INSIDE TODAY SEHS Boys, Wetumpka girls take county titles
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‘I am not a hunter, no sir . . I am not.’
OPINION, PAGE A4
SPORTS, PAGE A10
THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898
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WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 14, 2016
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VOL. 118, NO.47
Enslen: County’s probate judge should be licensed attorney
By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor
Elmore County Probate Judge John E. Enslen told the Elmore County Commission recently he believes that being a licensed attorney should be a requirement for future probate judges in the county.
“I am here tonight to respectfully ask that you serve the best interests of the citizens of Elmore County by passing a resolution which requests our local legislative delegation to have the Alabama Reference Service draft a proposed law for your further consideration – a law that would require the probate judge of Elmore County to be a licensed attorney,” Enslen told the
Commission. Enslen, who is 70, is in his first term as Elmore County’s probate judge. He is a licensed attorney of more than 30 years. However, he told the Commission that he would not seek re-election, so his advocacy for the requirement is not a self-serving attempt at winnowing out competition. See ENSLEN • Page 3
David Granger/ The Herald
Elmore County Probate Judge John Enslen is nearing the end of the fourth year of his six-year term. He says that he will not run for re-election, but is advocating that his replacement should required to be a licensed attorney.
County Board of Education hears request for higher pay for staff
Christmas on the Coosa draws large afternoon crowds By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor
The crowds may have been light on Saturday morning at Wetumpka’s ‘Christmas on the Coosa’ events, but they grew as the day went along, according to Tiffany Robinson, events and tourism manager for the City of Wetumpka. “I think everything went great all week,” Robinson said. “We were pleased with how things turned out. “On Saturday, the crowds were just a little light in the morning. We don’t have any final numbers in, but the crowds in the afternoon appeared comparable to what we’ve had in the past. There were a lot of people in town on Saturday afternoon and evening.” Robinson said the event’s newest attraction, the Santa wakeboardMORE ing show, PHOTOS! was See page 9 inside! well-received. “We may make a few tweaks in the future,” Robinson said. “We’ve got some ideas. But I think it was really well-received. The kids seemed to enjoy seeing Santa performing on the wakeboard.” See COOSA • Page 9
Today’s
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MARKETING MAGIC WHS takes top prize in marketing in South’s BEST robotics meet
By DAVID GRANGER Interim Managing Editor
Wetumpka High School’s BEST robotics team has “owned” the marketing competition at the South’s BEST robotic championships, held yearly in Auburn. It’s what they do. The WHS team took top honors in the marketing competition again at the most recent South’s BEST Robotics championship, held at Auburn University Dec. 3-4. “We’ve taken first in the marketing competition for several years now,” said the team’s coach and advisor Virginia Vilardi, who also serves as the science department chair at the high school. “We have a team of students who market the robot and the company to a team of judges. They have 15-20 minutes and they have to be persuasive. That’s sort of the thing we take pride in and own.” “Bingo” was the name of this year’s robot. In the Auburn competition, he was required to plant corn seeds, harvest and
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Landry Staves, right, explains the Wetumpka High School robotics class’ electric car as other WHS students look on.
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deliver ripe corn, hydroponic tomatoes and hydroponic lettuce, secure loose pigs and feed them, and turn on a water valve. “Bingo” was one of 58 robots to compete in head-to head matches. The Wetumpka team also did well in the team exhibit competition, where it placed third. But more than just the accolades, the students gain hands-on knowledge about the STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering and math. Junior Emily Pinkston got involved in robotics after her sister, three years older, participated. “My sister started in it as a freshman and I just followed in her footsteps,” Pinkston said. “I’ve gained a better knowledge of STEM, a larger appreciation. It’s kind of introduced me to what I want to do, which is pathology, and opened me up to STEM disciplines including the medical field.” Landry Staves, a senior in the program, See ROBOTICS • Page 3
The Elmore County Board of Education held two meetings recently, one special called and the other regularly scheduled, where expulsions were decided, reports made by officials, officials sworn in and the superintendent announced the end of his term. There was little on the special called board meeting outside of a number of expulsions and the acceptance of minutes from previous meetings, however the new Chief School Financial Officer Jason Mann made an impassioned argument on the need for higher pay for support staff with the schools. He proposed that to begin with the accounting staff having the option of taking special training courses annually, which would amount to a $1,000 supplement to their regular pay. Mann said the courses were offered through the University of Alabama and would train the bookkeepers in “every account function possible.” He said the conferences were “hands on,” specifically for local school bookkeepers. Mann said he saw the need for the “supplement” after comparing their salaries to that of other county school systems. He said it would equate to about $12,000 this year for all of the accounting staff who qualified, and ultimately on the highest end it could near $30,000 total for potentially 15 bookkeepers. He said he learned about the policy See EDUCATION • Page 3
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Page A2 • DECEMBER 14, 2016
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Obituaries Alice Hagler
Alice Hagler, 70, of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, left this Earth to rest peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 28, 2016. This loving, caring servant leaves behind two children, James and Lyle Wood, as well as a Hagler daughter-in-law, Rachel Wood and two grandchildren, Charlie and Sam Wood. Her last weeks on Earth were filled with joyful experiences and meaningful conversations with her family; we know her heart was full as it beat its final beats. She will be missed by friends and family, and this world will feel the impact of one less selfless servant to take care of the needs of others above herself. A visitation service will be held in Rincon, GA at Compassion Christian Church’s Effingham Campus at 810 Fort Howard Road on Friday, December 9th from 5:00-7:00p.m. An additional visitation service will be held in Wetumpka, AL at the Gassett Funeral Home at 204 East Charles Avenue on Thursday, December 15th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the My People Fund through the Dollywood Foundation: https://dollywoodfoundation.org/ Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Cynthia Cardwell
CARDWELL, Cynthia Patrice; born on September 6, 1973 passed away at the age of 43 at her home in Elmore County on Friday, December 9, 2016. She is survived by her mother, Peggy “Patsy” Cardwell; brother John R. (Bobby) McEwen; sisterin-law Vickie McEwen; nieces, Catherine Coleman and MaLeia Driver; nephew, Stan McEwen; four great-nieces, Madalyn Driver, Macie Driver, Alyssa McEwen, Chloe McEwen and one great-nephew, Kolbie Driver. She was preceded in death by her father Charles Cardwell, and brother, Samuel Alan McEwen. Visitation will be at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Wayside Baptist Church in Coosa County,
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Police Briefs County Rd 45, on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. George Smith and Rev. Josh Sammons officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. She will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church.
