Tallassee Tribune 01-05-22

LOCAL, PAGE B6

LOCAL, PAGE A6

SPORTS, PAGE B1

Sewage issues in Emfinger to be repaired

Rock fairy saga continues

INSIDE:

THIS WEEK’S OBITUARIES, PAGE A2

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January 5, 2022

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VOL. 124, NO. 1

Tourism merger still up in the air

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer No resolution was passed Monday by the Alexander City City Council that would merge the city’s Lake Martin Tourism Association with Tallapoosa County Tourism.

Alexander City councilmembers and the Tallapoosa County Commission have been discussing merging the two tourism entities to, in effect, get better efficiency from limited funds.

The idea was tabled by the city council to give two absent council members, Buffy Colvin and Chris Brown a chance to have a say in the matter. But the council did discuss how a county wide authority would work at a board level.

It previously thought a combined tourism authority would have to be approved by the Alabama legislature but state statute allows the Tallapoosa County Commission to create a countywide authority. Alexander City can join and have representatives on the combined board.

Alexander City resident and Tallapoosa County commissioner Steve Robinson is championing the merger from the countryside and wants to see a five member tourism authority board and a director. Robinson was not at the Alexander City City Council meeting Monday but commissioner John McKelvey spoke on behalf of the commission and for Robinson. “[Robinson’s] recommendation was two appointed by the council, two appointed by the commission and one at large with the director having a say as to the one at large just because of working with them and the knowledge they would have picking somebody. That is the setup we are in favor of.”

The Alabama law allowing

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY SETS COVID RECORD 1% of residents positive since Christmas

By SIRI HEDREEN Multimedia Reporter One in 100 Tallapoosa County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since Christmas, with the county recording new cases at the fastest rate since the

coronavirus pandemic began.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, the most recent week of Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) data, 402 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Tallapoosa County. The omicron

variant has wasted no time in beating the delta variant’s previous record, vaulting the average daily caseload to 57 new cases per day as of Saturday, up from 12 the previous week.

See RECORD, Page A3

Commentary

Not the Christmas break I wanted

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer It was just days before Christmas and all it brings.

I was looking forward to time off from work. I was looking forward to time with my son and family. I was looking forward to the food — mainly mom’s red velvet cake.

I know I have been around the coronavirus. Several subjects at events or stories I covered have See BREAK, Page A3

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

The emergency department staff at Russell Medical in Alexander City issued Cliff Williams a N95 mask to wear while I received the monoclonal antibody infusion and waited for observation. The observation included a heart monitor and oxygen saturation.

Some Walmarts to offer COVID-19 antiviral medicine

By JAKE ARTHUR Chief Videographer According to a press release distributed Wednesday, the Alexander City Walmart is ready to receive and dispense the recently FDA authorized COVID-19 antiviral medications Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, today as supplies allow.

The medication will only be available at certain Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in a limited number of states until more supply is available. In Tallapoosa County, the medications are only available at the Alexander City Walmart. In Elmore County, the Millbrook Walmart is offering the medications. The medications are only available with a prescription from a health care provider. Since the COVID-19 antiviral medications are prescribed to those with COVID-19, it will only be available by curbside pickup.

See MEDICINE, Page A3

See TOURISM, Page A3

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Page A2 • Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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Obituaries MRS. SARAH ANNE THOMPSON Mrs. Sarah Anne Thompson, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Monday, January 03, 2022, at the age of 86. She was born September 04, 1935, in Tallassee, Alabama, to Jesse and Viola Milner.

Mrs. Thompson is survived by her husband of 69 years, whom she loved with all of her heart, Mr. William “Billy” Thompson; daughter, Beverly Anne Scroggins (Harry)

Police Reports TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT JAN. 3

• Assistance was given to medics on Ashurst Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A funeral escort was provided on Cotton Ridge Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Weldon Road.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on South Ann Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Herd Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Parker Street.

JAN. 2

• Suspicious activity was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Assistance was given to medics on Eighth Street.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Stewart Street.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hickory Street.

• Harassment was reported on Preer Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Third Street.

JAN. 1

• A noise complaint was reported on South McKenzie Street.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to medics on Central Boulevard.

• An assault was reported on Washington Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Eubanks Street.

• Theft was reported on Cherokee Trail.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Birch Street.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A verbal altercation was reported on John Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Little Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on First Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

DEC. 31

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Delta Road.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Freeman Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Gilmer Avenue.

DEC. 30

• A suspicious person was reported on John Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Indian Trail.

• Burglary was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

The Tallassee Tribune

and Grandmama’s grandchildren, Shawn Cox (Paul), Shane Scroggins (Candace), Andy Scroggins (Claire), Ryan Carlisle (Jackie) and Brandi McGinn (Mike); great grandchildren, Cheyenne Dicks (Jacob), Dustin Cox (Shelby), Brittan McGinn, Michael McGinn, Sarah Blaine McGinn, Sydney Carlisle, Cassidy Carlisle, Elsie Scroggins and Lou Scroggins and one great great grandchild who will arrive in July, 2022.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Viola Milner; two sisters, Margaret Sanford and Mary Nell Swiger; two brothers,

• Fraud was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Quail Run Drive.

DEC. 29

• A noise complaint was reported on South Ashurst Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Outer Drive.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle was reported on Joy Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Godwin Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Walnut Street.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on North Ann Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Lake Talisi Drive.

DEC. 28

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A prowler was reported on South Wesson Street.

• Assault was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Harassment was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Thompson Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Venable Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Stroud Street.

• Harassment was reported on Ina Street.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Washington Street.

• Animal control was requested Derry Street.

• A civil dispute was reported on East Patton Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Poplar Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Riverside Avenue.

DEC. 27

• Assistance was provided to a citizen on Friendship Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Salem Place.

• A welfare check was conducted on Cliff Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Assistance was provided to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Fourth Street.

• Assistance was provided to a citizen on South Tallassee Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Rosemere Drive.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Weldon Road.

• A white female was arrested on Freeman Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Fourth Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Pinehurst Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was

Versul Carlisle and Joe Milner and her grandson, Blaine Carlisle.

Mrs. Thompson taught Sunday School and Bible School for over 50 years. She was a member of East Tallassee Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 05, 2022 from 1:00PM until service time at 2:00PM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Carrville Cemetery.

Please follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Derry Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Washington Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

• An animal complaint was reported on Main Street.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A private property traffic accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Muskogee Trail.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A prowler was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Property damage was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Indian Trail.

DEC. 25

• Gunfire was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Herd Street.

• Assistance was given to medics on Dorman Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Redden Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A Black male was arrested on Dolan Road.

• Livestock was reported in the roadway on North Ann Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Outer Drive.

DEC. 24

• A noise complaint was reported on South Anne Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Birch Street.

• Burglary was reported on Rickey Lane.

• Burglary was reported on Rickey Lane.

• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic complaint was reported on Third Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ashurst Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Greenwood Road.

• A domestic complaint was reported on Cliff Street.

• Theft was reported on Washington Street.

• Harassment was reported on Powers Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

DEC. 23

• A domestic dispute was reported on Buck’s Pocket Road.

• Reckless driving was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Clover Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Third Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assitance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on New Quarters Road.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Kent Road.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A traffic accident with

no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complainte was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Ashurst Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Tallassee Highway.

• Burglary was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Central Boulevard.

DEC. 22

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A hit and run accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Second Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Cypress Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassment was reported on Cliff Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Debris was removed from the roadway on Central Boulevard.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Animal control was reported on Caldwell Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Upper River Road.

DEC. 21

• Assistance was provided to a motorist on Kent Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted Cypress Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Carr Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Sims Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on West Patton Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen at Community Hospital.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Story Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Whiteoak Lane.

• An animal complaint was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Redden Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Cobb Road.

• Trespassing and harassment was reported on McClures Point.

• A traffic accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

The Tallassee Tribune

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BREAK

RECORD

Continued from A1

Continued from A1

tested positive in the days after but I have been lucky — even before becoming a Moderna man.

After reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic for two years, I knew the symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion, nausea, diarrhea and loss of taste or smell.

