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Eclectic Observer The
WEDNESDAY • APRIL 10, 2019
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 30, No. 15
Broadband study draft expected in June By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A draft of a study that could help determine where deficiencies in rural internet access are may be ready by June, the Elmore County Commission was told at its Monday meeting. The commission supports the Elmore County Economic Development Authority’s vision of a broadband study in the county to determine strengths and weaknesses and where customers
are underserved or not served. Jeff Stephenson of Sain & Associates, which is performing the study, said the company should have a draft report ready by June. Stephenson said he understands the county wants to use the study to help make decisions on which companies to recruit to boost service in underserved areas. “This is kind of a master plan,” Stephenson said. “It can be useful to recruit and see where deficiencies are.”
Commissioner Bart Mercer said county officials know the value of rural internet. “The commission understands the needs of broadband not only to our residents but to the businesses,” he said. The commission also unanimously approved a Lounge Retail Liquor Class II (package off premises only) license for Nails Liquor by GID Capital LLC in Eclectic. No one spoke in the public hearing for the license approval. “This is an established business,”
SERVE AND PROTECT
said commissioner Mack Daugherty, who represents the district where the business is located. “This would be for a new building on the same campus. They have not been a problem.” In other action at the meeting, the Elmore County Commission: • Approved warrants for the period of March 15 to April 2 in the amount of $1,102419.18. • Approved a request to film in the courtroom of the historic courthouse. See BROADBAND • Page 2
Eclectic police Capt. Billy Stewart, left, and police chief Robert Head talk. The EPD deals with school and elderly calls daily, although crime is not unheard of in the town. Gabrielle Jansen / The Observer
Feds threaten to sue state prisons Report cites rampant rape, violence, drugs, unsanitary conditions STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Eclectic police mainly run school, elderly calls By GABRIELLE JANSEN Staff Writer
The Eclectic Police Department mainly deals with calls about students or the elderly, although crime isn’t rare in the town according to police chief Robert Head. “We have had a homicide here in the last couple of years,” Head said. “Most tried (crimes) may be like theft but real serious stuff is not rare around here.”
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Head said the EPD deals with a lot of cyber crimes and criminal trespassing. Head said in March a man broke into several businesses in Eclectic and around Elmore County before getting caught in Tallassee. Head said the department averages about 10 to 12 calls a day and has seven other officers. Head said the department assists with school traffic at Elmore County High School in the morning and wants a visible presence there.
“We assist our fire and ambulance a lot on different little things,” Head said. “Sometimes other calls take us away from (ECHS). We don’t get a chance to do that per se on a daily basis but we try to get in the schools and be seen as much as possible.” Head said the EPD provides ECHS with school security along with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department. Head said his officers work four days See POLICE • Page 3
The U.S. Department of Justice on April 3 issued a scathing report on conditions in Alabama’s men’s prisons, calling them unconstitutional and threatening a lawsuit within 49 days if the state does not show it is correcting what it said is a systemic failure to protect inmates from violence and sexual abuse. Gov. Kay Ivey responded by saying the state is developing solutions to make the overcrowded penal system safer, pointing out she has proposed building three new prisons at a cost of $900 million and asked the legislature for $31 million to hire 500 new corrections officers. Between February 2017 and January 2018, the DOJ said it interviewed 55 Alabama Department of Corrections staff members and 270 inmates, conducted phone interviews with 500 inmates and family members and got 400 letters from prisoners. Through those interviews and via subpoenas for state records, the DOJ report See PRISONS • Page 2
Eclectic community Easter egg hunt set for Saturday
Low
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer THURS: HIGH 82 LOW 64
The Town of Eclectic along with First Baptist Church and Eclectic United Methodist Church have joined to bring a community Easter egg hunt to Aaron Park on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. The park is located off Highway 63 in Eclectic. “The youth groups from the churches will be hiding the eggs,” according to Carmen Winslett of Eclectic the Beautiful. “They are supplying the candy for the eggs and everything.”
Winslett said the egg hunt is for children up to 12. Participants will be divided into four groups, depending on age, and each group will hunt eggs. “This will be the first community Easter egg hunt,” Winslett said, “We brought it before the council and they approved it.” Prior to the egg hunt, the Easter story will be read by pastor Britt Green and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos with children. “Don’t forget your camera,” Winslett said. “This is a community event that you don’t want to miss.”
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PAGE 2 • APRIL 10, 2019
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Broadband
continued from Page 1
• Set a public hearing for May 13 to consider vacating a portion of Nabors Circle. • Approved a multi-year lease agreement for a copier through State of Alabama contract T190. • Approved a motion to allow the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce to use the grounds of the courthouse May 4. • Approved the donation of 300 hours of annual leave and sick time from county employees to another county employee for an emergency illness. • Heard nearly 100 volunteers picked up 120 bags of litter while cleaning 12.4 miles of roadway in last weekend’s countywide cleanup.
• Was reminded Elmore County’s 10th annual Preparedness Fair at Lowe’s is Saturday. • Was reminded the Elmore County Shred Event at the Elmore Judicial Complex is 8 a.m. to noon on May 11. • Was reminded a countywide cleanup day is set on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with dumpsters available at CEWSA Redland Facility, Town of Elmore Annex, Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center, Holtville High School, Kent and the Elmore County Judicial Complex. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25. It will also be County Government Day with high school students visiting the courthouse.
