Tallassee Times

Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

Healthcare Reform (9-29-09)

The Honorable Bobby Bright
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

Dear Congressman Bright,

I am an Air Force Academy graduate, a retired fighter pilot, a Vietnam War combat veteran, a father, a grandfather, and a concerned American citizen. I know about leadership. I know about taking a stand and fighting for what I believe in. My question, sir, is: Will you please finally stand up for what you say you believe in? In Montgomery, you’ve publically stated that you are going to vote against the $900 billion HR3200 healthcare bill. You’ve stated in the “Dothan Eagle” that you oppose the public option. You’ve told the “Montgomery Advertiser” that you favor free market solutions to solve the problems in our healthcare system. In Alabama, you’ve said just about everything we’ve wanted to hear.

Why haven’t you stated these same sentiments in Washington?

If you need an argument against the national health care bill, just look at the Veterans Administration. The VA is a government-run healthcare system, and it is neglecting many of our nation’s soldiers everyday. Visit just about any VA in the country, and you will find too few doctors and too few nurses struggling to help wounded and aging veterans. The program is bureaucratic, undermanned and underfunded. It is failing America’s veterans. Are you going to allow the Democrats in Congress to turn every American hospital into Walter Reed?

If you need a second argument, trace the Government’s history of broken promises about health care for our military. My father and I were each career Air Force officers who served this nation 26 and 22 plus years respectively. When we began our careers, we were each promised lifetime health care if we served honorably until retirement. The Government, as is so often the case, reneged. After being required to sign away this Government “contract” early in my career, the quality of care continued to decline. We were later offered TriCare for which we paid through deductions from our pay until age 65. Although I elected the most expensive option and paid for it for decades, all I find it has done for me is enable me to purchase needed medication at a slight reduction since few medical facilities will even accept it. In fact thus far, I have found absolutely none that accept TriCare! Now Congress has been debating whether to scrap this Government “guaranteed program”. To further the insult now I have passed my 65th birthday, I can no longer receive care at the USAF clinic at Maxwell Air Force Base near Montgomery.

Why does Congress ever expect citizens to trust the Government with any Government managed healthcare program? We, the people, are sick and tired of broken promises and programs from which Congress exempts its members

Where have you been, Congressman Bright? Where are you now?

In August, you were largely absent from the 2nd district. You didn’t host town hall meetings. You didn’t even attend the one that your constituents held for you in Montgomery. You have now returned to your Washington office. But you are silent. The people you represent did not elect you to be silent! Your voice is our voice, sir. We want you to speak for us.

You’ve been elected to lead, Congressman Bright. Your constituency believes in the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. We believe in a limited government. We believe in individual responsibility. When you are in Alabama, you say that you believe these things, too. It is time for you to take the same stand on the House floor.

You are the representative of the people of Alabama’s 2nd district. Your allegiance should not be to any political party, nor should it be attached to your Congressional leadership. Your allegiance is supposed to lay with the people who put you in your office. It is your charge to fight for our interests, no matter who is threatening them. Today, that means that you must stand up for the people of Alabama. You must stand against your own party. You must challenge Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat party on the floor of the House of Representatives. That is what a leader would do.

Your people are counting on you, Congressman Bright. If you believe what you tell the newspapers in Alabama, you must fight for us in Washington.

Respectfully,

Alexander H.C. Harwick
LtCol, USAF, Retired
Tallassee, Alabama

________

Healthcare Reform (9-29-09)

I just hope Congressman Bright gets to personally read Alex Harwick\'s letter. Well done, Alex. Thank you. Anne Bryant-USAF spouse (retired) - Anne Bryant

________

Healthcare Reform (9-29-09)

I guess its easy to condemn Obamas Health Care plan, if the Government is already taking care of your health care needs.
As you said Lt.Col. Hardwick , the Governments system has flaws in it , but I bet its better than no system at all ! I would choose a flawed system vereses no system. And thats just what most Alabamaians have None At All !

Lt. Col. Hardwick , Do you worry that you might lose everything you have worked all your life for , everytime you get sick ?

Thank You for your service to our country - Glenn Dean

A Letter to the Football Fans in Tallassee (9-29-09)

Dear Fans,

At the recent homecoming game against Rehobeth, several of you were upset by a change in procedure concerning admissions through the back gate. The high school would like to clarify the changes that were made as well as the reasons for them and leave you with some standing procedures for future games.