Fifty and sixty hour work weeks will lead to many of these symptoms as will circulating the community to cover stories. It’s kind of like a child at school or daycare, you will pick up whatever the common bug is.

Two years in and I have been tested for COVID-19 more times than I can count — always negative.

I’m used to holding my head slightly tilted back against the wall when at the doctor’s office to allow the swab to scratch my brain.

I’m used to the at-home tests too.

The clock was already ticking for the Christmas break.

My body was telling me it needed the rest too.

My smell was shot already. I knew I had a sinus and ear infection issue from a visit to the doctor just days earlier. But this morning, just two days before a glorious 10 days off from work, something prompted another visit for medical care — I couldn’t taste my eggs scrambled with cheese.

I knew to go ahead and get medical help.

A few hours later I heard the dreadful words I already knew were coming.

“I’m sorry. You are positive for COVID,” the nurse said.

I wasn’t worried. Two years of reporting on the pandemic I knew the medical professionals would take care of me — they’ve been in the trenches fighting it almost every day.

COVID-19 is now normal enough there is almost a standardized list of treatment for it.

I can tell you the list of pills.

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

The staff at Russell Medical in Alexander City prepared Cliff Williams for the monoclonal antibody infusion. In all, the process took about three hours for the infusion and the waiting period to see if there were any adverse reactions.

I can tell you I didn’t react to the monoclonal antibody infusion.

But the list doesn’t answer all the questions.

“Where did I get it?” I asked myself.

No one in my family got it.

Not one of my friends. Not one of my co-workers. No one I associate with outside of work had it about the time I got COVID-19.

It left one place — the community I cover on a daily basis — much like the child who brings home a bug from school.

I know there is much debate about COVID-19 and the debate extends much beyond our corner of Alabama. Numbers are hard to dispute. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has been keeping up with them for the pandemic.

So far in the pandemic ADPH tells us 921,175 of Alabama’s 5,024,279 residents or 18.3 percent have tested positive for COVID-19. In Tallapoosa County almost 19 percent of the county’s 41,311 residents have contracted COVID-19.

That’s just for those who have tested at a medical facility. It doesn’t account for those positive tests for those brave enough to swab at home.

ADPH tells me I’m one of 18,187 residents of Tallapoosa County to have at least two shots of vaccine or 44 percent.

It’s a similar situation across the state.

The only thing the

RECORD

Continued from A1

“We are committed to working with our state and federal partners to provide access to new treatment options like authorized COVID-19 antiviral medications, as they become available,” said Kevin Host, Walmart senior vice president of pharmacy. “This medication offers customers the option to recover at home and helps reduce the burden on our hospitals and communities. As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we’re proud to support our communities through everyday essentials, healthy food, vaccines, medication and other health care needs as we all work together to weather the pandemic.”

Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s Molnupiravir were authorized by the FDA to treat COVID-19 on December 22 and 23, respectively.

MOLNUPIRAVIR

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on December 16 saw a 50 percent reduction in hospitalization in patients taking Molnupiravir.

Merck’s Molnupiravir was authorized by the FDA on December 23 for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in adults with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death,

COVID-19 treatment list had in common with what I wanted to do for Christmas was rest.

Gone was the family gathering and making memories with my son.

ADPH tells me there were 22 others in Tallapoosa County to test positive the same day as me. ADPH tells us since I have tested positive more than 500 others have tested positive in Tallapoosa County.

It was a lonely Christmas but I know others went through the same thing too.

There are only so many ways to lay on the couch and in the bed. As large a selection as Hulu and Amazon Prime have, there are still not enough for more than a week alone.

It’s been more than two weeks and my brain is still trying to figure out what is the normal COVID-19 experience.

I wonder if others in isolation felt as stir crazy as me?

I wonder if others have coughed up the pasty congestion?

I wonder if others slept as much as me?

I wonder if others missed the taste of the food?

The new year has started and I’m out of isolation.

I’m fine now — back at work and rested.

But I wonder if others are missing the Christmas that could have been too.

Cliff Williams is a staff writer for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. Molnupiravir is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset.

According to the FDA, Molnupiravir is not authorized for patients younger than 18, nor is it authorized for pre-exposure or post-exposure prevention of COVID-19.

PAXLOVID

Pfizer’s internal interim analysis showed an 89 percent reduction in risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or death in patients treated with Paxlovid.

Pfizer’s Paxlovid was authorized by the FDA on December 22 for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease in adults and select pediatric patients positive with SARS-COV-2 and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

According to the FDA, Paxlovid – packaged as nirmatrelvir and ritonavir – is not authorized for the pre-exposure or post-exposure prevention of COVID-19. It is also not authorized for treatment of those requiring hospitalization due to severe or critical COVID-19.

Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are not substitutes for vaccination. The FDA urges the public to get vaccinated and receive boosters when eligible.

■■ ■■ Community 9iospita{ 'Eit_ce«ence in Community J{eaCtn Care

Vaccine Clinic Update

Current Status: Vaccines Administered: 2534 Current Vaccine: Moderna ( for Ages 18 and above)

Upcoming Clinic: January 13, 2022

Appointment Request Hotline

(334) 283-3842 • Monday through Friday 7 AM - 5 PM

To learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit www.ADPH.org

Happy New Year

Tallapoosa County has hit a new peak not just in average daily caseload, but absolute daily caseload. Eighty residents tested positive Dec. 28, surpassing the county’s Aug. 30 record by four patients.

As of 11:15 a.m.

Monday, the drive-thru COVID-19 testing

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 • Page A3

line at Russell Medical Center exceeded 60 vehicles, wrapping around the urgent care center on three sides and nearly spilling into Elkahatchee Road. Just under one in five COVID-19 tests are coming back positive in Tallapoosa County, according to ADPH, despite a statewide positivity rate of 36.4 percent.

But where cases have exploded, hospital -

TOURISM

Continued from A1

the county to create a countywide tourism authority allows a municipality to have one member for each $70,000 of lodging tax collected. In Alexander City’s case, it would allow up to five members.

City officials and the commission are in favor of a five person board for the ease of bringing the decision making body together.

Lake Martin Tourism Authority (LMTA) chair Ed Collari said the city’s tourism authority LMTA currently has a 12 person board with members from Russell Lands, the chamber, city council and the business community. Collari believes the larger board allows for better input into the direction of a tourism organization.

“Because tourism is so broad, you need representation around the table,” Collari said. “They don’t prevent you from doing stuff, they guide you to be successful.”

Collari said he was disappointed about the process of a possible merger of the two entities.

“No one has come to talk to us about this,” Collari said. “I do disagree about the duplication of services. The two entities are different in their focuses and what their goals are.”

Collari said he wants to make sure the city’s tourism efforts are not lost in a combined authority.

Councilmember Eric Brown is satisfied the city would have a seat at the table in a combined tourism authority.

“The number you guys are wanting,

izations are rising at a much slower rate. As of Tuesday, 994 Alabamians were in the hospital with COVID-19, the highest in three months but less than one-third of the previous peak.

“The omicron variant continues to spread, and vaccination is the best way to protect health and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities,” ADPH said in a statement last week.

I’m fine with,” Brown said. “I’m just curious who and how. As far as Alexander City and the commission, three of y’all have a part of Alexander City.

That representation is well already.”

Other municipalities in Tallapoosa County could join the authority too but representation would have to be agreed upon before they could join a county authority.

Sandra Fuller is the current director of Tallapoosa County Tourism. Brandy Hastings was director of Lake Martin Tourism Association. Hastings resigned last year but is working for the LMTA on a contract basis.

Councilmembers wanted to make sure funding was in place for current tourism initiatives until a proposed merger happens.

“If this does take place, we would take a look at funding at a later date,” city clerk Amanda Thomas said.

“The current authority is funded on a month-by-month basis until this takes place with the county. The remaining would go to the county [authority] and with the new fiscal year, we would look at how much to allocate for the next fiscal year.”

McKelvey said the county currently allocates $148,000 to the county authority to cover salary, benefits, events and advertising. The city cut its allocation for tourism like it did for all of its allocations in the general fund this fiscal year. It still totals more than $100,000.

