May 4, 2016 Tallassee Tribune by Tallapoosa Publishers

OPINION PAGE 4

LOCAL, PAGE 11

‘Only big bartender in the sky knows when next drink may come.’

Meet Sam, HSEC Pet of the Week.

SPORTS, PAGE 12

Tallassee honors 2015-16 basketball team.

INSIDE

LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.

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May 4, 2016

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VOL. 117, NO. 16

Former library director faces theft charges By MITCH SNEED Editor

Former Tallassee Community Library Director Sharon Kilpatrick has been indicted on two theft related charges and has a date in court set for Wednesday. Court records indicate that Kilpatrick was arrested on March 3 on charges of second-degree theft of property and second-degree theft by deception. Following her arrest, Kilpatrick was

released from the Tallapoosa County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond, records show. Tallassee Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers said the charges stem from an investigation following a 2014 audit that showed irregularities in expenditures at the library. “Originally, the state began the investigation and earlier this year they returned it to us,” Rodgers said. “Our

investigation found that library funds were used for personal use and the indictments and charges are a result of those findings.” According to the indictment, “Sharon Kilpatrick, alias, whose true name is otherwise unknown to the Grand Jury, did knowingly obtain or exert unauthorized control over, lawful currency of the United States of America, and/ or check, the exact denominations of

Baker named CEO of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Tallassee VFW hosts Cruzin for Christina

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Tallassee VFW has planned a benefit ride for Christina Griggs, a resident of Tallassee. Griggs was diagnosed almost two years ago with a rare blood cancer called Polycythemia Vera, which is now being somewhat controlled by chemotherapy. She will need a bone marrow transplant in order to be cured of the disease. The benefit ride will begin at the Patton Plaza parking lot, in front of the former Winn-Dixie building. Registration will start at 8 a.m. on May 7 and “kick stands up” at 10 a.m. The course of the ride will take riders from Patton Plaza to Lake Martin and the benefit ride will end at the Tallassee VFW where a swabbing station will be onsite collecting samples that will be used to potentially find a match for Griggs. In Griggs’ case, the swab will be used to screen for individuals who have matching See CHRISTINA • Page 3

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which are otherwise unknown to the Grand Jury, a further description of which is otherwise unknown to the Grand Jury, the property of Tallassee Community Library, of a value in excess of $500 but which does not exceed Kilpatrick See LIBRARY • Page 7

Steve Baker has been named publisher, president and C.E.O. of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Baker, 59, has headed five newspapers in his career, including most recently working as publisher of The York (Neb.) News- Baker Times. He was formerly publisher See PUBLISHER • Page 7 Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

DJ Rodgers orders a Polish sausage from one of the food vendors. Vendors offered sausage dogs, corn dogs, pretzels, lemonade, nachos and funnel cakes, all traditional fair cuisine.

Carousels & charity This year’s Spring Carnival was an tremendous success, with large crowds attending each night. Children enjoyed the smaller rides, such as the Bear Affair and the Merry-Go-Round. There were also larger rides for older children and adults, such as Pharo’s Fury. For those who did not show up to ride, there were

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

games and plenty of fair-food eats. “I think it was a big success. I’m not exactly sure how much we made yet, but I know we did better than we did last year,” said Travis Jones, Chief of the Tallassee Fire Department. “The good weather, the time of year and something for everyone to do, it just all came together.”

William Carroll has been named managing editor of the Tallapoosa Publishers newspapers that serve Elmore County – The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee Tribune and the Eclectic Observer. Carroll, 40, comes to the area after serving as managing editor of The Daily Times Leader in Carroll West Point, Mississippi. Carroll will lead a news team that was guided by the late Peggy Blackburn and more recently

See CARNIVAL • Page 3

See EDITOR • Page 7

Spring carnival brings food, fun and proceeds By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Carroll named managing editor for TPI’s Elmore County publications

House of Love and Mercy celebrates 16 years of service By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

It was 16 years ago when Bishop Adolphus Gauntt realized there was a need for a women’s shelter in Tallassee that would serve the community and surrounding areas. Originally the house was opened to migrant working women. “Women would come here to work, the seasonal workers and there would be one woman in a house full of five or more men. It wasn’t a good environment for them,” said Gauntt who is bishop of God’s Congregation Holiness Church at 508 Jordan Ave. This what inspired Gauntt to open the doors at the House of Love and Mercy. Since then the house has become

a beacon of hope for many woman who find themselves in need of shelter. The house is an eight-bed facility for women who are at least 18 years old. The house is open to all women, regardless of color to get back on their feet. Because the house is associated with God’s Congregation Holiness Church, it is also a Christian environment. Marsha Jean (MJ) Evans from Minneapolis, Minnesota found refugee in the House of Love and Mercy almost six years ago and she has carried those Christian values with her since. “I was on my way to WellSpring, which is a bible training center for women who had struggled with addiction issues,” Evans said. “It was an accident and at first I was

angry because I was supposed to go into this program and for some reason they didn’t have an opening in time. So I had four days where I had nowhere to go.” During those four days, Evan says she learned so much. “I remember it was October 2010,” she recalled. “There were three other girls there and a house mother and we had such good times learning about God. We had bible study in the morning, afternoon and, sometimes, in the evening.” While Evans was angry when she arrived at the House of Love and Mercy, she left with a lighter heart. “”Pastor Gauntt is prophetic and a really good teacher of the word of God,” she said.

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Obituaries Dorothy Ready

Mrs. Dorothy Ready, a former resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away in Gulfport, Mississippi, Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the age of 80. Graveside services will be Tuesday, May 03, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. from Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Ready is survived by her daughter, Karen Oliver; son, Phillip Ready; 10 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and sister, Marie Knowles. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Charles Ready; two sons, Robert Ready and Tommy Ready and brother, Frank Wells. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 03rd, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Clarence Baker

Mr. Clarence (CE) Baker, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the age of 76. Funeral services will be

Tuesday, May 03, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel, Tallassee, Alabama, with Pastor Bob Bachant officiating. Burial will follow in Pentecost United Methodist Church Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mr. Baker is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Earnestine Baker; children, Darlene Owens, Clint Baker (Mia), Curt Baker (Jeanne) and Keith Baker (Sandy); grandchildren, Derek Price (Nikki), Dylan Baker (Lauren), Mehgan Henley (Terry), Drew Baker (fiancé Baker Jessica), Emily Rollins (Jesse), Paige Baker, Zach Baker (fiancé Kelsey) and Randa Owens; great grandchildren, Ava Claire Baker, Annalyce Baker, Grant Baker, Clay Price, Aubrey Henley, Avery Henley and James Rollins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Gladys Baker and two brothers, Eldridge Baker (Estelle) and Larry Baker (Jean).

The family will receive friends Monday evening, May 02, 2016, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home, Tallassee, Alabama. Mr. Baker was very active in catfish farming, planting huge gardens and staying busy. He was a master of all trades. He was also a member of Pentecost United Methodist Church. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Stanley Kirk Wilson

Stanley Kirk Wilson, 63, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, Alabama, and recently of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away at his home, Saturday, April 30, 2016, after a prolonged illness. Stan is survived by his wife Joanne; one son, Wilson Heath Wilson, Montgomery; four step daughters, Wendy (Mark) Bell, Tallassee, Tara Beasley, Tallassee, Jordan (Jason ) Warren, Troy, Terry (Gary) Varner, Tallassee; Ten grandchildren, Blake Wilson, Bailey Evans, Mason Bell, Land Bell, Tyler Ingenhuett, Thomas Ingenhuett, Reagan Warren, Alex Varner, Megan Varner and Rance Varner; Two brothers, Steve (Belinda) Wilson and Dale (Tracey) Wilson, both of Montgomery; mother in law, Gwen Babston; sister in law, Patti Teel, Tallassee and step mother, Irmgard Wilson, Montgomery. Stan is preceded in death by his mother, Willie Ruth Cook and father, William Hunting Wilson, both of Montgomery. Mr. Wilson attended Lanier High School, Troy State University and began a partnership with his father at Cloverland Service Station in 1973.

Together they founded Farmer’s Feed and Supply on Fleming Road in Montgomery as one of the first locations for the Alabama Farm Bureau Service Centers. Stan and his father operated “Farmer Feed,” as it was known to locals, along with his two brothers, Steve and Dale for over 30 years. A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to any charity of your choice. The entire family wants to thank you for all the calls, prayers and acts of kindness during Stan’s illness. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Lois Cowan

COWAN, LOIS ERIN STANFIELD, age 94, a lifelong resident of Tallassee, AL, passed away at her home on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 29, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Tallassee, AL with Rev. Dric Williford officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral services. Interment will follow funeral services at Rose Hill Cemetery, Tallassee, AL. Ms. Cowan is preceded in death by her father, Samuel Dewey Stanfield, Sr.; her mother, Lois Roberts Stanfield; her brother, Samuel Dewey Stanfield, Jr.; her husband, Frank Allen Cowan, Sr.; and her son, Frank Allen Cowan, Jr. Survivors include three daughters, Lois Anne Boykin, Susan McClellan, and Baba (Jimmy) Monk; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Allen Boykin, Rob Lynch, Robby Lynch, Reese Lynch, Chris McClellan and David Cowan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice Care, 805 Friendship Road, Tallassee, AL 36078. Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home directing.

Steven Holley

Steven Wayne Holley, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 24, 2016, after an extended illness. He was born on February 22, 1963. Steve is survived by his mother, Linda Pike Holley; sisters Jamie Holley Taylor (Bruce), Anna Holley Morris (Avery), Mary Ann Holley Parker, and Deborah Holley Burdett (Marc); and fourteen nieces and nephews Sydney Parker, Gaylen Morris, Hayden Tadlock, Chris Taylor, Tryton Taylor, Spencer Morris, Sam Morris, Coby Taylor, Dawson Tadlock, Maddy Taylor, Shay Taylor, Shaun Taylor, Hannah Kate Burdett and Jacob Burdett. Steve was preceded in death by his father, James Darrell Holley; and grandparents Harvard and Silvie Pike of Pell City, and William Pratt and Dorothy Burns Holley of Birmingham. A graveside service was held at Cook Spring Baptist Church Cemetery in Pell City, Alabama on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Mulder Methodist Church in Wetumpka.