Wesley Adams
Mr. Wesley D. “Pete” Adams, 84, of Auburn, passed away December 9, 2016. He was born October 3, 1932. Graveside services will be Monday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Prospect Baptist Cemetery with Rev. David Jones officiating. Friends and family will assemble at the cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Corinne Adams; children, Amy (Jim) Benedict, Wesley Dee Adams, Wendi Turner, Robert (Rosie) Steele, Melissa (Stan) Woods, Paul (Shelia) Gilbreath, Eric (Celeste) Gilbreath; sisters, Bobbie Kyser, Ann Strickland and Paulette Pickett; brothers, Frank Adams and Joseph Adams; fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www. LoveShriners.org. Online condolences at www. linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
Michael “Grits” Dennis
Michael Aubrey Dennis “Grits”, 50, of Tallassee, passed away December 5, 2016. He was born October 14, 1966. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God with Rev. Tommy Merrell and Rev. Travis Bittle officiating. Burial will follow at Carrville Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be held Friday, December 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at First Assembly of God. He is survived by his wife, Cari Dennis; children, Crystal Hutton (Peter) and Hunter Dennis (Erica); father, Harmon Dennis (Nancy); brother, Tim Dennis (Georgetta); grandson, Judah Michael Hutton; mother-in-law, Pat Rodgers; sisters-in-law, Casi Griffith (Ronnie), Cathi Niner (Terry) and Cinda Davis (Doug); brother-in-law, Larry Rodgers; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Dennis. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial. com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
INCIDENT REPORTS Dec. 5 There was a report made of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a felony, at the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was said to have occurred Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. The item in possession was said to be a clear plastic bag containing a clear rock substance. Dec. 6 There was a report of domestic violenceharassing communications, a third degree misdemeanor, on Chase Drive in Deatsville. The incident was said to have occurred between Nov. 13 at 12 a.m. and Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. There was a report made of theft of property, a second degree felony, and criminal trespassing, a third degree misdemeanor, at Kizzie’s Grocery and Deli in Tallassee. The incident was said to have occurred between Dec. 3 and Dec. 6 at 9:15 a.m. The items listed as stolen were one utility trailer valued at $2,000 and miscellaneous items on the trailer valued at $500. There was a report made of harassing communications, a misdemeanor, on Grier Road in the Wallsboro community. The incident was said to have occurred between Nov. 20 at 7:59 a.m. and Dec. 6 at 3:09 p.m. There was a report made of unauthorized use of vehicle, a misdemeanor, on Rodgers Road in Wetumpka. The incident was said to have occurred Dec. 2 at 6:30 a.m. There was a report made of burglary, a third degree felony, and theft of property, also a third degree felony, on Good Hope Road in Tallassee. The incident was said to have occurred between Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 6:20 p.m. The items listed as stolen were a 32” Samsung flat screen TV valued at $300, a crystal teardrop chandelier valued at $500, a metal glider chair valued at $250, and two metal chairs valued at
$200. There was a report made of theft of property, a fourth degree felony, and burglary, a third degree felony, at Lake Martin Voice Realty. The incident was said to have occurred between Nov. 29 at 6 a.m. and Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The items listed as stolen were 25 ladies dress shirts valued at $50, 15 dresses valued at $100, 10 miscellaneous purses valued at $100, 5 miscellaneous adult male pants valued at $50, 2 miscellaneous boys shirts valued at $25, 25 miscellaneous young ladies shirts valued at $50, and 20 miscellaneous young male shirts valued at $100. There was a report made of harassment, a misdemeanor, on Firetower Road in the Redland community. The incident was said to have occurred between Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 11:25 a.m. There was a report made of domestic violence strangulation, a felony, and domestic violence menacing, a third degree misdemeanor, on Luther Street in Wetumpka. The incident was said to have occurred between Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. and Dec 6 at 4 a.m. The item listed as damaged in the incident was an LG L7 cellular phone valued at $150. There was a report made of domestic violence harassment, a third degree misdemeanor, on North Ann Street in Eclectic. The incident was said to have occurred Dec. 6 at 11:50 a.m. Dec. 8 There was an incident of theft of property, a fourth degree misdemeanor, reported on Peace Church Road in the Redland community. The item listed as stolen was a USPS parcel containing 12 pairs of OWL sunglasses. The incident was said to have taken place Sept. 4 at 10:21 a.m. There was a report of disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana, a second degree misdemeanor, on Lightwood Road in the Holtville community. The item listed in possession was one pill bottle containing
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marijuana. The incident was said to have occurred Dec. 8 at 12:40 p.m. There was a report of burglary, a third degree felony, and theft of property, a first degree felony, on Redland Road in Wetumpka. The incident was said to have occurred between Dec. 1 at 8 a.m. and Dec. 8 at 12:30 p.m. The items listed as stolen were a twelve gauge double barrel shotgun valued at $900, 2 twenty-two Winchester rifles with scopes valued at $700, 10 miscellaneous gold and silver rings valued at $6,000, a green china cabinet valued at $50, a maple hutch valued at $500, a Xbox 360 valued at $300, and 3 standard DVD players valued at $150. There was a report made of a burglary, a third degree felony, and criminal mischief, a second degree misdemeanor, on Lightwood Road in the Holtville community. The incident was said to have occurred between Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. and Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. The items listed as stolen were 20 color digital photographs values at $500, a front door with deadbolt and glass frame valued at $1,000, 2 antique French doors with glass windows valued at $750 and a bathroom mirror cabinet valued at $50. There was a report made of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a felony, on Balm Road in the Wallsboro community. The incident was said to have occurred on Dec. 8 at 6 a.m. The items said to be in possession were one clear plastic bag containing a crystal like substance and one glass pipe containing residue.
ARREST REPORTS
Dec. 4 Jamaine Jaques Mitchell, age 20, of Deatsville, AL was arrested for failure to appear in court for possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. Dec. 5 Robert Wayne Luster, age 43, of Wetumpka, AL was arrested for failure to appear in court for obstructing government operations charge, a misdemeanor, and obstructing justice using a false identity, a felony. Fletcher James Ellis,
age 29, of Wetumpka, AL was arrested on a menacing charge, a misdemeanor. Dec. 6 David Austin Barrett, age 50, of Wetumpka, AL was arrested for a terrorist threat, a felony, and obstructing governmental operations, a misdemeanor. Jeremy Carl Hines, age 30, of Elmore, AL was arrested for failure to appear in court for a use/ possession/ drug paraphernalia charge, a misdemeanor. Frederick Jamal Edwards, age 21, of Billingsley, AL was arrested for domestic violence communications, a misdemeanor. Shynenia Marshny Perry, age 25, of Montgomery, AL was arrested for failure to appear in court for a resisting arrest charge, a misdemeanor, failure to appear in court for a reckless endangerment charge, a misdemeanor, failure to appear for an attempt to elude charge, and failure to appear on a failure to wear a seatbelt charge. Brenda Baker Jones, age 49, of Dadeville, AL was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a felony, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, and promoting prison contraband, also a misdemeanor. Dec. 7 Bruce Harold Hover, age 25, of Montgomery, AL was arrested for failure to appear in court on a theft of property in the third degree charge. Dec. 8 Michael D. Turner, age 49, of Tallassee, AL was arrested on a criminal mischief charge, a third degree misdemeanor. Jennifer Denise Gibbons, age 39, of Deatsville, AL was arrested for failure to appear in court on a driving under the influence charge. Casi Breana Adams, age 31, of Deatsville, AL was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge, a misdemeanor, as well as a possession of marijuana, also a misdemeanor. James Beau Wright, age 34, was arrested for violation of the Sex Offender Registry Notification Act, a felony. Vanda Maureen Whitfeld, age 51, of Elmore, AL was arrested for public intoxication, a misdemeanor.
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 14, 2016 • PAGE A3
Robotics is the team engineer. He’s in charge of everything from design to safety. “What I like about robotics most is the environment,” Staves said. “It’s one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done since I’ve been in school.” In addition to its robot, the robotics class at WHS has also built both an electric car and a small rocket, just more ways in which they develop skills beneficial to their futures in the workplace. The team also regularly interviews with individuals from the private sector to “steel brush” their skills,
continued from page 1
according to Vilardi. BEST Robotics is a national program for middle and high school students that culminates in one of three regional championships, including South’s BEST. Wetumpka High School is part of the War Eagle BEST Robotics hub, which is headquartered at Auburn. In addition to marketing and team exhibit, teams also compete in such categories as engineering design notebook, interview, and team spirit and sportsmanship. Awards were given based on criteria, such as demonstrated teamwork, a positive attitude and enthusiasm,
school and community involvement, and creativity. Now in its 23rd year nationally, 2016 marked the 16th year of the South’s BEST championship. The BEST Robotics program is the only such program in the nation that is available to all schools at no cost. The not-for-profit, all-volunteer program challenges students to design, build and market a robot to use in a six-week-long series of competitions, culminating in the South’s BEST championship.
Education through its practice in the state department and said it was an effort at retaining the bookkeepers. District Three representative Mark Nelson said he wanted to see the averages from other schools and requested that the board be cautious when implementing more pay without doing so across the board for all departments. He also brought up recent four-percent raises. Mann said even with the raises the bookkeepers earned roughly about $19,000 to $20,000 where most local school accountants earned $27,000-35,000. “A kid can go make $19,000 at a part-time job,” said Mann. Both Superintendent Andre Harrison along with the Chairperson and District Four Board Member Michael Morgan expressed their concern at the high turnover of bookkeepers. Ultimately Mann said the support staff overall needed to have their pay reviewed. He was asked to bring comparisons of pay from other school systems to the board for further consideration at later meetings. At Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting Morgan
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was sworn in by Juvenile Judge Patrick Pinkston after running unopposed in recent elections. Reports were heard from Supervisor of Maintenance Gary Gregory and Projects Coordinator Bruce Christian. Gregory spoke about roof issues at Stanhope Elmore and gave an update on its gym floor problems. He said wood was ordered for the flooring at roughly $29,000 to repair the gym floor, which had been affected by water. Gregory also said on Nov. 28-29 storm damage occurred to the baseball and football and front canopy of the schools. Christian spoke about developments at Redland Elementary School. He spoke about two possibilities for alleviating what he said was the school’s problems with overcrowding. He said a full room addition at Redland would address overcrowding, or the removal of a wall would create enough space for two classrooms. Christian said there was 60 days to make these changes and the recently ordered feasibility study
should be available some time in March. Superintendent Harrison then addressed the board and said it would be his last regularly scheduled board meeting. “I’m not only thankful, but very grateful that I had the opportunity to serve as your superintendent,” said Harrison. He also talked about RES and said he would not make a recommendation without consulting with incoming Superintendent Richard Dennis. Under action items, the November 2016 payroll amounts were approved. And a suicide prevention policy was added to the “Students” section of the Elmore County Board of Education Policy Manual. Senior Coordinator of Federal Program and Administrative Services Celeste Tilley was asked to speak about the reasoning for its implementation. She said it was recently passed legislation under a Jason Flatt Act and requires the school system adopt a policy on suicide prevention through training staff and personnel apart from the student counselor to identify at-risk students.
