Dec. 5, 2018 The Eclectic Observer

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Late basket caps comeback for Panthers SPORTS, Page 9

Looking for a church to attend? CHURCHES, Page 5

Meet Jack, Elmore County’s Pet of the Week HSEC NEWS, Page 8

Eclectic Observer The

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 5, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 29, No. 49

Missing man found Authorities locate Eclectic man safe in Tennessee By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Eclectic authorities recently located a resident who had not been seen in the area in almost a month. An Eclectic Police Department representative said authorities were notified by the Gatlinburg Police Department on Nov. 30 that Michael Callihan Callihan was alive and unharmed. According to Eclectic police chief Robert Head, Jennifer Giddens — who identified herself as the mother of Callihan’s children — Callihan was last heard from on Nov. 2. Giddens said Callihan told their oldest daughter over Facebook he was searching for work in Gatlinburg.

‘Life goes on’ Local seeking to return photos lost in 2011 tornado

Severe weather threat cancels Elmore County Christmas events

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A

n Eclectic woman is currently working to connect members of the community with photographs that were lost during a tragedy in 2011. Sheila Eller, who lost an aunt and cousin in a tornado that hit Eclectic on the night of April 27, 2011, is seeking the owners of numerous photos she salvaged. Eller’s aunt and cousin were two of the four people in the area who died during the storm. Eller recalled looking through the debris and finding each of the photos, many of which were old or depicted children. “It was the day after and my family was staying where my aunt had lived,” Eller said. “We were walking outside and it seemed like the destruction went on forever.” After returning to her former home in Santuck, Eller said See PHOTOS • Page 2

Today’s

Weather

50 28 High

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Threats of severe weather on Saturday resulted in the cancellation of several holiday events in Elmore County. Early that morning, the National Weather Service headquarters in Calera announced Elmore County was marginally at risk for a brief tornado and quarter-sized hail. At around 9 a.m. Saturday, city officials announced the Millbrook Christmas Parade and Festival were canceled due to heavy rain.

Submitted / The Observer

Eclectic resident Sheila Eller is looking for the owners of almost 20 different photos she salvaged after the town was hit by a deadly tornado in 2011.

See CANCEL • Page 2

Members sworn in to county school board

New Elmore County Board of Education members David Jones, left, and Wendell Saxon participated in their first meeting after their induction on Nov. 28.

Low

THURS: HIGH 54 LOW 36

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Two new members were sworn into the Elmore County Board of Education during a Nov. 28 meeting. The meeting was the first for recently elected members Wendell Saxon and David Jones. Elmore County Public Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis said he is excited to have both on the board. “We have a great board, and I think that both of these gentlemen will be a welcome addition to what we already have,” Dennis said. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know David over the past six to eight months, and Mr. Saxon was a parent at Wetumpka High School See BOARD • Page 2

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PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 5, 2018

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Obituaries

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Mr. Herbert “Wade” Johnson Mr. Herbert “Wade” Johnson, a resident of Lake Martin, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at the age of 75. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 04, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. from East Tallassee Church of Christ with Minister Mike McElroy officiating. There will be a private graveside service, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Mrs. Shirley M. Johnson; daughter, Teresa Deloney (Rick), Montgomery, Alabama; three grandsons, Richard Wade Deloney (Erica), Auburn, Alabama, Garrett Deloney and Trace Deloney, Montgomery, Alabama; one great grandson, Bowen Wade Deloney, Auburn, Alabama and devoted friend who was like a son, Tommy Shoemaker. He is preceded in death by his son, John Wade Johnson and by his parents, John and Breal Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a member of East Tallassee Church of Christ. He loved nature and to hunt and fish. He loved taking young children fishing, hunting and sharing nature with them. He was a graduate of Auburn University and loved the Auburn Tigers. Mr. Johnson was on the Board of Directors for the Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority for over 12 years. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 04, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Tallassee Church of Christ, Cuban Missions, 501 Central Blvd., Tallassee, AL, 36078. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

James “Jimmy” Harrison Thornton James “Jimmy” Harrison Thornton, 58, of Eclectic, passed away November 26, 2018. He was born October 31, 1960. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018, at 2 p.m., at Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Britt Green officiating. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Thornton; mother, Linda Thornton Reed; maternal grandmother, Louise Ennis; brother, John Thornton (Rebecca); sister, Amy Dorminey (Mike) and grandchildren, Jay and Luke. He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Thornton; and sister, Frances Ledbetter. Jimmy was a third generation owner and operator of Thornton’s Auto Parts in Eclectic. He enjoyed fishing and buying and selling cars. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Because the Alabama Department of Transportation requires a 10-day notice before roads are closed for events, city officials said the events will not be rescheduled. Despite the cancellation, officials said spirits are high, and community members have more opportunities to celebrate in the city. Kids have the opportunity to

drop off their letters to Santa Claus at a special mailbox in front of Millbrook City Hall, and a Christmas light show will take place every evening at Village Green Park. An Eclectic Christmas walkthrough tours, which were slated for Saturday evening, were also canceled. A statement from An Eclectic

Ministry, which conducts the tours annually, said the decision was made to ensure the safety of volunteers, guests and livestock. Because the tours will take place each evening until Dec. 9, An Eclectic Christmas volunteer Verdie Nummy said anyone with a reservation for Saturday is welcome to come as a walk-in at a later date.

Photos she stored the photos in a plastic bag in her closet and made a mental note to find their owners later. As life went on, Eller said the photos were forgotten. Recently, while in the process of moving to Eclectic, Eller said she found them again. “Instead of putting them back in the closet, I kept them out,” Eller said. “These photos are important. I treasure all of my photos. If any of these people

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feels the same about their photos, they’ll definitely want these back.” Within 24 hours of posting the photos on Facebook, Eller said one person had already claimed several of them. “She couldn’t believe it. It’s been this long and there’s still stuff being found and stuff coming out, even after all these years,” Eller said. “She is going through cancer right now, so she

can’t really get out. I told her I’d be happy to mail them to her.” Through returning the photos, Eller said she hoped to spread a message of hope and resilience throughout the community. “I think it’s going to bring a smile to somebody’s face. It’s going to remind people that they got through that night and that they survived,” Eller said. “It shows that life goes on, even after something that tragic.”

