Shirts and just an afternoon of fun! Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, AND they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the Park. Vendor spots are still available for only $35 – contact us at hselco@bellsouth.net

Troy Stubbs announces bid for Alabama House of Representatives The son of a college football coach, Stubbs’s family lived in six different states before Republican Troy Stubbs he graduated from high announced on Wednesday, school. He earned a BachSept. 1, that he is running elor of Science degree in for the Alabama House of finance from the University Representatives, District of Alabama. He also holds 31. Stubbs currently serves a master’s degree from the as Chairman of the Elmore University of Louisville in County Commission. sports administration, along “We’ve seen a great deal with a master’s degree in secof economic growth ondary mathematics in Elmore County from Alabama State the past six years,” University. Stubbs said. “We Residents of have built a proWetumpka, Stubbs growth business and his wife Jenny climate through a have been marcombination of conried 21 years. They servative budgeting are owners of Frios STUBBS principles, aggresGourmet Pops sive recruitment of in historic downjobs, and a focus on quali- town Wetumpka. Stubbs ty-of-life issues for the cit- is employed as a financial izens of Elmore County. I advisor at First Community believe that I can best con- Bank of Central Alabama. tinue to serve our central Ala- He and his wife have four bama communities by advo- children: Isaac, Elsa, Lucas cating for our future at the and Bennett. state level. Stubbs was first elected “I’m a conservative and to the Elmore County Coma small business owner,” he mission in 2016, and was said. “I fully support free re-elected without opposition markets and the principles in 2020. Upon joining the of capitalism which promote commission, he was unancompetition and reward risk imously elected to serve as takers. I am fully commit- chairman of the commission ted to preserving the 2nd by his fellow commissioners. Amendment rights of citiRep. Mike Holmes curzens as outlined in the Bill of rently represents District 31. Rights. I support local control Holmes has announced that of education. I favor limited he will not seek re-election government and I’m strongly in 2022. District 31 covers pro-life.” parts of Elmore County. Stubbs was born in Learn more about Stubbs at Charleston, South Carolina. TroyStubbs.com. STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

PET OF THE WEEK Kade is a ten-month old male shepherd/basset looking mix, 35 lbs so not a big dog, e This little shorty is as silly as he is sweet. He loves to run on those adorable little legs, but he also loves scratches. Great with other dogs, enjoys fetch, too! Short legs, BIG personality! Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-yearold; cats over one-year-old can be

adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Kade or any of our pets, please

first email us at hselco@bellsouth. net for our Adoption Application. Once that is cleared, we will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet & adopt. We are located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, our phone number is 334-567-3377 and our website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.


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CommunityCalendar Submit calendar items: Participate in your Tribune by sending your event to

carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com or logging on to http://www.thewetumpka-

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SEPTEMBER The Tallassee High School Alumni Association is accepting nomination for 2022 Hall of Pride inductees as well as a Service Award nominee. September The Tallasse Senior is open and accepting new program participants. The center also offers Meals on Wheels to Tallassee seniors. September ‘Live Here, Buy Here’ campaign to raise awareness about the impact of supporting local businesses in Elmore County. SEPTEMBER 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. SEPT. 14 There will be work session at city beginning at 5 p.m. A regular council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. SEPT. 17 The annual Red Hill Historical Preservation Association Spaghetti Supper at the historic Red Hill School House. SEPT. 17 Rotary Club Ball Drop. Tickets are available at the State Farm office, at 576 Gilmer Avenue, The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, at 303 Bar-

nett Blvd, or WACQ Radio on Barnett Blvd. SEPT. 28 There will be work session at city beginning at 5 p.m. A regular council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. OCT. 9 Angling for Autism fishing tournament benefiting The Learning Tree. For more information, call Stephanie Weldon at 334415-9372. OCT. 16 Downtown Sidewalk Sale from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in downtown Tallassee. Vendors welcome. Call 334-2835151 for more information. OCT. 30 Fall Festival at the old baseball field in Kent from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Submit an upcoming event at carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com or text 334-580-7089.

Alabama State Nurses Association speaks about staffing crisis in nursing STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Several factors contribute to the concerns over nurse burnout and exhaustion. Nurses are the largest professional workforce in healthcare, and they are trained to assess and respond to complicated medical issues with interventions that often save lives. Quality outcomes of inpatient care are jeopardized when a healthcare system lacks an appropriate number of nurses, physicians, and other professional staff. There have been numerous reports during the COVID-19 pandemic about staffing shortages that have reached crisis proportions. The Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA), via membership surveys and inter-professional communications, has a direct line to thousands of nurses across the state. The Alabama State Nurses Association is composed entirely of nurses. Through surveys and professional communication, our members tell us that the healthcare system’s staffing challenges are perilously high. Nurse burnout and exhaustion are common. Many have elected to retire.