Nearly 100 volunteers picked up 120 bags of litter on 12.4 miles of roadway during last weekend’s cleanup. File / The Observer
Prisons
continued from Page 1
described rampant rape, stabbings, beatings, drug use, open sewers and an indifference among prison officials to protect inmates. “The United States Constitution bans ‘cruel and unusual punishments’ but the conditions found in our investigation of Alabama prisons provide reasonable cause to believe there is a flagrant disregard of that injunction,” U.S. Attorney Richard Moore said in a release. “The failure to respect the rule of law by providing humane treatment for inmates in Alabama prisons is a poor reflection on those of us who live and work in Alabama. We are better than this. We do not need to tarry very long assessing blame but rather commit to righting this wrong and spare our state further embarrassment. The task is daunting but one we must embrace now without reservation.” As a result of an investigation that began in October 2016, the DOJ said it has reasonable cause to believe conditions in Alabama’s men’s prisons violate the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the prisons fail to protect prisoners from prisoner-on-prisoner violence and prisoner-on-prisoner sexual abuse. “This massive undertaking alleges constitutional troubles in the Alabama Department of Corrections which are serious, systemic and in need of fundamental and
comprehensive change,” U.S. Attorney Jay Town said in a release. “That being said, I have great confidence in the State of Alabama’s resolve to correct the prison system’s problems. The commitment by Gov. Ivey, (ADOC) Commissioner (Jeff) Dunn and so many others in the state’s leadership to affirmatively address these inherited issues offers great promise of our development of a meaningful remedy.” The DOJ said Alabama has one of the most overcrowded prison systems in the nation. According to recent data published by the ADOC, the state houses approximately 16,327 prisoners in major correctional facilities designed to hold 9,882. At Staton Correctional Facility near Wetumpka, a medium-security prison designed for 508 prisoners, 1,385 inmates were incarcerated in November 2018 for an occupancy rate of 272.6 percent, the DOJ said. Exacerbating the security problem, the ADOC acknowledged in February it needs to hire more than 2,000 correctional officers and 125 supervisors to adequately staff its men’s prisons, the DOJ said. According to the ADOC’s staffing report from June 2018, Alabama’s prisons employ 1,072 of 3,326 authorized correctional officer slots. In fiscal year 2017, a correctional officer at St. Clair with a base pay of $38,426.60 earned almost $80,000 in
overtime. “The violations are severe, systemic and exacerbated by serious deficiencies in staffing and supervision; overcrowding; ineffective housing and classification protocols; inadequate incident reporting; inability to control the flow of contraband into and within the prisons, including illegal drugs and weapons; ineffective prison management and training; insufficient maintenance and cleaning of facilities; the use of segregation and solitary confinement to both punish and protect victims of violence and/or sexual abuse; and a high level of violence that is too common, cruel, of an unusual nature and pervasive,” the report said. The DOJ report cited examples, including these from one week in September 2017: • Two inmates in the Hot Bay at Bibb Correctional Facility stood guard while two other prisoners stabbed a victim to death and wounded another. Prisoners banged on the locked doors to get the attention of security staff. When an officer finally responded, he found the prisoner lying on the floor bleeding from his chest. One Hot Bay inmate told investigators he could still hear the
prisoner’s screams in his sleep. • That same day at Staton, a prisoner was stabbed multiple times by another prisoner and had to be medically evacuated by helicopter to a nearby hospital. The following day, at Elmore, a prisoner was beaten and injured by four other prisoners. • A prisoner asleep in the St. Clair honor dormitory, which is reserved for prisoners with good behavior, was awakened when two prisoners began beating him with a sock filled with metal locks. • At Staton, a prisoner threatened a correctional officer with a knife measuring 7 inches long. • At Fountain, a prisoner set fire to another prisoner’s bed blanket while he was sleeping. • A prisoner at Easterling was forced at knifepoint to perform oral sex on two other prisoners. • At Bullock, a prisoner was found unresponsive on the floor by his bed and later died due to an overdose of synthetic marijuana. The DOJ said conditions at Draper in October 2017 included open sewage running by a pathway used to access the facility, reports of standing sewage water on the floors, and rats and
maggots in the kitchen. The DOJ said it has reason to believe the state has underreported inmate deaths. According to the ADOC’s public reports, 24 prisoners were murdered between January 2015 and June 2018 but investigators uncovered three more unreported homicides. “These unreported homicides provide reasonable cause to believe that ADOC’s homicide rate is higher than what ADOC has publicly reported,” the DOJ report said. “There are numerous instances where ADOC incident reports classified deaths as due to ‘natural’ causes when, in actuality, the deaths were likely caused by prisoner-on-prisoner violence. “ADOC is frequently unable to protect its prisoners from violence despite having advance notice that the prisoners may be in danger. Our investigation uncovered numerous instances where prisoners explicitly informed prison officials that they feared for their safety and were later killed. In other cases, prisoners were killed by individuals with a lengthy history of violence against other prisoners.” The DOJ said a subpoena revealed 30 deaths of various causes from
January 2015 through 2017 the state did not disclose. Ivey said the DOJ report identified many areas the state is aware of and she vowed to work with the federal government. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to public safety, making certain that this Alabama problem has an Alabama solution,” she said in a release. Dunn said the ADOC has been working to improve correctional officer hiring and retention; developing effective prison management, including efforts to curtail the entry of contraband; and replacing an outdated prison system with stateof-the-art correctional facilities. “ADOC voluntarily assisted the DOJ in every reasonable way with the investigation,” Dunn said in a release. “Our primary objective is to ensure each facility provides a humane, secure and safe environment for inmates and that reforms already in place and proposed bring about positive, tangible changes throughout the prison system. Gov. Ivey’s commitment to working closely with the legislature to resolve this generational problem will ultimately lead to a 21st century prison system.”
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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
APRIL 10, 2019 • PAGE 3
Guard pleads guilty to assaulting handcuffed inmates at Elmore STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The U.S. Department of Justice announced former Alabama Department of Corrections Sgt. Ulysses Oliver Jr. pleaded guilty last week in federal court to assaulting two handcuffed inmates at the Elmore Correctional Facility. “Conduct like that of Mr. Oliver will not be tolerated and the Department of Corrections will work with all of its law enforcement partners to ensure that such behavior is thoroughly investigated and appropriately prosecuted,� ADOC commissioner Jeff Dunn said. Oliver, 44, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. According to the guilty plea, Oliver went to an observation room holding the two inmate victims who were both handcuffed and sitting quietly. Oliver pulled the first victim from the observation room into an adjacent hallway where he struck the victim multiple times with his fists and feet and then used his collapsible baton to strike the victim approximately 19 times. After assaulting the first victim, Oliver returned to the observation room and pulled the second victim into the hallway where he kicked the second victim and used his baton to strike the victim approximately 10 times, according to the guilty plea.
During the assaults, the victims were handcuffed and were not resisting or posing a threat. Afterward, Oliver returned to the observation room where the victims were held and shoved the tip of his baton into the face of one of the victims, lacerating the victim’s face, according to the guilty plea. Later, according to prosecutors, Oliver wrote a false written report concerning the assaults, stating he struck the victims on their legs with his baton when he actually struck the victims about their bodies, hands and feet. Oliver’s report also falsely stated he struck the victims until he was told by another officer to stop, when in truth the other officer had not ordered Oliver to stop. “Correctional officers have an incredibly difficult job,� U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr. said. “Although a vast majority of them serve with honor, valor and bravery, cases like this make their jobs more challenging and dangerous. When officers abandon their oath to protect and serve and engage in conduct that is criminal, they too must be held accountable.� The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Mobile Division and ADOC’s Investigations and Intelligence Division with assistance from the Alabama Commissioner of Corrections.
DEMO DAY Photos by Jimmy Wigfield / The Observer The Wetumpka Police Department building, which was destroyed by a tornado in January, was demolished last week. The police are currently working out of the city’s administration building until a new location can be found. The old police station was a former hospital on the west side of the Coosa River. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said the city had $3 million to $3.5 million in insured losses, including the police station and five police vehicles.
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Eclectic police chief Robert Head goes through the department’s policies on his computer.
