Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

Year in Review (12-29-09)

Hi Michael. I enjoyed all of the articles this week but my favorite, by far, was the pictures. I enjoyed seeing everyone and it brought back memories. You are doing a wonderful job of keeping us posted. Thanks so very much - Cathy Darnell

Football Honors (12-22-09)

Congraulations to Mike and Hunter for making the all-state team and having such a great season. I would like to wish them all the best on their college careers. The future seems bright for the area schools and the talent seems to be coming on strong. I can't wait to see who will be the surprise on next year's team. I know Trey will have a great year for the tiger's, and Shaquile Roberson out of Reeltown may be one of the best players in this part of the State. Michael I agree with you, I can't wait to see one of our own one day making it in the pro's. I enjoy your articles and please keep up the good work. "May God Bless You" - J Shaw

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Football Honors (12-22-09)

THS had 3 1st team All-State selections in '99: Justin Williams, Derrick Ansley, and Ryan Johnson

In 2005, 2: Dan Benson & Demond Washington

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Football Honors (12-22-09)

Just last year: Tyler Grant and Hunter Mullins

Recycle Program to Change (12-22-09)

Michael, I agree with you. I like to see things recycled and if we have to pay a few dollars on each bill to keep this going then we should do it. I'm really surprised that the city does not make anymore than they do off of the recycled items. This is not very encouraging to get people to recycle - Cathy Darnell

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Recycle Program to Change (12-22-09)

I have asked for the bags to start recycling numberous times and have never received them. The people of this town really need to start doing their jobs right and stop slacking.

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Recycle Program to Change (12-22-09)

Send out a better list of what can and can not be put in the Recycle Bag. Maybe right the address on the bag. Then, when they sort through the bag and find household garbage in it they can either charge them a small fee or don't give them a new bag next time. Make it a privilege to be able to Recycle. Also, you need to clear up the questions about the drop off point. Do we have to sort every thing out or just drop the bag off for the two guys to sort? What is up the odd hours? Any one that works out of town can not drop off during those hours - Ryan Merrett

Go Tigers (12-15-09)

Go tigers you grils are good so beat all of the teames that you play and make coach winchester prad - Charlotte

Five Points Redlight (12-15-09)

It is my understanding that at the 5 points redlight, while traveling in front of the highschool and taking a right towards McDonalds, it is a no stop lane. The reason being is because it has its own dedicated lane. If this is the case who do we need to contact to have a dedicated green arrow that does not turn red for that lane. I have witnessed accidents and numerous close calls while approaching the intersection because the light turns red and people stop not knowing they do not have to, while the person behind them almost slams into them then a chain reaction is set off. This would be a tremendous help especially when Neptune and GKN are changing shifts and the highchool is letting out. Thanks - Larry J. Moore Jr (Bubba)

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Five Points Redlight (12-15-09)

A red light is a red light, is a red light. If it was a no stop lane – the cars coming up 229 can not or would not be able to get in the right lane past their light if they want to turn into Rite-Aid, Little Ceasar’s Pizza or McDonalds, the cars approaching the “no stop light” don’t allow the cars to merge if they never stop. It then backs up the green light from Jordanville, by cars sitting in the left lane waiting to merge into the right lane in order to negotiate their intent to patronize one of the businesses. Please people, obey the traffic light, if you are running the light, that is just wrong - cdshammock

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Five Points Redlight (12-15-09)

I was told all my driving years and before a red light means to STOP – It does not mean slow down but keep moving . If the laws have changed about red lights I would like to know when - Vickie Cole

His Unspeakale Gift (12-15-09)

Good as usually Judy, Keep up the good work telling others about Jesus and what he has and still doing - Noel Darnell

Principal Sends SMS into Battle (12-15-09)

Great article Bird! Keep up the good work - Gordon

Linville Funeral Home (12-15-09)

Nice to have competition - Sierra

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Linville Funeral Home (12-15-09)

Congrats!!!! - Melissa Pierce

Student Council Doing Its Part (12-15-09)

A very good article. I am so very glad to see our young people become involved with helping people less fortunate than we are. We could all take lessons from them. We need to open our eyes and see all of the people around us that could use this same type of help. With our economy down like it is, a lot of people need help - Cathy Darnell

Buying Christmas in Tallasseee (12-8-09)

