INSIDE TODAY
Indians take third straight Elmore County title.
Could a dark horse be the next Alabama governor? Steve Flowers weighs in.
SPORTS
Opinion
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THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898
Wetumpka, AL 36092
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
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WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 16, 2015
VOL. 118, NO.22
Emergency Operations Center dedicated By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor
Elmore County officials and dignitaries gathered at 8917 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka Monday to dedicate the new John Peeler / The Herald Emergency Operations Center that officials say they hope will fill the Local county government officials and dignitaries gut the ribbon to the new needs of the county for decades to Emergency Operations Center Monday during the dedication ceremony in come. Wetumpka. Pictured are (left to right) Judge Glen Goggans, Art Faulkner, Planning for the new EOC AEMA director, Elmore County commissioners Joe Faulk, Mark Hragyil and began in 2006, Elmore County Trey Taylor, Congresswoman Martha Roby, Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, EMA Di- Commission Chairman David rector Eric Jones, Elmore County Commissioner Stephanie Daniels-Smoke, Bowen said, but it wasn’t until five Sheriff Bill Franklin and Elmore County Commission Chairman David Bowen. year’s later, following the “devas-
tating” effects of the EF4 tornado that struck Elmore County April 27, 2011, the commissions “diligent search for funding paid off.” “Congresswoman (Martha) Roby and her offices worked very close with county during our response (to the tornado) and saw first-hand the need for a new facility,” Bowen said. Though brick and mortar funding is rare for the federal government, he said, Elmore County received a $1 million grant to build a new EOC. Bowen also said the commission reached out to the
Superintendent off the ballot?
Probate judge to handle own discretionary fund account
Harrison’s missing paperwork may keep him off the March 1 Republican Primary ballot By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor
By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor
The Elmore County Commission voted Monday to turn over the bookkeeping responsibilities as it relates to the $1 per copy fee the Probate Office collects for public documents. Effective Dec. 14 monies collected from the copy fees will be maintained, as well as it’s financial records, will be kept by the probate office. Those monies collected prior to Dec. 14 will be held in the general fund. “Effectively what the resolution is doing is memorializing the changes that were introduced by the 2014 amendment,” said Chris Weller, legal counsel with Capell and Howard. “In that Amendment, the probate judge’s discretionary fund used to come to the commission to approve the expenditures … the expenditures were also more limited at the time. What the amendment did was it basically took the See JUDGE Page 3
Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who Bowen said, contributed more than $1 million more toward the costs of building the new facility. Construction on the building began Jan. 2, 2014 and was completed Aug. 30. “Without (Congresswoman Roby) her office’s efforts, I seriously don’t think we’d be standing here today,” Bowen said. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey said if it weren’t for the work, dedication and vision of Sheriff Bill Franklin and Emergency Management See EOC Page 3
John Peeler / The Herald
Madeline Hall, a fourth-grader at Redland Elementary School, holds Harry Potter’s wand Saturday during the Christmas on the Coosa Character Breakfast at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
CHRISTMAS ON THE COOSA
Wetumpka celebrates downtown Christmas tradition By CORY ARWOOD, JOHN W. PEELER AND KEVIN TAYLOR The Wetumpka Herald
The standard for Wetumpka’s celebration of the holiday season with Christmas on the Coosa has set the bar to another standard following Saturday’s festivities. With perfect chamber of commerce weather (temperatures in the 70s and clear skies), almost 10,000 people were estimated to have taken part in any or all of the various Christmas on the Coosa activities going on in downtown Wetumpka.
“I think it has to be one of the best (Christmas on the Coosa celebrations). We had great weather, great participation and a great turnout,” said Tiffany Robinson, special events and tourism manager for the City of Wetumpka. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Thanks to the staff and volunteers. Everything seemed to have run smoothly, and it was a great success for Wetumpka.” The day’s events kicked off with the Character Breakfast at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Children and adults alike were See CHRISTMAS Page 2
CONTACT US Santa rode down West Bridge Street in the 2015 Christmas On The Coosa Parade and threw candy canes to the crowd.
