Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

RR Crossing (3-30-10)

Thank You CSX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Outstanding Job on the RR Crossing - Ryan M.

TK's (3-30-10)

Good old TK's!!!!!! (Tallassee Kids)
There were some good times down there. They had a dance floor with the crystal ball and lights, pool tables with pool tournaments, arcade games, an area with a popcorn machine and café in it, tables and booths for you to sit at. Then later on they added the stage area out back through that garage door where the live bands would play. I can't remember any of their names but I do recall watching a few bands back there. I remember it was like $2 to get in and if you left and came back you had to pay again. It reminds me of that movie "Dazed and Confused" that part where they were all hanging out and shooting pool in that building.

Pac Man Town
That was another great place to hang out at. Back when you could play a game for 25 cents. Now it is like $1.50 or more. I know that the games have come a long way from the old Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Missile Command, Galaxy, Cinder-peed, Ms. Pac Man, and Tron but do they have to cost so much to play? I still enjoy going to the movies a little early so that I can get a game or two in before the movie starts. I remember asking mom for some money to go play with while she went shopping.

Margaret's Café
That place should go down in history. LOL It was great. I still remember the sound of that old screen door slamming. The thing to get back then was a Burger, Fries, and Coke which came in a real bottle. How many years did she keep that place in business? Every business that has been there since Margaret's closed can't keep the doors open for more than a year or two - Ryan M.

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TK's (3-30-10)

Ahhh those were the days. Funny thing we were just talking about TK's the other day at True Value. It was definitely the place to be. Hanging out at the pool tables and listening to the live band out back standing on the benches lined against the wall. Getting to see your girlfriend or maybe even finding a new one. It is too bad the kids of today do not have a place like that.

And Pac Man town. Who could forget? I remember riding my bicycle from almost in Kent to Tallassee and across the bridge just to play video games with the money I made cutting grass. I remember playing TRON and Galaga for hours in there.

And there was nothing like going to Margarets Cafe. She had her Auburn side and Daisel had his Alabama side with an Autographed picture from Pat Dye that said "To the old man at the Cafe. Thanks for the Advice." Getting the Cheesburger Deluxe with fries and sweet tea. Slipping and sliding through the kitchen. Droppin quarters in the juke box.

Lots of great memories - Larry Moore

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TK's (3-30-10)

Talk about bringing back memories!!! TK's was a great place where we got to hang out with our friends and just have a great time. Enjoyed the dancing with the D.J.'s, live bands, shooting pool and playing games. And as Ryan mentioned the price was only about $2 so it didn't cost a fortune and our parents didn't worry about us being there. It is sad that kids today don't have a place like that. Those were good times! - Kim C.

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TK's (3-30-10)

MB...As I recall, Ryan Merrett named this old hangout "Tallassee Kids" i.e., TKs. Seemed like they had a contest to name the place and Ryan won. Me and Country used to frequent this place and would request Talking Head's "Burning Down the House." As for Pac-Man Town, since you and I grew up in East Tallasee, we had a gold mine. If memory serves me correctly, I believe a man by the name of Howard Gunn owned this arcade. I can honestly say that I single handedly paid for the Pac-Man machine. Thanks for the memories - Shannon Glenn

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TK's (3-30-10)

I helped pay the mortgage on those place for sure. Pac Man Town as a kid and TK's as a teen. Don't forget Rick Racks...playin foosball and Tiger Heli listening to White Snake, "Here I Go Again:!!! - Mark Baynes

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TK's (3-30-10)

If I sit back and concentrate I can feel the cold air in Margaret's and smell the grease. No one could cook a hamburger steak like Margaret could, except Ann Bagley. I asked Ann one time if she ever cooked and home and she said, "Every chance I get."
I hope some of y'all will write these memories down for our next edition of Memorable Tallasseans - Suzy S

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TK's (3-30-10)

Ann Bagley did by far have the best food and service in town. She was ALWAYS in there cooking, no off brand recipies, just some good down home cooking straight from her cook book. which was awesome. and playing pac man in there while waiting for your food was a plus also. nice lady she was. simply the best woman around.

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TK's (3-30-10)

As I pulled up "Tallassee Times" and read the header, I felt a smile come across my face. Those were truly the good times. It did not matter whether you were from Reeltown or Tallasse, we all came together there as friends. I am sure alot of relationships were formed there. We could not wait for school on Monday mornings to catch up on the gossip from TK's from the weekend. Those were Truly Good Time!!!! - Memories of TK's

SOAR Program (3-30-10)

This will be our son’s last year at Southside and it has been WONDERFUL. Varner, Dean and Faculty deserve a big applause in the difference not just myself but others have seen at the school – In Just One year!!

To See the principles/assistant principles stand outside with signs reminding students and parents and their faces of enthusiasm. Our son has enjoyed but I as a parent have noticed the difference in attitude amongst the students and faculty – of smiles, and most of all enthusiasm!!!

Thank you for letting our childs last year at Southside be one he will have happy memories of!!! - Laurie Rygiel

Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

It was very disappointing to hear that two of my former players, Steven Webster and Justin Ellis, were not given the opportunity to coach a team in this years Babe Ruth Baseball League. As an alum and someone who takes great pride in the tradition of Tallassee baseball, it is very disconcerting to witness the progressive decline of our feeder programs (Dixie Youth and Babe Ruth). Tallassee essentially dominated baseball in this state for a 12 year period from 1986-1998 and the success of our feeder programs played a major role in the success of the high school program. The baseball boards and committees were made up of knowledgeable people who had the best interest of the entire program at heart and most of the coaches were capable of teaching great fundamentals to the players (don’t get me wrong, there are some people involved in the current program that want to do things the right way). Players were sound fundamentally when they reached the high school level and this made it much easier for the high school coaches to establish a consistent, championship program.

This has been replaced by “Daddy Ball” where many parents attempt to live out their athletic dreams through their kids. I don’t fault a parent for wanting to be involved in his child’s athletic career but it becomes an issue when there are more qualified coaches willing to donate their time and expertise. Steven and Justin, along with another former player, Brandon Graham were three of the most talented, mentally tough players ever to come through this area. Their toughness resulted in several World Series appearances and eventually a state championship in 1998. Their coaching style may rub some people the wrong way but the kids who play for them progress and get better as the year goes on. Anyone who has witnessed their practices will tell you the same thing and this is what the high school program sorely needs.

I certainly don’t know everyone who sits on the board or even the names of the current coaches (and this is not directed at anyone individually) but I am certain that these two former players should have been given the opportunity to coach. What’s confusing is that they actually coached last year and were still passed over. They have extensive knowledge and collegiate experience to boot and we should be begging local guys like this to help rebuild our program. If little Johnny’s feelings get hurt by their coaching style, then so be it (believe me, my feelings were hurt plenty times over the years, but fortunately I had a father who taught me a little something about mental toughness).

To compete at the 5A level, Tallassee desperately needs feeder programs that demand fundamental baseball and a certain level of mental toughness. Some of the best coaches over the years have been former players who don’t have a child involved in the program and don’t have a dog in the fight. Many people ask about Coach Baynes and his success at Tallassee. Without question, his greatest strength was his involvement in Little League and Babe Ruth where he and other coaches created a very intense, competitive atmosphere. The results of these efforts speak for themselves. These programs have done a complete 180 since that time and it continues to help cripple our high school program. It’s no coincidence that Tallassee has had very few teams over the past 10 years advance past the state tournament in any age group. Until the politics and “Daddy Ball” ends, expect more of the same - Mark Segrest, Franklin, TN

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

This "Daddy Ball" that you speak of, I know first hand. Don't feel bad, its not just baseball. We have "Daddy Ball" in football, baseball, and even girls athletics. If you know who your coach will be you might want to get started early. The line gets longer every year! Remember the coaches kids are a shoe in but there is usually one or two spots left each year for the golfing, fishing or drinking buddies - Feel your pain

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Mark Segrest's earlier comment should be required reading for all Dixie Youth, Babe Ruth, and JV and Varsity Baseball parents. Any organization that would turn down willing and qualified coaches when often it is difficult to find folks that are willing to dedicate that much time and effort to something needs further examination.

Mark is absolutely correct that the feeder programs that existed in the time frame he referenced were an essential part of Tallassee's baseball dominance. By the time most of us got to high school age, the fundamentals were a given.

I haven't watched a Tallassee baseball game in many years, but am certain that fundamentals will go a long way toward instilling success in the program. We simply used to refer to it as playing "Tallassee Baseball". If done properly, it will win.

Mark's term of "Daddy Ball" isn't going to cut it. Stop trying to live vicariously through your children and stop pampering and spoiling these young men. The working world out there rewards tough minded people. You are doing them a disservice.

I follow the program from afar and have fond memories of 'those days'. Work together and get on the same page and try to get this program back to how it used to be - Tough Love Former Tiger

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Mr. Segrest,

You act as if you've hit a grand slam with this one. Get ready, the count is 0-2 and you're sitting on a curve ball. I'm going to throw the high heat right by ya. Got him lookin'!

Interesting you sent this after you moved from Tallassee. Some of us daddy ballers might like to have a word with ya if you ever come back for a visit.

What is it with these former players? They act as if they were the greatest ever. How many Tallassee boys have played in the big leagues? I think there was one or two about 100 years ago. You're all a bunch of has-beens. Just because you played for THS back in the good ol' days doesn't make you baseball Gods.

