The Cleburne News - 12/19/13

Serving Cleburne County since 1906 Cleburne County plays at home tomorrow night.

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Bikers search for missing Heflin girl LAURA CAMPER

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Jonathan Fordham

Police cars led the way, lights flashing followed closely by Heflin Police Officer Jackie Stovall who was Grand Marshall of the parade.

Heflin

Christmas parade LAURA CAMPER

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As the sun set Monday, Ross Street in Heflin began to come alive.

City staff set up bleachers in front of BB & T bank and across the street in front of city hall they placed a stage and sound equipment. As the sun’s rays faded, Christmas lights took center stage.

People started gathering along the street chatting and reining in excited children as they waited for Heflin’s annual Christmas parade to begin.

“Light sticks, light sticks,” yelled a man pulling a cart filled with lighted wands, blow-up toys, cotton candy and knit hats. “Come and get ‘em.”

He blew a horn to draw the attention of the people gathered. Even as he hocked his merchandise up and down the street, another vendor across the street stopped to sell a lighted wand to a woman who

flagged him down. Throughout the growing crowd, the light sticks waved back and forth and children swung empty grocery bags in big circles letting them fill up with air like wrinkly balloons.

Sitting on the curb wrapped up in a blanket together, Mandalyn Gonzales and her mother Marilee Gonzales huddled together waiting for their friends from Heflin to arrive. They live in Oxford but came to Heflin to meet them and watch the parade, Marilee Gonzales said.

“I’m looking forward to the candy,” said her 7-year-old with a smile.

She didn’t have a bag – we forgot to bring one said her mother – but she wasn’t worried.

“We got pockets,” Mandalyn Gonzales said.

Across the road, a minivan was parked with its hatch open. Some people sat in the back with bags of freshly roasted peanuts, while others stood nearby and reached in for a handful intermittently.

Meth lab found on the road LAURA CAMPER

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While out picking up trash along Heflin’s city streets Tuesday a city councilman and his crew of inmates found a methamphetamine lab near Cleburne County Elementary School.

The lab is of a type, described as a mobile “shake-and-bake,” whose components are commonly discarded in rural areas by illegal drug makers, officials said.

Councilman Travis Crowe was leading a crew of inmates near the intersection of Duke Drive and Education street, he said.

When they found the remains of the lab including a Gatorade bottle with cat litter or fertilizer in it, batteries and cold medicine, the inmates were able to identify it as a meth lab by the smell, Crowe said.

“It makes me uncomfortable on account of the young kids,” Crowe said, adding this is the fourth such meth lab he’s discovered while picking up trash in the last two years.

Heflin police Chief A.J. Benefield said the find was probably tossed out a car window when the makers were surprised by something.

“It was not assembled; it was all the components of,” Benefield said, adding that there was also a small amount of the drug. “It was like they got spooked and disposed of it.”

The department contacted the Calhoun Cleburne Drug Task Force and they disposed of the pieces, Benefield said.

The criminals making methamphetamine have gotten quicker and smarter about the way they process their product, Benefield said. The once four or five hour process has been shortened to two and it is being done everywhere, even in the back of a car as its rolling along, he added.

“The days of having a full blown what they called red phosphorous cook, where you’ve got the beakers and all that, that’s n See Meth page 5

For news stories call Laura at 256.463.2872

The ground around the van was littered with shells. Behind them a vendor was selling the peanuts by the bagful.

Up the road McMichen’s Lost Creek Farms had a table laden with fudge, fried pies and several different kinds of candied pecans. It was a spur of the moment decision to come to the parade; they had been invited to when they were selling their goods at the Festival of Trees over the weekend, Denise McMichen said.

Nearby Heflin resident Betty Turner stood with her grandson Kolby Hammond, 8.

They’re regulars at the parade, she said.

“I think he’s been every year since he’s been looking for Santa,” Turner said.

Her grandson waved one of the lighted wands and bounced around her. He was n See Parade page 8

Fatal accident A 54-year-old Fruithurst woman died after being thrown from her sports utility vehicle in a one-car accident in Heflin Wednesday.

Deborah Ann Breeden was pronounced dead at the scene by Cleburne County Coroner Brian McKnight about 10:15 a.m., McKnight said.

She died of injuries sustained in the accident, McKnight said.

Heflin Police Chief A. J. Benefield said Breeden was driving a green 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer on U. S. 78 near Heritage Baptist Church when she left the roadway and lost control of the vehicle.

The SUV rolled over and she was thrown out, Benefield said. Breeden was the only person in the SUV, Benefield said.

Staff writer Laura Camper 256463-2872. On Twitter @LCamper_ Star.

INDEX: Opinion/Editorial . . . . . . 3 Church Sponsor . . . . . . . 5 Sports . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 4

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Two representatives from Bikers Urban Response Needed for Missing Children, or BURN, told the Heflin City Council Tuesday the organization is working to find a missing Heflin teen.

In his leather biker jacket, wearing a black do-rag, Johnny Vaughn, vice president of the Southeast Division of BURN, explained the organization’s mission to the council members at their meeting.

“We’re the foot soldiers,” Vaughn said.

“We’re the ones that get out here and knock on doors and talk to people.”

The representatives were invited to the council meeting by Heflin Police Chief A. J. Benefield. The organization is working with the police department to locate 16-year-old Marta Ramirez Mendez, who disappeared Sept. 30.

“We’re utilizing them; they’re actually helping us,” Benefield told the council members.

The bikers are invited into places the police would need a search warrant to go, Benefield said.

BURN is a division of the national Center for Search Investigation, Vaughn said.

The organizations were started about two years ago to fight the increasing instances of child trafficking in this country, Vaughn said. BURN has been in Alabama since April, he said.

BURN is made up of volunteers — private investigators, such as Vaughn, bounty hunters, law enforcement and volunteers who they train.

Many people are unfamiliar with the group, he said. For instance, the group wasn’t contacted about Mendez until Friday.

The teen has been missing since Sept.

30. Mendez was a student at Cleburne County High School. She lived with her sister, Alicia Mendez, and brother-in-law, Hector Chun, on U.S. 431 in the Hollis Crossroads area. The day she disappeared, her family heard a car outside their home about 4:20 a.m. and then realized Marta was gone. They initially thought she went to school, but when she didn’t come home that afternoon, they started searching for her. On Oct. 2, the family went to the high school for help and reported Mendez missing to the police.

BURN will work on the Mendez case for up to 90 days, Vaughn said.

In other business, the council members: — Approved the annexation of five parcels of property on Tompkins Street. At the last council meeting, Heflin City Clerk Shane Smith said the city approached Matt Miles, owner of Buster Miles Auto Group, about annexing three parcels of his property on Tompkins Street behind his Ford store. Officials want to bring in the property because of development going on in the area and because the city already provides services to the properties, Smith said. Miles’ properties adjoined two other properties, so the city approached those property owners at the same time, he said.

— Appointed Tracy Williamson and Joe Hunt to the city’s Planning Commission.

The next meeting will be Jan. 14, beginning with the work session at 5:30 p.m.

Staff Writer Laura Camper 256-4632872. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.

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2 • The Cleburne News, Thursday, December 19, 2013

Heflin Highlights by: Suzanne Payne

Beginning Thoughts

When a person says, “I don’t care what people think of me!”, they are usually at the very TOP of the ladder or at the very BOTTOM. Oh Yeah!