Police on and four days off. Head said while he’s not sure the exact amount of the department’s budget, it is roughly $200,000 to $300,000. Head said most of the budget goes toward 911 dispatch then toward salaries and he tries to find grants for police equipment and education. “It’s one of those things where you make do with what you got until you can do better,� Head said. “We understand being in a small community there’s just not a lot of funds to go around. You have to spread those things out evenly. Everybody needs something; we’re always needing something.� Head said he appreciates the Eclectic Town Council for helping the EPD out when it can. Head said working in a small town means everyone knows him and he knows everyone’s families. “If they can’t get me at the office, it’s at home, which I don’t mind because I understand it’s part of being a small town community (police chief) and my family from being around here, everybody knows your family kind of thing,� Head said. Because Eclectic is a small town, Head said he doesn’t stay in his office and helps patrol. “I come in, do what I have to do here, but I like to patrol and get out there in the community and still talk to people as much as I can,� Head said.
continued from Page 1 Head has been the chief of police for Eclectic for six years. He said since starting there, the EPD added four more officers and he has been working on making the department more community oriented. “I’ve tried to build it to be something the community can be proud of but at least try to have enough people to do the things that the commu-
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nity asks for and provide for,� Head said. “You can never have enough (officers).� Head said he’s trying to get the department to hold community events. “I want it to be where our citizens know they can trust when their officers are called upon, they’re able to do their job and be very professional about doing it,� Head said.
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Page 4 • APRIL 10, 2019
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Prisons, lottery, guns remain hot topics T here is no question Gov. Kay Ivey’s infrastructure/ gas tax program was the cornerstone issue of this legislative session. This monumental legislation will be a tremendous enhancement for Alabama’s economic development for decades to come. Ivey and the legislative leadership deserve accolades for addressing this important project. They were indeed thinking of the next generation rather than the next election and Gov. Ivey deserves most of the credit. She reached across the aisle and garnered almost unanimous support from Democratic legislators. Indeed, the legislation passed the House 84-20 and passed 28-6 in the Senate. However, other major issues remain on the table. The Alabama Department of Corrections is seeking a $42 million increase in its budget to hire much-needed additional correctional officers. A federal judge has ordered the state to increase guards and mental health professionals. State Sen. Jim McClendon of St. Clair County is listening to his constituents and other legislators would be wise and well-served to be as diligent and in touch as McClendon. If they were, they would join McClendon in offering to let their people vote on a state lottery. There is a hue and cry from all corners of the state asking why Alabama doesn’t have a lottery and why we let our money go to Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. Conservative estimates suggest a state lottery would generate between $66 million and $90 million in new revenue for
STEVE FLOWERS
Columnistt Alabama. Alabama is one of only five states without a state lottery. McClendon will offer a proposal that would split the proceeds from a proposed lottery between the Education Trust Fund and General Fund budgets. Believe you me, it will pass if the public gets to vote on it. In every civic club I speak to around the state, the first question I am asked is, “Why in the world can’t we vote on and have a lottery?” McClendon is also continuing his crusade to stop motorists from having wrecks due to distracted driving. He has a proposal forbidding drivers from holding a cell phone and other devices while driving and said the bill is patterned after Georgia’s law. The state education coffers are overflowing therefore lawmakers may give teachers a pay raise. Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Bill Poole, the chairmen of the Senate and House committees, said such a raise is a probability. Even the General Fund has better revenue projections. State Rep. Steve Clouse, who chairs the House Budget Committee, has said he is cautiously optimistic there will be a small raise for state employees. It would be unusual for a supermajority Republican legislature to not pay homage to or adhere to some placating of gun owners in the Heart of Dixie. This year’s
deference would allow people to carry a handgun without getting a concealed carry permit. Another bill would allow church members to carry their guns to church. In bygone days, county sheriffs had a lot of political power. Long ago the legislature passed laws that allowed sheriffs to pocket money left over from jail food funds, a loophole that should have been closed years ago. Orr has offered legislation to stop this archaic practice, requiring jail funds to go into a separate account to be used only for feeding prisoners. Sen. Rodger Smitherman has again offered legislation requiring law enforcement officers to collect data on race and traffic stops. His bill cleared the Senate unanimously last year but failed to come up in the House. Criticism has been aimed at payday loan companies in recent years, even catching the ire of Republican legislators, and a proposal has been offered to extend the time people have to repay such a loan from two weeks to a minimum of 30 days. The House of Representatives is mourning the loss of Rep. Dimitri Polizos, who was in the restaurant business in Montgomery for generations. He was a true gentleman, an active church member and leader in the Greek community in Montgomery. He epitomized what people should expect in legislators. He was a citizen legislator who was a business and family man first and legislator as a civic contribution. Steve Flowers served 16 years in the Alabama Legislature and can be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
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Missing the crying baby, barking dogs and snoring wife
L
ast week, I had a speaking engagement with the Mississippi Rural Water Association in Jackson, Mississippi. You may wonder why I felt the need to double down on the Mississippi there since it should have been obvious that the conference took place in the Magnolia State. In June, I’m doing the Louisiana Propane Gas Association in Gulf Breeze, Florida, so you just never know. It could have been Jackson, Alabama. They were a great group of folks and were all so very kind to me. Mississippi, in general, has been very good to me regarding speaking and comedy opportunities. I was there for two nights at the Hampton Inn. I was looking forward to a couple of good nights of sleep in a king-size bed. I wouldn’t have to worry about the baby crying, the puppy whining, the dogs barking or the wife snoring in a cramped queen-size bed. It was going to be a little mini-vacation. That’s not how it played out, though. While I hit a couple of my favorite restaurants — nothing fancy, just good — I spent most of the time working. Because of the baby, I don’t get a lot of work done around here, so I have to take advantage of that hotel time when I can, not to mention that hotel tub. Man, I love taking a hot bath. This time, however, there was no tub, just a shower. When it came time to sleep, I couldn’t. It was too quiet. I missed the crying baby, the