I have heard the mayor say that we should spend our dollars in Tallassee this Christmas season. I would love nothing more than to be able to do all of my shopping here and not have to face the masses of Montgomery but that is not possible. There is nowhere to spend money in Tallassee! Our Wal-mart is a joke! Factory Connection is the only real clothing establishment around here and it is lacking! I don't understand why Tallassee can't bring more useful commerce to this city. I was in Wal-mart one day looking for a particular item and asked the sales person if they could order it for me. She said they didn't even have a purchasing department! They only get left-overs and discontinued items from other Wal-Marts. WHAT?! Untill Tallassee can bring something to this town that will keep my dollars here, I'm sad to say that Montgomery, Wetumpka, Prattville and Millbrook will be getting my tax dollars. Sorry Tallassee. Bring me a Target! - Shannon Waddle

Downtown Ideas (12-8-09)

As i was riding into school this morning i was listening (to WTLS), faithful as always, and i caught a portion of the show regarding the possibilities for what remains of downtown. As someone who was raised here and has just recently returned I know that this puts the city at a crossroads. I commend you, your crew, and the gentlemen both in studio and on the phone who discussed that the city leaders should be more "forward thinking." The lack of business opportunities of many sorts is clearly putting Tallassee at a disadvantage to other local municipalities. I know that we all want to maintain our wholesome small town charm, but at what cost? If there is no business where people can spend those small town dollars before long their is no town at all. I truly think that those people like myself, who are just beginning to raise a family, hold the future of Tallasee in our hands. My reasoning is that Tallassee can grow to meet the needs of our younger couples and families, or people will move to places that do meet those needs. The economy is bad but, now is the time to inject new money and opportunities into the city's struggling economy. That is the crux of our market system. Those who have a product or business that fills a need in the community thrive. Those that do not allows the market adjust and sadly they fail. I liked the argument the gentlemen in studio gave about legislating morality. That is something that i believe no one should or can put on others. The idea of the greater good only holds true if every member of the greater good hold on to the same moral beliefs. Again, thanks this morning for pushing this debate to the forefront and for presenting both sides in a professional and educated manner. Now my hope, as i am sure it is yours, is that our civic leaders and community members realize that to sit and do nothing is the worst possible outcome - Matthew Monson

Petition to Try Suspect as Adult Being (12-8-09)

I went to the town hall meeting tonight (Dec 10) just hoping that the petition would be available to the 100+ audience so I could sign, sad to say it was not present. I actually expected more from this meeting than what was presented to the township. Dignitaries were introduced and prayers were initiated. Citizens were given the chance to speak and few honored the call. I feel deep down that Tallassee has so much potential, now we need leadership. Leadership that can produce results. A proposal was made for the former grounds of Smarty Pants to become a "green space", meaning a fountain and green grass... I believe this signals defeat in the heart of all Tallassee residents. I overheard two restorative architects speaking with the owners of the former Hotel Talisi stating that the building could be saved and that they only wish that the township would call on them to rebuild our history brick by brick. I believe that we must focus our future on the upcoming generations, the generation that will shortly be in charge of Tallassee. We need entertainment for our youth and young adults (which is the fastest growing populace). we need healthy eateries as a contrast to the deep fried buffets and endless fast food chains. The youth of this town are quickly preparing for a FLIGHT, the same flight we saw called the "great white flight east" in Montgomery due to racial tensions. Let us band together now and bring this town to life once again. The "Niagra of the South" has much potential and we ALL must share the responsibility of rejuvinating our town. This is truly a group effort. I encourage EVERY CITIZEN to attend each and every city council meeting in order for our future to progress. We will only progress once we all hold our government accountable and demand CHANGE. Unlike our new Nobel Peace Prize winning President of the United States (I will probably be put on the "No Fly List" for this, but) let us truly have a local government that produces "Change we can believe in". Let's move toward the future of this great city - Hunter Smart

Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

Chrismas in Dixie by Alabama - Lacey Brewer

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

Merry Christmas Darling by Karen Carpenter - K Waters

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

Most Wonderful Time - Andy Williams, Grown Up Christmas List - Michael Buble' and White Christmas - Bing Crosby - Traci Brantley

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

I Believe in Father Christmas - by Greg Lake - Cheryl H

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

Silent Night - Mike Durham

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

Wonderful Christmastime - Shannon Waddle

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

Mary Did You Know by Mark Lowry - Irene Rodgers

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Favorite Christmas Song (12-8-09)

The Carpenter's Shop by the Bluegrass Cardinals - Rhett Dennis

Petition (12-8-09)

I wasn't aware there was a petition. Now that I know...I'll sign it!!! There should be no reason NOT to try him as an adult - P. H.

