Dec 12, 2015 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

Wetumpka back receives offer from Florida. SPORTS Page 10 Wetumpka, AL 36092

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • DECEMBER 12-13, 2015

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 10, NO. 50

County EOC to be dedicated Dec. 14 By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor

The wait for a new Emergency Operations Center will be over when the new center is officially dedicated at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Located at 8917 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka, the 17,695-square-foot single-story

building will house the county Emergency Management Agency administrative offices, Sheriff’s office Communications Division administrative office, county E-911 administrative office, Sheriff’s office Dispatch Center, conference, training and media briefing facilities. Construction on the new EOC

began Jan. 2, 2014 and will be complete with the dedication ceremony Monday. The new facility was designed to provide a secure and survivable location for the County EMA, EOC, the Sheriff’s Communications Division and Dispatch, County See EOC • Page 3

John W. Peeler / The Herald

The new Emergency Operations Center will house several emergency related divisions including the county EMA, Sheriff’ Office communication division,administrative offices and Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Center.

Wetumpka pedestrian struck, killed in accident

Abuse suspect denied bond reduction Judge refuses to lower mother’s bond in child abuse case By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor

By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor

Alabama State Troopers are investigating an accident in which a Wetumpka woman was killed after being struck by an off-duty City of Montgomery employee in Montgomery Wednesday morning. Donna Renee Murphy, 46, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Jackson Hospital following the accident, which occurred at 6:08 a.m. on Park Place in Montgomery. The driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, remained at the scene of the accident and did not sustain injuries. The name of the driver was not released and no information was supplied on potential charges in the case. The accident remains under investigation.

Photo by Christ Childress

Jessica Meuse, from Slapout, Alabama, is looking to turn a bad relationship into a hit record when the “American Idol” finalist releases her second single after the show.

‘IDOL’ moves forward Slapout’s Jessica Meuse releasing second single

By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor

Former relationships can make or break a person. Jessica Meuse, from Slapout, Alabama, is looking to turn a bad relationship into a hit record when the “American Idol” finalist releases her

second single after the show. Meuse said her single “Rio Grande” will be available Jan. 5 on various music download platforms. “I wanted to record Rio really bad. I wrote the entire song in a day,” she said. Meuse recorded the single in Orange See IDOL • Page 3

Dot Faust told District Judge Glenn Goggans of her daughter’s drug abuse and being an alleged victim of domestic violence, but after looking at the pictures of a beaten 4-year-old boy Goggans refused to reduce the bond for Faust’s daughter, Hallee Ann McLeod. McLeod, 28, and her former boyfriend Scott Hicks are facing child abuse charges regarding the apparent beating of McLeod’s son. McLeod was charged with one count of aggravated child abuse and one count of chemical endangerment of a child and remains in the Elmore County McLeod Jail on a $300,000 bond. “We felt it was an appropriate bond given the facts of the case,” said Randall Houston, district attorney for the 19th judicial circuit. “We also made the argument that the bond needed to be high enough so that she would not have contact with that child anytime soon.” The boy was found Sept. 16 inside Hicks’ vehicle in Bay County, Florida where Hicks had gone inside the county courthouse to resolve two other charges against him. Bay County deputies found the 4-year-old boy See BOND • Page 2

Wind Creek Casino arrest goes viral on YouTube By KEVIN TAYLOR AND JOHN W. PEELER Staff Writers

USPS 681-260

A video on YouTube surfaced Friday that appears to show several Wetumpka police officers attempting to subdue a subject down with one officer striking the subject multiple times. The video, which was posted Monday by Steven Tucker, was a result of an incident that occurred Sunday at Wind Creek Casino. An Alabama Deffenbaugh Uniform Incident/ Offense Report filed by the Wetumpka Police Department shows law enforcement agencies responded to Wind Creek Casino at 7:11

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a.m. where they arrested a subject suspected of using alcohol and drugs. Law enforcement officials confiscated a clear plastic bag containing marijuana, one pill bottle with one adderall pill and 18 metformin pills. In addition, they confiscated a marijuana grinder, a digital scale, one pack of TOP rolling papers and a device used to smoke marijuana. As far as Wetumpka Police Department Chief Danny Billingsley is concerned, “it’s an open and shut case.” Later in the video, it looks as though one of the police officers is striking the person several times, but Billingsley said his officers acted in a “professional manner.” Billingsley said one of his officers attempted to stop a 1999 Toyota Carolla driven by Roger Deffenbaugh, 52, of Oxford around 6:30 a.m. Sunday. “When one of our officers stopped

the man on U.S. Highway 231 near the old rest area, the officer started to ask a question and the man took off so a pursuit ensued,” Billingsley said. Once taken into custody, Deffenbaugh was charged with second-degree assault, second-degree possession of marijuana, first-degree criminal mischief, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of prescription medication and attempting to elude. Billingsley said the video, which was posted by Tucker“wasn’t worth commenting on.” “I just don’t want to comment on it because the guy who posted it just wants to make a name for himself,” Billingsley said. “And we’ve not received a complaint from the person we took into custody.” Deffenbaugh remains in the Elmore County Jail on a total bond of $19,000.