JODY FULLER Columnistt whining puppy, the barking dogs, and the snoring wife. And I stayed in my little spot on the side of the bed where I most certainly snored too. When I got home, Lucy was awfully sweet to me. I felt something was up and I was right. While I was off in Jackson town, she’d taken it upon herself to get some baby chickens. She’d even built a holding pen for them, using pieces of this and pieces of that from around the farm. I didn’t mind because they are very inexpensive and we love fresh eggs. We usually purchase them from a family friend a few miles down the road. In a few months, we’ll have our own. Now I just have to learn how to milk ‘em. That night, I was back in my little spot in the bed. The baby was crying. The puppy was whining. The dogs were barking. The wife was snoring. The husband was snoring. And the chicks were chirping or peeping or whatever they do. I slept like a champ. Abby likes to point at the biddies and say, “Chick chick.” She learned that from spending time up at mawmaw’s and pawpaw’s and I just learned that “biddies” is spelled with d’s and not t’s. Over the next few days, Lucy
started working on her coop, using mostly wood and wire from around the farm. It was her idea so I let her run with it. I helped here and there but it was mostly her. I gathered some old, rusty tin for the roof so I feel I contributed. I also got in the loft of the barn infested with dirt daubers to look for things. Mostly I was there for moral support — at least that’s what our friend at the building supply store said when we were getting three 1x4s for the roof. I let Lucy do all the talking. “Are you just here for moral support?” he asked. I reckon I was. We’ve had these jokers for just a week and they’ve already doubled in size. I grabbed a bunch of caterpillars out of a tree yesterday afternoon and we fed them to the chicks. You talk about entertaining! Before that, mimi bought us chicken for dinner. They were in the other room. You talk about awkward. Next week, I’ll be staying overnight in Georgia for a gig. I’m already nervous about coming home from that trip. There’s no telling what she’ll have waiting for me. I’m hoping for a kangaroo because that would be cool. Either way, I’ll be there, at least for moral support. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Right thinking leads to right actions By BRANDON FOMBY Special to The Observer
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life — your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around life — and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.” — Romans 12:1 s an athlete, there is nothing more motivating and powerful that a coach’s locker room speech. There is something about a coach rallying players to compete at their highest level. In one of the most dramatic upsets in Olympic history, the underdog U.S. hockey team beat the four-time defending gold-medal Soviet team in the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York. The Soviet team had not lost an Olympic hockey game since 1968. This epic showdown is referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.” U.S. coach Herb Brooks delivered one of the all-time greatest locker room speeches that inspired and challenged his team to do what the entire world thought was impossible. “Great moments are born from great opportunity,” Brooks said. “You were born to be hockey players. This is your time!” Romans 12 is kind of like Paul’s locker room speech for the followers of Christ — here’s who you are, here’s how we’re going to win, here’s how we’re going to defeat our opponent, here’s how we’re going to get to the finish line together and here are the keys to victory. In Chapters 1 through 11, Paul devoted tons of time and energy to heavy-duty theology and doctrine and
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he’s transitioning here. He says, “In light of what God has done, here’s how we should live.” To put it another way, we are encouraged to use what we know about God (theology) and turn it into “walkology” — to live out what we believe as followers of Christ. Once we pair our theology with our walkology, we are truly living a life of surrender and worship. Paul goes on to say in verse two, “Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” We must not adopt the patterns of this world with its behavior and customs — they’re usually selfish and corrupting — but go beyond the level of behavior and customs. It must sink deep into our hearts and minds. Right thinking leads to right actions. Romans 8:5 says it like this: “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please God.” It’s only when the Holy Spirit renews and redirects our minds that we are transformed and I’d say at a spot where we can truly worship God with our everyday, ordinary life. We have a great opportunity to live for Jesus Christ every day. Let right now be the moment you decide in your mind that you’re giving your everyday, ordinary life to the glory of God and for the advancement of His Kingdom.
APRIL 10, 2019 • PAGE 5
As His servants, we must trust in God’s way to live in this world “By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.” MIKE — Psalm 119:91 MCELROY magine a very powerful, very wealthy king. Columnist Everything he sees — every object, every animal, every precious stone or morsel of food — belongs to him. Every person in his kingdom is his servant. No one is exempt or strong enough to resist or rebel. The only limitation to the mighty king’s power is the border of his kingdom. There are other countries in this world controlled and owned by other kings and queens. At night, our mighty king dreams of conquering those other kingdoms. He wants to rule the world. The dream of power-hungry dictators throughout history has been to rule the world. This has led to rebellions and world wars as alliances formed to resist and defeat greedy rulers who wanted more. This is a text about the total sovereignty of God. What a human ruler can only imagine is really true of God — everything and everyone is under his command. It all belongs to Him. His word is firmly fixed. His faithfulness is not diminished by the passing of time. The natural creation runs with absolute precision because He appointed it to do so. Every creation and creature is the servant of the Creator. This bluntly stated truth is offensive to human pride. Our pride longs for a sense of self-direction and being in control. We are like a toddler testing his boundaries, persisting in his defiance until he discovers his mother’s limits. Our pride wants the satisfaction of ownership — this is my body, my life and is nobody else’s business. We would like to think our will trumps every other force, that we are free to do as we please. “All things are your servants” flies in the
I
face of such self-centered arrogance. I’d rather think about this statement of God’s sovereignty in another way that comforts me instead of threatens me. What if we could adjust our world view so all the news we read or hear passes through this lens of God’s absolute control? Are you worried about the environment? Are you anxious about what’s going on in Washington? Does the unstable economy make you afraid? In some ways it seems our overflowing abundance of information has made us nervous wrecks. To keep my peace, I need a way to handle all the bad news without falling into despair. I suggest that way is to remember and rest in this truth: “For all things are your servants.” God’s will is going to be accomplished. His purpose cannot be thwarted by any so-called superpower. The environment is not a runaway train that cannot be controlled and the forces of evil cannot prevail against Him. It may be hard for us to see from our limited human perspective how chaos, evil and impending disaster are all under God’s control. I do not have to understand something for it to be so. We have His firmly fixed word about it: “All things are your servants.” Trust in the Lord and do not lean on your own understanding when you are perplexed about a matter as great as God’s sovereignty. There is more and deeper peace in trusting God than relying on your ability to make sense of the world or set it right. I do not mean to minimize or ignore the problems and threats that surround us. I mean instead to magnify God so big problems do not make us lose heart. Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God and seeing everything else ultimately under His hand is a better way to live.
Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 5412006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 2855545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 5142881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 5674417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 285-5125 Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 5672486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook
Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5678750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Titus 514-7304 Millbrook Baptist 3431 Browns Road, Millbrook 2854731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Crossroads Community Church 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 5674441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 5670923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 5413460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 5678649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 5412418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 5673665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589
Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 5692851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 5671141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 5677455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 5141097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 5672141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 5673668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 5675966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5676493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 5670311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561
CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 5679886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5676786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God 2080 Main Street, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 5692122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5679211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 5143114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 5678339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 5141020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church
81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 5412552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 5692375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 Victory Temple 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 5679143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka 567-2190 servantfellowshipchurch@windstream.net The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka Time of Refreshing Fellowship 117 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5677750 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 5142730
PAGE 6 • APRIL 10, 2019
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
ClassiÄeds
Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook
Employment Job Opportunities
Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record
Job Opportunities
classiďŹ eds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiďŹ eds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com
The Eclectic Observer
Job Opportunities
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Tallapoosa County Road & Bridge is accepting applications for: Equipment Operator, District Three Deadline is: April 18, 2019 at 12 pm Please apply at: Tallapoosa County Engineering Dept. 20121 Highway 280 Dadeville, AL 36853 Monday - Thursday between the hours of 8 - 12
Hiring experienced carpenters Please apply in person at: 6400 Highway 63 S Alexander City, AL 35010
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Hiring CDL Drivers, Backhoe Operators, and Laborers Must be highly motivated and able to follow directions Must have own transportation Please call: 334-322-4432 NOW HIRING ‡(PHUJHQF\ 5RRP )7 51 DP SP ‡37 6XUJLFDO 6FUXE 7HFK ‡)7 &513 :HWXPSND 3HGLDWULFV (PDLO UHVXPH OUD]LFN#LY\FUHHNKHDOWK FRP CDL Class B Driver Wetumpka Russell Do it Center Now accepting applications for the position of Class B CDL Driver/Warehouse worker. Must have experience driving a forklift and delivery trucks with manual trans. Full-time position ZLWK EHQH¿WV 9DOLG GULYHUœV license with Class B CDL license and a good driving history required. Please apply in person at Russell Do it Center, 7986 Hwy 231, Wetumpka, AL Applications accepted Monday–Friday 7am-4pm. Serious Inquiries Only. EOE
Full-time sales clerk Wetumpka Russell Do it Center is now accepting applications for a full-time sales clerk. Retail experience helpful. Applications accepted at Russell Do it Center, 7986 Hwy 231 Wetumpka, AL EOE
Warehouse worker Wetumpka Russell Do it Center Accepting applications for the position of warehouseman at the Wetumpka Do it Center. Forklift and warehouse operations experience desired. Part-time position with EHQHÂżWV 3OHDVH DSSO\ LQ SHUVRQ at Russell Do it Center 7986, +Z\ LQ :HWXPSND $/ Applications accepted 0RQGD\ Âą )ULGD\ DP SP 6HULRXV ,QTXLULHV 2QO\ EOE
Moco Transportation OTR Drivers Needed 25 yrs old, 2 yrs Exp. Hazmat Required. Good MVR. NO LOCAL RUNS Call: 1-800-328-3209 SEEKING SALESMAN for Rubber & Plastic Items Call to apply: 205-243-6661
Bill Nichols State Veterans Home NOW-HIRING!!!
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Apply at: hmrveteranservices.com Contact:Brandy Holman 256-329-0868 ,I LQWHUHVWHG LQ WHDFKLQJ DUW FODVVHV RQ D YROXQWHHU EDVLV FRQWDFW 6KRQGD <RXQJ $'& 'LU RI 5HFUHDWLRQDO 6HUYLFHV ([W
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We Are Looking to Fill the Following Positions: 1. RN/LPN Nursing Supervisor 2. Caregivers Provide appropriate care and supervision to Elderly and Disabled individuals. Call us at 256-342-5222 or email: aohcs08@gmail.com
The Tallassee Tribune
DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 56 cpm-No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 54cpm, 55cpm at 6 months, 56cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbound loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. AirRide Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health/Dental Ins. 0DWFKLQJ . 4XDOLÂżFDWLRQV 18 months Class A CDL driving H[SHULHQFH ZLWK PRV Ă&#x20AC;DWEHG Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 RU FRPH E\ +7/ RIÂżFH DW 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE Experienced Machinist Needed Manual Mill & Lathe Operator Contact Brown Machine & Fabrication, Inc. Alexander City, AL Monday - Thursday 256-234-7491
Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and EHQHÂżWV 3UH HPSOR\PHQW GUXJ WHVW UHTXLUHG Equal Employment 2SSRUWXQLW\ (PSOR\Hr Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Shatia Carr (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org English Pool Company +LULQJ IRU 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH :RUN -Basic bookkeeping knowledge -Customer-service oriented Salary dependent on H[SHULHQFH *RRG EHQHÂżWV Send resume: PO Box 210668 Montgomery AL 36121 or email applyforenglish@gmail.com
White Oak Transportation
CNA classes starting this month. Come and join our team. Â&#x2021;)8// 7,0( &1$Âś6 30 $0
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C&J Tech Alabama,Inc. Now Hiring-Production Area 2IIHUHG %HQHÂżWV Â&#x2021;0HGLFDO 'HQWDO 9LVLRQ Â&#x2021;3DLG 9DFDWLRQ +ROLGD\V Â&#x2021;/RQJ 6KRUW 7HUP 'LVDELOLW\ 3ODQV Â&#x2021; KU RU PRUH (based upon experience) $SSOLFDQWV DSSO\ DW C&J Tech. 3ODQW 'U $OH[DQGHU &LW\ $/ 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ DP SP Put your ad here call 256.277.4219
is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! ([FHOOHQW %HQHÂżWV Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V Selling your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.277.4219.
The Wetumpka Herald
PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might wake up tired, as your dream life has been so active. Some pleasant Ă&#x2026;ashbacks could appear during the day. You choose to be highly responsive to a boss who can be diÉ&#x2030;cult, stubborn and often demanding! Tonight: Know when to head home. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Do not put yourself in the position of having to make plans or decisions for another person. Ultimately, playing this role can only backĂ&#x201E;re. Each person needs to make his or her own choices. Tonight: Enjoy visiting with a friend. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) The Moon in your sign is a good omen. You will have a greater sense of well-being and will choose to do what you want. You might want to have a long-overdue conversation with a dear friend or loved one. The timing could be oÉ&#x2C6;. Tonight: Go for what you want. Nothing is stopping you! CANCER (June 21-July 22) You could be mulling over a decision and will continue to. The answer will come forth only when the time is right. Not until tomorrow or the next day will you be able to make a decision. You might hear some important information today. Tonight: Nap and then decide. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) A meeting pushes you to take a stand. Others will follow your lead. You usually are full of energy, but not today. Take a break if need be. Someone might be more confusing than you had anticipated. A misunderstanding could be brewing. Tonight: Where your friends are. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Listen to feedback. You could be confused by all the activity. You need to be more in tune with a roommate or loved one. No matter what happens today, connecting on the same level could be diÉ&#x2030;cult,
if nothing else. Honor a change in mood. Tonight: Adapt plans to the moment. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You speak your mind and another person hears you loud and clear. You might want to understand more about this person, where he or she comes from, and his or her expectations, too. Just smile when dealing with a diÉ&#x2030;cult person. Tonight: To the wee hours. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Understand where you come from and why you have the expectations you do. You might be disappointed by the outcome of a problem. Be happy that the issue is over, and move on. Use caution with funds. Tonight: In the whirlwind of the moment. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Aim for what you want. Associates and friends appear to be supporting you. Oddly enough, you could experience a reversal of sorts. Do not count on your luck too much right now. Tonight: Share the evening with a special person. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You have a lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of work to do, and if you do not allow others to distract you, you will get all your work done. Do not minimize what you need to do. Others need to understand why you are so busy. Tonight: With a dear friend. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Stay in touch with another personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. You could be more out of tune than you think. Even a conversation in which both of you only want the best could become confusing. Do not worry so much. Tonight: Midweek naughtiness. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Tension mounts. Your plate is full. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like it if someone pitched in, but you might need to ask. Confusion seems to surround even the best intentions. Tonight: Head home. Screen calls.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Parental Alienation Week observed in Eclectic April 21-27 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport has proclaimed April 21-27 as Parental Alienation Prevention Week and April 25 as Parental Alienation Awareness â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bubbles for Loveâ&#x20AC;? Day. April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, a time to emphasize children deserve the leadership of adults to ensure their health, wellness and safety. Children should be encouraged to freely love both parents regardless of their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; marital status. Parental alienation is a form of mental abuse children suffer and residents are asked to show their support for children by blowing bubbles for love at noon on April 25.