Frances Howard

Frances Virginia McNeal Howard, formerly of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away on April 7, 2016 in Hayesville, North Carolina at Clayton County Home Health facility. Virginia was the daughter of Modie McNeal and Mae (Holman) McNeal of Tallassee, and she was born on November 19, 1927 in East Tallassee. Both preceded her in death, as well as her sister, Marjorie McNeal. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Dr. Moses Howard, and son, Timothy Neil Gregory. Surviving Virginia are her daughter, Sherry Gregory Harvey (Dale) of Bonita Springs, Florida, and a son, David Caldwell (Charmaine) of Young Harris, Georgia; six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is

also survived by one brother, Modie Charles McNeal, her sister-in-law, Jacqueline McNeal, and two nieces and two nephews, as well as many cousins in the Tallassee area. Virginia graduated from Tallassee High School and attended Judson College. She had a successful career in banking and retired as a vice-president from Naples Savings and Loan in Naples, Florida. She leaves behind many friends and relatives who will miss her. Burial will be in June when she will be laid to rest alongside her son, Timothy Gregory, in Hayesville, North Carolina in her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, the area she loved for the last 16 years of her life. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Tallassee for their missions program.

Aaron Stephens

Aaron Michael Stephens, 27, of Eclectic, passed away April 27, 2016. He was born December 2, 1988. Graveside services were Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Watson Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Ken Keppel officiating, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. He is survived by his mother, Robin Stephens; father, Michael Hornsby; maternal grandmother, Loretta Stephens; paternal grandmother, Marie Hornsby; children, Dalton James Stephens and Kaitlyn Stephens; brother, Dyron Johnston; sisters, Jamie Kelly, Jessica Hornsby and Shainna Hornsby; and cousins, Jeremiah Stephens, Johnna Stephens, John Michael Stephens, Lauren Marie Stephens; Morgan Dew and Mike Hornsby. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Stephens Sr; paternal grandfather, Rogers Hornsby; and brother, James Stephens Jr. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Submitted / The Tribune

Junior ambassadors honored Left to right, Natasha Selmon, Alexis Oeaks, Mayor Bobby Payne, Michael Fulmer and Brittany Davis. The 2016 Junior Ambassadors for the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. Junior Ambassadors began over five years ago. Their mission is to develop civic leadership with the Chamber of Commerce. These students have developed the knowledge and skills necessary for civic leaders and a passion for this noble endeavor.

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Christina

RODNEY GRIFFITH continued from page 1

stem cells that will allow for a bone marrow transplant. If a match is found, the donor will be contacted and the process is as easy as giving blood. “It’s just like donating blood,” said Kim Johnson, a coordinator for Cruzin for Christina. “It’s not surgery. It would be awesome if we can find her a match.” Because this blood cancer is so uncommon, patients can be on the donor list for a very long time while waiting for a match. “This is a very rare cancer and not a lot of people are stricken by this, but there are people out there who have been on the donor list for years,” said Johnson. The swabs collected Saturday will also be screen for other potential matches. “So many lives are affected by cancer,” said Johnson. “We wanted to do this benefit to open the eyes that getting swabbed and being a donor does not include surgery. What we’re asking is for people to be swabbed to see if they are a match for Christina, or maybe even a small child. That’s why it is so important to get swabbed.” There will also be a barbeque at the VFW that will welcome riders as they return from their journey. “If we have extra we will sell those by the plate,” said Johnson.

This isn’t the first benefit ride hosted by the Tallassee VFW. The organization is fully committed to helping those in community. “Give us a reason, and we’ll ride,” said Johnson. “We love helping and giving back to the community.” Griggs is mother of two boys, Jordan and Jackson. “She loves to watch her sons play ball,” Johnson said. Griggs is attending Auburn University Montgomery. Her goal is to graduate by December with a degree in advising and counseling. She loves to go on rides, when she’s able to. “She been so sick that she hasn’t been able to go on a lot of rides and that’s our stress relief,” Johnson said. “We pick a road and just go.” If you would like to participate in the Cruzin for Christina benefit ride the cost is $20 per bike and $5 for an extra rider. Vehicles are also welcomed to join in this benefit ride. Vehicles are also $20 to join. Donations can also be mailed to VFW Auxiliary, 313 Riverside Drive, Tallassee 36078. For those interested in getting swabbed that cannot make it to Saturday’s swab station, a swab kit can be obtained through http:// join.bethematch.org/christina.

Carnival

continued from page 1

While most of the younger generation does not remember, many adults could be heard talking about attending the carnival that used to come to town years ago. Needless to say, it was nostalgic. Everyone agreed that the carnival was a success. “The prices were lower than the Montgomery fair and my kids loved it,” said Dontavious Thomas of Tallassee. Thomas brought along his wife and two young sons for a night of family entertainment. This was the third annual J and J Magic Midway carnival and the proceeds from the past two carnivals helped purchase needed gear for the fire department. The fire department will also receive benefits from this year’s Spring Carnival. “We’re constantly building our training center. We

just built a new classroom, so we may buy new training props or we may evaluate our needs for further equipment.” Jones is very appreciative of the support shown by Tallassee and surrounding communities. “I would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the event because it, in turn, supports us,” Jones said. Plans are already in place for next year’s Spring Carnival and Jones encourages the community to continue to support the event so that it will become a tradition the city of Tallassee can look forward to, again. “It will be in same month, hopefully, and the same place,” he said.

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HOLAM Evans also carried those lessons with her as she moved forward in life. Today, she has two grown children who are 18 and 20. “They’re both living for the Lord and I am so thankful for that because they saw what addiction can do,” she said. “Their father still struggles with it.” Evans still holds tightly to the lessons she learned while at the House of Love and Mercy, which is also evident in her professional life. She now has a career in cosmetology and she is also a prayer councilor. “I meet with people who are in need of prayer or direction in their journey with God,” Evans

May 4, 2016 • Page 3

continued from page 1

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Enhanced security and airport police forces

he times in which we live mandate that security at airline terminals has probably changed permanently. It’s still fascinating that human beings can be transported halfway around the globe in a matter of hours, when such a sojourn used to take months in sailing boats. But such expeditiousness now comes at a price of having to sacrifice a bit of time and personal freedom, as mandated by a relatively new government agency known as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), formed soon after 9/11. And it’s a price most passengers are willing to pay for a safe journey. There are now numerous hitech machines in most major airports designed to sniff out or see potentially-dangerous devices or substances in luggage or on a passenger’s person. In some larger airports, dogs are used as “sniffers” as well. Travelers are now usually required to remove shoes and belts before walking through metal detectors. A recent trip to Arizona and New Mexico was the first time I’d flown in about four years, and I quickly found out that the screening procedures have gotten even more strident. There was a forewarning/ advisory sign posted at the checkpoint upstairs in the Montgomery airport that

The SoCalled Column By Willie G. Moseley advised that the airport was now using “enhanced security procedures.” I hadn’t seen the sign on display in 2012, so I figured it had something to do with recent terrorist incidents. And I would see more than one example of such increased screening techniques on this trip. Perhaps the most, er, egalitarian procedure happened at one airport where every passenger boarding an airplane had to stand with his/ her hands up in a clear tubelike device for a full body scan. Time was, the use of that gizmo was selective; maybe 10 to 20 percent of passengers would be randomly chosen. That was how it had been in Tulsa in 2012—the Missus got hit with the luck of the draw, having to assume the position inside the scanner; I didn’t. A sign at the airport that required 100% participation in the scanner advised that refusal to be looked over by the machine would result in a “thorough pat-down” (read: “body search”). However, the most intriguing security-oriented incident

I observed was at the gargantuan Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) facility. While waiting on a connecting flight to Tucson, I returned to the seating area for my flight after grabbing a hamburger (DFW now has a plethora of diverse dining options). A member of the DFW police force—a bona fide, independent organization of almost 200 officers—was standing over a canvas gym bag that was sitting by itself (no owner nearby). He was talking into his communication device, which he held in his left hand. His right hand rested on the butt of his gun (still holstered) and he had a very serious look on his face. More than one traveler approached him and asked what was going on. While his responses were courteous, he never smiled. He remained by the bag until its owner, a college-age kid who had gone to get something to eat, returned. The kid was compelled to accompany the officer back to a security checkpoint to have his bag x-rayed again. I followed them. The owner of the errant gym bag also had to go through a metal detector again and a body scanner (again?). He was cleared, and he and the police officer parted ways. I approached the officer,

identified myself as a newspaper columnist and asked for details. The cop told me that time limits would soon have eventually mandated clearing the area if the owner of the gym bag hadn’t returned. He’d already called in an alert to his department’s K-9 unit for “sniffer” dogs. I told him about the “enhanced security” sign I’d seen in Montgomery. “At a place this size, we’re always on ‘enhanced security’,” he said with a grin. His jurisdiction covers 17,209 acres, and 60 million travelers a year pass through it. And as if to underline the abandoned gym bag incident, about 30 minutes later two young men who were wearing backpacks and who looked like they could have been stereotyped as being of Middle Eastern or Persian heritage/ ethnicity were walking casually through the concourse. A woman walking in the opposite direction stopped and stared at them for a few seconds. When she resumed walking away from the two men, her pace seemed to be a bit more brisk. Willie Moseley is the news editor emeritus at the Tribune and a regular columnist.

SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.? • WRITE: Your View The Tallassee Tribune P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092 • EMAIL: Editor@tallasseetribune.com Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.

Only the big bartender in the sky knows when next drink may come

y moratorium on alcohol continues. The down and dirty of it is that due to personal issues, I was drinking way too much throughout most of last year. I was also eating way too much. On December 22, after a night of excess, I felt awful and had had enough. Two days later, I had a previously scheduled appointment at the VA, where I had a series of labs drawn. A few weeks later, my results came back. My cholesterol was high and my liver tests were slightly elevated due to alcohol consumption. I’d already made the decision to drastically alter my alcohol intake, but this was added incentive to do just that. I had a follow up three months later. I drank some after that decision but haven’t had any since February 8. I recently wrote about an incident where I thought I was ready for a beer. I’d been given a 12-pack of beer and was going to have just one but dropped the whole thing and that

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

one bottle of beer that I intended to drink sacrificed itself for me. The other 11 are still in my refrigerator. Another time, I was at my buddy’s house for dinner. He was drinking a beer while standing over the grill. In the past few weeks, he’d asked if I wanted one, but I declined each time. This time he didn’t ask. I momentarily felt the urge to have one but didn’t stress about it. I had an angel on one shoulder telling me no and a devil on the other shoulder who was passed out and never said a word. The angel easily won. It was no contest. There are so many styles of microbrews, and I love them all

except for porters and stouts. I simply cannot drink them. You’ll see me wearing a Bama shirt before you see me drinking one of them. Last week, I went to a little restaurant around the corner from my hotel in Jersey City. They had great lunch specials for only $10, which included a beverage of choice. They had an extensive selection of beer on tap, but only three of them were marked for the special. After a few minutes of deliberation, I decided to go with the pale ale. The guy next to me had just ordered one, and it was a thing of beauty. Speaking of a thing of beauty, my bartender walked back over to tell me that the keg of pale ale was empty. The guy next to me had gotten the last pint, so I looked at the menu to see what my other two choices were. There were at least 30 beers on tap so they could have been any style, but they weren’t just any style; they were porter and stout and were going nowhere near my snout. My battle with beer is a lot like

the war between North and South Korea. Technically, they are still at war but have had a truce since 1953. I haven’t quit drinking, I’ve just had a truce since Feb. 8. Early last week, I got back my lab results from the VA. My cholesterol levels were good, and my liver tests were normal. I don’t know when I’ll have my next drink. It may be next week or it may be never, only the big bartender in the sky knows. He’s cut me off for now but is always there to listen. And before anyone gets upset about that analogy, just remember this; he turned water into wine. How cool is that? 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.

