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Tallassee defeats Dadeville PAGE 12!

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LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.

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January 11, 2017

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 118, NO. 2

City continues fluoride use in water plant

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

During Monday night’s city council meeting, Bobby Ingram, Tallassee’s water-filter plant manager, explained the cost associated with the addition of fluoride to the city’s water supply. According to Ingram, the cost of fluo-

ride use is expensive. The chemical costs close to $13,000. The tank that holds the chemical costs $22,000 and the cost to replace a tank is $10,000-$12,000. However, these chemicals last for close to three years. If these figures are segmented yearly, the cost is $3,400 a year. The life expectancy of a fluoride tank is 15-20 years. This would bring the

cost of the fluoride tank to $2,200 yearly. Mayor Johnny Hammock says while he is concerned with the cost, he’s more concerned with the health and safety of those who live in Tallassee and drink city water. “I understand it is expensive, but I think it’s a necessary cost,” he said. The use of fluoride in city drinking

Search continues for missing veteran

Heroin, pills seized in drug arrest

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Central Alabama Veteran Affairs Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Earl Zook. Zook went missing from a community living center at the Veteran Affairs Facility located in Tuskegee. Zook is a Zook resident at the center’s dementia unit. The 72-year- old Navy Veteran was last seen on Jan. 2 at approximately See VETERAN • Page 3

water began half a century ago in an effort to improve dental hygiene. According to American Dental Association, more than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is a safe and effective way to reduce tooth decay by at least 25% in See WATER • Page 3

CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

This patrol car along with an entire fleet was purchased in 2011. The City of Tallassee is considering the purchase of three new police cars using a USDA grant.

City moves to apply for funds to replace patrol cars By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

During Monday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Johnny Hammock announced that the city has an opportunity to apply for grant funding to purchase new vehicles for the Tallassee Police Department. The city is looking into a USDA Grant to

assist in the purchase of the new patrol cars. If approved for maximum funding, the grant will cover $50,000 of the expense occurred. The city is looking into purchasing three new patrol cars. Each car has a price tag of near $25,000. Three police cars will cost around $75,000. However, if the city receives the full $50,000 funding from See PATROL • Page 3

Tallassee Police arrested William Aubrey Ballentine, 66, of Tallassee for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted Tuesday just after 1 p.m. in the 300 block of Barnett Boulevard. Ballentine According to Ken Smith, acting chief of police, Ballentine authorized the search that resulted in the seizure of a quantity of what is believed to be methamphetamine, a quantity of a substance believed to be heroin and prescription pills believed to be Valium. Police also discovered a glass pipe, a scale and other drug paraphernalia inside See ARREST • Page 3

Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet set for Jan. 28 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The annual Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be Wednesday night, Jan. 28 beginning at 6 p.m. At the banquet, the newly elected Chamber of Commerce officers will be introduced. The Business of the Year Award, the

McDonald’s makes donation The McDonald’s in Tallassee donated $1500 to Tallassee Elementary School. These funds will be used for the purchase of additional books for TES students.

Presidential Award and the Frances Wagnon Award winners will also be announced. The Francis Wagnon Award honors Tallassee’s most outstanding volunteer. “It’s for someone who gives of their self, their time, their money, their effort and their heart to help See BANQUET • Page 3

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Page 2 • January 11, 2017

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Mercer sworn in as new county commissioner

Obituaries Deborah Vickers

Ms. Deborah Vickers, 62, of Tallassee, passed away January 3, 2017. She was born January 14, 1954. Funeral service will be Thursday, January 5, at 2 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Jason Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow at Carrville Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 12 noon. She is survived by her sons, James Shawn Vickers, Brandon Scott Vickers and Jamie Lynn Vickers; and cousins, Walter Sanders and Vicky Barnes. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Elmore County Commission met for a packed agenda, which despite its size was quickly covered following the swearing in of newly appointed District 4 Commissioner Bart Mercer. According to county information, Mercer was selected by Gov. Robert Bentley on Dec. 26 to replace Joe Faulk after his resignation amid invesLinville Memorial Funeral Home tigations into felony ethics violations shortly after Eclectic, Alabama the general election in November. Vice chairperson and District Two William Lloyd Curlee III Commissioner Mack Daugherty presided over the Mr. William “Will” Lloyd Curlee, III, a resident of Auburn, meeting in the absence of Chairperson and District Alabama, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2017, at the age Three Commissioner Troy Stubbs. of 35. Long-standing board appointments to the Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at East Tallassee Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Central Elmore Water & Sewer Authority and the Webb officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with county Emergency Medical Services Board were Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. decided at the Jan. 9 meeting. Will is survived by his wife, Laurie Wium Curlee; daughOut of six candidates for the CEWSA position, ter, Cannon Curlee; parents, Billy and Linda Curlee; sister, William Newton was chosen. Courtney (Brock) Nolin; nephew, Gaines Nolin; nieces, Avery The vacancy was a result of Commissioner and Campbell Nolin, Carleigh and Carolina Norrell, Hannah Kenny Holt’s election last year as commissioner and Hope Cox and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, for District One. and friends. Will is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Holt had served on the CEWSA board. Voncile Curlee and Hoyt and Jean Cannon. The three appointments to the EMS board were Will was a member of East Tallassee Methodist Church. the same candidates who had been listed on severWill loved sports. al agendas for nomination since November when While in high school, he played football and wrestled, and the initial choice was planned to be made, but he always enjoyed watching Auburn football. He also loved was postponed by the commissioners for public music, playing the guitar and writing songs. Will loved well involvement. Those new EMS board members are and was loved by all who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend and will be greatly Greg Jones, Lois Pribulick and Steve Dennis. missed. Another notice of public hearing was made for The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 4th, the approaching Jan. 23 discussion on a petition 2017, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral to vacate the westernmost portion of Bellingrath Home. Road. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama In new business, Sheriff Bill Franklin spoke to the commissioners on two technology and innovation grants he wanted the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office to pursue. The first was a grant for $150,000 from the Department of Justice with no match to be made by the ECSO, and the second was described as a $30,000 DoJ grant to procure more body cameras for the department. Franklin said it would come with a matching sum to paid by the department for the cameras’ data storage requirements. Revenue Commissioner Lee Macon spoke about an opening in his department for a GIS mapper, and asked that the job description by revised for the job. A representative of what was described as a seven-member lobbying and consulting firm solicited their services to the commission. “We were asked to come and make a presentation,” said Johnny Moore of Teague, Gilbert, Gray & Moore, LLC. He said the firm worked closely with state lawmakers and could help the commission with what was described as three upcoming issues that could