Others have chosen to practice elsewhere either as travel nurses or through a multistate license with the prospects of higher pay. Alabama’s average RN base pay is less than the average base RN pay for our surrounding 12 southeastern states. The pandemic has shed light on this issue as many employers have had to meet staffing shortages with travel nurses. Although they know the proliferation of travel nurses is a temporary measure, permanent staff see the vast difference in pay, and many have joined the ranks as travel nurse. When the COVID surge is over, ASNA believes it will be challenging to

return to healthy numbers of permanent staff unless Alabama becomes competitive with our surrounding states. The following are other contributing factors to these concerns: • Alabama is a compact licensure state that allows nurses in over 30 states to work in those compact states. The intent is to enable nurses to flow between states to fill voids, but it also allows nurses trained in Alabama to work in higher-paying states with their current license. • Through surveys, committee work, and town hall meetings, ASNA has identified nurse burnout and exhaustion as a major issue throughout the state and the

country. • Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet many transfer from direct bedside care to work in other areas. Others retire earlier than initially planned, and some are leaving the profession altogether. • Alabama has one of the lowest CMS Medicare wage indexes in the country, and Alabama has not expanded Medicaid, which could cover the cost of compensated patients. ASNA is actively engaged with policymakers and has met with the Alabama Hospital Association to discuss encouraging and providing relief to our frontline nurse heroes. As the voice for nurses of all specialties, ASNA has the responsibility to echo our members’ voices to the highest levels of administration and government. It is important to remember the issues ASNA sees right now in the nursing industry are not Democrat/Republican issues, rich or poor issues, or even city vs. rural provider issues. Having a well-staffed healthcare system is in the best interest of every Alabamian. This was true before COVID, and it will be true in the years ahead.

Ivermectin for animals not safe for people STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Farm supply and feed stores cannot keep a livestock deworming medication on the shelves because social media posts are calling it a cure for COVID-19. A veterinarian with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System warns that people should not buy animal ivermectin products to self-medicate. “Animal formulations of ivermectin are not safe for human use,” said Soren Rodning, who is also an Auburn University associate professor of animal sciences. “Bottom line—do not self-medicate with animal ivermectin products. I cannot emphasize this enough.” The Alabama Poison Information Center at Children’s of Alabama has fielded more than two dozen ivermectin exposure calls so far. The majority of these calls were related to COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration requires labels on animal ivermectin products warning people not to ingest it. Veterinarians use it as a dewormer in cattle, horses and pets. “The concentration of ivermectin in these products or some of the inactive ingredients used in animal formulations may not be safe for human use,” he said. “Specifically, these have not been proven safe for use by people through clinical drug trials.” Marilyn Bulloch, an Auburn University associate clinical professor of pharmacy practice, adds that while a human formulation of ivermectin

exists, safety is key. “It would be wonderful to have a cheap oral medicine to treat COVID,” said Bulloch. “But the blood concentrations needed for the active ingredient are substantially higher than ever studied and is not safe in humans. Research shows that it does not work in normal human doses.” Bulloch’s colleague, Spencer Durham, agrees. “To achieve adequate blood concentrations would require a lethal dose of the human formulation,” said Durham, who is also an associate clinical professor of pharmacy practice at Auburn. Bulloch and Durham also point out that hundreds of drugs have shown promise in a lab setting against COVID-19 but failed to be effective against the disease in people. “Currently, there is a well-designed, large-scale study in people underway in the United Kingdom to investigate if ivermectin could be effective in more normal human doses,” said Bulloch. “But we do not know how long that study will run and when the data will be available.” Durham said that long-term studies into dose sizes, dosing schedules and potential side effects in people are what is needed. “These types of studies are what we need to make well-researched and safe recommendations,” he said. Additionally, Durham is concerned that vaccine-hesitant people are embracing the social media hype around ivermectin.

“I understand that people want to feel that any medications and vaccines are well-researched and safe,” he said. “But there is no evidence to support that normal doses of human formulations of ivermectin are effective and significant evidence that animal formulations are not safe for people and possibly lethal.” Durham said in contrast, strong evidence exists that the vaccines currently available are safe and significantly reduce the potential for contracting COVID-19 and requiring hospital treatment if a person does get the disease. Rodning, Bulloch and Durham also agree that following a few key steps provide the strongest defense against COVID: • Vaccinate • Wear a mask • Practice good social distancing • Wash hands frequently • Keep hands away from the face, especially nose and mouth • Eat a healthy diet • Get adequate rest Alabama Extension and the Auburn University School of Pharmacy are collaborating to provide research-based information on COVID-19 to Alabama residents. This work serves as part of the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement, or EXCITE, project. The Extension Foundation provided funding for EXCITE. For more information, visit Extension’s Alabama Ready website at https://www.aces.edu/blog/ category/alabama-ready/.

September 8, 2021 • Page A7


Religion

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Page A8 • September 8, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com The Tallassee Tribune

Guided by the great Father “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.” Psalm 73:24

MIKE MCELROY

J

ust over five centuries ago, a nomadic Native American tribe chose to settle near present-day Coosada in Elmore County. Their journey to this area and the decision to settle here was guided by their custom of following the “Shadow of the Pole.” At the end of a day, a member of the tribe who was regarded as a prophet would stand a stick in the ground. The following morning, if the stick leaned in some direction, they perceived that the “Great Father” was telling them to travel in the direction indicated by the stick. If the stick was upright, they understood that the “Great Father” wanted them to stay there. When they reached the lush meadows and thick forests near the convergence of two spark-