Mr. Abrams asked the gate workers, mostly teachers who voluntarily work the gates at home games, to restrict admission through the back gate to only cash customers or those who purchased regular season tickets at school prior to the game. This restriction was imposed because during the first home game several season ticket holders passed or tried to pass their tickets back through that gate in order to admit additional people on that one ticket. This procedure left many people very unhappy, and unfortunately, they took out their frustration on the teachers working the back gate who were asked by the administration to enforce this change. The workers temporarily locked the back gate after several fans became upset and directed verbal abuse toward them.

The back gate will be unlocked at future home games and season ticket holders will be admitted through the back gate, but upon admission, their tickets will be punched as they enter so that the ticket may not be reused by another person. No passes will be issued out while workers are posted at the gates. We hope that these changes will be respected by all of Tallassee’s football fans because it is our goal to make Tallassee a team that is stronger, wiser, and better. We want to make our stadium accessible to all of our fans. We also ask that in the future, the teachers and others who volunteer their time to work the gates will be treated with the respect that they deserve. We want Tallassee to be winners on and off the field.

Thank you,

Tallassee High School

Chilton Outlasts Tallassee (9-29-09)

I just want to say thank you to all the fans for cheering at Friday night's game. It took a little while for it to happen but spirit was there! We should be cheering like we did the last quarter of the game for the rest of games this season! Close to the end of the game I looked over and almost the whole crowd was on their feet and yelling and cheering! Keep up the spirit and support your Tallassee Tigers! :) Thank you - Hannah Bush

Tallassee's Most Bitter Rival (9-29-09)

I thought this most interesting being from Reeltown. I just had to take part in the survey. It is great to know that if we can't agree on anything..we all feel the same about this..Those were great days. It is unfortunate that it had to end. It truly was just a game - 2-A Fan

TYFL (9-29-09)

I have seen and heard about a lot of things in my time regarding football, but this past Saturday evening in Tallassee takes the cake. The junior youth team quit in the first quarter!?! What kind of lesson is to be learned from quitting when the game gets tough? I am humiliated to be a Tallassee fan after hearing such as this. That coach has a lot of explaining to do! Did Dollar and the varsity boys quit last year when Valley got on that head? Why heck no! - Humiliated Tiger

________

TYFL (9-29-09)

Humiliated Tiger... Were you at the game? If you were, then you would understand why the coach did what he did. If you were not at the game you need to get the facts and not just something you hear at the water cooler at work. TYFL Junior team is always at a disadvantage in this league due to the facts that the Junior group is made up if 12-13 year olds. 13 year old kids in Tallassee play on the Middle School program which is what TYFL encourages, thus leaving TYFL with mostly 12 year olds. Holtville won the Junior championship over Tallassee last year 31-19 ( Holtville's closest game of the year) and they have just about their whole team back. Do you realize that in our first game against the East Montgomery Seminoles TYFL had a kid taken off the field in an ambulance? With four kids getting hurt in the first 3 minutes of the game, the coach felt like if he did not stop the game he would not have enough kids left to play this week. The four kids that got hurt are very tough kids that have been in TYFL for several years, so until you spend a little time with the kids of TYFL, you have no right to criticize anyone. Just because everyone has an opinion doesn't mean it needs to be shared - TYFL Parent

________

TYFL (9-29-09)

I am responding to the "Humiliated Tiger" comment posted on the 29th about our TYFL Jr. team. I am the team mom for the Jr's and I just wanted to say that I don't understand how you can judge our team or our coach when you didn't come to the game. We do teach our children to follow through. If this was not the case, we would not be finishing the whole season. Again, if you had come to our games and had seen the other teams so far you would understand why I say that.

We didn't know how huge the Holtville players would be until they showed up Saturday night. Most of the Holtville players were bigger than grown men and seemed to be enjoying them selves while hurting our players. We had three or four players hurt before the first quarter was completed. Our head coach, and asst. coaches decided the put the safety of our players first before the game. We did want to play football but at what expense?!? My son has been in the TYFL league for 7 years and this is the first season we have ever had anything like this to happen.

I personally think if you want to judge our team and our coaches, then put whatever else you have to do, to the side and come try and support all of our TYFL teams and see for yourself. I feel like the lesson our players learned is that they mean more to us than a game!