Enslen “My request is not about limiting my competition for re-election,” Enslen said. “I will not be a candidate for re-election and would not be a candidate even if I were not over the legal age. I never sought to change the age limit for Elmore County’s probate judge as some of my contemporaries in other counties have done.” A constitutional amendment to increase the eligibility age for probate judge in Pickens County was on the November ballot. In Tallapoosa County, legislation was discussed prior to the last legislative session that would have increased the limit on the age a candidate could run for probate judge, which would have allowed Tallapoosa County Probate Judge Leon Archer to seek another term. However, Tallapoosa County legislators did not pursue the legislation after Archer became involved in a “sexting” scandal. Enslen pointed out to the Commission that Elmore County’s superintendent of education is required to have a doctorate in educational administration and the county sheriff is required to have a college degree in criminal justice or the equivalent. “Elmore County citizens for generations to come will be blessed by those laws requiring a minimum level of competency in those two elected positions,” Enslen said. Enslen estimated that there were probably 50 attorneys in Elmore County who would meet his proposed requirement for probate judge. In contrast, he said there were “maybe five” who could qualify as superintendent of education. Enslen said that in 2015, his court handled 166 estates of deceased persons, committed 86 people for mental illness treatment, handled all the condemnation actions related to the widening of Highway 14 in the Elmore area, presided over 73 adoptions and 39 name changes plus 356 additional cases, including conservatorships and guardianships. “Some of these probate court cases involved heated trials – contested adoptions, contested wills, contested condemnations,” Enslen told the Commission. “The probate judge is regularly called upon to make rulings on the evidence on the very spot – during the conduct of the trial. The judge sustains or overrules the objection based on the law of evidence. The same 98 rules of civil procedure that apply to the circuit courts now apply to the probate court. That was not the case in previous administrations. “The probate judge can’t stop the trial and take the time to call a real lawyer and ask him how the judge should rule. What is ironic is the fact that a person cannot represent a client before the probate judge unless that person is a trained and licensed attorney. In the end, Enslen said that instituting the requirement that a licensed attorney serve as probate judge is
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“logical.” The people are not going to be served well by someone who doesn’t have the best qualifications for the job. It’s just that simple. It’s amazing to me that something that is so logical could have opposition to it.” And Enslen said, as with everything, there is opposition to his proposal. “There’s always opposition to everything and the opposition comes from people who it affects personally,” Enslen said. “That said, the opposition needs to be speaking for their own case. I don’t need to be speaking for the opposition. “But I can’t tell you how many people asked me when I was running if I was a licensed attorney because they knew this position needed a licensed attorney. It’s a joke to try to hold one of these hearing with a lot at stake in the judges office, with, ‘Everybody just come on in and let’s see what we can work out.’ Some of these things don’t work that way.” Enslen said that two members of the Commission strongly support him and the other two are “mildly in favor” of it, but being influenced by the opposition. He also says there is one member of the local legislative delegation who might be influenced to oppose the move. “If all of the local delegation gets behind it, it will pass,” Enslen said. “That’s just the way it works in Montgomery. That’s sort of an unwritten rule.”
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Steve Baker, Publisher David Granger, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
OPINION
Page A4 • DECEMBER 14, 2016
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson
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Letters to the Editor
Reader: Justice was not served in Walter Scott case Dear Editor, Justice was not served on Dec. 5 in the mistrial of Michael Slager, the ex-cop who murdered a defenseless man. To Slager, it was another day at the range as he, in the Weaver stance, fired at flesh rather than paper. The victim, Walter Scott, was shot in the back multiple times as he ran for his life. Slager managed to convince one juror that he(Slager) feared for his life. To shoot a defenseless man in the back is the ultimate cowardly abuse of power. There is a special place in Hell for pathetic liars like Slager. True justice will be served after Slager’s time here on earth has ended. The judge had no choice but to declare a mistrial . Perhaps the outcome would have been different if this juror’s loved one had been gunned down like a dog by someone sworn to serve and protect. One needs to read John Grisham’s novel, “Runaway Jury” to get a perspective of how this can happen. Perhaps it’s time to revamp the system to prevent hung juries and make a verdict stand on the MAJORITY of votes, not the system that exists. This would spare costly retrials, but more importantly, the pain of victims families having to repeat the process, not knowing if justice will ever be served. Keith Smith Wetumpka
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I
I am no hunter, no sir. . . I am not
’m not a hunter. I was as a young kid. I can remember living in Opp, loading up in my Dad’s old Ford pickup truck and heading for Fort Rucker, one of the places where we hunted, what seemed like hours before the sun came up. Most times, I would wad myself up in a ball in the floorboard to enjoy the heater. There were also trips to Jackson’s Entry, a mass of timberland just south of Opp that encompassed Onycha, Horn Hill and a couple other communities. The memories of those are fewer and farther between. Then we moved north to Equality and I would occasionally hunt with my father and brother, Dodd, and the Little Kowaliga Hunting Club. But the day I quit wasn’t on an organized hunt. It was just me and my brother out to kill an antlered monster. We were hunting on a road called Cook Road. Everyone in that area knows the place. Anyway, Dodd put me out on a stand on that particular rainy afternoon. He said it was a good place. I saw no deer. I heard no deer. The rain soaked me. Finally, after what seemed like
Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.
DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor
an eternity, I heard the unmistakable rumble of Dodd’s 1969 Dodge Super Bee coming up the road. Just a few minutes later, I heard the honk of his horn – my signal to walk to the road, the car and comfort. I walked straight out of the woods and emerged just a few yards behind my brother’s idling car. As I walked toward him, he hit the gas. Or should I say he stood on the gas. His tires started spinning in the mud, sending the red clay gook cascading all over me. I was covered head to toe in heavy wet dirt as I watched my brother’s car – fishtailing – disappear in the distance. The things I muttered – both to myself and in my brother’s general direction – as I stood there dripping mud on that Coosa County dirt road cannot be repeated. I shouldn’t have known those words at that young age. I waited for Dodd to return
to get me. And I waited. And I waited. And I waited some more. Finally, he roared over a distant hill. While he was still some distance away, I could tell that he was laughing hysterically. I failed to see what was so damned funny. Dodd couldn’t stop laughing long enough to talk. I had nothing to say. The drive home was silent. I seem to recall that, later, Dodd made some weak vain attempt at making amends. He was not successful. That was almost 40 years ago. I’m sure that there is a certain satisfaction that comes with taking a trophy buck. I know there’s a certain camaraderie attached to hunting with “the guys” that is difficult to match. I also know that I will never take that buck nor experience again that camaraderie. And I’m cool with that. I enjoy warmth and sleeping late on weekends. I certainly enjoy them more than I do a deer-free afternoon standing in the drizzle covered in Coosa County mud. Granger is the managing editor of the Elmore County Newspapers of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: 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 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Steve Baker publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com David Granger, managing editor david.granger@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 313 Stacy Adams, marketing consultant stacy.adams@TheWetumpkaHerald.com . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 305
T
Listening is a choice
here are some things I do not want to hear. I do not want to hear fingernails on a chalkboard. I do not want to hear Barney Frank singing Christmas carols. And I do not want to hear Alabama fans talking smack after a big victory. For the most part, I don’t hear any of this, because I choose not to listen. You see, there is a big difference in hearing and listening. We have a choice. I often tell people listening is important for three reasons: it’s the polite and courteous thing to do, you might learn something, and they might unintentionally say something funny. If you’re a politician, it can help you get elected, although, once elected, you’ll most likely forget everything you heard, but that’s a different story altogether. I’ve always been a decent listener, but in recent years, I’ve gotten better. American educator, author, businessman and keynote speaker Stephen R. Covey said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” While I’m sometimes guilty of this, my intent is usually good. I ask questions, so they know that I am listening and am genuinely concerned and interested. Last week, I received a call from an old friend I’d not talked to in years. He lives a thousand miles from me. I assumed he’d butt dialed me, but that was
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
not the case. He intentionally reached out to me, and I’m so thankful he did. We served together in Iraq. For each of us, it was deployment number two to that all-expense-paid vacation paradise. He’s going through a rough stretch. He’s currently going through a divorce and suffering from PTSD. He’s really struggling and just needed to talk and for someone to listen. I’m grateful that I could be that someone. Sometimes that’s all people need, so be there for those who reach out to you. They need to bend an ear, so don’t be afraid to lend an ear; consider it a blessing. Through my similar struggles, I could relate to just about everything he said, so I chimed in from time to time to not only let him know that I was hearing him but that I was also listening and latching onto his every word. I see my counselor at the VA every two or three weeks, and I can’t tell you how beneficial it has been to me. It’s often been said that God speaks to those who take time to listen, and He listens to those who take time to pray. Some days, I find myself in prayer so
much that I rarely take the time to say “amen.” It’s more like “to be continued.” The more I pray, the more He speaks to me. My mind, eyes, and ears are open to whatever He is trying to tell me. I feel it. I see it. I hear it. It’s real. It’s very real when you take the time to listen. Per the Interwebs, hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Listening, however, is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain processes meaning from words and sentences. And sounds…many people hear nature, but they don’t listen. There’s nothing more pleasant and therapeutic than the sounds of nature and being away from the hustle and bustle of city life, even if it’s within the confines of our own backyard within the boundaries of the city. While we can sometimes hear the cars, trains and sirens, we have the uncanny ability to tune all that out if we so desire. You see, we all have the skills to do just that. In most cases, hearing is inevitable; listening is a choice. 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 WETUMPKA HERALD
