March 29, 2017 Tallassee Tribune

OPINION:

LOCAL

PAGE 5 Tailgate sittin’ brings back lots of memories

Meet Chase Pet of the Week

SPORTS, PAGE 12 THS BASEBALL SEASON CONT.

INSIDE:

PAGE 3 LOCAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, PAGE 2.

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March 29, 2017

TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM

VOL. 118, NO. 8

Auburn nursing students shadow local doctor practice at TCH. “At the beginning of January 2016, our nursing cohort was assigned to random communities within a 100-mile radius outside of Auburn to investigate a specific diagnosis throughout that community,” said Mandi Kelley, a fourth-semester nursing student at Auburn University. “Our group was assigned colorectal cancer present within the community of Tallassee.”

Before actually making the trip to Tallassee, the nursing students studied the community’s history,

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Submitted / The Tribune

Mandi Kelley, Maria Diliberto, Samantha Ashley and Amanda Lewis are nursing students at Auburn University who were selected to shadow Dr. Thomas Bianchi and his staff at Tallassee Community Hospital

March is colon caner awareness month.

But the men and women and Tallassee Community Hospital have been focused on the disease for much longer than the past 30 days. Dr. Thomas Bianchi and his staff are focused on combatting colon cancer on a daily basis.

Earlier this year Dr. Bianchi invited four nursing students from Auburn University to observe his

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

See GETAWAYS • Page 2

Today’s

Weather

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Officials conducting death investigation, possible suicide Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Logan Pierce, Quinton Jeter and Reece Graham spent part of their day filling ADEM’s recycling bin at Tallassee High School on Friday. The big green bin has been parked in front of THS all week as part of ADEM’s most recent school recycling initiate.

REUSE, RECYCLE

THS competes in ADEM’s recycling initiative

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

You may have noticed the large green recycling container parked on the campus of Tallassee High School.

This container sat nearly filled to capacity early Friday morning as students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members brought recyclables to campus hoping to help the school win ADEM’s most recent recy-

cling initiative.

“ADEM contacted us and asked if we wanted to participate in a contest that they were having against three other high schools in the area,” said Mary Manning, science teacher at TES, “We’ve been competition with Marbury High School, Holtville High School and Billingsley High School.”

The school with the heaviest load of recyclables will win a prize.

See RECYCLE • Page 3

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Tallassee police responding to a medical call early Wednesday morning for an unconscious person inside a vehicle parked in front of Tallassee Elementary School found a woman dead.

“We were called around 6:30 on a medical call for an unconscious female at the school,” said Chief Matthew Higgins, with Tallassee Police Department. “We did find an unconscious female that was later pronounced deceased by medics. Right now we are working this as a death investigation, but it does appear to be a possible suicide.”

According to Tallassee City Schools Superintendent Wade Shipman, the woman was a former cafeteria employee at the school.

While the woman was discovered early Wednesday morning, police and school officials believe she died Tuesday night.

Police made every attempt possible to shield students from the early morning discovery.

“It was prior to school opening,” said Higgins, “School was not affected. We tried to See DEATH • Page 3

Chamber announces April lineup

THURS: HIGH 84 LOW 61

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

CONTACT US 334-567-7811 Fax: 334-567-3284 USPS 681-260

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Downtown Social planned for Thursday, April 6, from 4-7 p.m.

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Body found outside elementary school

State parks offer one-tank getaways School is out for spring break this week and if you have not planned a getaway, it may not be too late. Your perfect getaway could be found right here in your own backyard in an Alabama State Park.

The Alabama State Parks System offers springtime activities for the entire family, from riding mountain bikes to riding zip lines to riding the waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Almost everyone in the state lives within an hour’s drive of a state park, so there’s no need to spend

background, population and other characteristics. After months of research, the nursing students join Dr. Bianchi and his staff at Community Hospital.

“We researched for months throughout the Internet and about the community,” Kelley said. “In Spring 2017, we were grateful to have the opportunity to shadow Dr. Bianchi, Tallassee Community Hospital’s gastroenterologist.”

During this observance, the nurses-to-be had the opportunity

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Tallassee Chamber of Commerce has several events planned for the month of April. These events will offer “something for everyone,” said chamber director, Michone Roye.

Events begin next week starting with a Downtown Social. The social is scheduled for Thursday, April 6, from 4-7 p.m. There will be food

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and entertainment, retailers will offer special rebates and local authors, George and Rachael Barker, will be on hand to sign their newly published book, “Don’t be a Cow” Find your Own Path \ Daily Observations and Lessons in Happiness.

According Roye, this Downtown Social is an opportunity for individuals to see first hand what the downtown area of Tallassee has to offer.

“I want the downtown area to be a See CHAMBER • Page 3

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Jared Lee Burt

Obituaries Kristie Dean

Kristie Dean, 43, of Tallassee, passed away March 22, 2017. She was born December 23, 1973.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 25, at 3:00 p.m., at Bethlehem East Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Hamilton and Rev. Mark Griffin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing.

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Dean; children, Brooke Dean, Ryan Dean, Justin Dean, Delena Dean and Clara Dean; father, Tommy New; mother, Toni Boyst; siblings, Laura Loewen, Troy New, Leigh Leatherwood and Melanie Collins; granddaughter, Parker Dean; and several nieces and nephews. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Stacey Lee Baker

Stacy Lee Baker, 45, of Tallassee, passed away March 21, 2017. She was born May 31, 1971. Funeral was Thursday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Dorley officiating, burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by daughter, Jessica Baker; son, Mathew Baker; siblings, Barbara Sue Owens, Shelby Dean Griffin, James “Bo” Baker, Carolyn Owens, Jan Melton, Mike Baker, Scott Baker and David Baker; and special friend, Junior Cantrell. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

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Mr. Jared Lee “Big Daddy” Burt, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017, at the age of 42.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Burt is survived by his parents, Jerry and Lucretia Burt; brother, Chad Wayne Burt (Kelli) ; nephew and nieces, Andy Thomas, Kinsley Burt and Haley Burt; grandmother, Isabell Burt; aunt and uncles, Dorothy Lynch, Sammy Howard and Rodney Howard (Janine); several cousins and many friends who loved him dearly. He loved his very special friends Tina, Tristin, Toni, Tyler and Barbara.

Jared loved his family, spending time with his friends, cooking on the grill, countless hours hunting and fishing, and his beloved dogs.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 28, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

David Baker

David Baker, 43, of Tallassee, passed away March 24, 2017. He was born May 28, 1973. Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 28, at 2 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home, with Rev. Jamey Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Carrville Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Baker; son, Christopher Chase; daughter, Kinsley Boswell; siblings, Barbara Sue Owens, Shelby Dean Griffin, James “Bo” Baker, Carolyn Owens, Jan Melton, Mike Baker and Scott Baker.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Stacy Lee Baker.

Online condolences at www. linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Submitted / The Tribune

Tallassee Community Hospital celebrated colon cancer awareness by wearing blue on March 17. (First row left to right) Ella Robertson, Angelique Dowdell, Crystal Chandler, Stacey McClain (Second row left to right) Erin Daughtery, Donna Warren, Leigh Anne Sough, Cindy Taylor, Cindy Woodall.(Third row left to right) Dr. Thomas Bianchi, Michelle Bice, Anthony Bianchi, Kelena Hooks, Debbie Bennett, Darlene Reed, Jackie Waver, Sherrill Denmark, Beth Golden, Jennie Rhinehart, Beth Davidson, Emmie Turner, Chandra Rucker, Cindy Gauntt, Kathy Faulk.

Getaways

continued from page 1

precious time on the road.

Whether it’s camping or spending restful nights in a resort lodge, the Alabama State Parks System has exactly what spring breakers need.

Alabama’s State Parks offer a hiker’s paradise with more than 200 miles of trails. Rent a canoe and paddle on one of the many lakes at the parks. Relax at one of the system’s five pools or exercise your brain by taking advantage of a guided tour and interpretive program at the park.

There are six resort parks in the Alabama State Park System, which include Lake Guntersville, Cheaha, Gulf, DeSoto, Lakepoint and Joe Wheeler. These parks have pools, full-service restaurants and many unique attractions.

Overnight guests can lounge at the Gulf State Park campground pool and frolic at the adjoining splash pad with a tennis court just a few steps away.

At Cheaha Resort State Park, breathtaking views await throughout the 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat. Cabins, chalets and campgrounds offer overnight accommodations to fit your preference.

Adventures abound at Lake Guntersville State Park with the aptly named Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures zip line course. View the park like only the eagles had before the construction of this amazing attraction.

At DeSoto State Park, enjoy canoeing or kayaking, go fishing or hiking, biking or rappelling. Exploring nature is easy with more than 25 miles of trails as well as an ADA-accessible boardwalk.