This will be a very short column. I hope that your week is glorious and that everything is wrapped and under the tree…soon. By the way, anyone who believes that men are the equal of women has never seen a man wrap an odd shaped Christmas gift!

Happy Birthday

Shannon Tucker.

Christmas trees await the votes to be counted to find out which tree won first prize at the Heflin Festival of Trees and Christmas Marketplace on Friday.

Festival of trees brings out shoppers LAURA CAMPER

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The Heflin Civic Center became a Christmas wonderland Friday, with more than a dozen trees decorated for Christmas and vendors selling everything from food to wood carvings to leather goods.

It was the shopping that drew many area residents to the newly expanded Festival of Trees.

Renee Morrison saw pictures of the arts and crafts on Facebook and was impressed enough to make the trip.

“It looked like an Atlanta market,” Morrison said as she pored over a table spread with handmade jewelry. “When I walked in my first impression was an enchanted forest.”

Heflin expanded the third annual Festival of Trees to a three-day event beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday and added a Christmas marketplace. Quite a few residents made the trip and vendors said there had been a steady stream of shoppers the first couple of hours.

Angela Williams and Kristel Walters, of Belles and Bows, took a breather about 2:30 to shop the other booths set up at the marketplace. They said they had been to Heflin shows before and always enjoyed it.

So, when they saw the festival being advertised on Facebook, they signed up.

Their table, spread with crocheted children’s hats, hair bows, crocheted animals and handmade dolls, had drawn several shoppers over the first two hours of the festival, they said.

They were impressed with the trees and

the other crafters goods, they said.

“I think they’re gorgeous,” Walters said of the trees. “The band tree is adorable.”

The Cleburne County High School band tree had a tree topper fashioned from a large stuffed tiger wearing a band hat, its body wrapped around the boughs. It was one of 12 trees set up by local groups and businesses. The visitors to the festival had an opportunity to vote for their favorite tree.

Tammy Perry, director of Heflin’s Parks and Recreation Department, said the number of trees was down this year as some groups had opted to do floats for the parade on Monday. But the trees that were there were imaginative — one tree was masquerading as a snowman, another was made of tires. Another tree decorated by Heflin Tae Kwon Do, highlighted the philosophy taught at the school with plaques reading “courtesy,” “self-control” and “indomitable spirit.” Pictures of the students who inspired the tree were scattered among the branches.

The favorite tree among voters will win a cash prize to donate to a charity or if a nonprofit wins, for its own work, Perry said. The winner was scheduled to be announced at the festival on Sunday, she said.

Rebecca Cantrell and her daughter Ariana, 4, said their favorite was the tire tree decorated by Buster Miles Auto Group.

Cantrell said she had come without money but planned to come back Sunday to do some shopping.

“It was super nice,” Cantrell said.

Staff writer Laura Camper: 256-2353545. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.

Dec.18-Betty Thompson. Dec. 19Will Jacks, Lance Gilliland, Nicole Guthrie and Will Cook. Dec. 20-Karen Norman, Ross Thrash, Kendal Owen, Ashton Willingham and Diane Campbell. Dec.21-Patrick Casey, Ray Nolen, Dillon Bible, Dustin Smith, Chalmers Smith, Christopher Thomas, Emily Thomas and Marcus O’Neal. Dec. 22Joel Crowson and Grant Humphries.

Dec.23-Haleigh Kaylor, Karen Norman, Gabe Shellnutt, Mary Bolt and Hannah Spears. Dec.24-Alice Miles, Valerie Baker, Randy Payne, Justin Pate and Jamie Rochester. Dec.25-Shannon Charles, Stacey Parson, Don Shellhorse,

Kendra Cooley, Betty Turner, Tony Fergerson, Harold Hembree, Lorin Pate, T.J. Morgan, Dustin Summerville, Debra Byars and Lorin Pate.

Happy Anniversary

December 20-Randy and Delinda Morris. December 22-Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hayes…Gene and Geneva Robinson. December 24-Norman and Carol Williamson…Jerry and Peggy Shealey.

December 25-Steven and Charlotte Brown.

Sunshine List

Fortunately, we are removing Kenneth Lee from our list. We are happy he is improving and pray that he continues to do well.

John Casey, Jimmy Pentecost, Horace Perry, Ken Sanders, Rider Bearden, Jackie Stovall, Kaitlyn Waters, Jeannie Rigsby, Neal Mulkey, Merrill Hayes, Sherry Brown, Terry Benefield, Robert Martin, Kerry Smith, Andrea Smith, Jimmie Nell Vise, Cora Burk, Junior Jenkins and Sara Noland.

Be of good cheer and send me your news to rkpsop816@yahoo.com or mail to PO Box 924.

Diabetes Education January 14 Diabetes Education will be held January 14 at Heflin Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be what is diabetes? with Gary Wright, RPh, CDE. January 28 Diabetes Education will be held January 28 at

Heflin Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be Problem solving with Gary Wright, RPh, CDE. February 4 Diabetes Education will be held February 4 at Heflin Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be putting the pieces back

together with Christopher Randolph, MD February 25 Diabetes Education will be held February 25 at Heflin Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be Living with diabetes with Louis Divalentin, MD

Arrest report • Justin A. Rollins, Heflin - hunting public road, hunt-taking deer at, hunt-w/o permit-night, hunter after dark, hunt from vehicle.

• Scotty Gene Nolen, 54, Heflin, DUI. • Richard Reider, Heflin - harassment.

• Marshall Larry Spates, 29, Heflin - domestic violence third degree harassment and resisting arrest.

• Shawn David, Gibson, 47, Heflin - domestic violence third degree harassment.

The people listed in this arrest report, whose names and charges are obtained from public records, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Heflin Christmas parade

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THE CLEBURNE NEWS, Thursday, December 19, 2013 • 3

OPINION/EDITORIAL There’s a new sheriff in Montgomery: ALFA

When I went to the legislature in 1982 as a 30-year-old freshman, there were two powerful Steve organizations. The Flowers Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) and the Alabama Education Association (AEA) were omnipotent. The Farmers Federation had Inside The Statehouse prevailed as the King of Goat Hill for decades and probably going back to when Alabama became a state.

You chose early which side you were on, either ALFA or AEA. It was almost like football in our state where you have to side either with Auburn or Alabama. My choice was easy. Being from a rural county and being a business person, I cast my allegiance with ALFA. Most of us who were pro business chose ALFA. We became known as the conservatives. It may surprise some of you young folks to know that there were essentially no Republicans. We all ran under a Democratic banner even though we were really Republicans. Therefore, we were labeled as conservatives or liberals rather than Republicans or Democrats. The ALFA team and I quickly bonded because even though I was young, I was extremely conservative.

In addition to being conservative, I had an insurance background. This they liked because there were very few legislators who were in the insurance

business and understood that industry’s intricacies and nomenclature. Therefore, they leaned on the Speaker and orchestrated my fast track to the chairmanship of the Insurance Committee.

There is an old political saying that when a legislator or congressman is close to a group they are asked to carry a lot of water for them. Well, folks, I carried a lot of water for ALFA for close to two decades. We indeed had a special bond and I was their titular floor leader throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Around the time I left the legislature in 1998, AEA dethroned ALFA as the big kid on the block.