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 14, 2016 • Page A5
POARCH NEIGHBORS
PAGE A6 • DECEMBER 14, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Winter is the coldest of the four seasons. The e HU ÂżUVW GD\ RI :LQWHU RFFXUV DURXQG 'HFHPEHU er 21, the day of the Winter Solstice. The Winter e Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the h Northern Hemisphere. This is when the North e ern Hemisphere of the Earth (which includes the s United States) is as far away from the sun as n, possible. Without as much heat from the Sun, e temperatures become colder, and the days are y shorter. The Sun sets much earlier in the day n than during the other seasons of the year. In o many places, it is cold enough to turn rain into p snow. Some animals grow thick coats to keep s them warm in the cold Winter. Some mammals n hibernate through Winter. Hibernation is when or an animal sleeps through the cold months for long periods of time. In order to survive the Win y ter, birds migrate south to warmer weather. They y return to their homes in the Spring. People enjoy e Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice o skating. Kids enjoy warm treats, like hot choco late, and they also enjoy playing in the snow.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 14, 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Page A7
PAGE A8 • DECEMBER 14, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
What I want for Christmas
A
a lot to ask because if they won’t come for the Lord, why would they come for Santa? I read my next wish that I wanted all the Christians in the church to start tithing. This time the old guy just didn’t do his belly laugh, he actually bounced up and down in merriment. Then he called all the elves over and said, “Did you hear what this Baptist preacher just asked for?” When he told them they started laughing and rolling around on the floor holding their sides. I gathered from this reaction that it’s going to be another lean year ministering for the Lord. After these first two items I was getting a little paranoid about asking for anything else, but Santa assured me it was okay to continue. So I read my third
s Christmas nears I thought I had better get a little face time in with ole Santa, so off to the mall I went. After all, I had a long list of things I need for Christmas and maybe the big guy can deliver this year. The hardest part about seeing the Jolly Old Elf was pushing all those pesky kids out of the way. For some reason the little ankle biters thought Santa was just for kids. Go figure. Anyway, I finally got on Santa’s lap and pulled out my computer generated list and read him my first request. Just once I wanted every member to actually come to church on the same Sunday. He just laughed his “Ho Ho Ho” laugh and told me he didn’t do miracles, so what was my next request? I guess that was
DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
request of wanting everyone in the church to get along and support each other. This time he didn’t laugh, instead he just looked at me like I had been dropped on my head as a baby. He then told me he could bring peace to the Middle East faster than he could make some church folks get along. As a matter of fact, he confided that most of the folks doing the fussing always got coal and ashes every Christmas when they were kids
their fellowship and spiritual discipline are all necessary to make the church what it needs to be. These things are not given to be taken lightly, but are the qualities that define a Godly congregation of believers. These attributes can’t be unwrapped as a present, but must be achieved through disciplined living for Christ. I would have asked for a few more things but the little kids started crying and their mothers started yelling at me. So I left old Santa to the children and fantasy and returned to the real task of being all that I can be for the Lord.
because they were always on the naughty list. I told him that as far as I was concerned they’re still on that list. My final request was a little more personable. I asked him to make me a better Christian and preacher. Wouldn’t you know it that fat old elf started “Ho Ho Hoing” again. He had the audacity to say I had to start reading my Bible everyday, keep up a diligent prayer life, live a life of service to others and be faithful to God’s will. What I wanted was some quick fix in a gift box that didn’t require any work. Man, even Old Saint Nick expects discipline and commitment. I bet its tough being one of his elves. Most people never think of the church as a place that needs them. Their presence, God’s tithe,
Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired pastor and regular columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. Epiphany will host “Beans & Rice.” The Beans & Rice ministry takes place the third Saturday of every month. At that time the Parish Hall is open to those in need of food, who may choose their preferred items from the selection available. On Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. the “Confirmation and Coffee” Sunday School series will conclude. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist marking the fourth Sunday in Advent, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
• East Tallassee United Methodist Church
On Dec. 18 at our 11 a.m. service, we will present singing “O Holy Night.” During our night service, East Tallassee United Methodist Church and Bradford Chapel will present a singing program. The program will start at 6 p.m. We will feature several bands, our church choir and various other talents. All are welcome to attend and help us celebrate the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior.
• Elam Baptist Church
The sanctuary choir of Elam Baptist
Church with Director Kevin Lanier will present “Bethlehem Morning” Sunday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. This will be very inspiring with solos and special visual effects. You will want to plan to attend and bring someone with you and invite others. Everyone is welcome for this special Christmas music. The Children’s Christmas Celebration and party will follow a short business meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. with Christmas finger food snacks. A special Candlelight Christmas Day Service will be at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25. There will be no other services on Christmas Day. We pray that you can join us for this special service honoring the birth of the Christ Child. There were 60 or more in attendance last year. Join us as we celebrate. Bring your family and make this a tradition. Visitors are always welcome at Elam. Keep Christ in your Christmas. Merry Christmas to all from Elam Baptist Church.
• Salem Macon Baptist Church
Salem Macon is giving Christmas cards again this year. If you would like to give a Christmas card to a church member, put it in the mailbox on table in hallway. Deadline is Dec. 18. Dec. 18 is a big day at Salem Macon. Starting at 9 a.m. we will have a Christmas Brunch (bring a breakfast dish or drink). Then at 10:30, we will enjoy a
Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street
Jason Chesser Minister
Central Baptist Church 3545 W Central Rd Wetumpka, AL 36092 Hwy 9 & W. Central Sun: 10 Bible Studies 11 Worship 6 Worship www.CBCWetumpka.com 239.233.0341 Pastor “g”
Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m. Bible Study.............9 a.m. Worship service...10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.
Visitors Welcome At All Services
Christmas program instead of the morning worship. Lots of singing. Come and bring someone with you. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, we will have an Advent candle service and observe the Lord’s Supper. There will not be Sunday School. We reached our goal of Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes for children of the world. We made 137 boxes! Thanks to all who fixed a box. If you would like to give a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one, see Nancy Stephens by Dec. 4. They are $12 each and will be used to decorate the church for Christmas. We do not have our Forever Young meeting in November or December. Our next meeting will be January 24. Salem Macon is located at 4647 Tallapoosa St, Notasulga, on Highway 14 five miles west of Notasulga and 9 miles east of Tallassee. We would be happy to have you join us for Sunday School at 9:30 and 10:30 Worship Service. Mike Stephens is our pastor.
• Tallassee Church of Christ
Tallassee Church of Christ announces our new minister, Charlie Boddy. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services begin at 6 p.m. Visitors are welcome at all services. 334-283-5437. 209 Gilmer Ave.
• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
“Our Life’s Journey” is an outreach of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Pastor; and Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, Grand Knight. It airs on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com or on your smart phone using the TuneIn app. Dec. 18 - Christianity vs. Islam Part 2 Dec. 25 - Christ Mass Jan. 1 - Once Saved, Always Saved?
• East Tallassee United Methodist Church
The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.
First
“And we know that Presbyterian allChurch things work 100 W. Bridge St. together for good to thoseJonathan who loveYarboro God, Rev. to those who are the Sunday School..9:45 am Morning called Worship..11 according toam His567-8135 purpose.”
Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.
Sunday Services at 11 a.m. Minister Dr. John Brannon There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!
– Romans 8:28
“In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”
Please join us.
Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church
Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church
11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro
Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor
Pastor Rickey Luster,
Rickey Luster, MusicDirector Director Music
SundaySchool..........10:45 School....10:45 a.m. Sunday a.m. Morning Worship....9:30 a.m. Morning Worship........9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m. Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m. Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m. You will receive a warm You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church. Christ-centered Church.
NURSERY PROVIDED PROVIDED FOR NURSERY FOR ALL SERVICES SERVICES ALL
504 Osceola Street 504West West Osceola St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729 •••• Anthony Rhodes Rev.Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries
Need your business to
STAND OUT
Derek Blankenship, Tammy Student Driver:Ministries
from the crowd?
Children's Director
SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m. Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship... 10:30p.m. a.m. Evening Evening Worship..... 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m. Supper.....................5:30 p.m. Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:45 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m. Student Worship........6:00 p.m. Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m. Calvary Kids...............6:00 p.m.
CEDARWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org
Roger Olsen, Pastor Sunday Bible Study..........9:00 AM Sunday Worship.............10:00 AM We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us. Nursery Check out our Facebook page
Call us, we can help!
334-567-7811
• • • • •
Santuck Baptist Church
7250 Central Plank Road
“A Family of Families”
B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Amy Pugh, Director of Children & Preschool Chad Middlebrooks, Students SUNDAY Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m. Worship........................9 & 10:30 a.m. Evening Celebration.................6 p.m. WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record
567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.