Lakepoint on bass-fishing paradise Lake Eufaula offers more than just great angling. There’s also hiking, swimming, wildlife and bird watching, camping, picnic areas and playgrounds. Lakepoint Resort Lodge and Convention Center offers 101 hotel rooms, 29 cabins and

10 lakefront cottages.

Joe Wheeler State Park is divided by the Tennessee River, which forms the 69,700-acre Wheeler Lake. Bass, bream and catfish are plentiful in the sparkling waters.

Bring your sailboat to float your cares away, your bike to pedal your way through the wooded paradise or your clubs to use on the magnificent golf course.

If you are in the mood for “roughing it,” there are several state parks that offer plenty of campgrounds. Many state parks also offer seminars and craft projects. Guests can learn the basics of backpacking, how to build your own survival tools, go gem mining, learn a new craft and so much more.

There are also several smaller parks across the state with many that offer cabins and campgrounds for outdoors lovers. Explorers can also visit Cathedral Caverns in Woodville, near Scottsboro, or Rickwood Caverns north of Birmingham in Warrior.

Cave tours offer easy walks and amazing views of these underground wonderlands.

Cathedral Caverns is wheelchair accessible.

Those who love Alabama’s state parks appreciate the voters’ overwhelming support of Amendment 2 in last November’s election. The approval of the amendment to stop the raiding of the parks’ budget was significant in terms of protecting the funds moving forward, but it does not immediately solve the budget crunch caused by repeated transfers of parks’ funds over the past several years.

The best way to support the parks is to go out and enjoy them. State parks are almost wholly supported by those who use them. Between 80 and 90 percent of the system’s funding – and 100 percent of our operating costs – come from user fees, not tax dollars.

Shadow to experience real-life situations that soon will part of everyday life.

“We were able to see several colonoscopies performed throughout the day as Dr. Bianchi spoke with us about colorectal cancer signs and symptoms as well as its prevalence within the community,” Kelley said.

While more and more people are surviving colon cancer, many more could survive a diagnosis with early detection. There are many factors that may stop an individual from receiving preventative care for colon cancer. Some cannot afford the treatment and others may choose to avoid it due the stigma that surrounds it.

“We learned several barriers to patients avoiding screening colonoscopies, such as transportation, insurance, embarrassment, and lack of awareness/knowledge,” she said.

Colon cancer primarily affects

continued from page 1

people who are 50 or older, but it can strike anyone at any age.

Furthermore, colon cancer is often referred to as a silent killer.

Despite this dooming characteristic, the nursing students learned of symptoms people should be aware of.

“Dr. Bianchi informed us that it is important for all adults over the age of 50 to receive a colonoscopy screening,” Kelley said.

“However, he informed us of other signs and symptoms that may be referred for a screening earlier than 50, such as anemia, rectal bleeding, narrow stools, etc.”

Colorectal cancer is the third deadliest cancer in the United States. Many people afflicted with this disease feel embarrassed to discuss their affliction. This is why Dr. Bianchi stressed to the nursing students how important it is to combat these stigmas.

“It is important to overcome the fear or embarrassment surround-

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ing the idea of a colonoscopy screening because when diagnosed early, it can be treated,” she said.

“Patients must remember that these screenings occur everyday and multiple times a day, and that the screening itself is around 30 minutes or less.”

Now that the observance is concluded it is time for the soon-to-be nurses to head back to Auburn University to continue their educational pursuits. The students say they enjoyed their time in Tallassee and working with the staff at Community Hospital.

“Every single staff member on the gastroenterology unit was undoubtedly professional, compassionate and knowledgeable,” Kelley said. “We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Tallassee Co mmunity Hospital and thank the staff for being so welcoming and kind.”

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

March 29, 2017 • Page 3

Spring means influx of pup, kitty litters

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Huge thanks to everyone who voted in the Wind Creek Facebook Winner’s Express $125K Giveaway Contest to help us win $5,000 for our shelter! We were given the official notification last week and will be at the Wind Creek Montgomery on April 7 to receive our money. We are going to use this money to help us build a new, larger and much needed food storage building at our shelter this year. Thank you, Wind Creek and all of our supporters.

Our Tails End Thrift Store crew is pulling out all the stops again this Saturday, April 1, with massive sales of clothing to help get ready for the big swapout of winter to summer clothing. Make sure to stop by between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for some super deals.

Please thank our volunteers for their endless hard work operating our Thrift Store as all proceeds go to our shelter to ensure we can be there for all the pets that come to us needing our help.

We hope you have your calendar marked for our 12th annual Wags & Whiskers Auction on Friday, July 28. Big change this year is the location, which will be at the Wind Creek Wetumpka

Entertainment Center. This new location will give us even more room for the huge variety of auction items that will be available. Our audience will not only stay busy during the live and silent auctions, but there will be delectable food provided by Wind Creek, door prizes and fun for everyone. All the proceeds go to our humane shelter to help ensure we can continue our work and be there for the public and so many pets in need.

We not only want everyone to make sure to mark July 28 to join us, but we are also accepting items for our auction. Our auction always has something for everyone from jewelry to furniture, pet items to sports memorabilia, antiques to art and so much more. If you would like to donate an item to our auction please contact our Auction Committee Chair, Chris Sisson at silentauction@elmorehumane. com. All donated items are taxdeductible and support a great cause (though we may be a bit biased).

Spring is upon us as the influx of litters is right around the corner.

Many puppies and kittens are brought to us too young to not only be taken away from their mothers but also to be adopted as we do not adopt puppies or kittens until they

are at least eight weeks old. While we love and care for all our pets as best we can, the shelter is simply not the optimal environment for itty bitty babies and there are a number of good reasons for puppies and kittens to stay longer with their moms. Puppies and kittens weaned too early are often at a nutritional disadvantage and also face developmental challenges since they learn a lot of lessons from their mothers and siblings as they grow. These are the potential teenage dogs and cats with health and behavior challenges down the road – some of which are cute, some irritating and some may result in that pet being given away, abandoned or taken to a shelter eventually.

If you do have a litter of puppies or kittens you need to bring us, we ask that you please let them nurse up to six weeks (can start supplementing them with wet food a week or two earlier) and then continue to keep them at home until they are 7-8 weeks old. This will help their immune system develop and also help us be able to place them for adoption quicker.

As pets are adopted, it not only saves their lives, but the lives of others who also desperately need their space.

make sure that everything was done so that it would not affect students.”

In the wake of this tragedy, Shipman issued the following statement: “Sometime last evening (March 21, 2017) there was a fatality in front of Tallassee Elementary School. School personnel discovered the deceased early this morning. There were no school safety-related issues associated with this incident. We would like to express our profound sympathy to all family members of the deceased.”

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bring back,” said Roye.

“The Lunch and Learn is not strictly business-related. We had a Lunch and Learn to learn about taxes one time. We had one on how to use a smart phone. The topics really do vary.”

There is no cost for this Lunch and Learn; however, seating is limited.

Following the Lunch and Learn, the chamber will host Earth Day’s Team Up to Clean Up. This is a citywide initiate to freshen up the Tallassee area. This event will begin on April 17 and run through April 22.

The chamber will host the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on April 25

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the high school. The bin is open for public use. Paper, plastic, aluminum and cardboard are accepted. These items need to be dry and free of debris.

“We started this recycling program through the school two years ago,” Manning said. “Each classroom has a container for recyclables. Unfortunately, some people use them as trashcans, instead of recycling centers. There is no one on staff paid to go through all that so it would be nice if they were used the way they were devised to be used.”

Recycling at schools has never been easier, especially paper. Gone are the days of separating office paper from newspaper or junk mail and all non-food paper products can now go into one bin. With paper products making up 41% of the municipal solid waste stream, it’s great to know that the recycling process has been simplified.

In 2015, Alabama Environmental Council (AEC) assisted 29 area schools in recycling approximately 140 tons of paper and cardboard through its Business Paper Recycling Program.

Chamber

continued from page 1

Lake Martin Properties

continued from page 1

“They haven’t told what the prize is,” Manning said.

“The pride that we’ve done our part as environmental stewards, that’s what I’m satisfied with. We also get the funds that the recycling brings in.”

With cash and prizes on the line, THS took this opportunity to do a little spring cleaning, starting with outdated textbooks.

“We used this opportunity to recycle our text books,” she said. “The science department is in a new course of study and we have new textbooks, both digital and classroom sets of hardback copies this year.”

These now-recycled books no longer fit the curriculum at THS. The books were available for purchase.

However, with no takers, the books were sent to the recycler.