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We Touch the Lives of the People You Love

Corey Arwood / The Outlook

Newly appointed District Four Commissioner Bart Mercer takes the oath of office, sworn in by Judge Bill Lewis while Mercer’s wife Lori Lemmond Mercer holds a bible and his daughter Katelyn holds a microphone.

affect the county, and which Moore said were prisons, gaming and a gasoline tax. County Engineer Richie Beyer asked that a piece of machinery from his department’s roadwork equipment be labeled surplus and sold to the Limestone County Commission for $20,000. Beyer also proposed a resolution in support of a gasoline tax to be considered in an upcoming state legislative session through the The Association of County Commissions of Alabama and its Alabama Transportation and Rehabilitation Investment Program. The resolution supports a three-cent tax effective July 1 to help pay for a $1.2 bond issue that would be distributed among the counties for work like road repairs. Beyer said it would cost consumers about two dollars and would supply rough $19 million for the county to account for about 75 percent of its unpaved roads and bridges. “We certainly hope that legislation will pass. ATRIP I … was an absolute blessing for Elmore County,” said Daugherty. The commission voted to confirm the appointment of Howard Goza to represent the Town of Coosada on the Elmore County EMS Board. County EMA Director Eric Jones said it was a matter of housekeeping for the board with Goza being reappointed to his position on the board. County Attorney Chris Weller spoke about a petition for the reimbursement of excess funds from a tax sale of what was stated as real property by Proclaim National, LLC. Weller said it was to ensure the deeds were transferred to the correct parties and the amounts were correct. All items up for a vote or consideration were approved by the commission. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23.

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Veteran 3 p.m. He was last seen wearing a purple plaid shirt and blue jeans. He left the facility in an unknown direction of travel, with no means of contacting the facility personnel.

Water both children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Several council members were concerned about

Arrest the vehicle. Ballentine’s bond is set at $3,500 for the possession of controlled substance is and a $3,000 for possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held at Elmore County jail. Ballentine’s arrest comes as heroin and prescription opioid epidemics continue to spread across the country. For years the epidemic was only prevalent

Banquet this community in any way possible,” said Michone Roye, executive director of Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. Frances Wagnon has been tremendously influential in Tallassee. Residing next to the First United Methodist Church, she gave most of her life to serving the church and the community. Wagnon had no children of her own but it was often said she mothered many with her compassion and love for others. Jeanna Kervin was honored with the Francis Wagnon Award in 2016 for her outstanding community service. Chamber members choose the Frances Wagnon and the Business of the Year award winners, while the board selects the new officers. In addition to the Business of the Year Award and the Francis Wagnon Award, the chamber will announce the winner of the Presidential Award. “Our outgoing president offers an award to someone who he thinks is deserving in the community,” Roye said. The banquet will be catered by Rustic Mills this year and will take place at the Wetumpka Civic Center. From projected ticket sales, this year’s banquet is on course to have greater attendance than previous years. “It should be a night of great fun,” Roye said. “We’ve already had a lot of great response. Based on previous years, ticket sales are up.” The increased response and interest is well received by the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce.

www.TallasseeTribune.com

January 11, 2017 • Page 3

Patrol

continued from page 1

If you know the current whereabouts of Zook, please immediately call the Police or CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP.

continued from page 1

the USDA grant, the city will only have to cover the remaining $25,000. “The city will only have to pay for one of the three police cars,” said Hammock. “If we receive the full $50,000 grant.” It has been six years since the current fleet of patrol cars was purchased. When purchased, the council along with former Mayor Bobby Payne asked for a rotation to be put into place to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicles. However, according to councilman Darryl Wilson, this was not done. With a new police chief soon to be announced, Wilson is asking that if these new police cars are purchased a new, more stringent, rotation policy be implemented by the council and the new chief. “They were told to rotate them and all but they didn’t,” said Wilson. “We need a hard policy in place to make sure they are not abused like they were in the past.” Because the grant process is time sensitive, the council voted unanimously to move forward and begin process.

continued from page 1

public backlash if fluoride was removed from the city drinking water. However, thanks to Hammock and the Tallassee City Council, steps were taken to continue the use of fluoride in the city’s water supply.

continued from page 1

in major cities. Today, heroin and opioid use can be found in large and small cities alike. In 2015, 28,648 Americans died of overdoses of opioids. Heroin-related overdose deaths nearly doubled between 2012 and 2014. In 2014, prescription opioid abuse or dependency affected 1.9 million Americans, and 517,000 Americans had abused heroin within the past year.

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“We are very happy to see such a desire to participate,” Roye said. According to Roye, this banquet is designed for everyone and anyone who may be interested in joining the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. “I want people to understand that you do not have to be a member of the Chamber to participate,” she said. “If you’re at the point in your business or personal career where you’d like to get involved in your community and you’ve been considering being a part of the Chamber, this would be a great night for someone to come out and enjoy a great meal, mingle with fellow chamber members and ask questions about what our Chamber can do for your business. Or if you’re an individual who would like to give back to the community, we have plenty that you would be interested in.”

