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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • DECEMBER 19-20, 2015
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 10, NO. 51
Harrison’s name ordered off GOP ballot Current superintendent poised to continue candidacy as an Independent
By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor
Harrison
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 (Reynolds) gave an Autauga County resident (Dennis) a free pass in the Elmore County Republican Primary. It’s a slap in the face to voters,” 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 certifi-
Commission denies probate judge claims
Commission moves forward with Redland, Firetower intersection Commission approves, signs off on funding agreement for roundabout By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor
STAFF REPORT Wetumpka Herald
Following Monday’s Elmore County Commission meeting Probate Judge John Enslen responded to the commission passing a resolution assigning the responsibility of the booking responsibilities of the $1 per copy fee the probate office collects for public documents. In his remarks, Enslen alleged the account in question was depleted. Currently, Enslen and the county are involved in a lawsuit regarding the funds. The commission responded to Enslen’s claim Thursday in a released statement without further comment. “Earlier this year, the Probate Judge of Elmore County sued the county asking to be paid $880,000 from the County General Fund. The judge’s lawsuit asks that this $880,000 — money collected during a 14-year period before the Judge was elected, a portion of which time the Judge served as the County Attorney — be taken from the County’s limited reserves and be given to the Judge for him to spend as he wishes. “The potential loss of $880,000 from the County General Fund would result in the layoff of critical county personnel, including deputies. The General Fund simply See COMMISSION • Page 2
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cate 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
The next step in seeing a roundabout at the intersection of Redland Road and Firetower Road was taken Monday as the Elmore County Commission passed a resolution and funding agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the preliminary engineering, utilities, right-of-way and construction phases of the project. With the signing of the agreement, the county can now move forward with the first step of the project — finding qualified consultants for the design phase. “We are gong to begin the design phase, so we will be getting the plans ready and laying out all the work that has to be done,” said Richie Beyer, county engineer. “Now that we have that done (signing the agreement), we will actually be asking DOT to allow us to use a consultant off their preapproved list, and that’s our next step.” Beyer said ALDOT has a preapproved list of consultants that have been vetted and audited if a consultant is going to be used for design. “For this level of design, we’ll get someone who will help us with the survey … it’s not something we have the capabilities in house to do everyday” he said. The project will be in three phases; the design See ROUNDABOUT • Page 2 Special / The Herald
Elmore County Sheriff’s Investigator Chris Kearley trains with fellow divers earlier this year in the Coosa River. (Special to the Herald)
A DRIVE TO DIVE Sheriff’s Department, WFD team to create county dive team By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor
Response time means everything when it comes to emergencies. That is certainly the case when it comes to incidents on the waters of Elmore County, whether it be a boating accident or a possible drowning. Precious minutes could determine life from death as far as members of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department and the Wetumpka Fire Department are concerned. Given the different waters from the Coosa River to Lake Jordan, WFD and the sheriff’s department have joined efforts to create a county dive team. “This is not meant to replace or compete with anyone who currently assists in water rescues, but we feel with the personnel we have with the fire department and the sheriff’s department we would have a much quicker response time,” WFD Chief Greg Willis said.