“This did not sell even though we had them available to be sold,” she said. “We we’re going to have to recycle them at the end of the year anyway, so we took this opportunity to do it.”

Partnering with ADEM, THS has a year-round recycling program. The large recycling bin is located behind

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place where people come to have a nice time,” she said. “I would like to see the downtown area become what it once was.”

Following the Downtown Social, the chamber will host a Lunch and Learn on April 12 at the chamber office on Sistruck Street in downtown Tallassee.

The Lunch and Learn is an opportunity for individuals to share knowledge.

The upcoming Lunch and Learn will focus on the health benefits of essential oils. These are natural oils typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.

The Lunch and Learn is something the chamber once hosted several times a year.

“This is something that we are trying to

Pet of the Week – Chase

Chase is a wonderful one-year-old male yellow Lab who came to us when his previous owner developed allergies.

Chase is about 65 pounds, playful and energetic but settles down quickly and loves attention. He is particularly great with children. He is supposed to be housetrained and is good with female dogs, unsure about kitty cats.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination (if old enough) and free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. For more information, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.

at Wynlakes Country Club. Lunch will be served at 11:30 with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. This event is the chamber’s largest fundraiser.

According to Roye, there will several prizes up for grabs, including a $20,000 cash prize.

“There will be several really nice hole-in-one prizes,” she said. “There is a five-day, four-night trip to anywhere in the U.S., a cruise for two to the Caribbean and we will give away a $20,000 cash prize.”

According to Roye, the golf tournament is fun for the players and for those who volunteer for the event.

“It’s just a lot of fun for everyone,” Roye said.

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Bands without originals can still delight fans N

umerous examples of the, um, “concept” that is the focus of this essay are going to be cited herein, but a legendary Western Swing band that begot icons like Bob Wills and Milton Brown is cited in the title because the band’s web site proclaims the aggregation to be “the longest-running band in the history of recorded music (having been founded in 1931).”

And obviously, none of the founding members are still alive, so it’s appropriate to question whether the band should be billing itself as the Light Crust Doughboys or as a “tribute” to the original outfit. The present incarnation apparently formed in the 1990s; i.e. the name was on hiatus for a number of years, so to speak.

The bottom line is that somebody has the rights to the name and is marketing the Light Crust Doughboys accordingly (and I’ve heard them play; they’re quite good), so technically, it isn’t false advertising.

But closer to home, guess how many original members of Foreigner were onstage at

the Montgomery Performing Arts Center last month?

The correct answer is “None.” Zero. Zip. Ni uno.

Founding guitarist Mick Jones, 72, wasn’t at that particular concert. He’s reportedly the owner, overseer or whatever of the band and reportedly has the rights to the name, so it’s his show to run,and he can pick and choose concerts where he wants to perform (and his health issues have figured into his cutback of appearances).

So in a business sense, it was still technically Foreigner that performed at the MPAC, and they put on a great show that satisfied most attendees. But with no original members playing, pronouncing the Jones-less lineup to be a “tribute band” may have a bit of validity to some consumers.

There have been, of course, controversies about the use of a band’s name if a certain combo is on hiatus or has supposedly broken up.

A bogus Fleetwood Mac that toured in 1974 is a definitive example.

However, there are other

The So-Called Column

By Willie G. Moseley (usually legendary classic rock) bands that are still out there with no original members. The current incarnation of the Little River Band has no original members but are led by a bassist who joined in 1980, departed for a few years and returned. The thing is, the LRB’s 2013 album, ‘Cuts Like A Diamond,’ is excellent.

Southern Rock band Molly Hatchet was once down to no founders and was still playing, but a couple of original members returned. When they recorded a live album when the band was completely comprised of latecomers, one of them, Bobby Ingram, was introduced as “the man who’s been keeping the Molly Hatchet legend alive.”

In other words, he was the guy who had acquired the rights to use the name. And that live album was pretty

potent as well.

There are quite a few rock bands with only one original member left, including Foghat (drummer Roger Earl). However, at one time there were reportedly two Foghats duking it out in the marketplace.

REO Speedwagon keyboardist Neal Doughty is the sole founding member of that outfit, but other members have been onboard for decades.

Styx has one original member (James “J.Y.” Young) but Tommy Shaw joined over 40 years ago.

Wanna win a trivia question bet? ZZ TOP guitarist Billy Gibbons is the only original member of that band. The first lineup in 1969 consisted of Gibbons on guitar, Dan Mitchell on drums and Lanier Grieg on organ and bass pedals.

They even released a single, “Salt Lick,” before the band switched to its decadeslong membership of Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard later that same year.

Some lesser-known bands are “players’” aggregations that are popular with other

musicians and a smaller contingent of longtime fans. A British band called Wishbone Ash has solitary founder Andy Powell on guitar, and is still recording original material and touring.

So this rumination is not to yowl “caveat emptor” regarding which bands are supposedly legitimate or not or how many founders they have. Many average music fans aren’t familiar with the history of the members of bands anyway; they just like the songs, the music and the live presentation.

And pleasing their listeners ought to be the focus of professional musicians, anyway. Who’s up there rockin’ away might not be as important as one might think, because, once again, all entertainment is optional… but the word “technically” showed up a couple of times in this essay, and, er, technically, perhaps it should have appeared even more.

Willie Moseley is the former editor of The Tribune and a regular columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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The Tallassee Tribune

We met again after 64 years O

n March 15, the Tallassee High School classes of 1952 and ‘53 met at Elmer’s Restaurant for lunch and reunion. They told me the truth wasn’t required in order to get more to attend. We filled that backroom full. I’m going to guess and say about 60 people showed up, that’s classmates, spouses and guest.

I wanted to get into one of the truthful sections but instead I sat down by Larry Fralic, Wiley Troupe and Leroy Sims plus Ronald Mason was nearby and Graves McAllister sat across from me. Larry started out by telling me about his baseball career. I didn’t know until he informed me that he was better than Mickey Mantle, John Smoltz, and Willie Mays tied up into one and I guess it was true because even though his wife didn’t speak she smiled at his stories.

Now, McAllister, on the other hand, went into the air force and was pretty good. He was the Sgt. York and Audie Murphy combined in the Air Force and, being the quiet type, he turned down all medals that were offered.

Troupe didn’t say all that much about his younger days. He just sat at the table and counted his money to let us know how he stood in the conversation while Sims just grunted and grinned as if it had been quite a while since he had

The Coffee Breaker

By Ronald Brantley been in a crowd like this.

There were no failures in the room. Everyone that attended was very successful in life. I know they were because they told me so.

No one said as much but I’m sure that everyone thought it. I was the youngest and maybe the best looking one that attended with one exception and that was my granddaughter Cora and she don’t count.

She was just there to make sure that granddaddy didn’t get into any fights and that I watched my table manners. I did pretty good until it came to eating a fried pork chop. There’s no way to use your manners and get the meat off of a pork chop. Especially when the good meat is around the bone.

I found out that the Brunson of Brunson’s Milling Company was the granddaddy to Ronald Mason.

The Brunsons, if you remember, ordered a big house from Sears and Roebuck Company. They had it delivered and built in front of the Fort Dewey Piper National Guard Armory long before the armory was even more than a pasture.

A lot of people I talked to live

out of state. As a matter of fact, even though they didn’t say so, I think a lot of them were asked to leave the state. Some of them probably had to sneak back in to attend the reunion.

I may have said it before but I can’t get over how old some of them looked. While on the subject of looking old, I talked to Billy Jack Lindsey, Buckshot Maddox, and Gene Langford just to name a few. Freda Melton, Mary Van Robertson and Joyce Stough were there getting along without too much help. It’s sad watching old folks especially women with cracked voices, blue hair, shuffling along trying to look young. Most of them wore pants to hide those spindly looking legs.

If you figure all of this up it was the 64th for the class of 53 and 65th anniversary for the class of 52. Gene Langford got a gift for attending all the reunions. We took his word for it because at our age we can’t remember 65 days much less 65 years.

I wonder if we have any teachers still living? Just a few years ago we did. Our group didn’t turn out too good, one or two of them even turned out to be preachers.

I’ve got to go, the echo of Ben Gay and white liniment is still lingering over me 24 hours later.

Brantley is a Tallassee resident and a regular columnist for the Tribune.

Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

Legislative power has usurped that of governor

L

ast week we handicapped some of the potential horses in the upcoming 2018 Governor’s Race. We mentioned Judge Roy Moore, PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, Secretary of State John Merrill, State Treasurer Young Boozer, State Senator Del Marsh and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

Some others that may be considering pursuing the brass ring of Alabama politics are Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, Supreme Court Justice Jim Main, Jefferson County Commission President David Carrington, Trump’s Trumpeter in the State Perry Hooper, Jr., Huntsville State Representative Jim Patterson and ADECA Director and former Prattville Mayor Jim Byard.

