Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

Football Forecast (8-25-09)

I think that Elmore County will go 5-5 overall and 4-3 in area and Bama will go 12-0 overall and 8-0 sec again - Brian Thornton

Mayor Talks of Future Plans (8-25-09)

Who owns the parking space where the Historical Society has the street dance. Is this own by the city and public parking. South Ann Street has another parking area in need of paving who owns this parking. People can park in these
areas and walk the short distance to their job, other people do, GKN, Neptune - Dirt Bag

Extreme Heat (8-25-09)

Great job guys. Keep it up. We are all pulling for you. Good Luck this weekend in Georgia. Show them what the Tallassee Boys can do - Brenda and Leon Moore

Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

Miles Hathcock is an AUBURN FAN - Steve Segrest

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

Please get behind our team of boys & give them some backing & praise, they need to be built up not torn down more from the community - they get dogged out everyday at practice, they have been so devoted & determined since beginning workouts this Summer, look at all the hours they have put in already , not to mention daily 3:30-7:30 you have too LOVE THE GAME to go through what they do, remember I have 1 playing at college too. Please FOCUS on our WEEKLY GOALS , remember they are just boys!!!!! - Lisa Lynn

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

I think it's really strange how Mr. Hathcock can talk so bad about his "very own" Tallassee Tigers all the time, but when Friday night comes around he will be the first one in their locker room and fighting for his spot on the sideline so he can watch the game with an unobstructed view. Most human beings enjoy cheering for winners so Mr. Hathcock if you think so poorly of your Tallassee Tigers then I think it would be worthwhile for you to find a new team to report on during the Fall - Anonymous

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

Miles,

You have told a great story of years past. Thank you for reminding us of how the past can sometimes tell our future. We shouldn't ever count out a great program like Elmore County, but you have counted out the Team Tallassee in your article and that is a mistake. Coach Dollar and staff will have TT not only ready, but focused and prepared to let every team in the schedule know Team Tallassee is the real deal. I would like for you to come to practice on Monday after the Tigers victory and to tell the boys how great they played. By the way keep up the great job - John S.

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

I agree with Miles (did I just say that?). Michael's statements and 35-7 prediction were pretty bold. I am sure Coach Dean appreciate's the fodder for his troops. ECHS is the largest 4-A team in the state and Tallassee is the smallest 5-A. There was only something like a 10 student difference between the 2 schools when reclassification was done 2 years ago. I have never quite understood Tallassee's mentality of having a "superiority complex" over Elmore County. They have what Tallassee does not. State Championships. They ain't going to lay down and be Tallassee's whipping boy.

P.S. - Loved the article on Morris. Amen. (but can we quit talking about the B.B. Comer game. It's been 21 years.) - Mike Segrest

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

I think this write up is tasteless and if you can't find anything better to say keep your mouth shut. Your comments show a lack of class. NOBODY should publish an article like this...period! - Tracie

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

Burn! - C Mac

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Miles Hathcock (8-25-09)

I think your article is extremely negative and quiet inappropriate for someone in your position. If I didn't know better I'd think that you played for Elmore County instead of Tallassee! If you think their program is so superior then maybe you should cover their games - you might look pretty good in maroon? The Tallassee Tiger football program is on the right track and Coach Dollar and his staff have done a tremendous job. There is way too much negative in the world today so let's see if we can't be positive and encourage the team as well as one another. Looking forward to a positive article next time! Oh by the way - Tallassee 42 Elmore County 7! - Female Tiger Fan

No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

I am a smoker,I have no problem with this ordinance at all.I beileve in many resturants or public places in this town or other towns you cant smoke anyway. I smoke when ever i want to regardless - Ralphy

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

Having a smoking section in an eating establishment is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool.