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A simple case of not having all the appropriate paperwork filed in a timely manner may keep Elmore County Superintendent of Education Andre Harrison off the March 1 Republican Primary ballot. Elmore County Probate Judge John Enslen filed a motion for an emergency declaratory judgment as to whether Harrison’s name will be put on the ballot. The law requires a certificate of administration and supervision signed by the state super- Harrison intendent to be filed on behalf of the candidate with the probate judge’s office. According to the petition, Harrison didn’t have the certificate presented to the probate judge until Dec. 11, which is more than a month after qualifying ended for Republican candidates. ”Where a certificate is not timely filed in See BALLOT Page 3
DA seeks hefty sentence for aggravated child abuse By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor
Randall Houston could not get the photos and the faces of those affected from a brutal beating of a defenseless 4-year-old boy out of his head. The district attorney for the 19th judicial circuit spent much of the weekend to form an act of legislation to make aggravated child abuse of a child age 6 and under a Class A felony with the possibility of a maximum jail sentence of life in prison. “As I looked in that defendant in the eye and though of the way she and her boyfriend had abused her own son, I realized the current penalties for such monstrous acts are inadequate See ABUSE Page 3
Page 2 • DECEMBER 16, 2015
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Christmas
continued from page 1
treated to characters from children’s movies and television shows and had the opportunity to have their photo taken with their favorite character. Across town more than 40 runners lined up to take part in the Christmas on the Coosa 5k and 12k races. Coming out as the top female finisher in the 5K event was Christy Storrs with a time of 29 minutes, 37.057 seconds, while the top male finisher was Kyler Adams at 25:20.693. In the 12K, Lisa Reese was the top female at 59:37.963 and Nick Wolf, the top male finisher at 55:15.718.
Every space in the parking lot out front of the Wetumpka Depot Players was full around noon with muscle cars, roadsters, rods and an eclectic array of entries that fell into one of three categories ranging from pre-war, post war or modern. “I think it was very successful,” said Ron Dickerson Sr., who presided over the event. “We had over 30 cars … they’re a beautiful group of cars.” Dickerson chalked the high turnout up to not only the weather, but to what he called, the amount car experts in Elmore and Montgomery counties. Crowds of onlookers lined each side of the street for the nearly 2-mile stretch of the hour-or-so-plus procession. “I was extremely pleased with the crowds Saturday,” Robinson added. “It was definitely one of the best attended Christmas on the Coosas.” The parade was led by the Wetumpka High School JROTC, Boy Scout Troop 50 and then Grand Marshals, Doug Finlay and Jean Walker. What followed was a multitude of entries from local organizations, churches, businesses, politicians, school bands and sports teams. There were extravagant entries and some with creative spins. One float carried a troop of child clowns and a local kennel presented a walking dog pageant complete with a Rottweiler queen that trailed behind in a golf cart. Some floats spewed smoke and confetti and blared a
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Christmas song over the cheers of the crowd. The Wetumpka High School Indians followed the marching band and handed out candy to children that lined the parade. And lastly, the Santa Clause of Wetumpka ho-hoho’d his way down West Bridge Street followed by the fancy footwork of some sidestepping horses steered by a lasso wielding company of cowboys. Following the parade was a chance for local home cooks to show off their talents with the day’s newest event, “So you think you can cook, Wetumpka?” As the crowd began to thin and the sun began to fade, the crowds jumped back to life at Gold Star Park with the annual boat parade and fireworks. After riding through downtown on his sleigh, Santa hit the waters of the Coosa River and showed off his wakeboarding skills to kick off the boat parade. After the large crowd was dazzled by his own ability to take flight on a wakeboard, thousands of people enjoyed the fireworks display immediately after the boat parade. After having a day to take in comments from those attending on site and after, Robinson said the comments she received were “very positive.” “I had a lot of good comments on the parade and the quality of the floats this year,” she said. “The participants really put a lot into Christmas on the Coosa, and we are so grateful to have such an involved community.”
Corey Arwo0d / The Outlook
(Left) Fireworks ablaze at Christmas on the Coosa. (Bottom Left) At the 2015 Christmas On The Coosa Car Show, Marian Allen won first place in the “pre-war” category with her 1933 Plymouth Roadster. (Below) Fire Chief Greg Willis conducts a routine safety inspection on Mayor Jerry Willis’ cooking in the 2015 Christmas On The Coosa celebrity cookoff.
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Abuse
DECEMBER 16, 2015 • Page 3
continued from page 1
and must be toughened so those who commit them can stare at the four cold walls of a prison cell for the rest of their lives,� he said. The case Houston references is the Elmore County case in which Hallee Lee McLeod was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and chemical endangerment of a child. Her son was found covered in a blanket in September in Bay County, Florida by sheriff’s deputies. The 4-year-old was found with bruises all over his body and was later found he had suffered traumatic beatings about his body and more to his groin area. Should the Legislature vote to reclassify this offense and its punishment during its session in February, it would put the punishment on par with attempted murder charges. The announcement comes a week after Houston’s political opponent Casey Biggs made a political promise to the public that she would pursue attempted mur-
der charges regarding this case should she be elected as the new district attorney. “I can’t help the timing of this,� Houston said. “The timing is what it is. There’s nothing political about this at all.� Houston has been active in having the laws changed following tragic events such as the recent abuse of the 4-year-old. He was instrumental in having the homicide by vessel law passed, and has since introduced the Bart Hart Bill to increase penalties regarding teen drivers and quite possibly their parents who disobey the gratuated driver’s license law. “So this is something that I’ve not done before,� Houston explained. Houston said his next steps will be to find sponsors for the bill, recruit child protective service organizations as well as local families of victims to lay the groundwork for passing the proposed bill.�
Ballot
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the probate office, the probate judge is prohibited from printing the candidate’s name on the ballot,� according to Enslen’s motion. Circuit Court Judge Sibley Reynolds will hear the motion at 11 a.m. tomorrow in Wetumpka. “I am imminently qualified to be superintendent, which is why the board of education overwhelmingly appointed me to serve in this capacity last December,� Harrison said in a statement released to the Herald. “For more than 20 years I have worked in the Elmore County Public School System, working my way up from teacher to administrator to superintendent. We
should let the voters of Elmore County decide who their superintendent should be, and I look forward to resolution of this petition to allow that to happen.� The contention as to whether Harrison is a fully qualified candidate seems to be just within the probate office. The Secretary of State’s website as well as the Alabama Republican Party’s website shows Harrison as a qualified candidate. Vicki Bonner Ward, who is chairwoman of the Elmore County Republican Party, has until today to modify and finalize the list of candidates running in the Republican Party Primary on March 1.