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In addition to great food, fun and atmosphere, this year’s Chamber Banquet will feature a silent auction. Items will be on display for viewing with the auction to follow. “We are collecting items from local businesses and chamber members for the silent auction,” Roye said. If interested in joining the Chamber, there are several options available. Applications are available at the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce office, located at 17 Sistruck St. Suite C. Call 334-252-5151 to request an application be mailed. An online application is available at tallasseechamber.com.

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Of Destin and a famous musician's destiny T

his space has previously addressed the fascinating – and to some folks, lamentable – evolution of Destin, Florida, and other areas of the Gulf Coast as viewed by those of us who recall childhood vacations to those then-sparsely populated locales in the ‘50s and ‘60s. And a recent business trip to conduct several interviews in what is now known as the Emerald Coast area validated the stupendous growth along Highway 98 and elsewhere. This time, I went on a straight shot down Highway 331, since two of the interviews were in Santa Rosa Beach, located at the Highway 98/331 intersection. I hadn’t traveled that route in at least 14 years. And a harbinger of what was to come was an erstwhile spot in the road known as Freeport. Located just north of

buildings are encounThe tered pretty much all the So-Called way to the bridge that Column separates Destin and Okaloosa Island. As is By Willie the case in other locales as Gulf Shores, G. Moseley such cynics would opine that Choctawhatchee Bay, Freeport used to be a community where a vehicle southbound on 331 would turn left at State Highway 20 and go east for less than a mile before turning right to head across the bay. And that was about it. Now, Freeport has modern shopping centers located on both highways. The anchor unit on one is a huge Publix grocery. Several other shopping strips have all sorts of stereotypical retail tenants – a small Chinese restaurant, cell phone/ electronic gizmo stores, a vape shop, etc. Heading west into Destin was also, er, impressive. Starting in Miramar Beach, gigantic

they look like concrete beehives. There’s a new facet of the Sandestin resort called Grand Boulevard that appears to be a city unto itself. The factory outlet shopping center in the same area as Sandestin now appears to be about three times larger than it was about a decade and a half ago. It was the off-season, of course, but traffic was still somewhat sluggish at times. All of the interviewees I had to see are permanent residents of the area. One of them has had a unique life that included a unique career shift. He’s now retired. Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Dave

Hope was the original bass player in the legendary rock band that was named after his home state. He was heard on the band’s biggest-selling albums in the ‘70s, including the quintupleplatinum “Leftoverture” (which included the mega-hit “Carry On Wayward Son”) and the quadruple-platinum “Point Of Know Return” (which included hits like “Dust In The Wind” and the title track). Archival photos show the bassist onstage or in a group photo sporting a handlebar mustache and a cigarette dangling from his lips (“I was a chain smoker back then”). But for all of the adulation and success, Hope tired of the temptations and tribulations of being in a rock band, as did Kerry Livgren, one of the guitarists. They formed what most observers would call a “Christian rock” band called AD, but Hope clarified, “We

just wanted to be in a band with Christians.” While that musical initiative didn’t last long, Hope’s quest regarding his faith was ongoing, and he eventually moved from Atlanta to Destin. “My daughter was a couple of years old, and I realized I didn’t want to raise her in a major city,” he said. “We happened to vacation here and found it was a small community and a good place to raise a kid.” Hope found a job with a local church and his involvement in positions such as youth pastor increased to the point that the parishioners encouraged him to pursue a higher position in ministry. He only had a high school diploma, but pursued the appropriate studies and passed the appropriate tests, and was ordained as an Anglican priest. He also still occasionally sat in with Kansas (usually on encores of

“Carry On Wayward Son”) and played on two songs on the band’s 2000 album, ‘Somewhere to Elsewhere”. Hope remained at the same church until he retired. Obviously, he’s more astute about the growth of Destin and surrounding area, having been active in that community for many years. And Dave Hope has maintained his personal integrity about his musical career and his spiritual career, and he still participates in local combos as well as continuing to serve at his church. It seems rare and gratifying to encounter someone who’s maintained his values and succeeded in two very different lines of work. Willie Moseley is the news editor emeritus of The Tribune and a regular columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers.

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t’s not the Russians that hacked me off. It’s the news media. I am a more than grown man from the center of Alabama and not a single Russian influenced my vote in any way. I voted for Donald Trump and on the morning of the election I went down and cast my vote without the help of any foreign government. Now, Chuck on NBC tried to tell me that I was crazy if I didn’t vote for Hillary. He had looked at all the polls and she was going to win by a landslide whether I voted for her or not. Frankly, I think he was trying to hack me. I started watching the debates and there were only three candidates I would vote for out of the 15 or more running. They were Donald Trump, Mike Huckabee or Ben Carson. I like Christie but not for president. I like a lot of people but not for president. There was that woman Carly Fiorina. I took one look at her background

I think I've been hacked! The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley and decided that if I wanted to vote for a loser it would be someone that Sugar Ray Leonard knocked out. Rubio, Kasich and Rand Paul turned out to be duds. Jeb Bush was a disappointment from the get-go. There is no way I could vote for Hillary, as a retired military man and her making the “so what” statement about our dead soldiers. Bernie was and still is a joke if you sit down and think about it. I can’t even remember Jim Gilmore and Rick Perry so I won’t go any further with that list. In addition to Chuck on NBC there is Scott on CBS. If it’s written down he can ask it but when he was up against someone like Newt Gingrich he was outclassed and made these so-called reporters

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look silly. Trump beat ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, 90% of all the big newspapers, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Martha Roby from Alabama, President Obama, his wife, Money Bags Obama, and many lying movie stars like Samuel Jackson who promised to move out of the United States if Donald Trump won. Cher did the same thing, Barbara Streisand, Ellen DeGeneres, and others took an oath and laughed when they said, if by some slight chance, Donald Trump won they were moving. Well, it’s time to pack up and start moving. Remember if they don’t move they have lied again. They have (the media) explained hacking by the Russians in so many ways they don’t even understand what they explained themselves. I got a slight suspicion that our president wished he could start enough trouble with Russia or Israel that we would have

a war. He could then declare Martial Law and continue to be president as long as the war lasted. Now, if you think this is farfetched think of all the things Big “O” and his bunch has done in the past. I am not saying that Russia hasn’t been hacking us but I would bet my bottom dollar we have been hacking them too, just as bad or maybe worse. I don’t understand all this international hacking and I’ve watched every James Bond movie ever made. I kind of think it’s sort of like flimflamming and I’ve known about flim-flamming since the first girl I knew flim-flammed me. I know it’s serious business. All I have to do is figure out who the hacker and the hackee is and so far, I think it is us the people. We always get hacked. Brantley is a long-time Tallassee resident and regular columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers.