The AEA’s Dr. Paul Hubbert was the new King of Goat Hill for the next two decades.

Even though Alabama is a conservative state, the AEA and liberal Democrats ruled the roost. The AEA was the big loser when the Republicans took control of the legislature in 2010. Their demise was to be expected with the GOP takeover. However, nobody knew to what extent the new herd of elephants would stampede and stomp on the once vaunted teachers’ union. In three short years, they have dismantled almost everything Dr. Hubbert garnered over his 24-year reign.

It appears that ALFA has regained their throne as the leading conservative voice in Alabama politics.

Five generation Chilton County Farmer, Jimmy Parnell, has risen to head the Alabama Farmers Federation. Jimmy became a leader in the Federation as a young man. He was the state leader of the young farmers at a very early age. All of the older farm leaders in the state respected him and thought of him as their peer even though he was half their

age. They expected him to eventually lead the organization one day. He is and has always been wise beyond his years. He comes from the old school and has paid his dues. He is adroit, tactful and understands politics. He will be a political force in the state for years to come.

Parnell showed his astuteness by choosing Beth Chapman to be his political general and confidant.

Beth’s addition is a brilliant coup. She brings a wealth of knowledge as well as integrity to the table. She understands politics as well as anybody in the state. She also has rural roots. She grew up in Greenville and is a country girl at heart. She is a proven conservative and very popular. She has authored several books with a patriotic theme.

Beth Chapman would have been a formidable candidate for the open sixth district congressional seat being vacated by Spencer Bachus next year. She was also projected as one of the leading candidates for governor in 2018. Instead, due to the tragic and untimely death of her husband, she needed to enter the private sector to provide for her family as a single mother.

It should be noted that there have been four special elections in the state since Parnell and Chapman came to power. ALFA has been responsible for all four of their endorsed candidates winning. There is a new sheriff in town riding a white conservative horse.

That horse is called ALFA. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in more than 70 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www. steveflowers.us

Local physician writes of knights and maidens Recently, a friend presented me with his first book – a novelette of historical fiction called “Will and Ro.” He is a busy physician who wrote it at various times in his days and evenings.

Dr. James Ready (pronounced “reedy”) is an Anniston internist who specializes in treating arthritis.

The idea for a book came to him about five or six years ago when he was doing something else he enjoys – re-reading classic literature.

“You can learn a lot from the classics when you read them as an adult,” he said .

Ready came across a once-familiar book, “Ivanhoe.”

It is an 1820 novel by Sir Water Scott about a heroic knight. In Scott’s novel, the female character Rowena approaches Ivanhoe who is dressed as a pilgrim returning from a crusade. She doesn’t recognize him, but inquires about her beloved Ivanhoe and says to him, “Thank you, Pilgrim, for news of my childhood friend.”

The sentence stayed in Ready’s mind, and he knew there had to be a back-story. He wanted to tell it. He wrote a first chapter and showed it to friends, who encouraged him. Then, he spent a year researching the daily lives of young men and women who lived during the 12th century, such as how they dressed, played, and viewed their future. When his research ended, he spent the next four years writing and editing his story.

Ready said there was another motive for writing the book. He wants young women to possess higher standards of how young men should behave.

“I have been disappointed in recent years seeing how young women have such low expectations about how

young men should treat them,” said Ready.

The topic is personal to him. When Sherry his two adult sons were children living Kughn at home, he sought to teach them how to treat women by being a husband to his wife of 31 years, Patricia.

Also, as a Christian, Sherry-Go-Round Ready believes the issue is biblical.

For instance, in 1st Timothy 5:2, the Bible character Paul told his student Timothy that young men should treat young women as sisters “with absolute purity.” The Bible also condemns sexual impurity and lust, both issues that Ready says are rampant in the news and the entertainment industry.

In his book, which is only 24,000 words and can be read in one sitting, the character Ivanhoe, called Wil, displays self-discipline regarding sexual purity during a rather comical scene. An adversary approaches Wil and Ro, and they must quickly hide a falcon that Wil is holding. He places it beneath Ro’s billowy skirt, which causes her to behave erratically. After the adversary leaves, Wil has to retrieve the bird and, while doing so, touches Ro’s soft thighs. However, he exerts discipline and removes the bird with decorum. Parents are a good

market for this story, especially ones who are trying to teach young men and women to use sexual restraint.

In the book, Ro behaves herself as an outdoors woman and as a lady. As she matures, she focuses on learning the things a lady should know about serving the queen. Also in the story, Wil rescues Ro from a fire, and both characters spend their youths in preparation for living as honorable adults who face life with courage and duty.

While researching and writing the book, Ready said he learned many interesting facts. For instance, the modern phrase “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water,” comes from the way a medieval family took baths. The entire family used only one tub of water, starting with the father, then the mother, then the children from the oldest to youngest. By the time the baby was bathed, it might get lost in the murky water.

The novel is self-published with the help of outskirts. com and sells for about $33, but it is cheaper on the Internet or directly from Ready. It has soft-colored illustrations, which cost Ready about $2,000 more than the $900 basic price. For those wanting to order the novelette, go to www.amazon.com or email Ready at jready@cableone.net. Also, it makes a great Christmas gift.

“Now I must get busy with marketing the book and recoup the money I spent publishing it,” said Ready.

Then he might write another book. There are other messages Ready wants to communicate to young people. He considers his writing a ministry.

Email Sherry at sherrykug@hotmail.com

As we end the year, the country remains divided Reviewing stories and headlines from this past year, the best I can say is we are clearly a divided nation with secular-progressive-politically correct-elite on the left leading Washington against religious-conservative-libertarian-grassroots on the right. Leaders in these two divisions have made news throughout the year with little impact on masses in opposing camps who are rooted to their causes regardless of facts or arguments.

Each side characterizes the other as “extremist,” and I’m sure they’re right. Progressives are extremists for wanting bigger, more controlling, centralized government, i.e. a socialist state leading to communism. We’ve seen that movie before.

Though “conservatives” are fighting among themselves to find common ground on which principles and values are worth fighting for, libertarians appear to be winning in favor of individual rights, responsibilities, and less

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government interference.

Generally speaking, the mainstream media continue to side with Daniel extremGardner progressive ists, maintaining their elite, politically correct status.

Divided government My Thoughts in Washington during a president’s second term is the historical norm, though progressive elites contend this time we’re seeing the worst ever, unprecedented, and other such words to make the sky fall.

In February, President Obama boasted in his State of the Union address: “Nothing I’m proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime. It is not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth.”

Well, Mr. Obama’s deficits are still historically high, and we’ve seen little “growth” in employment or our economy.

We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the modern U.S. income tax, and while everybody agrees we need to reform the tax code, nobody has done anything about it…but add more taxes.

Progressives fought hard in the spring to limit gun ownership while conservatives tried to get anyone to pay attention to the trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the man convicted of killing babies he had delivered alive in a filthy Philadelphia abortion clinic. Maybe if he had used a gun

to kill those babies….?

Watching the news, President Obama discovered his IRS had targeted Tea Party groups, the NSA had been bugging Americans and foreign leaders, the FBI had tapped phones at the Associated Press, and that Benghazi really had been a planned Islamic terrorist attack. Later, the White House dismissed all these as “phony scandals.”