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Agency Director Eric Jones, “let’s face it, we wouldn’t be here today, doing what we’re doing and celebrating this great even.â€? Roby lauded Jones for all the work he had done in making the project successful. “Eric, I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed working with you ‌ for you educating us on how to best serve your needs,â€? Roby said. “ ‌ You know, when terrible things happen, whether it’s a tornado or flood, or God forbid a terrorist attack, while we are all running to safety, these guys are running toward the danger. ‌ You put your life on the line every day when you walk out the front door. I am so excited to see this project completed.â€? Jones, said he appreciated all the kudo’s and was glad he got to be the “quarterbackâ€? of the project.
“It’s easy to be in that position (quarterback) when you’re surrounded by such great guys and ladies,â€? he said. “It’s surely a great pleasure to be in the role I’ve been in and get to serve today. The facility is now home to the Emergency Management Agency our administrative offices and also the Emergency Operations Center ... also the sheriffs communication division is located in this building ‌ as is dispatch along with the E-911 administrative offices. ‌ I really look forward to 2016.â€? The new facility was designed to provide a secure and survivable location for the County EMA, EOC, the Sheriff’s Communications Division and Dispatch, County E-911 administrative office, while increasing coordination and collaboration between the agencies, said Eric Jones, the director of the EMA.
Judge
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commissions out of process and also expanded the expenditures the probate judge could make at his sole discretion. “So, this resolution recognizes that the commission no longer has a role when those monies are expended; therefore, ‌ when the money comes to the commission for the probate office, a check will be cut immediately to the probate judge so he can put it in his own account. And, he will be making the decision about where to spend his discretionary fund.â€? Weller said all the process does is create a process whereby the probate judge can set up his own account so he can spend his own funds. Commission Chairman David Bowen said this resolution coincides with the law that was changed last year to allow the probate judge to use the money at his sole discretion instead of having to go through the commission. Probate Judge John
Enslen was not present at the meeting, but commented on the approval of the resolution Tuesday. “I was totally unaware they were taking up the matter, because no one ever notified me it was under discussion,� Enslen said. Enslen said the account in question is only one of seven or eight discretionary accounts he has.
“Why are they only choosing this one,� he said. “Now that they’ve depleted the account, they want me to manage it. Enslen said had he been at the meeting, he would have welcomed the approval of the resolution. “I’m OK with it. I’ll be glad to manage it,� he said. “Whether they write the checks or I write the checks, I’m still account-
able to them to make sure the money is legally spent.�
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OPINION
Kenneth Boone, Publisher John Peeler, 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.
Page 4 • DECEMBER 16, 2015
“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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The Herald strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Our View Major step taken to bolster national security EOC director, breath R of fresh air
M
onday, the new Emergency Operations Center was dedicated amongst a crowd of dignitaries from the local level to the U.S. Congress. What was special about the dedication was the praise from all levels, regardless of political parties, for the project and how it was handled. The one thing that stuck out, though, were the comments about the amount of work and dedication of Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Jones. In previous interviews, I have found Jones has always been a public servant who has really cared about the people of Elmore County. His caring nature for the people of the county is evident whenever he talks about what this new EOC will offer and you can tell by his enthusiasm that he means it. Everyone who spoke, told of what an important role he had in making the new facility a realization and termed him the “quarterback” of the process. Jones, though, redirected all of the accolades to all of the others that made the new EOC a reality. While I realize there are many who made the project possible, I also realize we need more public servants like him “quarterbacking” more of our positions that serve the people.