I will do better than "Humiliated Tiger" and sign my name to this comment because I am proud of my opinion, our league and the Jr. Team! - Wendi Gregory

________

TYFL (9-29-09)

I've been reading the commentary from both sides. I was at the game, one of the many standing along the fenceline. I'll not stand on the fence for this. Yes, the Holtville boys put a good bashing on our young boys through a quarter. I understand that these boys weren't little bitties (I believe you call them dwarves). These were the eldest group.

The example to set here is simple. Keep fightin'. The Hathcock boy in his column said get your dukes up. In Biblical time there was a boy, I think his name was David. He fought a nasty big giant, but he fought him. He did have a slingshot. Looks like we brought the slingshot but left the stones at home.

There was another person, I believe his name was Churchill. He said, to "never, never, never" give up in the Allies endeavor against Hitler. I realize these are little tykes, but what are we teaching our little people? I give you a couple of proverbs: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going;" and... the bigger they are, the harder they fall - Tallassee Tiger (not a quitter)

SMS Cheers at Auburn (9-29-09)

HATS OFF TO BETH NOBLE!!! SHE HAS BEEN AN AWESOME ROLE MODEL FOR HER GIRLS, AND I AM TALKING ABOUT THE SMS CHEERLEADERS. SHE HAS TAKEN THEM TO PLACES THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE, AND SHE IS CONTINUING TO OPEN DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY AROUND EVERY CORNER. THESE GIRLS WILL GO FAR, THANKS TO BETH GOING THAT EXTRA MILE..COACHES, SPONSORS AND EVEN PEOPLE LIKE HER, ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN!!! AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHEERLEADERS, YOU ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE US ALL PROUD OF YOUR MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. MAYBE ONE DAY THIS TOWN WON'T ALWAYS BE ABOUT FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL, MAYBE JUST MAYBE CHEERLEADING WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS WELL.... - APRIL CARTWRIGHT

SMS Tigers (9-29-09)

Has anyone seen the SMS Tigers Football Team? They are a well coached football team and play with class. Coach Baynes has done a great job with the offense and Coach Golden has done a great job with the defense. If you want to watch some good middle school football come out and watch the "Little Tigers." Great job coaches and players! - Yancey Gordon

Lady Tigers (9-29-09)

Sarah Thomas' Biggest Fan - Keenan Cooper

Football Picks (9-29-09)

Could you make my husband Darrell happy and start predicting Troy scores? He thinks there is no other team in the world - Suzy Solomon Wilson

________

Football Picks (9-29-09)

UT will beat AU. And another thing, the hatred between UT and Bama is based in rivalry, AU\'s hate for Bama is based in jealousy. Just a thought regarding the truth - Vol Nation

Trick or Treat Night (9-29-09)

I understand that some of the proceeds from the "Alley" will be donated to some civic endeavor. Perhaps some of those involved could make this clear - Jack Solomon

Lost Dog (9-29-09)

Harley Jo is my dog and she has been missing since 9/20/09. We've called all the local vets and humane shelters and put out over 100 fliers hoping that someone has seen her. I come home every day hoping to see her on the porch thinking that she is just lost, until today. Today we got our first phone call. It wasn't even about Harley, but they were just calling to let us know that on that same Sunday, just about a quarter of a mile from our house on Dark Corner Rd., their two chocolate labs had disappeared. So, if there is someone out there picking up people's dogs, please know that these animals are family members to some people and are terribly missed. I don't care who you are or if you took her, just say you found her and bring her back and I'll give you the reward. We just want our puppy back home. If anyone has seen her, please call us. Thank you - Jodie Willis

Beatles (9-29-09)

I love getting out my OLD 33 1/3's from the 60's-----Beatles, British Groups, Motown-------nothing like it - Debra Dillard

________

Beatles (9-29-09)

Is Michael Bird single? I think I'd like to date him! You need a Tallassee singles page, and I'd put him at the top, If he is single. If he's not, I don't care! I'm still crushing on him.... - Bird Lover

International Building Code (9-22-09)

I am writing in response to a letter posted on the Tallassee Times (A Plan for Tallassee by Tallasseans).

I was elected to the office of mayor with a fiduciary duty to not only be the chief executive of the municipality, but to use this power to exercise leadership for our citizens to continue the improvement of our quality of life. The trust that was placed in me as the one to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our citizens includes, but not limited to, the enforcement of the strict adherence of the ordinances (laws) that prevail.

