Dear John: “Sometimes I have to ask why?”
Panthers finish second at county tournament.
“Major steps to bolster national security.”
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Eclectic Observer Page 4
The
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THURSDAY • DECEMBER 17, 2015
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Probate judge to handle his discretionary fund account 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, 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 commissioners out of the 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.” Weller said all the process See JUDGE Page 2
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Eclectic Christmas Evening draws large crowd By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Lisa Elliott, organizer of An Eclectic Evening Event, and the “Merry Christmas To All” parade, said this year the whole town seemed to come together for the event, which boasted the largest procession and crowd turnout in several years. She said that the afternoon was like a scene from a Hallmark movie. Elliott said she has organized the event multiple times, and at Friday’s parade there were over 40 entries, which, for a small town like Eclectic, was a lot. The parade kicked off the evening’s activities and was judged by the Elmore County district attorCarmen Rodgers / The Observer ney Randall Houston (Top) Santa makes his way down Main Street during Friday’s Christmas and county commis- Parade. (Above) James “Monroe” Griffith, Grand Marshall of the 2015 sioner James “Trey” Eclectic Christmas Parade, received a grand ovation Friday as the See CHRISTMAS Page 2 parade traveled through downtown.
DA seeks heftier sentences for aggravated child abuse convictions Houston 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 that defendant in the eye and thought of the way she and her boyfriend had abused her own son, I realized the current penalties for such monstrous acts are inadequate and must be toughened so those who commit them See ABUSE Page 2
Vol. 26, No. 51
Judge orders Harrison’s name off GOP ballot Superintendent likely to file as independent candidate
By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor
It was a simple mistake of not having all the appropriate paperwork necessary turned into the Elmore County Probate Judge’s office which led to a judge’s ruling Wednesday afternoon to have current Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison’s name removed from the Republican Primary ballot. So as of now the only name on the March 1 GOP ballot for Superintendent of Education will be Richard Dennis. ““It’s disappointing that a Chilton County judge Harrison (Reynolds) gave an Autauga County resident (Dennis) a free pass in the Elmore County Republican Primary. It’s a slap in the face to voter,” said Harrison in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Harrison said he will not “waste taxpayer resources and appeal.” “I will now run as a conservative Independent and submit the required signatures by March 1 to be on the ballot in the November general election,” he said. An argument was made Wednesday morning by attorney Keith Howard that Harrison should not be allowed on the ballot since he admitted to not filing the certificate of administration and supervision, which had to be signed by the state superintendent, by the Nov. 6 deadline. “We would be in this situation whether Richard Dennis was in the election or not,” Howard said. “Unfortunately he did not file all the papers he had to file, and (Elmore County Probate) Judge (John) Enslen had to bring this See BALLOT Page 2
County’s 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 Emergency Operations Center that officials say they hope will fill the needs of the county for decades to come. Planning for the new EOC began in 2006, Elmore County Commission Chairman David Bowen said, but it wasn’t until five years later, following the “devastating” effects of the EF4 tornado that struck Elmore County April 27, 2011, the commission’s “diligent search for funding paid off.” “Congresswoman (Martha) Roby and her offices worked very close with the 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 See EOC Page 2
John Peeler / The Observer
Local county government officials and dignitaries cut the ribbon to the new Emergency Operations Center Monday during the dedication ceremony in Wetumpka. Pictured are (left to right) Judge Glen Goggans, Art Faulkner, AEMA director, Elmore County commissioners Joe Faulk, Mark Hragyil and Trey Taylor, Congresswoman Martha Roby, Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, EMA Director Eric Jones, Elmore County Commissioner Stephanie Daniels-Smoke, Sheriff Bill Franklin and Elmore County Commission Chairman David Bowen.
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Abuse
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
continued from page 1
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 murder
Ballot
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 graduated 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.”
continued from page 1
action for (Reynolds) to rule. He didn’t have any option. The law mandated what he had to do. “Andre is a good person and don’t have any ill will, but we are happy that the judge ruled the way he did.” Enslen surveyed Harrison’s qualification packet and found the certificate, which is required by law, not to be included. Harrison then presented the certificate on Dec. 11, and Enslen filed for an emergency declaratory judgment from the circuit court.