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Shelter director advises how to handle, prevent dog bites By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
It is National Dog Bite Awareness Week, and with more than 78 million dogs living in U.S. households preventing dog bites is quite important. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there were 4.5 million dog bites in 2018. The Insurance Information Institute reported homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; insurance companies paid out $675 million in 2018 for liability claims from dog bites and dog-related injuries and the average claim for a dog bite injury in 2018 was $39,017. Important to note is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the average cost per claim nationally has risen more than 90 percent from 2003 to 2017, due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards given to plaintiffs.â&#x20AC;? Children, the elderly and postal carriers are the most
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APRIL 10, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 7
common victims of dog bites. More than 6,000 U.S. postal carriers were bitten in 2018, and most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs. Sadly the majority of reconstructive surgeries to treat dog bites are performed on children according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Education and awareness are important in preventing dog bites and heeding the cautions can help in reducing the trauma of a dog bite for owner and non-owner alike.
What to do if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bitten:
â&#x20AC;˘ If the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and contact information. â&#x20AC;˘ Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible. â&#x20AC;˘ Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after office hours. â&#x20AC;˘ Contact the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veterinarian to check vaccination records.
How to protect your family:
â&#x20AC;˘ Be cautious around strange dogs, and treat your dog with respect. â&#x20AC;˘ Because children are
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the most common victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should: â&#x20AC;˘ Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. â&#x20AC;˘ Be alert for potentially dangerous situations. â&#x20AC;˘ Teach children â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including toddlers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to be careful around pets. â&#x20AC;˘ Children must learn not to approach strange dogs or try to pet dogs through fences. â&#x20AC;˘ Teach children to ask permission from the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner before petting the dog.
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dog owner to do?
â&#x20AC;˘ Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse. â&#x20AC;˘ Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals. â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased. â&#x20AC;˘ Be calm. Always talk in a quiet voice or whisper â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no shouting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and take a â&#x20AC;&#x153;time outâ&#x20AC;? if you feel angry or frustrated. â&#x20AC;˘ Train your dog. Basic commands help dogs understand what is expected of them and help build a bond of trust between pets and people.â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental
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General Notices
Meet Chase, the Humane Society of Elmore Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pet of the Week. Chase is a very handsome and powerful male basset/ pit looking mix who may have short legs, but he weighs around 60-70 pounds. He is a sweet boy who likes a little play, a lot of food and a human to love. Chase will be a dog who needs to meet a potential buddy (female dogs please) and we know he is not good with cats or small dogs. For children, we would recommend teens and older. Shelter adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over 1 year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with a participating veterinarian. To meet Chase and all the other great pets at the shelter, visit 255 Central Plank Rd. in Wetumpka. For more information, visit www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email hselco@bellsouth.net or call 334-567-3377. The shelter is open for adoptions Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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stimulation. â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid highly-excitable games like wrestling or tug of war. â&#x20AC;˘ Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog. â&#x20AC;˘ Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and other preventable infectious diseases. â&#x20AC;˘ If you have a fenced yard, make sure your gates are secure. â&#x20AC;˘ Neuter your pet. According to the National Canine Research Foundation, approximately 92 percent of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94 percent of which were not neutered.
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Sports
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
The
Observer
Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com APRIL 10, 2019 • PAGE 9
ECHS has solid performances at Sylacauga By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Elmore County’s boys track and field team racked up the first-place finishes Friday at the Sylacauga Meet. DJ Patrick led the way by taking first in the long jump with a mark of 22-1 and capturing the first spot in the 400, clocking in at 49.30. He was joined by several others at the top of the podium. Zefeniah Edwards
earned the first spot in the 800 with a time of 2:04.68, and Josh Smith captured gold in the 3,200, finishing in 11:26.72. Both Elmore County’s relay teams also took first. The 4x4 finished in 3:32.09 and the 4x8 clocked in at 9:11.12. In addition to their top finishes, the Panthers also had several others perform well Friday. The 400 was especially kind to ECHS. After Patrick, Reece Baker captured second in 50.40,
and Edwards earned fifth in 53.90. Other third-place finishers included Jacob Taunton (800, 2:11.23); Sawyer Lett (3,200, 12:16.73); and Garrett Pattillo (300 hurdles, 45.23). On the girls side, Maggie Thames had the highest finish for Eclectic, taking third in the javelin with a throw of 74-10. Jordan Dunaway was fourth in the 800 (2:52.61).
Lizi Arbogast / The Observer
Elmore County looks to take a lead against Clay Central during the 4x800 on Friday.
It’s time for the pros to take over
O
Caleb Turrentine / The Observer
Elmore County’s Jamie Singleton collides with Holtville catcher Grant Norton during the first game of Friday’s doubleheader.
‘Out of our control’ Close defeats put Panthers behind 8-ball in area By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer
After a 14-4 win over Holtville last Tuesday, Elmore County’s baseball team appeared to seize control of Class 4A Area 5 but the Bulldogs had something else in mind. Holtville welcomed its cross-county rivals to Smart-Collier Field and saw its pitching depth take over in two high-emotion games as the Bulldogs took control of their own destiny in the race for the area’s two playoff spots by winniing, 3-2 and 4-3. “That was two hard-fought baseball games,” Holtville coach Torey Baird said. “It was a nail biter the entire time. Every pitch mattered and I’m so proud of our guys for finding a way to get the job done. It was a great team win.” When No. 8 Elmore County runruled the Bulldogs in the first game of the series, Holtville (16-6, 3-1) was looking at must-win situations with their playoff chances hanging in the balance. The Panthers had already knocked around Holtville ace Drew Nobles and got a good start against Chapelle Washam in Game 2. Elmore County (15-7, 2-2) took a 2-0 lead in the first inning after RBIs from Landon Maynard and Austin Downey. The Panthers had a chance to open up their lead even more but left five runners stranded through the first two innings of the game. “We had runners on base but we couldn’t find a way to get them in,”
Caleb Turrentine / The Observer
Elmore County’s Garrett Cole throws over Holtville’s Payton Coburn while turning a double play during Friday’s doubleheader.