The article referred to the International Property Maintenance Code which is part of the adopted International Building Code. Before this code was adopted by the City of Tallassee, the Standard Building Code compiled by the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) was the enforceable code. The Southern Building Code does not exist any longer. The International Code was developed by merging all of the legacy codes across the country into one (1) uniform code by the International Code Council (ICC) which was established in 1994. This code was referred to in the article as a “cookie cutter” code and the article stated that it does not fit the “unique culture” of Tallassee. I am still pondering on what that means. For our municipality to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our residents, a code with minimum property standards to provide that protection should, and will, prevail. I am of the opinion that building codes are not written and adopted to take away the rights of property owners, but, moreover, to protect the people who occupy the structures. And, codes are not adopted by governments impetuously.

Deterioration is inevitable in all structures. A building is a perishable if left empty for extended periods of time. Property maintenance codes are guidelines to maintain safe and sanitary habitable spaces. Exterior maintenance to cosmetic detail ensures nice curb appeal and respect for the overall appearance of the neighborhood. It is a moral obligation and responsibility of the owners of properties and buildings to maintain adherence to codes and standards that are adopted.
The Building Inspector is indeed the one that enforces the codes. The codes are there to ensure that substandard or unfit housing is not occupied as habitable space. So , therefore, he is, in fact, a “Code Enforcement Officer.”

The suggestion that the Planning Committee (Planning Commission) will assess backyard gardens and determine the location and type of plants allowed was ludicrous and caused me to laugh out loud when I read it. Landscaping ordinances apply only to commercial property and are designed to improve the appeal and beauty for a city. I would expect that everyone in this city desires a more beautiful city. The Planning Commission meets once per month and it is a public meeting. However, the unpaid volunteers of this commission are not there to hold a public forum. Citizens can attend to listen to city business, but by no means have the right to interrupt and delay the meeting.

Another issue is the suggestion that the City of Tallassee should separate itself from the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (CARPDC), a planning agency formed in the 1960s. Most all cities in our region are members (i.e. Wetumpka, Millbrook, Prattville, Autaugaville, Coosada and Tallassee), and Montgomery plans to rejoin very soon even though they have a planning department of their own. This commission handles many aspects of our planning, zoning, annexation and grant writing. The Assistant Director of CARPDC, Greg Clark, works with Tallassee, and he is the former City Planner in Columbus, Georgia which prospered under his leadership. While under contract this year alone, they found ways to save money and retrieve money owed to the city from the past which more than paid for their services.

Now, to the bottom line. My duty is to enforce the law and I am going to do just that. If there are perceived ambiguities in the codes we have, we can address them one by one for clarification. The City Council does not write building codes and neither do I. They are calling for a more reasonable code. My question is, what does that entail? Compromising the integrity of residences and commercial buildings? The answer from me is “no, we will not compromise the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.”

They asked for a “common sense approach which takes into account the culture and traditions of Tallassee.” I’m all ears. Tell me what common sense approach the city should use when adopting any law or ordinance that “affects the property rights of its citizens.” Within the article they say they want input. So, we will have a public meeting at City Hall on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers in order for all of those, and any other, concerned about the code to give input. The public is invited to hear viewpoints in an amicable and orderly forum.

We are no longer a mill town, but a progressive city attracting residents and business. I want this city to be the best it can be by attaining its full potential. That is why you elected me, and…….I work for you. I want us all to work together for that common goal. If sections of the code are not justifiable or onerous to ensure buildings are not substandard, I/we are ready to listen. The citizens expect me to treat everyone the same when enforcing the law. To some, this may offend. But, at the end of the day, I would hope they would respect me for doing the right thing - George A. McCain Mayor of Tallassee

________

International Building Code (9-22-09)