SPORTS

Page 10 • DECEMBER 12-13, 2015

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

BIG RINGS

Wetumpka sophomore running back Kavosiey Smoke picked up a football scholarship offer from the University of Florida Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Cory Diaz

Edgewood teams receive state title rings Gator Bait: Indians

running back picks up Florida offer

The Edgewood Academy and track and field teams received their 2015 state championship rings during a ceremony Friday morning in the EA gymnasium. For the baseball team, it was their seventh straight AISA state title, tying the Alabama High School record for consecutive championships (Vestavia Hills, 1994-2000). The Wildcats (37-8) defeated Macon-East in three games back in May, winning the series deciding game, 18-5, to clinch the title. For the Edgewood track and field team, it was the second championship in three seasons, bringing home its first state title in 2013. Above: EA pitcher Christian Smith shows off his ring to his parents, Joey and Jackie, after Friday’s ceremony. Right: Wildcat track and field runners Cole Freeman (left), Blane Guthrie (center) and Jackson Welch (right) look at their rings. Bottom right: Janias Scott (left), Khalid Young (middle) and DeMarvin Perry flash their baseball state championship rings. Bottom left: Senior catcher Keith Johnson (left) and his younger brother and pitcher Jon Johnson pose with their rings. Photos by Cory Diaz

BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Wetumpka sophomore running back Kavosiey Smoke received an offer from the University of Florida Wednesday afternoon. The offer from the Gators was the 5-foot-11, 200-pound back’s second in as many weeks, his first from the University of Cincinnati. Smoke said he was happy Florida offered him, but he’s excited to see what the future holds. “It felt good for real,” Smoke said Wednesday. “I just know I got many more to come in my next two years. It’s kind of cool, but I ain’t going to be arrogant.” This season, Smoke led the Indians in rushing with 126 carries for 801 yards in Wetumpka’s spread offensive attack. He finished second on the team in touchdowns with nine and also caught 12 passes for 136 yards.

Just coming off his sophomore year, the running back said he wasn’t surprised to receive an offer from Florida. “It’s just that I worked hard, and it came. (Recruiters) come in when you work hard, but it takes hard work for it.” Smoke said he likes a prostyle offense and thinks his hard-nosed running ability, footwork and explosiveness would fit well with the Gators as well as other schools. With two years of high school left, Smoke said he plans to improve his game before making a decision. “I need to get more energetic. I got to get my footwork better and I’ve got to get my body right,” he said. “I got to get toned up and strong.”

Lady ‘Cats rebound to win 2 straight BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Wetumpka 195-pound wrestler John Ellis Rawls rolls Elmore County’s Williams Morse for the winning pinfall during Tuesday’s dual at Photo by Cory Diaz ECHS.

WHS outlasts county foe ECHS in dual BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Wetumpka outlasted Elmore County, 46-30, in Tuesday’ dual at ECHS. Both teams traded the lead twice before the Indians rattled off two late pinfall victories pushing them past the Panthers. John Ellis Rawls defeated William Morse in their 195-pound bout, putting WHS ahead 34-30, and Kamyron Jackson beat Trey Fulmer (220-pound) to extend the

Tribe’s lead to 40-30. The Indians jumped out to a hot start as Cole Blackwell (120-pound) and Cameron Spurlin (126-pound) earned pins over Jacob Owens and Fischer Wall, respectively. David Wood picked up Elmore County’s first win on the night, pinning Clay Spivey in their 132-pound match. Class 6A state champion Vershone Graham worked over ECHS’s Ashton Strouse for a 13-0 major decision, before the Panthers captured the lead after two straight wins.

At 152, Tracy Strouse pinned Jaret Gallops and Jeb Ballard followed up with a pinfall victory over Elijah Weems (160-pound), giving Elmore County a 24-22 advantage. After trading forfeits, ECHS couldn’t hold the lead as Rawls and Jackson provided the Tribe with the deciding pinfall wins. The Panthers wrestle in the Gene Taylor Classic tournament at Weaver High School, while the Indians will take part in the Swede Umbach Invitational Wrestling Tournament.

A concerted rebounding effort paid off for the Edgewood Academy as it led to two bigs wins this week, 4925 at Cornerstone Christian Tuesday and 63-24 versus Crenshaw Christian Thursday. What hurt the Lady Wildcats (3-1) in their lone loss so far this season helped them cruise after EA girls basketball coach Kevin Smith moved leading scorer, junior Kevi Hansen, back to the interior. “We just got outrebounded bad, got outworked bad (in their loss to Eastwood),” Smith said. “We felt like we needed to get a little more size on the inside, and also on offense give Kevi a little more touches in the paint.” The move paid dividends, as Hansen has recorded two straight double-doubles, 17 points, 10 rebounds at Cornerstone and 20 points, 10 rebounds on Crenshaw. Senior forward Kaylee Glenn had a team-high 13 rebounds along with nine points versus Crenshaw, while sophomore Peyton Rodie added nine boards with her 12 points at Cornerstone. The focus on rebounding

helped Edgwood grab leads, but Smith credited the emergence of freshman guard C.J. Weldon with the team finding success with the adjustment. “We did not know how C.J. was going to step up and play being so young. She’s just a freshman,” he said. “But her coming along and handling the ball out front, being able to handle some of the pressure a little bit more than we though she would, allowed us to do that.” Weldon has combined for 22 points in the two contests, complementing EA’s trio of bigs from the backcourt. “She’s one of those sneaky ones where you look down at the end of the night and she’s got 13 points. You don’t even remember where she got them. She plays up top on our zone defense, so she gets a lot of our fastbreak points off of our rebounds. She’s developing her outside shot; she’s hit a couple of 3’s the last two games. “With each game, she’s getting more confidence. It’s not something we expected this early in the year.” Against Crenshaw, Kaitlyn Sampson scored 11. The Lady ‘Cats play in the Pepsi Challenge at MaconEast this weekend.