You can also add former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville to the mix of possible gubernatorial candidates.

All of these aforementioned horses would run as Republicans in the 2018 Gubernatorial Derby. It is assumed that only a Republican can win statewide office in Alabama and that next year’s June 2018 GOP primary is tantamount to election. Therefore, it is only a 15-month race to election for governor.

The late Lucy Baxley was the last Democrat to hold statewide office in Alabama. She lost reelection to the PSC in 2012. It has been almost two decades since a Democrat has captured the governor’s office. Donald Trump carried Alabama with almost 63 percent of the vote. It is thought by most political prognosticators that a Democratic candidate can at best get 40 percent of the vote in the Heart of Dixie. However, there are several brave souls who are diehard Democrats and may be bold enough to test that theory.

One of these emboldened is Parker Griffith, who ran as the Democratic nominee against Robert Bentley four years ago in 2014 and received 36 percent of the vote. Griffith is a personable, former oncologist, State Senator and Congressman from Huntsville. He seems dedicated to making the plunge.

The most mentioned Democratic candidate is former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. She was elected to the State Supreme Court in 2012, which was the last time a Democrat won statewide office in Alabama. She is seriously considering the race for governor. She could be handicapped by the fact that she quit in the middle of her term on the Court and a Republican was appointed by the governor.

State Representative Craig Ford who has served as House Minority Leader is considering a run for governor. Like Griffith, Ford is likeable.

He is one of the few remaining white Democrats left in the Alabama House of Representatives. In fact, if Ford vacated his seat to run for governor a Republican would probably take it.

The wildcard in a potential Democratic field might be the popular young mayor of Tuscaloosa, Walt Maddox. He considers himself a Democrat. Maddox is well thought of in the Druid City, which is a more populous and voterich area of the state than most folks realize. If he got strong support from Tuscaloosa coupled with the ADC and New South endorsements, it could propel him to the Democratic nomination.

He would bring to the dance a sterling record of achievement as mayor of Tuscaloosa. However, if he has to go through a bruising primary he may come to the prom beat up and broke. Not to mention that the Prom King/Queen is highly favored to be a Republican. He would be hardpressed to raise campaign money in the fall campaign. Most of the bets would be placed on the Republican.

This brings us to another chapter in the governor’s race. The folks who wrote our 1901 Constitution intended for the power in state government to be rested in the hands of the legislature. During the Wallace years, George Wallace had immense power over the legislature. This usurpation of power has incrementally declined over the years. It has culminated with a decimation of gubernatorial power.

The last two governors, Bob Riley and Robert Bentley, have been rendered irrelevant by the legislature. Special interests have taken note of this transfer of power and their money has followed. Campaign money that used to go to the governor’s race now flows to legislative races. It is not unusual to see House seats cost $300,000 and state Senate races rise to $1 million.

It is going to be a great election year.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

www.TallasseeTribune.com

R

Few in music history match Elton

eginald Kenneth Dwight turned 70 years old this week.

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, turned 75 the same day.

Reg Dwight would probably be proud to be known as the Queen of Rock: Dwight is known to the world as Elton John.

For my generation, there has been no other artist who matches his influence on popular music and culture. Sure, there’s Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and others whose careers lasted decades and whose impact on the Billboard charts never cease to amaze. But Elton is in a class by himself for many reasons.

He was in love with the gospel-styled piano heard on R&B records by Ray Charles and other American artists in the 1950s.

Elton became a record collector early on. He absorbed any and every popular artist by purchasing all their records. Elton is known to be one of the biggest record collectors in the world; it’s rumored that his carefully catalogued collection doesn’t include just thousands of records, but perhaps millions of them. According to one article, he personally alphabetizes and categorizes them.

When I was a kid, I thrilled to Elton John’s music on the radio.

We had the real deal: the 33 1/3 RPM records, the 45 RPM singles and even some super-rare eighttrack tapes. (They are super-rare because my parents recorded only the ‘clean’ songs from Elton’s albums for me to listen to.

Sometimes, Bernie Taupin’s lyrics were a bit risqué in their subject

S

March 29, 2017 • Page 5

Bird’s Eye View

By Michael Bird matter.)

I used to love to get giant sunglasses and feather boas and pretend to be as flamboyant as Elton.

I’d dress up in an Elton-styled costume and mime along to his records. My mother would take me to Woolco on the East South Boulevard in Montgomery and let me pick out dress-up items; as prissy as that may sound today, she was just helping me indulge my idol worship as a child, so don’t read more into that than necessary!

Elton John appeared on the scene at a time when the rock world was reeling. The Beatles had broken up; Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison were dead. There was a sea change in popular culture, on television, in motion pictures and on the radio. Rock and roll was in between its second and third generation and was looking for a hero.

Elton filled that gap. He could do country (listen to the whole of the “Tumbleweed Connection” album and put it against anything resembling country today). He could adopt the confessional tone of his contemporaries (his self-titled album). He could go over the top with barely-controlled bombast (“Burn Down the Mission,” “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting”), make serious prog-

rock statements (“Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”) or even sing about his own suicide attempt (“Someone Saved My Life Tonight”). He could do no wrong.

And 40 years after the fact, we still hear “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock” and “Rocket Man” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” on the radio every day.

Later, Elton John crossed over into chart-busting territory in another way, as the composer of the film score and soundtrack to “The Lion King,” one of the the most successful Disney projects in history. He also beat a record held by Bing Crosby for 70 years, when “Candle in the Wind” overtook “White Christmas” to become the biggest-selling single of all time.

He’s worn so many guises and disguises over the years, it’s hard to pin down the real Elton John.

He’s remarkably good at writing music for Bernie Taupin’s lyrics and interpreting the works of others in his own style. He’s known as the biggest diva in the music business, whose ultra-extravagant lifestyle is probably the reason he’s never going to quit touring and recording.

But no matter. Elton John reshaped the culture around pop and rock, and as he celebrates his 70th birthday, it is difficult to imagine a music world without him. It’s even more challenging to think of another artist who has maintained his credibility, enthusiasm and relevance over this number of years.

Michael Bird is assistant band director for Tallassee City Schools.

Tailgate sittin’ brings back lots of memories

unday afternoon, I found myself sitting in the bed of Loretta, Lucy’s 1978 Ford pickup truck. While sitting in the bed was nice, it didn’t stir up a lot of memories. On the other hand, sitting on the tailgate and on the side certainly conjured up days gone by. When I was kid, we spent a lot of time in the backs of trucks, and it wasn’t exactly safe, either.

It wasn’t cool to sit on the hump above the tire.

We used to ride down the road while sitting on the tailgate, and I don’t mean just piddling along. We’re talking 35-45 MPH. Sometimes if we hit a bump, our feet would drag on the road. My cheap, thinsoled shoes, known as “pie crusts” to the local kids of my era, didn’t last too long. Even more dangerous than that was when we sat on the side of the truck while it was in motion. What were the grownups thinking? We survived, hence the good memories.

It was just a different time. As toddlers, barely able to walk, we’d walk

around inside the

JODY FULLER Columnist

car as it was going 55 MPH down the interstate. My dad lived in Montgomery, and I remember the speed limit capping out at 55. We didn’t wear seatbelts. I was in the backseat most of the time. Sometimes I was lying underneath the back window. If my mama slammed on the brakes, I just rolled. My brother, who was sitting or standing in the passenger seat, got the extended arm from her.

It always seemed to have worked. She even passed down that mama-reflex down to me. My dog gets it all the time.

While sitting in the bed didn’t stimulate memories of yesteryear, it did create new ones, such as Lucy spraying me with sunscreen after pulling it directly from the cooler. I hadn’t hollered like that since the morning in 2004 when I woke up in Iraq with a

mouse on my face. You see, that’s a memory.

The radio in the truck is somewhat challenged, so I backed up my SUV, popped the tailgate, and tuned in to my favorite country music radio station, although it can sometimes be hard to find country music, even on country radio, but that’s a different story altogether.

We fired up the grill and cooked a handful of Nathan’s hot dogs.

Those are the best darn store-bought hot dogs anywhere. I like to cook them to where they are almost burned. When topped with mustard, kraut, cheese, Wickles Pickles relish, and fresh onions from George’s Farmers Market, well, it might just be the best darn hot dog, period.

Lucy picked at me for washing my plate.

It wasn’t just any plate; it was a fancy coated paper plate. I barely got it dirty, and I didn’t even lick it. I just made my hot dog carefully. I wanted all the toppings in my belly.