I played a little ball too. I know that you've got to pitch, catch and hit. It's pretty simple really. I've been a youth league coach and I know fundamentals. You people here take some things too seriously. These have been cherished moments I've spent with my young ones. Let's not forget what the real purpose is: Fun, Fun, Fun!!! Now, let's play ball. Daddy Ball in T-town forever - Mack Seacrest, Kent

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Mark -

Why don't you just keep yor happy (fanny) in TN? mmmmkay? - John Mangood

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

I think Mark Segrest will be in Tallassee Easter weekend if any of the "Daddy" baseball supporters really need to "talk" - Steve Segrest

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Mark,

First I would like to thank you for speaking up and it does not matter that you moved to Tennessee before you spoke up. I was not going to write anything because I have lived in Tallassee for a very long time and have seen exactly what you are talking about. It doesn't matter how many times people like you and others speak up because NOTHING will change unless the ones that want it to be right stands up and does something about it. Tallassee Baseball used to be the team to beat and now it is the team that gets beat. Since 1998 there has not to my knowledge been one Tallassee high school team to even win a state championship game in baseball. There has not been any feeder programs to even make it to the regionals let along go to the world series since before them. When there are young men that do not have children in any of these programs are willing to give up their time and volunteer to coach and help build the Tallasse baseball program back up to have a chance to be the team to beat again then I think something needs to be looked into when they are just passed over. When they don't get voted in to coach because a so called grown man that is a coach has a tiff with one of them last year and still has not gotten over it then why would anyone on the board want him to coach a team this year. Is it because no one had the (guts) when he said if one of them coached he would take his son and leave and not coach to tell him BYE.

I personally have witnessed some babe ruth games last year and I was blown away. I felt sorry for the players that have the heart and really wants to be good at baseball, but watching last year in my observation some of them won't get the chance to have their baseball dreams come true. Their won't be a championship ring for them to wear and be proud of because like you called it, it is DADDY BASEBALL and until that changes it will be sad for all the ones that have hoped to follow in some of the young mens footsteps in the past and get the oportunity to go to regional play and then on to the world series. What a shame because I saw some boys that probably could have had that oportunity if they had been coached correctly starting in the feeder programs.

The reason I am writing this now is I take offense to the parents that think it is just fun fun fun. Yes it should be fun but at the same time coaches should be trying to teach these kids and help them grow to be able to stride for a championship title. Like you stated if little Johnny gets his feelings hurt and daddy gets mad so be it. What is DADDY going to do when his child gets in the real world? Get up and walk out and take his grown up son with him. Life does not work that way and I feel sorry for the ones that think it does. I don't know what world they live in but it sure isn't reality! FROM READING SOME OF THE RECENT COMMENTS I CAN SEE MARK YOU MUST HAVE HIT A GRAND SLAM HOMERUN!

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Good job Mark on hitting a GRAM SLAM HOMERUN while you were sitting on an 0-2 with a curve ball coming at you. Looks like someone needs to learn how to pitch better. Maybe if he had someone with talent teaching him how to pitch while he was growing up then he may have been able to throw a better curve ball. That is if he was even a pitcher - Baseball in this city needs to change

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

If you want Daddy Ball in T-Town forever then start your own Daddy ball league and have FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know for a fact that their are parents in Tallassee that have very athletic kids that want to be taught by these so called "has beens" as you call them. My suggestion to you is start your little daddy league and see how many kids you have to sign up.

Then let the parents that want Tallassee Baseball back on track with kids that truly want to play and become great ball players like the "has beens" have a choice of what league they want their child to play on. Just maybe you might have enough to sign up to make a team that you can coach and then maybe you won't have enough to even have a team at all!!!!!!

I have a lot of fond memories from traveling and watching these "has beens" as you call them. It is time to give the kids a chance to become great players the oportunity to maybe receive a college scholarship so they can play college ball like a lot of the past players were able to receive. Give them a chance to be proud to wear a championship ring on their finger. It is not about the parents or who they are or what their last name is or where they live, it is about the kids being given the oportunity of a lifetime. If you don't think the past ball players don't have memories of all the district, state, regional, and even the world series tournaments then why don't you talk to some of them and let them share their experiences with you. Talk to their parents and let them tell you of their fond memories of those days. You could have them to along with your kids if you would change your attitude from daddy ball forever to real baseball. Even real hard baseball was fun fun fun for these past players. They respected their coaches because they knew their coaches wanted them to succeed - Upset with lack of oportunity for kids

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

I got your back, Mark. I volunteered with the jv football program for a few years and that was enough for me. I coached kids who would rather be anywhere but a football field but they didn't want to let their daddys down. I see kids being pushed by their parents to play year round sports and spend more time traveling than they do at home. I also see kids being coached by people who never played a competetive sport in their life.

There are a few thing in athletics that always hold true. An athlete is born and not made. An athlete may never be discovered if their talents aren't properly developed. You can't teach something you were never capable of doing yourself. Less than 4% of high school athletes make it to college and less than 1% of DIV1 college players make it to the pros.

Most of the qualified people in this town would volunteer their time if they didn't have to deal with parents screaming and cussing at the coaches, umpires, and the other teams coaches. If some of the parents at the ball fields acted half as mature as their kids, it would be a much better environment for everyone - Rhett Dennis

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

The little crooked board members of these leagues are to blame also for these daddy coaches.They already have it figured out who will coach and fill board vacancies for next year.Justin and Steven should have definitely been given coaching positions along with Derek Hathcock in 11-12 yr olds.Derek has forgot more about baseball than anyone in that league but he wasn't given the chance because his son has been playing TRAVEL BASEBALL!Look at what travel ball did for him too,he is a jam-up player.If this daddy ball continues we will lose a lot of kids to travel ball,i'd say 20% by next year.Then we can hear all the moaning and groaning like we did this past summer with the 9 under team.Those kids improved a lot and it showed this past weekend in the jamboree.What if these kids today had to endure ONE practice under Thomas or Howard Earl Stalnaker?Man the parents would go crazy if they saw little Johnny "DUCK WALKING" around the field,they'd be crying child abuse.Those were the days when "winners" were molded and developed - MY TWO CENTS

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

First of all I would like to thank Mark Segrest for continuing to support all of his former players. He has been a great role model to all of us and we all to this day respect him. Mark started coaching Babe Ruth in 1993 and introduced us to a new kind of baseball. He showed us that hard work and dedication pays off. At the time I didn't realize just how much he was teaching us until I went off to college to play. Everything that the coaches in college was trying to teach us I already knew and knew well. We were never the most talented team. I remember walking on the field and looking at the other teams and noticing how much bigger they were than us but the thought of losing never crossed my mind. We all knew that we had worked harder than any team we would ever face and from the first pitch on it showed.

To answer this one guy's question: NO, Tallassee has not had anyone play in the BIG leagues from the so called good ol days. I can tell you this, during that time period Tallasse has had MANY players play college baseball and some play professional. Making it to the BIG leagues takes so much more than just being able to play the game well.

Yes, baseball is supposed to be fun but I personaly can not remember one time I had fun losing a game. Baseball was only fun when we won. Winning makes everyone happy. If I had a bad game my parents didn't tell me "oh it's ok it's not you're fault." They never blamed it on the coaches or any other players. They told me like it was. There was not one time I went home from a game or practice and my parents tell me that the coach doesn't know what he's talking about or they worked me too hard.

Like Mark I don't fault a father for wanting to be involved in his child's sports. I know when my son starts playing ball I will be right there beside him but I do know enough to know that I can't teach them everything. I can't just go up to my daughter's dance class or swim team and try to start running things. I'm not going to tell her that her teacher doesn't know what she's doing nor will I ever confront her teacher for being too hard on her. You can ask my 6 year old daughter now and she will tell you that practice makes perfect. She also knows that quiting is not an option once you start something. She knows that there are other kids that rely on her to do her very best just like she is relying on them. I would never tell anyone how to raise their own kids. I can only raise mine the best I can and they will grow up knowing that nothing is given to you in this world. If you want something you have to work harder than the other person to get it.

In closing I will state my opinion and say that our youth programs does need a major change. I do believe that the very best coach should get the job. Why wouldn't you want your kid to have the best coach he or she can get? I truly believe that if the parents would let the coaches that really want to make the kids better do their job then baseball in this town will get better. It may be hard to watch your child have to run laps and maybe even at times get yelled at but believe me it is actually helping them. If a kid respects his coach then he will do anything for him and in return the kid becomes a better ball player and person - Stephen Webster

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

I'm sorry but I'm a bit confused. I want to stand with the majority and just want to do what is right because I love Tallassee. Are we saying that now in Tallassee if you have a kid on your team you are not a good coach, you don't know what you're doing, and you are only coaching to vicariously live through your child? I'm also assuming that the coach of Tallassee's one and only Dixie Youth World Series winner did not have a kid on the team. True??

I'm also confused about what we are upset with. Is it the way kids are now compared to how they used to be? OR The way parents are now compared to the way they used to be? OR That their dads want to coach them? OR Are we just mad that two guys were passed over. Just to be clear in the future, what if these two young men want to coach their boys one day, will they be "daddy ballers" and be talked bad about? - Confused "Please" Help

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

STEVEN YOU ARE SO RIGHT....BUT I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYONE MENTION ALLSTARS...AND THAT'S WHAT MOST OF THIS BOILS DOWN TO...."YOU VOTE FOR MY SON AND I'LL VOTE FOR YOURS", SO THEIR KIDS CAN PLAY ALLSTARS, AND THE "DADDY'S" CAN FINALLY LIVE HIS DREAMS OF BEING ON A ALLSTAR TEAM THROUGH HIS SON!!! IT'S A SHAME, THAT WE HAVE KIDS, IN BABERUTH THAT WE ARE HAVING TO TEACH, HOW TO CATCH, THROW, AND SWING A BAT....WHEN WE CAME THROUGH, IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW OR HAVE TO DESIRE YOUR BUTT DIDN'T GO TO BABERUTH! AND WE HAD MANY, MANY TEAMS THAT PLAYED IN REGION, SUB-STATE, STATE, AND WORLD SERIES PLAY. AND NOW THEY HAVE CAME BACK WANTING TO GIVE OUR KIDS THE SAME OPPORTUNITY THAT THEY HAD, AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANYONE SAYING IT'S OK WINNINGS NOT EVERYTHING, IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT, OR WE'LL GET EM NEXT TIME. THEY HAD HOWARD EARL & THOMAS STALNAKER, TOM JONES,COACH BAYNES, SCREAMING AND SPITTING EVERYWORD, WHEN WE PLAYED THE FIRST THING BAYNES TOLD MY PARNETS IN A PARENT MEETING WAS, WHEN THEY COME ON THIS FIELD, THEY ARE MINE, YOU CAN PICK THEM UP AFTER WE'RE DONE. WE RAN, WE PUSHED UP,DUCK WALKED AND DONE SIT UP'S UNTIL WE PUKED AND THEN WE HAD TO RUN FOR PUKING ON HIS FIELD. WE TRAVELED ALL OVER THE SOUTHEAST AND WAS KNOWN FOR TALLASSEE TIGER BASEBALL.