Al Agricola, who represents Harrison, said it was not the jurisdiction of the circuit court to rule and that Enslen should have made the decision. He also argued that other probate judges in the state have also received paperwork from candidates beyond the due date and were placed on the ballot. But that is in violation of Section 16-9-4 of the Code of Alabama, as pointed to by Reynolds in his order to have Harrison’s name removed the ballot.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
EOC
continued from page 1
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 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 Agency Director Eric Jones, “let’s face it, we wouldn’t be here today, doing what we’re doing and celebrat-
surrounded by such great guys and ladies,” 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.” 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.
ing this great even.” 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,” 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.” Jones, said he appreciated all the kudo’s and was glad he got to be the “quarterback” of the project. “It’s easy to be in that position (quarterback) when you’re
Christmas
continued from page 1
Taylor. Claude Methodist Church won first place, or the Mayor’s Award, second was the Fire Department’s entry and the Cotton Queen float came in third. “All of the floats were great, if the Cotton Queen’s float had lights, it would have been No. 1,” Houston said. After the parade there was an open house at town hall and a tree lighting ceremony. Elliott said after the tree lighting Santa was brought in for the kids to visit and take pictures with. Santa saw more kids this year than he had ever seen at previous events, she said. The kids had to be cordoned
offered some advice Friday. “Tell your own story, no [one] else sees the world the same way you do, so tell your own story,” Griffith said. Anthony Vittore the Elmore County High School director of bands led the Christmas cantata in the high school auditorium, which was made up of 50-60 musicians and singers from around the area. “It was a bang-up success,” Elliott said. To conclude the festivities Keith Moody, a singer and songwriter out of Nashville, Tennessee, had an open-invitation “Christmas Jam Session.”
away from Santa long enough for Mayor Gary Davenport to deliver a proclamation speech for the grand marshal of the parade and dedicate Dec. 11 as “Monroe” Griffith Day. Davenport said James “Monroe” Griffith was a 93-year-old lifelong resident of Eclectic was the town’s oldest living World War II veteran. Griffith’s wife Dorris escorted him in the parade. Davenport said Griffith was very involved in the community and was instrumental in the founding of the Eclectic Boys Club. Griffith was columnist and news writer for The Eclectic Observer for 13 years and
Judge
continued from page 1
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 accountable to them to make sure the money is legally spent.”
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THURSDAY • APRIL 24, 2014
TrafÀc stop leads to apparent suicide
THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper
- Established 1898
By PEGGY BLACKBURN Managing Editor
June 3 The race is on toward the state’s Primary Elections for the candiDemocratic and Republican at 5 dates as qualifying ended Friday will p.m. And Elmore County voters ballots have plenty to mark on their this election cycle.
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Coroner’s race draws trio of candidates
Photo by Adam Powell
VOL. 116, NO. 28
WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 12, 2014
Wetumpka, AL 36092
Witnesses speak with investigators at the scene where a man shot himself in the head following a routine traf¿c stop by a Tallassee police of¿cer Wednesday afternoon.
By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD In the process of trying to The Tallassee Tribune elude the police, the person, whose name was not yet A routine trafÀc stop took released, suffered a selfa turn for the worst Wednes- inÁicted gunshot wound to day afternoon in front of a the head. convenience store at the Further details of the inciintersection of Alabama dent were not yet available. Highway 229 and 14. Investigators with the AlaTallassee Police Chief bama Bureau of InvestigaJimmy Rodgers said one of tion are now in charge of his ofÀcers tried to make a the investigation per proper stop, but the driver of the procedure when a death invehicle sped away. volves a police action.