I think each privately owned restaurant should have the right to decide if they want to allow smoking and be required to have a big sign by the front door at least 4 feet square in big bright orange letters advising customers so that they can make a choice. This should allow all to decide for themselves, owners and customers. I personally would NOT eat where smoking is allowed - Bobby

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

Weather you smoke or not the Government does not have the right to regulate, when where and how....The government is WAY out of control as it is....sounds we are slowly becomming a socialist/communist country. The gov is trying to regulate too many areas of personal lives. If smokers don't want to be around non smokers and non smokers don't want to be around smokers.....let them work it out for themselves. Our brothers and sisters are smart enough to solve their own problems.... Stop punishing the biggest taxpayer you have. The Gov. needs to refocus their time energy and finances in the areas they were elected to do......I am sure there are many political venues that require attention......remember smokers are voters too! - Donna

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

About time. Regardless of any persons right to smoke you absolutly have no right to expose others to a habit that has been proven to kill. It is simply inconsiderate, nasty and useless. Another person's health and life trumps your BAD habit in any setting. And, on top of that if you do decide to quit or just never start you get to stay with your friends and family for a lot longer, they do love you - Chuck Totty

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

Amen Mr Totty, Amen!!! I don't understand what the big deal is about not smoking in a restaurant. I mean, can you not go an hour without a cigarette? My family shouldn't have to breathe the nasty second hand smoke that a cigarette produces - Josh Hill

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

This sounds like a great piece of local legislation. Why should we rely on our free enterprise system to take care of things like this. It's far better for the government to dictate more aspects of our lives. Why rely on people to have the freedom of choice as to whether we patronize businesses that allow smoking if it offends us. Why not just let the government make all our decisions for us and take away yet another freedom, the freedom of choice? If the government wants to regulate smoking in their own offices and buildings,then fine, but don't dictate to a privately owned business that they have to walk lockstep with the wishes of some who just don't approve of an action or actions of others. I personally think that all facets of government have taken away too many of our freedoms. This is a city government for crying out loud. Whether or not we as business owners agree or not,because there is a city ordnance, we just have to play by those rules. Does the City of Tallassee not have enough to do without taking on the task of policing people's smoking habits? This is not about me advocating smoking where ever you feel like lighting up, but more about the loss of yet another of our freedoms. Let the private business owners decide for themselves if they will allow smoking or not. The free enterprise system will determine their individual policies based on feedback from their patrons. That works everytime - Derrick Hartley

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

I have been a smoker since I was about 16. I grew up in a house filled with smoke and as my sister says "we grew up in fog." I try my best to be considerate of non-smokers but they seem to have no consideration for smokers.

We are people just like them, pay taxes, and spend money just like anybody else. There is more tax on cigarettes than anything else. I always go out of my way not to bother others while I am smoking, but people who complain when they have walked up where you are smoking, certainly have a problem. I understand the reasons they seem to have for not smoking but I do no appreciate being treated like a lower class citizen of discriminated against because of a little cigarette smoke.

Thank you for allowing me to make this comment - Vickie Cole

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No Smoking Ordinance (8-25-09)

The No Smoking Ordinance will not really affect the City of Tallassee. You have to have a large variety of restaurants in a town to keep people from running to Montgomery, Prattville, and Auburn to begin with. Lets see...Mexican, Huddle House, BBQ, Chinese, Burger Barn, pizza, and fast food. I'm not downing any of these restaurants, but honestly I only go to any of them, with the exception of Burger Barn, because I might feel too lazy to drive to Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, or Auburn. If it wasn't for feeling that way occasionally I would probably never eat here when the food is so much better in other places because it has to be due to competition. I say pass the ordinance if the local restaurants are for it because no one else is gonna come here anyways - Johnathan Stuckey

Webcast on Tallassee Times (8-25-09)

NO WAY!!! I hope that you can keep this going for years to come. I was hoping that some kind of live internet feed would be available by the time my sons got to the varsity level. Can't believe we'll have one this year. Now I will be able to watch the Tigers play when I'm out of the state calling a college ball game. Good Deal! - Mark Baynes

Morris Purcell - (8-25-09)

I hope that the good folks in Tallassee will see fit to honor Morris Purcell by placing his name on some facility at the atheletic complex in the near future. I can think of no one more deserving - Ray Kirby

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Morris Purcell - (8-25-09)

Thank you Michael for your kind words and remembering PawPaw. I know PawPaw will be smiling down on the Tigers, Staff, Cheerleaders and Band as they take the field on Friday night - Starr Cannon

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Morris Purcell - (8-25-09)

I agree, it won't be the same going to THS game and not see Percy stepping off the yardage. He was a great man and a great friend. He leaves a lasting legacy of support for the athletic program that will be extremely tough to match. I\'d be willing to bet the lines are straight on Heaven\'s football field and the players have their share of bubble gum! - Coach Mac

Tallassee - (8-18-09)

Plan for Tallassee by Tallasseeans

Unique (DEFINITION)
different from others in a way that makes somebody or something special and worthy of note

The word unique is also synonymous with exclusive, exceptional, distinctive and irreplaceable.