ECHS coach Michael Byrd said. “We were just one hit away from blowing that thing open and walking out with a sweep.” Downey was on the mound for the Panthers and got off to a quick start but some mistakes in the field allowed Holtville to quickly get back in the game. The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard when Nobles scored on a passed
ball but the game-changing event happened in the following inning with the Panthers threatening to extend their lead. With Jamie Singleton on second base, Brody Ward singled to right field but Holtville’s Payton Coburn threw home to cut off Singleton before he could cross the plate. With the ball in See BASEBALL • Page 9
Elmore County falls to Dadeville on 2-run walk-off single By KAMARRI DARRINGTON For The Observer
Dadeville’s Timirian Tinsley doesn’t feel any pain anymore. Tinsley separated her shoulder in the first game of the season. In her second game back, Tinsley came up big. Tinsley hit a two-run single — her fourth hit of the game — which capped off a 12-11 comeback win for Dadeville over Elmore County on Tuesday. The Tigers (7-12) wore
gray uniforms with green lettering and ribbon to honor the death of Beau McCary, who lost his bout with cancer back in October. There was a green ribbon behind the circle as well. Dadeville scored 10 of its runs in the final three innings after trailing 8-2 after the first three. Isis Johnson started the hitting in the seventh with a single to center field. Cali Jones reached on a fielder’s choice then Zoe Veres reached on an error. After Veres stole second to put the winning run in scor-
ing position, Tinsley’s single to right field brought in the game-winning runs and set off the celebration. Just be careful with the shoulder. “I didn’t play well in my first game back,” Tinsley said. “It was really hard rehabbing because I couldn’t get wait to get back out there. I was just happy to come out here and win that last at-bat. Seeing my teammates come out towards me means the world.” Dadeville coach Jordan McGuire couldn’t help but fight off a few tears after
watching her squad complete the comeback after giving up two runs in the top half of the last frame. “I knew that we had the bats,” McGuire said. “Those weren’t errors (Elmore County) made. We made great hits and Timirian came through in a big way. It’s great to get that win for Beau. I think he helped us a lot.” Brittany Claybrook, who went 3-for-4, hit an RBI double to tie the game at 9-9 in the fifth. Makya Johnson pitched a complete game for See SOFTBALL • Page 9
ver the last few weeks, the focus of the sports world has been on college basketball but CCALEB ALEB now those TURRENTINE seasons are Sports finished. And that focus is Writer about to turn back to the professionals as playoffs begin for the NBA and NHL. Before we get to the many reasons why you should be watching an NBA or NHL game every night over the next twoplus months, those are not the only professional sports in full swing now. The baseball season is underway and there are already plenty of storylines to follow and even some history being made after less than two weeks of the season. This week marks the first major of the PGA Tour with one of the best weekends of the year for golf fans. The best in the world take to Augusta, Georgia with the tournament beginning Thursday and will give you every reason to skip your Sunday nap this week. There is also a fairly popular sport getting ready for the final stretch of the season across Europe. The UEFA Champions League began its quarterfinals this week and is a perfect thing to watch at your desk while you pretend to do work. Or if you’re like me, you have to go home to watch because you can’t hide your screaming while at the office. While all of those things would be enough to excite a regular sports fans, that is before looking at the schedule for the start of the basketball and hockey playoffs. The NHL gets underway Wednesday night and there is nothing like an NHL playoff atmosphere. I have always enjoyed hockey more as a casual fan compared to the other sports because I do not make the time to watch as much of the regular season as I would like. However, when the playoffs begin (especially when the Dallas Stars are in it), I make sure to check the schedule every night and figure out which games I should be watching that day. The best part of the NHL playoffs for neutral fans — outside of the obvious skill and talent on display — is an overtime game. If you have a rooting interest though, it quickly goes from the best part to the worst part as every trip down the ice is like a small heart attack. And if that is not enough for you, the NBA playoffs certainly should be. If you have been watching college basketball since the beginning of the year, watching better players (and better officials) will be a welcome sight. See TURRENTINE • Page 9
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
PAGE 9 • APRIL 10, 2019
LMMG expands to allow range memberships By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
As the calendar transitions into spring and summer, Lake Martin Machine Gun on Highway 229 in Eclectic is expanding to allow people to bring their own firearms. At the 90-acre range, patrons can touch and shoot historic machine guns that would otherwise be unobtainable in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of trained professionals. Daily and yearly memberships are available and active-duty law enforcement can shoot for free. “They have enough to pay for so practicing to save our lives one day is on us,” co-owner David McGirt said. The range has expanded its hours and is now open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. A range safety officer will run the range at all times while patrons enjoy the pistol lanes out to 25 yards and rifle lanes out to 50 yards. Steel targets are available on the pistol and rifle lanes. Ammunition, hearing protection, eye protection and targets are available at the range’s new pro shop. The facility has been upgraded so shooters can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning in warmer months and heat during the cooler season. Annual membership allows for unlimited visits throughout the month and the ability to visit their NFA purchases at the range while waiting for tax stamp approvals. Annual members will also have the
Carmen Rodgers / The Observer
Art Ayreault, who is visiting the Lake Martin area for spring break, enjoys the Lake Martin Machine Gun experience, while range safety officer and owner David McGirt stands by closely.
first shot at purchasing rental range guns as they cycle out. Members must be at least 18 and younger shooters are allowed with parental supervision. For those new to shooting, Lake Martin Machine Gun offers NRA safety and training courses taught by certified instructors onsite. “We offer all of the training and licenses so the customer only needs comfortable
clothes and closed-toe shoes,” McGirt said. “Safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves, if needed, are all supplied.” Customers interested in machine gun rentals will be matched one-on-one with a safety officer who will assist the customer in all aspects of shooting. With 25 rental machine guns available, there are three brackets of fully automatic firearms for people to use —
sub-machine guns such as a Glock 18, IMI Uzi, Thompson, Grease Gun and H&K MP5s, and machine guns such as a Colt M4 and AK-47 or belt-fed weapons such as the M1919, M60, MG42 and M2HB. Before Lake Martin Machine Gun opened, people had to travel as far away as Knob Creek, Kentucky, to handle such unique guns. The opportunity to shoot a
machine gun is unique because in May 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed the Firearm Owners Protection Act, which among other things made the sale of fully automatic firearms manufactured before that year illegal. Owning the guns is still legal but it’s exceptionally difficult and expensive. For more information, call 1-888-660-6462 or visit www. lakemartinmachinegun.com.
Softball continued from Page 8 Dadeville. Elmore County (9-7) held leads of 8-2, 9-5 and 11-9 before falling. Ebone Pearson, who also had a two-run homer earlier in the game, knocked in the go-ahead runs on a two-run double with two out in the seventh. Madison Britt went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Pearson reached base five times and drove in four runs. Maci Curlee pitched 6 2/3 innings for Elmore County. Of the eight total errors in the game, the Panthers committed five. “We’ve been swinging the bats very well lately,” Panthers coach Kim Moncrief said. “Hopefully, we learned to finish the game and never give up on an inning. We made a lot of defensive errors and we have to clean that up. I’m proud of how we fought, but we’ve got to finish.” During a tournament in Wetumpka last month, Elmore County earned a run-rule victory over Dadeville. Tuesday, the teams combined to score 23 runs off 23 hits with eight errors.