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE (533-160) is published weekly on Wednesday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 301 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078. Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tallassee Tribune, 301 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078. ISSN # 2150-3982. 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. •Obituaries - $0.25 per word with a $15 charge for a picture. Obituaries can only be accepted by the funeral home handling the arrangements. The Tallassee Tribune does not accept obituaries from individuals. •Weddings/Engagements/Birth Announcements - $0.25 per word with a $15 for a 2 column, color photo. • One year $25 (In Elmore County, Tallapoosa County and Notasulga) Elsewhere $38 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 David Kendrick at The Alex City Outlook: 256-234-4281. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. Steve Baker, Publisher publisher@tallasseetribune.com • 256-234-4281 William Carroll: Managing Editor william.carroll@tallasseetribune.com • 334- 567-7811 Corey Arwood: Reporter corey.arwood@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 102 Carmen Rodgers: Reporter carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 101 The Tallassee Tribune is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City, Ala. by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281.

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Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers

State lost 100 years of congressional seniority in one fell swoop

t this time of year Washington, D.C. is a beautiful place to visit. The city is aglow with the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. The cherry blossoms offer a glorious scene as you stroll down the mall and look toward our nation’s capital. This scene has been glimpsed by tourists and visitors for over a century. Each year the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates a 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan to the United States. The current Cherry Blossom Festival has grown tremendously. It is now one of our nation’s greatest springtime celebrations. The first festival was held in 1927 and it has continued to grow over the years. The festival grew to two weeks beginning in 1944. In 2012, the festival expanded to five weeks to honor the 100-year anniversary of the gift of the trees. Over the years, millions have participated in the events and viewed the flowering cherry trees. Today more than 1.5 million people visit Washington to admire the blossoming cherry trees in our nation’s capital. Last April I spent several days walking the Potomac and enjoying the festival and cherry blossoms. It was indeed a magnificent sight. As I walked past the Jefferson Memorial and into the heart of the blossoms that surround the tidal basin, my mind wandered back in time and I began to think about the blossoming relationship that the gift of the trees signified between Japan and the U.S. In 1915, we reciprocated by giving the Japanese an equal number of dogwood trees. Little did we know that 24 years later the Japanese would attack us on a Sunday morning in December 1941. World War II was the most epic war in our nation’s history. Our nation united like no time in our history in response to the war. The World War II years and the two decades after the War was a magical time to serve in Congress. Many of the images we have of Congress were established during the decades of 1941-1961. Many of the legendary icons of congressional history reigned during this time. Congressional power was immense during those years and at the front and center of this pinnacle of power was our Alabama delegation. We were the most powerful state in the nation when it came to leadership and seniority. Our representatives and senators not only had power based on their seniority, they were also very well respected and erudite gentlemen. Gentlemen is the proper description because all ten members of our congressional delegation were men. Both senators and all eight of our congressmen were white male Democrats. If you look back to an early spring day in 1964, you would see a senatorial team from Alabama that was the envy of every state in the nation. Our senatorial duo of Lister Hill and John Sparkman was unparalleled. Strolling along the Potomac from Alabama at that time was an eight-member congressional delegation that boasted of over 120 years of seniority in Washington. These gentlemen were similar in backgrounds. It is as though they were born planning their paths to Congress. Amazingly all eight graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law and were all attorneys by profession. On a Sunday afternoon in mid-April you would likely see some of our delegation casually strolling by the Jefferson Memorial toward the tidal basin admiring the brilliant cherry blossoms in bloom. Among the group were the likes of George Andrews, George Grant, Albert Rains, Bob Jones, Carl Elliot, Armistead Seldon, Kenneth Roberts and George Huddleston. Little did they know that six months later their stellar congressional careers would be snuffed out by straight ticket republican voting in Alabama. The tidal wave that swept them out of office was spawned by Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights Act of 1964. White Southerners were so incensed that they voted not only for Goldwater but every other Republican on the ballot. All of our delegation voted against the Civil Rights Act. However, it did not matter. White southern voters took no prisoners. African Americans did not vote in 1964. Johnson passed the Voting Rights Act the next year in 1965. The only members of our delegation to survive the Goldwater landslide tidal wave were Bob Jones, Armistead Selden and George Andrews. If Hill or Sparkman had been on the ballot that year they would probably not have persevered the onslaught. Alabama lost over 100 years of seniority in one fell swoop. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

www.TallasseeTribune.com

May 4, 2016 • Page 5

Bryant leaves legacy to Tallassee Music Department

his man would be horrified to see his name in the newspaper. Especially since his brother, W.C., will search every paragraph in this essay for improper pronoun usage and incomplete sentences. But I digress. Don Bryant is leaving a legacy with the Tallassee Music Department that may never be equaled. There are hard workers, imaginative and intelligent people always helping. But, to date, no one else has committed 23 years of their life to keeping a program going. Mr. Bryant returned home to Tallassee after a career in the military. He taught science classes at Southside Middle School and Tallassee High School through the years, before his retirement a while back. At that time, we hoped he’d stay around as Boosters president – which he did. However, as we close out our performance year with the Spring Show and Spring Concert, and conclude with our annual music department banquet, the time has come to say farewell to a man who has given so much of himself to make our school and community better. If there was a fundraiser, he’d try it. And he’d work himself to death doing everything himself or

Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird organizing like-minded helpers. He used to cut the grass on the band practice field and paint the lines each summer, until Mr. Glasscock stopped him from doing that several years ago. He made sure that everyone had a cold drink during the 3rd quarter

of every football game over these 23 years. Those may seem like jobs anyone could do, but Mr. Bryant imbued them with a touch of class – and a dry sense of humor that was toasted on wry (get it?). Other people may hold the title, but there is no replacing Don Bryant in our little music world. He made all of our programs better, and along the way, made our community a better place. Thank you, Mr. Bryant, for all that you are and all that you have done. Happy retirement!

You'll be suprised at what you will find

pril is Confederate History month and my people on mama and daddy’s side of the family were in the Confederate Army. Mama and daddy didn’t mention these people and I didn’t ask about them. I was pretty much grown when I got interested in my family history, by that time mama and daddy had died. Mama was about six years old when her granddaddy John died. Mama’s granddaddy died then her mama and daddy divorced. There were four girls and mama was fostered out until she was ten years old and didn’t get to know her family because at ten she went to work in the mill. I found her grandfather’s grave at Pleasant Grove Cemetery a few years ago. He was in the 8th Infantry Company, an odd thing I found was he was born March 5, 1840 and died March 5, 1910 at the age of 70. I found a grave in Nixburg on County Rd 9 and on the tombstone it reads Jessie Suttle born in North Carolina in 1775 and died May 16, 1836 in Coosa County. The first person buried in Nixburg Cemetery. He died by the hand of an Indian near Oakachoy Creek. Now here is what some of the local residents say happened. Mr. Suttle and the

The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley Indian were involved in a land deal. The Indian later said Mr. Suttle beat him out of his land. All of this turned bitter and the Indian killed Mr. Suttle. I don’t know how he was killed or what with but the residents of Nixburg were frightened and worried that all the Indians my go on the warpath but they didn’t. What happened to the Indian, I have yet to found out? One of the graves in that small cemetery was that of a Captain of the famous Hilliard Brigade. The Hilliard Brigade was a fierce fighting machine. In one battle they carried 300 men and lost half of them but kept on fighting. The Hilliard Brigade flag which was part of the Red Flag Legion, had 83 holes in the flag at the end of the battle. We put flags on the graves of Confederate Veterans in April and my daughter-in-law and I cover about four or more graveyards. I am not going to say where this grave is or the name of the man, but we were asked not to put a flag on this

veterans grave because he was a traitor. The story goes that he went off to the war to fight for the South and somewhere along the line he deserted and went over and joined the north and fought for them. After the war he came back home. His wife had lived a disgraced life because of him, refused to accept him back as well as his community. He died and is buried in one of our local cemeteries branded a traitor forever. There is a small cemetery near Nixburg that we stumbled on to a couple of years back, it has the name of Pine Grove and is on County Rd 20 between Nixburg and Alexander City. In this little cemetery is the man that founded Coosa County, as a-matter-of-fact his entire family is buried there. At one time there was a historic marker there with these facts on it. You would be surprised what you will discover by going to these old cemeteries. I find it exciting! Ronald Brantley is a Tallassee resident and a regular columnist for The Tribune.

Page 6 • May 4, 2016

www.TallasseeTribune.com

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Mother’s Day honors the woman or women in your life who have been there for you in your lifetime. A Mother can be biological, adopted, or even just a close friend. In the United States, the idea of Mother’s Day was created by a lady named Julia Ward Howe. Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation which was a plea for the Civil War to be put to an end in the name of a MothHU¶V 'D\ IRU 3HDFH 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH LGHD ZDV QHYHU RI¿FLDOO\ UHFRJQL]HG ,Q the late 1850’s, Anna Jarvis promoted the idea of a Mother’s Day of Work to help improve sanitation conditions for American soldiers in military hospitals. 3UHVLGHQW :RRGURZ :LOVRQ GHFODUHG WKH ¿UVW RI¿FLDO 0RWKHU¶V 'D\ LQ Many Nations followed suit, and Mother’s Day, as we know it today, was born. The most popular Mother’s Day gift in the United States is roses. A simple handmade card, or even a special moment that you take to tell your Mother you love her, would make her day special.