Tallassee is unique in several ways. Very few towns have city limits lying in two different counties and divided by a river. For hundreds of years Talisi was occupied by Native Americans, later by settlers (mostly Scots–Irish) seeking new lands, less government and more personal freedom to raise their families and crops. Most were farmers; many became merchants and some manufacturers. Blessed with abundant water and the falls, Tallassee soon became the beginning of the town that would make an indelible footprint on the local area and causing what may be considered at the time a population explosion.

The Mill became the center of business and culture in Tallassee. A remnant of Native Americans remained with the Scots-Irish and was joined by black slaves, Italian stone masons and various other ethnic and cultural factions becoming the blend of Tallassee. The Mill controlled the jobs, housing, schools, utilities, healthcare and most other parts of the daily lives of Tallasseeans. The Mill reached its peak in WWII and began to sell off the houses in the village to individual owners. There was easy financing and the payments could be deducted from your weekly pay. In this way the people of Tallassee went from being controlled almost totally by the Mill to having private ownership of the home in which they lived.

With the textile industry changing and the baby boomers moving away to seek their own fortunes Tallassee was soon to go through another transition. The Mill and its influence over most of Tallassee declined. The baby boomers moved away seeking new opportunities and the population of Tallassee has pretty much remained the same for the last several decades.

But times change. New industries started to move into the area, the Mill closed for good leaving its buildings abandoned like the ancient ruins of Rome and new faces appeared to add to the Tallassee mix. In the last decade of the 20th Century Hispanic workers arrived to help with the once booming construction industry. The first decade of the 21st Century brought Asians with the new automobile industries. New homes and subdivisions entered into the picture for the first time in several years bringing new challenges to the infrastructure and planning of the city. The challenge now is to grow and plan for growth while at the same time trying not to lose that uniqueness of the small river village.

Recently the Tallassee City Council passed an ordinance adopting the International Property Maintenance Code. This code in its purest form is designed to usurp and remove the property rights of owners of both commercial and residential property. Not only do these new regulations apply to persons owning property inside the city limits but also to anyone owning property within the Tallassee Police Jurisdiction where no one has the right to vote on members of the city council, therefore, having no representative to speak on their behalf and having no control of their property under this ordinance.

This International Code comes with Police powers to enforce its provisions. Tallassee no longer has a “Building Inspector” but now has a “Code Enforcement Officer” with powers to fine an individual or condemn an individual’s property with little or no due process of law. In some cities that have adopted this code citizens are being fined as much as $500.00 per day for non-compliance. This new code limits an individual’s right to sell, lease or use their property in a fashion that suits the individual.

The City of Tallassee wants to increase its tax base. This means that it must increase its population base and this means that Tallassee must annex more population into the city limits. Not only will the annexed communities be subject to the International Property Maintenance Code, but also anyone in the new police jurisdiction which will be extended even further.

In WWII everyone was encouraged to have a Victory Garden. In the future gardens inside the Police Jurisdiction of the City will have to be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Planning Committee will assess your garden plan and determine the location of the garden and the type of plants allowed. Does this sound extreme? Yes!

Tallassee needs a plan, but it needs to be a plan for Tallassee by the Citizens of Tallassee. An International “Cookie Cutter” Code should not be accepted by the citizens of a city as unique as Tallassee. Any property codes adopted by the City should be designed to fit the unique culture of Tallassee and its citizens who have worked and invested in this community.

What needs to be done.
1. The City of Tallassee should separate itself from the dictatorial Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission whose only purpose is to promote the International Property Maintenance Code.
2. The Mayor and City Council should immediately rescind the International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the council in November of 2007.
3. The council should begin work on a new and more reasonable code designed to fit the needs of Tallassee and its citizens.
4. Public meetings should be held allowing the citizens to question and have input concerning any future property codes.

A “Common Sense” approach which takes into account the culture and traditions of Tallassee should be used when adopting any law or ordinance affecting the property rights of its citizens.