Columnist ing rivers we now call the Coosa and Tallapoosa, the stick apparently told them to stay. The tribe was known as the Alabamos from a word that meant, “Here we rest.” Our state was eventually named in recognition of these wanderers from the west who were guided by the “Shadow of the Pole.” The Psalms express David’s trust in God’s guidance: “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:24). “This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us for-

ever” (Psalm 48:14). Nehemiah reflected on how the Lord guided Israel’s departure from Egypt, saying, “The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire to light for them the way by which they should go” (Nehemiah 9:19). Today we look to the Bible as a guide to direct our lives. It shows us the way our heavenly Father wants us to go. I wonder if there was ever any debate among the Alabamos about which way the pole was leaning. I wonder if anyone questioned the prophet’s interpretation of the sign. I wonder if some days they were reluctant to follow the guidance, preferring to stay instead of go, or perhaps go in some other direction. I wonder about these things because we humans tend to ignore, question, resist and reject guidance. Israel’s chronicler succinctly described Saul’s tragic career as Israel’s king in these words: “He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the

kingdom over to David the son of Jesse” (1 Chronicles 10:14). Most of us can recall times when we stubbornly chose our way instead of letting God “direct our steps” (Proverbs 3:6, KJV). How many days do you begin and end without consulting and seeking the Father’s guidance? How often do you make a conscious decision to seek and follow his counsel? We are blessed to have more specific direction from God than the shadow of a leaning stick. But the real blessing comes to the Father’s children who follow the direction he gives. Michael B. McElroy is the preaching minister for East Tallassee Church of Christ. He is the author of The Abiding Companion —A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, and Christmas Pilgrims — A Journey to See Jesus. His next book will be a 150 chapter daily devotional based on the Psalms. He writes this column each week in The Tallassee Tribune.

Church Briefs BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m. CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship. Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular of-

fice hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH On Sunday, Sept. 21, ETUMC will hold Homecoming. The music will be provided by Unity and there will be a surprise guest preacher. The church service will start at 11 a.m. and there will be a dinner following the church program. We invite all to come and help celebrate the church’s many years of serving the Lord. 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, 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. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The

service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/ FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included

both days! For more information about our church or 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.

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

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

Rock Springs Baptist Church 2810 Rock Springs Drive Tallassee First 1279 Friendship Road Tallaweka Baptist Church 1419 Gilmer Avenue Westside Baptist Church 1825 Gilmer Avenue CATHOLIC St Vincent De Paul Parish 620 Gilmer Avenue CHRISTIAN/OTHER Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ 1072 Muskogee Trail East Tallassee Church of Christ 501 Central Boulevard

Light of Jesus Outreach Ministries 140 Gin Street Macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Road Mount Olive Congregational Christian Church NACCC 492 Kent Road Oak Heights Church of Christ 74 Manning Circle Tallassee Church of Christ 209 Gilmer Avenue Wind Rain & Fire Ministries International 1201 Gilmer Avenue Vessel Church 84632 Tallassee Highway, Eclectic, AL 36024 God’s Church, Campfire Minis-

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

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

ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 5412006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754

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.

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eat fresh.

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464 Gilmer Avenue 283-2247

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

Beautiful, Quality, Flowers For Any Occasion.

LOW COST CARS 5264 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL

Used Carss & Trucks

“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

Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 2855545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church 2520 Lynwood Dr., Millbrook 2855213

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Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 5142881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist 3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 2856792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-

Phone

East Tallassee Baptist Church

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

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

CITY COLLISION

FOR ALL YOUR PAINT AND BODY NEEDS

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

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The deadline is FRIDAY at noon

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

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

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The Tallassee Tribune


Sports

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com The

September 8, 2021 • Page B1

Council recognizes Tiger Sharks for 2021 winning season By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

The Tallassee City Council recognized the Tallassee Tiger Sharks during Tuesday’s council meeting.

The Tallassee City Council recognized the Tallassee Tiger Shark state and district winners during Tuesday’s council meeting, on Aug. 24, at City Hall. The Tallassee Tiger Sharks are a recreation swim team. “We are probably the only Rec team that goes to state,” Tiger Shark Head Coach Donna Funderburk said. Many swim teams have access to indoor swimming pools and can practice all year long, but the Tiger Shark’s practice time is limited.

“Most teams swim all year. We only swim two months to get where we are at,” Funderburk said. Funderburk is proud of the 2021 swim team and said most of the swimmers shaved time off of their own best records at the state competition. “I am very proud of them,” she said. “Almost everybody took off time.” The youngest Tiger Shark is only 3 years old. “We have a lot of kids who start off with me that do not know how to swim, and by the end of the summer they can all swim,” Funderburk said. The Tigers Sharks future was uncertain earlier this summer when leaks in

the municipal pool hindered practice. And while the kids brought home the medals, it would not have been possible without support from team parents. “We appreciate the pool being open. I appreciate all my parents, without them I could not have done it,” she said. A lot of discussion and consideration was given by the council when they decided to go ahead and open the pool for the swim team this season. “I’d like to thank the mayor and the council as well,” Coach John Mask said. “I think we are going to have some See SHARKS, Page B2

