OPINION:
LOCAL
PAGE 5
20th Annual Fabulous
Dropping my first deer
Follies!
SPORTS, PAGE 12 GRAPPLERS HEAD TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
PAGE 7 LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.
INSIDE:
The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA
TALLASSEE, AL 36078
50¢
February 15, 2017
TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM
VOL. 118, NO. 7
DiLaura retires as Neptune president has been promoted to president of Neptune Technology Group. DiLaura will support Deemer as president emeritus to facilitate a smooth leadership transition with customers, partners, and employees. Neptune Technology Group is based in Tallassee and provides solutions to maximize water utilities resources through “smart” systems
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Charles (Chuck) DiLaura, longtime president of Neptune Technology Group has announced plans for retirement. DiLaura plans to retire at the end of the year and will hand over the reigns to Don Deemer, who
for metering and data collection. Deemer joined the executive management team for Neptune in June 2005 as vice president of sales and was recently promoted to executive vice president. Deemer has a keen insight for utility customers, beginning his career in the industry 29 years ago in the Electric Metering Division of
Schlumberger. He held multiple leadership positions in sales and marketing management, including international responsibilities as the general manager for the Integrated Metering Services group in the UK. Deemer is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical See RETIRE • Page 3 DiLaura
THS Alumni to award scholarships
Runners set to participate in Roaring 5k
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The Tallassee High School Alumni Association is now in its second year of awarding scholarships to THS seniors. Last year the THSAA awarded a $1000 scholarship to THS senior Michael Fulmer. This year there will be two scholarships. A $1000 scholarship for a student who will be attending a four-year university beginning fall of 2017 and a $500 scholarship for a student who will be attending a twoyear community or junior college or technical school. Mrs. Felicia Jackson, school guidance counselor at Tallassee High School, will be e-mailing the applications to students who are interested in applying. Applicants must be seniors who expect to graduate at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Students must have a GPA of at least a 3.0, along with an ACT score of 20 or more. Students must show See SCHOLARSHIP • Page 7
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Statues of Andrew Jackson and Menawa are among what little remains of Castaway Islands park.
Castaway Islands 63 years later By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
It was 1954 and very people knew of Lake Martin. Until named of Henry Cooper Crossley set his sights on the magnificent body of water surrounded by picturesque landscape. According to Carolyn Garnett, Crossley’s longtime wife, Crossley knew from the first time that he laid eyes on
Lake Martin that he wanted to open it up for recreation use. “He built a large motor sailor that he wanted to take to South America and sail,” she said. “We had a friend who told him that he had to test that big boat before he could take it South America. He wanted Cooper to make sure it wouldn’t sink.” See CASTAWAY • Page 3
God’s Congregation Holiness Church holds ribbon cutting Bishop Gauntt, his wife Nina, several church members, members of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce as well as friends and family joined in as God’s Congregation Holiness Church held a ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday to celebrate a new building that will be located right next door to the existing church on Jordan Avenue. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
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See RUNNERS • Page 3
File / The Tribune
Both runners and walkers took part in the second annual Roaring 5K Run. This year’s 5K will be March 4 and registration is now open.
First United Methodist Men's Group Will hold their annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb 18. Breakfast: Bacon or sausage, Juice or coffee, and all the pancakes you care to eat
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LINVILLE MEMORIAL
F U N E R A L
The Tallassee Lion’s Club is celebrating their 100th anniversary on Saturday, March 4 and is celebrating the milestone by partnering with Neptune Technology Group for the Roaring 5K Run. Proceeds from the 5K will benefit children and adults who need eye exams and eyewear and may not otherwise have the access to those basic needs. Dr. Paris Mullins, of Tallassee, offers his services at a discounted price in order to help as many children as needed. “Dr. Mullins is a great asset for us,” she said. “He cares about the people who need assistance. ”Neptune is a leading employer in the Tallassee area and the company is very active in the community. The company is offering discounted entry fees to its employees who choose to run in this year’s event. “This past year we went to Tallassee Southside Middle School, Tallassee Elementary, and Girl Scout’s Camp where we were able to do eye checkups, ” said Laurie Rygiel, with the Tallassee
H O M E
Cremations and Monuments
84632 Tallassee Hwy. [ Eclectic, AL
334.639.4730 www.linvillememorial.com
Served from 7-10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased at the door, or ahead of time from any member of the men’s group.