We saw lines drawn in the George Zimmerman/ Trayvon Martin tragedy, as well as a “red line” drawn first in Syria by President Obama who later gave credit/ blame to “the world” for drawing the red line.

The first anniversary of Benghazi received little notice in the mainstream media. After all, “what does it matter now?”

We watched the usual debates over the debt ceiling, budget, and government shutdown, all much ado about nothing at it turned out. And, as Tea Parties across the nation had predicted since 2009, Obamacare ballooned and burst into the biggest federal program boondoggle of all time. Supported 100 percent by Democrats and opposed 100 percent by Republicans, Obamacare is the story that keeps on giving as President Obama voices his concern over how inept the federal bureaucracy really is.

2014 promises to be more of the same with a national election thrown in to decide winners and losers in the epic battle between what’s left and what’s right.

Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Starkville, MS. You may contact him at Daniel@ DanLGardner.com, or visit his website at http://www. danlgardner.com Feel free to interact with him on the

Member Alabama Press Association

Sales Misty Pointer Editor Laura Camper

Volume 120-51 The Cleburne News (USPS 117-420) is published every Thursday by Consolidated Publishing Co., and entered as periodicals at the Post Office in Anniston, Ala. 36202. Subscription rates: One Year in Cleburne County $22 One Year Elsewhere $36 Six Months in Cleburne County $13 Six Months Elsewhere $21

What’s your opinion?

The editorial page provides a forum in which readers may present their views. Send your comments to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 67, Heflin, AL 36264 or email news@cleburnenews.com. Deadline for consideration is Monday at 5 p.m. for the following Thursday’s edition.

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Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Letters from groups should either be legibly signed by all members or by one or more names as representatives of the group. No anonymous letters will be published. The Cleburne News reserves the right to select which letters will be published and to edit all letters for grammar, punctuation, clarity, length and content. Letters are published as space permits.

Writers are asked to submit no more than two letters per month. Political letters will not be published in the edition immediately prior to an election.

4 • The Cleburne News, Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cleburne County host Anniston RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

Riding a two-game winning streak, Cleburne County hosts Anniston Friday for its second Class 4A, Area 10 game.

The Tigers (4-4) opened Area 10 action on a very positive note Tuesday with a 61-55 win over Lincoln. The game was played in Heflin. Cleburne County led 2926 at halftime but the advantage didn’t last long as the Golden Bears scored the first four points of the third quarter. The game was nip-and-tuck thereafter with the lead frequently changing hands.

In the fourth quarter, senior Max Prich-

ard’s shot earned Cleburne County a 53-51 lead that the Tigers protected the remainder of the game. Prichard was 12-for-15 at the free throw line and ended with 23 points. He also had eight steals, four rebounds and four assists.

Christian Henson scored 10 points.

Brandon Horn had nine points, Cameron Kerr six points and Matthew Morrow five points. Geoffrey Teague and Tyler Berry had three points apiece and Griffin Turner scored two points.

Berry had five rebounds. Teague, Kerr and Jeremiah McLeroy each had two rebounds. Teague also made four steals and Horn had two steals.

Playing in Heflin Saturday, Cleburne

County defeated White Plains 61-52. The Tigers had an outstanding game at the free throw line, going 21-for-27 as a team.

Henson was 3-for-3. Horn and Kerr each went 2-for-2. Teague was 3-for-4, Prichard 7-for-10 and Morrow 4-for-6.

Prichard scored 19 points, including two 3-point buckets, and added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Morrow had three 3-pointers with two coming in the fourth quarter to help his team protect its lead. He ended with 15 points, three assists and two steals.

Teague scored eight points and had four rebounds. Henson finished with seven points and three steals. Kerr had six points

and four rebounds. Berry and Blake Pointer each scored two points. Turner had two assists.

Cleburne County hosted Clay Central on December 12 and the Volunteers won 69-53. Prichard tallied 21 points. Henson had eight points. Berry, Horn, Morrow and Turner each recorded four points.

McLeroy and Teague netted three points apiece and Kerr had two points.

The Tigers visit Ranburne Saturday afternoon then take a break until December 27 when they meet Rockmart (Ga.) in the opening round of the Hilburn-Patterson Haralson County Invitational tournament.

Zeiders led with double double for the Lady Tigers RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

Playing at home all three games, the Cleburne County girls picked up two blowout wins and suffered a narrow loss during the past eight days. On December 12, Clay Central came to Heflin and the Tigers won 54-20. Cleburne County led 28-9 at the half. Eight players contributed points to the victory.

Kaity Zeiders led the way with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds. Shawntavia Boyd also scored 11 points and added six rebounds and five assists. Alisa Norton was the third double-digit scorer for Cleburne County with 10 points. Norton had two rebounds. Erykah Ware scored nine points. Kiara Akles finished with seven points and six boards. Bridget McClain had three points

and four rebounds. Lauren Brown had two points and five rebounds. Toni Epps, cleared to play for the first time in several games, had two points and two rebounds in very limited minutes as she started working herself back into game condition after an injury.

White Plains defeated Cleburne County 36-32 Saturday after leading 22-19 at halftime. Tigers’ coach Todd Gable said turnovers in the first half kept his team on its heels throughout the game.

Norton recorded 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Zeiders had eight points and seven rebounds. Akles finished with five points and five rebounds. Epps had four points and Boyd ended with one point, one rebound and one assist.

The Tigers hosted Lincoln Tuesday and won 47-12. It was 30-9 at halftime. The game was the Class 4A, Area 10 opener for Cleburne County.

Epps outscored the Golden Bears by herself with 14 points. She was 3-for-4 on 3-point shots and added six rebounds and four steals.

“You could tell she was starting to get her legs back under her,” Gable said.

Akles and Boyd each had eight points and four assists.

Boyd made five steals and Akles grabbed four rebounds.

Zeiders had 10 boards and seven points.

Ware and Norton each scored three points. Norton also had seven assists and five rebounds. McClain had two points, four rebounds and two blocks. Bailey Norton scored two points.

Gable’s team hosts Area 10 pre-season favorite Anniston Friday.

The Tigers play at Ranburne Saturday afternoon then meet Bremen (Ga.) in the Hilburn-Patterson Haralson County Invitational tournament on December 27.

Lady Bulldogs bounce back after first loss RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

The Ranburne girls bounced back quickly from their first Class 2A, Area 10 loss of the season. The Bulldogs traveled to Pleasant Valley Tuesday and came home with a 75-40 victory.

“I was really proud of the girls (Tuesday) night,” Ranburne coach Tim Smith said Wednesday afternoon, noting that he had challenged his players to return to the level of performance they showed during summer play dates. “They responded well. We played more like I felt we are capable of playing.”

Smith said he thought good defense – limiting Pleasant Valley’s 3-point baskets while keeping the Raiders off the foul line, selfless play by the Bulldogs and an excellent game at the charity stripe on the road all were major factors in the win. Ranburne led 43-23 at halftime and 62-40

after three quarters.

The Bulldogs were a collective 15-for-18 at the foul line as a team. Kat Runels and Jessie Ralston each went 2-for-2. Indiana Morgan was 6-for-7, Hali Wilson 3-for-4 and Hannah Phillips 2-for-3.

Ralston finished with 22 points.

“She had the hot hand,” Smith said. “Most of Indiana’s nine assists went to Jessie.”