A lifelong citizen of Tallassee - Gary Stiff

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Tallassee - (8-18-09)

Tallassee – First, I am proud to say that I am from Tallassee. I am not ashamed to say where I am from when asked but, I have worked for several different municipalities in my adult life and the City of Tallassee is so far behind the times from other cities that it is sometimes embarrassing. I would like to give a definition of the word “Change”. It means to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. This is feared by a lot of people in Tallassee. This is something that must occur in order for Tallassee to grow and keep up with modern times. I have worked in many different aspects of the city so I am pretty familiar with how the city runs compared to other cities. You can see for yourself by just browsing other city’s websites by viewing their department’s information pages. My point is made right off since our city doesn’t even have a website. I would like to address the comment about the city no longer has a “Building Inspector” it has a “Code Enforcement Officer”. Well, most cities have departments that are staffed with people who only have one title. This is not the case with the City of Tallassee. The Building Department has always been a one man department with the following responsibilities. This is from the City’s job description: Building Official, Code Enforcement, Business License Inspector, This means 1 person is responsible for issuing permits for all constructions trades, performing inspections to the work that permit was taken out for and ensuring the work was done to meet code. Code Enforcement means enforcing the city’s ordinances relating to nuisances such as junk cars, high grass, trash and junk stored on properties. Business license inspector means enforcing the city’s business license ordinance. This entails conducting background investigations to new applicants, ensuring licenses being issued meet zoning requirements. The official copy can be picked up in the clerk’s office but that is the meat and potatoes of the thankless job. The previous administrations didn’t have the forward thinking ability to see that as the city grew so did the need for resources of the city. The City of Wetumpka even has a Building Inspector, an Assistant Building Inspector, secretary and a CODE Enforcement Officer. Next, there is the issue of the property maintenance code which is just one set of codes of the International Code Council. All codes are minimum standards. By the way, these codes were written and designed by construction experts, architects, engineers, and fire and building officials from yes, all over the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. You can read about it for yourself at http://www.iccsafe.org/news/about. Here is a brief summary:

Origin

The International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model construction codes. The founders of the ICC are Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI). Since the early part of the last century, these nonprofit organizations developed the three separate sets of model codes used throughout the United States. Although regional code development has been effective and responsive to our country’s needs, the time came for a single set of codes. The nation’s three model code groups responded by creating the International Code Council and by developing codes without regional limitations the International Codes.

Purpose of the ICC

There are substantial advantages in combining the efforts of the existing code organizations to produce a single set of codes. Code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, designers and contractors can now work with a consistent set of requirements throughout the United States. Manufacturers can put their efforts into research and development rather than designing to three different sets of standards, and can focus on being more competitive in worldwide markets. Uniform education and certification programs can be used internationally. A single set of codes may encourage states and localities that currently write their own codes or amend the model codes to begin adopting the International Codes without technical amendments. This uniform adoption would lead to consistent code enforcement and higher quality construction. The code organizations can now direct their collective energies toward wider code adoption, better code enforcement and enhanced membership services. All issues and concerns of a regulatory nature now have a single forum for discussion, consideration and resolution. Whether the concern is disaster mitigation, energy conservation, accessibility, innovative technology or fire protection, the ICC provides a single forum for national and international attention and focus to address these concerns. It’s all about SAFETY folks.

For citizens of Tallassee that don’t know and want to see the town cleaned up, is what this boils down to is the rental property owners in this town are finally being held accountable for their run down, dilapidated properties that aren’t fit for animals to live in must less human habitation. The people that own these properties wouldn’t live in them must less want one next door to them. There is really one code that needs to be followed and it’s called PRIDE. Take pride in your property and maintain it in a condition that is doesn’t affect the neighbors property value and you want have any issues with the city. If you are offended by these comments then your conscious is catching up with and you probably need to get started cleaning up or making repairs. I was proud to say I was the Building Official for the City of Tallassee but some folks in this small town think because they supported the mayor either present or past the rules don’t apply to them. I tried to make a level playing field and apply the same rules to everyone. I appreciate the support I received from Mayor McCain and the Council and applaud them for taking a stand on cleaning up Tallassee. Without this effort, the city is headed in the same direction as a city about 15 miles down the road across the Macon County line. Once a thriving city now looks like a ghost town. If you need directions let me know. I will say a prayer and have a good thought for the new guy that has to deal with some of the people in this town. GOOD LUCK! –Travis M. Jones

Pre-Season College Football Top 25 - (8-18-09)

#8 Notre Dame - Are you joking? - Rusty T

Ray Hall's Health Care Article - (8-18-09)