Elmore County has approximately 1,000 square miles of water, so Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said the decision to join forces with the Wetumpka Fire Department and the Homeland Security’s Search and Recovery Dive Team was easy. “Of the 12 counties the team is responsible for, nearly 75 percent of the documented water-related incidences occur in bodies of water inside Elmore County,” Franklin said. The 12 counties which make up the region are Elmore, Autauga, Coosa, Montgomery, Lowndes, Chambers, Lee, Chilton, Macon, Bullock, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. The purpose of the team will not only be to ensure a quicker response, but to assist in retrieving crime-related evidence, retrieving accident-related property such as vehicles as well as swift-water rescue on the Coosa River. Wetumpka currently has a See DIVE • Page 2
Wetumpka Flea Market & Antiques
5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Winn Dixie Shopping Center) Wetumpka, Alabama • (334) 567-2666
Judge sends home-invasion robbery case to grand jury By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor
Eyewitness reports of what the suspect was wearing, a surveillance video and testimony from a co-defendant was all that District Court Judge Glenn Goggans needed. Dexter McDuffie, 27, of Montgomery was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and first-degree assault following the home-invasion robbery and shooting of an Eclectic woman on Pleasant Hill Road last month. Jeff Duffey, who represented McDuffie during Thursday’s preliminary hearing, asked the case McDuffie be dismissed given the lack of evidence to positively identify his client as the shooter or even being in the Pleasant Hill Road home. Elmore County Sheriff’s Investigator Stan Hinson said an eyewitness described a slender black male wearing a white t-shirt and khaki pants leaving the Eclectic home. Another person said a man of the description entered Bush’s Grocery See ROBBERY • Page 2
Page 2 • DECEMBER 19-20, 2015
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Christmas decoration thieves on Sheriff ’s ‘naughty list’
Taylor seeks second term as Commissioner, District 2 James (Trey) Taylor announces his candidacy as the Republican nomination for Elmore County Commissioner, District 2. Taylor is a lifelong resident of Elmore County. He is currently serving his first term as the District 2 Commissioner. He is married to Holley (Smith) Ta y l o r, formerly of EclecTaylor tic, and has two children Madeline (16) and Jase (14). He and his family reside in the Kent community. Taylor is the son of the late Melvin Taylor Jr. and Judy Taylor. He is a graduate of Tallassee High School and Auburn University of Montgomery. He is a member of Rushenville Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. Currently, Taylor owns and manages Tallassee Bonded Warehouse located in Tallassee. “It has been an honor and blessing to serve as Commissioner of District 2 for the past three years,” Taylor said. “This Commission has made significant progress towards the future of Elmore County with the BLUEPRINT 2020 project which is a 36 million dollar plan of
infrastructure renewal and modernization. We have made a 13.6 million dollar investment that will yield a return of 36 million dollars of new construction and much needed improvements on existing county facilities, roads, and bridges.” Citizens of Elmore County are already reaping the benefits of the BLUEPRINT 2020 project. With BLUEPRINT 2020 funding and Taylor’s former experience working with the Highway Department,he has spearheaded and implemented a plan to resurface dirt roads in which 4 miles have been resurfaced in District 2. Taylor and this Commission have been instrumental in improvements both physically and economically throughout District 2 and all of Elmore County. They partnered with the towns/ cities of Eclectic, Tallassee, Elmore, Millbrook, and Wetumpka to accomplish several resurfacing projects. This Commission has helped create 40 jobs and save 200 jobs in Tallassee by working with GKN and the Tallassee Industrial Board on expanding their facility. Recently, Taylor and his fellow Commissioners allocated money to expand water lines to Madix Corporation in Eclectic to create and save jobs. Taylor has also distributed funds to all schools in District 2.
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Taylor has made it a priority for this Commission and the county offices to become more transparent and accountable to the citizens of Elmore County. “We (the Commission) implemented policies during my first term to make us more accountable. We started recording Commission meetings which are viewable via our website so everyone can be informed about what this Commission is doing.” Additionally, budget hearings have been implemented for all departments and non-profit organizations that receive county funds. Taylor feels transparency, accountability, ethical decision making and listening to the citizens he represents is the best policy for county government. He states, “I am a conservative Christian striving to make Elmore County a place anyone would want to live and raise a family. I feel the results of this Commission’s commitment to progress over the past three years and my experience working at all levels of county government continue to make me the most qualified candidate for Commissioner of District 2. I am asking for your vote on March 1st to keep a fast growing Elmore County moving in a positive direction. Thank you for your consideration.”
WIN A $500 VISA GIFT CARD What do you do for fun in Elmore County? Where do you shop? Answer questions like these and others in a quick 10 minute online survey. Clink on the link at wetumpkaherald.com or go to pluseresearch.com/shoppingsurvey
By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor Investigators of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department have been checking their lists and checking them twice to see whose been naughty and nice. It seems there are some of those who may soon be on the naughty list following a rash of stolen Christmas decorations at homes from the Redland community north to Titus and then in the Elmore community, according to incident reports. At least five reports of Christmas decorations being taken from the yards of
homes across the county have been filed with the sheriff’s department. Some of the decorations were signs, Christmas trees, wreaths and bows. “We are checking into this, but feel these are just kids’ pranks,” said Elmore County Chief Deputy Ricky Lowery. Some of the items listed as being stolen were located on Cameron Circle in Elmore Saturday. “We don’t know if all the items taken were dumped there or not, but we’re still looking into this,” Lowery said. “I would say that this may have put (the pranksters) on the naughty list.”