Page 2 • DECEMBER 12-13, 2015

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Elmore County Women’s Leadership Committee recognizes outstanding leaders STAFF REPORT Elmore County Weekend

For the fifth year in a row, the Elmore County Women’s Leadership Committee took home the top prize for most pop tabs collected as part of an effort to benefit the Ronald McDonald House charities of Alabama during the Alabama Farmers Federation meetings Dec. 6-7 in Montgomery. The Elmore County Wo m e n ’s Leadership Committee collected more than 680 pounds of pop tabs of the 2,300 pounds donated. Included in the meetings members elect leaders, recognize outstanding leaders and volunteers and discuss agricultural issues at the group’s annual meeting. Special guests U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Birmingham, and U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, shared messages about keeping our country strong and

secure. Lt. Gov Kay Ivey received the Service to Agriculture Award, the Federation’s highest honor, and Attorney Stan Gregory, a partner with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Montgomery, was recognized with the Cultivator Award. Numerous county federations and individual leaders were recognized for outstanding service to the state organization. Voting delegates from all 67 counties elected members to the Federation Board of Directors at an afternoon business session. Those elected or re-elected were: •Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Regina Carnes of Marshall County •State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Lance Miller of Blount County •Southwest Area Vice President Jake Harper of Wilcox County

•Central Area Vice President Dean Wysner of Randolph County •Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dunn of Conecuh County •District 1 Director Brian Glenn of Lawrence County •District 4 Director Rickey Cornutt of Marshall County •District 7 Director Joe Lambrecht of Elmore County •District 10 Director Steve Stroud of Pike County The meeting drew to a close with prize presentations and awards for State Young Farmers contests winners. Brittany Hill of St. Clair County won the second round of the Discussion Meet, a competition among four finalists. Garrett and Emily Henry, with their children Paige and Mason, of Montgomery County were named the 2015 Outstanding Young Farm Family, and Abbie Keel of Calhoun County won the Excellence in Agriculture contest.

Submitted / The Herald

For the fifth year, the Elmore County Women’s Leadership Committee claimed the “Most Pop Tabs Collected” award, with 680.71 pounds donated. County committee Chairman Becky Barrett accepted a plaque of recognition at the State Women’s Leadership Committee Awards Luncheon at the Embassy Suites Dec. 7 in Montgomery. In total, committees across the state collect more than 2,300 pounds of pop tabs.

Together, the winners took home more than $80,000 in

prizes.

Wetumpka Elementary presents fall music program By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor

Wetumpka Elementary School’s WES Singers sang the songs of Christmas Thursday at the WES auditorium as they presented their Christmas musical to family and friends “These boys and girls have worked very hard at learning Christmas music and all kinds of

songs,” said Bonnie Sullivan, WES principal. “Our music teacher, Ms. (Sarah) Swendenburg has done a wonderful job.” Sarah Swedenburg, WES music teacher, is one of only two full-time elementary music teachers in the Elmore County school system, she said. The other full-time elementary music teacher is at Coosada Elementary School, she added.

“It’s pretty incredible,” she said. “I can’t believe I get paid to teach kids music every day. It’s just a great experience that I even get to do this for a living.” “This program was submitted to a publishing company named Music K-8,” she said. “We used that and changed one of the songs and made it our own. The kids have been working for about

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John Peeler / The Herald

Wetumpka Elementary School’s WES Singers bring songs of Christmas cheer Thursday at the WES auditorium as they presented their Christmas musical to family and friends.

two months to put this program on and every morning for the past two weeks and they’ve been here after school (once) this week, as well. This is not something that goes on during school.” The music students put on two programs and year, Swedenburg said,

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with the Christmas musical the last program of the year. “Normally we put on a program during the spring and one during the fall, the Christmas program,” she said. Although the Christmas program was the last of the year at WES, you will

Bond

be able to see and hear more of the talent from WES during Christmas on the Coosa. “We are going to have the first and second grade sing at Christmas on the Coosa at 11 a.m. down by Gold Star Park,” Sullivan said.

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inside Hicks’ car. Next to the boy also was a brown paper bag of multiple handguns. Emergency medical technicians said the boy had bruises all over his body and extreme bruising to the groin area. A Bay County sheriff’s incident report indicates McLeod admitted to abusing the boy, including striking his testicles. An Elmore County Sheriff’s investigator told the Herald in September that doctors said it was the worst abuse they had seen of a child who had survived. McLeod was charged with chemical endangerment of a child when an initial

toxicology reports indicated the 4-yearold boy had drugs in his system. Houston said the drugs in question were not illegal drugs but various prescription medications that boy should not have been taking at all. McLeod’s court-appointed attorney lobbied to have his client put into rehab, but that was also denied by Goggans. Hicks remains in Bay County, Florida, on charges of child neglect. He will then be extradited to Elmore County, where he will face charges of child abuse and chemical endangerment of a child.