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Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers

Musical chairs for political seats begins

labama is going to fare well under President Trump. There is an old adage that says, “Those that bake the pie get to eat it.” We truly baked the pie for Trump. We overwhelmingly supported him in the GOP primary and helped him secure the nomination. We then gave him one of the largest mandates in the nation in the November general election. Trump is returning the favor. He has nominated our own Jeff Sessions for attorney general. His confirmation hearings begin this week. In addition, speculation is that Alabama’s Bill Pryor is on a very short list to be named to the U.S. Supreme Court by Trump to fill the vacancy on the court of the late Antonin Scalia. Pryor is a former Alabama attorney general, who currently sits on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Pryor is only 54. He served as Alabama’s attorney general from 1997-2004. He was the youngest state attorney general in the country at that time. He was appointed to the federal bench in 2005 by President George W. Bush. During his 11 years on the federal bench he has rendered a sterling conservative record. Pryor and Sessions have amazingly similar backgrounds. Both call Mobile their native home. Both were attorney general of Alabama. Both have impeccable archconservative philosophies and pedigrees. They are kindred spirits and good friends. That is probably why Pryor is on Trump’s short list for the High Court. Most of the frontrunners to win the open Sessions Senate seat have avoided Bentley’s appointment. So how is the race shaking out to fill Sessions’ seat? The frontrunner out of the gate is Attorney General Luther Strange. Big Luther has run three successful statewide races and is sitting on over 50 percent statewide name recognition. Furthermore, he is dedicated to running and has been for 20 years. He spent the first 20 years of his professional career lobbying in Washington for Sonat. He came home 20 years ago to run for a secondary statewide office and lay the groundwork to get back to Washington as a U.S. Senator. He has been biding his time for his buddies Sessions and Shelby to retire or move on. When Sessions’ appointment became imminent, Big Luther hit the ground running and has been raising money for 2018 for two months. The other statewide elected officials will probably not join the 2018 Senate fray. Secretary of State John Merrill has a good future. He is 53 and will probably run for reelection or maybe lieutenant governor. PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh will probably run for lieutenant governor or maybe governor. It is uncertain what State Treasurer Young Boozer will do. However, his tentativeness has probably left him out of the Senate race. Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan is running for governor. State Auditor Jim Ziegler will run for governor, attorney general or reelection. Roy Moore is the favorite to win the 2018 governor’s race. Congressman Robert Aderholt would be the best qualified to run and succeed Sessions. He and Sessions went to Washington together 20 years ago. However, his 20 years of seniority in the House has placed him in a powerful congressional leadership position. He is poised to be chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. His move to being a freshman Senator would be a lateral move. Alabama and his district would be best served by his staying in the House. Mobile and Baldwin County folks believe that they deserve the Senate seat since Sessions is a Mobilian. There are three potential candidates from the Port City/Gulf Coast region. Former Congressman Jo Bonner is not going to run. Current Congressman Bradley Byrne would have the best chance to win among all the potential Mobile candidates. He was almost elected governor. However, Byrne is probably not going to leave his safe congressional seat. He likes it and is good at it. State Senator Trip Pittman from Baldwin County is in the race and is running hard. If he continues to be the only major horse from that area in the race and it becomes a crowded field he may be in a runoff. Speaking of regionalism, look at a horse from Huntsville to enter the race. If there is one primary candidate from the Tennessee Valley they will be a player. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle may pivot and move from the governor’s race to the Senate. Folks in that area have always been more interested in national politics than state politics because of the Redstone Arsenal. State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston seems very interested in this open U.S. Senate seat. He has sought the Bentley appointment. However, being a powerful state Senator does not translate into statewide name

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January 11, 2017 • Page 5

The night President Obama won As the Obama era comes to a close this week, I reviewed some of my old columns from the past eight years and decided to revisit this one from November, 2008. I wrote it the day after President Obama won the election. We don’t yet know how he will be remembered. But as Barack and Michelle and their children leave the national stage, here is a look back at the morning after. - MB ike virtually every other United States citizen, I followed the 2008 election cycle very closely. Throughout the summer and into the fall, I found myself addicted to blogs, websites and magazines as they all trumpeted the news: a financial meltdown to come, government bailouts, oil prices, the most historic election ever. As someone who has spent most of his life as a resident of Montgomery – yes, the cradle of the Confederacy and the cradle of the Civil Rights movement – it’s almost written into your DNA to observe the world through a prism designed with that dichotomy in mind: it’s always 1861 or 1955, it seems, when dealing with all things political. This year has been different, however, as we all know. The op-ed pages of the state’s newspapers showed support for Senators Obama and McCain coming from the unlikeliest of

ne night last week, I hung out with Anthony and Eloy, a couple of friends I worked with many years ago at Kroger Drugstore in Opelika. I’d seen them individually a handful of times over the years. In fact, they’d been to a couple of my comedy shows where I talked about my days at the store, but this was the first time we’d all gotten together for a night out, which was a comedy show in itself. We had a great time. The store was located at what is now Dollar General. That narrows it down, doesn’t it? Those stores are everywhere. “If you build it, they will come” is a popular quote from the movie “Field of Dreams.” Well, with respect to Dollar General, if you build it and leave it vacant for longer than 48 hours, they will come. The Dollar General I’m referring to is the one located directly next to Piggly Wiggly. See, now you know exactly where I’m talking about.

Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird places, and right through Election Day proper, no one was really sure how things would turn out. The publisher of the Tallassee Tribune, Paul Davis, had this to say: “I will cast my lot with Obama. Really, could it get any worse?” On Election Night, we had band rehearsal at the high school, and then I drove down to the radio station [I worked for Bluewater Broadcasting in Montgomery at the time] to do some editing and then dub programs into the computer to be played later. I noticed that the parking lot was full, much more than usual at 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday evening. While I was in the production studio working on a talk program, there was a party going on in the next room – home of our hip-hop formatted station. The party got louder and louder, and I started hearing a chant through the wall: “yes, we can! Yes, we can!” The disc jockey turned up the music really loud, and it was a rap that sampled the words of Barack Obama in between the beats. The studio crew was really excited by then. Boisterous. Energetic. On the verge of being out of control!

I reached over to the desktop computer to look up the results on the news websites, and there it was: Obama had won, McCain was set to concede. Wow. It really happened. When I walked out into the hallway, I must admit I’d never felt so Caucasian in my life around the fifteen African Americans chanting “Yes We Can,” as they embraced one another and cheered for the presidentelect. At that moment, I felt left out of the celebration. By the time I made it to my car, McCain was giving his concession speech on the radio, and I listened to his graceful words as I left the parking lot on that chilly November evening. Guided by the light of the moon and stars, I drove through the streets of the Capital City listening to the commentators drone on about how historic this election had been. I thought of Rosa Parks being arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus. It happened right here in Montgomery, just 53 years before. I remembered seeing the star at our Capitol where Jefferson Davis had been sworn in as President of the Confederate States of America, so many years before. And right across the street from that spot, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached tolerance and nonviolence at his church on Dexter Avenue.

History was all around, and as I listened to our new president on the radio, speaking to that crowd at Grant Park in Chicago, I felt so lucky to be driving around Montgomery – where the struggle began, and where race has been a driving force for over a century – and feeling so proud to be an American. Where a person with Obama’s background, as unlikely as it is, can be elected president. Much has been made of Obama’s oratorical skills, and never have they been on a better display than in his victory speech. Knowing that people everywhere across this land were as emotional as I was, experiencing this magnificent moment in history where Jim Crow and slavery seemed to finally be dead and buried – well, as one might imagine, it was hard to breathe just listening to the man talk on the radio. People sometimes make fun of Alabama, and think that we’re home to a bunch of racists chewing tobacco and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd while we sit around in Bear Bryant underwear. We are perceived and depicted as backward. But on election night, driving around under that blanket of stars, I was very happy to be in Montgomery, feeling that the change had already happened – we were finally looking forward.

Old friends are the best JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

I travel all over Alabama, and you wouldn’t believe how often “The Pig” is used as a reference point. “Now you know where the Piggly Wiggly is, right?” Of course, I do. We reminisced about the good old days. We laughed until we cried, whether it was about Anthony putting mailbox letters on the side of his car or me looking for a box of fallopian tubes. We didn’t have too many funny stories on Eloy since he’s so much older. We missed out on his young and dumb days. I started working at the store in February 1989. Eloy had been there for a number of years, while Anthony started about a year and a half before me. In fact, it was called Super X when they started. I left for the Army in 1992. I

learned to run the buffer at the store, which made me the subject matter expert in basic training, a title I did not covet. I returned in 1996 and stayed until 2001. I was the last man standing. It was the perfect place for us to work, as management was very flexible with us regarding our school schedules. All three of us were non-traditional students, which for us is just another way of saying we were a little older while going to school. The bottom line, however, is that we all graduated college. I know without a shadow of a doubt that we motivated each other to do so. That’s what friends are for. We are all doing well. Anthony is now a teacher and coach. Eloy is a contractor for the Air Force, and as the old folks say, “does something with computers,” and I do whatever it is I do. Anthony just whooped prostate cancer and Eloy is old, so I’m glad we got together when we

did. Who knows what the future holds for any of us? I’m just hoping it holds more get-togethers. The drugstore was a great place to work. It’d been over 15 years since we were all together, but we didn’t skip a beat. It was as if no time had passed at all, which is a sign of true friendship. We listened, laughed, learned, and loved, because that’s what real friends do. We don’t get to choose our family, but we do get to choose our friends, so choose wisely. Life is all about choices. We are the sum of those with whom we associate. I’m blessed to associate with great family and friends, especially the old ones; they are the best. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.

Page 6 • January 11, 2017

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January 11, 2017 • Page 7

Carmen Rodgers / The Outlook

Area Events Cruise-In Car Show 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Super Foods on Gilmer Avenue.

JANUARY Please contact the Tallassee Recreation Department if you would like information about upcoming Self Defense Classes at 283-4726. JAN. 14 The Missoula Children’s Theater will present “Treasure Island” at 5:30 inside the Tallassee High School auditorium. • Countywide Clean Up Day 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. drop-off locations: The old highway department in Kent, Holtville High School, Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center, Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority’s Redland office, Elmore County Judicial Complex and Town of Elmore annex. JAN. 16 City Hall will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

JAN. 23 Tallassee City Council Meeting at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m. JAN. 26 Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Chamber Banquet will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center beginning at 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets call 283-5151. FEB. 9 Men’s basketball season begins at Recreation Department. Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday nights. FEB. 18 Annual Heart Walk will begin at 8 a.m. at the welcome center. Please register before event in order to receive t-shirt. Fee is $25.