Dive
continued from page 1
swift-water rescue team in place with a number of firefighters and members of the sheriff’s department serving on the team, Willis said. “Right now we are in the early stages of getting this team in place,” Willis added. “We have some folks who still have to get certified, but we are on our way.” Those who have gone through the diver training are made aware of multiple dangers from zero visibility to running the risk of drowning them-
selves during a rescue mission. And like swift-water response, it takes more than just one or two people to execute a rescue, Willis said. “That’s why we call it a team because it takes multiple people – not just the divers – in a rescue operation,” he said. “You need support people top-side who offer support. “But the ultimate purpose is to have a quicker start and quicker plan, so there may be a better chance for a more successful outcome.”
Commission cannot withstand such a massive loss, particularly when there is no allegation that the Office of the Probate Judge has not been adequately funded by the county or that the Probate Judge needs these funds to run his office. “The county is defending the Judge's lawsuit and defending the County General Fund. But meanwhile, the county has taken the proactive step of ensuring that the Probate Judge does receive the funds to which he is entitled, and Monday, the commission approved a resolution to make sure that happens. Going forward, money collected by the Probate Judge will be distributed to him for his office as the law now states. “What remains in dispute — in addition to $880,000 from before the Judge was elected — is $95,756.41 maintained in the Judge’s $1 Copy Fee discretionary account. Those
continued from page 1
funds are also subject to the Judge’s lawsuit. Since May 2014, deposits into that account total $311,374.66. Judge Enslen’s claim that the commission has “depleted the account” is both disappointing and demonstrably false. The commission has not directed or spent a single dollar from the account. The judge has directed and made all of the expenditures — totaling $215,618.25 — from that account at his sole discretion, leaving the current balance of $95,756.41. A detailed list of the expenditures made by the judge is available upon request. Because this amount is in dispute, out of an abundance of caution the county has decided to pay the $95,756.41 into the court where it will remain until the lawsuit concludes. This is a fair approach that protects all involved — most especially the people of Elmore County.”
Ballot
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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 I 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 those candidates 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.
Robbery
continued from page 1
within minutes of the incident. Tips from those who saw video tape recordings from within Bush’s Grocery identified McDuffie. Following Hinson’s testimony, Goggans said he believed there was sufficient evidence to turn the case over to a grand jury. The 78-year-old victim had returned from the grocery store to notice a door ripped open. A person inside yelled at her and then shot her in the upper-right chest area. Soon after she fled from her bedroom 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
down the hall where she was shot a second time in the leg. The victim also said the shooter was a black male wearing a white T-shirt with khaki pants, according to Hinson. McDuffie was found by U.S. Marshals around 3 a.m. more than 24 hours after the incident in a hotel room along the Troy Highway in Montgomery. McDuffie is still in the Elmore County on a $450,000 cash bond.
Roundabout phase, right of way and utilities phase and, finally, the construction phase. Funds for the project were made available through ALDOT, in coordination with the Elmore County Com-
continued from page 1 mission through the Highway Safety Program following a “comprehensive intersection study” by the county of four high-traffic county intersections.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
DECEMBER 19-20, 2015 • Page 3
Christmas on the Coosa Float Awards
Special to / Elmore County Weekend
This year’s winners of the Christmas on the Coosa float awards are as follows: (Above) Noel Award - Mt. Zion No. 3 Missionary Baptist Church; (Left) Santa’s Award - Dentistry for Children; (Below) Coosa Award - Titus Volunteer Fire Department; (Bottom) Mayor’s Award - Haynes Ambulance.
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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 The Wetumpka Herald
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 19-20, 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
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
The Herald strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Sometimes you have to ask ‘Why?’
Your View Councilman Gant showed true, progressive
leadership
Dear Editor, Much thanks to The Wetumpka Herald for your spot on editorial “City Councilman Percy Gill Absolutely Right.” Councilman Gill, who presented the ordinance to allow people who live outside the city limits to speak during the public comments portion of city council meetings, and Councilman Steve Gantt, who supported it, demonstrated true, progressive leadership. Mayor Jerry Willis, who opposed the ordinance, and his minions on the city council who voted against it, took a shortsighted and narrow-minded view that will alienate residents of the greater Wetumpka area. True leaders don’t seek to stifle diversity of opinion and input. They seek and embrace it as they know it will lead to better decisions that will strengthen their community. Real leaders are also not afraid of criticism. Mayor Willis and company need to be reminded that Wetumpka is not a sole source monopoly. Every business and service that can be found in Wetumpka can also be found in surrounding towns and cities. This is not a threat, it is simply reality. If the mayor and council don’t value the input and opinions of those who live outside the city limits, we can take our money elsewhere. I encourage The Wetumpka Herald, the business community, and the citizens of the greater Wetumpka area to keep the heat on the mayor and the council until they reverse their position and adopt Councilman Gill’s ordinance. Michael E. Waters Elmore, Alabama
YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.?