IT'S OUR KIDS THAT ARE SUFFERING SO THE "DADDY'S" CAN FEEL LIKE THEY FINALLY BELONG ON THE FIELD, BUT DADDY'S YOU DIDN'T THEN AND YOU SURE DON'T NOW!!! - WHAT A SHAME IN TALLASSEE

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

I agree with many of the things mentioned concerning the health of youth sports in Tallassee. Although there is not one way to coach, there are productive ways which in turn breed success. A coach should assess what they have and determine how to best equip them to succeed.

Some have concerns over how poorly Tallassee has played in All-Stars. We are playing with a self imposed penalty. We let our children move up in league play even if they aren't of age. Example: A 10 yr old who can really play is allowed to move up to supposedly help the kid. I'm not sure what reasoning is used here, but it doesn't help anyone. It only dilutes the younger league and takes a kid who could really help a 9-10 yr old All-Star team. He may still make All-Stars, but will he have the same impact. I don't think so. Someone please explain to me what good comes from this practice.

We have the support in Tallassee for youth sports and always have. I hope the kids are provided an environment that rewards success and teaches more team than individual success - Just Sayin'

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

The comment was made about a 9 year old travel ball team from the Fall. Just to let all know (they) tried to ban them from using public fields. why? Reason was because they got all of the best players from the league. I guess it hurt my little all star team. you better play some travel ball to see how far behind you really are. All-star teams are nothing just daddys chest beating for coaching them. Take our best 9 and compete against other teams bes nine, we are way behind. But daddys can beat that chest because baby was an all-star. Our league is the only league in the county that will no allow players to play travel ball and league ball. Why??? Good bye ball players hello daddy ballers. Wake up.

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Wow!!! And that is to say the least. I am not a native of Tallassee but have been here for a few years. My kids have always been a part of the dixie youth baseball league. What is very sad about this town is that when my oldest was only 9 he realized that only the coaches sons got the great postitions. He knew that he would not be considered for the all-star team because his DAD was not a coach. Both my children have always given a 100% to the team that they play for. I can't say if they would ever qualify for all-stars (I think they are great players but I am the MOM) but they know they won't be considered because "DAD" is not a coach and is not from Tallassee. It is sad that because of "daddy ball" there are some kids out there that want to learn and advance and become great players but will never be given a chance.

If everyone would take a step back and see things from everyone else's eyes they might often see that there is someone better qualified for the job. But that would be too much to ask. So we continue to pay our fees every year, do the fund raiser, go to all the practices, bring drinks when we are supposed to, attend all the games, cheer my team on, and even give my money for the coach's gift year after year, all the while hoping that my children will not get discouraged because "DAD" isn't the coach and therefore learning, advancing and most certainly the all-star team will never be a possibility. I have learned THAT is how Tallassee Baseball is..... kept hoping it would change as they got older but after reading the comments from Mark and others, things will be the same through Babe Ruth and even high school???? - STILL SUPPORTING THE GAME

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

To try to answer the person that states he or she is confused about all of this, I will tell what I know.

I don't think at all it is just because the two young men that wanted to coach got passed over. It is my understanding that in the by laws for Babe Ruth if there is a person that wants to coach that does not have a child playing in that league they were to get first choice for a team and that did not happen. I am sure though by now with everyone coming out and commenting there is a BIG possibility that the by laws have been changed by now. I sure would not be surprised if they have been changed.

It is also my understanding that everyone that was suppose to vote that night was not even there because they were not aware the vote was taking place. Was that because members of the board knew who they would vote for and it would not be the dad that had a child moving up to that league?

I also know that some of them want to lay low and act like they are not a part of this but it is funny when you hear that one coach gave up his first two picks just to get a player from the team that needed a new coach. It went something like this....If you trade me this player then you can have my first two picks and I will vote for you to coach the open team. Did he not vote for Steven and Justin because he knew they would not trade this player? I would say YES. Even you guys that think you are laying low you are not. Remember this is Tallassee and in Tallassee a lot of information gets out even when you try to lay low and act like you haven't done anything wrong. Hope you can sleep at night! - Hope you are not confused anymore

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

First things first.....my dad coached me from T-ball all the way through Babe Ruth. You can ask anybody that knows him as a coach and they will tell you he was and still is one of the best little league coaches to come through Tallassee. I know a lot of Daddy's that have baseball knowledge but do not know how to "Coach" a kid on the field. Its not coaching the kids the basics that are the big deal here, its all the little things that matter. Anybody with any baseball knowledge can coach the basics but not many can coach the "Little things". I've said it since they started having the little league rules where everyone bats every time around (I call it BABY Ball)... You are doing nothing but hurting and discouraging the ball players that are actually going to play in High School one day. Because it doesn't matter if little Johnny doesn't give a rip about being there and doesn't give 100% in practice......he still gets to play (bat) just as much as the other kids that bust their tail and give 100% in practice. Don't want to hurt little Johnny's feelings though. What does that teach a kid???? When i played the only rules were everyone had to bat once and play in the field for 3 outs. Therefore you had to work your way on the field. It taught kids that not everything is just given to you, you have to earn it. I hope things change in the next couple of years before my little boy starts playing. Because i know several of the guys that i played ball with growing up have kids the same age as my little boy and i can promise you the Baby Ball will not be coached on any team that I or any of them coach. Oh, and i know that its about having fun out there. Ask anybody that played under my dad or me and see if they didn't have fun. I can tell you what that answer will be. But its more about preparing these kids for the next level. If you don't have the know how to do that then you should let some of these other guys coach. Coach Clayton and I played ball together from T-ball to High School and have been friends for along time. I know he is going to do everything in his power to put Tallassee Baseball back on top where it belongs. Its time that everyone else steps up, swallows their pride and do their part to help also. If that means letting someone more qualified coach your kid then so be it - Josh Hill

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

I just want to say to anyone that is against travel ball if it wasnt for travel ball my son Parker Neighbors would not be the ball player he is today it has helped him tremendously. if the travel ball team was still together u would only have a select few in league ball that you could pick from . travel ball only makes kids better . why should it concern anyone it is the kids right and the parents to let there kid play if they want to. also lets grow up who cares who coaches or who plays baseball wherever. grow up people and quit letting the child set the example and start setting the example for our kids . and also to everyone who comments on here but does not leave a name, speak up - Tony Gioiosa

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

First off, I want to give my definition of "daddymommy ball". Daddy mommy ball in my opinion is not so much about being a daddy and coaching your son's/daughter'steam, that happens and for the most part there would not be a coach for a team if the son/daughter did not have a parent to step forward.

Daddy ball happens when you blatantly put your son/daughter in a position along with your buddy's son/daughter in a position over the other kids. I will say this that there are a lot of parent coaches that their child is deserving of their position, but in some instances the kid is not and the buddy's kid is not. When this happens, that is simply sickening and sad. The all-star selections turn into back patting by these parents and there buddies. This happens and it is pathetic when worthy kids are overlooked just because they are not in the circle.

If you are doing this, then you need a reality check and should not be coaching at all. But afterall you're just doing it the way your parent or former coach did it and it was okay then and it's okay now right? Put the child in the best position to help the team win and if that means getting unbiased coaches in there with an overhaul then sobeit. That won't happen because board members are often coaches too and they run the show all the way around. Very sad.

It happens in all sports - YOU DON'T WANT MY NAME, I PROMISE YOU BIG BOY

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

My comment was edited. Apologies if it was too poignant. However, daddy ball took place in the oldest group of the TYFL this past year. So, yes it happens in other sports - NO NAME FOR YOU

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Tallassee Baseball (3-30-10)

Let me start by saying that i don't have a dog in the fight so it really doesn't matter to me.I know that fundamentals should be taught at an early age.I also think that the two men who where not givin the opportunity to coach should know fundamental baseball because i don't think they would have made it too the college level if they didn't.How to exacute a run down is simple. It should take two throws and the runner should be out, worst case you run him back too the base that he came from,.Simple as that. The coach who got the coach's position that the too young men wanted teach's his players to keep the runner in the middle and sooner or later he will get tired. Anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that this is not the way that it's done. Tell me honestly why he should have got that position over the other two men? Is it because they don't brown nose like everybody else down there does? It has to be something because it's obvious that the other guys were alot more qaulified to have that position. Just didn't turn out that way. Strange don't you think ? -Enough Said

Tallassee Softball Complex (3-23-10)

Why in the world are the restrooms not completed yet?There were three fields full of 7-12 yr old girls playing from 9am to 8pm.There was ONE....ONE restroom with a line of 15-20 waiting all day to enter.There were 2 portolets away from the fields but what mother wants to take their little girl in such filth.The toilet was stopped up and the same plunger was used on both the sink and toilet!What can the parents or public to to help fix this problem?If funds is the problem lets have a fundraiser,and I'm sure their are enough carpenters in the crowd that would volunteer for work days.Is Rick Golden and George Mccain responsible for this.Maybe they need to put a nail apron on,go to work on the complex we have and get off the radio talking about the new complex we'll never get!Our girls need a decent restroom guys.Oh yeah while I'm ranting,fix the leaning LAWSUIT of a lightpole too! - CONCERNED PARENT

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Tallassee Softball Complex (3-23-10)

Dear Concerned Parent - Can you say rain??? The plans for the bathrooms were postponed multiple times due to the number of days it has rained since the bathrooms have been started. Yes, money IS a problem with our City - we, like so many other cities, are having cut-backs in every area. (where have you been??) There have been a few volunteers to step forward, but very few. Plumbing and electrical work has to be done by licensed professionals to comply with city ordinances. I have actually witnessed Rick working with the other Rec Employees on this project. He had a goal to get the bathrooms finished by the 4/3 Opening Day. I am told that they are still on target to meet that goal. Be patient - our girls are finally getting some attention, so don't blow it! The poles are to be replaced within 2 weeks. I actually called the Rec Center to find this out. You could have too! Are you really concerned or are you just trying to make people look bad? - A REAL Concerned Parent

McNaughton (3-23-10)

Thank you for adding this article to the Times. Ryan is my son. He worked really hard preparing for the interview that led to his candidacy. We are very proud of him and we appreciate the recognition you are giving him for his achievement. Thanks again! - Leann McNaughton

Bolton unveils plans (3-23-10)

I think what Mr. Bolton is proposing for Tallassee is a great thing.