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Area Calendar

Community

and tickets

Redland Community Association When: Dec. 12, 9 a.m. Where: Redland Volunteer Fire Station #2 (corner of Redland and Jackson roads) Details: An opportunity to visit with fellow Redland community members and to become active on issues, problems and projects for improving the Redland community. For info, call Dan McGinty at 334-207-0104. Christmas on the Coosa When: Dec. 12 Where: Downtown Wetumpka Details: 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. -- Character Breakfast in the Wetumpka Civic Center; 10 a.m. -- Arts & Crafts; 2 p.m. -- Parade; 3 p.m. -- So You Think You Can Cook, Wetumpka? in Gold Star Park; Boat Parade -- 5:30 p.m.; Fireworks -- 6 p.m. Southside Middle School Christmas Concert When: Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High Auditorium What a Wonderful Christmas Concert Series When: Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: The LeFevre Quartet and Wilburn & Wilburn will be part of the concert. Tickets are $10 each with all proceeds benefiting the Elmore County Food Pantry. NAACP Christmas Social and Canned Food Drive When: Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. Where: MLK Recreation Center, Wetumpka Details: The newly reorganized Elmore County NAACP 5026 invites all to aid the Elmore County Food Pantry. All are encouraged to bring two canned goods and two other non-perishable food items. The meet and greet is open to all. Call Bobby Mays at 334-475-0795 or Wanda Penn at 334-220-1554 for more information. Tallassee High School Christmas Concert When: Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High Auditorium Wetumpka Depot Players present â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Holiday Bugâ&#x20AC;? When: Dec. 16-18, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 10 a.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: The Holiday Bug is a Puppet performance perfect for all ages. The Christmas production is recommended for ages 7 and up with plenty of clean entertainment for the adults, too. Call 334-868-1440 for more information

Idol County, California, where worked with producer Daniel Martin. Meuseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first single released â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doneâ&#x20AC;? was a much â&#x20AC;&#x153;darkerâ&#x20AC;? country song than her upcoming single, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much more happy and light than â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Done,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yea, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a past relationship, but this is a song which I hope will empower those who have been in a failed and one-sided relationship.â&#x20AC;? Since finishing fourth on American Idol in 2014, Meuse has been traveling all over the country performing and appearing at various venues. She has been invited to perform Jan. 21 at the National Association of Music Merchants Convention in Anaheim, California.

DECEMBER 12-13, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 3

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert When: Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Where: Davis Theatre, Troy Montgomery Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It is a free concert, but canned food donations are appreciated. Call 334-953-3500 for more information. Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House When: Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Millbrook Chamber of Commerce City of Wetumpka Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Party When: Dec. 20, 2-4 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Families will arrive at Wetumpka Civic Center for a delicious lunch provided by Wind Creek Hospitalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Good to Goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; food truck. After lunch, the children will go up onto the stage and the staff from the Wetumpka Police Department and the City of Wetumpka will hand out gifts. Auditions for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steel Magnoliasâ&#x20AC;? When: Dec. 20, 2 p.m.; Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: The Wetumpka Depot Players announce auditions for the first show of their 36th season. Director Carol Thomaston Heier asks that those auditioning be prepared with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;southern storyâ&#x20AC;? to share (less than 2 minutes) as well as cold readings from the script. Camp Chandler Christmas Camp Fun When: Dec. 20-22 Where: Camp Chandler Details: Children ages 5-14 are welcome. Activities will include fishing, archery, riflery, canoes, broom hockey, field games, pedal boats, putt putt, campfire with sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores, holiday crafts, Christmas goodies, Christmas tree trimming, a party, and more! YMCA members $105, non-members $120. For info, call 334229-0035. A Christmas Gathering When: Dec. 21, 6 p.m. Where: Historic 1987 Superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House on Lower Tuskegee Road Details: Sponsored by the Tallassee Historical Preservation Society. Elmore County Seniors Christmas Party When: Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Doster Memorial Community Center, Prattville Details: The senior services in conjunction with the Central Alabama Aging Consortium

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Meuse isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done with music shows, either. She is auditioning in Atlanta the week after the NAMM convention for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been writing a lot more and exploring instrument options,â&#x20AC;? Meuse added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been learning to play the baritone guitar.â&#x20AC;? Meuse said she still wants to record an album, but has been keeping herself busy with appearances and performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just need to buckle down and look for a place to record,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until then, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to perform as much as I can to share my music with others.â&#x20AC;?