Downtown Construction (12-8-09)

I know this was a terrible event that took place but I do think something good can come of this. If there were some investors that were looking for an opportunity they could stimulate our economy by constructing a multipurpose building. This building could be a 3 story structure that would be capable of accommodating 2 or 3 restaurants, a number of shops, and even on top a scenic observation deck of Tallassee. This may seem like an extravagant thought but isn’t this what the developers were wanting to do to the mills? I can see a parking lot across from where Smarty Pants once stood, once the old warehouse is torn down, and I can see people walking around Tallassee again. The people could enter and exit the buildings and go to shops and eat all in one building similar to a mall. We could have Shoppes at Downtown Talisi and it be a 3 story bustling area of economic growth. I know this endeavor would take a significant amount of money but if this was marketed and promoted correctly it could succeed. The stimulus would be significant just in the preparation of the building; 1)The city would issue building permits, 2)the investors contract the construction, 3) the builders purchase the materials, 4)the labor for the construction, 5)the workers must eat and stay somewhere, 6)locals will apply for employment at the various shops and restaurants, 7)the word would spread to surrounding areas, and this may sound very familiar, just like word of the HOTEL TALISI!!! This could be an opportunity for life not the memory of destruction. I am only a concerned citizen of Tallassee, born and raised, who would like to see this city overcome adversity and negativity and prosper - Stephen Osborne

Alabama Power (12-8-09)

This was a very good article and I enjoyed it very much. We need to be reminded about how our electricity is generated. We do have a tendency to forget and take it for granted - Cathy Darnell

Tallassee Times Comments (12-1-09)

I think the parade route was shortened to keep traffic on 229 rolling. Hopefully one day we will have a new bridge and traffic can go around town while we are having a parade. I agree about the candy; it is dangerous. We went to the Turkey Day Classic parade in Montgomery years ago and they put barriers up so people can't "fall" into the street. Anyone who wants to throw candy has to walk along the route and hand it out.Some grocery store was handing out toilet paper; I thought that was sort of strange.

I hope everyone will come out to the meeting on Dec. 10 and support the ladies and Mr. Troupe. Hopefully part of the Hotel is okay to be rebuilt. For months I would go have lunch next door at my Daddy's house and I could see Linda Gregory's building and Hotel Talisi from the window and it looked so sad and depressing and then things were looking up and now we have to look at that corner and see destruction. It's even more sad and depressing but a better day is coming,I hope. I was so glad Smarty Pants had come back downtown because my mother and I used to go there all the time when it was originally across from the Hotel.

P.S. Michael may have predicted a Reeltown loss, but I write the articles for tallasseetimes and I was confident Reeltown would win if they played well and didn't make mistakes. I was a little worried at the half but I figured Coach O'Neal would control the clock and the defense would win the game. I hope next year Reeltown and Tallassee will both be playing in Jordan-Hare stadium. I have already marked the dates on my calendar - Suzannah Solomon Wilson

White Out (12-1-09)

Now, why in the world would Alabama Power use "white out" to cover this up? They COULD have used sandpaper! - Cheryl

Parade (12-1-09)

Just came from the parade and once again I had to be embarassed by young adults with 1 hand trying to hold their pants on and throwing candy that had been tossed to them at the people in the parade hitting a small child in the chin that could very well have hit them in the eye and caused permament damage. Why can't parents raise their children to respect others and
themselves. A lot of work and time goes into this for the people of Tallassee to enjoy. If this continues maybe candy should not be given out - S Atkins

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Parade (12-1-09)

Why are we charging participants of the parade 10 dollars? Should we charge the viewers as well? As for the citizen commenting on the catapulting of candy at the eyes of children, I fully agree. The throwing of objects from floats should be banned. Let's think about it, we have children on these floats and they are throwing objects at the surrounding crowd containing the majority of with are small children, infants, and toddlers. What do you think? And I would like to know why the route was shortened? - Hunter Smart

Get My Point (12-1-09)

Thank you Judy. I neede that. Keep on praisning our Lord - S Atkins

Football Pick (12-1-09)

We excuse you for being wishy washy on the Reeltown game. Now come back with a nice article about them. This is a team of talent, pride, and alot of heart - RHS 2-A State Champs!