Mr. McCain , I respect the end goal of what you and other members of the City Council are trying to achieve,but with that being said , the code enforcement policy (ordinance) will place undue financial burdens on the less fortunate in this town ,in my opinion. If they are forced by this ordinance to bring their homes up to code , and they simply can't afford it ,that I do not agree with. That being said also , with regards to people who rent housing ,I could see where that could be a good thing. The other point I would like to make with you Mr. Mayor is this newly adopted "Smoking Ordinance", which I believe to be completely unconstitutional. This ordinance was passed by a select few (elected as they may be) to serve the wants of a few.It is not about smoking in my opinion but the imposition of unconstitutional mandates on private business owners. They are the ones that invest their time and money into this community to make their living and I for one do not agree imposing the will of the council on them. Let the free market system that built this country into what it is today make that decision for them.If the majority of their patrons tell them that they want a non smoking establishment , then I am sure that they will adjust .My parents raised me to be considerate of others and if I am around someone that doesn't like smoking , I simply respect that.I do not see why the government , in whatever form, deems it neccesary to dictate my respect of others.This is simply about the loss of another freedom, not about smoking at all. Smokers respect "no smoking" signs and simply abstain as they are asked to do by the individual business owners.It's called respect Mr Mayor ,not dictatorial mandate.I understand that the citizens of Tallassee want a better community for themselves and their families , but I do not understand the City that I have so dearly loved since 1969 taking away freedom after freedom for the want of a few. Two words Mr. Mayor "Public Referendum". I proudly sign my name to this also - Derrick Hartley

________

International Building Code (9-22-09)

Questions and Concerns

It seems that after seeing all the controversy going on between some of the citizens and property owners of Tallassee, and the municipal authorities in regard to building codes and property rights, that there may be some folks on both sides of the issue who have misinterpreted the intentions of each other. With this in mind, perhaps a clarification of some of the pertinent facts in this controversy may be in order. So here are a few of the more important facts for all of Tallassee's property owners and city authorities to consider:

On October 22, 2007, the previous city administration and city council formally adopted the “International Building Code” which consists of 14 voluminous books of rules, regulations and restrictions along with the associated fees, fines, penalties and various means of police enforcement. This draconian body of municipal law could and will eventually affect every homeowner and business owner in the city limits of Tallassee and its ever expanding police jurisdiction.

Apparently the former mayor, and few, if any, of the members of the former city council had made themselves familiar with the extent of restrictive law that the new code places upon all of the citizens who own property in our town, (including themselves) before they voted to adopt it.

Our recently elected city officials inherited this unbelievably restrictive body of ordinances when they took office, and it is very likely that few, if any, of them have had the time or inclination to read through all 14 books (3261 pages) in order to familiarize themselves with what they contain. We all should remember last spring when the U.S. Congress passed the largest spending bill in history without reading a mere 2000 pages of legislation. This seems to be the new trend.

"The International Building Code" was written by something called the "International Code Council", which is not connected to our government and has no real governmental legal authority, yet this body of law, or in many cases only parts of it, is being adopted by municipalities all across the U.S., as if there were some sort of legal mandate for it, and according to the International Code Council's own website, (www.iccsafe.org/government/map/al.htm), if their data is up to date, some interesting and very concerning questions arise from the information published there, for example:

(1) Why was Tallassee the only city in the entire state to adopt all 14 International Codes?
(2) Why did most Alabama communities adopt 5 or less of the codes?
(3) If Birmingham with a population of 231000 only adopted 7 of the codes does that mean that Tallassee (pop. 5000) needs more restrictive codes than Birmingham? Even Montgomery has only adopted 5 of the code books, and did not include the very restrictive Property Maintenance Code as part of their ordinance, nor did Birmingham?
(4) Why do the citizens of Tallassee need to be more heavily burdened with code restrictions than those who own property in Montgomery, or Birmingham?

Hopefully these questions and many more will be answered this Thursday night.

Tallassee Real Estate Investors and Property Owners

Gary D. Stiff, President

Tallassee Four-Lane (9-22-09)

I wanted to voice my opinion for your website on the the four lane when it's raining. I have hydroplaned 3 times on the four lane between ben atkinson and super foods. It is very unsafe. It doesn't drain well and when it rains I avoid driving that way. I will take a back road before I go that way. The water just stands on the road and I'm very surprised it hasn't caused several wrecks - Traci Webster

SMS Tigers Video (9-22-09)

Now that's some high quality stuff - Mark Baynes

Nix Gone But Will Not Be Forgotten (9-22-09)