ecent terrorist activity has many Americans concerned about our security, and understandably so. Congress has the responsibility to make sure our laws and programs meant to protect our country are working as they should. One program that has been scrutinized lately is our visa system, which regulates who is allowed to visit the United States. Our country has agreements with friendly countries like Great Britain, France and Italy allowing their citizens who pass a security background check to travel in the United States for up to 90 days. This Visa Waiver Program is important for business travel and tourism but also has an important security function. As part of the deal, partner countries agree to share critical counter terrorism information that helps American authorities identify threats and protect the homeland. Amid the rise in terrorist activity, the Homeland Security Committee convened a Foreign Fighter Task Force, which found some lapses and vulnerabilities in our system. Gaps in the system could potentially allow dangerous people to exploit our rela-
MARTHA ROBY U.S Representative
tionships with friendly nations to and gain access to the United States. That’s why this week the House of Representatives acted to tighten and reform security protocols by passing the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Prevention Act. The bill strengthens our visa program’s security with provisions to: •Terminate visa agreements with countries if they fail to share counterterrorism information; •Terminate visa agreements with countries if they fail to screen travelers against INTERPOL criminal and terrorism databases; •Deny VWP status to those who have gone to terrorist hotspots like Syria since 2011 or those who have dual-nationality in such countries; •Require all partner countries to issue and screen fraud resistant
“e-passports” to everyone; •Require annual threat assessments of high-risk VWP countries based on foreign fighter flow, visa denials and terror database matches; •Allow for suspension of highrisk countries until the threat has passed. This measure is an important step in ensuring dangerous people cannot access the United States via friendly nations by exploiting security gaps. Of course, our visa arrangement with friendly nations is important, but we need to beef up security protocols and make sure our partner countries are playing by the rules. My colleague, Rep. Will Hurd, who is a former CIA operative and helped write the bill, put it best by saying “If you get the right information to the right people, you keep terrorists on the run and off our shores.” This is just one step of many that may need to be taken to make sure our authorities have the tools and information necessary to protect Americans here at home. Stay updated on the latest on my Facebook page and twitter feed @RepMarthaRoby.
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Member
Member
Concluding our analysis of potential in the Gubernatorial Derby
T
his week we will conclude our analysis of the potential horses in the 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial Derby. First, let me briefly recap the horses we have already handicapped. The list includes, in descending order, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (18), Supreme Court Justice Jim Main (17), Sen. Greg Reed (16), Sen. Arthur Orr (15), Anniston Mayor Vaughn Stewart (14), Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox (13), Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson (12), Congressman Bradley Byrne (11), Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey (10), Sen. Del Marsh (9), State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan (8), Attorney General Luther Strange (7), Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle (6), State Treasurer Young Boozer (5), and Secretary of State John Merrill (4). The final three horses will be revealed today. Our Number 3 horse is Tim James. James could have easily won the 2010 Governor’s Race. In fact, if the primary had been two weeks earlier polling reveals he would have won. However, the last ten days leading up to the primary unveiled a volley of negative ads hurled between Tim James and Bradley Byrne, which propelled Bentley into the runoff and ultimate victory. Being within an eyelash of victory has got to stick in James’ craw. He may have the itch to run again. He is young and has some personal money to get the ball rolling again. Having run a successful get-acquainted race makes him a viable candidate. That is why I have Tim James at
STEVE FLOWERS Columnist
number 3. The Number 2 horse may be the best-known horse in the Alabama political stable. Chief Justice Roy Moore is by far the best-known potential horse out of the 18 predicted to make the 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial Derby. You cannot run for a judgeship in Alabama after age 70. Moore will be 72 in 2018, so he has nowhere else to go but governor. Moore is in vibrant health and looks young. He is not ready to go back to Etowah County and ride his horses. Therefore, he will run for governor and he will be a major player. Moore will be the religious right evangelical candidate. In a large field this guarantees him a spot in the runoff. However, my opinion is that whoever has the other spot in the June 2018 GOP primary runoff beats him. Folks in Alabama seem to think of Moore as a judge, not a governor. In Alabama State Supreme Court races Moore is 3-0. In governor’s races he is 0-3. The Number 1 horse is a phantom dark horse. This candidate is not on the scene today but they are already the favorite. Alabama political history reveals that an unknown candidate who has never been elected statewide almost always wins the
governor’s race. The list of past dark horse candidates is long and it includes Big Jim Folsom, George Wallace, Guy Hunt, Bob Riley, Robert Bentley and Fob James. The Fob James-like candidate, a successful businessman who sells their business for millions and decides to buy the governor’s office as a pastime, is the favorite. That “Mr. Unknown” is my favorite to win the 2018 Gubernatorial Derby. As I mentioned at the onset of my series on potential horses in what I have dubbed the 2018 Alabama Derby, it is early in the game. In fact, it is only the second quarter. A handful of these horses have already made the decision to pull the trigger or should I say enter the gate. They are already running but a good many of the names I have dropped are probably not interested in running or may run for a lesser spot than governor or take themselves out to pasture. We Alabamians love a good governor’s race and it will be a good one because the office is wide open. This time next year I will repost my analysis of the 2018 gubernatorial derby. In the meantime we have an entertaining race for president percolating. Stay tuned. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
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Whose side are you on?