The city’s delay likely means the Tallapoosa County Commission cannot take up the issue at its Monday meeting, delaying a possible merger until at least March.

Page A4 • Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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The Tallassee Tribune

The struggle between consumerism and sustainability

W

ith the holiday season winding to a close and the world moving forward into another New Year, it may be the perfect time to reflect on our way of buying and using goods.

The majority of the world’s economy is based on the concept of consumerism. On the surface this does not seem to be a bad thing, as we need to consume goods and services in order to live. However, the excess acquisition of goods may lead to extremely harmful practices.

Consider our increasingly unhealthy dependence on imported goods from far away, products that often could be produced much closer to where they are actually used, thus resulting in substantially less use of climate-harming fossil fuel. This is not only unsustainable for our ecology, but also for our economy, with trade imbalances impoverishing the US and enriching China, for example. That deficit was more than $310 billion in 2020 says the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Consumerism is not entirely good or bad, it depends on practice. Does a company exploit workers? (yes, Walmart, we mean you) Do they pollute? (looking at you, Coca-Cola) Is the corporation guilty of defrauding consumers? (wow, RJ Reynolds, BP, Volkswagen, Enron and others) Are consumerism and sustainability compatible? Sustainability focuses on a morally just and ethical approach,

SEBASTIAN SANTOS Columnist caring equally for the consumer, the environment, and the producers. Meanwhile, consumerism focuses solely on profit, including planned obsolescence—designing goods that will too quickly become either unusable or unfashionable. Laws in most places are inadequate to stop most producers from failing to pay the true costs, often passing those on to the taxpaying public or future generations. If lawmakers grappled with stopping those externalized costs ethical consumerism would be far easier.

Sustainability, or going green is doable, even for manufacturers. Tips to the businesspeople making or trading in goods from author Sandra Goldmark (Fixation: How to have stuff without breaking the planet): · Develop multiple revenue streams— not only from selling new stuff but also from resale, repair, upgrade, rental, and service models. · Move away from the “race to the bottom” on pricing. Sell fewer items but make money from the same item multiple times by offering resale and repair. · Create stronger relationships with customers based on quality, transpar-

ency, and service.

As concerned consumers, what can we do to be more sustainable? There is a growing awareness on what a conscious consumer is and how one can become one. None of these are too tough or expensive for the majority of us: · Buy only what is needed · Avoid excess packaging on products (sorry, Trader Joe’s, we are heading for the unbagged section of the grocery store and we are bringing our own bags) · Consider the product’s life span · Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle · Think quality, not quantity · Take good care of products to extend their lifespan · Align with companies that incorporate more sustainable practices Though the holidays have come and gone, we will inevitably fall back into this consumerist trap unless we start becoming more conscious about our own consumer practices. These suggestions, we hope, prompt us all to think more about how we can enjoy stuff and do so in ways that enhance our sense of satisfaction, save us money, preserve the planet, and help business be good and do well.

Sebastian Santos, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a graduate of Portland State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Lewis and Clark College.

Dr. Tom H. Hastings, PeaceVoice Senior Editor, contributed to this column.

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Political righteousness in church

P

olitical righteousness, or “I ain’t stupid!” has been around since the beginning.

“And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” Who would ever have thought a talking serpent would lie?

Fast forward to 2022. Politics has infected all of America. We have all tested positive for stupid, to the extent that even our churches and religious institutions are debating political issues as if they were questions of orthodoxy or orthopraxy.

We used to have denominational tags. Nowadays we have political tags like conservative, progressive, liberal, or moderate.

After WWII, Europeans began leaving churches and abandoning religion in general. We see a similar abandonment in America today with the formerly faithful exchanging their faith for political righteousness. While political correctness has always been a trump card for the political left, political righteousness is the zeal that spans the political spectrum. All sides believe they are politically righteousness.

Many religious leaders in America have become alarmed at reduced

DANIEL GARDNER Columnist attendance and participation in religious organizations and institutions particularly among younger generations. They have become even more concerned about political battles amongst the faithful. Religious politics is the latest syncretistic blending of culture and faith.

The Bible is a record of God’s working His plan through the ages.

We read time after time of God promising deliverance for His people whether they believed or not.

It’s His plan and His work, not dependent on any of us for sure. And, yet we worry what we should do to solve the troubles and problems that have descended on earth at the end of the sixth millennium. Like Eve, we somehow believe we can make things better. “We’re not stupid!”

Political righteousness is the belief we can make things good, or at least better through government.

Political righteousness believes we can legislate or dictate higher moral standards, that humanity itself can

lift us up by our own bootstraps. In a way, political righteousness is a fulfillment of Paul’s description of the last days in his letter to Timothy when he wrote, “For men will be lovers of self … always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Somewhere along the way we have abandoned the biblical view that man is inherently bad and have fully embraced the worldly belief that most people are good. Mark’s gospel records a man kneeling before Jesus asking Him, “Good Teacher what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”

As usual we continue to face uncertain days and times. Rather than continuing to seek deliverance through our own politically righteous prowess, perhaps we should listen to the Preacher, who wrote, “I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, and the battle is not to the warriors … for time and chance overtake them all.”

God is no less at work in the world today than He has ever been. If we believed this we would see it and not be tempted to make His plans better. In times of distress it’s better for believers to watch and see what God is doing.

Talks

The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 • Page A5

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

Election year is here

H

appy New Year. It is election year in the good ole Heart of Dixie.

Alabama, like a good many southern states, has our monumental political year in what the nation refers to as the off-year or midterm election year cycle. This reference is, of course, to the presidential election being the main political event.

Thus, the last presidential race being 2020 and the next main presidential race being 2024.

Most states have their gubernatorial election year at the same time as the presidential contest. We are different, we have our big year in off-years.

This new year of 2022 will see our constitutional offices up for election, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner, State Treasurer, Secretary of State and State Auditor. Not only does the governor and all constitutional offices run this year, but so do all 67 sheriffs and all 140 legislative and state senate seats.

The governor’s race has historically been the premier political race in Alabama politics. It is the pinnacle or brass ring of our political world. Therefore, we old time political folks refer to this year as the gubernatorial year.

Qualifying began January 4 and ends January 28.

The GOP and Democratic Primary elections will be May 24. The runoff election is set for June 21. The winner of the Republican Primary will be elected governor. Winning the GOP nomination for statewide office in Alabama is tantamount to election. No serious candidate would run as a Democrat.

It was thought that Governor Kay Ivey would coast to reelection with only token opposition. After all, polling reveals that she is one of the most popular incumbent governors in the country. She has done a good job as governor and will be tough to beat. However, in recent weeks two viable candidates have announced that they are running for governor. Lynda “Lyndy” Blanchard and Tim James are attempting to outflank her on the right. These two are viable candidates for one reason – they have individual wealth, which allows them the ability to acquire name identification and voter approval.

Lyndy Blanchard launched a campaign for our open senate seat in early 2021. However, by year’s end she flipped a switch and moved to the governor’s race.

Her only claim to being qualified to run for governor is that she bought an ambassadorship to Slovenia in the administration of former president, Donald Trump. Her only hope for the governor’s race is that she can wish for Trump to endorse her. Although this would probably not be enough. As a lame duck, who has been out of the White House for over a year and who’s popularity is waning, his nod may not be as important as once thought. Blanchard’s only calling card is that she flashed $5 million on her senate campaign filing reports. It remains to be seen if indeed she spends that much of her own money on an uphill race for governor.

Tim James is making his third race for governor. He is the son of two-time governor Fob James. Tim is a likeable fellow, is extremely conservative, and harps on fringe social issues like outlawing Yoga in schools.

He, like Blanchard, possesses the main ingredient to make himself a viable candidate. He has some personal wealth and if he indeed spends some of his money, he can garner a certain segment of the vote.

If Kay Ivey sticks to her knitting, stays home and governs, and looks gubernatorial and does not beat herself, she will more than likely prevail.