ANDY GRAHAM Columnist

Reaction, Reality and Results of Auburn win

I

t’s hard to label the debut of Bryan Harsin as the head football coach of Auburn University as anything but a raving success. The Tigers completely overwhelmed Akron in every possible way and the 60-10 score could have actually been worse if they wanted it to be. Auburn executed their offense with power, precision and a very refreshing proficiency. The defense was dominant against the run and unleashed a relentless pass rush. I don’t remember such a balanced performance since the days of Al Borges back in the early 2000’s. The Tigers did pretty much anything they desired rushing for 316 yards and passing for 297 yards. They had 14 first downs rushing and 14 first downs passing. Bo Nix was in total command and looked incredibly comfortable. He was an eye-popping 20 of 22 passing for 275 yards and 3 TDs. I actually would consider one of those incompletions a drop. Auburn did not turn the ball over and had very few penalties as well. They looked like a very well coached and well prepared team. That’s the initial reaction, but now for a little reality. Akron is not a good football team and they would struggle mightily against any decent team. Auburn has superior athletes at every single position and should absolutely dominate a team like the Zips. Bo Nix was, indeed, incredibly proficient and explosive, but he was under hardly any pressure all night and his receivers were wide open. The AU offensive line opened up holes for the running backs and protected Nix extremely well. They also outweighed the Akron defensive line by nearly 40 pounds a man. They will see some of the country’s best defensive lineman in conference play. The AU defense held the Zips to -3 yards rushing which is impressive against anyone. However, a lot of that was due to six sacks and a snap over the punters head. Auburn dominated a team they should have dominated and the final score is somewhat irrelevant. Initial reaction? Check. A little reality? Check. Now, let’s take an honest look at the results. Mike Bobo’s offense was noticeably different, even to the most casual observer, in formation, rhythm and design. The most blatant and obvious differences to previous years was the passing game. Forget the yardage and wide-open receivers for a moment and simply recognize that ten different receivers caught passes. TE John Shenker caught five passes! He caught nine all of last season. It’s true, Nix wasn’t under very much pressure, but he deliberately went through his progressions and found an open man. He also checked the ball down to the running backs. It remains to be seen if he will be as patient under duress, but it’s a good start. Tank Bigsby is a powerful running back and he will have a huge year if he stays healthy. There was some concern about the depth at running back behind Shaun Shivers, but freshman Jarquez Hunter and Sean Jackson showed a lot of promise Saturday. The Tigers obviously haven’t proven anything yet to anyone. They won’t prove anything Saturday, but they are 1-0. According to Bryan Harsin, that’s exactly where they want to be.

JAMBOREE

Tallassee Youth Football competes in Reeltown

By CARMEN RODGERS Bureau Chief

T

he Tallassee Youth Football League participated in a Jamboree in Reeltown Saturday. The tiny but mighty Tigers took on a host of area opponents. While the league decided to set out last year due to COVID precautions, the TYFL had 94 football players and 101 cheerleaders sign up for the 2021 season. “We had 195 total participants, which is pretty good,” League Manager Matthew Rogers said. While not all of the teams in the league brought home a W, Rogers said the day was an overall win. “I think it went well. Obviously, we wanted better results but that is something we con-

sidered having a year off and having a lot of brand-new kids. The kids are ready to go, they are ready to get back into football. I think they had a good time,” he said. The TYFL will host the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 11, against Dadeville at J. E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium in Tallassee. The youth football league is open to children between 5 and 12-years-old. “Some of our kids are kindergarten through 7th grade, but not many 7th graders,” Rogers said. TYFL is a private organization sanctioned under East Alabama Youth Football. Signups for the 2022 season are planned for spring of next year. “Be on the lookout for information starting early spring,” Rogers said.

CARMEN RODGERS | THE TRIBUNE

TOP: TYFL players try to stop RYFL’s ball carrier. CENTER: TYFL cheerleaders root for their team. ABOVE: TYFL players try to stop RYFL’s ball carrier.

Stanhope pitcher Zach Stevens commits to South Alabama BY DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Stanhope Elmore junior Zach Stevens wants to win more than anything, so there wasn’t much deliberation when he committed to South Alabama on Friday. Stevens, a pitcher and infielder for Stanhope, announced his decision on Twitter last week. He chose South Alabama over a handful of other schools. South Alabama has built a winning culture that Stevens couldn’t ignore. He said the coaches also treated him more like a man and a friend than a recruit, which really helped sway his decision. “All the coaches there are always talking about winning, and who doesn’t want to win,” Stevens said. “When I went on my visit there, the team was getting after it in the weight room and lifting and throwing bullpens, and that’s exactly what I would want to walk into. I want to walk into a good culture and that’s what they offer.” South Alabama has proved capable of winning at a consistent level, especially under

head coach Mark Calvi. Since taking over in 2011, Calvi has led South Alabama to three Sun Belt Conference championships and two SBC Tournament championships. The most recent tournament championship came this year, when the Jaguars went 36-22 with a 15-9 conference record and earned the No. 1 seed in the East in the SBC tournament. After going 4-0 to win the tournament championship, the Jaguars were sent to the Gainesville Regional as a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. South Alabama played spoiler in the regional by eliminating both No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Miami before falling to South Florida in the regional championship. “They’ve been first or second in defensive rankings for the last six or seven years, so they have the statistics to prove they’re going to win games,” Stevens said. “It definitely adds some bragging rights when you beat Florida, 19-1, like they did in the regional. It made it easier to recruit to them after that happened.” Stevens jumped on the recruiting scene the spring. He said he was talking to one school before the 2021 season started, but his velocity jump really caught school’s attention.

Stevens was only throwing around 81 miles per hour as a freshman, but last year as a sophomore he was up to around 88, and he has touched 90-91 this summer. To go with his fastball is a deep breaking ball that can leave batters lost at the plate. That was showcased throughout the season as he racked up a 7-3 record with a 2.23 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 47 innings. “His fastball has been able to keep growing and growing, and that’s on top of the fact that he throws a really good breaking ball,” Stanhope coach Kaleb Shuman said. “That’s kind of been the separating factor. He not only has the over-powering fastball, but a really sharp breaking ball to go with it. I think that’s what South Alabama really liked from him.” The recruiting process began picking up during his sophomore season, but one particular game really caught the eye of South Alabama. Against Wetumpka in a conference game, Stevens pitched six innings against the Indians and allowed only four hits and two runs while See PITCHER, Page B2