Turrentine continued from Page 8 I know there are gripes about today’s NBA game about taking plays off and how players are out for the money. While I may disagree and I think the league is as good as it has ever been, those particular issues are certainly not a problem during the postseason. Not only will you get to see some of the best players the game has ever seen, it will be easy to see the passion that drives them when you watch them during the playoffs. Between the life-long grudges of old teammates and the new rivalries being built during the regular season, the emotion has already been off the charts this year and will only build over the next two months. Even though the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors are still the Warriors, both conferences are loaded with elite teams and we should be rewarded with several great series throughout the playoffs. College sports will still reign supreme in this state but professional sports still have plenty to offer. And the best time of the year to watch begins this week. Caleb Turrentine is the sports writer for The Observer.
Caleb Turrentine / The Observer
Elmore County’s Landon Maynard, left, attempts to tag Holtville’s Owen Chandlee on a pickoff throw from Austin Downey.
Baseball the hands of catcher Grant Norton, Singleton did not slide and caused a collision at the plate. Holtville did not take kindly to the collision as Washam came to his teammate’s defense and shoved Singleton after the third out of the inning. Both Washam and Singleton were ejected from the game but the Bulldogs responded in a big way. In the bottom of the third, Brylan Shaffer scored on another passed ball to tie the game. Hunter Martin gave the Bulldogs their first lead when he scored on a passed ball with two outs in the inning. “Any time a team gives you an extra out, you have to take advantage of it,” Baird said. “When we do that, we’re going to be okay. If you throw strikes, play good defense and have quality at bats, you’ll have a chance to win every game.” After Washam left the game, Holtville had to find a new pitcher and Baird turned to one of the senior leaders. Martin came on in relief and limited the Panthers to just one hit in the final four innings of the game. “This team is built off family,” Martin said. “I told Chapelle after everything happened that I had his back. When I got out there and was throwing fire like that, it shocked me and I think it shocked everyone else too but it was a great experience.” Elmore County had only two baserunners over the
continued from Page 8
Caleb Turrentine / The Observer
Austin Downey pitched in nine innings across two games during Elmore County’s doubleheader at Holtville on Friday.
next three innings but finally threatened in the top of the seventh when the Panthers loaded the bases, still trailing by just one run. However, Martin got Nassin Bryan to ground out to second base to secure the 3-2 win and earn a series split. “I knew my guys would trust me in that situation,” Martin said. “I just try to block out the moment and step up in that situation. But it was fun and I wouldn’t trade this night for anything.” During the tiebreaker game, Elmore County turned back to Austin Downey for his remaining 42 pitches. He continued his dominant performance but reached his
pitch limit and had to leave the game with the Panthers leading 2-0. Holtville quickly took advantage when Downey left the mound, tying the game behind RBI hits from Martin and Nobles in the bottom of the third. Elmore County retook the lead in the fourth inning but Coburn scored on an error in the same inning to bring the Bulldogs back again. “I think it’s a mindset thing for us,” Martin said. “We have all the abilities to be a great team but sometimes we can get in our heads too much. When we don’t have that time to think about things, we can play a lot better and that happened today.”
Nobles scored the go-ahead run on an RBI double by Todd Wilson in the bottom of the fifth inning and that’s all Holtville needed with Owen Chandlee on the mound. Chandlee struck out four batters through six innings and did not allow an earned run in the 4-3 win. “I was expected to start this game but I was so nervous,” Chandlee said. “I was shaking and getting in my head a little too much. Everyone had faith in me though and we came out with two ‘W’s tonight so you can’t ask for more than that.” Elmore County will need to sweep Booker T. Washington this week for a chance to make the playoffs but can finish as high as just second in the area standings. The Panthers will need Handley or Holtville to get a sweep in the other series. “We’ve done all we can do now,” Byrd said. “It’s out of our control and that can be tough to handle. You feel a lot better when you can control your own destiny.” After the two losses Friday, the Panthers had a quick turnaround and had to face B.B. Comer on Saturday. Elmore County responded well and got a 12-1 victory to prepare for a run at the postseason. “That’s the kind of game that made me feel really good,” Byrd said. “We still have to finish the season the right way and prepare like we’re in the playoffs just in case we do get that chance.”
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
PAGE 10 • APRIL 10, 2019
Elmore County Player of the Week
Johnson shows off skills on the mound, at the plate By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer
It was not a perfect week for the Wetumpka baseball team but Seth Johnson was at the center of all the things that went right for the Indians. Johnson got his week started on the mound with a win in the team’s area opener against Selma but his best performances of the week likely came at the plate. Johnson, a junior in his first year at Wetumpka, splits time between the pitching mound and the team’s starting right fielder. Throughout the week, Johnson showed off his skills in all facets of the game to earn this week’s Elmore County Player of the Week honors. “He’s been a great player and a big addition for us,” Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes said. “He puts some sting in the middle of our lineup. He’s a game changer. He’s played well and has no doubt made us a better team.” In the first game against Selma, Johnson struck quickly by fanning two batters in the first inning. He came up to the plate in the bottom of the first with two runners on and he delivered with a two-run triple which ignited a rally to give Wetumpka a 5-0 lead in the first. “It can be intimidating for other teams when we’re playing like that,” Johnson said. “We can still improve on defense and we need to hit the
Caleb Turrentine / The Observer
Wetumpka’s Seth Johnson finished last week with six hits, including one extra-base hit in all five games. He is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
ball a little better but we’re tough when we play like that.” Entering the game, Johnson said he felt he could have a good day on the mound against Selma. He knew the Saints struggled at the plate and the
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game plan was to get ahead in the count and force hitters to swing the bat early. Johnson pitched only three innings in the victory but allowed just one hit and finished with seven strikeouts on
the mound. He got two hits at the plate, scoring twice and finishing with two RBIs in a 10-0 win. “He got on the mound and threw strikes,” Dismukes said. “He made quick work. After
three innings, I felt like we could save him and get some more players in.” Wetumpka took that momentum into the second game of the series against Selma on Thursday. Johnson had a double and was one of four Wetumpka players to score three times in a 17-0 win. “It’s big for us,” Johnson said. “That will help us get some momentum going through these area games. It should really help us moving forward.” Before area play resumes this week against Stanhope Elmore, Wetumpka played three games over the weekend. Friday night, the Indians traveled to Pelham and took a 14-4 loss but Johnson continued his hot streak at the plate. With the score at 0-0, Johnson hit a two-run home run to right field to give Wetumpka a short-lived lead. It was his third consecutive game with an extra-base hit, a streak which continued throughout the rest of the week. Wetumpka returned home Saturday to face Andalusia and Johnson went back to the mound. He pitched into the seventh inning, striking out seven and allowing two earned runs but took the loss in a 5-1 defeat. During the doubleheader against Andalusia, Johnson reached base four times and had two hits including a solo homer during the first game. He finished the week with six hits, six runs and five RBIs.
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