W
hy is one word that is probably the broadest ranging question 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
WRITE: Your View The Wetumpka Herald P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092 EMAIL: News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 e-mail: News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo in each newspaper. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County $50 One Year Elsewhere $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 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 Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 313
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By John W. Peeler 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
Peeler is the managing editor of The Herald. He can be reached at 334-567-7811 ext. 302.
Touching the lives of others
ike many of you, last week I attended the funeral service of a great man that touched the lives of so many. Watt Jones was a vibrant and energetic character that seemed to make an instant impression on everyone he met. His life, both personal and professional, undoubtedly influenced this community in a very positive way through his giving of time, talent and resources. As I stood in the back of the First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka and listened to Rev. Jonathan Yarboro tell the story of how it was Watt who brought his family to town for their first visit several years ago, ultimately persuading them to pastor the church, I was overtaken by the idea of how much our actions can truly affect the lives of others. You see, I’ve crossed paths with Watt and his wife Pat many times. I’ve mainly known him as an active board of directors member of the Wetumpka Depot. However, as I listened to the stories of his life it occurred to me
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS By REA CORD Executive Director
S
Dear John
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 notso-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?
anta is coming! Santa is coming! Saturday we hope you can stop by for our Shelter Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and visit with Santa, who will be with us for photos with pets and children.You can take your own photo of your pet with Santa or we can help take a photo using your camera or smart phone. Any donated pet supply item would be greatly appreciated. For those who may not have visited us before, our address is 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 and if you need directions just give us a call at 334-567-3377. It isn’t too late to stop by our shelter to purchase a Gift Basket/Adoption Certificate
VANESSA LYNCH Guest Columnist
he is the person responsible for my fourth grade daughter having an inseparable best friend since kindergarten. It is because he talked that family into coming to Wetumpka that I found friends who would become like an extended family of my own. I now have a “mom friend” who begrudgingly will go to the gym and workout with me at 4:30 a.m. and who encouraged me to sign up for my first half marathon. My kids have a house down the street they can ride their bikes to and friends to play with on Christmas break. My life has been greatly affected in a profound way indirectly by someone I only knew a little
for that family, parent, spouse, best friend who is looking to add a loving pet to their home. Since finding a pet can be a very special and personal decision this allows you to pre-pay their adoption fee and then they have up to a year to find just the right pet for themselves. We have made up special adoption gift baskets perfect for that special Christmas present! Stop by the shelter anytime to purchase a gift certificate/basket from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. We also now have “Getting Down with the Dawgs” DrawDown tickets for sale at the shelter which means your chance to win $10,000. From now until Feb. 20 is your chance to purchase the winning ticket and a chance to win $10,000 at our 6th annual “Getting Down with the Dawgs” DrawDown Feb. 20. With the purchase of a $100 ticket you will have a 1-in-300 opportunity to win $10,000 (you don’t have to be present to win the grand prize). Besides a chance to win big, each ticket holder and guest will also get a delicious buffet
bit. Because this man loved his church and did his part to serve through his gifts and talents, he created a wave of good that will continue to move and flow through the hearts and lives of others. We all have that opportunity. Each of us has within us the ability to move things in a forward motion for positive change. I think sometimes we get bogged down with the little details and lose sight of the bigger picture but we shouldn’t be discouraged or intimidated by the thought that we are only doing something worthy if it is some big grand gesture. Most often, those simple little moments plant a seed for a blessing to come years down the road are the ones that truly matter. What you do, who you are and what you have to offer this world is your gift and it is important to the lives of others. Lynch is the executive director of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce.
dinner/beverages, there will be door prizes, cash bar and so much more. “Getting Down with the Dawgs” DrawDown will be at the Entertainment Center, Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Dr, Wetumpka. Doors will open at 5 p.m., dinner catered by Wind Creek begins at 6 p.m. and the DrawDown starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the shelter at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 — get your ticket(s) now, buy one as a gift, or purchase one in the name of a special organization you support! For any questions contact us at 334-567-3377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net . And, since Christmas is coming up fast and to help more of our pets find loving homes, we will also be open for ADOPTIONS from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Of course we are open for adoptions this week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Reminder for next week that we will only be doing pick-ups of pre-approved adoptions on Dec. 24 until noon and then will be closed Dec. 25-26.