Every day I engage in the very thing many of the conservative talk show host and politicians are railing against. I am a chaplain with an area hospice and I give end of life advice to patients and their families every day. There is nothing nefarious or diabolical about this. Every person has the right to make decisions concerning their health up to the very end of their life. Every person has the right and indeed should prepare advance directives and designate a health care proxy to see that these are carried out in the event they are not able to make their wishes known at that time. This is one of the things hospice specializes in. The hospice medicare benefit is there for every person on medicare. It is something they have worked and paid for already. The proposal in the healthcare reform bill is not something new. It simply allows doctors to bill medicare for giving the same advice that hospice professionals already give. And who better to give advise about end of life care than the treating physician? I am old enough to remember when family doctors treated patients from cradle to grave. They knew they were not going to beat every disease. They knew that their patients would eventually get older, sick and yes, die. They made their patients comfortable and gave great care. They even allowed their patients to die at home, surrounded by family and friends, in familiar surroundings, with dignity and compassion. That is what hospice and end of life counseling seeks - John Sparks

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Ray Hall's Health Care Article - (8-18-09)

Before Ray Hall decides to write an article on Obamas Health Care Bill , He needs to get His facts straight , and not just listen to the Republicans propaganda of misinformation campaign.

There is no such clause in the Health care Bill. This is merely something the \"Good Ole Boys\" put out there in a poor attempt to discredit Obama.

No Babies or Old People will be put to death under the Bill - Glenn Dean

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Ray Hall's Health Care Article - (8-18-09)

Ray's article this week is a masterpiece. Please keep them coming - Thomas Coram

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Ray Hall's Health Care Article - (8-18-09)

Love reading this and also enjoy the e-mails that we share and pass around - Bonnie

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Ray Hall's Health Care Article - (8-18-09)

Before Glenn Dean decides to make matter-of-fact statements referring to Obama's Health Care Plan, he needs to make sure his facts are correct. He made the statement last week that, "No babies or old people will be put to death under the bill," and that there is no such clause in the bill.

As much as I would love to believe what Mr. Dean says, it is far from Republican propaganda. I pray to God that this Health Care plan does not pass, but if it does, that is exactly what is in the bill on page 425 of the Health Care Bill. In an interview with Fred Thompson on live radio, this very subject is discussed.

For anyone interested in hearing this interview with Fred Thompson, here is part of the information and the website to listen to. Believe me, Mr. Dean, I want what you have said to be true, but saying it doesn't make it so. Thank you for listening to my opinion. Here is the quote from page 425 and the interview with Fred Thompson:

"ON PAGE 425 OF OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE BILL, the Federal Government will require EVERYONE who is on Social Security to undergo a counseling session every 5 years with the objective being that they will explain to them just how to end their own life earlier. Yes...They are going to push SUICIDE to cut medicare spending!"

Fred Thompson: Interviews

Thank you - Judy Ballentine

Baynes - (8-18-09)

Mark Baynes is a fine upstanding citizen with an excellent character and demeanor. He will be the #1 umpire in the CFO West. He takes after his brother - Rusty Baynes

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Baynes - (8-18-09)

Bla Bla Bla. As if that water head isn't swoll enough without you pumping it up - Mike Segrest

Education ..... Bringing Back Corporal Punishment in Schools - (8-11-09)

No parent ever wants or chooses to have their child on the receiving end of Corporal Punishment. However, Tallassee Education has brought it back to our city schools. I am not an educator in the school system, but I am an educator at home and feel as a resident with school age children I AM a large part of the Tallassee Education Family and love it. ... so I submitted my thoughts regarding \"Corporal Punishment in the schools\" along with my permission slip to SMS for the principal's files.

Re: Corporal Punishment in schools:

My hesitation to sign the Corporal Punishment Form was due to a very bad experience when a teacher and member of a school administrative staff did not follow school policy & procedure. This experience lives with me and gave me great cause for concern going forward with corporal punishment.