Page B2 • September 8, 2021

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Auburn offense showcases explosive abilities against Akron BY ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director Auburn not only winning, but dominating its Group of Five conference opponent was the expectation Saturday. The Tigers were 37-point favorites according to the Caesars Sportsbook entering the contest. Auburn, an SEC team, posted a winning record in 2020. Akron, who plays in the meager MAC, went 1-5. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan in Week 1. Multiple top 15 teams were upset across the college football landscape Saturday, and many more had closer scrapes than expected with competition considered inferior. That’s why it was good for Auburn fans to see the Tigers run roughshod over the Zips 60-10, and especially good to see Auburn’s offense under the guidance of junior quarterback Bo Nix and sophomore running back Tank Bigsby post big gain after big gain. “I thought our guys came out ready to play,” Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin said after his first win at the helm of the program. “We’ve had a lot of work, a lot of focus on what they’ve had to do over the last nine months to get themselves prepared, and today was an example of what we’re capable of doing.” Auburn had posted 457 total yards and held a 46-0 lead when its starters exited the game with 10:59 remaining in the third quarter against Akron. The Tigers blew open eight plays for 20 or more yards. Nix finished 20 for 22 with 275 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Bigsby added 119 and two touchdowns in just 13 carries on the ground.

“I thought we ran the ball well, which allowed us to be able to throw against some one-on-one matchups,” Harsin said. “The O-line protected our quarterback well, and I thought Bo made good decisions.” Bigsby’s talents were showcased from Auburn’s first drive. The running back picked up 17 yards in three carries, then took a handoff left, slipped an arm tackle and burst up the seam of Akron’s defense for a 32-yard touchdown run. The Tigers led 6-0 with 6:55 to play in the first quarter after a missed extra point. “I was very excited, first one of the season, with my teammates,” Bigsby said. “It was a big moment. It was a big moment for Auburn at the time. I had the energy and I just celebrated. I felt like I needed to celebrate.” In the third quarter Bigsby broke off another 31-yard run around the right end. Harsin felt the play of not just Bigsby, but senior running back Shaun Shivers and the offensive line blocking for them performed well against the Zips. “I thought Tank ran hard tonight,” Harsin said. “I thought Shaun ran hard tonight. We took care of the football, it was good to see that. The O-line gave them opportunities.” He even produced as a receiver when he had to. With Auburn ahead 6-0 in the first quarter, Nix sat in a clean pocket with eons to throw the ball, unable to find an open target. Eventually he checked down to Bigsby, who picked up 19 yards on a catch-and-run to set up Shivers for a similar 19-yard receiving touchdown jaunt. Nix’s arm proved just as deadly as Bigsby’s legs. With Auburn starting at its own

8-yard-line following a punt, Nix found senior wide receiver Shedrick Jackson streaking downfield off play action and hit him for a 42-yard gain. “You saw the plays that he executed, everybody saw that,” Harsin said about Nix. “What I got to see was his presence and leadership in the huddle, his poise on the two-minute drive to get us into field goal range and to get points at the end of the half, and just some of the other things too that not everybody would know. We called some shot plays that might not have been there and he made the right decisions.” Sophomore wide receiver Kobe Hudson broke open in the endzone a few plays later to cap a sixplay, 92-yard scoring drive with a 28-yard touchdown. The Tigers led 27-0 with 9:44 remaining until halftime. Earlier in the quarter it was sophomore wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson who found space for a 34-yard scoring catch. “I was excited to get out there and be consistent, be in control of the game and know where to go with the ball,” Nix said. “That’s the main thing you have to take care of when you’re at quarterback is just knowing where to go with the ball, the rest takes care of itself. Our guys did a great job getting open today.” Nix’s 91 percent completion rate was an Auburn record with a minimum of 20 attempts. Tougher tests than Akron await the Tigers. After another cupcake in Alabama State next week, they travel to Penn State to take on what may be a top 15 Nittany Lions squad. In any case, Auburn’s offense is showing big-play ability right away in 2021.

PITCHER

Continued from B1

striking out seven batters. That caught the Jaguars’ attention, and South Alabama offered Stevens only a few days after his outing. “After they offered me, they really treated me like a man and not a kid, and they took the time to actually get to know me,” Stevens said. “I liked that about the coaches a lot. They liked my velocity jump and I started to really learn how to actually pitch and not just throw hard, and that helped me get some attention a lot.” While Stevens is primarily a pitcher, there is the chance for him to play both ways at the college level when he gets to South Alabama in the fall of 2023. He played all over the infield, and at the plate he

SHARKS

Continued from B1

future college swimmers. Some of them have a dream to go to college and swim. So, from the bottom of their hearts, the parent’s hearts, and my heart, thank you. We would not have been able to swim without you making the decision to keep it open.” Coach Mask also showed his appreciation for Coach Funderburk. “Mrs. Funderburk, she needs to be commended for as long as she has been at the pool. She takes these kids that can’t swim and it’s amazing within a few months what she does with them. She is amazing and we are very thankful for her,” Mask said.

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hit .280 with 17 RBIs. At the moment, Stevens wants to play both ways. But he also believes it is apparent that his pitching is ahead of his hitting right now. He hopes to spend the next two years of high school improving his velocity on the mound, and he just wants to mature at the plate and become a better all-around hitter. If he can do that, there’s no doubt in coach Shuman’s mind that he will be able to play both ways at the Division I level. “It’s really hard to play both ways in college, but if anyone is capable of doing it, it’s him,” Shuman said. “He’s the type of guy you have to dial back and tell him to rest instead of the other way around. If anyone can do it, it’s him. But I think especially on the mound, they’re expecting him to be an impact guy right off the bat from Day 1.”