Board

continued from page 1

when I was the principal there.” After the swearing-in ceremony, BOE chair Mike Morgan and vice chair Dale Bain were reappointed to their positions. Saxon, who replaced former District 2 representative Patrycya Tucker, was sworn in by United States Magistrate Judge of the Southern District of Alabama Sonja Faye Bivins. Saxon was elected via write-in votes during the Nov. 6 general election. When ballots were initially printed, no candidates formally qualified, which left the position vacant. According to Saxon, efforts

for his campaign began about a week before the day of the election. For the duration of his term, Saxon will represent parts of Millbrook and Wetumpka. “I think (the first meeting) was very productive. There are some good things on the horizon,” Saxon said. “I appreciate the residents of District 2 voting for me, having confidence in me and giving me the opportunity to serve.” Jones, who ran unopposed in the general election, was sworn in by Elmore County District Court Judge Glenn Goggans. Jones replaced District 3 representative Mark Nelson and will

represent parts of Millbrook and Holtville. Jones said he decided to run because of his desire to serve local students. “I saw a need and an opportunity to serve in a capacity that would help our boys and girls going forward. Any time I can help, I want to help.” Jones said. “Right now, I’m going through a learning process.” District 7 incumbent Joey Holley, who also ran unopposed during the general election, was also sworn in by Goggans. Holley represents residents of the Eclectic area.

Charles “Jabo” Bunn Charles “Jabo” Bunn, 72, of Alexander City, passed away December 3, 2018. He was born February 6, 1946. Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 5, at 2 p.m., at Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Mr. Bibba Carr officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem East Baptist Church Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be at the funeral home prior to the service, starting at 1 pm. He is survived by his children, Dawn Pilgreen and Deana Ham; brother, Robert Bunn (Gloria) and grandchildren, Ivy Williams, Dean Ham, Collin Lucas, Carter Pilgreen and Alayna Pilgreen. He is preceded in death by brothers, Raymond Bunn and Wayne Bunn. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

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Kathryn P. Mullins Mullins, Kathryn P., age 79, passed away at a facility in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, December 2, 2018. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Eclectic, Alabama, officiated by Rev. Gerald Wood and directed by Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home. Ms. Mullins is preceded in death by her parents, William Hugh Poore and Ethel Rebecca King; two brothers, Hugh Lee Poore and James Poore; and one sister, Frances Metz. Survivors include her husband, Tony Mac Mullins; one son, Thurman Ronald Buice; two daughters, Belinda Kay Ardge and Rhonda Rene Buice; one stepdaughter, Misha Mullins Whitman (Josh); two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

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DECEMBER 5, 2018 • PAGE 3

Thornton talks resignation as municipal judge By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Amalia Kortright / The Observer

Current municipal judge John Thornton discusses his resignation and replacement with the Wetumpka City Council after he takes office as Elmore County probate judge.

Task force reports Wetumpka woman exposed child to drugs By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A Wetumpka woman was one of three people arrested during a Nov. 20 search after she exposed a child to illegal substances, according to court documents. Sarah Michelle Sullivan, 42, who lists an address on Shawnee Drive, was charged with chemical endangerment of a child, possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according Sullivan to warrants issued by the Central Alabama Drug Task Force. According to Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin, a search of Sullivan’s residence yielded the arrests of two other people. Thomas Cox, 35, of Wetumpka and Casey Neil Dallas, 36, of Prattville were both charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court documents stated Sullivan was arrested after agents discovered a clear bag containing methamphetamine in the living room of her residence and a plastic container of marijuana in one of Sullivan’s purses. Per an incident report, authorities searched the house and located meth,

Suboxone, morphine and Alprozapam in another purse in one bedroom, a plastic bag containing meth in another bedroom, meth on a dresser and two glass pipes in the living room. Authorities said the Elmore County Department of Human Resources took custody of a 4-year-old child in Sullivan’s care who had been subjected to meth and marijuana. Sullivan was booked into the Elmore County Jail, where she was being held as of Nov. 27, on bonds totaling $36,500. Chemical endangerment of a child is a Class C felony, which can result in up to a decade in prison. Possession of a controlled substance is a Class D felony. Second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia are Class A misdemeanors.

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Municipal judge John Thornton discussed plans for his resignation during a work session prior to Wetumpka’s regularly scheduled city council meeting on Monday. Thornton was recently elected as Elmore County probate judge after running unopposed in the Nov. 6 general election. Thornton will officially take office on Jan. 14, 2019. Thornton said a few municipal court sessions are scheduled before his start date as probate judge and he plans to resign whenever the city appoints a new municipal judge after Dec. 31. “Come the 31st, I’ll resign but I’ll stay there until you appoint someone, unless you want to appoint someone during the month of December,” Thornton said to the council. If the council appoints a new municipal judge during its Jan. 7, 2019 meeting, Thornton said he would be available to work the court session the following evening. “I’m willing to do that Jan. 8 date if I need to, for the continuity,” Thornton said. “That may be an option you

might want to look at, so the person is not thrust into it on one day’s notice. Of course, that would have to be the last court date I could do.” Thornton reminded the council that the only qualifications the new municipal judge is required to have is a license to practice law in Alabama and to be younger than 70 years old. “They don’t have to live in Elmore County. They don’t have to live in Wetumpka. They don’t even have to live in the state of Alabama, although that would be helpful,” Thornton said. Mayor Jerry Willis thanked Thornton for more than two decades of service to the city. “I think you’ve been an outstanding judge and represented this city in a positive way,” Willis said. “You’ve built a tremendous office.” Over the past 22 years, Thornton said he’s seen many mayors, councilmembers and police chiefs, and has enjoyed his time as municipal judge. “I hate that I have to give it up, actually,” Thornton said. “I’d like to keep it and the other job, but I intend to devote 100 percent to that job, so I have to let this one go.”