Therefore .... I submit

1- There should be just cause.
2- The student should positively know why they are being punished and understand why their actions were offensive. It should be discussed "in detail" in a calm manner and appropriate location whether you want to hear the child's story, choose to believe the child's story or not. SMS includes 5th grade, 10 year old "age considered" situations.
3- A parent/child/teacher conference should be scheduled promptly.
4- All students should be handled in the same manner & held to the same standards at all times.
5- There must be calm communication between parents, teachers & administrative staff. Address the issue in a professional & timely manner.
6- At no time should a teacher or member of the administrative staff lose their temper, act out irresponsibly, hesitate to call a parent and/or take action into their own hands.
7- Remember the "Golden Rule". Always have teaching the student, molding their future, first and foremost in mind.
8- And finally, keep in mind inflicting pain (Corporal Punishment in schools), is ILLEGAL in 30 states for a reason. Corporal Punishment in school should be a last resort.

. . . . . and may be repeating at home, if the parent so chooses.

Signed & Respectfully,
Karen Waters
Parent & A Part of the Tallassee Education Family

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Education ..... Bringing Back Corporal Punishment in Schools - (8-11-09)

I agree with Karen Waters. My husband and I did not feel it was right that a parent was not called, there have been misunderstandings at the school before and full situations should be properly reviewed. Quite frankly there should be designated people at the school to do this as well. If a student knows they have to go to that office it will put more fear into them of doing something wrong. However I can also understand that not all parents are as involved and maybe this will get their attention. Maybe as well this will get people to support the teachers – back in my day if my parents were called by the school not only was there punishment at school but BIG trouble at home. Supporting the teachers and school system is very important but also think if the form had been written a little differently for the signature more people would have agreed - Laurie Rygiel

Team Joshua Paul Ledbetter (8-11-09)

Thanks for posting this story. Let's start a community dialogue about mental health, hope, love and life . . . it is so precious. From Josh's family and friends, thanks to all who've made this incredible honor possible. Please join us for the walk and show your support for Josh and the great memories he made with us by wearing your 2009 Team JPL t-shirt, ask a team member for more info and how you can help. Thanks again for running this story; you've done a great community service - Christina Estes Cotton

Back In The Day (8-11-09)

Judy, enjoy this article very much. It brought back old memeories of things that we had done back then. I was talking with Jerry Willis at the last service in the old Church this pass week and he said that he had some old pictures that he wants me to see. Some of all of us when at the Church in some of it early time. Thanks for the article Maybe some times we can all get together again - Noel Darnell

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Back In The Day (8-11-09)

I just learned about "Tallassee Times" a few weeks back and I am glad someone told me about this web site. I LOVE TALLASSEE! and all the people (the ones I know and have known for years since I grew up here as well). I have lived around and am now back in Tallassee on Main St. just across from the orginal home of Mom and Dad where I grew up - unreal and I never would have thought it. I, too, remember so many things about Carrville Baptist Church and it was a "one of a kind" fellowship of Godly people. Havnen't found another like it anywhere. I have moved several times through the years and there just is not another church like Carrville Baptist was back then when we were growing up. I sat down front playing the piano much of the time. I joined the church when it was in the store building at age 13 and was baptized at East Tallassee Baptist because there was no baptistry at Carrville yet. I begin playing the piano in Carrville Church at the age of 12. I remember going to some country churches with you and your Mom and Dad when your Dad which your Dad was preaching at back then. Those were the days, my friend.

Memories - they are precious. Your Mom and Dad were so good to all the young people - my sisters (who all were older than me) and us and more. I remember game nights in your home in Carrville after church on Sunday night and lots of Saturday nights and those "Snake Baker" hamburgers that we would collect our pennies, dimes and nickles for and Leon, Aaron and Jerry would go get them at Snake's for us. The Lord has blessed us. I really enjoy your column and especially this one! Keep up the good work! - Carol Ann Lynn

Old Jolly's Store (8-11-09)

A recent newspaper article offended me by misrepresenting my statements from the July 20 “special” city council meeting held exclusively for the convenience of Elliott Jackson, owner of the old Jolly store property on Jordan Avenue. An out-of-context sentence about the now-defunct Neighborhood Watch suggested I was against Mr. Jackson because he didn’t let the Neighborhood Watch park on his property several years ago! This ludicrous implication, whether intentional or unintentional, harmed my credibility and I need to clear it up.

My remarks about the Neighborhood Watch episode at the old Jolly store were in response to a comment made by Elliott Jackson, during the meeting, in which, he blamed his graffiti-covered building on a “lack of police presence”. The hypocrisy of his complaint struck a nerve with me because years ago when the Neighborhood Watch and Tallassee Police Officers used to walk the Jordanville neighborhood two nights a week, their cars initially were parked on Mr. Jackson’s vacant store property on Jordan Avenue. At that time, Mr. Jackson quickly sent word to the Neighborhood Watch not to park on his property. Fortunately, other Jordanville business owners invited the Neighborhood Watch to park on their properties, and, even showed their appreciation and support by donating money for equipment and providing free coffee and doughnuts for the foot patrol.

