SPORTS, PAGE A6
LOCAL, PAGE A3
SPORTS, PAGE A6
HOLTVILLE BASEBALL FALLS IN GAME 3 OF CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP
Elmore County sees season end in state tournament
ALEA recognizes heroes with Lifesaving Awards INSIDE:
Tallassee, AL 36078
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May 25, 2022
TallasseeTribune.com
VOL. 124, NO. 21
Tallassee council navigating escalating costs
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer The City of Tallassee was hoping it could build a new wastewater treatment facility for around $5 million — after all that’s where project estimates put costs just a year ago. It even entered into a con-
sent decree with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management with a new treatment facility as part of its plan to bring effluent levels of treated water into range. But inflation has hit public projects too. Now a $17.3 million bid has the city going back to the drawing board trying to close the $12 million
gap in that project alone. “We don’t have the money to do this,” Councilman Bill Godwin said. “This is a disastrous situation. It ain’t nobody’s fault. I’m sure every business has been through it.” The city’s current wastewater treatment facility was built in 1972. Neptune had just
come online and GKN and Hanil weren’t on the horizon. Thanks to industrial and residential growth, the lagoons have reached capacity and are also needing work to bring things into compliance. The idea of the new wastewater treatment facility was to add one million gallons of daily
capacity to bring the city’s total treating capacity to 2.4 million gallons of wastewater per day. That was what was projected as needed to treat sewage when the prison was looking at locating in Tallassee. “I don’t think it’s a matter of See COSTS, Page A5
‘SLOW DOWN’ Marine patrol gives advice for safe boating
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer As temperatures rise, so does boat traffic on lakes and rivers. As boating traffic increases, so do the chances of a mishap. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Sr. Trooper Jonathan Walker offered a few tips to make boating safer and more enjoyable for the Memorial Day weekend and summer. “We are really stressing
boater safety and boater courtesy, not just for other boats but property owners by watching your wake,” Walker said. “If you are going to be skiing, tubing, wakeboarding or anything like that, try to stay out of the smaller sloughs and respect the property. Other boats need to stay away from those boats who are towing skiers, tubes and wake boarders.” Walker said alcohol has a different effect on the human body when con-
sumed outdoors exposed to the sun. “Three drinks out here on the water is about equivalent to nine drinks,” Walker said. “With the heat, you will feel the alcohol a lot quicker than if you were inside. If you are going to be operating a boat or think you are going to be operating a boat, just stay away from the alcohol.” While a boat is underway, all persons in the boat See BOATING, Page A5
LARRY ROBINSON | THE TRIBUNE
Tallassee police Chief Todd Buce was named full-time police chief for the city at the Monday night city council meeting.
Buce named Tallassee police chief the officers in the department know who they answer to. Todd Buce has been at “It lets everyone at the the helm of the Tallassee police department have a Police Department as sigh of relief,” Buce said. interim chief since last “There is not any of the year — but now his title ‘who is going to be leadis changing. Buce was ing them’ or anything like appointed police chief by that.” the Tallassee City Council Buce said the Tallasin a 6-1 vote at its Monday see Police Department is meeting. staffed with good people. “I’ve come to know “You are only as good and enjoy his friendship as as your weakest link and well as his professionalthey are all outstanding,” ism,” Councilman Jeremy Buce said. “They are the Taunton said. “I enjoy the boots on the ground and time we have had working the first to come into cona few things out whether it tact with things. I have full be wood or something at confidence in my people.” the police department.” Councilman Damian Buce said he is only as Carr was the lone dissentgood as the officers who ing vote in appointing work for the Tallassee Buce. Police Department. The See CHIEF, Page A5 naming of Buce also lets By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol will be on the waters of Alabama over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and summer to help protect boaters.
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