Mother’s Day Word Search

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Editor

continued from page 1

John Peeler. “We are excited to welcome William to our team,” TPI Editor Mitch Sneed said. “He has a passion for community journalism and is excited about making our newspapers all they can be. “He brings a fresh perspective and experience in all facets of community news coverage and leadership and we feel confident that he will be a great fit for not only our newspapers, but the communities they serve as well.” Carroll, an avid historian, especially regarding Southern history, said he is excited to be in the community. “I have been here about a week now and I have

Publisher of the Pierre, S.D., Capital Journal and served as president of the South Dakota Newspaper Association. “I have worked in many different areas of newspapers in my 20-plus-year career,” Baker said. “These positions have helped me develop an understanding of how newspapers function and interact with the communities they serve.” “Steve is a highly qualified newspaper publisher who will bring a wealth of experience and new ideas to our company,” Boone said. “We share the same ideals and goals for Tallapoosa Publishers. I am stepping back from the day-to-day operation of TPI, but I will remain active in the management of the company.” Boone will continue to serve as owner and chairman of Tallapoosa Publishers and will contribute stories, columns and photographs for the company’s products. Baker and his wife, Kim, a licensed practical nurse,

Library

May 4, 2016 • Page 7

continued from page 1

two thousand five hundred dollars $2,500, with the intent to deprive the owner of said property.” Rodgers confirmed that Kilpatrick was no longer employed by the library. Kilpatrick now works at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka. Records show that Kilpatrick waived arraignment and entered a not guilty plea on April 1. Kilpatrick’s name appears on the plea docket for Wednesday’s hearings before Circuit Court Judge Steve Perryman. The trial date in the case is set for June 7 at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse in Dadeville. Attempts to reach Kilpatrick or her attorney Donald Harrison were unsuccessful Monday.

already discovered quite a few interesting aspects of Elmore County that I think we will focus on in the near future,” he said. “I am really excited about this opportunity.” Carroll said he welcomes feedback from the community on ways to continue making all of the Tallapoosa Publishers newspapers better. “Community newspapers are often the life-blood of the communities they serve,” he said. “My goal will be to make our area papers something our readers can be proud of and hopefully get our communities recognition statewide in the process.” Carroll added that he plans to be very active in the community.

“I am looking at staying in Elmore County for quite some time,” he said. “I feel it is important for an editor to see and be seen in the community, so if someone sees me in the community I hope they will come up and introduce themselves and tell me how we can better serve the area.” Carroll is a graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi and the Valparaiso University School of Law. His newspaper career includes stops at The Daily Star in Hammond, Louisiana, the Banner-News in Magnolia, Arkansas and the Spencer Magnet in Taylorsville, Kentucky.

continued from page 1

have a son, Kelly, and two grandchildren, Lucca and Laikyn. “Steve and Kim will be great additions to our community,” Boone said. “They are very civic-minded and genuinely nice people who have a desire to get involved here in the Lake Martin community.” Baker said he is looking forward to becoming a part of the community and continuing to help the company grow. “I am very excited to be part of the community and continue the good work Kenneth has started,” Baker said. Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., operates five newspapers: The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee Tribune and The Eclectic Observer; three monthly magazines: Lake, Lake Martin Living and Elmore County Living; six web sites associated with the publications; a commercial web printing shop and Kenneth Boone Photography.

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Page 8 • May 4, 2016

www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Sometimes you have to stop and acknowledge privilege

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I hope this column finds everyone enjoying the arrival of May. National Day of Prayer and Cinco de Mayo share the calendar this year. That’s an interesting combination! I am a person of privilege and I know it. While it is certainly true that I am a white male and that a certain amount of privilege is afforded to me in our society and culture as a result, I am speaking of something else. The privilege I am speaking of has a great deal more bearing on my life than my gender or race. The first aspect of privilege I enjoy is that I was raised by loving parents. I cannot begin to tell anyone how blessed I am because of this. While I know I am not alone in this privilege, my

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 569-2825 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 567-4325 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 5673255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist

heart breaks for those who do not share it. The second aspect of privilege I enjoy is knowing I am not that wonderful. All of my life, I have been supported, prayed for, empowered, and lifted up by people who believe in me. None of those people ever told me I was better than anyone else. They told me I was worth something and that I had gifts to share. The third aspect of privilege I enjoy is that I was raised in a city with a rich history of racial divide and injustice. My family moved

to Birmingham in 1969 in the wake of the atrocities connected to the Civil Rights Movement. I learned the true story from first hand witnesses. Connected to that is the privilege of coming up in the Birmingham Public School System during that time. Each year my class photos featured God’s rainbow of human diversity. I never knew I was supposed to see difference in skin color or heritage as a means for passing judgment. I am privileged to be married to an intelligent, creative, and beautiful woman. She has a heart for educating some others might think of as “less than”. I have watched my wife exercise her passion for connecting with children who struggle with mental illness or learning disorders. Aside from

her taste in husbands, she is a pretty smart cookie! I am privileged to have two fabulous, outspoken, fun-loving, wise and smart daughters. Yes, there are days when I struggle to see the estrogen cloud of my house as a blessing, but God has a way of setting me straight. They teach me far more than I will ever be able to teach them. I am privileged to serve as a full time paid pastor in a time when the institution of the church is in decline. The immediate needs of the church could probably be met by a part-time pastor, but this congregation sees a larger responsibility to the community. I am allowed to focus most of my time and energy on serving God on several levels of community. Perhaps the greatest privilege I enjoy is that I am

thankful. I know I do not deserve any of the blessings I have been given. I also know these blessings are not for me alone. They are intended to be shared for the sake of God’s glory. Society and culture tells me I am privileged because I am male and white. This is true, but it does not paint an accurate picture. I am white and male because God made me that way. God surrounds me with people who appreciate and value the way God made everyone. They encourage and challenge me to see the world as God sees it. What a privilege.

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 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 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 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 5672364 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 5674787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 5677133 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 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Tallassee 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 569-1510 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 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100

306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka 567-2190 servantfellowshipchurch@windstream.net The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka Time of Refreshing Fellowship 117 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-7750 Victory Temple (Pentecostal church) 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian

LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653

Rev. Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka

First United Methodist Church

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Cruisin’ fer Critters fast approaching on Saturday REA CORD Humane Society Executive Director

his is the week for the 14th annual Cruisin’ fer Critters to support our shelter. Cruisin’ is the braintrust of the Predators Riding Club (PRC) and our pets are so lucky to have them in our corner. Let’s have a huge turnout, so, motorcycle or no motorcycle, please make sure to join in on the fun this Saturday, May 7. This year’s ride has a location change and actually starts and ends at different locations. Registration starts at 11 a.m. at the Thirsty Turtle, 4884 Main St., Millbrook with the last bike out at 12 p.m. With a few stops along the way, the ride then ends at DéJà Vu Montgomery,

Pet of the week - Sam Sam is an 8-month-old boxer/ bulldog mix, about 45 pounds. He is good with other dogs, can be a bit shy with people at first but when coaxed with doggy treats comes out of his shell. He will do best with a patient owner who can help this handsome boy build his confidence. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 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, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, 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 10-5 and Saturday 9-3.

be 50/50 tickets, a bike/

HUMANE SOCIETY car wash, live auction items you won’t want to OF ELMORE miss, biker thrift items COUNTY and just a great day of fun, rain or shine. NEWS There will also be 121 N. Burbank Drive in Montgomery. Cruisin’ is open to everyone – bikes are not required to join in the fun. Cruisin’ information: each ‘hand’ is $15 for which you get an event patch, goodie bag, food, door prize ticket and more. Best hand wins $250, 2nd best wins $100 and worst hand wins $50 (must be present to win). There is a $5 minimum if you don’t want to play a ‘hand.’ Charles Shawn Singleton will be the master of ceremonies and there will be awesome live music by the Jones Social Club. There will

May 4, 2016 • Page 11

two super items for raffle at Cruisin’ 16 and tickets for each item are $5 to win either a Stevens Home Defense Pistol Grip Shotgun and/or a Yeti Hopper 30 Bag Cooler. Predators members are selling these tickets now so if you can’t join us on May 7, contact Predators President John West at 334-294-7154. Sponsorships are also still available and John will be happy to help you with those as well. Cruisin’ is a children friendly event ‘til 6 p.m. so we’ll see you there.

Downtown Abbey Luncheon

Contributed / The Tribune

The Talisi Historical Preservation Society and Friends of Tuckabatchee hosted a “Downton Abbey” inspired luncheon on April 21 at the Superintendent’s House. Left to right Torie Suggs, JoAnn Jeffcoat, Dot Ballard, Rhonda Harrison, Gypsy Cullars, and Betty Gregory Chapman.

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

SPORTS

The Tallassee Tribune • May 4, 2016

Laremy Tunsil, Bo Davis, high times in Auburn

he last five or six days have produced some exceedingly interesting sports stories in and around the SEC for all the wrong reasons. The cavalcade of dubious whimsy began on Thursday night with the normally (at least from my perspective) mundane NFL draft. All things considered, I’d sooner watch reruns of Airwolf Graham than I had which NFL team takes which college player. Maybe if Auburn had a player threatening to go No. 1 I’d tune in, but even then it would be sketchy. It just doesn’t do it for me. (By the way, I used to love the show Airwolf when I was a kid. I actually caught an episode just the other day and the acting is not quite as brilliant as I remember. In fact, I’m not sure Jan Michael Vincent is believable as a human being.) Where was I? Oh yeah… Somehow this year’s draft turned into some bizarre version of “This is Your Life” for Ole Miss left tackle Larmey Tunsil. I know a lot of people feel sorry for the young man because the perspective best night of his life turned into the most embarrassing night of his life. I’m not without compassion. However, if you act like an idiot and tape yourself doing it you eventually reap the consequences. I don’t have a lot of sympathy for that. I know I’m a bit out of touch with the youth these days, but is a common for a college kid to have a gas mask in his apartment? And is it normal to use said gas mask in conjunction with a bong to smoke the reefer? Of course, that was just half the story. He also admitted on national television to taking money from a coach at Ole Miss. Yeah, it was just that kind of night. Our second stop on the carousel of peculiar lands us in Tuscaloosa where defensive line coach Bo Davis abruptly resigned amongst rumors of improprieties. The official story is that Davis contacted some prospective recruits during a dead period and then was less than truthful with the administration about it. I suppose it’s possible he could have been a rogue ne’er-do-well among a staff of choirboys, but another plausible scenario has him playing the fall guy because he’s the one that got caught. Impermissible contact is a secondary violation, unless it was blatantly orchestrated. Secondary violations are a slap on the wrist. Why would Davis throw away a $475,000 a year job by lying about a secondary violation? Either way, I have full confidence the Tide compliance department will tirelessly pursue every lead. The final depot on this caravan of infamy is located right smack dab in the middle of Auburn, Alabama. SO CB Carlton Davis, SO DE Byron Cowart, SO WR Ryan Davis and SO CB Jeremiah Dinson were all arrested on Saturday night for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. By 2016 standards, this is considered a minor offense and I doubt it will incur more than a one-game suspension. So many people say pot is no big deal. So many people say it should just be legalized. One day that may very well be a reality, but not today. Marijuana is illegal in the state of Alabama. This has nothing to do with the effects of cannabis on the human body. Those four players knew it was illegal. They knew they were breaking the law and apparently didn’t care. Who knows? 80% of college football players may smoke pot, but that still doesn’t make it legal. It’s really quite simple… follow the rules or reap the consequences.