Morgan scored 14 points and garnered seven rebounds in addition to her assist total. Wilson finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Alyssa Smith recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Phillips had eight points and three boards. Runels scored four points and added three rebounds. Lacey Smith had four points, three steals and two assists.

At Woodland Friday, the Bobcats stepped into the driver’s seat in the Area 10 championship race with an 85-38 win over Ranburne. Smith said Woodland shot well from

both inside and outside in the game. The Bobcats opened with a 13-2 run and pulled away thereafter. The Bulldogs were 8-for-20 at the free throw line and committed 31 turnovers.

Ralston had 14 points, three steals and two rebounds.

Morgan scored nine points. Wilson had five points and two rebounds. Lacey Smith had four points and three steals. Alyssa Smith scored four points. Phillips netted two points and Emily Hall grabbed three rebounds.

Now 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the area, Ranburne steps away from area play until January 3 when Pleasant Valley makes the trip to Ranburne. In the meantime, the Bulldogs play at White Plains (10-1) tonight, host Wadley Friday and entertain Cleburne County Saturday afternoon.

Ranburne returns to the Jacksonville Christian Holiday Classic tournament December 27-28. The Bulldogs play Donoho in the semifinals at 2 p.m. Jacksonville Christian and Wellborn are the other two teams in the tournament.

Ranburne improves to 3-0 in Class 2A area RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

Wins at Woodland Friday and Pleasant Valley Tuesday improved the Ranburne boys to 3-0 in Class 2A, Area 10 and 5-1 overall on the young season.

The Bulldogs downed the Woodland Bobcats 5644 after leading 28-22 at halftime. Dylan Wiggins was 5-for-7

from outside the arc. Wiggins ended with 19 points, four blocks and three assists.

“They played zone and Dylan shot the ball well,” said Ranburne coach Stephen Bailey. “That really made the difference, I think. We made those outside shots and made them have to extend on us and then we penetrated really well.”

Brayden Wilson tallied 12 points. Kyle Lovvorn

contributed nine points, five rebounds and four assists to the win. Owen Smith scored seven points.

Mark David Smith was 3-for-4 at the charity stripe and ended with five points.

Jay Smith and Blake Young each had eight rebounds and two points.

Pleasant Valley tested the Bulldogs before Ranburne won 67-64. Pleasant Valley led 35-29 at halftime. Bailey said his team cut the Raiders’ advantage

to one point in the third quarter but trailed 48-44 after three quarters. He said the Bulldogs didn’t take the lead until about two minutes remained to be played.

Mark David Smith was Ranburne’s scoring leader with 19 points and he nabbed four rebounds.

Jay Smith contributed 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks and three steals.

Lovvorn had 12 points and six boards.

Wilson scored nine points. Wiggins and Owen Smith had six points apiece. Wiggins dished out five assists and made three steals. Young ended with three points and four rebounds.

“We’ve got to get more consistent scoring … but we played hard. I didn’t think we were lazy at all,” Bailey said.

Ranburne plays at White Plains Thursday. The Bulldogs opened their season

with a win over the Wildcats in Ranburne. Class 3A White Plains will be looking to even the score but will play without senior point guard Dylan Randall.

Randall has had surgery to repair a severe knee injury and will not play again this season.

The Bulldogs host Wadley Friday and Cleburne County Saturday afternoon. Ranburne plays Donoho in the opening round of the Jacksonville

Ranburne prepares for 'Rumble in the Jungle'

By: Rip Donovan

Saturday’s ACT exam and injuries Friday left Ranburne short-handed at the Gene Taylor Memorial Classic wrestling tournament Saturday. Only six Bulldogs were able to compete Saturday.

“We were low in numbers.

That sort of hurt us,” said Ranburne coach Jay Harlan.

“The ones who wrestled, they wrestled well.

It’s hard to compete when you don’t have that many if you’re competing for the team awards.”

Sophomore Dalton Wiggins finished second for Ranburne at 152 pounds.

Wiggins got a bye in the first round, handled an Elmore County opponent in the second round then defeated Stephen Garmon of Saks in the semifinals.

He lost to Coleman Adams of tournament runner-up St. James in the championship match.

Harlan predicted the two would see each other again in the sectional finals and perhaps the state finals as

well.

In addition to Wiggins, Harlan said Orbie Farlow and Noah McCord wrestled well at Weaver.

“They both had good tournaments,” he said. I think they were both one match away from wrestling for a medal.”

In a quad-match with Alexandria, Wellborn and Ohatchee on Monday at Ohatchee, Zach Eason was 3-0. Logan Otwell, Dylan Tullis and Austin Jordan each went 2-1. Otwell bumped up a weight class to 145 pounds for the day.

Wiggins did not wrestle Monday.

The Bulldogs completed their December matches at Lincoln Tuesday in a trimatch that also included Moody.

“I was very pleased with (Tuesday) night,” Harlan said Wednesday. “It was a lot better. We won both those matches.”

McCord (132), Tracy Terrell (145), Wiggins (152),

Tullis (180), Jordan (195) and Eason (220) each finished 2-0 at Lincoln.

Ranburne returns to competition at Cleburne County’s ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ tournament on January 4.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Heflin District 1 from: Travis Crowe and Family.

God bless you all.

Tri-County Plumbing & Pumping Service, LLC Wishes Everyone A Safe And Joyful Holiday Season Tis the season to be jolly, THANKS to all of our loyal customers and to the wonderful new ones, for supporting us through all of the hardships that 2013 has brought us. We will continue to serve the Tri County area. We do find strength in the Lord.

Sincere Thanks, Tim Gossage and Judy Pesnell Gossage Tri-County Plumbing 334.863.6648 256.363.2185

The Cleburne News, Thursday, December19, 2013 • 5

Cleburne

Churches

Cedar Creek by: Glenda Triplett We were so blessed to have CD & Naomi East and their daughter Cynthia worship with us Sunday! Another blessing was having Genell Cobb back with us! Please remember these in prayer as they deal with health issues.

There will be a youth Lock-in at the church on December 31. All youth are invited. See Tiffany Cobb if you have questions. See you there!

Pastor Donald ‘s message came from Micah 5:2 “Bethlehem, The Bread of LIfe”. Bethlehem means “The House of Bread”. The town was of no social or political significance at the time of Jesus’ birth. It was just a small town in the Judean hills about five miles southwest of Jerusalem. The name “House of Bread” points to Jesus Christ. He said in John 6:35, “I am the Bread of LIfe; he that cometh to me shall hever hunger...” Physical bread satifies and strengthens our bodies. However, Jesus is the spritiual food we need in order to keep our physical lives healthy and strong. What I eat of the physical bread satisfies no one but myself. The same is true of spiritual bread. Each person must “eat” from the Bread of Life individually. You ask how can I “eat” of this bread? You must first believe that Jesus is the Son of God, crucified to make payment for your sins and resurrected so that we may have eternal life too! This Christmas season is a perfect time to come to the Lord! Let ! our response be as the shepherds, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.: After the message our Worship Choir presented “Bethlehem Morning”. The did a wonderful job and thieir message in song only added to the service. All then enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner!

East Heflin by: Bruce Wright The youth presented a great Charlie Brown play Sunday night! Thank you Tim Zimmerman and Terry Wessinger for working so hard to pull this together. Christmas time is approaching and we pray you acknowledge the real reason for the season.

