OPINION:
LOCAL
PAGE 4
Weekend fires claim two lives
Federal government transition and the ‘Nero’ Syndrome
PAGE 11
SPORTS, PAGE 12 Tigers edge out Dawgs
INSIDE:
LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.
The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA
TALLASSEE, AL 36078
50¢
January 25, 2017
TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM
VOL. 118, NO. 4
Kidnapping suspect arrested in city By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
On Monday, Jan. 23, the Tallassee Police Department received information that a subject wanted for aggravated kidnapping was believed to be in Tallassee near the intersection of Kent Road and Tallassee Highway.
Police located the suspect and the victim in a black Kia Optima at the Marathon gas station, which is located at the intersection. Information from Georgia law enforcement also indicated that the victim of the aggravated kidnapping was still with the suspect in the car. Once investigators with the Tallassee Police Department
responded to the area and located the car, the suspect, Michael Shane Scott, of LaGrange, Georgia was taken into custody without incident. A search of Scott resulted in the recovery of a small amount of what is believed to be methamphetamine and a smoking device. Scott was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and
possession of drug paraphernalia. He is facing charges in Georgia of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated stalking. Investigators without injury freed the victim, whose name is not being released. She was transported to Tallassee Community Hospital where she was evaluated and released to her family.
Arbor Day Foundation names Tallassee Tree City USA
Learning Tree’s Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser set Feb. 17 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The upcoming Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser, set for Feb. 17, will benefit the Learning Tree’s Residential School in Tallassee and its Little H.A.P.I.E Tree Preschool in Auburn. The Learning Tree is a nonprofit organization that assist the needs of autistic children and children with developmental disabilities. The Learning Tree assists children with educational and residential services. These services can include an education certified by the Alabama Department of Education, vocational skill training, advanced medical services, applied behavior analysis from board certified behavior analysts, Alabama Department See FUNDRAISER • Page 3
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
During Monday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Johnny Hammock announced that Tallassee was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Tallassee achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements. These requirements include a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. “Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
Carmen Rodgers / The Outlook
Higgins sworn in New police chief takes oath of office, starts fresh Tallassee’s Municipal Judge, Linda Benson, administers the Oath of Office to the city’s new Chief of Police, Matthew Higgins, in front of a packed house at City Hall during Monday’s council meeting. Higgins thanked his supporters and asked that those who have offered prayers for him and his department continue to do so as he moves forward.
See TREES • Page 3
Tallassee High School to host the Capitol City Classic
Today’s
Weather
73 46 High
Scott
Low
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
THURS: HIGH 56 LOW 35
Submitted / The Outlook
CONTACT US 334-567-7811 Fax: 334-567-3284 USPS 681-260
Reeltown honors Hammonds The Reeltown Athletic Department honored the life and legacy of Coach Ronald Hammonds, who passed away last year at the age of 70. The Hammonds family was presented with a sign after Thursday’s varsity girl’s basketball game against Lanett. The sign will be displayed inside the gymnasium at Reeltown High School in memory of Coach Hammonds. Mr. Hammonds was a graduate of Auburn University and he was a teacher and coach for over 30 years. Hammonds was a coach at Reeltown High School from 1973- 1996. While at Reeltown High School, Coach Hammonds and his teams won 3 football state championships.
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Tallassee Choir students are preparing for the Capitol City Classic, a show choir competition. This year’s competition will be held in Montgomery at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday Jan. 27-28. Beginning Friday there will be different middle school and junior high groups to come in and audition. “Friday starts the middle school division
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at 4:30 p.m. and ends with New Image (Tallassee’s beginning women’s show choir) at 10:30 p.m.,” Day said. “Saturday will begin with Festival Division at 7 a.m. and will end with awards at 10:30 p.m. The Tallassee Divas will perform at 1 p.m. and Gold Edition will perform a 4:40 p.m.” Saturday will be a day full of groups from all over the region, some from Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. “They’ll compete in their division, we’ll have a mixed See CLASSIC • Page 3
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