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Coach Isaac Williams and coach Cecil Hollinquest award the Defensive MVP award to Rondarian Hooks during Tuesday’s basketball banquet.

Tallassee honors 2015-16 basketball players By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

Last Tuesday the 2016 basketball banquet was held inside the Tallassee High School cafeteria. The Tallassee Athletic Club provided a barbeque dinner for guests to enjoy. Tallassee’s head basketball coach Cecil Hollinquest led this year’s banquet, just as he has led the Tigers all season – with style and grace. This was Hollinquest’s first year coaching at Tallassee High School and one of the first things he did was begin a feeder program for the team. This feeder team is what Hollinquest is banking on for the future. “You have to start them out young,” he said. “When I came to Tallassee, I told Mr. Coker that I would need a feeder program that would consist of ninth-graders so that I can teach them the format. This team has done well this year and shown me a lot of promise, and the future is very bright,” said Hollinquest. Before making the move to Tallassee, Hollinquest was the assistant coach at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. Hollinquest explained that many of the young men on the ninth-grade team also played on the JV basketball team this year as well. The girls’ varsity head coach, Josh Taylor, was on hand to honor the girls’ varsity basketball team who played a very good season this year with a 9-11 overall record. Taylor also announced the winners of the seniors awards. These awards went to the seniors on the team who offered help and guidance throughout the season. Following Coach Taylor, Coach Hollinquest hon-

2016-2017 Reeltown High School Auxiliaries

ored the junior varsity basketball team, which was coached by Isaac Williams. The banquet came to an end by honoring this year’s 2015-2016 varsity basketball team. The Carl Stewart Leadership and Character Award went to Cedric Brown, Jared Potts and Drew Griggs. Tallassee Tigers’ Highest Academic Award went to Irmon Kirt. The Most Improved Player was Felix Kennebrew and the Sixth Man Award went to Dee Williams. The Offensive MVP award went to De’Ante Brown. The Defensive MVP award went to Rondarian Hooks and the Woody Weaver Leadership Award went to Zeryes “Zman” Rivers. “I really appreciate you allowing me to have your sons in my program,” Hollinquest told the parents of the basketball players. “I’m not easy to deal with.” Hollinquest also took the time to thank his supporters. “Thank you to everyone one who supported me and offered that pat on the back,” he said. “We are here to stay and do what’s best for our Tallassee kids.” Tryouts for the 2016-2017 varsity team begin May ninth. “I have a great summer schedule lined up,” Hollinquest said. “I know we will be at BirminghamSouthern’s basketball camp in June.” Hollinqest’s final award went to Coach Isaac Williams who was awarded the coach of the year. “He’s been my biggest supporter, he been with me, been my bus driver, I want you to know, Coach Williams, I really appreciate it,” Hollinquest said.

Annual Chamber golf tourney scheduled for May 10 By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune

Submitted / The Tribune

Top, Reeltown High School’s 2016-2017 Color Guard: (left to right) Emily Segrest, Selena Jarvis, Alena Cobb, Lexie Windle (captain), Ajia McGuire and Alizzabeth Sharpe. Above, Reeltown High School’s 2016-2017 Majorettes, (left to right) Allison Smith, Jenna Spivey, Josie Noble (captain), Kaitlin Baker and Emilly Spivey.

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Chamber Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 10 at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery. This is one of the leading and longest running fundraisers hosted by the Tallasseee Chamber of Commerce. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said John David Lambert, with the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and coordinator for the event. “Tee off will begin at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11 and there will be a lunch before registration,” Lambert said. Many consider Wynlakes to be one of the best golf courses in the State of Alabama. The 18-hole, 200-acre championship course, has 14 lakes and large oak trees canvased with Spanish moss. The course also has beautifully trimmed fairways and greens, colorful landscaping with cleverly placed fountains and bridges throughout. There are less than 10 teams that have signed up for the event. Each teams will consist of four individuals. “There will be four-man teams and if you are an individual they will pair you with others, if you want to join,” Lambert said. “There are some two man and three man teams and they will let you join one of those teams.” This is an 18-hole, shot gun start tournament. “Everyone starts at a different hole, but they all play the same amount of holes,” he said.

There will some par three holes that will have a few surprises for anyone who can sink a hole-in-one. “There will be prizes. They can win a car from Tallassee Automotive.” Other prizes include $20,000, two round trip tickets, and some other prizes are up for grabs with a whole in one on a par three. The holes are monitored to make certain no one tries to falsely claim a hole-in-one. The cost to join the upcoming tournament is $400 a team or $100 individually. There are also sponsorships available for local business. “You can hole sponsor, a lunch sponsor, we have a good bag give away and if a business wants to add to the goodie bag, they can. We have drink carts with drinks and snacks on them so if you want to donate to the drink cart, you can do that as well. “We hope to get more people to come out. We only have eight or nine teams right now. We normally have around 15 or 16,” Lambert said. While participation in signups are relatively low, Lambert has full confidence that the community will participate in this annual fundraiser. “There are a lot of teams that always wait to the last minute,” he said. “Next week we expect more people to signup, it we always need sponsorship too. “ For more information contact the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce at 334-283-5151.

Great things are on Elmore County’s

HORIZON HORIZONS: A TPI Special Edition Highlighting Local Advancements

The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce

New Chamber Executive Director,

GERRY PURCELL We encourage you to meet Gerry and tour the new Chamber offices, now located at 116 E. Bridge Street, adjacent to the former Chamber building.

Watch the Chamber Website and Facebook page for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony announcement for the launch of the new Wetumpka Business & Innovation Center located at 118 E. Bridge Street, Wetumpka. The Innovation Center provides a stepping-stone for Åedgling businesses wishing to operate in a professional environment but not yet capable of supporting the substantial overhead costs associated with a prime location.

Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce

116 E. Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Al 36092 • (334) 567-4811 www.wetumpkachamber.com www.facebook.com/wetumpkachamberofcommerce • www.innovatewetumpka.com

April 2016

Horizons 2016

Elmore County is set for an ‘Energy Efficiency Overhaul’ By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Elmore County is expected to have its yearly energy expenditures cut nearly in half after entering into an agreement with an energy savings company to develop a plan to reduce utilities costs by updating existing county buildings. At a recent County Commission meeting Richie Beyer, county engineer with the Highway Department, said bond details were currently being worked out to secure the funding for a 20-year contract with Schneider Electric. The southeast sales team leader with the company, Todd Smith, said Elmore County facilities would be brought up to 2016 standards and save $4.4 million throughout the duration of the partnership. “We were able to reduce the energy and water consumption of the county by 38 percent, which is huge,” said Smith. He said Schneider had worked on about 40 projects throughout the state and the Elmore County estimates were on the higher end. “They’ve analyzed current buildings and said if you put these improvements in place you will realize this much savings to your current budget,” said Richie Beyer, county engineer. He said county costs for electricity, natural gas, water and sewer usage was $400,000. The money saved was going to be used to finance the physical upgrades to the buildings, such as the heating and cooling, as well as water systems. Smith said they began working with the county about six months ago and work would begin soon on the roughly nine-month long project. He said they looked at the courthouse first and found outdated air conditioning and heating systems. “What we’re doing at the historic courthouse is pretty amazing,” Smith said. He said they planned to install what is called a variable refrigerant flow system that would allow

individual control over the temperature in each office of the building, as opposed to the current on-or-off option for an entire floor. Next on the list, Smith said, was the judicial complex, which despite being in a newer building, Smith said was very inefficient. The county jail had a list of potential upgrades that Smith noted such as four old boilers used for heating and the existing water system, which Smith said used unnecessary amounts of water. He said jails typically have water waste issues and valves could be changed which would reduce water per flush and per shower and an automated system that would prevent inmates from continually flushing toilets could be installed. About 75 percent of the lighting systems in some county buildings, Smith said, were well over 20 years old. He mentioned one of the main components for the county’s efficiency overhaul, however, and said it would also take the longest to implement. “What we kind of found was that they didn’t have a centralized integrated automation system through the county that helps them control and operate and maintain their systems,” Smith said. “So most of the buildings were just running wide open.” One aspect of the renovations would be to develop remote access to a building’s lighting or heating and cooling that could be set to automatically shut down at certain times or through the use of motion sensors. He estimated the age of the technology the county currently used for its utilities operations to be roughly somewhere from the 1980s. “In the end it’s a win for citizens and the commission because they don’t have to come up with additional revenue to make these improvements, and the employees that occupy these buildings and spaces should see better working conditions in addition to the public that interacts eve ryday,” Beyer said.

BUSINESSES RSO presents Prime Time Athletics 1220 Café S & S Services, LLC 3am Growers, Inc. Scarborough & Griggs, LLC AES Industries SCF Buildings, LLC Alabama Ag Credit Servpro of Montgomery Alabama Gas Corp. - Alagasco Sizemore & Sizemore Alabama Power Company Steve Martin Engineering & Surveying Alabama Water Well Service, LLC Stinson Drafting Corp. Alfa Realty- Angel Miller Studio B Dance Center AME Engineers, Inc. Subway of Tallassee B & B Screenprint SWAT Exterminating Co., Inc. Boutique Talisi Talisi Historical Preservation Society Brantley Signs Tallassee Armory Guards - SCV Camp 1952 Britt Veterinary Services Tallassee Automotive Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Tallassee Bonded Warehouse Comfort Inn & Suites Tallassee Community Community Hospital, Inc. Development Corporation Country Inn & Suites Tallassee Family Dentistry Cozumel Mexican Grill Tallassee Health and Rehab, LLC Days Inn Tallassee Jewelry & Gifts Diamond Carmichael Gary Patterson & Tallassee Power & Equipment Duke P.A. Tallassee Recreation Department E&I Tallassee Septic Tank Service East Tallassee Pharmacy Tallassee Super Foods Factory Connection The Apothecary Faulkner University - Joey Wiginton The Learning Tree, Inc. First Community Bank of Central Alabama The Segrest Law Firm Fresenius Medical Care Tallassee Three Lakes Dental, P.C. Friendly Home Rentals, LLC Trustmark Game Day Clips Turf Tactics Gazette Publishing, LLC/ VIVA Medicare Plus Tallassee Quarterly Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. GKN Aerospace WTLS / Tallassee Times Godwin’s Flowers INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Guardian Credit Union Lacey Brewer Heart of Dance Elizabeth Britt Herring Chiropractic Clinic Ann Christian Home Integrated Solutions Bill Godwin Hornsby & Son Body Shop, LLC Jeanna W. Kervin HR Management Solutions George McCain Hughey Communications, Inc. Billy McKenzie Humane Society of Elmore County Ron McDaniel J Alan Taunton & Company, LLC Ann Noble Jackson Thornton & Company, P.C. Mary and Roy Parker Jeffcoat Funeral Home Bobby & Mary Carrol Payne Lee Staf¿ng, Inc. DBA Allegiance Staf¿ng Rep. Mark M. Tuggle Linda D. Benson Linville Memorial Funeral Home CHURCH / CLUBS Mason Rentals First Baptist Church Max Credit Union First United Methodist Church More Than Floors, LLC Tallassee Mt. Vernon Theatre, Inc. Nail’s, LLC Natural Resource Consulting GOVERNMENT Neptune Technology Group Central Alabama Regional Planning & New Stone Realty, LLC Development Commission Parker Wholesale Cars Elmore County Patterson Air, Inc. Economic Development Authority PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee City Board of Education R&R Construction & Roo¿ng Co., LLC Tallassee Industrial Development Board