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Tallassee couple faces multiple sex abuse charges Commission OKs jjail bookingg fee
PLAYERS HOST DINNER FUNDRAISER
Incumbent Tim are up a three-way contest. ethics and Two board of education spots qual- Ellison, indicted on felony for grabs. A trio of Republicans by theft charges in November, will seek LiniÀed for the District 1 seat vacated a Àfth term. Errol Law and Brad Robert Lusk who recently resigned ville will also seek the post. All are from the post. Walker Allen-Phillips, all vie Republicans. Lee Dale Bain and Alan Taylor will Both Revenue Commissioner for the spot. In District 6, incumbent Macon and Sheriff Bill Franklin will Kitty Graham will face challenger See RACE • Page A3 Lynn Weldon on the GOP ticket. be The ofÀce of coroner will also
NEWS Page A2
By KEVIN TAYLOR Now the couple face Copy Editor more charges following the indictments handed A Tallassee husband and down by an Elmore Counwife were thought to be off ty Grand Jury last week. the hook when an 11-year The Conrads now face sex umbled charges ranging from sex the abuse case crumbled gain approval from apart. and child abuse to sexual By KEVIN TAYLOR Legislature before it could Brandy Jean Conrad, ad, 26, torture, according to court Copy Editor be imposed by the county, and her husband Stephen tephen documents. Franklin said. Conrad Jr., 30, wentt from “The more I hear about It may cost more than In terms of collectthat charged with more this case and the more I’m your pride if you are ing the fees, he said being than 100 counts of sexual booked into the Elmore money would be collected abuse to County Jail. See COUPLE • Page 2 through the Elmore Coun- just a few. The Elmore County ty Circuit Clerk’s OfÀ OffÀce. approved Commission As for those who may bill local a of jail advertising be booked into the to be passed on to the on multiple counts, they state Legislature to attach would only be assessed an additional $25 fee for the fee one time, but if that those who are booked into same person is rebooked the county jail. at any time then they The monies raised from would be assessed the $25 the collection of the book- fee again. By PEGGY BLACKBURN more than 1,000 young of ing fee would go to defray Franklin said some Managing people have taken adthe rising cost of technolo- monies from the fees Editor vantage of the chance to gy within the sheriff’s de- would also be earmarked Youth ars ride in a general aviation partment, Elmore County for the purchase old of newfrom 8 to 17 years will have the chance nce airplane Áown by a local Sheriff Bill Franklin said. sheriff’s vehicles. to slip the bonds of earth rth pilot. Before planes leave “We’ve gone from havFranklin said approxiSaturday ng the ground, youngsters ing just a few computers mately 4,400 people are during the spring Áy-in hosted by Experiri- can observe pilots during to computers everywhere booked into the Elmore mental preÁight inspections and a- preÁ within the department,” County Jail each year.Aircraft Association that Chapter 822 at also become familiar with Franklin said. “And now With the $25 fee (EAA) the Wetumpka Municipal al some of the parts of the that we have the global would potentially generate Airport. eachEach year, mem-- planes. software in hand, we more than $100,000 bers of the group offer freee In addition, the Young have to have a full-time year. airplane rides for hild Ea l t monitor our ill l i
Youth given iven chance chance to spreadd their their wings
Saturday during a meet and greet Prothro, center, was a special guest Prothro is chamber executive Prothro Former Alabama star Tyrone Prothro, Chamber of Commerce. Welcoming Chamber Photo by Peggy Blackburn sponsored by the Wetumpka Area chamber president Cody Williamson. director Vanessa Lynch and chamber
about talks about Former Tide star talks h if
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MYSTERY AND A MEAL Theatre raises create ways continue to fundra i
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By WILLIE OSELEY News Editor G. MOSELEY Àrst reported Àce, apparentlyto the principal’s A potentially principal’s y scary ofby Tallassee of the The mother acquaintance individual an acquaintanc High School scenario at brought e was handled of the juvenile who allegedly on Sept. the gun allegedly allegedly brought ickly and Sept. 3, who by school quickly the gun effÀciently ing to Rodgers. to school, accordnotiÀed; accord- was notiÀ personnel Children across onnel and efÀ she pi police department’ “The information picked to school at the school the local Eclectic enjoyed and went up her child source OfÀ ment’ss School local pal’s ofÀ that (the offÀce) got to the police the Easter princi- department, wherew princiholiday cer (SRO), Re- a non-popula SRO), accordingRewas the Tallassee arrested,” the juvenile this weekend Rodgers ted area gun was in to The was ers, who police chief Jimmy The police d detailed. with eggan Rodg- sourceprincipal and the at that time. hunts at detailed d the chronology incident chronology s School Re- dividual was chief said OffÀcer OfÀ churches that the across regarding of and conÀ ding a loaded charged charge that insion of conÀscated located the weapon loade with the area. Thewas found on The presence n campus. d gun was contained,” it, so the situation campus,a deadly weap weapon on possescongregations of a a school off the À Rodgers The gun taken to Class C felony, rearm was said. Eclectic United a youth fe and was sium area was found in the faci Methodist, Agape of the school. gymnagymna- County, because facility in Dallas the Montgomer Assembly of God y and First Baptist See INCID INCIDENT • Page A8 Church of Eclectic all held egg hunts for the little ones S t d Ab
Pride off Talla ssee set ssee