JAN. 21

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Put on your new self for the good of others

hat time of the year is here again. New Year’s. For some, it’s a moment of somber reflection on the past year’s events. For many, it’s a frenzied burst of energy to become the “new and better you” that all too often sputters and stalls out by Jan. 15. I tend to fall somewhere in between these New Year’s norms. Failing one year, succeeding another, trying one year, forgetting to try another. I’ve always been frustrated by the holiday; what is it about myself that I need a holiday to motivate me to do the things I’ve been meaning to do? Many of us get stuck in these perpetual ruts of self-improvement, and many of us have resigned ourselves to do better next year. We aren’t the only ones in this predicament. Scripture frequently speaks of the Christian’s need to “put on the new self (Eph. 4:24).” Even since the early Church, which didn’t have a sparkly ball in Times

Square to note the coming of a New Year, humanity has existed in a strange, ongoing cycle of trying and failing, occasionally succeeding, at change for the inner and outer selves. The key difference between us and the ancient Church is what exactly we are trying to change. In Ephesians, Paul speaks of putting away our former way of life, our “old self.” He goes on to describe what a new way of life looks like and, curiously, there is no mention of watching a waistline, losing those last 10 pounds or enjoying life to the fullest. No, Paul’s new way of life is unique by being completely outwardly focused: growing in peace with a neighbor, giving up bitterness and wrath against those who have wronged us and to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. (Eph. 4:32)” The new way of life that Paul writes about is always looking towards changing how we treat

RHETT BUTLER Religion Columnist

our neighbor, not how we resolve to change our habits to benefit our own happiness and success. I wonder if we get stuck in these New Year’s ruts and cycles of stops and starts because our resolutions are often focused solely on improving ourselves, instead of improving the lives of those around us. The Gospel is a paradox; the first shall be last, the last shall be first, and maybe the only way to find lasting change is to focus on your neighbor. Unlike our culture’s habits of starting afresh with the new year, Scripture understands change in a much different way. We don’t need to wait until the new year for that slice of motivation to change and God’s change looks

different than America’s flavor of change. Ephesians says the way to start fresh, that the beginning of true change, is to “...clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:24).” Paul paints God as a seamstress who creates a new life for us to pick up and put on. And friends, we know that God is always creating new things. God did not stop creating on the sixth day. Truly, it is not a one-time affair that God offers us a new life to clothe ourselves with. God, truly the Divine seamstress, is constantly weaving us new garments of grace and change that we just have to grab off the rack. We may tear a hole in our favorite coat, and another with better pockets is waiting. We might grow out of those pants in a grace-filled growth spurt and another pair is waiting. Change does not happen once a year. God’s grace and creativity are so

abundant that you can have your own new year everyday. If you are finding yourself frustrated or disappointed with the way your year has started, choose to take a new piece of clothing, a piece of grace and new you that God has prepared. Start afresh tomorrow. God’s love and grace will always be ready. Instead of deciding to lose 10 pounds or enjoy life to the fullest, choose to give up some bitterness, or work on forgiveness to find the new life of Christ. Look into helping others to find your new self. The stressful pieces of life we incessantly worry about seem to work themselves out when we are choosing to clothe ourselves with the new life of Christ. Go ahead, God is quite creative and rather productive, I’m sure you’ll find something that will fit nicely. Rhett Butler is a religion columnist.

Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany observed the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 8 with Father Wells Warren’s celebrating a Festival Holy Eucharist followed by Sunday dinner and the annual church meeting. Three new members were elected to the vestry: Dr. Mike Rallo, Kay Dickey, and Jean Kerr. On Sunday, Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Father Wells will celebrate the Holy Eucharist marking the second Sunday in Epiphany, with coffee hour to follow. There will be NO Sunday School that day. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/

• Tallassee Church of Christ

Announces our new minister, Charlie Boddy. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services begin at 6 p.m. Visitor’s welcome at all services 334-2835437 209 Gilmer Ave.

• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

“Our Life’s Journey” is an outreach of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, pastor and

Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, Grand Knight. It airs on WACQAM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com OR on your smart phone using the TuneIn app.

• Salem Macon Baptist

Our next Forever Young meeting will be Jan. 24. Salem Macon is located at 4647 Tallapoosa Street in Notasulga on Hwy 14 five miles west of Notasulga and 9 miles east of Tallassee. We would be happy to have you join us for Sunday School at 9:30 and 10:30 Worship Service. Mike Stephens is our pastor.

• East Tallassee United Methodist Church

The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 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 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5674325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 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 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 5674458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 3121878 New Home Baptist

1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141

Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-5389415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 5670620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ

4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 5691510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114

Submit your church news to editor@tallasseetribune.com •••

The deadline Is FRIDAY at noon.

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

Page 10 • January 11, 2017

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Ten New Year’s resolutions for pet owners By REA CORD Executive Director HSEC

1. Keep identification on your pet. A collar, current rabies tag and a personalized identification with a good phone number will get your lost pet back to you. Get your pet microchipped by your veterinarian as it is the perfect back-up to tags. Have photos of your pet just in case. 2. Keep your pet safely contained at home. Fences not only make ‘good neighbors,’ but keep your pets safe from cars, guns, getting lost and so much more. Keep cats indoors if at all possible. 3. Take your pet to the vet at least once per year to keep vaccinations current, get your heartworm prevention renewed and have your pet get a general check-up. 4. Spay and neuter your pet. There are just so many health benefits for both female and male pets besides how much this will help reduce the overpopulation that results in far too many homeless pets. 5. Feed your dog the best quality food you can and don’t overdo the treats. Tubby pets can develop many health problems and shorten their lives. Treats do not equal love. 6. Take care of your pet’s coat, teeth and nails. Dirty or matted

coats cannot effectively protect your pet from the elements, may hide health problems and are uncomfortable for your pet. Long nails can be painful and can eventually cripple your pet. Bad breath may be because of tooth decay or gum disease and should be checked out by your veterinarian. 7. Keep your yard and litter box clean. Cats have less litter box problems when they are cleaned regularly to remove waste and picking up feces in the yard frequently can help reduce smell, flies and parasites. 8. Pet proof your home and property. Keep poisons of all kinds out of pet reach, watch out for poisonous plants indoors and outside, keep electrical cords out of reach, don’t leave out strings or ribbons for a cat to swallow and make sure there is no antifreeze leaking from older vehicles. 9. Learn about your pet and its breed traits so you can better understand what motivates your pet. Do homework on a breed or pet BEFORE bringing a new one home. 10. Spend time interacting with your pet. Our pets are social animals that thrive on human attention. Teach your pet manners so it is pleasant for others to be around. Our pets love us unconditionally; love them back with all your heart and take care of them the best you can.