Paul was an inspiration to many. He had a fight in him like none other I have ever seen. He has influenced me greatly. Paul and I attended the same high school and have kept in touch since. We would see eachother on occasion and message one another frequently. It was amazing the faith Paul had in all his trials. When things were bad and this evil sickness was making him physically weaker, Paul only got stronger!!! I would plead with him, 'Paul what can I do?' and he's say 'just pray'. When Paul was in the hospital the last time, I left Troy thinking I was going to be there for a friend. I returned in awe of how my terminally ill friend just gave me more than I could ever give him. He didn't need encouragment and cheering up. As it turned out, I must have needed it unknowingly. He uplifted me! I was with Paul the Saturday and Sunday before he passed and I spoke of funny things from the past and reminded him of how annoyed I would get by him. He would do crazy things to get under my skin and he loved it. I told him that weekend that I'd give anything for him to annoy me again. Paul had a glow about him. He had the brightest smile that would light up his face. And the Sunday I left him, just days before he passed, he STILL had that glow. I am at peace because I know he is. He was called home for his work here was done. And what a job he did! I am forever indebted to him for showing me these past few months what faith is, what strength means, what it is to have a family, and how to live your life everyday like its the last day you might have. And I say it proudly for all those that stuck together for Paul (which have come to be called Paul's Circle), WE HAVE A FRIEND WAITING ON US NOW! - Hollie Johnson-Cantrell

________

Nix Gone But Will Not Be Forgotten (9-22-09)

Paul was in mine and Jason's youth class at Reeltown Baptist Church. He was a leader during that period of time that we knew him. He will be missed and may his memory be honored. God bless his children! - Debbie Hornsby

________

Nix Gone But Will Not Be Forgotten (9-22-09)

This is his sister. I am so grateful to be his sister. We didn't always get along, but that was how it was. Like Cain and Able. But we loved each other so very much. We bonded very close as his cancer progressed. My mother deserves so much credit. She took care of him through it all. He was such a smart man, God fearing, and giving. I will take his qualities with me. Never in a million years did I think I would become an only child to my mother. Never did I think I would out live Paul. I hope everyone remembers him as a fighter, a lover, a giver, and a truly funny man with a great sense of humor. I love you Paul. As I looked into your eyes as you passed away, I knew you would always be looking at me. You are so amazing. I cannot believe that I must continue to live life without you as my brother. I love you so much. I am so hurt. Please watch over me. You have touched so many lives. Hold me, like I held you...until the very end. I love you - Kristen Nix Ferguson

________

Nix Gone But Will Not Be Forgotten (9-22-09)

Thank you for a touching article on such an amazing person and the battle he fought for so long. Pieces such as this will help us remember him and remind us to continue to be a light for others, the way Paul was a light for the world - Jessica Bonner Barber

________

Nix Gone But Will Not Be Forgotten (9-22-09)

Thank you, Michael, Hollie, and everyone who was a friend to my son, Paul. Thank you, Ellie, for being at the hospital so much this last time. He was not only my child, but my best friend. I am glad to know that he was such an inspiration to so many - Sharon Hackett

I Counted 36 (9-22-09)

Killing snakes is in fact not a good thing AT ALL!!! It is indeed an ignorant and uninformed solution to something that isn't even a real problem. Snakes to be very selective about their habitat. They don't usually inhabit a populated or busy area. Keeping your property maintained properly (cut your grass and weeds!) will reduce the chance of snake infestation. Also, think about what you put in your yard that could attract them. So before we go bragging about how we cut the head off of a monster, think about how you are not necessarily doing any favors!

Here are a few facts: Most people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it. Victims are typically male and between 17 and 27 years of age. Only about 5 percent, or roughly 25 species of snakes in the US are venomous. Fortunately, only 4 species of poisonous snakes live in Alabama. For every snake killed, 300-500 rodents can flourish. King snakes actually eat venomous snakes! These are just a few of the many facts not to be overlooked. Try not to be ignorant about snake awareness!!!

Remember people, snakes are God's creation and deserve a place in our extremely sensitive ecosystem! Snakes, like sharks, have a bad reputation, as the media love to sensationalize these critters. Fear sells. If you see a snake, please do not kill it! It does a tremendous amount of good, compared to any harm done. Understand reality and not fall prey to your fears and phobias - Brian Waddle

Tallassee Times TV (9-15-09)

I don't normally go off on an opinion page but tonight I think I'll explode if I don't!! I called my son who is in the Army stationed in CA to tell him the game was on live. Just for the sake of the record he's about to deploy for the THIRD time to protect idiots who enjoy their freedom of filth! He was enjoying (and so was I ) chatting with people until trash talk got started. Remember when you spout off again that my son and thousands like him BUY you your freedom to talk trash!! Cheryl Spates

Homecoming Court (9-15-09)

Good luck girls and enjoy your homecoming! you all look beautiful! - - Renee Stone