Lucy got real hot and decided to take a dip in

the pool. No, we don’t have a fancy salt water pool. We don’t have a traditional rectangular pool, and we don’t even have one of those high-dollar above-theground pools. Nope, not us. We have a $9 kiddie pool from Walmart.

“You can’t hide class,” my uncle always says.

We like it, and so do the dogs. Next week, we’ll be jumping through a sprinkler. Talk about memories.

Most of the afternoon was spent on or around Loretta’s tailgate. It was nothing fancy. It was simple, sweet, silly, and so much fun. We thanked God for all the blessings in our lives, including our faith, family, friends, freedom, food, fancy coated paper plates, and this second chance at making lifelong memories.

Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@ jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

Page 6 • March 29, 2017

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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

March 29, 2017 • Page 7

Alabama Senate passes scaled down prison reform bill STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Senate took a step last week aimed at solving the long-standing crisis in Alabama’s prisons by passing a measure to build up to three new prisons.

Under Senate Bill 302, Alabama would get three new prisons, two built by local governments and one built by the state. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 230-11 Thursday.

Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) said that the Senate plan protects against waste or cost overruns by requiring Corrections to hire an outside project manager to oversee construction of the facilities, and limits the bond authority to $325 million.

But one Elmore County senator opposed the move and one county representative says the “buildings are not going to solve the problems.”

Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery), who represents part of Elmore and Montgomery counties and voted against the bill, likened it to a professional sports trade, saying the bill was “full of players to be named later.”

“We don’t know who’s going to build them,” Brewbaker said. “We don’t know where they’re going to be built. We don’t know which prisons are going to close, We don’t know what the process is going to be for grading the applications from the contractors to do the build. All we know for sure is that we’re going to spend $325 million.

“That’s just a lot not to know to vote yes.”

Rep. Mike Holmes, who did not say

definitively how he would vote on the bill, did say that it did not solve the “real problems” in the state’s prison system.

“The new bill is a vast improvement (over the bill Gov. Robert Bentley introduced), particulary fiscally, but it’s still got some serious problems … , Holmes said. “Neither of these building bills answer the problems we have in our prisons, the questions still there.

They don’t address any of the mental health problems, the physical health problems, those contractors we have up there, don’t address any of those issues.

“All they’re trying to do is build more prisons. You have to ask yourself, what’s the motivation there? Why do they want to build more prisons?

We have capacity and we have other people wanting to step in and do this, we have empty private prisons sitting out in Perry County. We’ve got a lot of options there without building more prisons and spending $800 million.”

Gov. Robert Bentley’s original prison construction plan from earlier in the year called for the building of four new prisons at a cost of $800 million.

The empty private prison Holmes referred to is the Perry County Correctional Facilty, which features more than 700 beds and the state could reportedly purchase for $32 million.

Those who oppose the purchase largely do so because of the cost of training guards and other prison staff.

Currently, Alabama’s prisons house far more inmates than originally intended, with the prisons bursting to more than 170 percent of capacity. The current facilities were built for 13,000 and house 23,000 inmates currently.

The proposal, sponsored by Ward, authorizes the Department of Corrections to enter lease agreements with counties to finance and construct the facilities, and establishes clear criteria for how Corrections will award the lease agreements.

As the second-largest expenditure in the state’s General Fund, the budget for all non-education state spending, the prison system is a significant and persistent fiscal strain on the state. For the current fiscal year, Corrections alone costs the state $496 million and consumes 22 percent of the General Fund budget.

“The state prison system is close to exploding the state budget,” said Ward.

“We have numerous prisons that were built before the Vietnam War and some pre-date World War Two. The upkeep alone for these facilities is a bleeding hole in our budgets.”

“This plan will dramatically increase safety for our inmates and our correctional officers,” Ward remarked.

“There have been too many instances over the past year of officers being assaulted and, in some cases, killed.

The dormitory-style of housing at some of our prisons is particularly dangerous.

Modern, cell-block facilities with hightech cameras and better lines-of-sight will save lives.”

Alabama’s prison system is beset with challenges. Corrections is being sued in federal court and faces an imminent threat of federal takeover, similar to what has occurred in California, where federal courts have ruled that California’s prison conditions amounted to “cruel and unusual punishment,” a violation of the U.S.

Constitution’s Eighth Amendment.

In 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision to place California in receivership, and ordered the state to lower its prison capacity to a 137.5 percent. Since the ruling, California’s prison system has essentially been run by the federal court system.

“The threat of a federal takeover is reduced if the courts see that the Legislature is serious about solving the problems our prison system faces, and getting our capacity down closer to 137.5 percent,” Ward said. “But it took the state decades to get in this hole, and it will take us time to climb out of it.”

Bentley applauded the move.

“This is another significant step in the effort to address the prison issues, as the Senate cleared a critical hurdle in transforming Alabama’s decades old prison system through the Prison Transformation Initiative Act,” said in a released statement. “I commend the Senate for taking a bold and decisive step toward prioritizing public safety in our prison system with the construction of four new prisons. The passage of this bill will help reduce overcrowding and will provide safer conditions for corrections officers as well as inmates within the facilities.

“New facilities will also create greater opportunities to reduce the risk of recidivism. As this legislation moves to the House, I look forward to working with House members to pass the Prison Transformation Initiative Act.” Senate Bill 302 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Alabama Ag Credit returns record patronage to customers STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Alabama Ag Credit, a rural lending cooperative serving south Alabama, recently declared a $7.8 million cash patronage to its customers. This record amount was based on the co-op’s strong 2016 financial results and was approved by the Alabama Ag Credit Board of Directors.

Patronage payments are based on the amount of business a borrower does with the co-op and lower the borrowers’ cost of borrowing. As a cooperative, Alabama Ag Credit is owned by its borrowers-stockholders. When the co-op performs well, it shares its earnings with its stockholders.

“We’re proud of our Association’s strong financial results. In 2016 loan volume grew, credit quality continued to improve and our earnings and cap-

ital remained strong,” said James L. Bassett, chairman of the Alabama Ag Credit Board of Directors. “This financial strength allows us to return a record patronage to our borrowers – one of the greatest ways we leverage our cooperative principles.”

As a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System, Alabama Ag Credit has a long history of sharing earnings with its customers. The co-op has returned more than $58 million in cash to its

Area Calendar MARCH

Ivy Creek Health Care is accepting gently used shoes for soles4souls until March 31. You may drop off shoes during regular business hours at their location on Gilmer Ave next to Wal-Mart.

• The Tallassee garden club is now taking new members. The membership fee is $30 a person or couple. If you are interested in becoming a member of the club and to help beautify Tallassee, contact Vickie Bowen.

APRIL

Please contact Recreation Department if you are interested in a self-defense class at 283-4726. Class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. This is NOT a mixed martial arts class. Class would meet one-week night approximately two hours and Saturdays for approximately eight hours. Cost would be $45.

APRIL 1

Yard Sale at 443 Main St. in Carrville to benefit Anthony Gioiosa who will be attending evangelism school in Orlando. All proceeds will go to assist in funding Gioiosa as he begins this journey. To make donations please call 334-415-9018.

APRIL 3

Church Coed softball registration

will be held at the Tallassee Recreation Department from April 3 through April 21.

The fee is $450 per team and tentative date to begin season is May 9.

APRIL 3

City council meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

APRIL 6

Downtown Social from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Local authors George and Rachael Baker will be on hand for a signing of their new book, “Don’t Be a Cow“ Find Your Own Path/ Daily Observations and Lessons in Happiness. Downtown businesses will offer special savings during this event. There will food and entertainment.

Sponsored by Downtown Merchants and the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce

APRIL 7

Community Fish Fry and BBQ Fundraiser from 4:30-7 p.m. at 520 Main St. in East Tallassee. Preorders welcome at 334-430-1456 or 334-252-0036. Sponsored by the Tallassee Community Outreach.

APRIL 12

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch and Learn from 11 a.m. at 17 Sistruck St in downtown Tallassee. This Lunch and Learn will feature information on the health and wellness benefits of essential oils.

Positions are available in the Prattville, Tallassee, Wetumpka and Montgomery areas!

Thursday, March 30, 2017

1PM - 5PM

Hampton Inn & Suites 2590 Cobbs Ford Road • Prattville, AL 36066 MUST BE ABLE TO PASS CLIENT’S BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG TEST! PLEASE BRING RESUME DRESS FOR SUCCESS!!

borrowers since 2006.

Alabama Ag Credit provides financing for farms, timber and forestry operations, agribusinesses, recreational land and other rural property in 40 counties in southern Alabama. The financing cooperative operates offices in Demopolis, Dothan, Enterprise, Monroeville, Montgomery, Opelika, Selma, Spanish Fort and Tuscaloosa.