I hope the Citizens of Tallassee will support his changes 100% . He plans to modernize Tallassee , and he plans to entice new people to move to our town.

Sometimes this doesn't sit to well with the natives and they bulk at the new ideas.

I found it very interesting , that even though Tallassee is dead center of so much going on in Alabama , that our population hasn't changed. It was also very interesting that the majority of the workers that our Industries bring in choose to live someplace else.

15 years ago , we settled here , because I took a job in Auburn and my wife worked in Montgomery , this was a good in-between suburb , plus we felt it a good place to raise our 5 kids.

We always went elsewhere , for entertainment. Now that the kids are grown and we are about to retire, there is nothing in Tallassee for us , we plan to move to someplace more exciting. Perhaps if Mr. Boltons plans become reality , we will stay - Glenn Dean

Local businessman (3-23-10)

Congratulations Leon!! I have known you for several years and you have never changed . I appreciate your friendship and I hope that I will continue to enjoy it for a long time. They say good things come to those who wait ,but I think good things come to good people because they deserve it,and in my opinion ,you wholeheartedly deserve nothing but the best. I wish you the best my friend in all your endeavors - Derrick Hartley

Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

This is a wondrful opportunity for Derrick. He has already made Tallassee proud and I'm sure he will continue to do so. Roll Tide!! - Suzy Solomon Wilson

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

Why is Derrick doing this? I'm sure Auburn would have offered him a similar position. I can't understand why any coach would want to go to UA. Oh well at least we have Demond making us proud at AU. Goodbye Derrick, you're no longer a Tallassee Tiger in my book. You've sided with the dark side - Jimmy Studdard

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

Mr. Studdard, your comments are inappropriate. I am an Auburn fan, as well as a Tallassee graduate and am PROUD of Derrick for the accomplishments he has made. Let's be honest, Alabama is the best team out there, they proved that in Pasadena, why is it so surprising that someone in the coaching profession wants to coach for them? Quit embarrassing us Auburn fans. It's disgusting - AUBURN fan PROUD of Derrick

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

i think derrick went to alabama to continue to be a part of a winning tradition. troy has way more national championships than the university of auburn so it is only natural for derrick to persue a school that has a tradition of winning national championships. way to go derrick. proud to have a tallassee tiger to make it to that level - rhett dennis

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

Dearest Auburn Fan Proud of Derrick -

You are not a true Auburn fan. How can you say you are proud of anybody that will be involved with one of the most scandalous football programs in NCAA history? I am not alone in this. I'm sure that 99.9999% of AU Tallasseeans are not proud of this opportunity for Derrick. It's Alabama for crying out loud! I am disgusted with his decision, and I will not even recognize his contributions to the 13-1 season based on his current employer. I HATE ALL THINGS UA.....

They were not the best team either. Does Boise State ring a bell for you? That's like saying USC was the best team in 2004, and you know good and well that AU was the best team and should have been there instead of OU.

Ramma Jamma yella hamma, go to HELL Alabama! War Damn Eagle! - Jimmy Studdard

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

mr studdard, you are an absolute jerk. a young man makes a great career move and you come on here and bash him? i couldn't care less if he went to alabama, auburn or anywhere in div1, as long as he is climbing the ladder of his choice. he has earned something you will never have and that is the respect of the football world. you obviously never amounted to anything on the field of athletics and probably don't amount to much in life.

so tell me mr studdard, do you have fond memories of your glory days in peewee football or flag tag? tell us about your athletic career and the day you knocked an inside the park homerun when you played coach pitch. how about the day you sat in front of your black and white 13" tv and were downing pbr by the six pack and coach dye called you and asked what play auburn should run on 3rd and long. oops, i forgot, you hate pat dye too since he was a georgia boy... the university of auburn's biggest rival - rhett dennis

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

Derrick, don't pay Mr. Studdard any attention! I GUARANTEE if a poll were taken today more Auburn fans who went to Tallassee stand behind you than those who don't. This article shouldn't have made anyone make a negative comment.

Mr. Studdard, get a life. DO NOT tell me I am not a true Auburn fan. I AM. You are an Auburn fan willing to make yourself look like an uneducated, hillbilly idiot at all costs just so you can yell War Eagle. Being an Auburn fan isn't about all that! We will love you without you looking like an idiot!

Mr. Dennis, thank you for your comments - AUBURN Fan PROUD of Derrick

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

Dear fake Auburn fan and rhett dennis -

Keep your mouths shut! You two are the idiots, right along with Derrick. Alabama is a dead end job and you two know it - Jimmy Studdard

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

After reading the childish remarks by Jimmy Studdard, it made me wonder if he felt good and proud of himself for his "mature" choice of words. When all is said and done, what we are proud of here is this young man, Derrick Ansley, and for his (and his alone!) choice of his future career. Just so you know, Mr. Studdard, you have no power whatsoever over another person's life. Seems to me that you are the one who should keep your mouth shut...then people might think you have a little character in there somewhere. But when you open it and express your opinion, you belittle yourself. It's very easy to remain a child and act like a child, but men of character and kindness toward others do what the Word has suggested: "...when I became a man, I put away childish things." (including childish ways) - Proud of Derrick!

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Derrick Ansley (3-23-10)

On Jimmy Studdard -

he doesn't really exist. he and leroy jiles are just fictitious names to play devil's advocate. probably some high school kid who never does his homework - idiot hater

Get My Point (3-23-10)

A very, very good article. I enjoyed it very much and it brought tears to my eyes, thinking that it could have been written about me so many, many years ago beore I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I pray that a lot of the unsaved will read this article and give their life to Christ. Good luck with your new book. God Bless You! -Cathy Darnell

A thank you note to the Community (3-23-10)

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the members of the community that took the time to come and meet with us this past week. I met a lot of people and made a lot of new friends and surprisingly found many connections to my childhood, living in Tallassee. That was very special to me – particularly the connections to my Mama and Daddy- Judge Dale Segrest, Mr. Jack Luke, Mrs. Ann Nobles and Coach Larry Williamson. It was like a homecoming for me.

More than that-It was a confirmation for me as well.

I learned a lot more about Tallassee and I learned that Tallasseans are not bashful about sharing their thoughts and opinions. You people like to talk…but then so do I!!

I learned that the people of Tallassee care about their community and its future. While there was a variety of opinions and suggestions about how we go about the business of redeveloping Tallassee, there was one thing that everyone seemed to agree on- That it was indeed time for all of Tallassee to come together and make it happen. I have never before seen such an interest and ownership in one’s community as I have seen exhibited here in Tallassee these past 2 months. You people really do care about your town and that is really refreshing.

I felt a sense of urgency in the tone and tenor of these meetings and that was not a bad thing. I agree that based on the current situation, now is not too soon and in fact it never is. Now is the time and you are the ones who can make it happen.

I was, and continue to be humbled and honored to be considered as a part of the team you are assembling to make this happen and I want you to know that I will work tirelessly to see that your faith in me is not misplaced. I am acutely aware of this communities previous experience with “developers” and I will promise to always be straight-forward and forthright with each and every one of you.

If your community leaders decide to undertake this project and wish for me to lead the effort I will give you my best- and then a little more. Tallassee is a special place and you are a special people and you have a wonderful heritage and history that needs to be preserved, respected and capitalized upon. You deserve my best efforts and you will get it. I give you my word on that.

It's rare indeed when someone gets the opportunity to do something they truly love and are excited about, and I am right at the moment living that dream. I go to bed every night and get up each morning thinking about all of the opportunities in Tallassee that need to be capitalized on and how we can make it happen. I haven’t slept very much since this project became a reality for me- when I purchased interest in the east bank mills.

As I told those of you there at the meeting on one of the nights, I feel like this is the project I have been working and learning all my life for and now its here on my doorstep. I think I was born for this job and I look forward to the challenge. This is an eminently achievable goal-If we all work together in making it happen. I saw some skepticism last week in some of your eyes but I also saw something else…I saw hope and I saw excitement.

I hope and pray I was not mistaken.

I believe we have been entrusted with a great opportunity here by our Creator and it’s up to us to take it very seriously and be good stewards of that opportunity. I am ready and I can’t wait to get started…I hope you all feel the same way.

Thank you again for your time and interest. If there is anything I can do to help you make this project a reality – please call me day or night. Chances are I will be up anyway.