The Tiger Sharks received a standing ovation from the Tallassee City Council and members of the audience. The Tallassee Tigers Sharks finished the season 14th out of 25 other teams in the region. Individual results are listed below. Boys 8U - 25-yard Breast Stroke: Weston Lucas 9th place Girls 8U - 25-yard Breast Stroke: Abigail Zinn 6th place Girls 11-12 - 50-yard Breast Stroke: Harmony Moyers 6th place Boys 13-14 - 50-yard Breast Stroke: Camden Mask 1st place, Boys 13-14 - 50-yard Breast Stroke: Donavan Aldridge 13th place Girls 13-14 - 50-yard Breast Stroke: Valerie Johnson 12th place Boys 15-18 - 50-yard Breast Stroke: Geoffrey Dark 19th place Boys 15-18 - 50-yard Breast Stroke: Corbin Grover 22nd place Boys 6&U - 25-yard Freestyle: Zeke Rigsby 8th place Girls 6&U - 25-yard Freestyle: Ava Ingram 9th place Boys 9-10 - 50-yard Freestyle: Crockett Moyers 5th place Boys 15-18 - 50-yard Freestyle: Canyon Moyers 14th place Boys 13-14 - 100-yard Individual Medley: Camden Mask 6th place Girls 13-14 - 100-yard Individual Medley: Hope Moyers 16th place Girls 15-18 - 100-yard Individual Medley: Ivy Davis came 15th, Girls 15-18 - 100-yard Individual Medley: Cassie Grover 22nd place Boys 9-10 - 50-yard Butterfly: Crockett Moyers 2nd place Girls 9-10 - 50-yard Butterfly: Elise Soehren 7th place Girls 9-10 - 50-yard Butterfly: Emma Soehren 11th place Boys 13-14 - 50-yard Butterfly: Camden Mask 3rd place Boys 13-14 - 50-yard Butterfly: Donavan Aldridge 12th place Girls 13-14 - 50-yard Butterfly: Hope Moyers 9th place, Girls 13-14 - 50-yard Butterfly: Alta Bentley 21st place Girls 13-14 - 50-yard Butterfly: Valerie Johnson 25th place Boys 15-18 - 50-yard Butterfly: Canyon Moyers 15th place Girls 15 -18 - 50-yard Butterfly: Ivy Davis 11th place Girls 7-8 - 25-yard Backstroke: Paige Hart 14th place Girls 9-10 - 50-yard Backstroke: Elise Soehren 20th place Boys 15-28 - 50-yard Backstroke: Canyon Moyers 18th place Girls 15-18 - 50-yard Backstroke: Ivy Davis 8th


The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

September 8, 2021 • Page B3

The Venus FlyTrap

Venus FlyTrap word Find

Have you ever seen a Venus Flytrap? These unique, carnivorous plants are only found in nature in certain parts of North and South Carolina. They are called carnivorous because they capture and digest insects. The meat-eating Venus Flytrap lives in damp, mossy forests year-round. They harvest energy from the Sun, just like most plants, through the process of photosynthesis, but due to the lack of nutrients in the soil, they also eat insects. The green plants grow to be around 8-12 inches tall and have white flowers. At the end of their stems are the “traps.” The mouth-like leaves of the trap open when the Sun is shining; the inside of the trap is red, like a flower, and has a sticky substance that attracts bugs. There are three hairs inside a trap that detect when something is inside. When an insect triggers the trap, it closes in less than half a second. When a trap closes, the spines lock the insect in place. The Venus Flytrap then secretes an acid that digests the meal; it takes around 10 days for the plant to break it down for the nutrients. A single trap only “eats” about three bugs in a lifetime before falling off the plant and regrowing a new trap from its roots. Venus Flytraps are listed as a vulnerable plant due to overcollection and habitat destruction. If you ever see one in the wild, do not attempt to bring it home. Venus Flytraps have fascinated people for centuries and have been portrayed in pop culture many times. The Venus Flytrap as a giant villain-plant in movies and cartoons and an obstacle course in video games are just two examples of things that have been inspired by these unique plants.

Graphic

dicTaTion GaMe

Complete the picture on the right. To Tallassee Tribune begin, place your pencil on the black Kidzpencil Page according to dot. Move your the numbers and directions listed. (The first two moves will go two boxes to the left and then one box up. Follow the directions until your picture is complete!

Acid, Carnivorous, Digest, Eat, Flower, Fly, Habitat, Insect, Leaf, Meat, Nature, North Carolina, Nutrients, Plant, Soil, South Carolina, Sun, Trap, Venus Flytrap, Vulnerable

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Singleton’s Alignment and Muffler Service, LLC

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

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

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Page B4 • September 8, 2021

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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) You might seek out someone older or more experienced to benet from their advice. In fact, this is a very good day for warm conversations with others. Possibly, this person is a member of a group or a professional association. Tonight: Accept help from others. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Today you’re ready to work hard. In fact, you’re willing to put your comfort second to the duties and obligations that you have. Obviously, this means you will accomplish a lot today. Fortunately, co-workers will help you. You will likely be very hands-on in whatever you do. Tonight: An important discussion. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) This is a good day to teach children or young minds. It’s also a good day to hone a skill or practice something so you get better -- perhaps something in the arts or a sport. You’re also willing to do the necessary legwork in making plans for future socializing or vacations. Tonight: Keep practicing. CANCER (June 21-July 22) This will be a practical day for you because you’re ready to be sort of tough and do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Quite likely, an important discussion with an older family relative (perhaps a parent) will take place. Tonight: Of course, you’re interested in redecorating and doing home repairs. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Today you are in a serious but common-sense frame of mind, which means discussions with others will be about practical matters. You might want to teach something important to someone. You also will be willing to study. Tonight: Stay focused. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) When it comes to nancial matters today, you will be conservative and play it safe. For example, if shopping, you will want to buy long-lasting, practical items. You also will be thrifty with your money. You won’t waste it. In fact, this is the perfect time to set up a budget. Tonight:

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How can you reduce your expenses? LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with stern Saturn, which makes you more sober and realistic about everything in your world. However, it also toughens you up and lets you deal patiently with considerable adversity and strain. Tonight: You’ll be pleased with your accomplishments. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is an excellent day to do research behind the scenes or to do anything that allows you to seek out solutions to old problems or answers to old questions. You will be persevering about going after what you want to learn. Tonight: Review what you learned today. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today you will feel less inclined to talk about your feelings. In fact, you might choose to go off by yourself to evaluate and ponder something. However, someone older might offer you emotional support or give you practical suggestions. Tonight: Listen. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) When dealing with bosses or authority gures today, you want common-sense answers and a practical approach to things. You’re not interested in fancy psychobabble or tricky talk. You want a doable solution. Tonight: Use your new knowledge. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This is an excellent day to study, because you want practical results for your efforts. You want to learn something new, especially something that will be useful for you. History or anything in the past also will have a strong attraction for you. Tonight: Explore. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) This is an excellent day to take care of loose details with banking, taxes, shared property, insurance issues or inheritances. Your mind is focused; furthermore, you have the perseverance and the right headspace to tackle these issues. Tonight: Relax.

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Employment

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Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities Bill Nichols State Veterans Home NOW-HIRING!!!

•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

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

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The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Sarah Sessions (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: sarah.sessions@ learning-tree.org Part-Time Housekeeper Seasonal Help Needed at upscale private lodge beginning mid September. (PDLO KRXVHNHHSLQJ#¿YHstarpreserve.com. EOE. No Drop-ins or phone calls please.

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

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When you’re comparing plans... f Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only. f Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid. f Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

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SUDOKU

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Job Opportunities

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

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

Real Estate Homes For Sale

CCC Associates: Available Positions: •Grounds Keeping mowing, weedeating, loading/ unloading, other maintenance Full time. Need drivers license. Immediate openings. Apply at 3601 Wetumpka Hwy in Montgomery

For Sale By Owner 365 Booker Street, AL Alexander City 3BR/1BA approx 972sq.ft, single-level brick home. $38,000 obo. Call 678-982-8753.

Rentals Apartments

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

Apparel Manufacturing Please send resumes: adurbin@southernapinc.com

Call 334-567-5044

Local manufacturing company seeking production workers and truck loaders. Please contact Laura at 334-514-4524 for application.

Merchandise Miscellaneous For Sale FOR SALE Five Auburn Football Tickets September 25th At face value Possibly 1-2 more tickets to other games Call (256)825-9814

Notices General Notices

(

PST).

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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. LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534 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).

WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com.

Office & Commercial Rental OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE!! 720 Sq. feet. Includes 3 office areas and 1 Bathroom. Water and power included. Located on Hwy 280 in Kellyton Call 256-234-7922 or 256-223-2021

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

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

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

Services Pet & Livestock Services

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. NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916. UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials! Selling your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.414.4250.

SERVICES ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by Region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide! 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 855-887-9533 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm

y August, 2021 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LISA H CROSS, who is also known as: LISA RUTH CROSS, and who is also known as: LISA H. STEPHENS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2021-278

RUSHIN GIDDENS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE WHITFIELD GIDDENS, DECEASED

NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: ROBERT L. CROSS, PETITIONER, pursuant to Code of Alabama 1975, Section 43-2690, et seq., as amended, has filed with the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama a Petition for Summery Distribution of the Estate of LISA H. CROSS, who is also known as LISA RUTH CROSS, and who is also known as LISA H. STEPHENS. All persons or interested parties having any claim to such Estate or having an objection to the Summary Distribution of such Estate must make the same known in writing in an instrument filed with this court within thirty (30) days of the date of this Publication. If no claim or objection is filed with the Court within such thirty (30) days, the Court may enter an Order authorizing such Summary Distribution.

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: MIKE SEGREST THE SEGREST LAW FIRM POBOX 780791 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-252-0036 Mike.Segrest@Segrestlaw.com Tallassee Tribune: Sep. 1, 8 and 15, 2021 EST/GIDDENS, G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRED ALLEN HALL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2021-251 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over

Public Notices the Estate of FRED ALLEN HALL, deceased, having been granted to CLAYMON A. HALL on the 23rd day of August, 2021 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. CLAYMON A. HALL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF FRED ALLEN HALL,DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE PO BOX 780397 334-283-6548 Tallassee Tribune: Sept. 1, 8 and 15,2021 EST/HALL,F. Put your ad here call 256.414.4250

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SUDOKU ANSWERS

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Attorney for Petitioner: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800 Tallassee Tribune: Sept. 8,2021 EST/CROSS,L. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE WHITFIELD GIDDENS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2021-157 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of GEORGE WHITFIELD GIDDENS, deceased, having been granted to RUSHIN GIDDENS on the 26 day of

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Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE Sealed bids will be received, opened, and publicly read by the Owner for the Rehabilitation of the Downtown Tank 750,000 Gallon Multi-Leg Water Storage Tank Project. The Owner will receive Bids until 2:00 PM on the 22nd day of September 2021. The bid opening will be held at City Hall, City of Tallassee, located at 3 Freeman Avenue, Tallassee, Alabama. The Project is generally described as follows: • Sandblasting and Repainting of Interior and Exterior • Miscellaneous Repairs • Full Containment • Pressure Tank • Logo NOTE: Notice to Proceed will EH LVVXHG ¿IWHHQ GD\V IROlowing the Notice of Award.