Horizons 2016

April 2016

NEW LEADER, NEW DIRECTION Chamber ready for big things to come By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The director of the Chamber of Commerce said his new position was a big change from his past and the 20 years he spent in the healthcare industry and that he found out about the opening accidentally, but said it was a perfect fit. Gerry Purcell relocated here two years ago after residing in the Atlanta area for nearly 20 years and said moving to Wetumpka was a breath of fresh air. “I have traveled all over the country,” Purcell said. “I have worked extensively in multiple states for the last 25 years. I have been in multiple businesses, hundreds of businesses, and state capitols and there are some extraordinary things going on here.” Purcell said he wanted to help Wetumpka businesses through his two decades worth of experience in the healthcare industry dealing largely with insurance related issues and businesses. “I would like to bring some of that expertise to try to better educate and help our business members here in terms of meeting that healthcare challenge,” Purcell said. He said he worked with a statewide healthcare committee during his time in Georgia. Purcell spoke at a recent Wetumpka City Council meeting about the opening of the new Chamber business complex. The grand opening of the new facility, a project Purcell said cost roughly $1.5 million, is expected in only a matter of weeks.

Corey Arwood / TPI

New Chamber of Commerce Director Gerry Purcell relocated here two years ago after residing in the Atlanta area for nearly 20 years and said moving to Wetumpka was a breath of fresh air.

About the center he said, “This is going to be a real, I think, advantage for our members here in the community in multiple ways and one of those ways, as I keep saying over and over, is education, is helping them with practical things,” Purcell said. He said the Chamber serves roughly 385 current members, and he intended to grow membership opportunities within the area and strengthen those members through what he called continual education opportunities. An example Purcell gave was building the “education opportunities around the dayto-day business challenges our members face.” “I’m a big believer in busi-

ness development and learning,” Purcell said. He said the new complex and innovation center would help with that. He mentioned his strategy for the Chamber and the area going forward. “Here’s three priorities that I have in mind: I’ll just call it serve, grow and strengthen,” Purcell said. He described the strategy as forward-thinking and said he wanted to gear it heavily toward technological developments. “I’m a big technology guy at heart, too, so you’ll see I think a lot of my focus with education will have a technological bent to it,” Purcell said.

One way he said he wanted to do that was by attracting a startup information technology business as one of the first users of the innovation center office space. Prior to his business career, Purcell served as a decorated Army Military Intelligence Officer and is a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) of Chaminade University of Honolulu. He said he grew up in northeast Georgia and, after two years of college, enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Hawaii after going to intelligence school and later used an ROTC scholarship to pursue two degrees in military science and business administra-

tion. He said he spent another four years in the military after getting his degrees. After his time spent owning his business, Purcell said he wanted a change of pace and explained how he came across his new title. “I accidentally actually saw the listing for the job and wasn’t looking for a job, didn’t need a job, but I had always sort of envisioned the last third of my career doing work either teaching or nonprofit or doing something in the community and that obviously encompasses economic development as well as business development,” Purcell said.

April 2016

Horizons 2016

Corey Arwood / TPI

Craterfest is one of the area’s signature events and is sponsored by The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. The day is filled with incredible music and plenty of activities for children, including face painting.

Gassett

Funeral Home Since 1978 JJoe Allen Gassett

Founder 1942-2009

Glenda Gassett-Terrell, Felecia Gassett Shockley, Michele Gassett Henderson, Alex Shockley, Dan Shockley, Ken Hammock, Mike Colquitt, and Eddie Taylor.

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Horizons 2016

April 2016

Firm hired by city to bring in big names in retail and restaurants By COREY ARWOOD Herald Staff Writer

A Birmingham-based consulting firm hired by the city to attract large retailers and restaurants to Wetumpka completed its analysis of the city and revealed its potential to get the nationally known names to the area. A portfolio director with Retail Strategies, Scott VonnCannon, revealed what was called the Retail Marketing Plan for the City of Wetumpka. He gave a presentation with the vast amounts of information his firm had collected on the city and its population, such as their daily travel patterns and the spending habits of residents, along with those of people passing through on a usual day. He said the company and city had been in a partnership for a few months and recently a retail strategy had been created for the city from what VonnCannon said were hundreds of reports on data and analysis about who the consumers are in Wetumpka and their “buying power.” “Technically we work with cities, economic development offices and chambers of commerce throughout the country, to help bring new

Corey Arwood / TPI

Scott VonCannon, portfolio director with Retail Strategies, illustrates the partnership between the city and the consulting firm, and what was described as its goal of bringing more retailers and restaurants to Wetumpka.

business that is simply geared toward retail to cities across the country,” said VonnCannon. He delivered the presentation at a recent city council meeting, and was met with questions from

Mayor Jerry Willis, as well as inquiries from residents and local business owners. After a nearly 45-minute long presentation, Willis opened the floor to questions. Willis proceeded to ask the first questions after a

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period of silence. “What makes Wetumpka an easy sell and then what makes Wetumpka a difficult sell?” asked Willis. VonnCannon said he would start with what made it difficult. “When you run a quick demographic report on Wetumpka the numbers are small,” VonnCannon said. He said there already were a larger number of retailers in the area for a town with a population under 10,000. However, he said he believed there was an opportunity to get more. “Your strongest suit in my opinion is the traffic you get on the highway,” VonnCannon said. Willis addressed members of the planning and zoning boards in the audience and went into further detail about the reason for the partnership. “When we set down with them some months ago, it was because Wetumpka had never had anything put together and compiled,” said Willis. “It gave us all these numbers all this data and it put it under one umbrella.” A city planning board member and downtown property owner, Betsy

Shelton, asked VonnCannon, “Exactly what kind of a contract does this company have with the city of Wetumpka? What are they tasked to do?” “Our contract has us here for a couple years, to be looked at as the economic development arm focusing 100 percent on retail,” VonnCannon answered. She asked what that meant for the downtown renovation efforts and the businesses there. “We are embarking on a downtown development plan now,” Shelton said. “Everything you’ve said tonight is all couched in terms of national retail. Are you prepared to also be a marketing arm for downtown?” Shelton asked. VonnCannon said they had all ready begun working in the downtown area and, though their working connections suited them better to national connections, they could work with regional businesses as well. “A reason a lot of cities want to hire us is because they have a hard time getting into the national retailers and restaurants and so on,” VonCannon said.

April 2016

Horizons 2016

BIG EVENTS PLANNED FOR ELMORE COUNTY May 12-28 I Hate Hamlet A young, successful TV actor relocates to New York City to play the coveted role of Hamlet in this Wetumpka Depot Players production. The problem is that he really hates Hamlet. Don’t miss this fast-paced, unapologetically silly duel over women, art and real estate. Directed by Tom Salter, this production will be the Wetumpka Depot Player’s entry in the Alabama Conference on Theatre’s Community Theatre Festival in late October. Show dates will be Oct 21-29. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday performance on May 22 begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and online. Visit www. wetumpkadepot.com for information or call the Depot at 334-868-1440.

May 13 Friday On the Green Rexton Lee kicks off the summer season at the Russell Crossroads Town Green at 6:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kitds and pet for live music, lawn games and great times.

May 14 5K Patriot Run Emerald Mountain Christian School will sponsor a 5K run in Goldstar Park in downtown Wetumpka at 7 a.m. Registration fee is $25 before May 7. Late registration is $35. Register at ate-timing. com. For information, call Autumn Newell at 334-233-5906 or Heather Thornton at 334-799-7335.

May 19 Business After Hours Wind Creek Wetumpka will host a Sunset Reception Business After Hours from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1000 River Oaks Drive in Wetumpka. Meet, greet and network with other community business people in Wetumpka!

May 19 Wild Game Culinary Class Join Johnson Crew cook team chef Don Johnson in preparing a couple of delicious wild game dishes and take home recipes to try yourself. Class begins at 6 p.m. at the AWF Natureplex in Millbrook. Class is appropriate for ages 15 and up. Admission fee $10. To register, call Tyler

Harris at 1-800-822-9453.

May 20 Dixie Sailing Club 3rd Annual Drawdown This year’s silent auction and drawdown event starts at 6 p.m. at The Ridge Clubhouse and will benefit the club’s 501(c)3 youth program, which teaches kids the life-long skill of sailing. Only 400 tickets will be sold at $50 per person, which covers admission, heavy hors de’oeuvres and one entry in the drawdown. Cash bar for beer, wine and soft drinks. Drawdown winners do not have to be present to win; holders of last five tickets to be drawn may agree to split the winnings. See complete rules at DixieSailingClub.com. To donate door prizes or silent auction items, contact Merry Hardy at 256-794-8075 or Jim Simons at 334-546-0224 in Lake Martin Area. Elmore County and Montgomery residents contact Beth Biggs at 334-220-8650.

May 20 Friday On the Green This week features Britt and Kurt from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Russell Crossroads Town Green. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

May 21 Paddle for a Purpose The annual Paddle for a Purpose paddleboard race launches from Children’s Harbor at 9 a.m. with 1-mile, 3-mile and 6-mile race options to raise money for the camp that serves terminally ill children and their families. Entry fee for the 1-mile race is $35; entry for the 3-mile and 6-mile races is $45. Call Sharon Johnston at 334-799-0529 for details.

May 26 How to Make Your Backyard a Birding Paradised Doyle Keasal, conservation education specialist at AWF Natureplex, will teach you how to make your backyard a paradise for the numerous bird species that call Alabama home. Learn what species of plants birds like; where to place feeders and houses and more. Project is suitable for ages 5 and up. Bring your own dinner. No reservations required. Admission

$5 charged. Event begins at 6 pm. in the Community Room.