Best personal regards to you all - Thomas P. Bolton

State champs honored (3-16-10)

This was a nice touch to a great season. The Rebels may not think much of this trip at there ages but 20-years from now it will be a great memory. Reeltown is a great community and appreciates all that Mr. Little and the staff have contributed to our school and community. Reeltown is growing each day with new students and the new high school being built is long overdue. Those hall have been crowded for a long time. Thanks Mr. Little, you truly are a Rebel at heart! - Reeltown is Home

Town Hall meeting (3-16-10)

Here is a link to the architect's renderings of the proposed mill complex renovation: http://www.gilmc.com/Pages/tallassee.html - Just Sayin'

Town Hall meeting (3-16-10)

Here is a link to the architect's renderings of the proposed mill complex renovation: http://www.gilmc.com/Pages/tallassee.html - Just Sayin'

From the Hill (3-16-10)

Blaming the violence in the border towns of Mexico on drug users is absolutely absurd. Before 1937 you could buy any drug you wanted at any drug store and had no violence associated with the sale of these drugs. We tried taking alcohol away from the people and the Al Capone's rose to power directly as a result of the underground market created because of prohibition. We as a nation came to our senses and repealed prohibition of alcohol, the violence over the sale of alcohol stopped because once again it was a regulated market, which still thrives today. We still see the violence today, but we cant blame it on alcohol anymore. The drug war we have been fighting for the past 30 years is a terrible failure. You will never stop people from wanting to experience altered states of consciousness, whether that be Alcohol, or Heroine. The only way to stop this violence is to re-legalize drugs and regulate them the same way we did alcohol and that would take the power out of the hands of the drug cartels and back to the state as it should be. And you adding Cannabis to your examples is very ignorant. In 10,000 years of recorded history no one has died from Cannabis, its remarkably non toxic. You can die from drinking too much water, taking to much aspirin, to much caffeine and nicotine, but its impossible to take a lethal amount of Delta 9 TeteraHydroCannabinol and it has over 200 legitimate medical uses! I am not a favor of the "nanny state". I don't need the government to protect me. Give me my basic rights, leave the rest to me. You cannot regulate morality. It will never work - Adam Robinson

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From the Hill (3-16-10)

Adam you are so right with all of your points. The only thing that concerns me is that people sometimes do harmful things to others when under the influence of drugs. Smoke it, inject it, drink it, snort it, huff it, etc., just don't hurt those around you. They are not choosing to partake so don't do anything stupid to harm them. When you do that, well it's time to face the consequences and that's when you stop and met your maker through lethal injection. Your liberties come within an inch of my nose, that's the way I see it - Tommy Bolten

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From the Hill (3-16-10)

Ray, you continue to keep us informed on a multitude of subjects. Please keep up the good work. Your writings are "Top of the line." - Thomas Coram

Exploring DeSoto (3-16-10)

A very good article on Desoto Caverns. I enjoyed it very much.I have always enjoyed going to see the caverns. The article broght back a lot of memories. Thanks for sharing with us - Cathy Darnell

Get My Point (3-9-10)

Thank You. The most important article you will ever write and it was right on - Jeanna Kervin

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Get My Point (3-9-10)

I always enjoy reading your column. Keep up the great work! - Natoria Ansley

Youth Coaches (3-9-10)

Just wanting to give a shout out to people in Tallassee who volunteer coach with our youth in recreational sports. Coaching demands a lot of personal time. I understand that these coaches have kids or family that participate, but their efforts sometimes go unappreaciated and even worse, forgotten. These people have the opportunity to mold and shape our youth in positive ways. They need the support from players and parents of these kids. Next time you\'re at one of these Football, Softball, Dixie Youth, Babe Ruth, Swimming, or Wrestling functions, take a minute and let the coach know that you appreciate what they do. Also, remember your umpires and refs - Parent

Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

To Michaels family, I just want to let you know that I understand some of the things that you are going through. A police office flew up in my yard and came running in my house with his gun pulled ready to shoot me because of a drug addict that was liveing here and i kicked her and her boyfriend out. He was ready to shoot me. They are trigger happy and they are being trained to be that way. If anything ever happens to me it is going to be looked at closely to see if the police were involved. So if you need me to testify let me know I am not scared of the police, I obey the laws and I will protect my home - Harriet McNelley

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Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

Harriet, you are a nut. Testify? You've got to be kidding! What are you going to add to this particular case? Police officers are just bad, bad people that want to kill anything that moves? Police officers are always the bad guys, our precious dope dealing family members never do any harm.

I'm sure the story is exactly as you say it, he probably would have dropped you had you reached for your walker. He should have just come to the door with milk and cookies and maybe some geritol and politely asked if the bad people were there. And had the doping boyfriend dropped him with a bullet to the head, you probably would have felt like justice had been served because you wanted oatmeal raisin cookies instead of chocolate chip. Get real lady, you honestly thought you were going to be shot? I'll let my attorney friends know that your ready to testify and throw any officer under the bus. You might as well be an advocate for drug trafficking - Geoff Stewart

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Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

The boy was not my boyfriend. I gave them the girl and boy a place to live. I did not know they were on drugs til they got in a fight. I do not drink or do drugs. I was just trying to help a friends daughter.

You are the one that is a sick nut. you probably would have shot him in the back to the way you are talking shoot first ask questions later. What if it was one of your family members. Wouldnt you want to know the truth - Harriet McNelley

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Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

"Get in the car junior, we're surrounded by a mental case...."

Harriet, you made several assumprtions in your latest failure. First, I never said he was your boyfriend. I simply referred to him as the boyfriend as you originally called him.

I never said shoot first ask questions later. Where on Knots Landing did you pull that from lady? And I never said anything is wrong with the family seeking a further investigation. You've turned into the assumption queen!

Now, let's try one more time with the original point. What in the world are you going to add to this particular case by testifying? Were you there Harriet? Your situation, their situation it's like apples and oranges. You'd add nothing to this because you already have it in your mind that the police are wrong, a pre-existing prejudice. You've simply stereotyped the police and have your mind made up already. People like you are narrow minded and simply ignorant.

You have a disdain for police officers. I would advise you to do this based on your opinions, if you're ever in any peril, don't call the police. They'd probably just come and shoot you in the back and then ask if you were the bad guy after the fact because that's the way they do things, right? - Geoff Stewart

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Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

Are you a police officer, or a lawyer. I have a right to my on opinion. No I will not call the Tallassee police, Elmore county will come because they know how it is in Tallassee and that is just an opinion. You must know who the shooter is - Harriet McNelley

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Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

Harriet, go testify. You'd make a great witness. I am wrong, you are right - Geoff Stewart

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Fatal Shooting (3-9-10)

Thank you - Harriet McNelley

Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

Sister B, this is what everyone called her at church, was a very remarkable Christian Lady. We all loved her and we will all miss her alot. We will see you again soon Sister B - Christy Jones

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

A very beautiful article about a beautiful lady. She was a wonderful Christian lady that was always doing for others as long as she was able. I did not have the good fortune of knowing her for years, as most of you did, but I loved her and respected her very much. I will never forget her for all of the kind things that she said to me and all of the beautiful flowers in her yard. She made our whole neighborhood look beautiful. I tried so hard to keep my yards pretty but there was no way that I could keep up with her. She is now in heaven, rejoicing with the angels and enjoying all of God's beautiful flowers. I know that she is in a pain free place with her relatives and friends that have gone on before her. We will one day join her. I pray that I will be able to do even a small part of what she did on God's earth. God Bless all of her family and friends. Our loss is God's gain - Cathy Darnell

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

Thank you Leigh Anne for sharing this with us. I know it is hard letting go, but Jack is so right. I think that the little ones have a special relationship with God that lets them know things like, "Mamaw is not sick anymore". Bless you and your family in your loss - Brent Langley

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

Leigh Anne, thank you for sharing your beloved grandmother's story. It was obviously very hard for you, but I hope it helped you as well. There aren't many like her around any more. Know that Mick and I are truly sorry for your loss - Vicky Coleman

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

Leigh Anne, that's a wonderful and sweet article you wrote about your grandmother's recent death. It brought back lots of memories to me about my own grandmother because I spent as much time with her, especially during the summer when school was out, as I did at home. Like Mrs.Stalnaker, my own grandmother (Maudie Powell of Friendship) and I had a very special relationship and were very close. I used to dread the day she would die because I thought I just couldn't live without her. But I found out I not only could, I didn't have a choice. But I was married with a son of my own and a full time job when she did die, so I had plenty to keep me busy. But it was still such a sad loss when I stopped and realized she was gone. I mourned her for a long, long time. But knowing that I will see her again one day, along with my other grandparents and my mother, then it sure makes it easier to live with the loss,doesn't it? Being a Christian makes all the difference in the world when a loved one dies. Not only her being a Christian, but being one myself gives me comfort and assurance that the best is yet to be!!! Good job, Leigh Ann, on covering the story. It's great that your children had that wonderful opportunity to spend time with her!! - Judy Ballentine

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

What a wonderful article Leigh Anne. Ms. Stalnaker was always in her yard doing something whenever I walked to the pool or tennis courts as a child and later as I drove my car by her house. The "East Tallassee neighborhood" has lost another wonderful person - Lacey Brewer

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

That was a beautiful tribute to a woman who was like so many women of her generation. There will never be another generation like theirs - Suzy Solomon Wilson

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

Thank you for your heart felt article about Ms. B (that is what I called her). She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit. My family and I went to church with her and she is truly missed, but it is a joy knowing she is with our Lord and Savior. May God bless you and your family - Shannon DuBose

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

Thank you Leigh Anne for the wonderful article about Mama. I miss her but I know she is rejoicing in heaven. I just hope I can be a fraction of the mother,wife,church member, friend and one day a grandmother that Mama was to her family and community. She was blessed to have you as her neighbor. Thank you again for letting her be such a big part of your family - Melissa Stalnaker Jenkins

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Grandma Stalnaker (3-9-10)

My name is Robin LaPorte and I live in Wetumpka. Beth Thornhill gave me your website address after she had told me a few weeks ago that your grandmother passed away. I was so sorry to hear that she had gotten so sick and after reading your post about her she truly was a very special and loving woman and I can tell you loved her dearly. Of course I could tell just how sweet she was in the cakes she made and how kind she was the one time I spoke with her over the phone years ago.