and Parks and Recreation of Prattville, will be hosting a Christmas Ball for the senior citizens in the community. It is dedicated to the senior citizens whom we serve on a daily basis at our senior centers. City of Wetumpka New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Celebration When: Dec. 31 Where: Downtown Wetumpka Details: The eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities will open with a POW/MIA observance and torch ceremony at 9 p.m. on the grounds of the Old Elmore County Courthouse. Other activities, ,including a DJ and concessions will begin at 9:30 p.m. in the lower parking lot behind the Wetumpka administrative building. The asteroid fall will be at midnight, followed by a fireworks grand finale. Attendees are welcome to bring tents, tables, chairs, blankets, fire pits, etc. This is a family event. Free. Camp Chandler New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bash When: Dec. 31-Jan. 1 Where: Camp Chandler Details: Children ages 5-14 are welcome. Activities will include fishing, archery, riflery, broom hockey, field games, pedal boats, canoes, putt putt, and more. Camp Chandler campers will bring in the new year with a party, fireworks and even a ball drop. YMCA members $40, non-members $50. For info, call 334-229-0035. Self-Defense Class When: Jan. 11 Where: Tallassee Recreation Center Details: Contact the recreation department if you are interested in a self-defense class. The class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. Cost would be $55. Call 334-283-4726. Taste of Elmore County When: Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Purchase tickets at the food pantry. McCraney-Cottle Arts Council presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alice in Wonderlandâ&#x20AC;? When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: A Missoula Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre production offers attendees on a whimsically madcap, fun-filled fantasy. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call Mona Mills at 334-2014892 for more information.

MLK Celebration When: Jan. 17, 3 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Various pastors of area churches and other leaders will be on hand to speak during this MLK celebration. 21st Annual MLK March When: Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. Where: March will start at Rogers Chapel AME Zion Church at 209 W. Bridge St. Details: The march will continue from the church across the Bibb Graves Bridge. 2016 Candidate Fair When: Jan. 18, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Get a chance to meet the area candidates running in the March 1 primary. Taste of Elmore County When: Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Purchase tickets at the food pantry. Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade When: Jan. 30, 9 a.m. Where: Village Green, downtown Millbrook Details: Festival grounds with various rides for children and vendors will open at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at noon.

Sports & Outdoors Christmas at ANC When: Dec. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Alabama Wildlife Federation NaturePlex, Millbrook Details: Learn how to create your own nature ornament, get pictures with Santa, enjoy our Christmas movie special, and make sure to go on the hay ride! Christmas is always fun here at the ANC, we will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. Admission is $5 per person. Slapout Strikeout 5K Walk/Run and Kids 1 mile Home Plate Dash When: Jan. 16 Where: Holtville High School Details: Registration is $25 per person for 5K runners; Registration is 10 and Under Home Plate Dash runners is $15. Proceeds benefit the Holtville High Softball Team.

Government Elmore County BOE Meeting When: Dec. 14, 4:30 p.m. Where: Elmore County Board of Education board room, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office before 4 p.m. Elmore County Commission Meeting When: Dec. 14, 5 p.m. Where: Old Elmore County Courthouse Details: A work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Tallassee City Council Meeting When: Dec. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Tallassee City Hall

Seniors â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prime Timeâ&#x20AC;? activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, 12 to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. New Regularly Scheduled Activities DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball! Bridge - Wanted: Bridge players

EOC E-911 administrative office, while increasing coordination and collaboration between the agencies, said Eric Jones, the director of the EMA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are really excited to be moving in and getting everyone situated,â&#x20AC;? Jones said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve (EMA) been here since Oct. 1, but (the sheriffs) dispatch is set up and operating and we are really looking forward to the dedication ceremony.â&#x20AC;? With local access to weather information, Jones said it is supposed start raining on Sunday and ending early morning, but said he hoped the rain holds off until after the ceremony. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ceremony will take place outside the center,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just hoping the weather holds together and that we have a decent day.â&#x20AC;? Jones said in case

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

continued from page 1

of inclement weather, the ceremony would be moved inside. Attending and speaking at the ceremony will be Lt. Governor Kay

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OPINION

Kenneth Boone, Publisher John W. Peeler, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of The Wetumpka Herald

Page 4 • DECEMBER 12-13, 2015

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

The Herald strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Your View What’s the Republican plan for beating ISIS? Wetumpka City Council W decision is shocking Dear Editor, The decision by Wetumpka City Council members to not allow folks who live outside the city limits to speak at the council meetings is shocking. Their efforts to spend thousands of dollars to make downtown attractive to new business and shoppers just went further down the tube. If they (mayor and council members) do not want



non-residents to make suggestions and inputs to their governing body then lets show them we can shop and do business elsewhere. Starting immediately my family and many friends will shop out of town and not give them another cent in taxes! Dee White Titus AL

YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.?

 WRITE: Your View The Wetumpka Herald P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092  EMAIL: News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com

hen I listen to Republicans talk tough about ISIS, I’m reminded of a old Steve Martin joke: “You can be a millionaire and never pay taxes! Yes, you can be a millionaire and never pay taxes! And you say, ‘Steve, how can I become a millionaire and never pay taxes?’ OK, first? You get a million dollars.” On ISIS, Republicans are basically saying, “Unlike Obama, we have a brilliant idea for how to wage this war. Our idea is, we’re gonna beat those terrorists. How? By beating them.” All the Republican presidential candidates predictably dissed the president’s Sunday night Oval Office address, but when you look beyond their bluster and parse the purported substance of their positions, it’s clear that A.) they’d mostly do what Obama is already doing, and/or B.) they’re mostly clueless about what to do differently. They mask their weaknesses by amping up the rhetoric. Jeb Bush says, “We need a wartime commander-in-chief who is ready to lead this country and the free world to victory.” Ted Cruz vows that if he becomes president, he will simply “direct the Defense Department to destroy ISIS.” Lindsey Graham says, “I would kill every one of these bastards.” But how about some substantive policy details? How, specifically, would the Republicans kill and destroy and lead the free world to victory? Donald Trump declares that if he becomes president, “I would bomb the s--t out of them.” Cipher candidate Rick Santorum says, “Let’s load up our bombers and bomb them back to the 7th century.” Ted Cruz, not to be outdone, says that if he’s president,