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A look at election’s winners, losers

N

ow that the dust has settled on this year’s elections, let’s look back at the big winners and losers. The obvious winner in the Heart of Dixie is the Republican Party. The GOP retained the reins of the state’s highest office and every other statewide constitutional position. Kay Ivey was elected governor overwhelmingly, as was Will Ainsworth as lieutenant governor, John Merrill as secretary of state, John McMillan as state treasurer, Rick Pate as agriculture commissioner, Jim Ziegler as state auditor, and Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker as PSC members. Our entire judiciary is Republican, as are all members of the Supreme Court and Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals. There are 29 statewide office holders, all Republican. However, more importantly, the legislature is overwhelmingly Republican. More than twothirds of both the House and the Senate are Republicans, which is called a super majority. Our Republican legislature can pass anything it wants without a Democratic vote or letting Democrats speak. Our Congressional delegation is made up of six Republicans and one lone Democrat. Folks, that makes us a pretty red state. Several years ago, I had the honor of being a keynote speaker at the Boys State 75th anniversary. I had attended Boys State 45 years earlier as a high school leader and aspiring young politico. I shared with these future political leaders this advice: “If you plan to run for statewide office in Alabama, even if you believe you are a Democrat, you will need to run as a Republican.” This year’s election reaffirmed and

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist confirmed that truth. Winning the GOP primary in Alabama is tantamount to election. Therefore, to pick the biggest individual winner of the year, you have to look back to the GOP primary. Ainsworth, 37, a Sand Mountain legislator/ businessman, emerged as the Gold Star award winner of the year in Alabama politics. His victory as lieutenant governor has propelled him onto the state political scene as the most prominent rising star. He was the top vote-getter in the state on Nov 6, and is a clean-cut, successful family man who has been vetted by a high-profile statewide race. The second-biggest winner of the year was the loser of the GOP primary for lieutenant governor, Twinkle Cavanaugh. In all my years following Alabama politics, I have never seen a more graceful and gracious second-place finisher. She lost by an eyelash. She genuinely smiled on election night and said she had not gotten the most votes, even though she could have contested such a closely defined outcome. She had entered the race as the favorite, having been elected three times statewide. During October, she held a fundraiser for Ainsworth in her Montgomery home. She will never be seriously challenged in her post as president of the PSC. Speaking of rising stars, the third runner-up is 18-year-old Weston Spivey, who became the youngest elected official in the state by winning a Geneva

County Commission seat. He won the GOP primary before he graduated from high school at Ridgecrest Christian School in Dothan. Young Spivey is also a volunteer firefighter with the Slocomb Fire Department. Keep your eye on young Weston Spivey — he may become governor before he is 30. The biggest loser has to be the Democratic Party and our current anomaly, junior Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones, who won this seat until 2020 because he was on the other side of the ballot from Roy Moore in the 2017 special election. Every left-wing, ultraliberal group and individual in the country gave to Jones to beat Moore. Jones has never hidden the fact that he is a liberal, national Democrat. He showed his true colors when he voted against President Trump’s Supreme Court appointee, Brett Kavanaugh. Jones voted against this highly qualified jurist to appease his contributors in San Francisco and his like-minded Democratic buddies, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren and Diane Feinstein. We essentially have only one U.S. Senator and have ceded our second seat to California. Jones believes in the old adage, “You dance with the one who brung ya.” I hope he is renting in Washington because Alabamians are the ones who vote in 2020. By the way, if you have Richard Shelby as your senior senator, you really don’t need a second senator. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist and his weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the Alabama Legislature. You can reach Flowers at www. steveflowers.us.

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USPS-005-022 ISSN: 1536-688X The Eclectic Observer is published weekly on Wednesday, 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. Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee Tribune, The Eclectic Observer, Lake Magazine, Lake Martin Living, Elmore County Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher.

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Letters to the Editor

Reader asks parents to wake up Dear Editor, Look at what’s happening to our children. More are getting killed every day with guns if we don’t take all these bad games and TV programs and put them back to cleaning their rooms, cleaning the yard and other things that need to be done. God has something to say on that. Proverbs 13:34 says “He that spareth the rod hateth his son, but he hath loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” We can spank a child but not beat them. There is a right way

and a wrong way to spank a child. Ephesians 6:1-4 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the Earth. And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

The Lord knows that we can teach our child right from wrong but sometimes a child does as he wants to. But we have to do what we can, even after they get grown. For the judges that stopped us controlling our children, I hope they are still living so they can see what is happening to our children, since we can’t train anymore in the way of spanking them. Parents, stop and think please. Please read Colossians 3:20-21. Betty Wesson Wetumpka

Lake resident asks how low level going to get Dear Editor, I live full time on Lake Martin. The last I heard concerning lake level during fall and winter seasons was the lake drawdown would be 7 foot. 491 is full so it should not drop below 484. It is below 484 today, so how low is it going to go?

Larry Connell Eclectic Editor’s note: The level as of Dec. 4 was 484.00, according to www.lakemartin.com. The level did not get below 483 in the first 11 months of 2018. You can visit https://www.lakemartin.com/Level/ and sign up for alerts on the lake level.