The big question is can this full field of candidates, including Tim James, Lyndy Blanchard, Stacy George and Dean Odle, force Kay Ivey into a runoff or will she defeat the field without a runoff like she did in 2018? That question will be answered on May 24.

The power of incumbency will be omnipotent in the other statewide constitutional offices. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth will be reelected with no or token opposition. The same applies for Attorney General Steve Marshall. He will be reelected to another four-year term unscathed. Interestingly, Ainsworth and Marshall are from the same North Alabama County of Marshall.

Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate will escape opposition and will be reelected to that important state post for another four-years. State Treasurer Young Boozer will coast to reelection, probably unopposed.

The power of incumbency prevails in the Heart of Dixie in 2022. However, we will have a doozy of a contest for our open United States Senate Seat, which we will discuss next week.

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.

Bird’s 18th annual year in review

T

his is the eighteenth edition of the “Bird’s Eye View” review for Tallapoosa Publishers of what my cousin Rendell calls info-tainment. I submit to you my top events of the year.

BEST SINGLE (TIE): “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo and “Leave the Door Open” by Anderson.Paak & Bruno Mars. Olivia Rodrigo was a 17-year-old sensation who let it all out in a song about heartache and, yes, getting her driver’s license. Anderson.Paak and Bruno Mars joined together as an R&B duo calling themselves SilkSonic, and released a soulful LP together.

Both of these songs deserved their runs at number one.

WORST SINGLE: I am giving a thumbs-down to “Montero” by Lil Nas X – not because of the gross frenzy of Satanic imagery in the video or the bloody Nike shoes, but because this talented artist squandered some serious goodwill he had rightfully earned in 2019 when he became the first black gay rapper to have a number-one country record. He crossed over several genres and appealed to generations of listeners, busting down generations-old barriers.

With this new twist, however, he went for broke on the devil thing and, instead of being shocking, was just disgusting.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: ABBA returned to radio and the charts after a 35-year hiatus, and they sounded no different than they did back then with their new album, Voyage. They also looked the same – they became holograms of their 1970s selves and went on tour around Europe.

MOST SURPRISING SAMPLE: I didn’t know anyone remembered “My Little Town,” the reunion single by Simon & Garfunkel from 1976. It was surprising to hear the familiar horn riff on the new song by AJR, “Way Less Sad.” And what’s really great is that it works

MICHAEL BIRD

Columnist

great in the new tune!

CLASSIC TV SHOWS LOSING CAST MEMBERS: It was said a lot over the years, but Cloris Leachman and Ed Asner were two of the brightest stars on the Mary Tyler Moore show in the 1970s and beyond in their roles as flighty landlady Phyllis Lindstrom and gruff newsman Lou Grant. Both actors crossed the way this year, leaving behind some legendary performances other than on that classic sitcom. I cast my vote to also remember them for their dramatic roles; examples: Ed Asner as the captain of the slave ship that brought Kunta Kinte to America in Roots and Cloris Leachman as the neglected wife of a closeted husband in The Last Picture Show.

REBOOT FEVER: Sometimes, it seemed Hollywood couldn’t come up with a fresh idea at all. There were reunions and reboots all over the place, from restaged episodes of “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “The Facts of Life,” and “Diff’rent Strokes”; continuations of earlier series such as “Dexter”; and catching up with older versions of the characters from “Punky Brewster” and “Saved by the Bell.” But one reboot stood tall among them all: “The Wonder Years,” created by Montgomery native Saladin Patterson. This new show, directed and produced by original show star Fred Savage, bears the hallmarks of the classic series in that every episode is loaded with heart and humor.

It’s also really awesome that the series has filmed in my hometown of Montgomery. The show airs on Wednesday

nights on ABC, and it is highly recommended.

BEST DOCUMENTARY (TIE): AppleTV+ gave us “1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything.” After watching all parts of this series, I am inclined to agree. There are too many points to mention here, so I’ll just recommend that you watch it. Disney+ brought forth “Get Back,” which was an alternate version of the Beatles break-up film “Let it Be.” “Get Back” was everything “Let it Be” could have been – a look inside the world’s greatest rock band putting together an album and working out differences along the way.

BEST FILM: I didn’t go to the movies in 2021. My teenage daughters tell me the “West Side Story” remake and the “House of Gucci” movie are really good, but I haven’t made time for them yet. My son went to see the new Spider-Man movie and recommends it, also.

PANDEMIC APPOINTMENT VIEWING: For me, it was “Gunsmoke” every night. Somehow, Marshal Dillon made our crazy world of 2021 seem somehow safe again. And there are 700 episodes over 20+ years, so you always see something new!

TRAVELIN’: Nobody went overseas this year. Our family went to the natural history museum in Anniston; the zoo, Archives, and the Capitol in Montgomery; DeSoto Caverns in Childersburg; and several other places around the state. My daughter Abbey moved to Texas, and along with daughter Miriam stayed in Colorado for a few weeks. I also got to fly to Chicago for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, a workshop I’ve wanted to attend my entire career and finally got the chance to go. However, as Omicron spreads, things have started to shut down again, so travel is probably going to be curtailed as we enter 2022.

Page A6 • Wednesday, January 5, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Tallapoosa County woman turns

100 on New Year’s Day

By SIRI HEDREEN Multimedia Reporter Willie Mae Edwards was born New Year’s Day, 1922, on the heels of a global flu pandemic. The lifelong Alexander City resident has now lived to see history repeat itself, finding herself back in the year ‘22 in the middle of a global coronavirus pandemic.

That didn’t stop Edwards from celebrating her 100th birthday from her front SIRI HEDREEN / THE OUTLOOK porch Saturday behind a Taquilla Harvey peeks through the door at Willie Mae Edwards as screened-in door marked Edwards celebrated her 100th birthday on New Year’s Day Saturday.

“MASK REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.” Four generaAs for Edwards’ secret to five decades before the detions of family, from Ed- longevity, it’s nothing not segregation of Alexander wards’ children to great- already known to science, City Schools and nine degreat-grandchildren, along but laudatory nonetheless. cades before Russell Corp. with countless friends who “I don’t drink. I didn’t left for good. considered her a mother or smoke. I didn’t go to parIn all that time, Edwards grandmother drove by to ties,” she said. “The main has belonged to the same wish Willie Mae a happy thing, I treated everyone congregation — Great Bethbirthday. An Alexander City right.” el Baptist Church — and has Police car escorted the proThe healthy lifestyle has spent 73 years in the same cession. allowed the centenarian to house near the Cooper Com“She took care of a lot of see 10 decades of change in munity Center. kids,” said Mary Wallace, Alexander City, change she “When I moved here my one of Edwards’ 12 children. describes as “for the bet- daughter was nine days Also in her charge was ter.” When Edwards was old,” she said. neighbor Dorothy Heard, born Jan. 1, 1922, AlexDespite her entrenchment who stopped by Saturday, ander City — population in the community, Edwards and William and Paul Wins- 5,498 — was only two de- said she was pleasantly surlett, who Edwards helped cades out from the great fire prised by the length of the raise working for their moth- that razed its downtown, af- procession Saturday. er and father. The parents ter which Benjamin Rus“I didn’t know it would be have since passed, but Wil- sell set out to build Russell that many people but I enjoy liam was back in town Sat- Manufacturing Company. them; I love all of them,” urday to wish his surrogate It would be another two de- she said. “I love everyone. I mother a happy birthday. cades before World War II, don’t hate nobody.”

Work continues on Emfinger sewage issues

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer For decades storm water has flooded the Emfinger subdivision in Tallassee.

Some of that storm water has entered the city’s sewer system.

Many might think a sewer system is an appropriate place for storm water but the water from rain can flood the city’s carefully balanced sewer system affecting the system’s discharge.

A new project will help solve the issue. The Tallassee City Council approved a study two years ago to locate areas where ground and storm water was entering the city’s sewer system and a trunk line through the Emfinger subdivision was identified as needing help. Last month, the council approved a low bid of $888,690 to mediate the issue in the area.