After years ening the of tightbelt by the City of Tallassee, Monday night the City Council presented was a budget that promises a fourpercent cost-of-livin raise for its employ-g ees. “We wanted make sure to we looked out for our employees when Tallassee we were putting Mayor Bobby this thing night’s meeting. together,” Payne following said The budget, Monday at the Sept. which will be voted 22 meeting passed. will go intoon in two weeks effect Oct. “We tried 1, if can while to be as optimistic we were and realistic to the department working their basic heads and on this and we as we talked cilman and needs,” said Bill asked them to bring Godwin chair us “A lot of of the city’s (Ward 6 counÀnance committee) for. There their requests had the Àlter was some work already been accounted. that plant and we asked we bought needed to be done our department a new at heads to Àre truck. But, prioritize See OPTIMISTIC their • Page A2
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Jalen Daniels ¿ghts for yardage Tigers and Rebels tangled while dragging g g a Reeltown four our times times Saturday defender with Tallassee during Saturday’s Saturday’s picking up picking season-opene GRIFFIN three wins. PRITCHARD/The r of For more T Tallassee photos visit the Tallassee photos our online Youth Football League. Tribune gallery. The
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OPINION
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The
Mystery and mayhem were on the front burner for attendees at Sunday afternoon’s annual Murder on the Menu event. The four-hour book-lovers binge featured nearly two dozen published writers who alternately visited with guests at their lunch tables and talked about various aspects of writing during panel discussions. T o of the literary lions on
8,
ECHS lifters earn another state title
PAGE 2
Eclectic Observer
By PEGGY BLACKBURN Managing Editor
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 17, 2015 • PAGE 3
Area Calendar Community 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 Marbury Softball wrapping for donations When: 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. 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 Tallassee Historical Preservation Society. Elmore County Seniors Christmas Party When: Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Doster Memorial Community Center, Prattville Details: The senior services in conjunction with the Central Alabama Aging Consortium 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.
Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Purchase tickets at the food pantry.
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.
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.
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 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. 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. Taste of Elmore County When: Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m.
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.
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.
Government Elmore County Commission Meeting When: Jan. 11, 5 p.m. Where: Old Elmore County Courthouse Details: A work session will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the regular meeting.
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 334567-4811 for more information.
Tallassee City Council Meeting When: Jan. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Tallassee City Hall Elmore County BOE Meeting When: Jan. 19, 4:30 p.m. Where: Elmore County Board of Education board room, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendent’s office before 4 p.m.
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.
Seniors
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.
The Eclectic Senior Center is open every weekday until noon. For more info, call Deborah Rowe at 334-541-3581.
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.
Former “idol� finalist releasing second single By KEVIN TAYLOR The Wetumpka Herald
Former relationships can make or break a person. Jessica Meuse, from Slapout, Alabama, is looking to turn a bad relationship into a hit record when the “American Idol� finalist releases her second single after the show. Meuse said her single “Rio Grande� will be available Jan. 5 on various music download platforms. “I wanted to record Rio really bad. I wrote the entire song in a day,� she said. Meuse recorded the single in Orange County, California, where worked with producer Daniel Martin. Meuse’s first single released “Done� was a much “darker� country song than her upcoming single, she said.
“It’s much more happy and light than ‘Done,’� she said. “Yea, it’s about a past relationship, but this is a song which I hope will empower those who have been in a failed and one-sided relationship.� Since finishing fourth on American Idol in 2014, Meuse has been traveling all over the country performing and appearing at various venues. She has been invited to perform Jan. 21 at the National Association of Music Merchants Convention in Anaheim, California. Meuse isn’t done with music shows, either. She is auditioning in Atlanta the week after the NAMM convention for “America’s Got Talent.� “Since then I’ve been writing a lot more and exploring instrument options,� Meuse added. “I’ve been learning to
play the baritone guitar.� Meuse said she still
le down and look for a place to record,� she said. “Until then, I’m going to perform as much as I can to share my music with others.�
EASY MOOLAH
SWEET RATES Making more moolah has never been easier.
Special To / The Herald
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Kenneth Boone, Publisher John W. Peeler, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 17, 2015
OPINION
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
The Observer 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.
Dear John By John W. Peeler
Sometimes you have to ask ‘why?’