G
reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! December is upon us. Do we know this because of the plethora of Christmas decorations around town? No, we know this because it is forty degrees one day and seventy degrees the next! Division in our nation and world continues to grow. As the twenty first century approaches its second decade, conflict seems to be on an upward climb with no summit in sight. Daily, we are confronted with new examples of the destruction caused by division. Much of the division we are experiencing has religious roots. Religious fanaticism of one flavor or another is behind the majority of the acts of widespread violence occurring in our world. Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other groups all have their share of fanatic fundamentalists intent on imposing a distorted understanding of faith on the entire world. On the one hand, none of us should be
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian Church
surprised. After all, any glimpse into human history demonstrates that humankind has been acting this way for a very long time. Religious fanaticism has been a root cause of great evils since we first inhabited this earth. On the other hand, we should all be appalled by the current state of human civilization. Have we learned nothing from centuries of ignorance? Apparently, we have not. Perhaps we never will. If you are as frustrated with the current state of the world as I am, please allow me
to share an observation many in our world believe could make a difference. It has to do with a faithful response to fanaticism. I think it is worth consideration. At one point or another, radical fundamentalists will make a case for God being on their side. No Muslim, Christian, Jew or any other person claiming faith identity has the market cornered here. In other words, we are all at a disadvantage any time we think that a radical fundamentalist of any variety has any right to claim to have God on their side. Simply put, there is nothing recorded in any religious tradition that identifies God as being on the side of any person reaching out in premeditated harm to another. Any person attempting to validate premeditated harm against another human being is not on the side of God. This applies to every known means of covenant relationship with a supreme being. In the confines of the faith world I come from, the one commonly known as
Obituaries William R. Johnson
William R. “Bill” Johnson, 81, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015. He was born in Wetumpka on Oct. 2, 1934. He attended Wetumpka High School and Auburn University. He and his wife, Dot, moved to Gulf Breeze in November 1961. They lived there and raised their two
daughters. Growing up in Wetumpka, Bill acquired a love for the outdoors from his father to appreciate the simple things in nature. They spent many times together fishing and hunting on the river. Bill established his own company in 1964 and owned the William R. Johnson, Inc., along with his wife and daughters for 50 years.
Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street
Jason Chesser Minister 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
Religion Calendar He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years; parents Archie and Susie Johnson; brothers Jerry Wayne Johnson, Lloyd Johnson and sister, Julia Johnson. He is survived by his daughters Terri Terry and Dayna Sondervan; grandson Will Nelson; granddaughter, Veronica Sondervan; sisters, Linda (Vincent) Palegreco, Sarah Hendrix and Ruby (Buford) Gray.
• A Kempter Christmas: Back to Bethlehem will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The Elmore County family Gospel group will performe their annual Christmas concert. Admission is free, but a love offering will be taken. • Cedarwood Community Church of Wallsboro will be showing the movie, “The Christmas Candle” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. There is no charge for attending, and this program is part of the Church’s Advent and
8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.
Pastor
Sunday School..........10:45 a.m. Morning Worship........9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m. Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m. You will receive a warm welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church. NURSERY PROVIDED FOR ALL SERVICES
24 in the Family Life Center. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
• First United Methodist Church of Tallassee will host a Christmas Cantata at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Everyone is invited to attend.
• GriefShare grief recovery seminar and support group will began meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Wetumpka. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon and on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. There is a $25 registration fee to help cover cost of materials. The church is located at 504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka. For more information, call the church office at 334-567-4729.
• First Baptist Church of Tallassee will host a musical Christmas drama at 4&6 p.m. Dec. 13. Everyone is invited to attend. • First United Methodist Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. Dec.
100 W. Bridge St.
Sunday Services at 11 a.m.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro
Minister Dr. John Brannon
Sunday School..9:45 am Morning Worship..11 am
There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!
567-8135 “In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”
Please join us.
Mountain View Baptist Church
11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro
Rickey Luster, Music Director
Outreach programs. For more information please call the church office at 334-567-0476.
First Presbyterian Church
Harmony United Methodist Church
Wallsboro United Methodist Church Rev. Ryan Johnson
Christianity, there are endless practicing Christians claiming God to be on their side. Again, there is nothing anywhere in scripture validating this position. Anyone who tries to tell you God is on the side of intentional harm to others is not telling you the truth. God does not take sides. The only place God ever occupies is the position of God. The whole of humanity is invited to come to God’s position, not the other way around. When God decided to come into the earthly kingdom in the flesh, God came for everyone. God did not come to side with any particular group of people. God came for all. Perhaps the best way to combat the fanatic fundamentalism running rampant in our world is to claim God’s position apart from it. How do we do this? Simple. Instead of asking whose side God is on, try asking who is where God is. Start with yourself. I think it is worth the effort for us all. Rev. Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd.