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DECEMBER 19-20, 2015 • Page 5
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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,
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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
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Whose side are you on?
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 share an observation many in
JOHNATHON YARBORO First Presbyterian Churchv
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.
R. Johnson, Inc., along with his wife and daughters for 50 years. 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 Johnson Sondervan; grandson Will Nelson; granddaughter, Veronica Sondervan; sisters, Linda (Vincent) Palegreco, Sarah Hendrix and Ruby (Buford) Gray.
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
Obituaries William R. Johnson
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• 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. • Trinity Episcopal Church will have its Family Christmas Eve Service at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. 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 334-5670476. • Trinity Episcopal Church will have its traditional Midnight Service at 10 p.m. Dec. 24. All are welcome and encouraged 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 334-5674729. •Community Fellowshippers meet at Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church every third Wednesday at 11 a.m. The
gathering includes devotion, program, prizes and covered dish luncheon. Local pastors and families encouraged to attend. • Calvary Baptist Church offers a Bible study “War Room” Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Uncle Bob’s Doghouse in Wetumpka. Everyone is invited. Call the church office at 334-452-1931 for more information. •Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church hosts a noon salad luncheon the third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 334-567-4225 for more information. •First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka holds a fellowship lunch every third Sunday after worship. •Celebrate Recovery, which
deals with life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups, holds meetings every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church. •Christians of all denominations are invited to participate in a cooperative Bible Study held each Tuesday 1-2 p.m. at 103 West Tuskeena St. in 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 Tal-
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AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486
Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589
Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886
Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653
Submit your church calendar items and events to: kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com
First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka 567-2190 servantfellowshipchurch@windstream.net The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka Time of Refreshing Fellowship 117 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-7750 Victory Temple (Pentecostal church) 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730
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Elmore County Sheriff’s Reports Reports filed by officers of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department Dec. 9-13. 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. 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 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 Dec. 7-9.
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.
Elmore County unemployment remains unchanged By KEVIN TAYLOR The Wetumpka Herald
While the state’s unemployment numbers jumped up just a tick from 5.9 percent in October to 6 percent in November, Elmore County remained level from a month ago. Elmore County maintains its status as the county with the lowest unemployment rate in the River Region. Elmore’s bordering county Autauga also stayed flat at 4.9 percent while surrounding counties Chilton (5.2), Tallapoosa (5.4), Montgomery (5.7) and Coosa (5.8) either remained steady or fell just a hair. “The very slight uptick in November’s unemployment rate is due to the fact that more people entered the workforce, perhaps looking for seasonal employment,” said Alabama Labor Department Commissioner Fitzgerald
Washington. “Additionally, more people are employed both over the month and over the year, so this small increase is not necessarily bad news.” The monthly gains in wage and salary employment were seen in the trade, transportation and utilities sector as well as education and health services. “We are less than 25,000 jobs shy of attaining pre-recession employment levels in Alabama,” said Gov. Robert Bentley. “We haven’t seen wage and salary employment at two million since June 2008, prior to the recession’s effects
in our state. Our economy is strong, and my goal is that every Alabamian who wants a job can obtain one.” Shelby County maintains its hold as the county with the lowest unemployment rate at 4 percent. Wilcox County also maintains its stance as the county with the highest unemployment rate at 13.5 percent followed by Lowndes (10.6), Clarke (10.5) and Greene (10.1). They are the only counties in the state with double-digit unemployment.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Rourke earns Montgomery QB Club’s Co-Private School Player of Year award BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Edgewood Academy senior quarterback Nathan Rourke was named the Montgomery Quarterback Club’s Co-Private School Player of the Year at Tuesday’s banquet at the Montgomery Country Club. Photo by Cory Diaz
Nathan Rourke never wanted the Edgewood Academy offense to punt the ball this season. As the quarterback orchestrating the Wildcats offense, the senior nearly accomplished that, throwing for 3,768 yards and an Alabama high school state record-tying 59 touchdown passes en route to being named the Montgomery Quarterback Club’s Co-Private School Player of the Year at its annual banquet Tuesday. “I was not worried about the stats, I just wanted to
win games,” Rourke said. “Me and (coach Bobby) Carr had the same mentality when it came to playing games; we wanted to be perfect the whole way through. That means scoring touchdowns, finishing drives and not punting. “The only way to do that is by throwing touchdown passes and getting into end zones.” That mentality drove Rourke and Edgewood to its state record-setting sixth straight high school state championship this year, holding off Marengo Academy, 40-34, in the Class AA title game at Troy University.