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DECEMBER 5, 2018 • PAGE 5

Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5674413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 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 5679143 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 5674729 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 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 5674178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 2855125 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 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5678750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Titus 514-7304 Millbrook Baptist 3431 Browns Road, Millbrook 2854731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Crossroads Community Church 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 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 5691267 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 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 5679801 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

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

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 5677455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 5672141 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 5675966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334538-9415 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 5676670 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 5672804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 5143656 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 5676786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God 2080 Main Street, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 5670476 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 5677534 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 5678100 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 3862386 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

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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 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 5677865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 5674225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 5413924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 2656099 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 Victory Temple 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 5679143 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 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730

PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 5, 2018

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ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

The Dadeville Record

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) Look at an issue that could have created Äreworks. Others appreciate your passion, as long as it is not directed at them. A reversal on your part could shake up the status quo. Remember, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Tonight: A long-overdue chat. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You might be taken aback by everything that is going on around you. Experience your feelings rather than act on them; otherwise, you might just be adding fuel to the Äre. Once you reach a realization, a conversation becomes far more plausible. Tonight: Not to be found. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Honor a change involving a friend. You can’t take back words you’ve said. Though you could have a strong reaction, try discussing your feelings without inÅaming a situation. Working as a group proves far more effective than being independent. Tonight: Where you want to be. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Take a stand, move forward and handle a problem. Your sensitivity mixes well with your practical nature. Together, these assets will help you wade through muddy waters and come out sparkling clean. Know that you have what it takes, and trust yourself. Tonight: In the limelight. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Read between the lines as you walk into a situation where people have strong opinions. Understand the underlying issue. Help others see what they have in common, as opposed to what is different. Communication allows greater give-and-take. Tonight: Return calls, then decide. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) A partner could be somewhat difÄcult. You might have a strong reaction as a result. Resist going off on a spending spree while in this mood. A discussion is necessary. You understand the importance of timing; just wait. Tonight: Spend

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Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties

time with your best friend. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Defer to others. You could have a difÄcult time maintaining your authority. Walk in the other direction, and refuse to be a part of this situation. The other parties might be Åoored, but they will look at their actions as a result. Tonight: Entertain suggestions, but do what you want. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Listen to what is being offered, even if you don’t like what you hear at Ärst. Pace yourself and accomplish what you must before following someone’s chosen path. You have the drive to get a lot done. Stay focused. Tonight: You deserve to take it easy. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your playfulness might not be in tune with others’ moods. Someone you care about could be on the warpath. This person’s actions and words might surprise you. Be a good listener, and look for solutions. Your willingness to help will come through. Tonight: Time for fun. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Stay centered, and know where you are coming from. Avoid testing out ideas on others right now. An unexpected insight tumbles into your lap and forces you to regroup. You can’t avoid a personal matter and/or an issue involving real estate. Tonight: Have an important discussion. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You are coming from a good place, but suddenly you might Änd yourself feeling angry. Focus on how you can change the outcome of the situation. Do not rely on the tried and true. Have an important discussion when you feel more settled. Tonight: Hang out at a favorite haunt. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Be aware of your spending. No matter what you do, you seem to make choices that could cause a problem. Perhaps you need more information and feedback, as you have yet to see a clear path. You will be given time and openness. Tonight: Pay your bills Ärst.

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Now Hiring for Full-Time Manufacturing Positions in the Alexander City Area. All Shifts Available. Overtime & some Saturdays may be required. Pay rates start at $9.00/hr & increase depending on the company. Your choice of two Health Insurance Plans available. Must pass drug screen & client background requirements. Apply in person at: 207 South Central Avenue Alexander City, AL 35010 or Online at www.asapply-ag.com

Roll Off Drivers Needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) DRIVERS \HDU RI YHUL¿DEOH HTXLYDOHQW Hanna Truck Lines is seeking commercial truck driving The Journey Professional Flatbed Drivers. experience. Must have a valid Detox and Recovery 56 cpm-No surprises: and safe driving record. is now hiring if interested in Starting pay (all miles): 54cpm, We offer competitive wages & a ZRUNLQJ LQ WKH ¿HOG RI 55cpm at 6 months, 56cpm at FRPSUHKHQVLYH EHQH¿WV SDFNAddiction Recovery 1 year. 100% Outbound loads age which includes: Please Call: Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, 256-354-1121 Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Life Insurance, Short & Long Peterbilt Trucks. AirRide 7HUP 'LVDELOLW\ 3DLG +ROLGD\V Trailers. Home weekends. Low DQG 372 White Oak cost BCBS Health/Dental Ins. 3OHDVH DSSO\ WKURXJK Transportation 0DWFKLQJ . 4XDOL¿FDWLRQV RXU ZHEVLWH DW is hiring CDL-A drivers 18 months Class A CDL driving www.wcawaste.com in your area. Great Pay! H[SHULHQFH ZLWK PRV ÀDWEHG (2( 0 ) ' 9 ([FHOOHQW %HQH¿WV Applicants must meet all D.O.T. Visit our website requirements. www.whiteoaktrans.com Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 for more information RU FRPH E\ +7/ RI¿FH DW EOE-M/F/D/V 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE Welder/Metal Worker -Welding -Light Machining Now Hiring Heavy -Metal Cutting Equipment Operators -Misc Tasks and CDL Drivers Pay DOE and ability Competitive pay and Must be able to pass drug test. EHQH¿WV 3UH HPSOR\PHQW Please call 256-234-6699 WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: ‡8QGHUJURXQG 0LQHUV ‡(OHFWULFLDQV ‡0DLQWHQDQFH )RUHPDQ ‡6XSHUYLVRUV $SSO\ RQOLQH ZZZ ZDUULRUPHWFRDO FRP

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The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Shatia Carr (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org PREP COOK Five Star now hiring part-time, hourly/morning Prep Cook to support Lead Cook for breakfast/lunch. Basic culinary skills. Email resume/references: VHDQ#ÂżYHVWDUSUHVHUYH FRP EOE. No drop-ins/phone calls.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

DECEMBER 5, 2018 • PAGE 7

Local author debuts sixth biography By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A local author celebrated the recent publication of her new book during an evening program hosted by the Wetumpka Public Library in the city council chambers on Nov. 28. Linda Alexander, who published “The Life and Death of Rising Star Steve Ihnat: Gone Too Soon� in late August, said writing the biography took several years. As the title suggests, Alexander said the biography centers around actor Steve Ihnat, who is most notably recognized for his role as fictional Fleet Captain Garth of Izar in season three of “Star Trek.� She said the inspiration to write about Ihnat first came to her while she was watching an episode of “The Outer Limits� on television. “I was looking for a new book, and the man wouldn’t let me go,� Alexander said. “I started looking up information on him. The more I found, the more I knew he was it. Frankly, I have to like a person. I won’t write a biography on someone I don’t respect.� Alexander referred to Ihnat as “an extraordinarily talented actor� and “one of the most international people you could know.� “He could move in and out of any characterization presented to him,� Alexander said. “He could move in and out of any