504 West Osceola St. 334-567-4729
Anthony B. Counts, Pastor Angie Gallups, Worship Leader Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students
Rev. Anthony Rhodes Senior Pastor
SUNDAY Morning Worship.......10:30 Sunday School.............9:15 Youth Choir ..................5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 WEDNESDAY Fellowship Meal............5:45 Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Study.........6:30
Tammy Driver: Children's Director
SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School........9:30 a.m. Morning Worship...10:30 a.m. Evening Worship.....6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES Supper.....................5:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting........6:15 p.m. Choir Practice..........7:00 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
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.
Send your church news and happenings to: news@The Wetumpka Herald.com _________ Call Jayne or Shannon at 567-7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 16, 2015 • Page 7
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Page 8 • DECEMBER 16, 2015
Community
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Area Calendar
Marbury Softball wrapping for donations When: Dec. 16 & Dec. 19, 5-10 p.m. Where: Bass Pro Shop, Prattville Details: The softball team will be wrapping presents for donations to benefit the softball program. Wetumpka Depot Players present “The Holiday Bug” When: Dec. 17-18, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 10 a.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: The Holiday Bug is a Puppet performance perfect for all ages. The Christmas production is recommended for ages 7 and up with plenty of clean entertainment for the adults, too. Call 334-8681440 for more information and tickets Glenn Miller Holiday Concert When: Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Where: Davis Theatre, Troy Montgomery Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It is a free concert, but canned food donations are appreciated. Call 334-953-3500 for more information. Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House When: Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Millbrook Chamber of
Commerce Elmore County Humane Shelter Christmas Open House When: Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Elmore County Humane Shelter, Wetumpka Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It is a free concert, but canned food donations are appreciated. Call 334-953-3500 for more information. Free Community Clothing Closet When: Dec. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Grace Point Community Church, Wetumpka Details: Winter clothing available to all residents in need. Blood Drive When: Dec. 20, 8 a.m.-noon Where: First United Methodist Church of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. City of Wetumpka Children’s Christmas Party When: Dec. 20, 2-4 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Families will arrive at Wetumpka Civic Center for a delicious lunch provided by Wind Creek Hospitality’s ‘Good to Go’ food truck. After lunch, the children will go up onto the stage and the staff from the Wetumpka Police Department and the City of Wetumpka will hand out gifts.
Auditions for “Steel Magnolias” When: Dec. 20, 2 p.m.; Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: The Wetumpka Depot Players announce auditions for the first show of their 36th season. Director Carol Thomaston Heier asks that those auditioning be prepared with a “southern story” to share (less than 2 minutes) as well as cold readings from the script. Camp Chandler Christmas Camp Fun When: Dec. 20-22 Where: Camp Chandler Details: Children ages 5-14 are welcome. Activities will include fishing, archery, riflery, canoes, broom hockey, field games, pedal boats, putt putt, campfire with s’mores, holiday crafts, Christmas goodies, Christmas tree trimming, a party, and more! YMCA members $105, non-members $120. For info, call 334-229-0035. Blood Drive When: Dec. 20, 2-4 p.m. Where: Walmart of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. A Christmas Gathering When: Dec. 21, 6 p.m. Where: Historic 1987 Superintendent’s House on Lower Tuskegee Road Details: Sponsored by the
Submitted / The Herald
The Student Government Association and the DECA Chapter of Holtville High School hosted a canned food drive in September and October. Classes were encouraged to bring a canned food item to help support the local food pantry at Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church. At the end of the drive, more than 800 cans were donated. Tallassee Historical Preservation Society. Elmore County Seniors Christmas Party When: Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Doster Memorial Community Center, Prattville
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Details: The senior services in conjunction with the Central Alabama Aging Consortium and Parks and Recreation of Prattville, will be hosting a Christmas Ball for the senior citizens in the community. It is dedicated to the senior citizens whom we serve on a daily basis at our senior centers.
Center Details: Contact the recreation department if you are interested in a self-defense class. The class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. Cost would be $55. Call 334-283-4726.
City of Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration When: Dec. 31 Where: Downtown Wetumpka Details: The evening’s activities will open with a POW/MIA observance and torch ceremony at 9 p.m. on the grounds of the Old Elmore County Courthouse. Other activities, ,including a DJ and concessions will begin at 9:30 p.m. in the lower parking lot behind the Wetumpka administrative building. The asteroid fall will be at midnight, followed by a fireworks grand finale. Attendees are welcome to bring tents, tables, chairs, blankets, fire pits, etc. This is a family event. Free.
Eclectic Girls Club Meeting When: Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m. Where: Kountry Kitchen, Eclectic Details: All are invited. Make friends, meet old acquaintances, enjoy fun, food and fellowship. Lunch is $10. Call Penny Holley at 334-306-0929 for more information.