HSEC Pet of the Week – Siesta Siesta is a one-year old, Heeler/Terrier mix girl, about 40 pounds. She is playful and active but also very sweet, loves everyone and is great with other dogs. She would be great as a best buddy for a little boy or girl or could also be a great hiking and camping companion. Her sister was adopted a bit ago, so now it is time for Siesta to find her forever family. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination (if old enough) and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka or go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org. For more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

January 11, 2017 • Page 11

Roby takes oath as member of 115th Congress STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) was sworn in for her fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives Jan. 3, vowing to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States… bear true faith and allegiance to the same… and faithfully discharge the duties of the office.” As the 115th Congress begins, Roby said she would continue to prioritize issues of particular importance to Alabama’s Second District, including properly funding the military, improving veterans health services, and ensuring equitable agriculture policies. With a unified Republican government soon to be in place, Roby said she is also eager to deliver results on conservative priorities like cutting wasteful spending, replacing Obamacare with patient-centered health policies and reining in the regulatory state. “I am honored to represent Alabama’s Second Congressional District and be a voice on behalf of my constituents in Washington,” Roby said.

“With every vote I cast and every action I take in Congress, I have one simple principle: Alabama always comes first. Whether it is supporting Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort Rucker, maintaining our progress in improving veterans healthcare, or advancing smart agriculture policy, I will continue to prioritize issues affecting my state and district.” Roby called the opportunity to move the country in a more conservative direction a “unique” one for the unified Republican congress. “There is so much work to be done to put this country back on the right track,” Roby said. “I’m eager to work with a unified Republican government to deliver results that make a positive difference for the American people. We have a unique opportunity to use conservative ideals to put our country on a more responsible, sustainable path. I’m excited to be a part of this historic moment and ready to get to work.” Roby is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Appropriations subcommittee assignments have not yet been made.

Submitted / The Herald

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, a Montgomery Republican, takes the oath of office from Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan of Wisconsin with her family at her side.

The anatomy of a decision to not have school STAFF REPORT Elmore County Schools

As most of you know, last Friday we did not have school because of the impending winter weather that was coming our way. After the 2011 tornadoes that wreaked havoc on our state, Gov. Bentley issued a proclamation that would help school superintendents make the best decision possible concerning school closings because of bad weather. The proclamation states that when the governor issues a state of emergency for Alabama that affected areas of the state do not have to make up missed school days. As it turned out, on Friday, Jan. 6, we could have gone to school. We were on the edge of the forecast model. If the incoming storm shifted south or came in faster or slower, then Tallassee would have been covered in the snow and ice. Being on the edge of an incom-

ing storm forecast is the most difficult place to be. If we lived in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or Gadsden the decision would have been easier because they essentially knew that they would be in the center of the incoming weather. As a result, they could safely notify their students that they would not have school Friday. Because we were on the edge of the storm front, it made it difficult to predict the weather. You may have noticed that Gov. Bentley issued a state of emergency on Thursday, late afternoon. By issuing a state of emergency, Gov. Bentley was telling superintendents that it was alright for superintendents to call off school for Friday. Since predicting the weather can be so difficult (if not impossible) Gov. Bentley made it a much easier decision. As most people would agree, it is much better to err on the side of caution. Thank you, Gov. Bentley. We also have nine of our

schools’ buses that are provided to us by the Elmore County Board of Education and are serviced out of their bus shop in Wetumpka. In most cases, we will likely follow Elmore County’s lead when deciding to close school because of the weather. At the end of the day, our children were safe. Here’s an update on improvements to the baseball/softball facility and the Career Center. A lot of asphalt, concrete and brick have been laid. In late January, new bleachers will be installed at the baseball and softball fields. The baseball field press box is a pre-fabricated unit that will be installed in late January. We are hopeful that by the first week in February, work will be completed. That is also close to the same timeframe that we think the new Career Center will be complete. Dual enrollment classes are temporarily being taught on campus at Tallassee High School until this project is complete.

12 The Tallassee Tribune • January 11, 2017

SPORTS

Phone 334-283-6568 Fax 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com www.tallapoosapublishers.smugmug.com

BATTLE OF THE TIGERS Tallassee defeats area foe Dadeville 59-50 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Cathy Higgins / The Tribune

A Tallassee player takes it to the net for a comeback win over Dadeville.