RELIGION

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

Page 8 • March 29, 2017

www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

Each of us is born so that God’s work may be accomplished in us As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—. So he went and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went there and washed and was able to see.”

And they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.”

John 9: 1-12

B

e on guard for the times when we are too confident about who God is.

Right before this story in John’s Gospel, Jesus was rejected by the Pharisees in the temple. He is unwanted and excluded.

And so Jesus approaches the one who is unwanted, excluded, and marginalized – the man who was born blind.

The poor seek and find refuge with the other poor; the excluded with the excluded.

We see that the disciples are talking about the blind man, but they do not attempt to enter into a relationship with him. He is a nobody, without a voice. No one seems to care about his hopes and needs.

People with disabilities are still sometimes treated as nobodies, or as second class citizens.

The disciples ask the question that every culture asks: why is someone born with a disability?

Even today, the questions remain. Why us? What have we done? Why is God punishing us with illnesses and disabilities? What have I done to God that he would send me a catastrophe like this?

We often feel that if people

FATHR MATEUSZ RUDZIK St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church

have success, wealth, and good families, that this is a sign they are blessed by God. Failure, broken relationships and bad health are signs of something wrong, something bad in our lives.

But Jesus says: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him!”

Each of us is born so that God’s work may be accomplished in us. Each one of us has been created by God and for God. Each one of us has a vulnerable heart and yearns to love and be loved and valued.

Each one of us has a mission.

Disabled or not.

Jesus reveals that this man born blind was made for loveas well as me and you!

St. Paul confirms that, reminding us that people with disabilities are chosen by God too!

In the first letter to the

Corinthians he says: God has chosen the foolish of the world to shame the so-called wise.

God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame strong.

God has chosen what is low and despised, people who are nobodies, in order to reduce to nobodies those who are “somebodies,” so that no one might boast in the presence of God. That is very similar to the Copernican Revolution, which moved the center of the universe from Earth to the Sun. We used to say that we should do good for the poor, disabled, in need.

But it is they who are poor, disabled, or ill who are doing good for us.

The people we are healing all in fact healing us.

They call us to love, they are awakening in us what is most precious: compassion.

Jesus calls himself the Light of the World in the context of the man’s blindness. He spit and mixed his saliva with clay on purpose. This had great meaning, for when God made Adam, he made him of spit.

Jesus is acting like God of the Old Testament: he gives the blind man new eyes and sight.

He is not just the Messiah, or just a prophet – He is God! He is doing it on the Sabbath.

The Pharisees fail to realize this because of their tunnel vision; they call Jesus a sinner, and call the blind man a sinner, too – that he was born in sin, which caused his blindness.

But they are so wrong.

Jesus is teaching us the difference between true sight and true blindness. Jesus’ physical actions, miracles and manifestations are meant to point us toward the ones that are more invisible.

It is far better to be disabled, to be blind and ill and to live in the light of God’s mercy, love, and tenderness.

On the Sabbath day, which is Sunday for most of us, consider visiting the sick and shutin. Stop by the nursing home or hospital. Perhaps make time for someone you know, maybe even a friend, relative or neighbor who is disabled. The sick and suffering need you, but as the Gospel story tells us, we will receive blessings and graces from the least likely of places.

Father Mateusz Rudzik is a 32-year-old adventure-seeker: skateboarder, sky diver, rock climber, and Catholic priest.

He is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Tallassee and St. Joseph Church and School in Tuskegee.

Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

On April 2 at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School will feature Lenten lessons and discussion. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist marking the fifth Sunday in Lent, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/

• Living Water Worship Center

Yard Sale at 443 Main St. in Carrville to benefit Anthony Gioiosa, who will be attending evangelism school in Orlando, Florida. All proceeds will go to assist in funding Gioiosa as he begins this journey. To make donations please call 334-415-9018

• Salem Macon Baptist Church

SMBC has a sign up sheet in hallway. Anyone who would like to furnish an Easter Lilly in memory or in honor of a loved one or who wants to decorate the sanctuary please sign the sheet. The lilies are $12.00 each. See Lisa Stallings to pay. Deadline is April 3rd.

Brotherhood will be Sunday, April 9, at 8 a.m. This is a church-wide fellowship.

Easter Sunrise Service will be 6 a.m. A short praise and worship service will be on the grass between church and annex. Then the main service will be in the church sanctuary. Breakfast will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a breakfast item.

Sunday School will follow the meal with Mike Stallings teaching everyone in fellowship Hall. At 10;30, during the worship service, the choir will present the cantata “In the Presence of Jehovah.” Please mark your calendar and come worship God and Jesus with us.

• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

“Our Life’s Journey” is an outreach of St. Vincent de

Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Pastor; and Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, Grand Knight.It airs on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com OR on your smart phone using the TuneIn app.

• Elam Baptist Church

There will be a “Baby Tea” honoring Allison Rodgers (It’s a BOY!) Sunday, April 2, following Morning Worship from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Easter pageant practice is well under way for the production of “My Redeemer Lives,” which will be presented Palm Sunday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Everyone is asked to please be in practice each time.

The Annie Armstrong Home Mission Emphasis and Easter Offering is well underway. This is time to share with those on the North America Home Mission Fields. Your participation is needed.

The monthly ongoing ACTS Ministry of rice and chili donations continues for the needy in the community.

Elam will host the TLBA Monthly Pastor’s Meeting Tuesday, April 4, beginning at 10:30 a.m. All pastors are invited to attend.

The Children’s Ministry has revised the KIC (KIDS IN CHRIST) Sunday Morning Children’s Church. The Children will be in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. for a Children’s sermon

by Will Haynes following the fellowship hymn. They will go to Children’s Church where they will have a joint assembly and age group divisions. Be sure your children age 2-10 years take advantage of this special time each Sunday morning following the Bible Study hour at 10:00 a.m.

The Sunny Seniors will renew the monthly breakfast on Monday, April 10, at 7:30 a.m. Looking forward to seeing all the seniors for a good time of laughter, fellowship and good breakfast together. Join us.

WOM meets each month on the 2nd Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. Sunrise Service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Easter morning, April 16, with Breakfast following. The Sanctuary Choir, with director Kevin Lanier, will present “Written In Red” during the 11 a.m. worship hour.

Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord with us at Elam April 16. Happy Easter! HE LIVES!

• Calvary Baptist Church of Tallassee

If you are looking for a church to worship and praise the Lord come join us at 293 N. Wesson St. in Tallassee. Our services are at 10 a.m. Sunday School, 11 a.m. Morning Worship Service, 6 p.m. Evening Service. Also join us at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening for our Prayer and Fellowship Service. If you have any questions call Pastor Jim Voss at 334-283-2366.

• Tallassee Church of Christ

Announces our new minister, Charlie Boddy. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. Worship service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services begin at 6 p.m. Visitor’s welcome at all services. Call 334-283-5437 or come by 209 Gilmer Ave.

• East Tallassee United Methodist Church

The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall.

We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143

ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825

BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5674325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist

504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore

Submit your church news to editor@tallasseetribune.com ••• The deadline Is FRIDAY at noon.

Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 334-567-7811.

The Tallassee Tribune

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

March 29, 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Page A9

Page 10 â&#x20AC;¢ March 29, 2017

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE

www.TallasseeTribune.com

March 29, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 11

Police Reports Tuesday, March 21 â&#x20AC;˘ 911 Hang-up @ W James St & Jordan Ave @ 19:45 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 BF Arrested @ Gilmer Ave @ 21:14 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of suspicious Person @ Gilmer Ave @ 21:50 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious Person @ Barnett Blvd @ 08:55 â&#x20AC;˘ Report Generated @ E B Payne Sr. Dr. @ 09:20 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of criminal Mischief @ Hillcrest St @ 09:49 â&#x20AC;˘ Inmate work detail @ Gilmer Ave @ 09:50 â&#x20AC;˘ Arrest attempt @ Silver Cloud Ln @ 10:56 â&#x20AC;˘ Civil matter @ Barnett Blvd @ 11:30 â&#x20AC;˘ Attempt to contact @ Weldon Rd @ 11:31 â&#x20AC;˘ Attempt to contact @ Joy St @ 12:26 â&#x20AC;˘ B/F Arrested @ Friendship Rd @ 14:21 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious Person @ S Tallassee Dr. @ 17:11 â&#x20AC;˘ Report Generated @ Parker St @ 17/17 â&#x20AC;˘ Juvenile Complaint @ Indian Trail @ 17:34 â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic Stop x31

Fire activity

â&#x20AC;˘ FFD responded to medical call @ Redland Rd @ 09:53 â&#x20AC;˘ TFD and FFD responded to Lloyd Rd for mutual aid to Redhill FD