Rourke, Canada’s No. 1-ranked high school quarterback prospect when he transferred to EA back in the summer, threw three touchdown passes in the title game, but fell shy of setting a new mark. Still collecting 59 scoring strikes, the signal caller, hopes college recruiters take notice. “It would have been nice to get 60 in the state championship game, but there were also times in the season where I could’ve gotten one more,” he said. “It’s nice to tie it though, I think it’s respectable. Tying a state record, it’s got to mean something.”
Sharing the Montgomery QB Club private school top player honor with Trinity’s Robert Adams, validated the type of season he had, Rourke said. “It’s a great honor, it’s a great organization and they do some really great things. Honestly, I’m humbled by it and to be with the great players there,” he said. “Adams from Trinity, he’s a great player — to be honored with him was pretty amazing. “Really the only thing I was worried about was winning number six, and everything else has been icing on the cake for me.”
ASSEMBLING CHAMPIONS Wetumpka youth football league puts together best ever season BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
New Life Christian Academy volleyball and softball player Julianne Wilkes signed Tuesday to play both sports at Faulkner University. Photo by Cory Diaz
Wilkes signs to play 2 sports at Faulkner BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor New Life Christian Academy senior Julianne Wilkes signed a national letter-of-intent Tuesday to play college volleyball and softball at Faulkner University. The first female athlete from New Life to sign with a college since her older sister, Scottie, in nine years, Wilkes said she’s ready for the next level. “I’m just really thrilled and excited to experience this,” she said. “I’m really excited about being able to experience a more mature level of sports playing as well. I really like just the maturity and I like to play hard.” This fall, Wilkes led the Eagles (34-0) to an undefeated season and their second straight Alabama Christian Athletic Association state volleyball championship with 300 kills, 152 aces, 262 assists, 333 digs and 270 service receptions -- all team-highs. On the diamond, Wilkes plays catcher. During her junior campaign, she hit .333 with a .526 on-base percentage along with 18 RBIs and 23 runs scored. “I think they’re not only going to improve my physical ability with sports, I think they’re also going to put a lot into my character. Because this school has already done so much in my family and being able to
experience that in a Christian environment is really what I was looking for,” Wilkes said. “I’m just so thankful for this opportunity. It’s been great and I’m excited to see what the rest is going to be like.” Her older sister, Scottie signed with Faulkner out of high school, and now serves as the assistant coach for AUM’s softball team, which won the last two NAIA national championships. “I wouldn’t be hurt to be looked at under her image. I really look up to my sister, she’s basically what I want to be like when I’m older,” Wilkes said. “I’m thankful for her and everything she’s done.” Playing two sports on the collegiate level won’t be easy, but Wilkes said she expects to contribute in both at Faulkner in her freshman year. “(Faulkner volleyball head coach Tori Bartels) has expressed to me that she really thinks I’m going to be a great asset to this team. That’s what I plan to do, I plan to work hard as I can, even though I’m coming in as a freshman, I plan to start on the team and I plan to be a great asset to both teams,” she said. “I’m excited about playing softball for Coach (Hal) Wynn because that there’s where my love is, -- softball and volleyball are both where my heart is.”
Collectively, the Wetumpka Youth Football League arguably had its best season ever this year. Three of the four teams went undefeated and brought home River Region Youth Football League championships. Here’s a snapshot of each Wetumpka youth football team and their season.