Football Pick (12-1-09)

How could you jump off the bandwagon this late in the game? Reeltown 16 Clay County 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We State Champs Right Here In 2-A Football, State Champs! - David Gray

Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

I know we all are really dismayed about our two (2) recent events of water and fire that could be described, in a sense, as catastrophic.

We have to deal with it and all be cheerleaders for our citizens. We have to be "The Rock" at this point. As the old saying goes,
"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going."

I am going to have a "Town Hall Meeting" on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The purpose of this meeting is to allow a forum between the citizens and the city government in regard to future
plans for our downtown historic district. I think this will be therapeutic as well as informative for the people of
our city as they heal from the devastating fire that has affected the history and memories of our community.

It will also give us an opportunity to thank, from the heart, our fire fighters, police officers and police investigators for their
exhibition of total professionalism and dedication to duty in a time of extreme need.

I urge you to make plans to attend. I will greatly appreciate it - Mayor George McCain

*NOTE - Tallassee Times TV will have a live webcast of the town hall meeting on December 10th, beginning at 6:00 pm.

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

Let us all come together as a community and encourage both Hotel and Smarty Pants to rebuild. This town needs to support all of the business owners now more than ever and especially these owners in our prayer and letting them know we are here for them.

This is so devastating for not only these owners but our City and we must become stronger more than ever and pray for one another. Our Downtown is Our downtown and part of the heart of Tallassee.

Inner Strength and Encouragement!! - Laurie Rygiel

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

Also thought that it should be noted that Piggly Wiggly is helping Hotel Talisi out by holding all of their perishable and frozen food items. The new veterinarian on Gilmer Avenue is holding some of the already opened parishable food items. It is awful that this happened and I pray for the boy who did this. I just want to know what was he thinking when this happened. Its crazy. It was a huge, historical landmark of Tallassee also wasn\'t it? I just think that it is incredible how a town helps out like this. Its amazing! - Becca Richardson

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

Monday was such a sad day for the City of Tallassee. My heart is heavy with the lose of several beautiful historic buildings downtown.

My daughter, Carmen and her friend Bill, were here from Texas for Thanksgiving. On Saturday our family stopped by the Art Gallery and toured the Hotel Talisi. While at the Hotel, we listened for signs of the ghost near the piano, admired the beautiful rooms and chandeliars, marveled at the "Superman" phone booth, and the fabulous front desk. Now all of that is reduced to ashes...........so sad.

I think I speak for many when I say that we collectively held our breath on Monday, cried a few tears and said prayers for those who have worked so hard to revitalize our unique downtown area. I'm so thankful that no lives were lost, and thankful too for the many brave firefighters that fought so hard to save what remains of our downtown history.

Having said this, because of the fire, our TSA Painting Party on this Friday has been cancelled. Stay tuned.......we hope to reschedule soon. Meanwhile, say a pray for Tallassee and our downtown businesses - Lissa Estes Ledbetter (From My Easel)

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

String the kid up, he has destroyed the entire hope of a town. Tallassee was planning a huge come back and this kid has taken a towns pride and shoved it down a fire escape. This is what is wrong with this area, so many disenfranchised youths. Just the other week, a local antique business, the Gallery, was robbed by an individual throwing a paint can through the window. The hotel talisi, the burned smarty pants shop, and the antique store are ALL 250 feet from the Tallassee Police Department. Where are our county tax dollars going and what are out Police doing? - Hunter Smart

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

I was glad for the opportunity to hear the Mayor's webcam on the fire --- and be about to hear it first hand. Also, to be able to see all the photos on the website, and have a better understanding about what happened. The webcam is a wonderful way for people who live out of the area to be able to hear local radio broadcasts.