Wednesday, March 22 â&#x20AC;˘ Report of Trespassing 3rd @ 4th St @ 18:08 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 WF Arrested @ Friendship Rd @ 18:43 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TPD Warrant â&#x20AC;˘ Transport from Friendship to ECSO @ 18:43 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Domestic Incident @ E Patton St @ 22:15 â&#x20AC;˘ Arrest @ Al Hwy 229 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of a stolen vehicle @ Paxton Dr. â&#x20AC;˘ 1 WM Arrested @ Al Hwy 229 @ 03:08 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PDP â&#x20AC;˘ Work school crossing @ Barnett Blvd @ 07:09 â&#x20AC;˘ B/F Arrested @ 1st Ave @ 09:08 â&#x20AC;˘ Information only report Generated @ Hillcrest St @ 10:10 â&#x20AC;˘ Inmate Transport @ Barnett Blvd to Us Hwy 231 @ 10:15 â&#x20AC;˘ Civil Matter complaint @ Upper River are @ 12:53 â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Vehicle accident no injuries @ Kent Rd @ 13:27 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of disorderly subject @

Manning Cr @ 13:49 â&#x20AC;˘ W/F Arrested @ Ashurst Ave @ 15:06 â&#x20AC;˘ Work school crossing @ Barnett Blvd @ 15:07 â&#x20AC;˘ Jail Incident @ Barnett Blvd @ 15:20 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of attempt Burglary @ Grimes St @ 15:30 â&#x20AC;˘ Follow Up @ Friendship Rd & 15:58 â&#x20AC;˘ Civil Matter @ S Tallassee Dr. @ 17:30 â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic Stop x5

Thursday, March 23 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious Vehicle @ W Gantts Mill Rd @ 5:45 â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Vehicle MVA w/No Pl @ Jordan Ave & Bass St @ 7:12 â&#x20AC;˘ Debris in roadway L Gilmer Ave / Barnett Blvd @ 13:08 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA Hit and Run @ Camellia Dr. @ 15:17 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic Incident @ Lower Tuskegee Rd @ 16:11 â&#x20AC;˘ Disorderly Person @ 1st Ave @ 16:50 â&#x20AC;˘ Assisted TFD w/Brush Fire @ W Main St @ 17:12 â&#x20AC;˘ Attempt to contact/Warrant @ Roberts St @ 18:07 â&#x20AC;˘ Harassment complaint @ Gilmer Ave @ 18:09 â&#x20AC;˘ Transport to Tallassee Hwy @ Barnett Blvd @ 18:30 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious Vehicle @ Gilmer Ave @ 20:50 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious Person/Warrant @ Jordan/ James St @ 20:51 â&#x20AC;˘ Attempt to contact/Warrant @ W Main St @ 22:07 â&#x20AC;˘ Tree in roadway @ Macedonia Rd @ 02:57 â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic Stop x23

Fire activity

â&#x20AC;˘ TFD responded to Brush Fire @ W Main St @ 17:12

Friday, March 24 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Harassment @ Barnett Blvd @ 08:40 â&#x20AC;˘ Animal Bite @ Gilmer Ave @ 08:59 â&#x20AC;˘ Assisted TPD Transformer Fire/Power Lines Down @ McKenzie St @ 09:55 â&#x20AC;˘ Criminal Mischief @ Central Blvd @ 11:07 â&#x20AC;˘ Transport/BM Arrested @ Barnett Blvd @ 13:48 â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Vehicle MVA no PL @ Jordan Ave @ 12:06 â&#x20AC;˘ W/M Arrested @ Barnett Blvd @ 13:48 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Shots Fired @ 1st Ave @ 14:28 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic Incident @ Magnolia St @ 15:19

â&#x20AC;˘ Animal Complaint @ Indian Trail / Friendship Rd @ 15:53 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA no injuries @ Notasulga Rd @ 19:57 â&#x20AC;˘ Private property MVA @ Gilmer Ave @ 21:15 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious Person @ Dorman Ave @ 21:44 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious vehicles @ Softball Way @ 23:03 â&#x20AC;˘ Attempt to Elude @ Jacob Ct @ 23:22 â&#x20AC;˘ Intoxicated person @ N Ann Ave @ 00:11 â&#x20AC;˘ Theft Complaint @ Benson Dr. @ 00:44 â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic Stop x15

Fire activity

â&#x20AC;˘ TFD responded to Transformer Fire/ Power lines down @ McKenzie St @ 09:55

Saturday, March 25 â&#x20AC;˘ Criminal Mischief @ Hillcrest St @ 10:35 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Shot Fired @ Gen Chappy James St @ 11:20 â&#x20AC;˘ Animal Complaint @ 3rd Ave @ 11:30 â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic Stop/Foot Pursuit @ W James St @ 11:48 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic Incident @ 1st Ave @ 12:22 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA Private Property @ Gilmer Ave @ 12:57 â&#x20AC;˘ Sex Offender Home Verification @ Lower Tuskegee Rd @ 13:50 â&#x20AC;˘ Criminal Mischief @ Benson Ave @ 13:52 â&#x20AC;˘ Sex Offender Home Verification @ Sims @ 14:07 â&#x20AC;˘ Criminal Mischief @ Gilmer Ave @ 14:16 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA Hit and Run @ Gilmer Ave @ 14:18 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic Incident @ Thelma Dr. @ 14:40 â&#x20AC;˘ W/F Arrested @ S Tallassee Dr. @ 14:41 â&#x20AC;˘ Patrol Follow Up @ Central Blvd @ 15:49 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA W/Injuries @ Notasulga are @ 15:55 â&#x20AC;˘ Transport @ HQ to TCSO @ 16:08 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Shots Fired @ Central Blvd @ 16:26 â&#x20AC;˘ Stolen Vehicle @ Gilmer Ave @ 16:39 â&#x20AC;˘ Private property MVA @ Redden Ave @ 19:28 â&#x20AC;˘ Loud Music Complaint @ John St @ 20:04 â&#x20AC;˘ Suspicious activity @ Softball Way @ 23:06 â&#x20AC;˘ Disorderly Person @ Zion St @ 01:50 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA with injuries @ Notasulga are @ 01:07

Your contributions make our nation stronger

A

t first, seeing taxes taken out of your paycheck can be a little disappointing. However, you can take pride in knowing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making an important impact each week when you contribute to Social Security.

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KYLLE MCKINNEY Social Security

Act. In some cases, you will see â&#x20AC;&#x153;OASDIâ&#x20AC;? which stands for Old Age Survivors Disability Insurance.

The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

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If you have a friend who lost a parent when they were a child, they probably got Social Security survivors benefits. Social Security

helps by providing income for the families of workers who die.

In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Disorderly Person @ Zion St @ 01:50 â&#x20AC;˘Traffic Stop x12

Fire activity

â&#x20AC;˘ TFD Responded to MVA w/injuries @ Notasulga Rd @ 15:55 â&#x20AC;˘ TFD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MVA with injuries @ Notasulga Rd @ 01:07

Sunday, March 26 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic Incident @ Pinehurst St @ 18:24 â&#x20AC;˘ Mental Patient @ Little Rd @ 18:37 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Private Property @ N Ann Ave @ 19:50 â&#x20AC;˘ Criminal Mischief @ James St @ 21:56 â&#x20AC;˘ MVA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rollover @ EB Payne @ 23:28 â&#x20AC;˘ Juvenile Complaint @ Notasulga Rd @ 01:07 â&#x20AC;˘ Intoxicated Complaint @ Upper River Rd @ 01:17 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic Incident @ Thorton St @ 04:03 â&#x20AC;˘ Identity Theft @ Barnett Blvd @ 8:25 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Abandoned Vehicle @ Gilmer Ave @ 11:12 â&#x20AC;˘ B/M Arrested @ Central Blvd @ 11:19 â&#x20AC;˘ Citizen Inquiry @ Barnett Blvd @ 14:01 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Shoplifting @ Gilmer Ave @ 15:13 â&#x20AC;˘ Complaint of Shots Fired @ Stewart St @ 17:21 â&#x20AC;˘ Traffic Stop x3

Monday, March 27 * Suspicious Vehicle @ Thelma Dr. @ 18:11 * Suspicious Vehicle @ E Patton St @ 18:29 * Criminal Mischief @ Barnett Blvd @ 18:34 * Noise Ordinance Complaint @ 1st Ave @ 21:34 * Juvenile Complaint @ 2nd Ave @ 21:02 * Harassing Communication @ Herd St @ 01:23 * Death investigation @ Outer Dr. @ 12:24 * Complaint of Disorderly Person @ Wall St @ 12:30 * Domestic Incident @ Paxton Dr. @ 12:41 * Complaint of Fight in Progress @ James St @ 17:46 * Traffic Stop x3

Fire activity

â&#x20AC;˘TFD responded to Rope Recovery @ Outer Dr. @ 12:24 â&#x20AC;˘ FFD responded to medical call @ Flat Rock Rd @ 16:55

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12 The Tallassee Tribune • March 29, 2017

SPORTS

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

Tigers’ baseball rollercoaster season continues

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

As baseball season progresses, the Tallassee Tigers continue on an up-and-down pattern.