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Amalia Kortright / The Observer

Linda Alexander gave a presentation of her recently published biography, ‘The Life and Death of Rising Star Steve Ihnat: Gone Too Soon,’ on Nov. 28.

accent on the planet. He spoke a number of different languages. He was extremely intelligent.� Throughout the writing and interviewing process, Alexander said she had the opportunity to build friendships with some of Ihnat’s surviving relatives and meet with several former Hollywood actors. “The first person I was able to locate was his stepdaughter. She sent my information to his widow, and she and I struck up a

Notices

conversation. She gave me roads to everyone and everything I needed to know,� Alexander said. Additionally, Alexander said she uncovered details about the odd circumstances surrounding Ihnat’s death, which took place at the Cannes Film Festival in 1972. Alexander said some of the things she learned led her to theorize Ihnat could have been murdered while working as a spy. “He died, quote unquote, of a

Apartments

heart attack,� she said. “He was alone in his hotel room. They did not do an autopsy. He had just called his wife a couple of hours before and dropped the phone call suddenly. When his wife tried to call back, the hotel hung up on her. When she finally got through, all the doctor would say is, ‘Your husband’s dead.’ It took three weeks to get his body back to the United States. They kept saying there was no room on the plane for him, like he

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General Notices

was luggage. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the different oddities involved in his death.� Alexander said “The Life and Death of Rising Star Steve Ihnat: Gone Too Soon� is one of six biographies she’s written. All of them, she said, focus on “goodlooking dead men.� “I can see 90 different names or faces and they don’t appeal to me,� Alexander said. “But I’ll see somebody else and I can’t let them go.�

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PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 5, 2018

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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Ways to help the humane society during holidays By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We hope everyone is geared up for the final push toward Christmas as we all find ourselves busy with decorating, shopping, parties and life in general. On Saturday, we will be at PETCO on Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery from 1to 4 p.m. doing pet photos with Santa! Cost is $9.95 and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit our shelter through the Petco Foundation. We hope to see a long line of happy pets and owners! Are you thinking of buying a new bed for your beloved pet? Furhaven Pet Products Tails of Joy Program is a great way for you to find a bed for your pet. They will also send one to our shelter for our shelter pets! Just use our shelter’s coupon code, ELMORE40, and they will send us a washable bed for our shelter pets! What a great way to solve that Christmas present dilemma for your pet and help one of our shelter pets as well! Another way you can support the three area shelters a bit closer to home this holiday season is through the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Humane Society Giving Tree. The tree is located in ASF’s box office lobby, and the tree is decorated with wish list items and employees’ pet photos until Dec. 30. Even if you are not able to donate, please thank them for their generosity of spirit! Don’t forget to check out our 100-percent volunteer-run Tails End Thrift Store, co-located at the shelter, for gifts for yourself and your friends! Our thrift store

has clothes, linens, Christmas decorations, books, collectibles, small appliances, toys and so much more! The store is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can also receive donations from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. While at our thrift store, please thank our volunteers, who work so hard receiving, sorting and selling all of the donated items on behalf of all the animals. We think pet identification tags are a super present for your pet, or even other folks’ pets, and we can customize tags in our shelter office in about five minutes. We have a variety of tags. Small tags are $7 and large tags are $10. We tend to get an uptick in pet adoptions for Christmas. While surprising your children, parents or spouse with a pet may work out wonderfully, since the giver is also a recipient, we caution against getting a pet as a gift for a non-family friend. A pet is a very personal bond and why we offer adoption gift certificates/ gift kits for you to purchase so the recipient can come at a later time to find their new best friend. Our adoption gift certificates are good for a year, so the recipient has plenty of time to visit and find that perfect match. This also allows them to wait until after the hectic holidays if it turns out that Christmas isn’t the best timing for a new pet. Remember, a pet is a 10- to 15-year commitment, and bringing a new pet home is like adding a four-footed child. Our staff will help potential adopters make sure they are ready for the commitment a new pet brings, since we want it to be a lifetime of love for people and pets alike, whether at Christmas or any day of the year.

Pet of the Week – Jack

J

ack is a 3½-year-old male German Shepherd mix who is about 65 pounds. He is a shy boy at first but comes out of his shell quickly once he gets out with humans. He is good with other dogs and has a rather laid-back personality. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter proce-

dures, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchipping, a heartworm check for dogs, a rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with a participating veterinarian. To meet Jack and all the other pets at the shelter, visit 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. For more information, visit www. elmorehumane.org, email hselco@bellsouth.net or call 334-567-3377. The shelter is open for adoptions from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local nonprofit expands focus By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

The Central Alabama Alliance, Resource and Advocacy Center, Inc., headquartered on East Bridge Street, celebrated its new name and expanded outreach

during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon. When it was originally established in 2010 as the Central Alabama AIDS Resource and Advocacy Center, executive director Shakita Jones

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said the nonprofit’s primary goal was to serve those living with HIV or AIDS in central Alabama and combat the spread of the disease through education. Recently, Jones said she recognized the prevalence of other health issues affecting central Alabamians, including diabetes and high blood pressure, and decided to expand the organization’s focus on those. “We’re going to look at other health disparities that

disproportionately impact vulnerable populations,” Jones said. “I wanted to look at how we could reach more people across a lot of these issues.” Jones said the organization debuted its new slogan: “We Are Your Ally.” “We want to be an ally to organizations, individuals, this community and communities in the river region to help have conversations about some of the real issues that are going on in all of our

communities,” Jones said. However, Jones said HIV and AIDS will remain a major focus for the alliance. “I was looking at statistics this morning. In 2017, 52 percent of new HIV infections were in the South,” Jones said. “That means we have a problem that we’re not talking about.” On Saturday, the Central Alabama Alliance, Resource and Advocacy Center announced that it had received an $85,000

grant from the Gilead COMPASS Initiative. Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gerry Purcell said he is proud to have a nonprofit benefiting so many people headquartered in Wetumpka. “She’s providing a valuable service in many areas, particularly with HIV and Hepatitis C. It’s very important work,” Purcell said. “That’s Wetumpka reaching out to the river region and the whole state.”