Tallassee secured a must win over area foe Dadeville 59-50 on the Purple and Gold home court. Both teams wanted the win. For the Dadeville Tigers, it would put them in the area driver’s seat at 4-1. For Tallassee, it allowed them to share the top spot with Elmore County at 3-1. Tallassee’s only area loss was to the Panthers. “This was a must win game for both teams,” said second-year Tallassee head coach Cecil Hollinquest. “I’m glad we were able to be on the winning side. Our hats are off to Dadeville. They are scrappy and tough. We were just fortunate to get some quality shooting from our guards.” Tallassee led the charge behind the sharp shooting of Drew Coker, who burned the nets with four three-pointers in the first half. Dadeville stayed close as the half ended with the Tigers leading

31-27. The second half belonged to the cagers of Tallassee as well, but the inside players made the difference. “Having the trio of Kalvin Levett, Josh Griffin, and Lincoln Oliver rotating the inside for us has been huge,” said Hollinquest. “Kalvin is a beast when he comes to play and it showed tonight.” Levett scored only eight points, but his presence in the paint was noticed both offensively and defensively. Dadeville had previously beaten Tallassee 73-51 in the Lake Martin Slamfest, but that win doesn’t count for area play. The Tigers have four more area games to win in hopes of hosting the area tournament. Presently standing tied with Elmore County area-wise, the Tigers are building on their 5-11 record, with Dadeville (3-2), Alabama Christian (1-3), and Holtville (0-4) close behind. Tallassee was led by Travon Skipper with 20 points and Drew Coker with 15 points.

KAGEFIT’S SLAMBOREE RESULTS Tallassee Mat Cats Peewee 45 - Hayden Bragg placed 1st Peewee 45 - William Walker Johnson placed 3rd Peewee 50 - Hayden Bragg placed 1st Peewee 50 - Maddox Tennyson placed 3rd Peewee 60+ - Titus Studdard placed 2nd Bantam 45 - Barker Davis placed 1st Bantam 55 - Jace Nabors placed 1st Bantam 55 - Hamp Love placed 3rd Bantam 60 - Gavin Russom placed 2nd Bantam 60 - Dylan Price placed 1st Bantam 65 - Titus Studdard placed 3rd Bantam 70-75 - Warren Bethea placed 1st Bantam 70-75 - Payton Thrower placed 2nd Bantam 70-75 - Grayson Cole placed 3rd Bantam 75+ - Brodie Jones placed 1st Intermediate 50 - Thomas Patterson placed 3rd Intermediate 55 - Stephen Bridgman placed 2nd Intermediate 60 - Mason Nelson placed 1st Intermediate 65 - Land Bell placed 1st Intermediate 65 - Avery Brantley placed 2nd Intermediate 70 - Chase Chumley placed 1st Intermediate 75 - Walker Wells placed 2nd Intermediate 80 - Thomas Lemmond placed 2nd Intermediate 80 - Devin Bragg placed 1st Intermediate 80 - Christian Boling placed 5th Intermediate 120 - Alli Smith placed 1st Novice 75 - Carson Thomas placed 2nd Novice 80 - Ethan Jones placed 4th Novice 100-105 - Brody Goodwin placed 2nd Novice 112 - Jude Rogers placed 1st Novice 120 - Jude Rogers placed 2nd Novice 120` - Sara Wyatt placed 1st Novice 130-140 - Aidan Cockrell placed 1st Novice 130-140 - Brennan Clemons placed 2nd Novice 145 - Raymond Coker placed 1st Beginner Novice 75 - Thomas Lemmond placed 2nd Beginner Novice 80 - Parker Mckee placed 1st Beginner Novice 100 - Jacob Smith placed 2nd Beginner Novice 100 - Jacob Lawrence placed 5th Beginner Novice 100 - Clark Wood placed 4th Schoolboys 91 - Wiatt Watson placed 2nd Schoolboys 98 - Preston Tidwell placed 3rd Schoolboys 136-144 - Hunter Griggs placed 3rd Schoolboys 136-144 - Austin Gray placed 2nd Schoolboys 154-160 - Jacob Strickland placed 3rd Beginner Schoolboy 91+ - Andrew Thornton placed 4th Beginner Schoolboy 91+ - Tanner Hill placed 3rd

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Alex Lynn is a senior wrestler for THS. Lynn has wrestled for the past six years. Coach Mask says Lynn is a hard worker who does what is asked of him. “I’m very proud of him,” Mask said. According to Coach Mask, Lynn’s great attribute is determination. “When he gets down he does not quit,” he said.

THS wrestlers look forward to remainder of season By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

With just over a month left before state championships, the 23-2 Tallassee Tigers are looking forward, while staying focused. Over the Christmas break Coach John Mask took his team to Destin, Florida to compete in the Beast at the Beach. Tallassee walked away from the tournament with seven wins and two losses. The two losses were to Wakulla High School, out of Crawfordville, Florida by a final score of 39-37 and Arnold High School, out of Arnold, Florida, by a score of 43-29. THS defeated Bay, Florida by a final score of 51-27; Brusly, Louisiana 42-34; Choctawhatchee, Florida 63-18; Deana Bozeman School by a score of 66-15; Milton, Florida, 65-18; Moseley, Florida, 63-15; and Rutherford, Florida, 69-12. Following the Beast at the Beach, the Tigers traveled to Prattville for the P.C.A. Duals and walked away undefeated. “The Prattville Christian Duals, it was over the holidays,” Mask said. “A couple of people backed out and we only wrestled three people. We went undefeated. We

defeated Baldwin County (61-18), Park Crossing (60-18) and St. James (72-6).” Following the P.C.A. Duals, the Tigers traveled to Auburn for a tri-tournament. “It was a make-up from a previously scheduled match at Auburn at the beginning of the year,” Mask said. In the Auburn match, THS defeated Robert E. Lee, 48-36, and Auburn, 45-21. “Two great teams,” Mask said. “Two strong schools.” After the Tallassee triumphed over Robert E. Lee and Auburn, the Tigers set their sights on Smiths Station. The Tigers carried a vendetta with them, as Smith Station was the only loss the team suffered last year. The Tigers walked away from Smiths Station like a boss when they defeated the Lee County team by a final score 44-28. “It was the only school to beat us last year,” he said. “They only beat us by a point.” The victory over area foe Smith Station was an in-school match. “We were really excited,” Mask said. “The kids did really well.” The Tigers will face Catholic and Beulah high schools Thursday at 5 p.m. at Catholic High School in Montgomery.