Bidding Documents may be obWDLQHG IURP WKH RI¿FH RI &'* Engineers & Associates, 778 North Dean Road, Suite 200-A, Auburn, Alabama 36830, (334) 466-9431, louie.arvelo@cdge. com. Paper copies are available upon receipt of a non-refundable fee in the amount of $50.00 for one set. PDF electronic copies are available via email at no cost to the bidder.

AlaScans

Public Notices

Public Notices

The Owner requires the Project to be completed in ninety (90) calendar days from date of Notice to Proceed.

State Classified

September 8, 2021 • Page B5

Public Notices

AlaScans

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.

White Oak Transportation

Southern Apparel Inc Now Hiring for

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Bidders will be required to provide Bid security in the form of a Bid Bond or cashier’s check in the amount of a sum QR OHVV WKDQ ¿YH SHUFHQW RI the Bid Price but not more than $50,000.00. Your Bid will be required to be submitted under a condition of irrevocability for a period of 60 days after submission. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Bids. City of Tallassee per: Honorable John Hammock Mayor Tallassee Tribune: Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and 8, 2021 BIDS/TANK

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Data connection req’d. Recordings expire after 90 days. In a series recording, max 30 episodes stored (oldest deleted first which may be in less than 90 days). Restr’s apply. 2AT&T recommends a minimum Internet speed of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing. All 20 AT&T streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home AT&T streams. Restrictions apply. See att.com/20streams for details.

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Get HBO Max™ included for one year with CHOICE™ or above. Subject to change. With CHOICE or ULTIMATE Package (min. $84.99/mo.). HBO Max auto-renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo.), unless you change or cancel. Req’s you to select offer. Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on AT&T TV. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. New approved residential customers only, excluding DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers. Add’l fees and restr’s apply.

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(205) 858-5158 AT&T TV requires high-speed Internet. AT&T recommends a minimum Internet speed of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing. AT&T TV: Compatible device req’d. Residential U.S. customers only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). Your AT&T TV service renews monthly at the prevailing rate, charged to your payment method on file unless you cancel. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. New customers who cancel service in the first 14 days will receive a full refund. Otherwise, no refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. AT&T TV Device: AT&T TV device for well-qualified customers $5/mo. each for 24 mos. on 0% APR installment agreement; otherwise $120 each. Non-qualified customers must purchase devices up front. Purchased devices may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Limits: Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions (see att.com/legal/att-tv.html). Pricing, channels, features, and terms are subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. See att.com/tv for details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per 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, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T 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. 086739

PUBLIC NOTICE

TALLASSEE MUNICIPAL GAS SYSTEM “NOTICE” WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS That distinctive odor is the harmless chemical we add to natural gas so you can detect even the smallest amount that might escape. It smells bad... but that’s good! Natural gas has no odor on its own. Everyone should be able to recognize our built-in system safety signal. If you ever detect faint whiffs of this odor, INVESTIGATE. If possible, “follow your nose” to the source. It may be only a pilot light that’s out, or a burner valve partially turned on. Something easily and safely corrected. If the source of the gas cannot be located or the odor persists, call Tallassee City Hall, 283-4298, during normal hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday. At night or on weekends or for any emergency reporting of gas line breaks, call Tallassee Police Department 283-6586. Please give adequate directions as to the location of the leak. John Hammock, Mayor City of Tallassee


Eclectic Observer The

WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 31, No. 36

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

The Eclectic Town Council voted at its August meeting to adopt a public records policy that officials say will help keep the town’s government transparent.

Town Council adopts public records policy By BRIANA WILSON Bureau Chief In an effort to be more transparent, the town of Eclectic adopted a public records policy at its August meeting. Under existing law, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing, except as otherwise provided by statute. To comply with the law and to standardize the pro-

cedure, the town of Eclectic has adopted this public records access policy. According to the policy, Mayor Gary Davenport, or someone he designates, will be the custodian of records. The designated person will make all determinations with the consult of the town’s legal counsel on whether requested information may be released. The custodian will make public information available for inspec-

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tion and copying while protecting public records from alteration, mutilation, loss or unlawful removal. Requests for public information should be made in writing via the Public Records Request Form. These forms may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s office Monday through Friday, form 8 a.m.

until 4:30 p.m. The forms can also be downloaded from the link on the Town of Eclectic web page. Once the request for a public document is received and it is determined that the information can be released, the custodian will forward the request to the appropriate personnel to compile the requested documents.

Under normal circumstances, the custodian will make documents available for inspection. After inspection and upon identification of specific documents to be copied, pre-payment of projected fees must be made to the town before documents are copied. There’s a fee of $1 per page for black and

white and $2 per page for color copies of public documents. In addition, Public Records Requests entailing research shall be assessed a $20 per hour fee or a $5 per quarter hour incremental fee. All fees must be paid in advance. For more information, contact the town at 334-541-4429.


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