SPORTS EXTRA
LOCAL, PAGE 10
Full coverage of local sporting events
Tigers have roaring return for homecoming
INSIDE
OPINION, PAGE 4 Some athletes still epitomize classy behavior
LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.
The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA
TALLASSEE, AL 36078
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September 28, 2016
TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM
VOL. 117, NO. 37
Five percent utility rate increase approved
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The city council unanimously approved a five percent utility rate increase during Monday’s city council meeting. This rate increase is the first step in restructuring city bonds. Because
Elmore County Commission approves 2016-17 budget
rates are considerably lower, the city will save over $1 million with this restructuring. “The interest rates are real good right now,” Councilmember Bill Godwin said. “If we can get this done before the interest rates go up, the city is in a position to
of money we are talking about,” he said. Initially, the council was aiming for a two percent utility rate increase. However, it was deemed that a five percent increase was needed because the city has seen only one utility rate See UTILITY • Page 3
recoup about $1.1 million.” Interest rates could be lowered by close to two percent if the council is successful in its efforts to restructure bonds. “The interest rate would reduce from five percent down to less than three percent, which is significant on the amount
TIGER HOMECOMING
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
The Elmore County Commission held further discussion on the county’s Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget Monday before finally approving the budget with no further modifications. Originally, the commission had considered the budget during its Sept. 12 meeting and voted to approve a one percent pay increase for county employees, which had not been placed in the budget as originally presented. During Monday’s work session discussion, only two items came up. District 2 Commissioner Trey Taylor made a requested on behalf of the Tallassee Industrial Development Board to fund $50,000 for a 400foot extension at the Tallassee Industrial Park to bring a road to Gulf Packaging’s new building at the park. District 4 Commissioner See BUDGET • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
88 59 High
Low
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Right, Jake Baker was crowned the 2016 Homecoming King at Friday morning’s pep rally. Above, Cheerleaders, both past and present performed at the homecoming pep rally Friday morning as the class of 1997 joined in the celebration. For more homecoming photos see page 10.
CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
National Adult Education and Family Literacy week runs through Oct. 1
Dam Century ride planned for Oct. 15 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week raises public awareness about the need and value of adult education and family literacy in order to leverage resources to support access to basic education programs for the 36 million U.S. adults with low literacy skills. Advocates across the country use this opportunity to elevate adult education and family literacy nationwide with policymakers, the media, and the community. See EDUCATION • Page 7
USPS 681-260
COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Saturday, October 1st 7:00am - Noon @ The Old Red Hill School Appliances, electronics, golf clubs, snow skis & more
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Richard Freeman is preparing to return to college soon. He is attending the Tallassee Adult Education Center to be better prepared for this upcoming transition
MEMORIAL
The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the inaugural Dam Century Ride. The event is set for Oct.15 and registration will be open until the day of the ride. The Chamber hopes this event will spotlight Tallassee and all that it has to offer. There will be three courses to choose from, so riders of all skill See DAM • Page 7
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LINVILLE F U N E R A L
Dolan A. Fannin Jr., LUTCF
H O M E
Cremations and Monuments
84632 Tallassee Hwy. [ Eclectic, AL
3554 Red Hill Rd. Hwy 229 N. Tallassee
As the town of Eclectic continues to mourn for the Holton and Owenby families, the Eclectic Youth Football and Cheer League has established a GoFundMe account to assist the surviving family members. The Holtons were discovered inside their home on September 11, both with a gunshot wounds to the head. Their oldest son, Jesse Madison Holton, is accused of committing the act. Mike was a beloved member of the community who not only served as the Mayor of Eclectic he also served as the Fire Chief before taking office. Mike Holton was dedicated to the service of the community. April worked at the water company on Main Street in Eclectic and nearly everyone in town knew her. She would greet people with a warm smile that was See GOFUNDME • Page 10
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer THURS: HIGH 81 LOW 53
EYFCL establishes gofundme for Holton boys
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MAYOR
Runoff Election: Tuesday, Oct 4
Please Go to the Polls and Cast Your Vote! Vote! Pd. Pol. Adv. By Citizens for George McCain | P.O. Box 780471, Tallassee, AL 36078