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Sports

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com DECEMBER 5, 2018 • PAGE 9

The

Observer

LAST-MINUTE VICTORY

CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

My first fall in Elmore County was one to remember

A

t the beginning of August, I accepted a job to be thrown into the busiest time of year for high school sports in Alabama. I had very limited knowledge of the schools in Elmore County and the football programs I would be covering. After one week on the job, football practice officially began and every coach talked about the success which could be possible. It all sounded like coach speak at the time but four months later, the 2018 season was one of the most successful seasons as a whole for high school football in Elmore County. I knew to be on the lookout for teams like Wetumpka and Tallassee, which were coming off double-digit win seasons. However, the other four teams in our coverage area combined for just nine wins in 2017. Before the games began, new challenges were presented to both of the teams with higher expectations. Tallassee was making the jump to a higher classification while Wetumpka dealt with an injury to the quarterback who was expected to be the key to its success this season. With all of that being said, I did not have many expectations for the teams in the county in August. And I’m here to admit how wrong I was. In 2018, the five AHSAA schools and one AISA school combined for six winning records, four playoff appearances and two state semifinal games. The two teams that didn’t make the postseason still finished with three region wins each. The six football programs in the county combined for 44 wins, including four in the playoffs. And in between all of it, I got to cover some of the best games I have ever seen on Friday nights. Things got started early in the season when Edgewood hosted Northside in the season opener before AHSAA play began. The Wildcats won a one-point thriller to end their 20-game losing streak. The next week, Wetumpka made a statement against a Class 7A playoff team, Fairhope, in my first game at Hohenberg Field. Tyquan Rawls and the rest of the Wetumpka offense showed they were not going to go down without a fight. I sat through 90 minutes of lightning delays for my first game at Stanhope Elmore before the Mustangs fell on a last-second field goal by 7A powerhouse Prattville. Two weeks later, Wetumpka used a late field goal to knock off Opelika in a game which ended up deciding the region title. Of course, the game of the year probably came during the first week of October. Stanhope Elmore shocked the region and the state with an 80-yard fumble return for a touchdown to knock off then-No. 1 Wetumpka. The rest of the regular season had plenty of highlights remaining. Holtville dominated the fourth quarter against Talladega as the Bulldogs went on the clinch their first playoff appearance since 2010. In the final week of the regular season, rivals Tallassee and Elmore County lined up against each other for their season finale. It was my first look at two of the best players in the county as Kalvin Levett and DJ Patrick traded blows in their final high school games. Wetumpka’s playoff run will be one not quickly forgotten. Despite falling short of the state championship game, the team’s three postseason wins were not short of excitement filled with highs and lows. While there is plenty more which has to be left unsaid, I have to express my thanks to the thousands of people surrounding the football programs for welcoming me into the community. But most importantly, I want to thank the players and the coaches for showing the passion and love for the game and their team. It made my job easier and I am already looking forward to next fall. Caleb Turrentine is a sports writer for The Observer.

Caleb Turrentine / The Observer

Elmore County’s James Singleton (21) grabs an offensive rebound around two Holtville defenders during last week’s win.

Late basket caps comeback for Panthers By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Elmore County senior Deangelo Splunge scored only two points in the fourth quarter against Holtville last Tuesday but he had the biggest shot of the night. Splunge grabbed an offensive rebound and knocked down a floater from just inside the free throw line with 15 seconds to go to give the Panthers a 65-64 win in the team’s first Class 4A Area 5 game. “I saw the ball come off the rim so I went and got it,” Splunge said. “When

I put it up, I expected it to go in and it did and we won the game. It was nerve-wracking. They’re a great team and this was a road game but we needed it.” Splunge’s floater capped a 21-10 run by the Panthers to finish the game. Elmore County erased a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit to earn its second win of the season, already surpassing last year’s win total. “That’s a huge win for these kids,” Elmore County coach Rodney Taylor said. “They needed this tonight. It wasn’t the prettiest of basketball but they found

a way to get to the end and win the game.” Elmore County (2-2, 1-0) jumped out to a 12-0 lead to start the game but quickly cooled off for the rest of the first half. Holtville’s Drake Baker had a breakaway dunk to bring life to the home crowd and give the Bulldogs the momentum. Holtville (0-1, 0-1) outscored the Panthers 25-12 after the dunk as the Bulldogs took a 31-24 lead at halftime. Baker scored 16 points in the first half while grabbing 13 rebounds. The Panthers were outrebounded See HOOPS • Page 10

Elmore County takes 3rd at Tallassee Duals STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Caleb Turrentine / The Observer

Elmore County’s Stone Svencer tries to hold off Tallassee’s Christian McCary in a match on Friday.

ECHS falls to Tigers in season opener By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

The Elmore County wrestling team started its season with a big opening weekend. Before going to the Tallassee Duals tournament Saturday, the Panthers lost to visiting Tallassee for an in-school match Friday afternoon. Elmore County students filled the gym as the two teams took to the mats for their first meeting of the season. Panther coach Jared Jones

said the energy of the gym was great but it may have had his wrestlers a little on edge. “Some of our kids probably got a little nervous honestly,” Jones said. “They have a better team though and that’s where we’re trying to get to.” The match started with two Tallassee victories by Cody Gilson and Jacob Ledbetter. Both athletes pinned their opponents but the Panthers leveled the match after two forfeits by the Tigers. See PANTHERS • Page 10