My history of knowing your grandmother goes back to around 1996-November 2001 when I was working at Montgomery Eye Physicians. One year for Christmas the doctors received a HUGE Red Velvet cake as a gift from Dr. Mullins office. I can still remember the huge white square box wrapped in clear and red gift wrapping with a red bow on it. We took it to the break room and opened it to find a HUGE four layer Red Velvet cake. The doctors shared the cake with everyone in the office and all I could do was hope there was another slice for me to have seconds. The cake was the best Red Velvet cake I had ever tasted and all I could do was brag about it to friends and family. The next year another cake was delivered and I was so thrilled! I had to find out where Dr. Mullins office got these cakes from. When I called the secretary at the office said they had ordered them from Bernice Stalnaker who lived in Tallassee. She told me that she made them from scratch and they were always a huge hit as gifts from their practice.

Well years passed by and I eventually started working for the State Personnel Department, but never forgot about those wonderful moist, cream cheese nut filled great tasting red velvet cakes. When I was telling a co-worker Karen about the cakes before Beth started working with us I still remembered your grandmothers name, but was unsure about the spelling of her last name. It did not take long to find her in the Tallassee phone book and before I knew it I dialed the correct number and I was talking to her on the phone. She probably thought I had lost my mind because I was so thrilled to have been talking the "Red Velvet Cake Lady." I had explained to her about how I had first tasted her cakes and how wonderful they were and asked if she still made them that I would love to order one from her. She was so sweet to me over the phone and told me that she was sorry but she did not make them anymore due to her health. I am sure your family still enjoyed these wonderful treats though. She went on to tell me that she had put her recipe in her church cookbook and I said that I would love to buy the cookbook and would come to her church to get one. Well, let me tell you she floored me when she said, "Oh honey, you do not have to do that I will give you the recipe." I was THRILLED! I was rushing to find a pen and jot down every word she said. She proceeded to tell me that she used Mazola cooking oil for the cake because of her husbands health. I was thinking she would just mail the recipe to me. I never imagined she would just start telling me the recipe right off the top of her head. She told me to be careful when it was cooking that her oven would bake the cake layers in 10 minutes, but all ovens were different, that it would be done when it would spring back up with the touch of your finger. She was sure to tell me not to over bake the layers or they would be dry. The recipe amounts that she gave me was for 3-9 inch layer pans and that she would double those recipes for the doctor offices. You should have seen how fast I was writing not wanting to miss one thing she said. I thanked her over and over for this recipe and told her I would cherish it forever. To this day the recipe is one of my most cherished.

When Beth started to work at State Personnel and I found out that she lived in Tallassee I had asked if she knew Bernice Stalnaker and when she said yes I told her all about the cake and how she gave me the recipe. When Beth got married our department put together a cookbook for her and this was one of the many recipes that I submitted. I never take claim for this recipe to be mine. It is Bernice's recipe and I am always sure to put that down that the recipe is from her, just submitted by me as one of her many fans. I felt that she was so open with me and so generous to share this wonderful gift that it would only be right to keep her recipe alive just as she told me and pass it one for others to enjoy. Our church, Mulder Memorial Methodist, completed a cookbook right before I became a member but recently did an edition that we are still waiting to get the add on from the printer. I was so honored to put her Red Velvet cake recipe in the cookbook. I only hope that the person who typed the recipe in the computer program for the company was able to put the information I submitted that the recipe was from your grandmother.

I will never forget the phone conversation that I had with your grandmother while I was at work, never imagining that I would be so honored to get a copy of the Red Velvet cake from Bernice herself. Her recipe and memory will live on forever in my family for generations to come every time I bake this cake.

I was going to post this on your blogspot, but I was unsure if it would hold this entire message. I just wanted you to know how special Bernice was to me and send my condolences on her passing. Reading about her life made me realize she was even more amazing than I could ever imagine. I was blessed to have had the chance to meet her, even though it was through a telephone conversation.

All my best,
Robin Patterson LaPorte

p.s. My great-grandmother Bettie Elizabeth Benson Patterson worked at the cotton mill as well raising her family after the death of her husband William Patterson in 1912 who was killed in the line of duty. I have relatives who live in Tallassee, Benson's and Patterson's. I have not met all of them. but have talked with Waymon Benson and keep in contact with him.

Tailgating (3-2-10)

Just thought I would let everyone know. If you are comming up the road from the interstate and somone is on your bumper because you are going the speed limit. They can call the Tallassee police and they will stop you so you can get out of the persons way. So next time give the police something to do slam on brakes and they will be on your trunk instead of your bumper.

Softball (3-2-10)

Why does the spouse of a coach have to use a vacation day to get a field ready for his wife's team? Why can't the coaches that spend the day getting the football stadium surface ready for Friday nights help with this? Yes, we realize they work some after school hours getting the field ready, but they also spend time while school is in session to get the field ready. Is it because they are not associated with this particular sport?

And why is it that the dugouts can't be blocked or bricked in so that they won't need to be covered during inclimate weather conditions? So much is going into getting the football stadium updated and there are plans for upgrades to the baseball stadium as well. Surely it can't be a male / female sport thing because there are girls that play football and baseball too or so it seems at times. And what about a new music department? We could put some footballs and baseballs in the lobby I'm sure. Now go ahead and rip me about how I'm misinformed - Extracurricular Fiend

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Softball (3-2-10)

It is the coaches responsibiity to get the fields ready or it has been that way for as long as I have been involved with sports at Tallassee and that is a long time. Her husband did not have to take off work and if he did so what. He was helping his wife. But if she can't handle the job she does not need to have it. She should move on to something she can handle - Sports fan

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Softball (3-2-10)

Why fuss about softball now. This is nothing new. In the past 15 years the previous two head coahces got their field ready to play. They stayed after practice and got the job done. Lets worry about why we have so many qualified coaches not coaching because of situations like this. Ask the players, about the coaches. Please bring some respect back to Tallassee Athletics. Reinforce academics, without academics it does not matter how good you are. Poor grades will get you nowhere.

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Softball (3-2-10)

To Extracurricular Fiend: Every year the baseball team digs up grass and rakes rocks on the infield of the SOFTBALL FIELD in order for the girls to try out. None of the girls help do this. When the baseball team seeds and fertilizes the baseball field they often do the same at the girls' field. I have seen the baseball coach go over to the softball field and cut it after he has finished cutting the baseball field. The boys gather on two Saturdays prior to the season and work on the baseball field, press box, etc. After each game the baseball team rakes the field and cleans out the dugouts, regardless of how tired they are. Do the girls do that for their field? Clearly, others are expected to do everything for the girls - Girls can work, too

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Softball (3-2-10)

I do not think this is a female/male thing. From my understanding, the girls will be going to a softball tournament in the Auburn/Opelika area soon. The girls will also be put up in hotel rooms. I know the parents of athletes who participate in other sports would like to know who is funding these rooms. Those who have had children who have played football, basketball, baseball, and track know that sometimes the bus must be met as early as 6:00am to leave for a particular destination. The bus sometimes does not return until 9:00 or 10:00pm. These kids never had the option of spending the night where destinations are farther than 30-40 miles away. They are sometimes away for 14-16 hours before returning home. Some of the other sports also have to turn around and make the same trip the very next day. Most people commute to work as far as Auburn each day. We want to complain about schools not having funds to operate and the possibility of letting teachers go while teams are spending the night in hotels less than 45 minutes away from home. Those funds should be used to keep teaching positions in our schools. Parents and players of the baseball teams have usually always had workdays for one and sometimes two straight weekends to get fields in playing order in the past. Coaches have ALWAYS cut the fields in the past as well. This seems to still be the same for baseball. Why not softball? What in the world is the problem now. Some people have obviously taken on more than they can handle.

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Softball (3-2-10)

For those of you concerned about the girls spending the night in a hotel room, get your facts straight before you start complaining. The parents paid for the girls to stay.(Probably saved the school a little gas money)Rest assured that the girls have not received any special treatment. Please someone tell me how much money the school spends on softball each year. I'm sure it's enough to cut a teacher's job. Also, Coach Miller is the one who cut and prepared the field for the BTW game. This is absolutely ridiculous that the kids can't just play their sports and enjoy it - Parent

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Softball (3-2-10)

Eric took a vacation day to help me prepare the field because of a personal choice. Our whole family has become devoted to the softball program and he wanted to help. It was our first home game and he CHOSE to contribute. I am so very thankful to have a spouse that supports our program and my coaching endeavors.

It was very much appreciated by me and the other coaches. We do spend MANY hours maintaining the field before and after practice. I also spend many hours cutting the grass and maintaining the field and facilities. My girls also spend time after each practice raking the field and cleaning and maintaining our facilities.

As far as the girls staying in Auburn this weekend-

Our choice to stay was due to the fact we had a game on Friday night at 9:00 p.m. for Varsity and we knew that J.V. would play at 8:00 a.m. Instead of making multiple trips back and forth to Tallassee or asking the girls (who would have gotten home at 11:30 p.m. approximately) to be back at the bus at approximately 6:00 a.m. This trip was funded ENTIRELY by the players and parents on our teams. No school funds were used for this and we saved gas money for the Atheltic Department by NOT making multiple trips back and forth to Auburn.

Plans for the girls facilities-

It is my understanding that better facilities for the girls are in the works. These plans went hand in hand with the new construction at the football stadium. However, progress takes time. It will not happen overnight but will happen. I can sincerely say, I have had nothing but support from our Administration and Athletic Department for the girls program and any needs we have are addressed and taken care of swiftly and wholly.

It would be nice to require people to submit their name before a comment is published (similar to an Editorial page in a paper). People should be free to voice their opinion, but also need to have all of the information before blanket statements are made.