I enjoy the website very much. Good job! - Jeaneen Chaffin, Fairfax, VA

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

Do you think a temporary spot like the old Borderline restaurant building could be a possibility for the Hotel Talisi restaurant? They could rent that spot during the rebuilding process, and I’m not an insurance professional but I do know that insurance companies pay for housing for homeowners that lose a home during the rebuilding process. Is it possible that the rent could be paid by the insurance company for a temporary spot? I This could really help those that have basically gone all in and put their lives into this place. And I believe that the cooking equipment for the most part was salvaged. I’m just throwing an idea out there that could give the town and the new owners something to rekindle their spirit and keep them motivated and busy instead of having to wait for reconstruction - Miles Hathcock

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

At least 2 structural engineers need to determine if the walls of the Hotel should fall not anyone else. The type of masonry construction in that structure should allow for self support up to 3 stories. If basic bracing was used it would add the additional support for the welfare of the public. In Charleston Sc they save these facades and structure for reuse in the design of buildings going into that same location as to not disrupt the Fabric of the architecture of the downtown or historical areas. I would strongly like to voice that before the walls are scrapped to a slab that saving this important architecture be researched. This type of architecture is what makes the core of Tallassee so appealing. Tallassee's officials need to make sure they make the best educated judgements regarding the Hotel, the remaining historical structures, as well as the structures that will built. I challenge the Mayor and Council to be aggressive in the Saving of Downtown and Tallassee's Architecture period - Christopher Humphries

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

I truly do hate that this has happen but it may be a blessing in disguise. What is that saying, (out with the old and in with the new). Maybe now they will allow some new businesses to come into the downtown area. This is just my thoughts on it. Sorry if I offend any one - Ryan Merrett

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

The person who set the fire tried to destroy a community in one selfish, evil, mean act. Just when things were looking up, someone had to try and ruin it. But I can assure you this person cannot break the spirit of us Tallasseeans. The pioneer spirit built this town and the pioneer spirit prevails. Personally I hope that Mr. Troupe and the ladies can restore what is restorable and make the rest even better. I will do everything I can to help them, whatever they decide. Let's hope the structural engineer says that it's good to go on a renovation of what is left. In the meantime, I think Miles Hathcock's idea of using the Borderline space is great! That will give them some income and keep their employees working. They have all worked so hard, from laying their own tile to painting and cooking and even taking all the negative comments and trying to learn from them. We will just have to wait and see what happens. Something good will come of this, some way or the other - Darryl Wilson

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

I was a guest at the hotel on the night of the fire. Of course, I was extremely grateful to have escaped unharmed.

I have been visiting Tallassee since the mid 60's, as my grandmother lived on Herd St. and I still have relatives there, that I visit frequently. I love the Tallassee area so much, I bought property near the airport as a future retirement spot.

I am saddened by the total destruction of the hotel and nearby buildings. I loved going to eat at the resturant and even talked about "Catfish Friday" to my co-workers in Florida. They think I'm "nuts", but then again they have no taste. LOL.

What bothers me more then anything is the way in which this fire was started. I was gald to hear of the arrest of the person responsible for this crime. I hope that I am called for court, as a witness, so I can truly express my distaste for this person.

I had the privilage to met and interact with the new hotel owners and was heartborken for their loss and for the City of Tallassee.

My thanks to the City of Tallassee Police and Fire Department and for the surrounding departments that responded to this incident. This was a dangerous situation that could have been worse, if not for their response.

Being a public servant myself, I have been on scenes like this and this was a large emergency operation, even from where I am from.

The City of Tallassee can be proud of their emergency services units.

I told the owners that I hope they rebuild, but I know that is unlikely. My only request was that since I was last paying guest to stay in the hotel, I want to be the first paying guest, should they re-open - Bryan Taylor Tampa, FL

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Fire in Downtown Tallassee (12-1-09)

I see all the comments of our Tallassee citizens praising our police department for their actions on our downtown being destroyed and I must wonder why? I understand the shear praise of our outstanding fire department and the departments from 20 surrounding municipalities but why the police department? Our town has suffered greatly just in the last month; a robbery and vandalism at the Gallery Antique Store, an arsonists attacks on the automobile of one the Hotels owners, a burglary conjoined with arson at Smarty Pants ensuing the destruction of downtown. This is ALL within 250 feet of our towns praised department of police. One MUST ask themselves what is going on..!! Could this be the work of one of the countless inmates our towns police department allows to loiter on the steps of our jail and solicit passing citizens for cigarettes? The citizens of our rural township need to WAKE UP and TAKE ACTION in asking our government (city council) the questions that really matter in lieu of praise reports. Let's take our town back Tallassee and move swiftly into the future. Hold our government accountable Dec. 10TH - Hunter Smart

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