“We found [inflow] and [infiltration] in the Emfinger subdivision,” Mayor John Hammock said. “This project will help.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS / THE TRIBUNE

Work on storm drains along Whatley Avenue and Camelia Drive has been completed. It is the first step in helping elevate storm water entering Tallassee’s sewer system.

In the last couple of years the council has approved an ad valorem increase to help with sewage projects including renovating the city’s sewage treatment

and collection system. The added revenue is to be used to pay loans from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s (ADEM) state re-

volving fund (SRF).

The entire project according to the loan application is still more than two years away, but the city can start spending the funds im-

mediately.

“We won’t be billed until the completion of the sewer plant which is looking like 2024 now,” Hammock said.

Jeff Harrison with CDG Engineers and Associates said the sewage treatment plant project is in the design phase. Payment of the SRF loan would not start until the part of the project is complete. Harrison said he would like to see the Emfinger project go ahead and get started to help the current sewage treatment plant and ponds.

“It is a reputable contractor,” Harrison said. “We are below budget on this. As we are getting into the rainy season, we would love to be able to address this as quickly as we can so we can take a little relief on the wastewater treatment plant until we get those improvements made.”

The work is necessary to meet the agreement Tallassee made with ADEM in a consent decree about issues with the city’s sewage treatment.

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CommunityCalendar JAN. 8

COMMUNITY MEETING: The Redland Community Association (RCA) will meet at 10 a.m., January 8, in Carter Hall, Mulder Memorial United Church, 3454 Fire Tower Road. Residents of all surrounding communities are invited and encouraged to attend.

Ongoing Events

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a yearlong hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

LIVING WORD: You belong here. You and your family are always welcome here. We are located at 1826 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, across from the Dollar General. Call 334-492-0777 for more information.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 • Page A7

Submit calendar items: Participate in your Tribune by calling 334-567-3284, faxing them to 334-567-3284, sending your event to carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com or logging on to http://

www.thewetumpkaherald.com/.

Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025 LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m.

All are welcome to the meetings

which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.

G A M B L E R S A N O N YMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334567-0476 for more information.

AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka.

RED HILL GALLERY: The

Red Hill Gallery on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.

MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Humane Society of Elmore County news

By REA CORD

PET OF THE WEEK – TUCKER

Tucker is an active, happygo-lucky male hound mix, almost a year and a half old, about 40 lbs. He is a super playful and friendly boy, loves toys, great with other dogs, cats and children.

Adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over oneyear-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, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Tucker or any of the Humane Society of Elmore County pets, please email hselco@

bellsouth.net for the Adoption Application. Once that is cleared, they will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.

The Humane Society of Elmore County is located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka. Their phone number is 334567-3377, and you can visit their website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

Let’s start off 2022 with a reminder of what our Shelter is about: the Humane Society of Elmore County is an Open-Admission (meaning we take in pets that are friendly, scared, vicious, sick, healthy, old and litter after litter) Animal Shelter taking in pets from throughout Elmore County. We cannot take in pets that have bitten (or scratched depending on the situation) a human in the preceding ten days in accordance with Alabama Rabies Laws. We also take in small domestic pets, but not wildlife as we are not a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. We only take in livestock on a limited basis, via Animal Control Officers under abandonment or cruelty cases as we do not have the facilities to deal with owner surrendered livestock.

We take many calls about stray animals but since we do not have the authority to pick up animals, we direct callers to the appropriate Animal Control Officer (ACO). Whether picked up by an ACO or a citizen, all these animals come to our shelter at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka where we then take over their care. After the legally mandated stray hold, or immediately in the case of owner surrenders, we then work to get them assessed and ready for adoption. We do take owner surrendered pets from Elmore County residents and do so by appointment – call us at 334-567-3377 to set up that appointment. Our adoptions are by application and appointment as well, and these methods work very well to let us better assist the public and care for our pets.

We can assist ACO’s with cruelty and neglect cases if they need us from the field site all the way through the court case hearings. If we are caring for animals seized under cruelty or neglect charges (or any others that come to us injured or sick) we ensure all necessary veterinary care for the animal’s well-being/recovery and document every facet of their intake and recovery for prosecution, to include all the costs incurred.

If you are in need of animal control assistance it is important that you call the appropriate Animal Control Officer as these are law enforcement matters. If the animal situation is within the city limits of any of the towns noted below you must call that city. If you are not in the city limits of Millbrook, Tallassee or Eclectic, then call the Elmore County Sheriff’s Dispatch.

If you live in the unincorporated County areas, Wetumpka, Coosada or Elmore Township call 334-567-5227. If you live in Millbrook or Tallassee, call 334-285-6832. If you live in Eclectic, call 334-541-2149.

We do take many calls/emails/Facebook posts from people wanting to report a situation but who just don’t want to call a law enforcement agency. We must caution that second and third hand reports greatly limit the investigative abilities of law enforcement. If you have witnessed cruelty, abuse or neglect the dispatchers will be keep your identification confidential and that will go a long way to getting faster help for the animal(s) in harm’s way. If you do need to contact our shelter you can call us at 334-567-3377, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or message on our Shelter Facebook page.

Religion

Visit our sister websites: www.AlexCityOutlook.com www.TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Page A8 • Wednesday, January 5, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com The Tallassee Tribune

Whatever happened to church membership?

I saw her at a funeral recently and remembered her telephone call.

She was a member of our church, though I’d not met her since I was the new pastor. She called to tell me she’d joined another church.

“This church won’t send acknowledgement, so I wanted you to know for your records,” she said.

This incident was about seven years ago, and it’s the first time I began to see the waning of the traditional practice of churches acknowledging transfers of membership. In the Baptist church we call this one’s “church letter,” which we borrowed from Paul’s word that he didn’t need “letters of recommendation” from the Corinthian church since their changed lives were the validity of his missionary work (2 Corinthians 3:1-3). In our denomination, we used to joke letters of transfer are important, and only

MICHAEL BROOKS Columnist

granted when joining another church or going to heaven!

The church our former member joined wasn’t a Baptist church, but even many churches in our denomination aren’t managing membership records as people come and go. I’m not sure why other than there’s no official to make us do it, and it’s one more thing for busy congregations to do.

I’ve battled some church members over the years who’ve insisted we remove people from membership who

don’t attend.

“All they’re doing is hurting our records,” they said.

I’ve gingerly reminded critics that people are our “record.” At one time we accepted a spiritual responsibility to care for these folk. If we cavalierly remove people, who will care for them? Who will pray for them? Who will seek to serve them in the name of Christ? We must love people more than they sometimes love us.

We know that trusting Christ for salvation is primary, but it’s biblical to seek out like-minded believers as a new spiritual family once we come to Christ. Indeed, most who come to Christ do so through the witness of local churches, so it’s normal and natural for them to continue this relationship with church membership.

Churches have members whose names are on their rolls but who at-

tend other churches, have joined other churches or don’t attend any church. Thus, the matter of church membership has taken a hit, and we struggle to maintain meaningful church memberships. I think we’re the poorer for this. Accountability is lessened. The church in the New Testament is called the “bride of Christ.”

Christ surely loves his bride and serving him through his church is a matter of obedience (Ephesians 5:25).

Being a Christian and being an active member of a local church go hand-in-glove. The church continues to point us to a world in need and says, “Brothers and sisters, let’s go.”

Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.

Church Briefs BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s

BAPTIST Bethlehem East 7561 Upper River Road Calvary Baptist Church 293 N Wesson Street Word of Life 501 Sims Avenue Carrville Baptist Church 2436 Notasulga Road East Tallassee Baptist Church 314 Central Boulevard Elam Baptist Church 4686 Notasulga Road First Baptist Church 1279 Friendship Road Flatrock Missionary Baptist Church 1024 Flat Rock Road

Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry.

ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants.

CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information

Tallassee Churches

Friendship 4345 Friendship Road Liberty Baptist Church 574 Liberty Road Mount Zion Baptist Church 64 Log Circle Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road River Road 239 Lower Tuskegee Road Riverside Heights Hispanic Mission 495 Little Road Rock Springs 375 Rigsby Road

Rock Springs Baptist Church 2810 Rock Springs Drive Tallassee First 1279 Friendship Road Tallaweka Baptist Church 1419 Gilmer Avenue Westside Baptist Church 1825 Gilmer Avenue CATHOLIC St Vincent De Paul Parish 620 Gilmer Avenue

CHRISTIAN/OTHER Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ 1072 Muskogee Trail East Tallassee Church of Christ 501 Central Boulevard

First Presbyterian Church 514 Central Blvd Light of Jesus Outreach Ministries 140 Gin Street Macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Road Mount Olive Congregational Christian Church NACCC 492 Kent Road Oak Heights Church of Christ 74 Manning Circle Tallassee Church of Christ 209 Gilmer Avenue Wind Rain & Fire Ministries International 1201 Gilmer Avenue Vessel Church

about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-2832195. FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY

Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www. wacqradio.com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.

84632 Tallassee Highway, Eclectic, AL 36024 God’s Church, Campfire Ministries 209 Barnett Bouelvard Tallassee, AL 36078 The Lord Our Righteousness Center, Inc. 4566 Claud Road Eclectic, AL 36024 Tallassee First Assembly of God 185 Friendship Road, Tallassee, AL 36078 EPISCOPAL Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue

Surrounding Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), El-

more 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 2855545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka

569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church 2520 Lynwood Dr., Millbrook 2855213 Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 5142881

Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist 3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 2856792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 5674729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka

Sports

www.TallasseeTribune.com The

Tribune

Phone: 334-283-6568 Fax: 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com Wednesday, January 5, 2022 • Page B1

Wetumpka wrestling at full health entering region duals

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor As region and postseason play nears, Wetumpka wrestling coach Anthony Byrd believes he will finally have his squad at full health.

Wetumpka’s wrestling team is coming out of the Christmas break in better health than they’ve been in all year, and just in time for the first round of Region Duals tournament on Tuesday.

Wetumpka hosts the first round of the Duals on Tuesday. The Indians will host Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County and Holtville at 5 p.m. The top two teams will advance to face the top two teams out of Pelham, Shelby County, Chelsea and Helena

on Thursday.

Tuesday will be the first duals match this season where Wetumpka has its full starting lineup able to participate.

“We’ve had a lot of issues this year with not having everyone available at the same time,” Byrd said. “So getting everybody back healthy and not sick or not hurt is going to be good for duals in this second half.

There’s been very few duals this year that we’ve gone into it with 100% of our team. I’m excited to see how we do that.”

The Wetumpka wrestlers that have been at full health this year have had quite the years.

That includes some of the team captains such as sophomore Noah

Smith, who is 22-4 in the 132-pound weight class, sophomore Willie Cox, who is 21-3 in the heavyweight class, and junior Chad Strickland, who is the team’s leader with a 25-1 record in the 126-pound weight class.

The fourth team captain is also a sophomore in Christian Preston, who wrestles in the 195-pound weight class. Three of the four team captains are sophomores, which is much different from the 2020 season when all of the team captains were seniors.

Byrd said it’s weird going from seniors to sophomore team captains, but his wrestlers are handling their See WRESTLING, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

Wetumpka junior Chad Strickland has been the Indians’ top wrestler this year.

Wrestling in the 126-pound weight class, Strickland currently has a 25-1 overall record.

Stanhope’s Kramer signs with CACC to play softball

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

CALEB TURRENTINE / THE TRIBUNE

Edgewood’s Lindsey Brown reached the exclusive 1,000 point club in a game against Lakeside Academy last week.

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY’S LINDSEY BROWN REACHES

1,000

POINT CLUB

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

E

dgewood Academy girls basketball star Lindsey Brown hit a massive career milestone last week.

Brown, a sophomore point guard, joined the exclusive 1,000 point club at Edgewood Academy. In the game against Lakeside Academy on Thursday, Dec. 29, Brown hit a 3-pointer in the third quarter to tie the game 24-24 and put her at 1,000 points.

“It’s pretty special to see her do something like this,” Edgewood coach Jason Fisher said.

“I actually taught her when she was in the fourth grade, so it’s even more special. I’ve known her for so long, she’s like one of my own kids. It’s just really neat to be a part of this journey for her.”

Brown has shown the ability to score at will early this season. Through 15 games of Edgewood’s campaign, Brown is the team’s leading scorer at 21.7 points per game. Nobody else on Edgewood’s team is averaging over 6.7 points.

Brown has especially seen her scoring take over in the month of December. After scoring a season-low 3 points in a loss to Lee-Scott on Nov. 29, Brown has taken over.

The Wildcats played 11 See 1,000, Page B2

Stanhope Elmore senior Katie Kramer has always dreamed of playing college softball, and she fulfilled that dream in December.

Kramer, who serves as a utility player at catcher, middle infield, outfield and even pitcher, signed her National Letter of Intent to play college softball at Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette.

She signed her NLI to officially become a Warhawk on Dec. 10.

“I’m just very excited because it’s been a dream of mine to play ball in college since I was in elementary school,” Kramer said. “Coach (Mallory Radwitch) is just one of the best options for me. She shows that she cares and wanted me on her team. They have a good school and program and I wanted to go there.”

Coastal Alabama first got into contact with Kramer back in September. Kramer was playing in a tournament with one of her All-Star teams, and the tournament she was a midnight tournament.

The tournament ended around 6 a.m., and Kramer impressed enough for Coastal Alabama’s recruiter to stay there throughout the night to talk to her when she finished playing. A few weeks later, she was invited to the school for a visit and she viewed the campus.

“We did some field work while I was there, and then a few weeks after my visit, they called me back and offered me a scholarship,” Kramer said.

Like she’s played both at Stanhope and for her travel ball and all-star teams, she is being recruited to Coastal Alabama as a utility player.

She will primarily play both catcher and outfielder, but the option to play shortstop and second base are on the table if she is needed at those positions. Kramer said wherever she is needed to play, she can play.

With another season still ahead of her in the high school ranks, she wants to work primarily on being a leader while still improving her hitting and fielding and becoming a better overall player.

“I feel like I’m a pretty good hitter,” Kramer said. “I’m a base hitter. I don’t hit a lot of home runs, but I can hit for RBIs. I’m pretty good in the field. I really just try as hard as I can.”

See KRAMER, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

Katie Kramer (front right) signed her National Letter of Intent to play college softball at Coastal Alabama Community College last month. She is being recruited to play catcher and outfield in college.

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John Madden inspired countless football fans, players, coaches and writers

KRAMER

Continued from B1

Kramer was one of two Stanhope players to sign NLIs in December, joining teammate Kelbi Johnson who signed with Central Alabama Community College.

Stanhope finished this past softball season with an 8-17 overall record and a 2-3 area record. Now the Mustangs are led by first-year head coach Keith Jones. With both college signees returning and other players playing key roles, Kramer is excited to finish her senior season on a good note.

“I feel like we are going to have a great season this year,” Kramer said. “Hopefully we do well.”

WRESTLING Continued from B1

own and playing the role well.

“Seeing these guys step up and be leaders at such a young age has been really impressive,” Byrd said.

Strickland, who leads the Indians with his 25-1 record, is no stranger to winning.

After starting his sophomore season in 2020 on the JV squad, he quickly moved to varsity and won 28 consecutive matches throughout the season to put his win total over 30.

He finished state-runner up in the 113 class as Wetumpka finished third overall in the standings.

This year, Byrd came in as

one of the state favorites and he has shown that strength in the early portion of the season.

“Chad was the only kid returning for us that placed at state last year,” Byrd said.

“I’ve seen him step up as a leader and fill in that role that the seniors left last year.

He’s shown the kids how it’s done and what it takes to be as good as he is. Mentally, he’s not the young kid anymore. He’s not nervous anymore and not worried about who he is wrestling against.

He just goes out there and wrestles.”

The Region duals tournament that took place on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at Wetumpka finished too late to make this print edition. Coverage of the event will be online.