Wetumpka Juniors
Wetumpka Midgets (4-4) The cards were stacked against the Wetumpka midgets from the beginning, only returning two players from last season’s team. With almost a new squad, head coach Kevin Woods said his team maximized its potential. “We started our season with a win, then we had three losses in a row,” Woods said. “Then we come off our bye week and won three games in a row. “They turned it around and starting playing ball right. We concentrated on tackling, learning to how to hit people and they responded and put on a show.” Deon Floyd, Colin Bowden, Preston Peake and Jackson Ferman led the midgets all year, Woods said. Wetumpka Termites
Wetumpka Crickets (10-0) Wetumpka Crickets head coach Terry Peake said his team’s unblemished campaign had been in the works for a while. “This team has been together the last three years, we’ve been building on this since they were 5 years old,” Peake said. After losing in the title game in 2014, the 7- and 8-yearold group found the few missing pieces to complete the championship puzzle. “At each practice, they got better and better. Some games, they called their own plays, they knew what to do,” Peake said. “They had that chemistry.” Running back Jo’Tavion Pierce, Cleangelo Peake and Brock Whitt led the Crickets’ offense this year. Defensively, J.D. Denmark, Kamari Bowman, Elijah Peake, Mason Fuller and Tudrius Hetherington shined, Peake said. Wetumpka Termites (10-0) The “core” of the Wetumpka Termites team won its fourth consecutive league title this season, but for the first time the group finished undefeated. “They just had that hunger for championships, and that’s what they do, they produce championships and they’ve got that will to win,” Cortney Jackson, Termites head coach, said. “I credit a lot of that to the coaching staff and the parents believing in us and buying into what we’re doing. “I think we pretty much dominated every team we played.” Quarterback Caleb McCreary, Justin Crumbaugh and the 1-2-3 running back of Wendall Powell, Dorian Jackson and Luke Harkless led the offense. Cortney Jackson praised the play of his linemen Cory Bowden, Willie Cox, Clark Barker, Gavin Jackson and Jonathan Thames, Jackson said. Wetumpka Juniors (10-0) When the Wetumpka Juniors took the field for preseason practice, head coach Speedy Ezell wanted to give his team something to work for. Winning four of the last five league championships, getting that fifth title meant motivation. “I put in more time getting them ready to compete with
Wetumpka Crickets
Wetumpka Midgets
other, bigger teams,” Ezell said. “It’s worked out pretty good.” The 11- and 12-year-old squad worked hard and rattled off 10 straight victories, clinching the league championship over the Montgomery Ravens. “I had a lot of kids working hard. They worked hard and did what I asked them to do,” Ezell said. “I had real good kids and the parents take care of them, support them a lot and that’s what it’s about. I just enjoy working with the kids.”
Indians medal at Swede Umbach tournament BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Four wrestlers placed in the top three of their weight class as the Wetumpka team finished tenth at the annual Swede Umbach Wrestling Invitational last weekend at Auburn High School. Indian senior Vershone Graham, reigning Class 6A, 126-pound state champion, won the 138-pound bracket, going 3-0 on the day and defeating Prattville’s Reese Gann by pin. Trevor Leonard navigated his way to the 182-pound title match, winning his first two bouts, but lost a close, 4-3 decision to Jacarius Gullatte of Auburn. Two Wetumpka grapplers ended up third
in their respective division, senior Jaret Gallops (152-pound) and John Ellis Rawls (195-pound). After losing in the semifinals by a 5-2 decision St. James’ Mason Pattie, Gallops bounced back to win by 8-1 decision over Smiths Station’s Kaleb Fontenot. In the third-place bout, Chase Cleveland, of Fort Walton Beach, defeated Gallops by 13-6 decision. Rawls started out his tourney off right, pinning Opelika’s Bailey Saggus, before falling to Smiths Station’s Austin Phillips in the semis. With a spot in the third-place bout on the line, Rawls defeated Josh George of Central-Phenix City, but lost to Fort Walton Beach’s Brian Haynes by fall. Cameron Spurlin was the only other Indian
that won multiple matches. The 126-pound grappler dropped his first bout, against Smiths Station’s Tyler Wilson, but rebounded to take the next two matches, a 12-4 major decision victory over Marcus Boler of Auburn and a fall over Gabriel Thomas of Jefferson Davis. In the third round of the consolation bracket, Opelika’s Angelo Farrow eliminated Spurlin, winning by fall. Cole Blackwell and Zane Mason each won a bout for Wetumpka. At 120, Blackwell won his first match, a 10-6 decision against Fort Walton Beach’s Carter Lurk, but lost his next two. Mason also took care of business in his opening bout, pinning Auburn’s Dalton Dean, but dropped the next two matches by fall.
Wetumpka senior wrestling and Class 6A 126-pound state champion Vershone Graham won his weight glass at the Swede Umbach wrestling tournament at Auburn last weekend. Photo by Cory Diaz