W
hy is one word that is probably the broadest ranging questions one could ask. Usually, that one word question always lacks a definite answer, and seldom is its response ever a short, simple, concise one. It is an inevitable question we ask ourselves and is a question that has been asked since man had the capability to think and speak. On a recent trip back from Atlanta I asked myself the same question — why? I sat in miles of traffic in Atlanta and wondered why anyone in their right mind would want to be in that trafffic day after day. Was it all just as simple as wanting to make a buck, or did people just enjoy sitting in traffic? I had no answer. With time to think about it, I wandered into the age-old question — why are we here. Without getting into a long religious debate on creation versus evolution, simply because I have found it is one of two areas left to personal ideals, I evaluated the life process. Beginning at birth, we are loved and nurtured, and taught the basics of being a civilized human being, or at least all children should be. Then, about the age of five, we enter kindergarten where we are further refined personally, culturally and socially, and given, by way of instruction some basic educational knowledge. This process continues for a minimum of 13 years and in the process most are indoctrinated into the work force at about the age of 16. Most graduate high school at age 18, or so, and either go on to college to further their education or join the workforce. Some who go to college gain knowledge to benefit society with inventions to make our lives easier or better, or learn a skill or trade that benefit us in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Following a long, we all hope, productive life, we age and eventually die. That is basically life in a nutshell. Yes, there are, of course, so many things that were left out in the interest of brevity. So, as I sat in traffic pondering this vicious cycle, knowing the next day it would begin again and someone like me would be stuck in traffic for an hour, maybe more, wondering the same thing, I asked myself — what is the point to it all. In other words — why? While we can all come up with answers, there is no definitive answer. And, when our time comes and we conclude our life cycle of birth, school, job, old age, and death, we are no closer to the answers as to why we exist or what our purpose is, or even where we are going as a civilization — we only know we are here and chances are we will be sitting in traffic somewhere, wondering why. We spend one-third of our lives working, another third of our lives sleeping, leaving us the final third of our lives to enjoy the thing we call life. If we live to be 90 years old, that means we have all of 30 years to really enjoy living, but how much of that time is spent in all the other traffic that comes with living and being alive? And, what of those people who have made work their life? Sometimes there are no answers to “why,” and in trying to answer all the “why’s,” additional questions come to the surface. Some questions aren’t meant to be answered. I have a feeling that millions of years down the road the not-so-simple questions, “why do we exist,” and “why are we here,” will still be baffling the most brilliant of our species while they sit in traffic on this planet, some other planet, or in space, but I would be willing to bet the answer will be no closer to being solved as it is today. Still, I wonder why? Don’t you?
R
Major steps to bolster national security
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
provisions to: •Terminate visa agreements with countries if they fail to share counterterrorism information; MARTHA ROBY •Terminate visa agreeU.S. ments with countries if Representative they fail to screen travauthorities identify threats elers against INTERPOL and protect the homeland. criminal and terrorism dataAmid the rise in terror- bases; ist activity, the Homeland •Deny VWP status to Security Committee con- those who have gone to tervened a Foreign Fighter rorist hotspots like Syria Task Force, which found since 2011 or those who some lapses and vulner- have dual-nationality in abilities in our system. such countries; Gaps in the system could •Require all partner counpotentially allow danger- tries to issue and screen ous people to exploit our fraud resistant “e-passports” relationships with friendly to everyone; nations to and gain access •Require annual threat to the United States. That’s assessments of high-risk why this week the House VWP countries based on of Representatives acted to foreign fighter flow, visa tighten and reform securi- denials and terror database ty protocols by passing the matches; Visa Waiver Improvement •Allow for suspension of and Terrorist Prevention high-risk countries until the Act. The bill strengthens our threat has passed. visa program’s security with This measure is an
Best candidate for governor is not in the race yet
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 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 STEVE FLOWERS opinion is that whoever has the Columnist 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.
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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334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 e-mail: News@TheEclecticObserver.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eclectic Observer, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 10500898. 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 for one newspaper (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). $15 charge for a photograph. •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word for one newspaper. $15 charge for 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word for one newspaper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County $25 One Year Elsewhere $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 334-567-3535. ©2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. NEWS John Peeler, managing editor John.Peeler@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . .Ext. 302 Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ext. 306 Kevin Taylor, copy editor Kevin.Taylor@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . .Ext. 312 SALES Shannon Elliott, marketing consultant Shannon.Elliott@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . .Ext. 309 Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com.. . . . . . . . . . . .Ext. 313
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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
DECEMBER 17, 2015 • PAGE 5
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 occur-
ring 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 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
JOHNATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian
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 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.