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

The Tallassee Tribune

A

t 8 years old, all I wanted in my life was a video game system.

I had a little GameBoy Color with one game on it, Doctor Mario, but despite my relentless pestering my parents hadn’t caved and bought me any of the most popular consoles of that day.

But Santa went beyond the authority of my mom and dad. If I asked him for one and behaved well enough, I’d get a system and there was nothing they could do about it.

Christmas morning came. Saint Nick sent me on a scavenger hunt for my final gift, he always did that for my biggest one he left me. Four clues later there it was, hidden in a file cabinet beside the freezer in my childhood basement — a Nintendo 64. Just like my friend Payton had.

Kris Kringle left me several games to go with it, of course, but none got more play over the years than Madden 2000.

John Madden, the namesake of football’s most popular video game, passed away at the age of 85 Tuesday. It’s a near-impossible task to think of someone who impacted more peoples’ respective journeys through America’s biggest sport.

I only knew Madden via the gaming series growing up. He was the one who made all my touchdown passes from Jeff Blake to Carl Pickens (quarterback and wide re-

1,000

Continued from B1

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games since that loss, and Brown has scored at least 19 points in 10 of them. Her lowest scoring total since that game is 10 points, and she has reached the 20-point mark or higher in eight of the 11 games.

Brown has scored over 20 points in four consecutive games, and she scored a season-high 32 points in a win over Ab-

today a reader, SUBSCRIBE TODAY 256-234-4281

IN PRINT AND ONLINE. alexcityoutlook.com thewetumpkaherald.com tallasseetribune.com

ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director ceiver for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1999) sound cool on his replay breakdowns.

My friends and I torched each other as Michael Vick on Madden 2004 and I won five consecutive Super Bowls with the Bengals on franchise mode in Madden 2010, the final game in which Madden himself provided in-game commentary.

That was 2009 — Madden titles are released the August prior to the year on the game — and it marked the conclusion of Madden’s real-life broadcasting career as well.

Countless millions heard Madden’s voice every Sunday for decades through that avenue. If he weren’t already enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a coach he’d likely be in as a broadcaster. He was known for showy descriptions and extensive use of route drawings on replays, able to lay out the finest intricacies of one of the world’s most nuanced sports in a digestible way. This skill is shown in his 16 Sports Emmy Awards.

Madden made the elements of a football game beyond the plays en-

beville Christian Academy on Dec. 28.

“She really creates a lot of her own shots,” Fisher said of Brown’s season.

“She’s just got to trust herself, and that’s one thing about being a sophomore. There’s still some self-doubt there, but allin-all, she takes control and turns her defense into offensive points.”

As Brown continues her already illustrious career, she has started to set her sights on bigger goals.

She told Fisher that she would like to become the

tertaining too. Sideline reactions, fan antics, random happenings in the stadium all got fun analytical spins when he was in the booth.

He called games for CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC, some of the biggest networks in American television. His voice was the one selected from primetime slots on Sunday or Monday night football.

Watching the way he broke down plays on those broadcasts and in those video games influenced me as a writer. His emphatic, conversational style made a great model for aspiring sports journalists, especially in the broadcasting field.

As a coach he landed in plenty of primetime slots too. He led the Oakland Raiders to a win in Super Bowl XI and posted a career record of 103-32-7 in 10 seasons there. He was the youngest head coach in NFL history at the time of his hiring.

Madden oversaw the Raiders’ renowned defensive backfield known as “The Soul Patrol” and came out on the losing end of perhaps the most famous play in football history, the “Immaculate Reception” in the 1972 AFC Championship game.

Whether as a coach, announcer or video game proponent and personality, if your life has been touched by football, it’s been touched by John Madden. The two are synonymous, inseparable. For 50 years, no one spread the game more.

AISA’s All-time leading scorer by the end of her career.

The All-time scoring record is unknown

by Fisher and Brown right now, but they have reached out to try and find out what it is. In the meantime, both Brown and the Edgewood Academy team will try to win a state championship.

The Wildcats are sitting at 10-5 right now coming out of Christmas break. They are currently ranked as the No. 2 team in AISA-AA, and

they’ve split the season series with No. 1 Lakeside.

Edgewood begins region play Thursday night at Autauga Academy.

“We’ve got a complete team,” Fisher said. “We have 12 girls who come in and do everything we ask of them. The pieces are there moving forward. There’s not a lot that we have to change.

We just have to fix certain things. Nothing’s broken, there are just things that need to be tweaked. Our girls have bought into it.”

TOMORROW A LEADER. Newspapers are an invaluable resource to educators and students. Students who read the paper build their vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, develop critical thinking skills and promote social awareness by educating students on local issues.

BE A READER.

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www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 • Page B3

ALL ABOUT HIPPOS

RIVER HORSE CROSSWORD

Hippopotamuses, or hippos, are very large mammals that live exclusively on the Continent of Africa, south of the Sahara. Hippos have large, barrel-shaped bodies and short legs. Regular adult Hippos can grow up to 12-14 feet and can weigh up to four tons. The rare Pygmy Hippo is smaller; on average, they are around six feet long and weigh from 350-600 pounds. The name Hippopotamus means “River Horse,” but they are related to pigs. They are called this because regular hippos spend all day in the water; pygmy hippos do not like water as much. This allows them to stay cool in their hot environment. Their eyes and nostrils are set above their faces, which allows them to remain mostly submerged. When they dive, they can stay underwater for as long as 10 minutes, and they are able to walk along the ground underwater! Their skin secretes a red, lotion-like substance that scientists believe is like a type of sunscreen to protect their skin. Hippos are herbivores. In the evenings, they emerge from the water and roam around eating grass and vegetation. They can roam as far as five miles away in one night, returning to the same spot in the water when they are done. They do not require as much food as you might think they do based on their size because they do not use much energy floating in the water all day. Hippos may look slow and lazy, but they are able to swim fast and can move quickly, when needed. They can be very dangerous when they are trying to protect themselves or their young. Hippos have one baby at a time, around every two years.

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Hidden Words: Africa Dangerous Grass Herbivore Hippo Hippopotamus Large Mammal Pigs Pygmy River Horse Sahara Submerged Swim Water

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Crossword Ans: Across-6) submerged 7) Africa 9)horse Down- 1) nostrils 2)pygmy 3) underwater 4)red 5) plants 8)calf 9) Hippo

Across Clues: 6. Hippos usually remain _____ during the day.

7. On which Continent do they live?

9. Hippopotamus means river _______.

Down Clues: 1. Their eyes and ______ stick out of the water.

2. Smaller Hippos are called _______ hippos.

3. They are able to walk _____________.

4. What color is the substance on their skin? HIPPO 5. What does a Hippopotamus eat?

8. What is a baby Hippopotamus called?

9. Nickname for a Hippopotamus.

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allassee Tribune TTHEheTTALLASSEE TRIBUNE

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

The Dadeville Record

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) This is an easygoing day; nevertheless, there is an indecisive quality to things.

However, it’s a good day to let your hair down and have a frank conversation with a friend or a member of a group. Both parties will be ready to tell it like it is. Tonight: Quiet time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You are high-viz today, which means people notice you more than usual. In fact, bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police, in particular, really notice you. Be aware of this, because you don’t want to get busted about anything. Well, who does? Tonight: Mingle with friends.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Today you have an urge to do something different because you want some adventure! You don’t want to be bored.

This is why you will jump at any opportunity to travel or learn something new or meet people who are fascinating, especially if they have an exotic background. Tonight: People notice you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Be careful today, because you will probably deal with nancial matters related to inheritances, shared property, insurance matters and such. However, most of this day is a Moon Alert. Therefore, avoid signing papers or making important decisions. Tonight: Explore!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) For most of today, the Moon is opposite your sign, which means you have to cooperate with others. Quite literally, you will have to go more than halfway when dealing with people.