Camp Chandler New Year’s Bash When: Dec. 31-Jan. 1 Where: Camp Chandler Details: Children ages 5-14 are welcome. Activities will include fishing, archery, riflery, broom hockey, field games, pedal boats, canoes, putt putt, and more. Camp Chandler campers will bring in the new year with a party, fireworks and even a ball drop. YMCA members $40, non-members $50. For info, call 334-229-0035. Self-Defense Class When: Jan. 11 Where: Tallassee Recreation
Taste of Elmore County When: Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Purchase tickets at the food pantry. McCraney-Cottle Arts Council presents “Alice in Wonderland” When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: A Missoula Children’s Theatre production offers attendees on a whimsically madcap, fun-filled fantasy. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call Mona Mills at 334-201-4892 for more information. MLK Celebration When: Jan. 17, 3 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Various pastors of area churches and other leaders will be on hand to speak during this MLK celebration. 21st Annual MLK March When: Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. Where: March will start at Rogers Chapel AME Zion Church at 209 W. Bridge St. Details: The march will continue from the church across the Bibb Graves Bridge. 2016 Candidate Fair When: Jan. 18, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Get a chance to meet the area candidates running in the March 1 primary. Live in Concert: Boyz II Men When: Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Where: Wind Creek Entertainment Center, Wetumpka Details: The four-time Grammy Award winning group will perform for the first time in Wetumpka. In addition to four Grammys, the group won nine American Music Awards and nine Sould Train Awards. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com Taste of Elmore County When: Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Purchase tickets at the food pantry. Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade When: Jan. 30, 9 a.m. Where: Village Green, downtown Millbrook Details: Festival grounds with various rides for children and vendors will open at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at noon. Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Dinner When: Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Annual meeting and reception Roaring 20s style. Call 334-567-4811 for more information.
Sports & Outdoors Wetumpka High School Football Banquet When: Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka High School Details: Tickets are $10 each. Tickets for the football players are paid for by the Wetumpka Quarterback Club. Slapout Strikeout 5K Walk/Run and Kids 1 mile Home Plate Dash When: Jan. 16 Where: Holtville High School Details: Registration is $25 per person for 5K runners; Registration is 10 and Under Home Plate Dash runners is $15. Proceeds benefit the Holtville High Softball Team.
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THE WETUMPKA HERALD
ECHS girls lose county title game in overtime to Tigers BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Elmore County failed to score a point in overtime as it fell to Tallassee, 5751, in the 2015 Elmore County Girls Basketball Tournament final Saturday at Stanhope Elmore High School. The Panthers overcame a slow start, where they trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, and took a 49-47 with six seconds left in the game on a putback by freshman Madison Traylor. But Aliyah Frazier made a layup with a second remaining to send the game to overtime where the Lady Tigers, who eliminated the five-time defending county champions in Wetumpka Thursday, forced several ECHS turnovers to earn the victory. Lady Panther coach Amy Rachel was happy her team reached the final,
but said her and the team were disappointed they couldn’t finish. “It’s hard for me to be too excited about that second-place trophy when I know that mentally we’re not in the game from the get-go,” Rachel said. “We put ourselves in bad situations and didn’t play to our ability. I think they realized that; I don’t know if it was the close, hard game last night and they were dragging. It’s a wake up call.” JaNashia Moore led the Tigers with 13 points, while Hannah Linville had 12 and tournament Most Valuable Player Zaesha Floyd added 11. Elmore County was led by senior point guard Elissa Brown, who had a game-high 23 points. Madison Traylor scored nine points for ECHS, while Diamond Brown had seven and Hannah Traylor had six. Wetumpka senior guard Antonio George (32) leaps over Elmore County’s Tyric Belyeu (left), Terrence Head (11) and Johnnie Jasper for a rebound during the Elmore County Tournament Championship Game Saturday at Stanhope Photo by Cory Diaz Elmore High School.
Wetumpka boys capture 3rd straight Elmore County crown BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Edgewood Academy senior forward Kelvin Lucky dunks the ball during Monday’s win over Cornerstone Christian at EA. Photo by Cory Diaz
Wildcats cruise past Cornerstone BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Edgewood Academy eviscerated Cornerstone Christian, 64-23, at home Monday for its sixth straight win to open the season. Two days removed from winning the Pepsi Challenge at Macon-East where it defeated Hooper Academy (71-58) and Pike Liberal Arts (79-46), the Wildcats (6-0) held the Chargers scoreless for the game’s first 7:15, while piling on the offense, racing out to a 30-4 opening quarter advantage. EA’s defense continued to stifle as Cornerstone didn’t score a point in the second, as the ‘Cats led, 41-4, at halftime. Senior guard and Alabama State University signee Reggie Gee led EA
in the first half, dropping 14 points. Junior shooting guard Tanner Payton ended up scoring a game-high 16 for Edgewood. Edgewood Academy 67, Cornerstone Christian 32 Three players scored double figures as the Edgewood girls basketball team ran away from Cornerstone Christian, 67-32, Monday at home. Junior Kaylee Glenn led the Lady ‘Cats (5-2) with 18 points, while junior Kevi Hansen recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Nine different EA players scored. Freshman C.J. Weldon added 11 points, while senior guard Emily Strickland had eight.