Anthony B. Counts, Pastor InterimWorship Pastor Leader Angie Gallups, Billy of Students AngieReinhardt, Gallups, Min. Worship Leader
Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students SUNDAY Morning Worship... ....10:30 SUNDAY School.............9:15 Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Youth Choir .............. ....5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 Sunday School.................9:15 WEDNESDAY Evening Worship..............6:00 Fellowship Meal............5:45 WEDNESDAY Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Preschool/Children’s Missions............................6:00 Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Youth BibleStudy.............6:00 Study.........6:30
Send your church news and happenings to: news@The Wetumpka Herald.com _________ Call or Molly Call Jayne Shannon at 567-7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 14, 2016 • Page A9
Coosa
continued from page 1
Saturday wrapped up three consecutive days of ‘Christmas on the Coosa’ activity, which began with Thursday night’s Christmas tree lighting at Gold Star Park and continued with Friday night’s merchants’ open house and the downtown nativity walk. Wetumpka’s Christmas activities continue Thursday night when the Elmore County Food Pantry hosts a Christmas concert featuring the Le Fevre Quartet and Wilburn and Wilburn, gospel groups wellknown on the contemporary gospel circuit. “A Christmas Concert to Remember” will begin at 7 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 567-5147.
CHRISTMAS ON THE COOSA Top row, Mayor Jerry Willis talks with one of the members of the Wetumpka Elementary School’s Clown Troupe at the annual Christmas tree lighting in Gold Star Park on Thursday night. Right, the members of the Redland Elementary School Junior Beta Club got into the Christmas spirit at the Christmas on the Coosa parade in downtown Wetumpka Saturday afternoon. Center, the Wetumpka High School Pride of the Tribe marching band marches down Bridge Street at Saturday’s Christmas on the Coosa parade. Left, in a photo submitted by Jessica Shaw, Santa showed off his wakeboarding skills on Saturday afternoon at Christmas on the Coosa. Below, The Wetumpka Elementary School Clown Troupe dances to Christmas carols prior to the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at Gold Star Park Thursday night.
SPORTS
PAGE A10 • DECEMBER 14, 2016
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THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Top 10 performances in county showcase By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka junior point guard Jamal Williams (22) drives past Holtville’s Dre Baker (20) during Saturday’s Elmore County Tournament championship contest at Tallassee. Right, Wetumpka senior forward Zekeria Hooks (42) defends against Tallassee’s Hannah Linville’s (22) drive to the basket Saturyday during the Elmore County Tournament championship game at Tallassee.
TOURNEY TIME
Mustangs run down first county championship in 5 years By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Jamal Williams believes Stanhope Elmore winning its first Elmore County basketball tournament championship in five years Saturday at Tallassee will jumpstart his team to reach the rest of their goals. “It means a lot,” Williams, who was named the tournament MVP, said. “Stanhope isn’t known for basketball. We’re just trying to change that. “I feel like we got a chance -- we’re going to win the area and compete for state. That’s how I feel this year. Just keep playing right every game, keep winning. We’ll get there.” The Mustangs (7-3), who won four games in a five-day span, opened the annual tourney Thursday with an impressive 59-53 win over rival Wetumpka and outlasted Elmore County, 61-44. In the title contest, SEHS downed Holtville, 76-62, in a battle of resurgent programs. “It means a lot to the school, to the community and to the program being county champs,” Mustang boys basketball coach Kelvin Stokes said. “I’m just excited for them because they were jumping around in the locker room, almost like they won state. It’s good to see the kids rejoice because you talk to them about hard work paying off. All of these teams are their peers and this is bragging rights, so it’s always good to come in and win it.” The Bulldogs (4-5) won their first county tourney game in recent memory, beating host Tallassee, 70-54, Friday to advance to their first county championship game in nearly two decades. HHS coach Cortes Mitchell felt his team’s runner-up finish sent a message.
“Holtville’s been the laughing stock for a long, long time,” Mitchell said. “Whoever hosts the county tournament, we automatically know who we’re going to play. We got a chance to show them that we’re not a team to be picked on this year. We’re a different team.” Senior point guard Brant Evans guided the Dawgs to the title contest, earning All-Tourney honors, recording a double-double (13 points, 10 assists) against Tallassee. Versus Stanhope, Evans poured in a game-high 25 points. “I feel Brant is one of the best point guards in the county. When Brant goes, we all go as a team,” Mitchell said. “He’s a big piece of what we’ve got going on right now, and right now he’s averaging 25 points a game, eight assists. When you have Brant, you feel pretty good about whoever you’re going up against.” But Evans, along with freshman Dre Baker’s 15 points, weren’t enough to stop SEHS. Mustang 6-foot-7 senior forward Zech Byrd notched 10 points, 10 rebounds in the first quarter and ended with 21 points and 13 boards. Williams had 16 points. Despite averaging 18 points per game for Stanhope in the tournament, the junior guard had no idea he’d be named MVP. “We’ve got a 6-foot-7 player (Byrd), so I just try my hardest. Play hard every game, just try to make sure we win,” Williams said. “I work hard every day in the gym. My teammates just look for me when I’m open and I just knock down the shots.” The Mustangs travel to Greenville next Tuesday and Holtville will compete in the Horseshoe Bend Invitational this weekend.
Lady Indians stay hot to win county championship
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Wetumpka brought its hot streak and built on it, burning the competition to take the 2016 Elmore County Tournament championship Saturday, beating host Tallassee, 48-33. Winning two straight before the tournament, the Lady Indians continued their roll through rival Stanhope Elmore, 54-36, in the opening round, then Elmore County, 57-28, in the semifinals, before earning the title for its fifth consecutive victory. “We put a lot of focus on it,” WHS girls basketball coach Jermel Bell said. “It started last week against Stanhope. We’ve been playing pretty good, and it was like, ‘let’s continue winning.’ A great win. This is my first county championship as a coach. “I’m pleased with the kids and how well we’re playing right now.” After losing in the first round to Tallassee last season, defense carried the team back to the top of the county. And senior forward Zerekia Hooks led with her defensive presence, earning county tourney MVP honors, averaging near a double-double at eight points, eight rebounds per game. “I was shocked (being named MVP),” Hooks said. “My team worked really hard to get what we had to get. But I was shocked.
“We just work really hard. There’s no other way around it, we just work really hard in practice, outside practice. We get back on defense and that’s how we win ballgames.” Hooks helped set the tone for Wetumpka in the championship contest. The 5-foot-8 senior hit a turnaround jumper with 11 seconds to go in the opening quarter for the game’s final lead change, putting WHS up, 6-5. Hooks finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six blocks. “As the tournament went on these three days, she played big in rebounding, blocking shots and scoring. She’s playing solid defense and she’s protecting the basket for us big time,” Bell said of Hooks. “Out of five-game streak, she’s came close to a tripledouble. She’s right there on the verge of getting her first triple-double. We’re trying to get her involved in the game as much as possible. If she goes, the team goes.” Junior guard Tyauna Ferguson scored 16 points, 14 in the fourth period, to usher the Lady Tribe to the county tourney title. “We knew that last year we came in and lost. But this year, we knew that this is what we wanted,” Hooks said. “So we just worked really hard, and we thought about last year, and we wanted revenge. We got it.” WHS hosted Park Crossing Tuesday and opens Class 6A, Area 6 play at Benjamin Russell Thursday.
WHS’s McKissick inks with Wallace-Hanceville By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Sydney McKissick waited two years to crack the Wetumpka lineup. Patiently biding her time behind upperclassmen, the speedy outfielder didn’t waste the opportunity to improve her game. Becoming a starter last season as a junior, that perseverance and work ethic flourished this summer with a scholarship offer from Wallace State Community College, where McKissick signed Thursday to play softball. “I think it made me become a better
player by waiting for my chance,” the senior said. “I think if I would have played varsity early, I wouldn’t be a better player than I am today. If I would’ve sat the bench more instead of getting more playing time like I have.” Verbally committing to WallaceHanceville back in July, McKissick again had to wait to realize her dream and sign with the Lions four months later. “It’s been kind of anxious. I’ve been waiting for this day since I started high school,” she said. “I feel pretty good about it. It’s actually pretty exciting.” In her first full season, the centerfielder continued to improve throughout the cam-
paign to hit .415 with 26 RBIs and 33 runs for the Lady Indians, who saw their season end at regionals. McKissick picked up a First-Team All-Area selection. No longer playing the waiting game, McKissick plans to go get want she wants out of her final season and for her teammates. “I take softball seriously, that’s my passion. That’s my passion and I don’t mess around with it,” McKissick said. “If I want something, then I’m going to work to get it. “My goal for my senior year is to be the leadoff batter and starting centerfielder again, to make it to regionals and just to get better.”