May 27-29 Art on the Lake This annual art show on the grounds at Children’s Harbor is the official start of summer on Lake Martin and benefits the camp for terminally ill children and their families. Artists across the Southeast showcase their fine crafts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For booth information or to volunteer, contact Vicki Tuggle at 34-857-2021.

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May 30 Memorial Day Service “Eclectic the Beautiful” will sponsor a service to honor veterans at Eclectic Veterans Park, ½ mile north of downtown on Highway 63 North from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

May 27-29 RXR Fest Enjoy music on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads Memorial Day weekend with special festivities at SpringHouse on May 29. Bring chairs and coolers, family and friends this weekend celebration of another summer on Lake Martin. The music, lawn games, food and fun are free and start on Friday afternoon. Sweet Tea will start the music at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by Brooke Daniel Band at 8:30 p.m. Saturday will feature The Bank Walkers at 6 p.m. and Atlas Road Crew at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are available at SpringHouse for the Sundy night festivities with music from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Jonathan Bloom. For details, call Emily Spink at 256-794-1397.

May 28 Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

May 31 Millbrook Farmer’s Market Opens Pick up fresh produce right from the gorwers from 8 a.m. until noon every Tuesday all summer long at the Village Green in Millbrook. Some growers arrive early.

June 3 Tallassee Relay for Life Relay For Life! More details to come

June 3-5 Coosa River Whitewater Festival Bands, races, celebration on the Coosa River. Call 334-202-3050.

June 4 Introduction to Sailing Dixie Sailing Club will host a short course on the basics of sailing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be served.

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Horizons 2016

April 2016

Wetumpka’s Sportplex and its tournaments are an engine for local economy Complex draws visitors from across the Southeast By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Baseball and softball and the desire to play it hits a home run with today’s youth – a common denominator across the nation for most all age groups. Any girl or boy with a ball, a bat, a glove and the love of it need no extra draw to participate in the popular sports. But for an organization to clear all the bases to bring the best baseball and softball to those who want it, any added incentive goes – and attracts from – a long way. And Wetumpka has that. “Our beautiful fields,” City of Wetumpka Parks and Recreation director Ron Dickerson said. “We’ve had tournament directors come in here from Georgia, Florida and throughout

Alabama and they have all said that these are the best fields that they’ve seen – best complex that they’ve seen. I’ve been in sports all my life and

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I have to agree that these are some of the finest facilities around. That attraction is exciting.” In 2009, the city completed construction on a five-field softball pod, along with a concession stand and batting cages. Six years later, the city’s Parks and Rec department completed and opened Phase II of the sports complex project in May 2015, adding a five-field baseball pod with its own press box/concession stand and a row of batting cages. Not only are numerous travel ball organizations impressed with the city’s new $20 million fields and facilities, but once tournament and league directors enter Wetumpka, they like what they see even more, Dickerson said. “The tournaments, they want to bring teams from all over so that they’re not possibly playing at the same venue. When you open a new venue, it’s good for parents that are either coming from Georgia, from south Alabama or north Alabama coming into Wetumpka and seeing what we have,” Dickerson said. “So we’re excited about that. Eating at our restaurants, spending time in Wetumpka. We’re looking forward to that.” Since the opening of the new baseball fields, Dickerson said the Parks and Rec department has seen an increased interest and participation in kids of all ages wanting to play in the Wetumpka city youth baseball and softball leagues. Presently, the city of Wetumpka has five travel ball tournaments scheduled to compete on both sets of fields this summer after the finales

of both Wetumpka’s youth baseball and softball leagues – with more to be nailed down on the way. For Wetumpka, the more showcases and more opportunities to showcase the city the better. “We have teams and tournaments that are calling us on a constant basis. They want to come in and participate in either softball tournaments or baseball tournaments, Dixie League tournaments,” Dickerson said. “We don’t generally tie down too many tournaments when our Dixie League teams are playing, but we have a lot of groups out there that as soon as Dixie League is over, we can bring them in here. Hopefully it’ll be around the time the hotel is finished and we’ll be able to make some money. And the economic impact would be outstanding.” A Hampton Inn, which will contain 80 hotel rooms, located in the heart of downtown Wetumpka on South Main Street, is scheduled to open in either April or May. With another place for lodging in Wetumpka for out-of-towners – leagues, parents, supporters for different travel ball teams – Dickerson said the Hampton Inn will further the city’s efforts to offer a high-class experience with its sports complex. “Now that we can bring in more tournaments, a lot of the wants and the desires have been predicated on when the hotel is going to be finished, not as a whole because we’ve seen a huge increase in our youth sports because of the field. We’re not depending on the tournaments by any See SPORTPLEX • Page 13

April 2016

Horizons 2016

Sportplex

continued from page 1

Corey Diaz / The Herald

The In 2009, the city completed construction on a five-field softball pod, along with a concession stand and batting cages. Six years later, the city’s Parks and Rec department completed and opened Phase II of the sports complex project in May 2015, adding a five-field baseball pod with its own press box/concession stand.

means,” he said. “It’s good, but just having a community that’s together, everyone’s enjoying participating at a beautiful complex, that’s exciting to see.” The fields are done. The softball and baseball pods are completed and now the only thing left to do is watch as it all comes together for the kids who love the game and for Wetumpka. “That’s worth its weight in gold to see the kids participate, the parents sitting in the stands, the coaches, the umpires, everybody. That’s number one, just to see the gratification of everybody,” Dickerson said. “Every city from Montgomery to Wetumpka wants that economic impact. That’s something that’s going to happen. When it happens I think everyone will notice a difference in everything. That’s what these fields were built for. They were built for these kids and they were built for this area and this community. They are priority.”

Horizons 2016

April 2016

Dan O’ Sullivan / Alabama Bass Trail

Boats filled with fishermen fill the waters of Lake Jordan for the start of last year’s Lake Jordan stop on the tour. For the third straight year, the Alabama Bass Trail will tow in its legion of boats and fishermen into the City of Wetumpka this June.

Lake Jordan and Wetumpka hook Alabama Bass Trail for third year By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

For the third straight year, the Alabama Bass Trail will tow in its legion of boats and fishermen into the City of Wetumpka this June. But when the motors crank and wake up the stillness in the wee hours of the morning on Lake Jordan this late spring, it’ll be a little different. A FOX Sports Southeast twoman television crew will film the tournament, capturing all the sights and sounds in and around Wetumpka and the beauty of its natural resources, as the episode will air Sunday, Aug. 28, at 8 a.m. on the channel. “This is the first time we’ll film for TV in 2016 and have coverage,” Bass Trail program director Kay Donaldson said. “They’ll have two guys on the water that day. On Friday, they’ll go around and film at local restaurants, they’ll film at the (Wind Creek) casino. They’ll be at our (rules and regulations) meeting, be on the water four or five hours Saturday and they’ll

film at the weigh-in. “They’ll film around town and talk to our local hosts about what it means to have the Trail in the area. They’ll get really good content on the water. They are really good guys to work with and it’s one of the top editing crews out there. So we’re excited about it.” The Lake Jordan Tournament, the Angler of the Year showcase and season finale for the Bass Trail, will hold its pre-tournament rules and regulations meeting at the Wetumpka Civic Center Friday, June 3, at 7 p.m. The next morning, the 324 total fishermen in 162 boats will blast off from Bonner’s Point in Slapout and the state boat ramp off U.S. Highway 231 near Titus at 6 a.m. Weigh-ins will be held at the ramps, where the winner will take home a $10,000 first-place payout. Most fishermen will enter Wetumpka and the surrounding area four or five days prior to pre-fish and prepare for the tournament. “We’re glad to have them back,”

Wetumpka Civic Center director Clay Murrell said. “This will be their third year coming to Wetumpka and they’ll bring lots of folks and have a good time. We are eagerly awaiting June to get here so we can show them a good time, show them hospitality, good fishing and hope they continue to keep coming back.” Not only was hospitality a big draw for the Trail to schedule a date with the city, but mostly Lake Jordan and what it has to offer made the decision a no-brainer. “When we first decided to bring the Alabama Bass Trail, including the tourism portion of it, but Lake Jordan is one of the best in mineralrich resources in the state. It’s a little smaller than the other lakes we go to, but it’s fishery is extremely healthy,” Donaldson said. “The fishermen like the show and we’ve had good success there. The anglers, when were there last February, over 23 pounds was the winning boat. It’s filled with spotted bass and it’s a very healthy lake.” What was once just a partnership

with the Elmore County Commission as well as the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, a sound relationship has been established between the city and the tournament series, Murrell said. “(Alabama Bass Trail) keeps it to where these small towns can reap the benefit of the tourism dollars brought into the community. Fortunately, we’ve been able to keep them here, and the amazing thing is, Lake Jordan is by far the best fishery in Alabama that’s not well-known. It gets more known each year,” Murrell said. “The natural resources here are pretty easy to pitch, it’s just a matter of doing it and keep it going. “The more they come, they more everybody else wants to come.” Donaldson said around 350 people – fishermen plus tournament workers – will come enjoy what Wetumpka has to offer, as she hopes the residents come enjoy what the Trail’s reeling in. “We’re excited about being there. I know the city has worked hard for us See FISHING • Page 15

April 2016

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Fishing

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to come back, and the anglers love it there,” Donaldson said. “It’s our Angler of the Year tournament, our last tournament of the season, so we’ll have fishermen jockeying for points to get in contention for the championship. It’s going to be a really good tournament on June 4.” Wetumpka is no stranger to big-time fishing organizations taking advantage of its resources, but Murrell said the upcoming tournament will be the biggest yet. “It’ll be a lot of good publicity and coverage for the city and our area for them to be here. It’s amazing. We had the Bassmaster Elite 12 here for two or three years. But when you’re talking 12 boats to 170 boats, you’re talking more money fixing to be spent. They’ll have to fill their boats with gas and that can eat up a $100 bill in a heartbeat. “They’ll eat here, enjoy themselves. It’ll be amazing to see Wetumpka on national TV every chance we get. To see God’s resources being used, seeing them enjoying it with us Dan O’ Sullivan / Alabama Bass Trail right in the middle of it, that’s the The Lake Jordan Tournament, the Angler of the Year showcase and season finale for the Bass Trail, will hold its pre-tournament rules and regulations meeting at blue ribbon to everything.” the Wetumpka Civic Center Friday, June 3, at 7 p.m. The next morning, the 324 total fishermen in 162 boats will blast off from Bonner’s Point in Slapout.

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Horizons 2016

April 2016

Special / Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka

The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka offers state-of--the-art gaming, fine dining and luxury accommodations. The complex now also features big-name entertainment on a regular basis.