With a big victory over Beauregard in its final match of the day, Elmore County’s wrestling team took third at the Tallassee Duals on Saturday afternoon. In addition to a 66-17 defeat of Beauregard, the Panthers had wins over Dadeville, 72-6; Northview, 63-16; and Stanhope Elmore. Their only loss came against St. James, 52-24. The day helped the Panthers bounce back from their season-opening loss to Tallassee the day prior. “We just wrestled a lot better today, even against St. James,” Elmore County coach Jared Jones said. “We seemed a lot more relaxed, but we still have a long way to go. We wrestled a whole lot better; we just have to work on being a whole lot more aggressive in the first period. ECHS had a slew of pins in the third-place match against Beauregard. Cody Bullard (106), Jacob Taunton (126), Skyler Stanley (132), Jason Aguilar (145), Chayanne Sanchez (152), Malachi Kendrick (160) and Ethan Geer (170) all flattened their opponents. Despite the loss to St. James, the Panthers did have a pair of victors on the mat. At 195, Garrett Moseley pinned Bennett Blankenship, and Matt See DUALS • Page 10

PAGE 10 • DECEMBER 5, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Tigers ride first-quarter run to sixth straight win By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Caleb Turrentine / The Observer

Elmore County freshman Seanna O’Daniel (21) looks to block Tallassee’s Alexis Hutchison during the Panthers’ win Thursday.

Panthers use defense to grab 3 wins in 4 days STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Elmore County girls basketball team allowed just 17.3 points per game across three non-region games last week. The Panthers (5-1) defeated Holtville, Tallassee and Beulah to extend its winning streak to four games. The Panthers knocked off Holtville, 43-2, to earn their first Class 4A Area 5 win of the season. Elmore County outscored the Bulldogs 25-0 in the first quarter. Madison Traylor led the team with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Elmore County used another big first quarter to knock off Tallassee 42-29 Thursday. The Panthers never trailed but had to shake off a season-high 29 team turnovers. Traylor finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. She was one of six Panther players to record a steal in the game. One night later, the Panthers had three players score in double figures in a 46-21 win over Beulah. Courtney Bolton and Diamond Brown each scored 14 points while Traylor added 10. Traylor also added nine rebounds, seven steals and four assists in the victory.

Duals

continued from page 9

Brown also had a first-period pin over Taylor Penney at heavyweight.

Tallassee goes undefeated

Tallassee picked up four dominating victories at its own tournament to stay undefeated on the day. Wins for the Tigers included defeats of Beauregard, 51-13; Holtville, 60-12; Prattville Christian, 51-30; and Reeltown, 66-12. All of Tallassee’s victories came with helps of forfeits, but there were several individuals who had strong outings. Cody Gilson and Will Lackey each had three pins on the day. Gilson flattened his opponents against Beauregard, PCA and Reeltown at 170 pounds, while Lackey had pins against the same teams at 145. Both finished 4-0 with wins by forfeits against Holtville. At 113, Grant Hall went 3-1 on the day, picking up pins against Holtville and Reeltown. Quinton Jeter was 2-1 at 138 with pins against Beauregard and Reeltown. Mason Bell, Drake Bonner and Brandan Emfinger were also two-pin victors at 152, 160 and 106, respectively.

Holtville struggles at Tallassee Duals

Due to low roster numbers, Holtville struggled with giving up forfeits Saturday, but the Bulldogs did manage to pull out a 39-30 victory over Reeltown to end the day. Prior to that, they suffered losses to Beauregard, 48-12; Tallassee, 60-12; and Prattville Christian, 39-24. In the win over the Rebels, Holtville had four victories on the mat. At 113, Caleb Sexton picked up a 7-1 decision, and Ethan Headley followed at 126 with a pin against Reeltown’s Christian Baker. Holtville had another pair of back-toback wins with Colby Nelson and Slade Freeman each flattening their opponents at 145 and 152, respectively. Despite the big losses to Beauregard and Tallassee, Holtville had a pair of wins on the mat in each. Against the Hornets, Freeman had a pin at 152 and Michael Wilkinson flattened James Conway at 160. Versus the Tigers, Headley pinned Preston Tidwell at 126, and Jabarious Jackson earned a win via injury time in 138.

It did not take long to find a winner in Thursday night’s game at Tallassee. The Tallassee boys basketball team jumped out to an 18-0 lead and finished the first quarter with a 28-1 lead over Elmore County. The Tigers continued their dominance, winning every quarter on their way to a 66-30 win over the Panthers. “That was a pretty incredible run,” Tallassee coach Keiven Mixson said. “I’ve been a part of a lot games but that was a pretty good quarter.” The Tigers (6-1) knocked down five 3-pointers in the opening quarter and forced six turnovers, all leading to points on the other end. Joshua Griffin knocked down two triples and scored eight points in the opening quarter. Jamicah Humphrey made one 3-pointer and assisted on two others. “We were on fire,” Humphrey said. “We all had the hot hand. It felt good and just got another good win.” Humphrey, who continued with the hot hand into the second quarter, finished with 13 points. Sandarius Hughley finished with three 3-pointers, all in the second half. “The more scorers you have, the better it’s going to be,” Mixson said, “but to have them all shoot like that on the same night is pretty

Caleb Turrentine / The Observer

Elmore County’s Shakwan Bickley fights for a loose ball against Tallassee’s Tavarious Griffin (10) and Jaleel Dumas (3).

rare.” While it was easy to find the beauty in the Tiger offense, the defense impressed Mixson more. The coach said he may have been a part of a team scoring 28 points in a quarter but limiting the opponents to one is rare. “They were on fire,” Elmore County coach Rodney Taylor said. “They shot the ball tremendously well and you have to give them credit for that. But once it started getting away from us a little bit, we started hanging our heads and I was disappointed in that.” Tallassee used full-court pressure through most of

the game to disrupt Elmore County’s offense. The Panthers finished with 19 turnovers. “Every time we have pressed, we have been successful,” Mixson said. “The guys love it, it gives them some energy and some bounce. I didn’t know it would be as effective as it is but it comes in handy.” While Tallassee’s hot shooting allowed it to take the lead, it was the play inside which kept it there. Tyrek Turner finished with his sixth double-double of the season, recording 16 points and 16 rebounds. “We’re trying to work on our goals that we set before