First and foremost, my girls are my #1 priority - Coach Jennifer Miller, Tallassee High School

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Softball (3-2-10)

Are you people really complaining about who prepares the softball field?? Are you serious? Aren’t there bigger issues in our community to focus on? Alabama just won its 9th National Championship in football and folks up here are complaining about pre-game setup for softball. Stop complaining and help your child’s athletic team. You should complain if the coaches don’t have help. Don’t try to tear down the coach and team. If you have a problem talk with someone who cares - Tiger Ted

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Softball (3-2-10)

It is apparent that Tallassee Athletics is lacking in just about all areas. It is not about winning it is about being of good moral character and teaching these young people right and wrong. Instead we have kids playing sports that have stayed in trouble but yet have been rewarded by being allowed to continue to play. We have coaches who have been given pay raises but what I see is no improvement and several coaches who are not qualified for the position they hold. Who really cares about who cuts a field. After all that is the coaches responsibility. Also for those of who were patting the baseball coach on the back. Let's ask why we had a sign for the Field of Dreams Tournament that had the wrong dates on it posted all over our campuses. I am sure that was inviting for our out of town guests. Also why do we have signs that were purchased several years ago hanging on the fence. This was the year to sell signs. Baseball has always raised a lot of money from this sale and businesses have used it for advertisement. Several signs hanging belong to businesses that no longer support Talassee Athletics because of the lack of commitment to the community and the kids. Just like the football field their are very few people in this town who think the renovations being done fit what the system needs long term. For five maybe six games a year we have wasted millions of dollars. I believe in progression but I would have to say the thing that our school system needs are better school facilities.
The high school is outdated and the repairs are constant. We should have saved our money. We should have done some improvements to the stadium and saved some money for a new high school that doesn't leak and is inviting for families looking to relocate. When you have a school that is functional and and not run down kids seem to take pride. Lets worry about giving our kids an environment for learning not just sports. Because reality most of these kids will never play a sport again after high school. We need to prepare them for the real world. That means qualified teachers, good facilities and the supplies our teachers need to teach with - FOR A BETTER TALLASSEE

Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

When I saw the photo of the Memorial Wall at Southside Middle School for Victor Upshaw, this thought came to mind: Wouldn't it have been wonderful if everyone who contributed to the Memorial Wall had personally said these things to Victor before his death - W.C. Bryant

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

Mr. Bryant, Victor was well liked by his peers, my daughter for example told him as she was leaving the day before this tragic event “Bye Victor, I love you”. He had many friends and that is evident in the memorial and attendance to his funeral. Please don’t try and add pain to an already tragically painful event for all of the 8th grade class - C Hammock

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

Mr. Bryant is simply making an observation in my opinion. How do you conclude that he meant to add to the pain? It would have been nice for Victor to have heard these things. What is wrong with that? He is merely using this incident to shed light on the fact that we could all say and do things for people while they are here on Earth because we never know when the bell will toll for any individual. Love your friends and family vocally and through action today because tomorrow may never come - Earl Nichols

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

This wall and the comments were added by the students after talking with counselors at the school on the day this tragedy occurred. This was a way for the students to express their feelings and grief. Many of these kids had never lost someone who was so close to them. This child was very well liked by everyone in the 8th grade at Southside Middle School. Anyone who attended the funeral would have witnessed just how much Victor was loved and cared for by all. I have a child who had several classes with Victor this year. He was always telling stories about how Victor could make anyone laugh no matter what kind of mood they were in. After attending the funeral myself, I found out my child really knew and cared a great deal about Victor. Victor had many friends and that is why it was so important for each to express their feelings about him on the wall. This wall was later taken down and given to his family. The family can look at the poems, drawings, pictures and writings and see just how many people had an opportunity to be a part of his life - 8th Grade Parent

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

“Wouldn't it have been wonderful if everyone who contributed to the Memorial Wall had personally said these things to Victor before his death”

Implies that the things weren’t said, (in my observation they were…) by suggesting/implying otherwise is adding to their pain. Guilt can destroy young people. Guilt can be an unintended result from careless remarks by adults suggesting they didn’t do enough.

“It would have been nice for Victor to have heard these things. What is wrong with that?”

I’m not suggesting anything is wrong that, but don’t question the motives or behaviors of the students because you assume they didn’t tell Victor they cared for him. Not the case in what I observed. Like I said he was well liked and had many, many friends the memorial wall and service attendance is evidence of this - C Hammock

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

“(C Hammock), you're making an assumption that WC was implying that students had not said nice things or cared for the young man prior to this tragedy. He stated THESE things, the things on the wall. It's nice to know that you've pointed out that he was loved by his peers during his time here. That is excellent, but it still would have been nice for Victor to hear these specific things on the wall. He did hear these things from some as you've pointed out, but maybe not to this magnitude or by everybody that shared.

I agree that guilt can haunt a child, but I believe the statement was not meant to place guilt on his peers. It simply points out the lesson that there are no guarantees and we should always show love and compassion for those around us during their time here on Earth. WC is a good man, and I'm sure he would never place a guilt trip on eighth graders for a tragedy like this - Earl Nichols

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

Hey Earl, why don’t you let W. C speak for himself? Does he need you to defend his callous comments? GUILT can be caused by callous statements which were not intended to harm but are misunderstood when taken at face value. period - C Hammock

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Memorial Wall (3-2-10)

C Hammock, your true colors are shining through madam. You've misinterpreted his comments and you keep on by calling them callous. I will pray for you tonight my lady - Earl Nichols

Zoning (3-2-10)

I noticed in the tribune, Mr Stiff continues to throw this Mayor and Council under the bus about zoning, specifically Mr Patterson's property.

He must not realize the last administration was the one to pass that particular ordinance not this council or Mayor.
His ramblings are those of a whining old man - Leroy Jiles

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Zoning (3-2-10)

It is actually the mayor and the city council who are throwing business and property owners under the bus. How? By quickly “throwing the gavel” to adjourn the city council meeting rather than to address legitimate concerns from the very citizens that elected our officials. I suggest you go to city hall and see how your property is zoned. Do you know that due to zoning ordinances there have been, and will continue to be, houses that can’t be rebuilt if they were to burn or be destroyed by an act of nature? Many people have the idea that the different ordinances that are being passed applies to landlords and business owners only. That, my friend, is a very bad misconception. Sure, the prior administration passed many of these ordinances. That does not mean that it was done properly. We have businesses, that have always been a business, zoned as residential. Right next to that business you will find houses that are zoned for business. I strongly suggest that anyone who reads this check to see how their property is zoned. You just might be in for a big surprise.

Signed,

I was there, were you?

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Zoning (3-2-10)

A City Council meeting is just that, a meeting where the council follows an agenda and conducts city business. It is NOT an open forum for rabble rousers like yourself.

As for you Mr Hartley, the reason the liquor license was not granted for the sports bar was because of opposition from local business and residents.
You say Mae's Wings "toughed it out". Go talk to the owner, she did nothing but apply for the license. Nobody opposed it, so it was granted.
What rock do you live under?

And you, Hungry for Development, go ask to see a copy of the City budget. They'll gladly present you with one..
How do you propose paying for all this work you are you're talking about.

I dare say either of you latter 2 have ever contacted your representative - Leroy Jiles

Verizon in Tallassee (3-2-10)

Way to go, I love seeing local business doing well. I have dealt with Brian Corbin and he goes above and beyond to help the customer. So pleased that you gave spotlight his business in order to help his visibility - Regina Troglen

Baseball and Shenanigans (3-2-10)

2 funny- charles cracks me up on finebaum! - R Stone

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Baseball and Shenanigans (3-2-10)

War Eagle! You guys need to send Finebum and check because everyone is talking about Chucky from Reeeeltown and his baseball broadcasts and runin with Carol. Too funny to stop listening....like a train wreck - Alex

From the Hill (3-2-10)

Ray, I never realized a person could put so much useful and interesting info in one small column. Very enjoyable, very interesting, very informative. Thanks - Thomas Coram

Census (3-2-10)

Are the census workers going to come out of the city limits? - Ginger Mooney

Miss America (3-2-10)

I went to the Heartlinks and heard her message. She did an awesome job. Just wish they had more conferences similar to this year round. If you missed this one, you have to wait a whole year to see/hear something of this magnitude again. She is truly an inspiration to all - Donna

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Miss America (3-2-10)

Thank you for the article! She was truly a blessing to me. I really appreciate Jeanelle Sargent for her vision 10 years ago.(This was the 10th year of Heart Links.)I am so glad that I did not miss it! She is truly real and holy. You only see her and hear her for a few minutes and you feel it. I feel so honored that a representative from Alabama is a Christian who served as Miss America from our state. She was awesome to say the least. She did not rush anyone at the time afterwards with autographs and pictures. So kind. A GOD send to Tallassee, AL - Carol Lynn

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Miss America (3-2-10)

It was truly an awesome night! She came across as being as ordinary as any woman there. Her message was one that should have been heard by every teenage girl in the state! The central theme of her message is that whatever beauty we may have does not come from the outside but it comes from having Jesus in your heart. She stood around and signed autographs and had her picture taken until after 11 o'clock. She acted like it was the middle of the afternoon and she had all the time in the world. She is truly an Alabama treasure!!! If you missed it you really missed a tremendous blessing!!! - Cheryl Spates

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Miss America (3-2-10)

In our lifetime, we may hear other speakers that speak as well as Heather Whitestone McCallum, but I doubt that they will have the glow and radiate the love of Jesus as she did - Jeanelle K. Sargent

New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

When I was little I remember going to the Jack's on the Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Those hamburgers looked as big as plates to me. For a time kids could sing that jingle and get a free hamburger. I could never drum up the nerve to do it; made my grandmother furious. Those were the days. Welcome to Tallassee, Jack's! - Vicky Coleman

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

Great another burger choice in town! The only good coming out of this is the demolition of that hideous duplex. Welcome to Tallassee, the land of burger joints and auto parts stores! - Frustrated Fast Food Feedin', Fuel Filter Flippin' Freddie

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

Is Jack's talking about going in to the left of Bonner's? So they would be tearing down that old white house then, right? I do welcome a new place to eat at in Tallassee but does it have to be another Fast Food Place? Come on Councilmen, you can do better then that. Get out there and beg for some of these nice restaurants to come to Tallassee. Make them a deal or what ever it takes to get them to come here. I still can’t believe that nothing has moved into the old KFC place yet. It has been empty now for about a year it seems like.