Religion Calendar • Cedarwood Community Church of Wallsboro will present “O Night Divine,” a Christmas Cantata, by the Praise and Worship team during the Dec. 20 service at 10 a.m. For more information please call the church office at 334-567-0476. • First United Methodist Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 in the Family Life Center. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. • Cedarwood Community Church will be holding its annual Candlelight, Communion and Carol Singing Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24. The entire community is invited. For more information please call the church office at 334-567-0476. • GriefShare grief recovery seminar and support group will began meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Wetumpka. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon and on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. There is a $25 registration fee to help cover cost of materials. The church is located at 504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka. For more information, call the church office at 334-567-4729.
•Community Fellowshippers meet at Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church every third Wednesday at 11 a.m. The gathering includes devotion, program, prizes and covered dish luncheon. Local pastors and families encouraged to attend. • Calvary Baptist Church offers a Bible study “War Room” Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Uncle Bob’s Doghouse in Wetumpka. Everyone is invited. Call the church office at 334-4521931 for more information. •Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church hosts a noon salad luncheon the third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 334-567-4225 for more information. •First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka holds a fellowship lunch every third Sunday after worship. •Celebrate Recovery, which deals with life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups, holds meetings every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church.
a cooperative Bible Study held each Tuesday 1-2 p.m. at 103 West Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka The group is self-led and selects a book of the Bible to read through and study together. All are welcome. •Friendship Closet, a ministry of Friendship Baptist Church, is open the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Those who need clothes, shoes, etc. for women, men and children, may visit. •Hope For Healing Grief Support Group meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tallassee. •River’s Edge Flea Market is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Tallassee United Methodist Church. All vendors welcome – new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. Various booth costs available. For info, call Joan Wood at 334-3134913 or Melanie Baker at 334-415-8314. All proceeds are used for church-sponsored programs.
•Christians of all denominations are invited to participate in
Area Church Services Agapé Assembly of God Hwy. 63 North Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Night Service 7 p.m. Balm of Gilead Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Bethlehem East Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Evening 7 p.m. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 130, Eclectic 36024 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Services 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday Services 6 p.m. Friday Services 6 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Class 1st Tuesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m. Central Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Adult Choir Practice 5 p.m. Evening Worship Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Children, Youth and Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Central United Methodist Church Sunday Morning 9:30 a.m.
Chaney Creek Primitive Baptist Church Every Sunday except 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m. Saturday before 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m. Chapel United Methodist Church Services 2nd and 4th Sunday 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 2nd and 4th 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 1st, 3rd and 5th 10 a.m. Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m. Eclectic First Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m. Youth, Children and Adult Studies and Activities 6:15 p.m. Eclectic United Methodist Church 1035 Main Street Morning Service 10:50 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m. Service 6:30 p.m.
Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 9 a.m. Morning Worship 10 a.m. Evening Worship 5 p.m. Wednesday: Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m. Good Hope Baptist Church 1766 S. Fleahop Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m. TeamKID and “R.U.S.H” Youth Celebration 6:30 p.m. Healing Waters Church of God 1639 Kowaliga Road Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Family Training Hour 7 p.m. Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church Hwy. 9 Nixburg Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Mt. Hebron Church of Christ 4530 Mt. Hebron Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 10 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday:
Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m. Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday: Children in Action 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. First Wednesday of Month Potluck supper, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Sunday: Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Practice 6:30 p.m. Prospect Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Discipleship Training 6 p.m. Worship Service 7 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Teen Kid 6:30 p.m. Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Rock Springs Baptist Church 375 Rigsby Rd, Tallassee AL 334-283-1156 Rushenville Baptist Church
Submit your church calendar items and events to: kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com
10098 Georgia Road Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 5 p.m. Bible Study 6 p.m. GA’s, RA’s 6 p.m. Adult Choir Practice 6:45 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6 p.m. Salem Road Baptist Church 12 Old Salem Road Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday Night Services 6 p.m. Wednesday Evening Prayer 7 p.m. Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Bible Study 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Praise 7 p.m. Union No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church PO Box 240452 Eclectic, AL 36024 Sunday School - 10 a.m. Morning Worship - 11:15 Tuesday Bible Study - 6 p.m. Watson Chapel Congregation 2223 East Cotton Road Sunday School 10 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m.
