LOCAL, PAGE A3
SPORTS, PAGE B1
TALLASSEE’S DEAN FINISHES SECOND IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
LOCAL, PAGE B6
Commission approves one-time raise for county employees INSIDE:
Small town girl seeks big time office
MORE COUNTY ROADS TO BE IMPROVED, PAGE A5
The Tallassee Tribune Dedicated to the Growth and Prosperity of the Greater Tallassee area
Tallassee, AL 36078 TallasseeTribune.com
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November 10, 2021
VOL. 123, NO. 45
Classroom facelift gets student Eagle Scout By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Tallassee High School junior Jake Sharpe was wondering if his timing was right for an Eagle Scout project. Afterall the COVID-19 pandemic was closing the door on project-based opportunities for to achieve the highest of ranks in the Scouts BSA. “I called countless places — animal shelters, homeless shelters, food banks, and 90 percent I didn’t get a call back,” Sharpe said. “There was just nobody. Then those I did get calls back from, they said they weren’t taking volunteers.”
Sharpe’s mother Tara said it took a little push from her to find something else to meet the Eagle Scout project requirements. “It was difficult — hardly anyone was letting in volunteers,” Tara said. “Other projects he tried to start, got canceled. He was like, ‘Is this even the time?’ I was like, ‘You let it sit and it will sit forever.’” Some organizations said Jake could volunteer, but that wouldn’t work. “As you progress through the ranks, there are plenty of service hours that you have do and more,” Jake said. “The project is a dedicated thing that you do to prove that you
are a leader of a group of people.” Striking out elsewhere, Jake quickly realized a project under his nose in the halls of Tallassee High School — a classroom facelift for Spanish teacher Cayla Baker. “They were in the process of tearing down the old building and they had just let that building know they were not going to be renovated,” Tara said. “It was kind of a double whammy. They thought they were going to get this new building and then it was like, no sorry you’re not. Jake was like I got you.” Jake put together a team and See FACELIFT, Page A3
SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE
Jake Sharpe, center, poses with classmates and friends who helped with his Classroom Facelift and Eagle Scout Project.
McMichael to retire from sheriff’s department By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE
The Tallassee Fire Department responded to a fire at a home on Third Street Monday evening.There were no injuries reported in the blaze.The Friendship and Reeltown volunteer fire departments provided mutual assistance.
It’s a good time to check the smoke detectors in your home By CARMEN RODGERS BUREAU CHIEF Daylight savings time ended this weekend. Now that those clocks have been reset, it is a good time to check the smoke detectors in your home as well. The Red Cross responds to 27% more home fires in November-March than in warmer months. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires are most common in cooler months when people spend more time inside, and cooking and heating equipment are the
leading causes of these crises. “Every day, people’s lives are devastated by home fires — a threat that’s increasing as winter approaches,” said Damon Summers, Regional Disaster Officer. “Help keep your family safe now by testing your smoke alarms and practicing your two-minute fire escape drill.” It is a good time to test your smoke alarms and practice your two-minute home fire escape drill. A two-minute fire escape plan is important because that is the amount of time that experts say you may have to get out before
it’s too late. It is also a good time to teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and talk to them about fire safety and what to do in an emergency. It’s best to place smoke alarms on each level of the home, including inside and outside the bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of See SMOKE, Page A3
For 30 years David McMicheal has worn the uniform of a Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s deputy. Nov. 30 will be his last day as the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department chief deputy. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett believes McMicheal may have come with the building at the Tallapoosa County Jail. “It’s bittersweet — for 27 years I’ve looked into that office across from me and he has been there,” Abbett said. “He was there before I got there. He is very loyal to this department.” Abbett joked before recognizing McMichael at a recent Tallapoosa County Commission meeting. “He usually tells me what to do,” Abbett said. “David, come forward.” McMichael has done just about everything in his 30 years at the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s See RETIRE, Page A3
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE
Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett, left, recognizes chief deputy David McMichael as he retires Nov. 30.
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