DICK POLMAN

Columnist

“we will carpet bomb them into oblivion. I don’t know if sand can glow in the dark, but we’re going to find out.” Truth is, the Obama administration is already bombing intensely — roughly 2,200 bombs a month — “taking out (ISIS) leaders, heavy weapons, oil tankers, infrastructure,” as the president said Sunday. Republicans want to put more special-ops troops into the region. But the Obama administration is already putting more special-ops troops into the region — “to take out (ISIS) leadership, to capture (ISIS) leadership, to rescue hostages, to capture intelligence,” as Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said earlier this month. Most Republicans are calling for a coalition of Middle East countries. But, as Obama said Sunday night, 65 countries have already “joined an American-led coalition.” Marco Rubio says that this isn’t good enough, that “America should use its position of leadership” to compel Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to assemble a coalition army — but those countries have already told Washington that they have no interest in doing so. Would they suddenly heed a President Rubio? Lindsey Graham, a longtime hawk, wants to dispatch American ground troops to the region. Bush talks vaguely about that, but won’t offer any numbers. And virtually all the other Republicans agree with Obama that it’d

be nuts to dispatch American ground troops to the region — because that’s precisely what ISIS wants, to harass us as an alien occupying force. So the Republicans have no magic plan, nothing substantive. What they basically offer is a tougher “attitude” (as Ben Carson calls it), and bolder wordplay (they juxtapose the words “Islamic” and “terrorism”). But virtually no candidates have publicly called on the Republican Congress to share the responsibility by formally authorizing the use of military force. Obama said on Sunday night, “For over a year, I have ordered our military to take thousands of air strikes against (ISIS) targets. I think it’s time for Congress to vote to demonstrate that the American people are united and committed to this fight.” But Republicans refuse to signal that commitment; they’d rather carp from the sidelines, because it’s easier to talk tough than offer substance. How nice it would be, in a time of war, if the opposition party agreed to work in tandem with the White House for the common good, to narrow their scant differences on ISIS strategy, to seek unity against a common enemy, to usher in a new bipartisan era. Or as Steve Martin, playing a medieval doctor, famously mused: “I could lead the way to a new age, an age of rebirth. ... Nahhhh!”

Dick Polman is the national political columnist at NewsWorks/ WHYY in Philadelphia (newsworks.org/polman) and a “Writer in Residence” at the University of Philadelphia. Email him at dickpolman7@gmail.com.

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334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 e-mail: News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County $50 One Year Elsewhere $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 334-567-3535. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. NEWS John Peeler, managing editor John.Peeler@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 302 Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com.. . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 Kevin Taylor, copy editor Kevin.Taylor@TheWetumpkaHerald.com.. . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 312 SALES Shannon Elliott, marketing consultant Shannon.Elliott@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . Ext. 309 Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 313

Member

Can’t be a Trump Republican and Reagan Republican

“Y

ou can’t be a Trump Republican and a Ronald Reagan Republican.” That’s the tweet I sent to Jeb Bush the other day, when virtually the entire planet was united in bashing Donald Trump’s call for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the USA. I also tweeted another obvious truth, “If the Republican Party doesn’t dump Donald Trump, the American people will. Trump’s outrageous “Muslims Keep Out” plan — apparently his policy answer to last week’s terrorist attack in San Bernadino — is an embarrassment to our country and what it stands for. It’s also a serious threat to the Republican Party, because it’s being used by Hillary, Democrat hacks in Congress and the Big Liberal Media to smear the GOP as the party of bigots and idiots. Completely shutting down Muslim immigration is the latest — and probably the worst – idea in a series of awful ideas that Trump throws out whenever he feels he’s not getting enough media attention. He launched his political career by promising he’d “solve” the immigration problem by rounding up 11 million Hispanics and other illegals and tossing them out of the country. Now he’s attacking 1.2 billion Muslims. Who will be his next target? Three billion Asians?