Wetumpka played cold against Elmore County, but Antonio George supplied the remedy. The senior guard dropped eight straight points to start the second half as the Indians went on to capture its third consecutive county championship, defeating the Panthers, 57-51, Saturday at Stanhope Elmore High School. George, the 2015 tournament’s Most Valuable Player, finished with a game-high 20 points. “(WHS basketball coach Ed) Rogers just put me in a position to be successful,” George said. “I really wasn’t hitting my shot in the first half, and he told me it’ll just fall if I kept listening to him. So I just came out, being aggressive.” Playing without its other leading scorer, senior forward Courtland Holloway, Rogers said he knew his team needed to rely on George. “I told him this is your opportunity to lead your team and win the county tournament for the third year in a row,” Rogers said. “The county tournament is precious. This is one goal we set in the beginning of the year, and we wanted to get it accomplished.” Elmore County looked to spoil Wetumpka’s plan early on. A 3-pointer from senior Tyric Belyeu gave the Panthers a 15-5 lead at the 3:15 first period mark. But the Indians closed out the quarter with a 11-0 run to take a 16-15 advantage.
Runners place in Christmas on the Coosa race BY JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor More than 40 runners gathered in the parking lot of Wetumpka’s Coaches Corner Sports Bar and Grill Saturday to compete in the annual Christmas on the Coosa race. Coordinated by About Time Events, runners competed in three age groups in the 5K race and two age groups in the 12K. Coming out as the top female finisher in the 5K event was Christy Storrs with a time of 29 minutes, 37.057 seconds, while the top male finisher was Kyler Adams at 25:20.693. In the 12K, Lisa Reese was the top female at 59:37.963 and Nick Wolf, the top male finisher at 55:15.718. Finishers were: Christmas on the Coosa 5K Female 19-29 Elieen Merino, 31:17 Amanda Preskitt, 31:30 Morghan Wallace, 33:48 30-39 Stacey Hodges, 29:37
Runners begin the Christmas on the Coosa 5K, 12K races Saturday at Coaches’ Corner in downtown Wetumpka. Photo by John W. Peeler
Rebecca Johnson, 1:06:48 40-plus Heather Adams, 42.501 Sandy Mcgughey, 30:23 Beth Davis, 35:43 Dominique Swinson, 36:53 Male 6-18 Rhett Pinkston, 25:27 Brodie Maddox, 36:18 40-plus John Sykes, 30:24 Reese Davis, 31:02
12K Results Female Jessica Holbert, 1:01:39 Jenny Stubbs, 1:02:00 Courtney Tutor, 1:05:13 Christy Logan, 1:10:43 Shelley Bailey, 1:21:42 Melanie Ruppert, 1:22:11 Kelly Nickolson, 1:22:14 Julie Gray, 1:30:04 Jodi Murchison, 1:36:18 40-plus Amy Barnett, 1:03:20 Robbin Simmons, 1:17:21 Roberta Sykes, 1:18:22 Nancy Beale, 1:21:13
Holly Shoemaker, 1:45:36 Male 30-39 Jeremy Logan, 59:46 Joshua Sanford, 1:00:32 Jonathon Pinkard, 1:02:49 Michael O’Brien, 1:31:25 40-plus Mario Guzman, 57:02 Brian Greene, 58:40 Glenn Mcgaughey, 59:03 Chris Bieller, 1:04:32 John Porter, 1:06:12 Tim Henderson, 1:20:15
I N D I A N S
ECHS regained the lead, 22-20, early in the second, behind Belyeu and fellow senior Johnnie Jasper, who both scored 11 in the first half. A layup from George with 3:22 to go before the break put WHS up 25-23, took a 35-30 advantage into halftime and the Tribe never looked back. Along with the offensive surge from George, the Indians defense stepped up, holding Belyeu and Jasper to combined six points in the second half. Finishing runner-up to Wetumpka for the second straight year, Panther coach Warren Brown said lauded the way his team played. “We’re going to figure a way to win this thing,” Brown said. “Maybe when it gets to our gym, we can get it. Better game than last year, we was actually in a better position to win the game in the end. “We kept them scoreless from the field in the fourth quarter, they hit eight free throws. We lost the lead, lost our composure early in the first half, blew a 10-point lead. I was proud of the way the guys fought the last three games.” Elmore County senior point guard Neal Cook scored 14 points. For WHS, Kavosiey Smoke had 10 points, while Jacorey Anthony added seven. Winning his third straight county title, George said he was happy to a part of the program’s run. “It’s real special. I’ve been on varsity since my 10th-grade year, so I’ve been a part of each win,” George said. “It’s real special for me being a sophomore to my senior year.”
• Antonio George • Wetumpka High School • Named the Elmore County Tournament MVP after leading the Indians to a third straight title, scoring 43 points in two games.
Athlete of the Week Antonio George Wetumpka High School Recognizing Our Best!
www.asecu.org • 334-514-6050