Bro. George opened to Eph. 2:8-13 “ Have You UnWrapped the Gift?” This time of year, we see so many gifts but what is the greatest? The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Before He came, we had no past, we were spiritually away from the Lord, no covenant and without comfort. No hope. With Jesus, it all changed. Now we need to examine our potential with Him. God’s grace came to us from the price that was paid. So many want to take Christ out of Christmas and say Merry X-mas or say he does not belong in this wal-mart season. We have to put him there and keep him there! Your works will not produce salvation. Through your salvation works will be produced! Your daily walk is not in December but for all twelve months. One day we will stand before Him. What will you walk say about you?

Happy Hill by: Debra Jackson Hello from Happy Hill. Hope this finds everyone enjoying the Christmas season.

It was a cold but beautiful day at Happy Hill Sunday.

The choir sang several Christmas carols. Gabi Benefield and Savannah Jackson performed a drama to “The Christmas Shoes”. Special singing by Brandon and Holly Benefield. The message was delivered by Bro. Earnest Bowen. On Sunday night the choir presented the Christmas Cantata entitled ‘Joy of Every Longing Heart’.

Join us Sunday night, December 22nd at 5:00 for the children’s Christmas play and refreshments.

Those on the prayer list are Irmalene and Robert Norton, Betty Hayes, Earnest Bowen, Carol Doyle, Evelyn Martin, Donnie Eason, Alma Jacks, Ken Sanders, Rider Bearden, Larry Kimbrell, Sherry Brown, Martha Ledford, Butch Pair and Y Z Crowe family.

Remember to attend church Sunday. Until next time, God Bless.

SENTENCE SERMON Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits the size of every heart.

THE LIGHTER SIDE It was Christmas Eve in a supermarket and a woman was anxiously picking over the last few remaining turkeys in the hope of finding a large one.

In desperation she called over a shop assistant and said “Excuse me. Do these turkeys get any bigger?”

“No” he replied, “They’re all dead”.

Mt. Olive Church of God by: Susie Smith We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and invite you to join us for our Christmas Song Service on Dec. 22 at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow.

Our Sunday School lesson was “Glory to God” from Luke 2:1-20. God always has a plan; each detail of Jesus’ birth was planned. Once we know Jesus we are forever changed.

Brother Ronnie’s message this morning was from John 19:19-30. Jesus as the baby in the manger was the perfect gift, but wrapped in His own blood on the cross He was the ultimate gift. Without the cross we have no hope, the cross represents life. Jesus died on the cross so we could live.

Tonight’s message added to this morning’s, the scripture was John 20:1-10. It teaches us about the resurrection of Jesus. In verse 7 it tells that the napkin was wrapped together in a place by itself. Brother Ronnie told us this was a seal of the fact that Jesus will return. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who is now at the right hand of the throne of God as our example.

I thank God for the words He gives me for this article, I could never do it on my own.

For spiritual or physical help 24 hrs a day, Brother Ronnie’s number is 256-201-9444.

Pinetucky by: Mary Alvarado O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the Earth!

Who hast set they glory above the heavens. Pslams 8:1.

Don t forget your family and friends during this season, keep them in your prayers. We ask for Dean Albright, Carl Ayers, Mary Beers, Ray Cosper, James Cavender, Rubie Cavender, Wanda Carter, Crow family, Edna Cox, Rita Cofield, WE and Naomi Gray, Lillian Johnson, Dorothy Junior, Violet Morrow, Nysa Nelson, Gerald Perkins, Ron Reager, Geneva Sutton, Andrea Smith, Louise Smith, Wanda Smith, John and Diann Tanner, Phillip and Cathy Wortham.

Father, guide my heard and my heart to trust you more.

Don’t forget the reason for the season. Have a safe and wonderful time with those you love.

Verdon Chapel by: Richard Jackson It was another wonderful day to praise and worship our Lord in His house!

Brother Paul Cannon brought the message from 2 Samuel, chapter 23. David found a place of protection from those who were pursuing him. While he longed to be back in Bethlehem, he knew God would keep him safe and see him through. We should know that God is our place of protection from the evils of the world.

Brother Paul’s evening message was from Acts, chapter 7. Stephen was stoned to death for doing what God wanted him to do by proclaiming Jesus. Some people do not like it when you do what God wants you to do. They will throw spiritual stones at you to hurt your faith. Just as Stephen looked to Jesus while he was being attacked, so should we do the same when Satan uses people to attack you and try to keep you from serving God. Jesus will never leave you, even in the midst of trouble. Do you look to Jesus in all you do?

We are glad to announce the Brother Paul Cannon will serve as our interim pastor. Please pray for Brother Paul, his wife Brittany, and son Jeremiah as they continue their service to God. Please pray for: Robert and Gladys Baughn, Jay Daniel, Alex Cash, Gene McElroy, Jo Simmons, and anyone else God wants you to pray for.

We invite you to visit with us at Verdon Chapel.

Wise Chapel by: Dorcas Toney Sunday the choir will present their Cantata during regular services.

December 24 we will have Christmas Eve service at Lecta at 4:30 p.m.

Many need prayer: Lula Mae Camp, Bea Crawford, Rider Bearden, Linda Bessellmen, Grayson Smith, Hunter Rowland, Kerry Smith, Andrea Smith, blessings received, John Cook, Ozell Benefield, Bobbye Williamson, Clarence Noles, Ronald Edwards, Pat McKinney, Nell Fodham, Hope Langley, Jimmy Pentecost, Bill Powell, Andretti Daniel, Susan Cates, Shirley Kemp, Mac Crosson, Greg Poole, Mary Truett, Deanie Smith, our nation, military and national leaders. May God fill your need soon.

Our scripture came from Matthew 11:2-11. Finding Jesus and realizing Him in your own heart and getting excited for Jesus . Then in our spiritual growth someone comes along and brings you down with their attitude. we shouldn’t allow others to slow down our zest for Jesus and the call we have for His ministry.

Tonight our children and youth plus special guests helped us realize the Christmas story in very special ways.

Bless you all.

Project Share When people who are elderly or disabled and on a small fixed incomes face energy bills they cant pay, where do they turn? Since 1982 qualified people have benefited from Project Share. This program began with a grant form Alabama Power with Alagasco joining a couple years later.

How does it work? Following an initial phone call, appointments are made at which time American Red Cross Volunteers of the Calhoun-Cleburne Chapter meet with those persons seeking help to complete the necessary application. Qualified individuals receive financial assistance with their energy bills (electric, gas, butane or wood) once during the Winter Season January 1-June 30.

Who can get help? Th elderly, 62 or older, on low fixed incomes with no other source of funds and those disabled and receiving 100% disability are eligible for Project Share.

When does Project Share for the winter season begin?

Phone calls to get started will be taken on Mondays beginning January 6, 2014 at 9 a.m., the phone number for Project Share is 256.236.7146.

For Cleburne County residents after calling the Project Share line, go the HEARTS of Heflin at 129 Almon Street Heflin to sign the necessary release document. The number for them is 256.463.1020.

Where is the Red Cross office located? 1514 W 10th Street in Anniston. If you have any questions call 256.236.0391.

Local Church & Community Events December 22 Liberty Hill Congregational Methodist Church will have their Christmas Cantata on December 22nd at 11:00am. Also, the youth praise and worship teams will be performing and preaching will be led by David Mulkey on Sunday evening at 6:00pm.