CHANGING THE HORIZON

Wind Creek Casino adds glitz and substance to area’s tourism draw By LIZ ELY Staff Writer

Wetumpka’s Wind Creek Casino and Hotel is steam-rolling in its popularity, bringing in people from neighboring states and cities to catch live performances from acts both big and small, play the Bingo machines or eat at the award-winning restaurant Fire. Singer-songwriter and the “Queen of Funk” Chaka Khan performed on April 23 and that is just one of the many larger acts the establishment has secured. Kenny Rogers makes a stop in Wetumpka in June. The popular R&B group Boyz II Men held a concert there in January and, on May 21, The O’Jays, another R&B group that has been around for decades, is scheduled to perform. Property Manager Cody Williamson hopes that people from the community will attend both concerts and he wants the people of Wetumpka to know there is more to the casino and hotel than meets the eye. “With Chaka Khan, people can expect a good concert from a good act. We try to get those acts the

people want to see, and she was touring around the time we needed her. As an entertainment and hospitality provider, we understand that not everybody wants to play the Bingo machines. Many people come to stay in the hotel and eat. Entertainment is another aspect we use to let people have a good time. We like to offer you something you would like to do, and we are happy to do it,” Williamson said. The casino provides entertainment in many aspects, and while there are those that come to try their luck on the Bingo machines, Williamson thinks of the casino and hotel as an adventure to be had – one that he hopes lets people escape from their everyday lives. “The goal of the casino is to let you escape from your ordinary world and enter a world where everything and anything is possible. Ultimately, whether you win or lose, we want you to have a good time and good experience every time you come in. We want you to get into our fantasy world while you’re with us,” Williamson said. While many may come strictly to play the Bingo machines, their restaurant, Fire, is yet another way the

casino and hotel draws in crowds. The restaurant has garnered a serious reputation for providing fine food and, ultimately, an experience to remember. It was voted as one of the top steak houses in Alabama, but Williamson hopes that people who come to eat leave with more than a trip to a fine dining eatery. “The food itself is amazing, and it’s not all that expensive. However, Fire is less of a restaurant and more of an experience. When you go there, you don’t just order a steak. There’s a presentation to what we do and the chef can give you a tasting when we’re trying to get something new on the menu. From being seated, to the courses, to the women receiving a rose at the end of the meal, it’s an experience from start to finish,” Williamson said. For fans of gaming, the casino boasts 2,757 Bingo machines. They have added a second high-limit room for those wanting to wager a higher bet and Williamson encourages people to take advantage of the promotional offers that are held virtually every day of the week. See CASINO • Page 7

April 2016

Casino

Horizons 2016

continued from page 1

“Promotions center around Ladies Night, seniors, and we have a promotion for just about everybody who comes to our place. For instance, we had one April 15 in conjunction with tax day. We try to make it fun and exciting for everyone who is here,” Williamson said. Of course, there are other services the casino offers that many may not know of. For those curious about the games within the casino itself, Williamson suggests going online to try your luck in the virtual world. “We have Facebook pages, a mobile app, and all of our casinos have their own webpage. We have an online platform, www.windcreekcasino. com, where you can sign up to play online and see some of the games we have. You’re not playing with real money, but you earn points that you can redeem for a night’s stay at the hotel or for a dinner at Fire. It doesn’t cost anything to join or play. It’s just for fun,” Williamson said. For a casino whose slogan is “Find Your Winning Moment,” this catchphrase may not boil down to simply winning cash. Williamson wants people to know that you don’t need to come prepared to gamble in order to have a fun night out. “You don’t have to want to play the machines in order to come out and have a good time. We offer many non-gaming experiences so that people who don’t want to game can still come out and have a good time,” Williamson said. For more information on all that the casino and hotel offers, go online to www.windcreekwetumpka.com or like their Facebook page for the latest news and promotional offers.

Kenneth Boone / TPI

Fire at Wetumpka’s Wind Creek Casino offers elegant dining opportunities for visitors as well as area residents looking for an escape.

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Horizons 2016

April 2016

Carmen Rodgers / TPI

TALLASSEE HAS BIG IDEAS, BIGGER PLANS By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Mt. Vernon Mill built all of the infrastructure – schools, hospital, library and much, much, more. Fifty years ago Tallassee was a bustling town that had years of success and manifestation under its belt. The town was best known for being self-sufficient. During the early years, there was no major thoroughfare through the city. Products produced by the mill were shipped by railroad to Montgomery where they would be distributed throughout the nation. Therefore, Tallassee was an isolated city for the first half of its lifetime. Today, however, Mt. Vernon Mill is nothing more than a shell of what it once was. The whistle quit blowing in 2005. Luckily, new manufacturers moved to the area and today Tallassee remains a manufacturing city. Yet, the city is missing something. In many ways, Mt. Vernon Mills was the heartbeat of the city, which allowed it to flourish. Without the mill, the city seems to have lost its identity. Many Tallasseeans have a stronghold on that self-sufficient mindset. It is clear: Tallassee is in the process of redefining itself. The town must embrace change as life here progresses. Change is inevitable. The outcome lies in the reaction to that change. Change can be embraced or battled. Tomorrow’s Tallassee is developing with every breath and one thing that is sure to change is the city

pool. The city pool has been in use for over half a century and today children continue to find joy in an afternoon trip to the city oasis. In 1951, when the pool was designed, it was stateof-the-art and filled with pride fueled by a textile mill that was, too, state-of-the-art. Time has seen a lot of change, yet the city pool stands strong because, like Mt. Vernon Mills, it was built with a strong fundamental design that has lasted throughout the years. There is no doubt; it has stood the test of time. But, even as children still flock to the pool in the summer for recreation, it is obsolete for swim meets and water sport events – events that could potentially flood the city with visitors and much needed sales tax revenue. The fact is a new pool must be built. The problem comes with which direction will be taken to build the new facility. The Tallassee Recreation Board has proposed a new facility that would include the pool, a gymnasium that could seat 400-500 people, an elevated walking track, a wellness center, free weights, baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields and tennis courts. This would be a massive facility that would certainly put the city back on the map. But questions remain as to where will this new facility be located and how it will be funded. Many want the recreation center to remain in town, close to the current location. Supporters believe this would drive more people into town for sporting events, thus raising tax revenue, and allow the inner

city children who currently walk or ride a bicycle to the swimming pool to continue to do so. There are also many who support building the complex on Hwy 229 South. This would allow all of the sporting facilities to be housed in one location with ultramodern equipment and design. This proposed recreation complex has a hefty price tag of nearly $12 million. This is why the Recreation Board and members of the City Council have been divided over where to put the proposed recreation center. Even while divided, supporters of both projects agree that a new pool must be built. In an effort to locate funding, The Tallassee Recreation Board brought the proposal for the complex before the city council on numerous occasions and has taken steps to create a separate channel to fund the project. Attorney Dale Segrest designed and proposed the creation of a committee that would oversee funding exclusively for this proposed recreation center. “This is a special vehicle authorized by state statute for a particular project, the project on 229,” Segrest said during the November City Council Meeting, “This is the proper legal vehicle as a financial tool. This would not impact the day-to-day operation of the parks and rec department.” However, the city has its reservations. “It seems to me from a legal standpoint, the question is the city avoiding potential liability to pay See TALLASSEE • Page 9

April 2016

Tallassee

Horizons 2016

continued from page 1

moneys back,” said John Smith, attorney for the City of Tallassee in November 2015. “It seems to me that there needs to be discussion between the financial intuitions, whatever those are, whatever nature they take, and the city so that the city can have some comfort that if this is done, it’s something that will actually get somewhere and not just be an entity that exists just for the purpose of existing. Because otherwise, why do it?” At a recent Recreation Board meeting, Michael Butler explained some of the possible funding outlets, including grants and low-interest loans. The idea of adding a one percent sales tax was brought up, but the attending councilmen quickly shot it down. “The tax rate in Tallapoosa County was just raised to one of the highest in the state and I cannot support another raise in taxes,” said Terrel Brown. Councilman Rob Rygiel and Council Wilson were also in attendance and both agreed that an additional tax is not the funding solution for the proposed complex. Therefore, a tax bond to fund the facility seems to be out of the question. In the latest move to construct the project, the city council passed a motion to construct the new pool at the Softball Complex, which is owned by the city.

Mt. Vernon Theater

Mt. Vernon Theater, also built by Mt. Vernon Mills, is set to open this year. The Theater Group brought contractor Stacey Gunn on board to complete renovations. Since last fall Gunn and his crew have been steadily moving forward with overhaul. The project, however, seems to have hit every potential bump along the way. The first major issue was rerouting a gas pipeline that has been in place for over 40 years. The pipeline had to be relocated or capped so that the theater could add a dressing room that would serve the theater two-fold. Not only would the dressing room add the needed space for performers to prepare, it would also serve as a platform for the facility’s heating and cooling units. “Stacey really wants us to go back to building our dressing room,” said Jan Autery, chair of the Theater Operations Board. “He can save us a good bit of money if he does not have to purchase all that structural steel to put on the roof to reinforce and completely support those extremely heavy heating and air units that were supposed to go up there. Units weighing much less would be placed on the roof of the new dressing room as was originally planned.” Now that much of the major reconstruction is well underway and, in some cases, complete, the Theater Group is looking forward to putting the final touches on the theater. “I do know the Name Recognition and the Operations & Management Committees are hard at work trying to put the finishing touches on how and where name recognition displays will be placed in the theater,” said Autery. “Operations Committee is finalizing how the theater will be managed once it is open – what to charge for various concessions, how much to charge to rent the entire theater, the lobby, courtyard, etc.” The concession stand is a major feat for the Theater Group. “We found out from the Health Department that we will be required to file for this permit,” Autery said. “Drawings of the concession room showing specifications and placement of all equipment have been completed as is required as part of the application process. There are several things we will be required to do, but we have studied their rules and regulations very carefully and have worked with Stacey to assure that they can be met without very much expense.” The courtyard will serve as an outdoor area to be used during intermissions and for other use by the general public, as requested. “We haven’t finished the design yet, but we want it to have pathways through it, places for people to sit, shrubs, and possibly even flowers – a place where people can come outside and just enjoy it,” said Autery. As part of this courtyard, the theater plans to add a water feature to the existing exterior brick wall. This water feature, Serenity Falls, will include a basin located at the base of the wall. From there, water will be pumped up to the top of the wall where it will then gently flow down from one trellis to another and continue down the brick wall back to the basin. “This feature will be used as a wall of memory for a loved one who has passed away,” said Autery. “Anyone can honor his or her loved one by making a donation to the theater in memory of that loved one. The deceased’s name, along with the name of the donor, will be placed on a plaque and attached to the brick behind the flow of water. This Serenity Falls is a permanent fixture in the courtyard and will live on throughout the history of the theater.” The theater had planned on opening in early spring of this year and while it is a little behind schedule, it is much anticipated.