Teams made a lasting stamp this year at the annual Elmore County Basketball Tournament at Tallassee. Here’s the top 10 performances from the county’s best players: 1. Jamal Williams, Stanhope Elmore – “Nobody can guard me.” That’s how Williams described his mentality on the court after the tournament that he used as his coming-out party. The junior averaged 18 points per game, helping lead the Mustangs to their first county championship in five seasons, and earning MVP honors. 2. Brant Evans, Holtville – Bulldog boys basketball coach Cortes Mitchell believes Evans is the best point guard in Elmore County, and he may be right. Evans, a senior, carried his team to its first county tourney title game appearance in recent memory and didn’t shy away from the big stage, scoring 25 points. 3. Zekeria Hooks, Wetumpka – Hooks did it all for the Lady Indians, and they needed all of it to recapture county supremacy. In the championship game versus Tallassee, the senior forward turned in 11 points, six rebounds and six blocks en route to being named MVP. 4. Zech Byrd, Stanhope Elmore – You can sum up Byrd’s performance by looking at the first quarter of the championship contest versus Holtville where the senior had a double-double in eight minutes of play. The 6-foot-7 senior and Florida football commit averaged a double-double, 18 points and 13 rebounds, solidifying SEHS’s 1-2 punch with Williams. 5. Tyauna Ferguson, Wetumpka – The junior speedster ended the tournament on a high note, pouring in 14 points in the final period of the title game to ensure the Tribe’s victory. Ferguson had scored 11 points in both earlier round contests and had one made field goal entering the fourth where WHS lead, 26-21, with eight minutes to go. 6. Keedrick Adams, Wetumpka boys – Adams (5-foot-10) attacked the basket without hesitation for the Tribe early, taking on Stanhope’s Zech Byrd (6-foot-7). Once the junior point guard went to the bench late in the second period, WHS suffered and couldn’t remain out front as the Mustangs pulled away. Adams finished with a team-high 16 points. 7. Dalayiah Crawford, Stanhope Elmore girls – The junior point guard helped the Lady Mustangs jump out to a commanding 14-6 lead over rival Wetumpka, netting six points in the first quarter. Crawford was able to play fast in space early, but the Lady Indian defense adjusted, holding her to just 16 points in the county tournament opening round game. 8. Kierra Harden, Elmore County – For a freshman in her first year ever playing to record 8 points and 10 rebounds against Wetumpka and eventual MVP Zekeria Hooks says a lot about how big Kierra Harden stepped up for the Lady Panthers. 9. Will Venable, Elmore County – The Panthers lost their rhythm in the second half against eventual champs Stanhope. For the first time this season, Venable led his team in scoring, 14 points, highlighted by his 3-point prowess, but the senior couldn’t keep ECHS afloat. 10. E.J. Rogers, Wetumpka boys – Rogers’ sharpshooting was a bright spot in Wetumpka’s opening round loss. The sophomore sank three 3-pointers, the last of which closing a 12-point deficit down to 43-40 with 5:43 left in the fourth, but that was as close as WHS would get. Rogers ended with 15 points.
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Winter is the coldest of the four seasons. The e HU ¿UVW GD\ RI :LQWHU RFFXUV DURXQG 'HFHPEHU er 21, the day of the Winter Solstice. The Winter e Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the h Northern Hemisphere. This is when the North e ern Hemisphere of the Earth (which includes the s United States) is as far away from the sun as n, possible. Without as much heat from the Sun, e temperatures become colder, and the days are y shorter. The Sun sets much earlier in the day n than during the other seasons of the year. In o many places, it is cold enough to turn rain into p snow. Some animals grow thick coats to keep s them warm in the cold Winter. Some mammals n hibernate through Winter. Hibernation is when or an animal sleeps through the cold months for long periods of time. In order to survive the Win y ter, birds migrate south to warmer weather. They y return to their homes in the Spring. People enjoy e Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice o skating. Kids enjoy warm treats, like hot choco late, and they also enjoy playing in the snow.
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INSIDE PAGE B2
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 14, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 50
Outdoors Without Limits Local group empowers disabled
PUNKIN’S PATTIES Bush’s Grocery boasts ‘best burger’ in county By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor
through outdoor sporting activities By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Elmore County chapter of a group that works to empower those with disabilities through outdoor sporting activities will soon hold its third hunt, and the chapter’s president is encouraging both hunters and volunteers to join. Mike Grizzell said he was astounded at the effect Outdoors Without Limits has on those coping with disabilities. He said he speaks from experience as well, being left unable to walk from a workplace accident. Grizzell said he discovered through the group that there are few limitations that cannot be overcome for those with disabilities if they only learn they are not alone, and if there are those willing to help. The Eclectic area hunt is scheduled for Jan. 6-7, but Grizzell said this year they were short on volunteers. He said they were in need of guides and other volunteers for general. He said as a policy they tried to have one guide per hunter; someone who would do little more than be with the individual out hunting. Grizzell said other assistance was needed in
David Granger / The Herald
Shawnique ‘Punkin’” Daniels tends to a several of the county’s best burgers in the tiny kitchen at Bush’s Grocery on Highway 14 in the Claude community. Right, the burgers at Bush’s Grocery are so famous they have their own t-shirts proclaiming them best in the county.
See OUTDOORS • Page 3
Obituaries Wesley “Pete” Adams
Mr. Wesley D. “Pete” Adams, 84, of Auburn, passed away December 9, 2016. He was born October 3, 1932. Graveside services will be Monday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Prospect Baptist Cemetery with Rev. David Jones officiating. Friends and family will assemble at the cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Corinne Adams; children, Amy (Jim) Benedict, Wesley Dee Adams, Wendi Turner, Robert (Rosie) Steele, Melissa (Stan) Woods, Paul (Shelia) Gilbreath, Eric (Celeste) Gilbreath; sisters, Bobbie Kyser, Ann Strickland and Paulette Pickett; brothers, Frank Adams and Joseph Adams; fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www. LoveShriners.org. Online condolences at www. linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
If you’re looking for the best burger in Elmore County, it’s not difficult to find. In fact, the place to find it is clearly marked. It’s on a portable marquee in front of the most unlikely little grocery you could find, Bush’s Grocery, located in the Claude community, just a few yards west of the intersection of Highways 63 and 14. “I’m on the grille, so you know it’s gonna be good,” says Shawnique “Punkin’” Daniels to a customer about the beefy burger delights she produces in the tiny kitchen at Bush’s. Recently, a group of three doubters had lunch at Bush’s, just to see for themselves if the burgers were all they are said to be. What they enjoyed was, as one of the three put it, “nothing exotic. Just a straightforward burger that’s darn good.” Bush’s burgers come served with or without cheese and your choice of See BURGERS • Page 3
Eclectic Christmas brings crowds despite cold, wet conditions considering the weather being a factor.” Both Nummy and Wright raved about the roughly 200 volunteers Despite harsh conditions and they said were necessary in putting losing a two-day expansion, the on the live-action walk through the volunteers of An Eclectic Christmas traditional Biblical Christmas proescorted what they said was roughly duction. 5,000 visitors through the producWright said he had been involved tion, sometimes amid wet conditions with the program since its founding with temperatures in the 20s. and sees the popularity as a trend. Jonalan Wright sits on the board of “To me it points toward an Eclectic Ministry, the collaboration increased interest and people really of area churches that work to put on want to hear a true message of the the massive production each year. first Christmas and not only do they He said this year was the ninth want to hear it, they want to experiannual Eclectic Christmas. ence it,” Wright. Wright said they had planned on Wright said he played a Roman extending the event to 10 days up general in this year’s production and from its usual eight, but could not even with the conditions he was sad because of weather conditions. to see the eight days pass by. However, the secretary to the “For me, personally, every year board of directors of Eclectic it builds up and we work as a team Ministry Verdie Nummy, said out and then when its here, the first night of the roughly 6,014 registered to of production starts and its like we participate, about 5,000 turned out to blink and it’s gone. It’s over,” Wright walk through the roughly 45-minute said. production. He said it was a testament to the “It was extremely cold,” said Nummy. “That was a lot (of visitors) See CHRISTMAS • Page 3 By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Submitted / The Herald
Volunteers of An Eclectic Christmas escorted roughly 5,000 visitors through the production, sometimes amid wet conditions with temperatures in the 20s.
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Winter is the coldest of the four seasons. The e HU ÂżUVW GD\ RI :LQWHU RFFXUV DURXQG 'HFHPEHU er 21, the day of the Winter Solstice. The Winter e Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the h Northern Hemisphere. This is when the North e ern Hemisphere of the Earth (which includes the s United States) is as far away from the sun as n, possible. Without as much heat from the Sun, e temperatures become colder, and the days are y shorter. The Sun sets much earlier in the day n than during the other seasons of the year. In o many places, it is cold enough to turn rain into p snow. Some animals grow thick coats to keep s them warm in the cold Winter. Some mammals n hibernate through Winter. Hibernation is when or an animal sleeps through the cold months for long periods of time. In order to survive the Win y ter, birds migrate south to warmer weather. They y return to their homes in the Spring. People enjoy e Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice o skating. Kids enjoy warm treats, like hot choco late, and they also enjoy playing in the snow.
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DECEMBER 14, 2016 • PAGE B3
Burgers
continued from page 1
fixings including mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, onions and pickles. You can get a Bush’s burger as a single, double or triple. Perhaps even bigger. “We’ll put four patties on it, if you want it,” said Punkin’ with a grin. Bush’s features seating for 16, but there’s always a parade at lunch getting the burgers to go. You can also get a t-shirt that proclaims the burgers as the county’s best or try any of the other goodies, like fried catfish (served with French fries and “hushpups”), two hot dogs topped with your choice of chili, cheese or kraut, potato salad and corn nuggets. Or Punkin’ will make you a sandwich. Daniels has been on the grille at Charles Bush’s store for going on three years, but she is definitely a seasoned pro. Believe her when she says, “It’s gonna be good.”