Mt. Paran children and youth will present Christmas Story” on Dec. 22, at 6 p.m., EST.

Obituaries Glynn N. Otwell

Glynn N. Otwell, age 58, of Carrollton, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at his residence. He was born on July 26, 1955 in Bowdon, Georgia, the son of IV Smith Otwell and the late Fred Otwell.

He was a graduate of Ranburne High School and retired from Southwire, where he was an extruder operator for 32 years. Following retirement, he also worked for over four years with OFS. He enjoyed hunting, farming, and fishing and was a faithful member of Consolation Baptist Church in Whitesburg for 30 years. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-inlaw, Vernard L. Bass; a brother, Gary Otwell; and brothers-in-law: Gene Bass and Gary Lee Anderson.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Elaine Otwell of Carrollton; daughter, Dusty Dawn Otwell of Carrollton; mother, IV Otwell of Ranburne; mother-in-law, Geraldine Bass of Carrollton; siblings: Raymond Lee Otwell and his wife, Sarah, Cliffie Smith, Mary Jane Partlow and her husband, Jimmy, twin brother, Lynn Otwell and his wife Bobbie Jo, Sheila Robinson and her husband, Mark, and Sharon Morgan, all of Ranburne, Alabama; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Rayford Bass, Dianne Bearden, and her husband, Ray, and Brenda Anderson, all of Carrollton.

Funeral services were held December 13, 2013 from Consolation Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Powers and Rev. Carlin Phillips officiating.

Those serving as pallbearers were Mack Otwell, Shane Moore, Richard Smith, David Mack Smith, Ken Bearden, and Marty Otwell. Honorary pallbearers were be Tony Shirey, D. J. Smith, and Kevin Holland.

Interment followed in the church cemetery. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www. martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel of Carrollton has charge of the arrangements.

And we’re coming to your rescue! Find great deals for early shoppers in our special gift section in tomorrow’s paper.

Meth : “It was like they got spooked and disposed of it.”

From page 1

yesteryear,” Benefield said. “These days they call them a shake and bake.”

The makers utilize anything from batteries, soda bottles, cold medicine, Gatorade or Powerade bottles to make the drug. But they still have to dispose of the used lab, said Capt. Chris Roberson, of the Calhoun Cleburne Drug Task Force.

Police find the used labs tied up in plastic grocery bags and even backpacks and tossed mostly in rural or wooded areas, Roberson said.

“They do it all over both counties,” Roberson said.

In fiscal year 2012, the task force disposed of 160 labs that were dumped in the counties and in fiscal year 2013, there were 209, said Assistant Commander of the task force Randall Sanders.

The remains can be dangerous. They can be contaminated with acid or cause a fire, Roberson said. The fumes can make a person sick or even kill them, and the bottles can blow up if disturbed, he said.

The chemicals from the labs are put in special containers and taken to Jacksonville to the state’s container program, Roberson said. The program, run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety houses the contaminated meth lab equipment until it is destroyed by a hazardous waste company, Sanders said.

Staff writer Laura Camper 256-463-2872. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.

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6 • The Cleburne News, Thursday December 19, 2013

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TO THE ONLY GOD, OUR SAVIOR, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, BE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION, AND AUTHORITY, BEFORE ALL TIME AND NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN

Piggly Wiggly 800 Ross Street 256.463.2295

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Heflin, 463-2159 MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST 73 Church St. Heflin, 463-5459 MT PARAN BAPTIST FRUITHURST, AL MUSCADINE BAPTIST County Rd. 49 Muscadine, 579-2112 NEW HARMONY 2359 Hwy. 9 Heflin, 463-5840 NEW HOPEWELL 11654 County Rd 49 Heflin NEW ZION BAPTIST 217 Jefferson St. Heflin, 463-1099 OAK HILL BAPTIST 349 County Rd. 823 Heflin, 831-8467 OLD HOPEWELL BAPTIST Co. Rd. 43 PILGRIMS REST FIRST BAPTIST 2211 County Rd. 205 Fruithurst, 463-5636 PINE GROVE BAPTIST 921 Co. Rd. 62 Heflin 748-8701 PINETUCKY BAPTIST 2984 Co Rd 10 PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST Hwy 9 RANBURNE FIRST BAPTIST 2700 Frank Ledbetter Mem Dr. Ranburne, 568-3677

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Drop by any of these supporters and say thank you for their support of our Devotional page

The Cleburne News, Thursday, December 19, 2013 – 7

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KNOWLEDGE _________________________ All of the ads in this column MEDICAL SUPPLIES represent legitimate offerings, NEW AND used - stair lift elehowever The Cleburne vators, car lifts, scooters, lift News does recommend that chairs, power wheel chairs, readers exercise normal busi- walk-in tubs. Covering all of ness caution in responding to Alabama for 23 years. Elrod ads.

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CASE# 2011-020 IN THEMATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY WAYNE CALDWELL, Deceased To: Claimants NOTICE OF INSOLVENCY & SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that on the 18th day of November, 2013, Paula Caldwell Personal representative of the Estate of GREGORY WAYNE CALDWELL, by and through her attorney of record, the honorable Patrick P. Casey, has filed a Notice of Insolvency & Petition for Ratification of sale of Real Property.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS

It is Ordered that the 9th day of January, 2014, at 2:00 PM be, and the same hereby is, appointed as the day for hearing of the said petition and for the auditing and stating of said account, at which time all persons interested may appear and contest the same, if they desire to do so.

Witness my hand the 9th day of December, 2013.

Ryan Robertson Judge of Probate Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL December 19, 26, 2013, January 2, 2014

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Mark Hampton Site Manager Please Call 256-463-7433 Almon Street Heflin, AL 36264

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STATE OF ALABAMA CLEBURNE COUNTY

PROBATE COURT CASE # 2013-109 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SYBIL VANDER VELDE, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Testamentary in the estate of SYBIL VANDER VELDE, deceased having been granted to JOHNNY EDWIN WHITTEN, as Personal Representative on the 10th day of December, 2013, by the Honorable Ryan Robertson, Judge of Probate Court of Cleburne County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said es-

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HOLIDAY DEADLINES ANNISTON STAR DAILY HOME PUBLICATION Thurs., Dec. 19 Fri., Dec. 20 Sat., Dec. 21 Sun., Dec. 22 Tues., Dec. 24 Wed., Dec. 25 Thurs., Dec. 26 Fri., Dec. 27 Sat., Dec. 28 Sun., Dec. 29 Tues., Dec. 31 Wed., Jan. 1

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ST. CLAIR TIMES PUBLICATION Thurs., Dec. 26 Thurs., Jan. 2

DEADLINE Wed., Dec. 18, 10:00 a.m.

Thurs., Dec. 26, 9:00 a.m.

PIEDMONT JOURNAL PUBLICATION Wed., Dec. 25 Wed., Jan. 1

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CLEBURNE NEWS PUBLICATION Thurs., Dec. 26 Thurs., Jan. 2

DEADLINE Wed., Dec. 18, 12 noon Thurs., Dec. 26, 9:00 a.m.

JACKSONVILLE NEWS PUBLICATION Tues., Dec. 24 Tues., Dec. 31

DEADLINE Wed., Dec. 18, 12 noon Thurs., Dec. 26, 9:00 a.m.