Last week, the Tigers saw several ups and downs after shutting out the Dadeville Tigers 14-0 then losing to the same team the very next day.

It seems the up and down pattern continued as Tallassee lost to Valley in a doubleheader on Tuesday at the Southside fields. The Tigers put up a good fight against the Rams.

In the first game of the doubleheader, Parker Neighbors took the loss giving up six runs on six hits in one inning of work. At bat, Dee Williams went 3-5 with a RBI, Blake Dean went 3-3 with a home run and 3 RBIs and Caleb Stewart went 2-3 for the Tigers. Despite their best efforts, the Tigers fell to the Rams 22-10.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Casey Baynes took the loss going 4 2/3 innings giving up six runs on 13 hits.

Tallassee traveled to Millbrook on Thursday to play Curry High School and Stanhope Elmore. The Tigers came out in full force shutting out the Yellow Jackets. During the sixinning game Will Peters went the distance in the victory with eight strikeouts. Dean was 2-2 at bat with 2 RBIs. Jake Burton went 2-4 and Reid Whitaker went 2-3 with two doubles. The Tigers downed the Yellow Jackets 10-0.

Following the game against Curry High School, the Tigers took on Stanhope Elmore in game two of the evening. Burton took the

T

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Reid Whitaker went 2-3 with two doubles during Thursday’s game against Curry High School. The Tigers defeated the Yellow Jackets 10-0 in game one of the evening.

loss pitching five innings. Williams went 2-4 at bat for the Tigers. The Mustangs defeated the Tigers 7-1.

Tallassee’s season record now stands at 11-9

overall and 2-1 in the region. Tallassee will head to Alex City this week to participate in the Lake Martin Baseball Classic.

South Carolina sets pattern to follow

he South Carolina Gamecocks entered the NCAA Tournament with an overANDY all record of 22-10. They GRAHAM lost their last regular-seaSports son game to Ole Miss Columnist 75-70 and lost to Alabama (for the second time) in the SEC Tournament 64-53. There was some question as to whether they would even make it into the field of 68. Especially considering a 24-8 Gamecock team was left out of the Madness just a season ago.

Maybe head coach Frank Martin and his crew got their second wind. Maybe the men from Columbia were fortuitously placed in a bracket they could handle. Or, maybe South Carolina is just simply a good basketball team. Either way, they have shocked the college basketball world by earning their way to the schools first ever Final Four appearance. They’ve done it in impressive fashion as well. Carolina had to go through the No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 seed to reach these heights.

They not only defeated the likes of Duke, Baylor and Florida respectively. They looked good doing it.

The defense has been suffocating and SR Sindarius Thornwell has been scintillating. I applaud South Carolina and I’ll be cheering for them to win it all. I’m also hoping Bruce Pearl and Auburn are taking notes.

Frank Martin got his first college head coaching job in 2007 at Kansas State. He was there for five years and never won fewer than 21 games in a season. The high point was 29 victories and an appearance in the Elite Eight in 2010. Martin took the job at South Carolina in 2012 and inherited a program that endured five losing seasons in the previous six years. Sound familiar?

Bruce Pearl inherited a program in 2014 that posted five losing seasons in the previous six years. The Gamecocks had only made it to the NCAA Tournament twice in the last 20 years before this season. Auburn has been three times. Obviously, both coaches were tasked with building a program basically from scratch. That takes time, a copious amount of patience and a whole lot of endurance.

Here are South Carolina’s records in Frank Martin’s first three years: 14-18 (4-14), 14-20 (5-13) and 17-16 (6-12). A lot of people were wondering if Martin had forgotten how to coach. The Gamecocks didn’t make a lot of progress on the ledger, but they were accumulating talent and taking baby steps.

Here are Auburn’s records in Bruce Pearl’s first three years: 15-20 (4-14), 11-20 (5-13) and 18-14 (7-11). I doubt coach Pearl has forgotten how to coach and I know the Tigers have been accumulating talent.

The fruits of Frank Martin’s labor didn’t come to harvest until year four. Last season, South Carolina went 25-9 (11-7) and made an appearance in the NIT. Clearly, they have eclipsed every possible goal here in 2017.

Is Auburn on the same path? I certainly wouldn’t predict a run to the Final Four in 2019, but I suppose anything is possible. The Tigers just need to continue on the path of improvement like South Carolina did with Frank Martin. Auburn could also learn a big lesson from the Gamecocks in how they play the game. Martin has taught his players how to defend an opponent. It’s a novel concept, but worth emulating. Good luck South Carolina! Here’s hoping Auburn follows your example.

Andy Graham writes a regular sports column for Tallapoosa Publishers.

Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune

Tallassee High School senior Jake Baker will join the Troy University football team this fall. Pictured (left to right): THS head football coach Mike Battles, Christina Baker, Jake Baker, THS principal Matt Coker, Jeff Baker, Andy Baker.

Baker signs with Troy Trojans

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Tallassee’s Jake Baker signed with Troy University Friday to play football as a Trojan beginning this fall.

Baker, an all-state lineman and a two-time heavyweight state wrestling champion, signed as preferred walk-on with the Trojans.

As a stellar high school football player and wrestler, Baker had three college offers to choose from.

“I had an offer from Huntingdon for wrestling and football,” Baker said. “My second offer was from Middle Georgia State and my third and final offer was from Troy.”

Baker said he seriously considered all of options offered to him.

“I really enjoyed wrestling in high school,” Baker said. “I actually went and visited Huntingdon and looked at their wrestling program, their rooms and how they do things. I really enjoyed it, but in the end I decided that football is the way to go.”

After careful consideration, Baker chose to play football for Troy. There were several factors that came into play while making this decision.

“I’ve been to Troy many times,” he said. “I love the campus. I love everything about it. “ The fact that the Troy Trojans are a member of NCAA Division One athletics weighed heavily in Baker’s decision making.

“They’re D1 football,” he said. “I really like how they run their football program.”

Because Troy is only an hour away, Baker says it’s not too far from home and his older brother, Drew, is already attending Troy.

“Mom really likes it,” he said. “My brother Drew is already a junior there.”

Baker will begin his journey as a Troy Trojan in just a few months. Heading to Troy, he hopes his athletic ability will set him apart from the rest.

“I’m a little nervous,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get into the weight room, lift hard and prove myself to the coaches.”

Baker says he hopes to graduate from Troy with a degree in education and ultimately give back to the sport that has offered him so much.

“I’m probably going to major in education,” he said. “I would like to teach at a school, coach and be

an athletic director.”

Baker says he could see himself returning to Tallassee to pursue his career.

“I’ve though about it,” he said. “I love the coaches here and I definitely could see myself coming back here and coaching.”

Baker says he always knew he wanted to play football. He began playing football in the seventh grade, but he was spectator of the sport at much earlier age.

“When I was a little kid, I always watched football on television,” he said. “Then when I started playing football for the school, I loved it.”

It’s been just over a week since Baker signed with Troy University and for Baker the excitement is beginning to hit home.

“It’s a little new to me,” he said. “It’s just sinking in that I am actually going to be playing football at Troy for the next four years, but it’s a good feeling.”

Baker says leaving Tallassee for Troy is bitter sweet. Baker had an exceptional senior year. He helped carry the Tigers to the state playoffs, but after the season ended, reality set in quickly. However, he plans to take that knowledge and experience with him to Troy.

“After our season ended, it sunk in that I would never be playing football here again,” Baker said.

“That was not a good feeling.”

Baker says if he could go back and offer advice to his younger self, the message would be simple.

“Always play the hardest,” Baker said. “You better do it all because you’re going to miss it.”

Baker says as a four-year football starter and twotime state wrestling champ, the lessons and experience gained will carry him far in life.

“Coach Battles is big on dedication,” he said. “Not only in football but in school, too. If you’re not going to come lift weights and practice, then why are you out there? That’s how I know I have to be dedicated when I go to Troy and while considering a career down there.”

As graduation approaches, Baker says he will spend the early portion of the summer months here in Tallassee before he heads south to play ball.

“I’ll be working part-time this summer, until I leave,” Baker said. “I’ll leave either the end of July or the beginning of August to start football at Troy.”