By Michael Butler
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| Rescue boat searching the Tallapoosa River Friday. |
A Wetumpka man has died after being swept underwater in the Tallapoosa River in Tallassee near the AES boat ramp on Thursday afternoon. John Picken, age 27, was fishing with friends when electricity began being generated and water levels quickly rose.
Picken's brother and two friends were able to make their way up the banks to safety, while he was reeling in a fish.
The Alabama Power Company cooperated with search teams by lowering levels below Thurlow Dam. Picken's body was found on Saturday morning.
Tallassee police chief Jimmy Rodgers said that the four men did not hear the sirens which go off when water is generated, but noticed the rising water.
"People don't realize how quickly that water comes," Rodgers stated. "Mr. Picken apparently slipped on the rock from the pressure of the water coming down the river. He was last seen at the eddy."
The area known as the "Big Eddy" has some of the most extreme undercurrent on the river. The Tallassee Fire Department has trained swift water operations and dive personnel that responded
to a 911 call.
Picken Rodgers said studies have been done that indicate water levels rise three feet in just over a minute when electric current is being generated.
Alabama Power has a toll-free number (800-525-3711) for access to information on generation schedules of their hydroelectric facilities.
Col. Larry Cornwell (USAF, Ret.) spoke to the fifth graders on behalf of the Sons of the American Revolution. His program was on what it was like to be a Revolutionary War soldier, specifically Gen. George Washington. Cornwell wore period dress and brought the actual instruments and weapons that were used by the colonists as they fought the British during the 1770s and 1780s. Cornwell also quizzed the students on various names, dates, and historical events.
Mr. Shane Scroggins also visited the fifth graders, but he was in his Civil War uniform. Scroggins brought gear and supplies to show and demonstrate for the students, but also had real Confederate uniforms for the students to try on. Scroggins believes in historical recreations, and in "bringing the past back to life," as stated in his brochure.
Fifth graders study the American Revolution near the end of fifth grade. Students study the Civil War and its aftermath at the beginning of sixth grade. Both of these programs were informative and educational, and enjoyed by the students.