Hoops

the game,” Mixson said. “We keep them focused on those goals but there for a minute, I didn’t really have to do much. I just had to let them play.” Elmore County dropped to 2-3 on the season. While Taylor was disappointed in the team’s first-half effort, he said there will be a response. “You look up at the scoreboard and we were trying to come back in one possession but that’s not going to happen,” Taylor said. “We got out of sync with what we were trying to do. “Sometimes this happens. Tallassee has a really good basketball team. I can live with it.”

continued from page 9

21-15 through the first two quarters and Taylor knew it would have to be a focus for the team to have a chance to come back. “I challenged them at halftime,” Taylor said. “We did a much better job of getting in position to get the board in the second half. I was tremendously proud of the extra work on the boards in the second half.” Elmore County used a 28-19 advantage on the boards in the second half to chip into Holtville’s lead. The Panthers had 10 second-chance points in the third quarter, including a putback by DJ Patrick with 1:20 to go to tie the game at 42. However, Holtville responded with a 12-2 run to take a 54-44 lead with 7:28 to go in the game. Dajon Reeves and Braxton Buck each scored six points in the run, forcing Taylor to call a timeout. The Panthers responded with a 13-2 run to take their first lead of the second

half with 4:15 to go. Shakwan Bickley grabbed another offensive rebound before laying it in to put Elmore County in front. “The main thing is they competed from start to finish,” Taylor said. “We found a way at the end to make a shot when we needed to make it and got a stop.” The two teams went back and forth for the final two minutes before Splunge knocked down the game winner. Baker had a chance to give Holtville the lead but a missed hook shot ended up in the hands of Patrick for his 13th rebound of the night. Patrick came alive in the second half, scoring 14 of his 23 points in the final two quarters. He led the team in scoring to go with 13 rebounds and three steals. “I was just playing the same,” Patrick said. “I was just trying to get some boards and put up some points to help my team win. We had a chance so we

had to go for it.” Bickley was the only other Panther to reach double figures, scoring 12 points by going 5 of 7 from the field. Splunge finished with nine points and James Singleton scored six points to go with nine rebounds. “Going 1-22 last year, I didn’t like that at all,” Splunge said. “We’re doing good at practice and we have to bring it into the game and play hard every time.” Baker led all scorers, finishing with 24 points to go with 18 rebounds. He also added five blocks, two assists and two steals. Reeves scored 18 points for the Bulldogs. “It’s tough to start with your cross-county rivals in your first game but it is what it is,” Holtville coach Michael Collins said. “This may be a blessing in disguise for the guys as a wake-up call. You have to put it behind you and get back to work.”

Panthers

continued from page 9

The heavyweight match followed and swung the momentum in Tallassee’s favor. Junior Tavarious Griffin stepped in for a shorthanded Tiger team and pinned Matt Brown to give Tallassee an 18-12 lead. “It’s hard for them to come back when they see an emotional match that could have gone either way like that,” Jones said. Tallassee won nine of the final 10 matches to defeat Elmore County, 58-18. Jacob Taunton recorded the only pin of the match for the Panthers, beating Tallassee’s Preston Tidwell at 126. “I asked a few kids to move up a weight class so we could fill all of the weight classes so that put us at kind of a disadvantage but that’s just part of it,” Jones said. “It’s going to be tough but we have to get better at take-

downs. They got the first takedown in almost every match.” Tallassee finished the match with eight pins. Gilson, Ledbetter and Griffin were joined by Brendan Emfinger, Zack Haynes, Quinton Jeter, Will Lackey and Drake Bonner. Grant Hall, Christian McCarry and Mason Bell all won by decision. “Our kids really did well; I was really impressed,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “Wrestling is unique sport though. You take two or three matches that go the other way and then they win.” Tallassee rebounded from a 59-15 loss at Auburn on Thursday night. Mask also talked about the emotion behind the match and said there is usually more pressure on the home team in front of its own students. Mask and Jones spent more than

a decade together at Tallassee as co-head coaches. They won one state title as a team. Despite the rivalry between the schools, both coaches said they want to see the other succeed. The competition between the schools created a more emotional environment during Friday’s match. “If we wrestled again in January, it might be more emotional,” Jones said. “But the fact that this was our first match, against them, in front of our students, I don’t know if it could get more emotional. Maybe with higher stakes but as far as more emotional, I don’t think so.” Mask said, “We all want to win but we all still love each other. It was a great day and we were able to do really well. We have to keep working though.”

AHSAA SUPER 7 CHAMPIONSHIPIS At Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn (Home team listed second) Wednesday, Dec. 5 Unified Game Vestavia Hills vs. Baldwin County, 3:30 p.m. Class 7A Central-Phenix City (13-0) vs. Thompson (12-1), 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 Class 3A Piedmont (12-2) vs. Flomaton (11-3), 11 a.m. Class 1A Linden (13-0) vs. Mars Hill Bible (13-1), 3 p.m.

Class 5A Vigor (13-1) vs. Central-Clay County (11-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 Class 4A UMS-Wright (13-0) VS. Deshler (9-5), 11 a.m. Class 2A Fyffe (14-0) vs. Luverne (13-1), 3 p.m. Class 6A Pinson Valley (12-1) vs. Saraland (131), 7 p.m. Semifinal results Class 6A Pinson Valley 28, Clay-Chalkville 20

Saraland 22, Wetumpka 21 Class 5A Central-Clay Co. 20, Mortimer Jordan 17 Vigor 38, Greenville 16 Class 4A Deshler 35, Oneonta 20 UMS-Wright 24, Andalusia 3 Class 3A Flomaton 34, Providence Chr. 33 Piedmont 26, Randolph Co. 21 Class 2A Fyffe 49, Aliceville 8 Luverne 30, Highland Home 12 Class 1A Linden 16, Maplesville 8 Mars Hill Bible 20, Pickens Co. 12

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