MICHAEL REAGAN Columnist

Trump is awful — for America and for the Republican Party. But we’ve known that for months. What bothers me even more than the stupid things the billionaire says, however, are the cheers I hear from the crowds at his packed events. I know those hardcore Trump Yahoos are not all Republicans or conservatives. But when they go nuts over something as idiotic as Trump’s plan to keep out Muslims, it’s scary to me — very scary. Someone needs to tell the Trump Yahoos we’re not in a war against the world’s 1.2 billion Muslims. We’re in a war against radical Islam and the barbaric terrorists who’ve decided that their 8th Century interpretation of their religion gives them the duty to declare a bloody holy war on Western Civilization. By the way, most Muslims are at war against the radical Islamists, too, mainly because they’re the ones who are getting killed by ISIS in the biggest numbers. Many Trump Yahoos are just as confused about what conservatism really is. If one more person comes up

to me and says, “I loved your father and I’m supporting Donald Trump,” I may hit him. Trump is nothing like my father. My father united people. That’s why he won elections. Trump doesn’t unite anyone but confused white people. Republicans are always the minority party. The only way we ever win a general election is by bringing people together — Ronald Reagan Democrats and conservative Latinos, blacks, Asians and Muslims. Yes, there are conservative Muslims. Or at least there were. In 2000, nearly 80 percent of American Muslims voted for George W. Bush. If the Republican Party nominates Donald Trump, it’s certain that Hillary will become the next president and we’ll all lose. Trump is in the process of killing what’s left of my father’s GOP. He spends most of his time throwing people off the Republican bus, not inviting them on it. The GOP has to find a way to stop Trump. It has to nominate a real Republican, a real conservative, who can unite the party around its core principles and show the country that Republicans are nothing like the Donald. If the Party of Lincoln can’t dump Trump and go back to its conservative roots, by next fall we’ll be hearing my father say from his grave, “I didn’t leave the

FAITH

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

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DECEMBER 12-13, 2015 • Page 5

‘Sorry, no room here!’

“S

orry, no room here!” These are the words a child recited at a church Christmas play some years ago. He then closed the door and the play continued. I liked the simplicity of the words. For too long the Innkeeper has been maligned. How often have you heard those same words in church. The truth is the Innkeeper did not say them. At least they are not recorded coming from him. The Bible simply says there was no room available at the inn. There is no record he slammed the door in their faces or that he was harsh in his treatment of Joseph and Mary. There was simply no room. Jesus was probably born in a cave, just behind the inn, which housed and protected livestock from the weather. This was common for that era. In that case the innkeeper must have provided the space. So, what he actually did was the best he could — he gave what he had and provided at least a warmer and more protected area for the Messiah’s birth. Wow! He doesn’t seem like the terrible fellow we thought he was does he? In fact, the words used mean there was no

• A Kempter Christmas: Back to Bethlehem will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The Elmore County family Gospel group will performe their annual Christmas concert. Admission is free, but a love offering will be taken. • Cedarwood Community Church of Wallsboro will be showing the movie, “The Christmas Candle” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. There is no charge for attending, and this program is part of the Church’s Advent and Outreach programs. For more information please call the church office at 334-567-0476. • First United Methodist Church of Tallassee will host a Christmas Cantata at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Everyone is invited to attend. • First Baptist Church of Tallassee will host a musical Christmas drama at 4&6 p.m. Dec. 13. Everyone is invited to attend. • First United Methodist Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 in the

JAMES TROGLEN Columnist

“guestroom” or private room for Mary and Joseph. He tried to give them the privacy they needed. Besides, the nighttime knocking at the door would have awaken all the guests and none of them offered their room to this couple. So now, the innkeeper looks even better. These other guests may have felt bad for the couple, but only he showed some compassion. He gave the comfort he could. In my granddaughters’ Kindergarten class, a little boy had been running, against the rules, fell, and hit his head on the wooden cubbies. As they put it, “He busted his head wide open.” Translated, this means he hit his head and needed stitches. I asked them about the accident and they said he cried. Going further, I asked if anyone else cried. Adeline said, “Well, I almost

did I was worried about him.” She and her sister then made cards and mailed them to him. On one of the cards my granddaughters drew “bad” guys. My daughter voiced concern over this but the tot said, “No, he likes superheroes and he will have his superheroes beat up these bad guys.” So, bad guys it was. Later, they were very worried over one little girl whose family does not observe Christmas. They are so worried that this little girl won’t receive any presents that they are worrying all of us about buying her one. They are too little to understand the “why” of some who do not observe Christmas. In both cases, they not only felt what someone else might be feeling, they wanted to do something to show their concern. In essence, they wanted to express comfort. It reminds me of another story of a little boy. He was suddenly aware of a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants was all wet. How could it have happened? Embarrassed, he wanted to die. The guys will never let him forget it; the girls

Religion Calendar

Family Life Center. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

• Cedarwood Community Church will be holding its annual Candlelight, Communion and Carol Singing Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24. The entire community is invited. For more information please call the church office at 334567-0476. • GriefShare grief recovery seminar and support group will began meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Wetumpka. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon and on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. There is a $25 registration fee to help cover cost of materials. The church is located at 504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka. For more information, call the church office at 334-567-4729. •Community Fellowshippers meet at Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church every third Wednesday at 11 a.m. The gathering includes devotion, program, prizes and covered dish luncheon. Local pastors and families encouraged to

attend.