While I am on the subject of new things in Tallassee, when are we going to get something in this town to, do for the folks under the age of 50? Here are a few ideas’ to think about:

1. A Sport’s Bar - any where would be nice but downtown would be the best place.
2. Bowling Alley
3. Skating Ring – How about the old Sowing Facture over on Macedonia Road? I think that they used to have one there long, long time ago.
4. Movie Theater – How about putting up a movie screen in the old theater downtown and showing old movies for a $1 or something? They have spent all of this money to fix the place up why not use it. I have been in Tallassee all my life and I still have never seen the inside of that place. I have never even seen it being used for any thing.
5. A place like the “Fun Zone” that used to be in Montgomery would be nice.
6. Putt Putt Golf course like you see down in Florida with all of the Go Cart tracks.
7. I keep hearing all of this talk about doing some thing with the river; well how long is that going to take? How about a restaurant over looking the river?
8. How about a real river walk that goes somewhere instead of that $200,000 dollar fishing pier that they build at the boat landing. What a waste of good money.
9. How about a walking trail along the river?
10. How about letting Wal-Mart come in with one of there Big Stores? The one that we have is a JOKE!!!!!!!!!! If the Mom & Pop stores get pushed out by it then so be it. That will make room for more stores to come in. That is the problem now; we have too many old run down buildings / houses not being used. Tear them down.
11. How about a nice place to shoot pool, throw darts, play arcades, listen to music, dance, watch sports, just hang out with your friends. Or would that be too much like a sports bar? We used to have one down on Lower River Road called “TK’s” if any of you remember that place.
12. There is a lot that can be done in this town. We just need to tear down all of the old and clean the town up so that it looks good to investors.

These are just the rambling words of a 38 year old that is board with this town - Ryan M.

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

Another hamburger place of all things. I do wish we could get something decent.

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

New restaurant planned? Let's be real. Jack's is not a restaurant, it's a fast food joint. I can't really say much about the dining establishments around here because outside of sheila's burgers or Elmer's buffet, there is no place i care to eat. But you can be sure of one thing, and the only time you will ever see our mayor or councilmen, with the exception of Blalock, at Jacks "Restaurant" is when they can be in front of a camera for the ribbon cutting.

It's funny how so many are against a quality restaurant or grill because they serve alcohol. Just another example of the hypocrisy exhibited by our city's leaders - Hungry Hunter

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

In reply to Ryan M.,

You sure seem to have a lot of ideas. Why don't you shut up and put your money where your mouth is. You're always saying what somebody else should do. If you want all this stuff, why not do it yourself - Leroy Jiles

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

In reply to Leroy Jiles,

Trust me, if I had the money to do any thing in this town to improve it, I would do it. I was trying to think out side of the box that our City Officials seem to be living in. Just trying to stir up some new ideas for them to run with - Ryan M.

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

In response to Mr. Jiles: That was a feeble attempt at turning the tables on an opposing point of view in my opinion.Here's why: First ,with all of the new ordinances and requirements by the Mayor and the city council, why would any Tallassee resident invest in a town where the answer to a request is more likely no than yes, be willing to invest in a venture that required any type of capitol investment?A recent observation of this would be the attempt that one investor was willing to make in a sports bar.After jumping through endless hoops ,he was still denied his license because of of some reason that most folks that I've talked to don't agree with.The local government has spent way too much time thinking up ordinances that restrict what we can and can't do (dictating the terms of our individual freedoms) that we as business investors and owners are simply not inclined to put up our money and TIME for something new in this town .Hat's off to Mae's,she toughed it out and got a license.Since this new administration has taken office ,we now have cigarette police, shrubbery police,etc. Twelve feet tall is the limit for new store signs. Exactly where did they end up with that figure and why? Who comes up with these ordinances and why has our representative form of government gone so wrong?I talk to a lot of people in this town and most folks have never seen their councilman(woman) in their neighborhoods,with one exception that I am aware of, and that man is Charles Blalock.He actually walks around his ward and is active in it. It seems to me that the rest just want to draw their 650.00 a month and dictate terms to the rest of us with little or no regard to the wishes of their constituents. The logical assumption it seems within the city council is , they elected me to represent them so I'm going to do what I think is best .The sole charge of the government is supposed to be to defend the people ,keep order and provide the minimum infrastructure to maintain it.It's intent is not to dictate where and when we smoke ,plant shrubs,and maintain our rental properties.The first thing that stuck out in the mayor's interview with WSFA is that because the hotel burned ,the city lost 3% of it's sales tax revenue. When government loses sight of the fact that they are elected by us to serve US instead of their own interests,and concentrate on our concerns and wants and needs,and instead focuses more on tax revenues, something's wrong.Added employees and reduction of services to compensate for that is just plain wrong. The employees of the city work very hard and I know many of them,how about give them a raise instead of simply adding more employees? We will all have a big choice to make come election day - Derrick Hartley

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

I keep hearing how the person who attempted to open a sports bar and grill was applying for the wrong type of license. If this is true, how many of our dignified representatives stepped up and said "We are so glad you have decided to locate in our town and we are willing to waive your gas and water connection fees in order to help establish your business. We also would like to offer business license and inspection fees at no cost for the first year. Also, we noticed that you are applying for the wrong license, according to the city's guidelines, and we want to make sure you have your bases covered when you open your doors. We will do whatever we can to help promote your establishment and are at your side to serve and protect. We offer these services in hopes you will grow and prosper and become a partner in helping this town grow."?

Wouldn't it be great if our enlightened officials were trying to figure out a way to attract restaurants (and don't feed me the notion that jack's is a restaurant), retail and manufacturing to our community? What have we seen that will lead us to believe that they are promoting this town as an attractive place to investors?

Here are a few suggestions. Bulldoze the police station and build them an adequate facility where it is accessible to the general public. Take the land where the police station is now and use it for something that is not an eyesore. Add a fire dept to the new police station and take that whole block and develop it into a civic center. Approach Mr Benton about purchasing the machine shop and mechanic shops to develop the whole block. Redirect N Ann traffic to N Dubois and consume the whole block and this can be visible from hy14 through town. This will require thought, planning and funds. If our leaders can't figure out a way to accomplish these kinds of projects, kick them out. This town is tired of seeing the same faces given the same responsibility and getting the same results.

When will the people of this town wake up and realize that retirement incomes and SSI checks will only allow this town to remain as it is and will never offer a younger generation opportunities? I compare Tallassee to a simple law of physics. An object at rest stays at rest until an unbalances force acts upon it. this has been Tallassee for way too long. An object that is in motion will not change its velocity until an unbalanced force acts upon it. This could be Tallassee if we wil hold our officials to it and if an unbalance force gets in the way of our "object in motion" get it the heck out of the way - Hungry for Development

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

Thats all we need in Tallassee is another burger joint . Why cant we get a resturant besides Johnny gs that serves good home cooked food - Tony Gioiosa

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

Mr Jiles, Your ignorance is as common as a burger joint in Tallassee. how does any town expand or improve it's infrastructure? Bonds, grants, fund raisers, philanthropists and private investors are used to help build projects for municipalities, cities, counties etc. But the most important thing a city must have is vision, something you obviously do not have and seems to be common in Tallassee. I don't blame you for your ignorance because mediocrity has been our goal as long as i have lived here. Like the old saying goes, "If you set your goals too low, you are destined to reach them."

Since the 40's Tallassee's population has remained stagnant even though we consumed another town. We have continued to expand our boundaries and still no change. I am not opposed to expanding toward the interstate as long as it benefits the city as a whole and not a couple politicians who have a financial gain at stake. Again, ask Carrville if it is any better off since it became a part of Tallassee.

And, Mr Jiles, i speak to the mayor and my councilman every chance i get. I have volunteered my time and efforts to the city, school system and to the recreation departments far more than many people will ever know. The difference between me and some others is, I don't run for the cameras every time a picture is taken for the local newspaper - Hungry for Vision

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

It would be good to have another eating place to choose from in Tallassee - Judy Stalnaker

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

Judy, we had some good negativity going until you came in here and ruined it with your positive spin. Burgers are for barns, and barns are good for hay -Jamichael Montgomery

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

In the article it talks about the changes that were needed by the franchise in order to comply with the signage ordinance. My understanding is that current signs above this height parameter are grandfatherd (such as the McDonalds sign), but if they were to make changes then any change would call for the sign to comply with the new height ordinance. My question is this what about the NAPA (Ben Atkinson) sign and the BB&T (Colonial) sign, they ahe undergone changes yet their height has not changed, is there an exception being made here?

I was told that there was a meeting concerning the NAPA sign and there is a plan to make an adaptive change so that no height change is necessary. Why is there an exception being made in this instance, yet for others there seems to be no exceptions at all? I'm sure Leroy will have all the right answers - Jeroy Liles

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

In response to Mr Liles..........
There was a meeting held. Open to the public. Did you go?? In looking at the sign, it looks to me like only the wording changed. It's not really a new sign.
Same with BB&T
Get a life - Leroy Jiles

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New restaurant planned (3-2-10)

So Leroy you are admitting that the sign did undergo a change? It's all about interpretation and application in this instance. Spin it as you wish, there was a change made and an exception is being made for each of these. Get a clue - Jeroy Liles

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