Now that I’ve placed my comment in the proper context, I would like to say I’m not against Mr. Jackson cleaning up and repairing his property. Why would I be against any type of visual improvement in Jordanville? I’m glad the owner is finally going to fix it! The existence of his vacant, boarded-up, weedy, trashy, graffiti-covered structure with its collapsed roof has been a depressing sight for such a long time. Over the years, at almost every one of the many meetings I’ve attended relating to blight and beautification in Tallassee, non-Jordan Avenue residents complained about the appearance of the old Jolly store as a Tallassee blight, so it’s not solely an eyesore to “some persons in that community” as the article asserted.

It’s also my understanding that the city attempted for two years to contact Mr. Jackson about the condition of his property and sent certified letters to his mailing address, as listed on the Elmore County tax assessment records for his Jordan Avenue property and some notices were also placed on the building. After no response from Mr. Jackson, the city was about to knock down the structure when Mr. Jackson sent word he wanted to bring his building into compliance.

I regret it took such a long time, but if Mr. Jackson abides by the current city zoning designation for this area, which is “Small Town Mix” and maintains his business in a proper manner, I wish him much success in his entrepreneurial venture - Linda Coppinger

New Leadership at SMS and THS (8-4-09)

As a parent, I want to say how enthusiastic and excited I am to have the opportunity to be a part of what is happening in the Tallassee City School system. After attending Open House at THS and SMS, I was so impressed with the faculty, staff and new programs that are available for our students. Hats off to Dr. Jeffers, Wayne Pitchford and our board for the decisions made in our new administration and teachers. My children have attended Tallassee City Schools since Kindergarten and I consider my family blessed to be a part from the very beginning.

My oldest is going to High School and I admit I have been a little nervous and on the edge about it. Not any more...after hearing Mr. Abrams and Mr. Stewart and meeting each of the teachers there is a "Spirit" among them all that I can't wait for my son to experience. I'm excited to see we have a disciplinarian in charge and someone who is not going to except less than successful students. This starts with his faculty and ends with us parents. I truly feel like if the parents will back and support the decisions of our board, administration and teachers, we are going to see a changed Tallassee City School system. We will see great success!

There was a "Buzz" at SMS as well. My youngest is in his last year at SMS where there were several vacant spots for the eighth grade. I was happy with the NEW hires and do not feel like the system could have hired two better people to work together than Varner and Dean. Mr. ''coach" Dean was in the hallway greeting and making jokes with the students just like always and I saw Dr. Jeffers along with Dr. Varner greeting parents and students too. Because Varner & Dean have worked under McDaniel's leadership, I have no doubt that our last year at SMS will be as good if not better than the four I have already experienced with my oldest son.

We have a school system to be proud of. Think Positive...make something good out of every bad situation (because there will be some). Be supportive in everyway! Thanks again to every teacher for your part in the life of a student. You are part of his/her training. Proverbs 22:6 says: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Let us pray for our schools and government, because ultimately GOD is in control - Marilyn Speake

Tallassee Football Broadcasts (8-4-09)

Your football story of 1954 brought back many memories. I was in the 9th grade that year and it was my first year in the senior marching band. My recollection of the game was that we had many players hurt but the one we missed most was QB Lewis Sides. I think that was the year we beat Lanier 7-0 in the last game. I had not thought about those times for many years. Thanks for the memories.

One memory I would like to forget was Coach Hattaway. He taught us P.E. He walked around the gym and hit his us on the butt with a big, long paddle for no reason. He'd never make it in schools today - Bob O'Daniel (Tallassee High School of '58 and very proud of it)

Get My Point (8-4-09)

Judy, to me this is one of the best you have written in a while. I guess I am saying that because I went through this for so long. I have finally been able to forgive but I went through this awful time for some time. Thanks to you for allowing the Holy Spirit to send this one - Ginger Mooney

Move Forward or Become a Ghost Town (8-4-09)

Congratulations Mr. Jack Solomon on living to be nearly 82 years old! You are right about your generation being the "Greatest Generation." Your generation fought one of the bloodiest of wars, and won ! It was also the generation that brought us so many advances in technology.

