Jan 13, 2016 Tallassee Tribune

Page 1

REPLACING A LEGEND

SPORTS PAGE 12

Grapplers move to 20-1, defeat Stanhope Elmore.

Reeltown narrows coach search down LOCAL, PG. 10 to top five Learning Trees Boots and Bow candidates, Pg. 11 Ties fundraiser set for Feb. 5

OPINION

MAX GUNTER NO PLACE TO HOUSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA

TALLASSEE, AL 36078

50¢

January 13, 2016

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 117, NO. 2

Alabama infrastructure earns incomplete By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Alabama was hit hard by recent severe weather and in nearly any given county it seemed that some effect could be seen from the damaging storm conditions that made their way through the southern states over the last two weeks. And Alabama’s infrastructure, along with that of any given affected community, was also hit hard by the holiday weather

conditions. Whether it was flooding, road and bridge closures, soil erosion, downed power lines or individual wells and septic systems, there was little left entirely unaffected by the storms. And that meant more strain was put on infrastructure systems, which earlier in December had been given a statewide overall grade of a “C-” in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The report covered 11 cate-

gories and of those considered, four were in good condition, six ranged from mediocre to poor and one lacked enough information for a grade to be determined. The state received a “good” rating of a “B” in the categories of aviation, energy, ports and rail, while it received mediocre to poor grades ranging from a “C+” to a “D-” in drinking water, bridges, waste and storm water, inland waterways and See INFRASTRUCTURE • Page 2

Thurlow Dam with the flood gates open after recent flooding in the Tallassee area. The dam was one of many included in the infrastructure report card. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Rec offers self defense classes

Community bands together, forms neighborhood watch

Director Golden teaches participants easy-to-learn techniques

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Recently, James Martin, Wanda Jones and Rickey Jones decided to be proactive in Tallassee and surrounding areas. They have formed the Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group. The group will hold regular meetings where members of the community are welcome to join. The three said they hope the initiative will spread and the saying “see something, See NEIGHBORHOOD • Page 2

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

What will be a covered bus shelter for the children of Jones Mobile Home Park, was the brainchild of Ricky Jones. Jones had this built for the neighborhood and encourages others to follow suit.

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

REMEMBERING MLK

City celebrates MLK Day with a march and ceremony By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

A number of Tallassee churches have once again combined efforts to organize the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and both prominent city officials as well as local religious leaders are expected to speak and attend. The ceremony will begin with a march at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 that is set to start at First United Methodist Church in Tallassee and span about one mile down Gilmer Parkway and end at 48 Log Circle. Mayor Bobby Payne is slated to speak and council member Charles

Blalock, along with Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers and members of the Tallassee Police Department are expected to be in attendance, as well. “It’s just strictly a memorial march in memory of Dr. King and the contribution that he made to mankind. It’s a celebration all across the country so we decided here in the city of Tallassee that we would come together,” said Charles Blalock, city council member and also master of ceremonies for the MLK Day event. This will be about the seventh

Rick Golden, self-defense course instructor and director of the recreation department, said he thought anyone could use the easy-to-learn techniques he developed for the self-defense classes set to begin in the next week or so. With a chop to the throat, a gouge in the eyes and a knee in the groin to a “body-opponent bag,” Golden displayed one method to incapacitate any would-be attacker. Registration is now open for the classes that are scheduled to meet for an

See MLK • Page 2

Four TPD officers receive promotions

See DEFENSE • Page 2

CONTACT US 334-283-6568 / FAX: 334-283-6569 Follow us on

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Tallassee Police Department held a promotion ceremony Wednesday to honor members who have advanced to higher ranks. Chris Owenby and Benny Merritt were promoted to commander. Owenby is now commander of investigations and Merritt is commander of patrols. Mitchell Wright and Alex Hood were promoted from patrol officer to Sergeant. The ceremony took place in front of police headquarters where members the Tallassee Police Department, along with friends and family honored the men. Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune The ceremonial event was the first Mitchell Wright, Alex Hood, Chis Owenby and Benny Merritt stand with their certificates of it’s kind of the Tallassee Police of promotion given Wednesday during the Promotions Ceremony at the Tallassee Police See PROMOTION • Page 2 Station.

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