Our Office Will Be Closed Dec. 24th - 25th and Jan. 1st, In Honor Of The Holiday Season.

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The Cleburne News, Thursday, December 19, 2013 • 8

Sinkholes near highway open up questions of responsibility for repair LAURA CAMPER

news@cleburnenews.com

In front of Sewell Manufacturing on Alabama 46, gaping holes in the lawn have developed over the last 10 years or so because of deteriorating storm water drainage pipes, according to company staff.

The company believes that the Alabama Department of Transportation, which uses some of the pipes to drain storm water off the highway, should fix the problem, said Plant Manager Travis Prichard. But ALDOT blames it on the company’s drainage system and will only be fixing the issues on state right of way, said DeJarvis Leonard, division engineer for the department.

“We’re not going to connect his pipe back to our system,” Leonard said.

Sewell Manufacturing located in Heflin in 1965. It built the building where it sews military uniforms and tailored clothing.

At its peak production, the company employed about 200 people, said Charlie Brown, design and quality control manager for the company. With military contracts down, it currently employs about 50, he said.

Both ALDOT and the company agree that the company hooked into ALDOT’s drainage system.

Prichard said the company did that when it built the building to drain water off the site and guide it, as well as water from the highway, to a ditch in back of the company’s property.

“Personally, I think it’s a state highway department issue since a lot of their water runs into the pipe,” Prichard said. “I think it’s a city or state issue.”

The city of Heflin got involved when the sinkholes expanded near the highway, said Mayor Rudy Rooks. He sent a letter to ALDOT district engineer Mike Tims on Oct. 1, saying that one of the sinkholes on the property, if left unaddressed, could cause part of the curb and gutter to collapse.

In addition, he noted that the culvert appeared to be obstructed and a homeowner across the street had complained of flooding in his yard during a heavy rain in August. It was a hazard, Rooks said.

“The dirt was washing out from under the road,” he said.

ALDOT came out and inspected the site and has done some work there, Leonard said. He was unsure what more needs to be done, but he repeated that the failure was a result of the company’s drainage system.

Rooks said he got involved only to help the company and the city has no responsibility to fix the problems. However, Rooks said, the company is talking about expanding its business in Heflin which would be good for the city. The company belongs to a conglomerate of companies that include a plant in Bremen and Bowdon.

Prichard confirmed that the company is looking to expand if some potential contracts come through.

The contracts have “serious” potential, Prichard said.

Commission approves contract for waste facility LAURA CAMPER

news@cleburnenews.com

At their attorney’s recommendation, the Cleburne County commissioners Monday approved a proposed contract that would allow the construction of a waste treatment facility for the welcome center in the county.

The proposed contract would require the Alabama Department of Transportation, the only customer of the facility, to reimburse the county $10,000 a year for its role in managing the facility. In addition, the county will be reimbursed $5,000 for the work attorney Doug Ghee did reviewing and negotiating the contract, said Grady Parsons, who has been working with the county on the project.

ALDOT also will have to approve the proposal.

About a year ago, Parsons, general manager of Living Water Services, approached the commissioners with a proposal to build the facility on county property under the direction of a county Government Utility Corporation. His company would manage the facility for the county, he said. But the county would have to apply for the permit through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Parsons said.

ALDOT was interested in hav-

ing a facility to save money on treating wastewater generated at the rest area on Interstate 20 in Cleburne County, he told the commissioners in February.

ALDOT had been transporting the 120,000 to 150,000 gallons of wastewater generated at the site each month for treatment elsewhere at a cost of about $3,000 a day, Parsons said. The wastewater treatment facility would save the state money and would be safe for area residents, he told them.

The commissioners created the corporation at their meeting in March but they didn’t hear from Parsons until their work session this month.

Parsons apologized for the delay and explained it had to do with establishing his new company, which turned a year old on Dec. 1.

He needed just a verbal agreement from the commissioners to finish writing the contract, he told them Monday.

“Now we’re not obligating anybody for anything,” Parsons said.

“We just need a consensus from the commission for me to just put those two numbers in my spreadsheet and send it to the DOT.” The commissioners didn’t vote on the issue, but gave their verbal OK for Parsons to take the contract to ALDOT. “We hope to come back by the middle of January after the go through their review,” Parsons

Laura Camper

Sewell Manufacturing on Alabama 46, gaping holes in the lawn have developed over the last 10 years or so because of deteriorating storm water drainage pipes, according to company staff.

Parade : “I think he’s been every year since he’s been looking for Santa,” From page 1

said. “This process would actually start at that time.”

In other business the commission: — Reauthorized the widening and repaving of County Road 10.

— Approved a project on County Road 24. The project will not start until after the county replaces its bridges, possibly five years from now, County Engineer Shannon Robbins told the commissioners. However, it was important to commit federal funds to the project or risk losing the funding, he said.

— Declared a mobile travel trailer the county received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Hurricane Katrina surplus so the county could dispose of it.

— Heard the county will be adding some new monitoring wells around its landfill. The wells allow the county to see if anything is leaching out of the landfill and where it is going, said County Administrator Steve Swafford.

The cost could be anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on where, how deep and how many wells the Alabama Department of Environmental Management requires, Swafford said.

The next County Commission work session will be Jan. 6 and the next meeting will be Jan. 21.

Staff Writer Laura Camper 256-463-2872. On Twitter @ LCamper_Star.

waiting for Santa and for the horses, he said.

But the older children had their own priorities. Chulafinnee resident Brian Banks, 11, said he was waiting for the candy. He held up his empty grocery bag and said when it was overflowing he’d stuff candy in his pockets.

“My favorite is the fire trucks because they’re big and they make loud noises,” Banks said of the parade participants.

The wail of police sirens and the thump, thump, thump of the Cleburne County High School Marching Band drummers let the people know the parade had started and the crowd drifted off the sidewalk and into the street to get a better look at the 56 entrants who were on their way.

Police cars led the way, lights flashing followed closely by Heflin Police Officer Jackie Stovall who was Grand Marshall of the parade.

Once the parade started, the bleachers emptied as children moved closer to the road to get in a better position to catch the candy they knew would be thrown their direction.

The floats started going by, one depicting ice fishermen complete with a lighted igloo, one with a gingerbread house, motorcycles decked out with lights and reindeer horns, a winter wonderland with brightly-lit Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. The children dashed into the street to grab candy that didn’t quite make it to them. As a float by Cheaha Dental went by tossing out toothbrushes, children ran into the street to grab those, too.

“That’s not cool,” said one girl after she realized what it was.

Jennifer Slade, from Waco, Ga., was at the parade with her son and daughter, her mother Rita Huckeba and brother Tony Moreno from Ranburne. She came all the way from Georgia because it sounded like fun, Slade said. This was her first Christmas parade this holiday season; but her brother had already been to the Ranburne parade two Saturdays before.

His daughter Alaina, 4, was in the Ranburne parade on a float for her preschool, Pride and Joy Preschool and Childcare Center, Moreno said. He’d also taken her to the Festival of Trees over the weekend in Heflin and they’d had breakfast with Santa at the Cleburne County Mountain Center, he added.

“I like to get her out,” Moreno said. “It’s a lot of fun. Good wholesome enjoyment for her.”

Staff writer Laura Camper 256-463-2872. On Twitter @ LCamper_Star.

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