However, two weeks from now, when the Moon is in your sign, people will have to come to you. Tonight: Check your assets.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You might have to put the interests of someone else before your own today or perform a duty or a service for someone. Be aware that this day will be plagued by shortages, delays and minor frustrations. That’s because of the Moon Alert. Have courage! Tonight:

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Good news! You love the arts and beautiful things, and today is a wonderful day for creative activities because it’s easy for you to think outside the box. Take a long lunch. Enjoy social outings, including sports and playful times with kids. Tap into your creative urges! Tonight: Get organized.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is a perfect day to cocoon at home and enjoy hanging out and relaxing among familiar surroundings.

Family conversations will be unusually frank and revealing. Nevertheless, postpone important decisions until this evening. Tonight: Socialize!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This is a poor day to make important decisions or shop because of the Moon Alert. Nevertheless, you have a strong urge to be busy and out there running errands, going to appointments and talking to everyone. Tread carefully. Tonight: Relax at home.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Despite your focus on nancial matters today, this is a poor day to make nancial decisions or for nancial negotiations. It’s also a poor day to shop for anything other than food and gas until 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. PST).

Take it easy. Tonight: Conversations and errands.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This is a loosey-goosey day because most of this day is a Moon Alert in your sign. This is why you will feel a bit adrift and certainly indecisive. However, you might come up with original, creative ideas! Write them down to ponder them later. Tonight: Focus on money.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Play things low-key today, if you can.

Work alone or behind the scenes, because this will feel most comfortable for you, even though this is a popular time for you. After 7:30 p.m. EST today (4:30 p.m. PST), you’ll become energized! Tonight: You run the meeting.

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The Tallassee Tribune

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities Eclectic Water Works & Sewer Office Manager FT position Office Manager Grade 1 Alabama Certified Water Operator License. advanced accounting skills, utility background, Budget preparation skills, inventory control, project management.

145 Main Street/PO Box 240430,Eclectic, Alabama,36024 or mayor@townofeclectic.com

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EDUCATION ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit.

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Full time positions for: MDS Coordinator (RN), Restorative Nurse (LPN or RN), Charge Nurse7a-7p and 7p-7a and PRN positions available, &HUWL¿HG 1XUVLQJ Assistants 2nd and 3rd shift, and Dietary-COOK.

January 5, 2022 • Page B5

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 • Page B5

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Property Manager (Full-Time 40 hrs) needed for apartment complex in Tallassee. $14-$16 per hour. Previous residential property management experience preferred.

Email resume to employment@huffmgt.com or fax 225-341-8148.

Call 334-567-5044

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Transportation Collector Cars

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36078 for the State of Alabama and the Tallassee City Schools, Owner(s), and have made reTXHVW IRU ¿QDO VHWWOHPHQW RI VDLG Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee & Associates Architects, Inc. Bond Construction, LLC 1001 30th Ave Northport, AL 35476 Tallassee Tribune: Dec. 29, 2021, Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2022 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MYRA NELL McELROY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2021-378 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of MYRA NELL McELROY, deceased, having been granted to MICHAEL B. McELROY on the 17 day of December, 2021,by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

MICHAEL B. McELROY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MYRA NELL McELROY, DECEASED

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Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW POBOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800

Public Notices

Tallassee Tribune: Dec. 22, 29, 2021 and Jan. 5, 2022 EST/MCELROY, M. Selling your home?

PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Bond Construction, LLC, Contractor, has completed Contract for 5H 5RR¿QJ RI WKH 7DOODVVHH High School Gymnasium at 502 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee, AL

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CCC Associates: Available Positions:

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•Caffco Outlet - Sales Associate, Cashier, Stocking.

Services

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Apply at 3601 Wetumpka Hwy in Montgomery (334)272-2140

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59 Wellborn Way Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 256-825-3366 ONIN STAFFING MONTGOMERY NOW HIRING 5415 Atlanta Hwy Suite B Montgomery, AL 36109 For more information 334-272-8499 PRQW#RQLQVWDI¿QJ FRP

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Local manufacturing company seeking production workers and truck loaders.

Please contact Laura at 334-514-4524 for application.

Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.

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CALL TODAY - LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

1-877-271-3236 HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company.

1 The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the Websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.

2. Free standard installation applies to new Lease subscribers only. Not valid with Purchase option. Limited-time offer. Restrictions may apply.

3. Per the “5th, 6th, 7th and 8th FCC Measuring Broadband American Reports.” Go to: https://www.hughes.com/who-we-are/resources/press-releases/ - Minimum term required. Monthly service and early termination fees apply. Visit legal.HughesNet.com for details.

- HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company.

Eclectic Observer The

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 5, 2022

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 32, No. 1

Rock fairy saga continues STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Last week a “rock fairy” was reportedly seen around Eclectic, dropping little “kindness stones” around town. Most of the rocks associated with that rock fairy — Wendy Turley — have been found. Now, a not-so-new new rock has been discovered.

Jimmy Nolen found a butterfly rock at the Family Dollar in Eclectic. On the back of the rock, a simple request “Post on [Facebook] group ‘Rocks for Alec.’”

Rocks for Alec began in 2017, a year after Tallassee’s Alec Tyndall lost his life due to complications from an automobile accident. He had just turned 18-years-old.

“He was driving to a friend’s house when he looked away from the road for two seconds and he lost control and ran off the road resulting in him flipping his truck,” Alec’s dad Randy Sewell said to The Tallassee Tribune in 2020.

Alec had just graduated from Tallassee High School weeks before his life was cut short.

The young man, who, according to Sewell, was full of life, is now inspiring others to live their lives to the fullest.

After losing his son, Sewell began painting rocks with some of Alec’s favorite characters, such as Minions, Pokémon, and SpongeBob Square Pants. Some rocks carry an inspiring message along with the words “Rocks for Alec”. After painting a few thousand rocks and placing them around the area for others to find, Sewell created a Facebook Group called Rocks for Alec.

Now with a following of over 5,700 members, the reason Sewell created the group

SUBMITTED

This rock painted with a butterfly is one of many “Rocks for Alec” found around town in the past several years. This one was found by Jimmy Nolen at the Eclectic Family Dollar store.

to raise awareness on distracted driving. Sewell has deemed Alec’s birthday, July 30, as Paint a Rock for Alec Day. It’s easy to participate.

“If you find a rock please post a photo with the location where you found it,” Sewell said. “Then place it in a new spot for someone else to find.”

When a rock is found it should be posted on the group’s Facebook Page and

today a reader,

hidden in a different location for another lucky rock hunter to find.

“Keep the rocks and his memory on the move. If you find a rock you would like to keep please if you can paint another to put out in its place,” Sewell said.

Members of the Rocks for Alec group put a lot of time and effort into each individual rock, making each one unique,

and Sewell asks everyone who participates in Rock’s for Alec to respect each creation.

“Remember it is someone else’s artwork,” he said.

Sewell began the Rocks for Alec Facebook page in 2017.

Since then, Rocks for Alec have turned up across the globe in Canada, England, France, Mexico, in Italy at the Colosseum in Rome and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the

Philippines, Southeast Asia, Haiti, Jamaica, and more.

Here in the United States, Rocks for Alec have turned up across the nation in, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia…just to name a few.

On the Rocks for Alec Facebook page, Sewell also tells others about his son and explains the meaning behind these special rocks.

“He loved music, all things military, Auburn football, his video games Call of Duty, and Halo mostly,” Sewell wrote.

“Pokémon was always one of his favorite things, although he made fun of me for playing PokémonGo. Alec was one that would rather see someone else smile and do whatever he could to make that happen.

We started this group because I promised my son the day he passed away that no one would ever forget who Alec was as long as I was alive, and I meant every word. I love you, Alec. You will always be in the hearts of many.”

This message has touched many. People often post photos on the Facebook of their children holding a prized Rock for Alec. Alec’s rocks have been hidden and found across the state. Members of the rock group also leave inspirationally painted rocks at Alec’s headstone in Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee where he is buried.

Young Alec may be gone from this world but there is no doubt that his life and legacy continue to live on every day as more and more people paint and hide Rock’s for Alec in his memory.

“Keep the rocks and his memory on the move,” Sewell said.

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