But what does all that have to do with having a Beer In Tallassee? Why must a person leave town to have a drink so as not be seen indulging?

In Mr. Solomon's letter He says 'if you don't like it then you can leave,' well that's exactly whats happening!

So as Mr. Solomon's generation fades away and the younger generation moves away, what happens to Tallassee? Mr. Solomon expresses His love for Tallassee, does He want it to wind up in the next issue of "Dead Towns in Alabama?" That's where it's headed !

The People of Tallassee drink alcohol! Evidence for this, is all the stores selling beer and wine. Further evidence is the fact our local ABC store just moved to bigger and better digs. This wouldn't be happening if the stuff wasn't selling!

You need to give the people what they want or they will go some place else. Is this what Tallassee wants?

I think its time the churches quit trying to control people and stick to doing the Lord's work. There is no example in anyone's bible of Jesus trying to control what people do. He just simply spread His message.

Why are there so many churches in the small town of Tallassee, yet the crime rate is the same or higher than any other town, of the same size, but with fewer churches?

Why is this ? Instead of the Preachers worrying about somebody opening a tavern , why don't they worry about this problem?

I am no spring chicken myself, but I wish there was a nice place downtown, where My wife and I could go and have a drink, listen to music and meet friends - Glenn Dean

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Move Forward or Become a Ghost Town (8-4-09)

Mr. Dean, you asked why churches aren't trying to help more with the high crime rate in Tallassee. I think keeping a bar out of the city (for the time being) is doing just that. If you read the police report each week, you have to be aware that there are more calls for domestic disturbance and domestic violence than crimes. The two subjects are related. Those who aren't able to hold their alcohol (purchased from our local ABC store/gas stations if sales statistics are correct) tend to become aggressive and abusive, which leads to police activity.

I understand that for those who have self-control and are responsible drinkers, having the sport grill would have been a good, positive thing and I agree if they were the only ones I thought would patronize the grill. The problem (remember, this is just my opinion) would soon enough be those who are causing the disturbances at home would more than likely move that aggressiveness on to the grill, making it unpleasant for those same responsible drinkers. These quiet drinkers would stop going, and the grill would have eventually become a negative place, causing more police activity.

I am not from Tallassee. I moved here in my early 20's. I moved here because of what a great place I think it is. It has it's problems, but not getting a sports grill is way down on the list, as I see it - Sharon Johnson

Improvements (8-4-09)

The City Of Tallassee is in the water and energy business. We are expanding our commitment to selling water to our neighbors, but we are making no effort to conserve this precious resource. We must embark on conservation of water. We also must charge enough to rebuild our infrastructure "water,gas,sewer lines".

Tallassee is in the Natural Gas business. We sale and distribute it, but we are no expanding our base. We should get in to the business of providing Natural Gas to all customers either with piped Natural Gas are trucks. We need to buy storage tank and trucks and provide Natural Gas to customer the same way as a propane provider.

We also need to convert any vehicles that are not diesel to natural gas. This would include police cars and all city owned vehicle and machinery. Why not sell natural gas to ourselves and save money and help the environment.

The City Of Tallassee should use a compass and go out 1/2 mile from the GPS center of the Tallapoosa river at the Fitzpatrick Bridge and draw a circle. If all that property is in the city then keep going out 1/2 mile each time until we get to property that is not in the City Of Tallassee and see if property owners want it annex. This also would make more sense than the current city limits.

Vacant lots in established residential subdivisions should have to be kept the same as all other property in the subdivision regardless of whether a home is located on it are not. In other words the under growth and property must be kept in such a manner that it is pest free and have no standing water. You must be able to walk in the property and inspect it as you would at any home on property in the subdivision.

The Chamber of Commerce and City should move to have a monthly event like Trade Day are Downtown Tallassee. They should move all these function to the City Hall Complex in East Tallassee. They have the Mini Park, Library, City Hall that they can use for people to have a place to sit down and eat. Also they would have plenty of restrooms. They could work out a deal with the East Tallassee Methodist Church to park in their parking lot. They clean that property up and have keep it up, they should be given a pat on the back for being good neighbors.

These are no way intended to say that the Current Mayor and Council are not doing a good job. I think they are - Donald Ray Hornsby

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