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Elmore County sheriff’s reports Dec. 9
• Identity theft on 100 block of Lucky Town Road in Elmore. • Domestic violence (harassment) on 100 block of Redland Bluff Drive in Wetumpka. • Domestic violence (harassment) and domestic violence (criminal mischief) on 3000 block of Trotters Trail in Wetumpka. • Criminal mischief on 200 block of Laurel Creek Road in Titus. • Theft of property on 1700 block of Sewell Road in Titus where two prelit Christmas trees valued at $130 were reported stolen. • Theft of property on 1700 block of Weoka Road in Weoka where a Christmas decoration valued at $100 was reported stolen.
Street in Elmore where two metal reindeer decorations valued at $200 were reported stolen. Dec. 13 • Domestic incident on 400 block of Old Georgia Plank Road in Wetumpka. • Theft of property on 100 block of Grassmere Glen in Redland where a Christmas sign valued at $160 was reported stolen. • Animal cruelty on 400 block of Esco Road in Holtville.
Arrests made by officers of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department
DECEMBER 17, 2015 • PAGE 7
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Dec. 10
• Domestic violence (harassment) on 76000 block of Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka. • Domestic violence (menacing) on 4500 block of Old Salem Road in Wetumpka. • Possession of a forged instrument on 100 block of Caroline Drive in Wetumpka. • Harassing communications on 800 block of Deer Track Road in Tallassee. • Burglary and theft of property on 1100 block of Owens Road in Wetumpka where a TV valued at $300 was reported stolen. • Identity theft on 800 block of Friendship Road in Tallassee.
Dec. 11
• Theft of property on 2100 block of Gossum Switch Road in Wetumpka where a license plate was reported stolen. • Burglary and theft of property on 200 block of Stoney Point in Titus where a bedspread valued at $1,000 and various silver quarters valued at $5,000 were reported stolen. • Theft of property on 1100 block of North Tram Road in Deatsville where a utility trailer valued at $1,000 was reported stolen.
Dec. 12
• Domestic violence (harassment) on 4500 block of Upper River Road in Tallassee. • Domestic violence (harassing communications) on 100 block of Sundown Road in Redland. • Domestic violence (menacing) on Caramia Road in Wetumpka. • Domestic dispute on 200 block of Little Steel Bridge Road in Central. • Criminal mischief on 100 block of Maple Street in Elmore. • Theft of property on 500 block of Pine Leaf Street in Elmore where various Christmas decorations valued at $180 were reported stolen. • Theft of property on 700 block of Pine Leaf
Dec. 7
• A Montgomery man, 36, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. • A Wetumpka woman, 25, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. • An Eclectic man, 33, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for possession of marijuana. • A Wetumpka man, 39, was arrested and charged with public intoxication. • A Sylacauga man, 35, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for possession of marijuana. • A Wetumpka man, 36, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for menacing.
Dec. 8
• A Deatsville man, 16, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. • A Goodwater man, 24, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for theft of property.