Christmas
Submitted / The Herald- Observer
Summer Ross of Elmore County High School is the Elmore County Technical Center Student of the Month for November/December. She participates in the center’s medical sciences program. Summer is shown here with Dr. Jimmy Hull, director of the Technical Center and medical sciences instructor Lori Higgins.
Outdoors helping the hunters get to and from the area. He said the group stays busy nearly every weekend of hunting season throughout the state. “What we do, we’re a nonprofit organization. We take anybody hunting and fishing with a disability,” said Grizzell. “We go all over the Southeast doing this.” He said they traveled throughout all of the neighboring states and even into Kentucky on their sporting trips. The foundation is based out of Winterville, Georgia, but, according to its website, has chapters nationwide. He said the founder, Kirk Thomas, was injured in a hunting accident after being struck by a falling tree. Grizzell said a number of members had actually been injured or disabled on hunting trips, and he said it was a topic OWL tried to bring awareness to. He said at least two members had been disabled from falling out of tree stands, and one of his friends had been killed after a tree branch discharged his gun, a bullet striking him in his chest. “It’s amazing how many people have been hurt in hunting accidents,” Grizzell said. “You just don’t ever know what can happen in the woods.” Grizzell said he became involved with OWL around six years ago, amid a deep depression at what he thought were his newfound limitations after leading an
continued from page 1
dedication of the volunteers and said it was, “hard to get somebody to take off their socks, shoes and eyeglasses and stand out in the 28-degree weather.” But he said, “They don’t mind at all. We do it until the last group goes through and if that meads an extended amount of time, we stay.” Both Nummy and Wright repeatedly expressed their gratitude toward those involved. Wright summed it up when he said, “We sincerely thank our volunteers our donors and our sponsors ... Without them we cannot do this.”
continued from page 1
active and independent life before his accident. He said he had been a “big-time” hunter and was able to resume his outdoors activities when he discovered OWL. Grizzell said it was a major benefit for anyone going through what he described as the depression of feeling disabled. And he said he had witnessed its impact on many. “This organization has really changed a lot of lives,” Grizzell said. He said there were a number of physical adversities he had witnessed people overcome outdoors. Grizzell said a blind member of their group successfully hunted deer and, with his son’s assistance, so did another man who lost both arms in an electrical accident. “It never ceases to amaze me what people can overcome,” Grizzell said. Grizzell said after his injury he had 12 spinal surgeries, and after going on the outdoor excursions with
Out With the Old, In With the New!
others in similar circumstances he said the positive psychological impact was “amazing.” “It gets them out, it gets them to realize there are other people who are in worse situations,” Grizzell said. “There’s somebody always got a worse story than I do, I found that through this.” He said on the Friday night after their first hunting trip they would meet in downtown Eclectic for a dinner, a gun raffle and a silent auction. For more information on OWL, cpntact Grizzell or Mike Venable, vice president of the Elmore County OWL chapter at (334) 306-7336 or (334) 590-0196.
A L A B A M A S H A K E S P E A R E F E S T I VA L
ENDS DEC. 24
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9945 Holtville Road • Wetumpka, AL 36092 1603 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078 334-569-3325 334-283-2795
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RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net BRICK HOME ON EAST PATTON – 3 bd/2 baths, nice home on 16.6 acres that’s NOT in the city limits, $185,000. 2 NEW HOUSES – Tallassee River Hills Subdivision, 1500 sq. ft., 3 bd/2 baths, large open den & kitchen, fireplace, tile floors, granite counters, great location, $149,900. HOUSE IN RED HILL ON 229, 2 large bd/1 LDbath, nice den and kitchen, 32x20 shop, SO 2.6 acres, $115,000. BEAUTIFUL WILLIAMSBURG HOME in Tallassee on Indian Trails on very private 10 acres. 7000 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, great kitchen and den, super nice home, $575,000. LAKE TALLASSEE – 650-ft. waterfront, 3 lots, 3± acres, super panoramic view, good building site, $225,000. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, RED HILL – Formerly The Country Mile convenience store, gas station and restaurant. Will sell only gas station and convenience store or all. Call for details, $245,000. BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME on Little Rd., Tallassee – 1.5 acres, completely remodeled. Very nice, 5 bd/5.5 baths, REDUCED TO $229,000. 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 23 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 13 SOLD – NOW 10 REMAINING. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $299,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. RIVERHILLS SUBDIVISION – Water front lot 181 feet W/F 1.3 acres, Flat great views, $115,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ, zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $89,900. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bd/ 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $239,000. 264 VARNER RD. TALLASSEE – Remodeled house , 3 bed. 2 baths, large den and kitchen, screened porch, laundry, Shop, Very private $189000
PAGE B4 • DECEMBER 14, 2016
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DECEMBER 14, 2016 • PAGE B7
County commission reiterates dirt road policies By RICHIE BEYER Elmore County Enginerr
Elmore County’s unprecedented growth has both positive and negative aspects. One of the negatives deals with unpaved or dirt roads. Many people flee the hustle and bustle of the city for relaxed country living, often leading to the purchase of property on an unpaved road. Citizens relocate to a picturesque piece of Elmore County along one of our 300 miles of dirt roads serving varying volumes of traffic. After a few months, when the “new” wears off and the associated ills of living on a dirt road rear their head, is when most people begin the quest to have their road paved by the county. In a perfect world, the County Commission could authorize and fund a dirt road-paving program to address all the unpaved roads in the county. Unfortunately, the reality is the Commission faces not only trying to make improvements to dirt roads but also must address the mounting number of paved roads that are reaching a critical condition and need resurfacing. The Commission is utilizing its limited funding to address the large investment the county has in its paved road system while at the same time trying to chip away at dirt road improvements. To utilize the county’s resources most efficiently, the Commission has adopted a policy that would implement measures to provide structure to a dirt road improvement program. The plan requires landowners on a dirt road to file a petition with the County Engineer to include
DID YOU KNOW?
the signature of all legal landowners from the road. The petition would inform residents that in order for their road to be scheduled for improvements, all required right-of-way would need to be donated by the landowners to the county, all utilities would need to be relocated to accommodate the new roadway and the road would be surveyed and designed by the county prior to any improvements. These requirements are designed to place the county’s limited resources on making improvements to the selected dirt roads. When numerous roads compete for priority, criteria such as households served and traffic volumes determine priority. While this policy will help identify unpaved roads that the county can improve in a cost effective manner, it is not a cure all. This is just the first step in the process of putting a program in place to address these types of roads and improvements of this nature take time, years in fact, to accomplish. Citizens who live or are planning to live on a dirt road understand that the muddy, dusty, and sometimes washboard road conditions are inherent to dirt roads. Elmore County is not alone in its plight of dirt road maintenance. Mobile County has a link on its web page discussing this very issue (www.mobilecountypublicworks.net/ whatitmeansframe.htm). NOTE: Due to numerous inquiries regarding Elmore County’s Dirt Road Policy, the Elmore County Commission periodically runs this article to inform citizens of the county’s policy.
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CommunityCalendar Now - December 22
Submit calendar items: Participate in your Herald and Observer by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to the.editor@thewetumpkaherald.com or logging on to http://www.thewetumpkaherald.com/.
Today is
• Wetumpka Public Library is sponsoring “Food for Fines Drive.” You can bring a non-perishable food donation in return for a free library card replacement and/or to receive up to $25 in overdue fine forgiveness per family (does not include fines for lost or damaged materials). Food donations go to People That Care.
December 14, 2016
December 15-31
The Montgomery Zoo, the City of Montgomery, and the Montgomery Area Zoological Society invite you to the 25th Annual Christmas Lights Festival. The festival runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Regular festival admission is $15 for ages 3 and older. Admission fee includes entry and one Christmas Lights Festival train ride. Group Rates are available for purchase. For more information call (334) 240-4900
December 19
The Governor’s Mansion will be open for Christmas Candlelight Tours from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The historic 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with holiday lights and decorations. Admission is free.
Now - December 15
Christmas on the Coosa returns to Wetumpka with events throughout the month of December. On Dec. 6 there will be a decorations contest. Entries for the contest must be received by Dec. 2 and decorations must be on or working on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held at Gold Star Park on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Prior to the ceremony kids will have an opportunity to get their picture made with Santa. On Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. will be Nativity/Luminary Night and the Downtown Open House. Christmas on the Coosa will be held Dec. 10 starting at 7:30 and 9 a.m. with the character breakfast followed by the car show running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and arts and crafts vendors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The street parade will begin at 2 p.m. and the Wakeboarding Santa Show will start at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow at 6 p.m. On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The LeFevre Quartet and Wilburn & Wilburn will participate in a Christmas Concert at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
Now- December 18
Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre will be presenting two plays, “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” and “The Mice and the Manger.” They will be performed back to back and for the ticket price of just one play! They will be performed Thursdays through Sundays beginning December 8 and ending December 18. For more information call (334) 595-0854 or visit wobt@prattvilleal.gov
December 12
• Main Street Wetumpka will be holding their Committee Kick-Off at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery located on the second floor of City Hall. There will be a Meet and Greet time at 5:30. The Committee KickOff Meeting will be from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Whether it’s the design, promotion or economic vitality committee, • Main Street Wetumpka needs your help to get the movement started. Come learn about the program, meet your team, and make it happen! There will also be membership forms available for those in attendance who would like to like to become a part of the Wetumpka Main Street organization.