• Calvary Baptist Church offers a Bible study “War Room” Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Uncle Bob’s Doghouse in Wetumpka. Everyone is invited. Call the church office at 334-452-1931 for more information. •Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church hosts a noon salad luncheon the third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 334-567-4225 for more information. •First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka holds a fellowship lunch every third Sunday after worship. •Celebrate Recovery, which deals with life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups, holds meetings every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church. •Christians of all denominations are invited to participate in a cooperative Bible Study held each Tuesday 1-2 p.m. at 103 West Tuskeena St. in

won’t ever speak to him again. “Please dear God,” he prayed. “I’m in big trouble here. I need help now.” Suddenly, a classmate named Suzie loses her grip on the goldfish bowl she is carrying. It tips over, right in the boy’s lap. “Thank you, dear God.” he silently rejoiced. He pretends to be angry with Suzie and now she becomes the center of classroom scorn. He is rushed to the office and given solace and a pair of gym shorts. After school, the two are waiting for he bus. Suzie is standing by herself, but he goes up to her and whispers, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” and Suzie whispers back, “I wet my pants once, too.” Comfort is doing what you can. Comfort is giving a piece of your heart instead of a piece of your mind. This season let’s try and give a little comfort. If you see me in trouble, help me. Throw a bowl of water on me. Let’s give a little comfort and not a piece of our mind. Lord knows, some of us don’t have any to spare.

Wetumpka The group is self-led and selects a book of the Bible to read through and study together. All are welcome. •Friendship Closet, a ministry of Friendship Baptist Church, is open the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Those who need clothes, shoes, etc. for women, men and children, may visit. •Hope For Healing Grief Support Group meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tallassee. •River’s Edge Flea Market is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Tallassee United Methodist Church. All vendors welcome – new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. Various booth costs available. For info, call Joan Wood at 334313-4913 or Melanie Baker at 334-415-8314. All proceeds are used for church-sponsored programs.

Clay Boshell REALTOR®

Brandt Wright Realty, Inc. Cell:

334.657.6167

www.ClayBoshell.com

When you’re ready to buy or sell call Clay Boshell! Each Ofﬁce is Independently Owned and Operated

AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 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 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 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 514-2881 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 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 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 Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486

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Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 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 567-0923 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 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 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 567-3665 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 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 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 567-0311 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 567-9886

Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, 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 569-2122 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 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 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 567-8339 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 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653

Submit your church calendar items and events to: kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com

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 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 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 567-7750 Victory Temple (Pentecostal church) 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730

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Page 8 • DECEMBER 12-13, 2015

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Wetumpka High School students of the month

Submitted / The Herald

The Holtville High School DECA organization recently visited the Montgomery Muscular Dystrophy Association Office to donate $800 to help send one person to MDA Camp. The organization sold MDA Shamrocks and Make A Muscle Mobiles to fellow classmates to raise awareness and money for MDA. While visiting the office, the students had the opportunity to learn more about the camp and what it offers to those who get to attend, as well as information about Muscular Dystrophy.

Submitted / The Herald

Wetumpka High School recently announced their Students of the Month for November. They are (freshmen) Austin McDowell, Anna Katherine Shineflew; (sophomores) Tavien White, Rebekah Rankin; (juniors) Landry Staves, Brandi Smoke; (seniors) Cody Lewis and Brooke Cannon.

WIN A $500 VISA GIFT CARD What do you do for fun in Elmore County? Where do you shop? Answer questions like these and others in a quick 10 minute online survey. Clink on the link at wetumpkaherald.com or go to pluseresearch.com/shoppingsurvey

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Submitted / The Herald

Sports Wearhouse of Wetumpka recently joined with the Wetumpka Rotary Club to present a dictionary to every third grade student at Redland Elementary School. The Wetumpka Rotary Club, as one of its community service projects, is the local sponsoring organization for a nationwide eﬀort known as “The Dictionary Project.” William Perkins of Sports Wearhouse, third-grade teacher Hollie Lubinsky Redland Elementary third graders display their new dictionaries.

Wetumpka Elementary grooms better students, citizens through character courses By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor

Wetumpka Elementary School is doing their part of helping students become future good stewards and citizens through life-learning as part of Character Education classes throughout the year. Skills such as citizenship, goal setting, responsibility, cleanliness, tolerance, honesty, perseverance, cooperation, self-control, fairness, compassion, respect for others and caring for others, to name a few, are taught throughout the year. “The counselors plan out the entire year an

education skill or something every week,” said Bonnie Sullivan, WES principal. “This week, it’s generosity. Next week, it will be compassion. “Janice Howard and our other counselor, Natasha McMillan, plan lessons according to what the character education trait is for that week and implement that into the lessons. “This week, Sullivan said she was in class with Howard and she thought about a story about being kind and giving, especially around the Christmas season and talking to the kids about those kinds of things.” Sullivan said the

classes makes kids think about those types of skills needed to grow up and be good students and good citizens. “It helps out a lot with behavior,” she said. “Having that every week, (it’s like) going to a counseling session … helps to remind them and reinforce what good behaviors they should have.” Sullivan said learning all the traits they teach in the classes results in the kids being able to carry those same skills into adulthood. “When they get out of a school setting, they’re able to become our productive citizens in their community and in society,” she said.

Please take some time to tell Pulse Research, an independent research firm, a little about your shopping plans. Don’t worry, it’s totally confidential. You must be at least 18 years old to respond to this survey. (You must be a Elmore County resident). In appreciation, you will be entered to win one of two $500 prepaid VISA cards. These drawings are sponsored by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011. For official rules and regulations please click on the “Rules” link at the bottom of the survey website. www.pluseresearch.com/shoppingsurvey

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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DECEMBER 12-13, 2015 • Page 9