Dec. 9
• A Wetumpka man, 18, was arrested and charged with domestic violence (harassment). • A Deatsville man, 37, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for assault. • A Tallassee man, 36, was arrested and charged with distribution of a controlled substance. • An Eclectic man, 22, was arrested on failure to appear warrants for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. • A Millbrook man, 39, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for driving while revoked. • A Millbrook man, 25, was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft
Please take some time to tell Pulse Research, an independent research firm, a little about your shopping plans. Don’t worry, it’s totally confidential. You must be at least 18 years old to respond to this survey. (You must be a Elmore County resident). In appreciation, you will be entered to win one of two $500 prepaid VISA cards. These drawings are sponsored by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011. For official rules and regulations please click on the “Rules” link at the bottom of the survey website. www.pluseresearch.com/shoppingsurvey
SPORTS
Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com
PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 17, 2015
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Panther wrestling places 13th at Gene Taylor Classic BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Elmore County finished 13th out of 16 teams at the annual Gene Taylor Classic Wrestling Tournament at Weaver High School this weekend. Tracy Strouse carried the banner for the Panthers, who collected 54 team points, navigating to the 152-pound weight class finals, where he fell to Alabama School for the Blind’s Ryan King by 8-1 decision. Strouse won his first two bouts of the tourney, pinning Justin Simmons of Ranburne and outlasting Tallassee’ Rio Reyes by 4-2 decision in the semifinals. In the 138-pound division, ECHS’s Noah Wood pinned Christopher Higgins, of Cleburne County, to earn a spot in the semifinals, where he lost to Leeds’ Dawson Anderson by pin. In the following match, Prattville Christian Academy’s Reid Deason edged Wood by 3-2 decision. Jeb Ballard (145-pound), Nicolas Thames (182-pound) and Nathan Whorton (160-pound) each won two matches. All advancing to the consolation round three, Thames and Whorton collected two pins and 12 points each for Elmore County, while Ballard gathered 11 points, a pin and a major decision. Jacob Owens won his first bout versus Ohatchee’s Tanner Brown in the 120-pound bracket, beforelosing the next two matches by fall to Kage Robertson, of Susan Moore, and Koby Edge, of
Ashville. At 195 pounds, William Morse started his tournament off on the right foot, with a fall victory against Ethen Hardy, of Saks. But in the quarterfinals, Deshler’s Clint McLeary pinned Morse, and after a bye lost to Susan Moore’s Julian Calderon by pin. Wrestling in the same weight class, Jacob Brabham and Ashton Strouse (145-pound) bounced back after dropping their first matches. Strouse moved on to the consolation third round, due to a bye and pinning Caleb Wood of Alexandria, where he was defeated by Saks’ Jonathan Oliphant. Brabham won by fall against Ashville’s Jacob Ebner, but turned around and lost to Madison County’s Stephen White. David Wood (132-pound) dropped his opening bout to Aaron Whittaker of Alexandria. The 132-pound grappler responded to beat Saks’ Jeffrey Finley before falling to rival Tallassee’s Bruin Hathcock. Holtville 66 Elmore County 18 Tracy Strouse and Nicolas Thames earned the only two wins Tuesday, as Elmore County lost at county rival Holtville, 66-18. Wrestling at 152, Strouse pinned HHS’s Chase Smith in the second period. In his 195-pound bout, Thames beat Evan Headley by fall in the second period.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
An Elmore County wrestler tests his strength against a Holtville grappler during Tuesday’s dual at HHS.
Tallassee bests Elmore County in overtime for county crown BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Elmore County failed to score a point in overtime as it fell to Tallassee, 57-51, 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 :06 left in the game on a putback by freshman Madison Traylor. But Aliyah Frazier made a layup with :01 remaining to send the game to overtime where the Lady Tigers, who eliminated the fivetime 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.” Tallassee grabbed its largest lead, 26-17, with 3:15 left in the second quarter, cashing in turnovers. JaNashia Moore led the Tigers with 13 points, while Hannah
Linville had 12 and tournament Most Valuable Player Zaesha Floyd added 11. Elmore County closed out the first half on a 5-0 run, led by senior point guard Elissa Brown, who ended the contest with a game-high 23 points. “I don’t even have words to describe that kid. She never lets up, it doesn’t matter what the score is, if she’s worn out,” Rachel said. “You can’t teach the things, you can’t teach the heart, the hustle and jus the competitive spirit that she has. She’s one in a million that comes along and I’m just very blessed to be able to coach her and have her on this team.” The two teams traded the lead three times in the second half. Coming off wins over Holtville and host Stanhope Elmore to reach the finals and leading with :06 to go, Rachel said she hoped her team would remain consistent. “I’m working with some 14-yearolds out there at times. It’s hard to remember that because I see so much potential,” she said. “The focus of the tournament was consistency, and last night and the night before we had that, and we were building on it. We let up on the consistency a little bit, we put ourselves in some bad situations, we had to dig out of a hole. We learned from the mistakes and build on the positives.” Madison Traylor scored nine points for ECHS, while Diamond Brown had seven and Hannah Traylor had six.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Elmore County senior point guard Elissa Brown defends Tallassee point guard Zaesha Floyd during overtime of the Elmore County girls championship game Saturday at Stanhope Elmore High School.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Elmore County junior Jakobi Bickley tries to lift a shot over Wetumpka sophomore forward Nick Turner during Saturday’s Elmore County championship game at Stanhope Elmore High School.
ECHS fall to Indians for county title for 2nd consecutive season BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor 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 gamehigh 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. ECHS regained the lead, 2220, 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.”