Now - December 18
The Wetumpka Depot Players will present “Cinnamon Grits.” Call (334) 868-1440 or visit www. wetumpkadepot.com for ticket information
December 15
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce and their new partner, River Region Women In Business will host a Meet and Greet at a Free Women’s Networking Event at 6 p.m. at the Chamber Office. Refreshments will be offered. Please RSVP to (334) 567-4811 or jyoung@ wetumpkachamber.org
December 15
• Calvary Baptist Church, located at 504 W Osceola Street, will host a Polar Express Party from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas. They will be watching the movie, having snacks, and a special guest from the North Pole possibly stopping by during the night for some photos with the
Submitted / The Herald
“Southern Landscape,” a graphite on paper by Arthur Walter Stewart, is one of the many works that will be featured in the Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit which opens Jan. 4 at 219 Hill Street in Wetumpka. The first exhibit at the Hill Street location features works by Stewart, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Shiney Moon, Karl Wolfe, Billy Wilson and Genevieve Sutherland, some of which has never been shown.
children.
December 17
• Wetumpka Public Library will host a book signing featuring Patricia Lawson, author of Blessed Beyond Stress: Over 100 Positive Affirmations to Help You Jump Start Your Day, 9:30 a.m. at the library.
December 17
The Ninth Annual Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. There will be activities such as hayrides, Christmas crafts, decorating cookies, a movie special and much more offered from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick will be available for pictures as well. There is a $5 admission fee per person, $20 maximum per family. The Upper Pond will be open for catch and release. Please see the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s website for rules.
December 18
• Central Baptist Church, located at 3545 W Central Road, Wetumpka, AL, will be celebrating Advent. Morning worship service begins at 11 a.m. Call (334) 541-2556 for more information. • The Adult Choir at Central Baptist Church, located at 3545 W Central Road, Wetumpka, AL, will be presenting their Christmas cantata “One Small Child’ at 11 a.m. Call (334) 541-2556 for more information. •Cedarwood Community Church, located at 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka, invites you to come and enjoy all the colors of Christmas as our Praise and Worship team presents this classy and enjoyable cantata under the direction of Rev. Mr. Roger Olsen. You will not go home disappointed! For more information please call the church office at 567-0476 or follow on Facebook.
December 24
MILLBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) – The community is invited to a Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight Service in the church sanctuary on Saturday, December 24, at 5:30pm. Nursery is provided. The church is located at 3480 Main St. Contact the church office (2854031) for more information and/ or directions.
December 24
• Calvary Baptist Church, located at 504 W Osceola Street, will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 p.m.
December 25
• Central Baptist Church, located at 3545 W Central Road, Wetumpka, AL, will be celebrating Advent. Morning worship service begins at 11 a.m. Call (334) 541-2556 for more information. • Calvary Baptist Church, located at 504 W Osceola Street, will have a Christmas Day Service at 10 a.m.
December 28
• There will be a FREE estate planning and asset protection workshop at the Archibald Senior Center located at 115 E Jefferson Street in Montgomery. The educational workshop will be presented by local attorney
Raley Wiggins. Topics covered will include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced directives, living wills, long-term care, Medicaid qualification, and probate administration. They will also cover how to protect your assets from divorce, remarriage, creditors, bankruptcy, and nursing homes. Registration is required. Please call (334) 6256774 or visit www.redoaklegalpc. com for more information.
December 31
The City of Wetumpka will hold New Year’s Eve Celebration behind the Wetumpka Civic Center. There will be a POW/MIA Recognition at 9:00 p.m. at the Old Elmore County Courthouse. Then at 9:30 p.m. Shawn Singleton will perform. The New Year’s countdown will begin at 11:59 p.m. followed by the Meteor Strike and Fireworks.
December 31
Ring in the New Year with the Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve Street Celebration! The festivities will take place in the Commerce Street Entertainment District from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., featuring live entertainment plus fireworks and confetti once the clock strikes twelve. Don’t miss this exciting downtown celebration in Montgomery! For more information, call 334-625-2100.
January 7
• Ivan Parker, a Southern Gospel Artist, will be in concert at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 504 W Osceola Street at 6 p.m. There will be a love offering taken. • Central Alabama Community College Baseball Team will be hosting a baseball/ softball camp. Ages 4-12 will attend from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 13-18 will attend from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The cost is $10 per player. The kids will get a chance to learn baseball and softball fundamentals from current and former MLB players and coaches. Every aspect of the game including base running, fielding, hitting, pitching, and game strategy will be taught. For more information contact CACC Baseball coach Larry Thomas at (251) 533-4059.
January 10, February 14 and March 14
The Wetumpka Public Library, along with the Elmore County Museum, invites veterans and family members to sign up and participate in a free monthly reading discussion program on the experience of war, beginning September and ending in March. Discussions will be held in the Elmore County Museum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: January 10th, February 14th, and March 14th. All books and films will be provided for each participant in advance of each discussion. Recent veterans of the global war on terror are particularly encouraged to participate.
February 25
• The Order of Cimarron presents Wetumpka’s Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Festival at Gold Star Park in Downtown Wetumpka. The Festival will open at 9 a.m. and the parade will roll at 1 p.m. Email oocmardigras@gmail.com for more information or visit their Facebook page.
ONGOING EVENTS • Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church, located at 78223 Tallassee Highway, every Tuesday night at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits, and hang-ups! For more information visit gracepoint.info. • Celebrate Recovery meets at Journey Church, located at 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road every Monday at 5:30 p.m. There is a meal and childcare provided. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Call Larry at (334) 832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com for more information. • Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church, located at 7250 Central Plank Road. This is a Christ centered 12 step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call (334) 567-2364 for more information. • Fresh Start Recovery meets every Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Wetumpka located at 306 W Tuskeena Street. Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For information contact ministry leader Paul Henderson at (334) 201-5428. • Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church, located at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community. Call (334) 567-0476 for more information. • Beginning on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, the DAC Foundation exhibit located at 219 Hill Street in downtown Wetumpka will be open each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Our first exhibit at this location, features work by Dixie Art Colony artists Arthur Stewart, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Shiney Moon, Lousie Everton, Karl Wolfe, Billy Wilson and Genevieve Sutherland. Some of the work has never been publicly shown. For information visit DixieArtColony.org or follow us on Facebook. CHILD FIND: The Tallassee City School System is launching its annual campaign to assist children—birth to age 21—who have disabilities and may need special services. The campaign urges parents, service providers, and concerned citizens to contact Child Find, a program to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities or children who are believed to have disabilities. The Tallassee City School System wishes to notify you of the availability of special education services in our public schools. If you have questions regarding our programs, or if you wish to refer a student, please contact Lynell Carr at (334) 2835675 or Child Find (Alabama Department of Education) at 1-800-548-2547.” AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: A Photographic Celebration of Places, Faces and Activities is the new exhibit featuring Libby Christensen, John Jacobs, Wayne Atchison, Mit Fontaine,
Kay Brummal, Sue Mehearg and Barbara Bryan. The gallery is opened from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 408 South Main Street in Wetumpka. The exhibit will close on January 20, 2017. SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Highway 231 Saturday Night Jamboree at the Alabama League of the South Cultural Center Building at 12814 Highway 231 North in Wetumpka. There will be country, gospel, and rock and roll music in a good atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be line dancing, no alcohol, no smoking and no charge. Donations accepted for upkeep of the building. Contact Ray Funderburk at R&R Music and things at 334991-4682 or 224-850-9804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET: First Saturday, March-December, dawn to 2 p.m. in the area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church. An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission to the public with free parking available. For info, call 334-567-7400. BLUEGRASS JAM: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments welcome - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334-578-9485. SIT AND SEW: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All sewers and knitters welcome. Bring your own sewing machine or hand-sewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org. ART CLASS/ DRAWING AND PAINTING WORKSHOP: Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka For age 11 and older. $32 for four classes or $10 per week. Taught every Saturday by Theresa Wayne. Bring your own tools or use art center tools. Center provides other supplies. For info, call 334300-9394. MASTER GARDENERS LUNCH AND LEARN: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka. Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free and open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/ Elmore/. NAACP MEETINGS: Elmore County Branch NAACP Executive Committee meeting every 3rd Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka Elmore County Branch NAACP regular monthly meeting every 4th Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES:
“Prime Time” 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, Noon 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 nonslip 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!