Feb 10, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

INSIDE TODAY

‘Cats capture 1st state championship since 2001 Sports Page 11

Primary election approaches with no interesting races.

Opinion Page 4

THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898

Wetumpka, AL 36092

50¢

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 10, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 118, NO.6

House fire on Balm Road a ‘100 percent loss’ By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor

A house fire on Balm Road on Jan. 29 caused the destruction of the home and caused one person, to be airlifted to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, as a result of the blaze. Chris Moore, assistant fire chief with the Seman Fire Department, said he was the first on the scene. “I was actually the first on the scene … it (the home) was fully involved when I got there,” he said. “It is a 100

Submitted / The Herald

A house fire on Balm Road was declared a total loss. One person was reportedly airlifted to a Birmingham hospital.

percent loss.” Moore said volunteer fire departments from Seman, Santuck, Real Island and Buyck all responded to the scene. “We get help from them (the other fire departments) all the time,” he said. It’s an automatic aid, which means anytime one of (these) four fire departments gets called out, we all respond because of personnel … we have a great working relationship with all the fire departments.”

Prison reform, storm cleanup at forefront for commission meeting

Edgewood seniors compete in Rotary Club Contest By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor

In an annual event that puts the best against the best, Wetumpka Rotary Club 2016 Speech Contest kicked off Feb. 2 with competition slated for Feb. 9 and the finals Feb. 23. Prior to the event, Bob Reneau said the event is held every year and this year the overall winner will walk away with an award of $1,000 while the runnerup will receive $500. The first round was Feb. 2 with three seniors from Edgewood Academy looking to advance to the finals. Seniors J.P. Lee III, Emily Strickland and Emilee Ellis competed with Ellis winning the event and advancing to the finals. Both Lee and Strickland were awarded $250 for participating in the “Edgewood” round. Ellis, winner of See ROTARY • Page 2

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Prison reform sat at the top of the list on issues Monday at the Elmore County Commission Meeting, above lawsuits, letters and talk of elections. The upcoming election also got some John W. Peeler / The Herald prominent play. Above, The ‘Pride of the Tribe’ Wetumpka High School marching band led the way across Bibb Graves Bridge SatCounty Administrator Grace McDuffie urday during the Fourth annual Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras parade. Bottom, A float from one of the wireless tele- was first to mention prison reform during phone companies crosses Bibb Graves Saturday during the Fourth annual Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras parade. her work session report. She said on Wed. Feb. 10 at the DOT Conference room, the Department of Pardons and Parole would have a meeting concerning Act 2015-185 on the statewide changes to the prison system, which passed By JOHN W. PEELER as Senate Bill 67 in the 2015 legislative Managing Editor session. “Elmore County is a pilot program on The City of Wetumpka made sure the citizens this and we just kind of need to know what of Elmore County didn’t have to drive to far to they expect of the county and the manageget a taste of New Orleans-style Mardi Gras. ment of this program concerning the prison Hundreds flocked to the Bibb Graves Bridge reform,” McDuffie said. and lined South Main Street Feb. 6 to meet and Commission chairman David Bowen watch the floats — and collect the beads and immediately spoke about what he called prizes being thrown from the floats as the city the “revamping” of the prison system. celebrated the Fourth annual Order of Cimarron He said the state wanted to build three Mardi Gras. or four mega-site prisons to take the place Barbara Sayers of Shorter, Alabama, said she of the current prisons and he voiced his came to the event before, and looked forward to concerns about them not being in Elmore this year’s event. See COMMISSION • Page 2 See MARDI GRAS • Page 2

MARDI GRAS WETUMPKA STYLE

Alleged ‘Hate group’ joins in Confederate flag saga

South, or LOS, based out of Wetumpka. In a phone interview, Richard Cohen, SPLC president said, “We consider the The ongoing issue with the Confederate League of the South to be a hate group.” flag and Elmore County, specificalCohen cited what he said was the group’s ly the Tallassee chapter of the Sons of “incendiary racism” and “their belief that Confederate Veterans, took a turn when the the South should secede from the union Tallassee Tribune was notified of a connec- again,” as evidence for the classification. tion to a group, classified as an extremist Dana Jones, of Georgiana, Alabama, hate-group by the Southern Poverty Law warned that she had consulted her lawyer Center, a civil rights law organization out of regarding the online blogger who had sent Montgomery. the email to the Tribune, and said yes, she An email sent to the Tribune indicated was an avowed member of the LOS. the SCV supporter who gathered funds “As far as the League of the South? Am to raise a 50-foot Confederate flag in I a member of the League of the South, I downtown Montgomery within blocks of sure am. I’m proud to be,” Jones said. “If Alabama State University had ties to the you want an article about the League of the white-supremacist group the League of the South I could hook you right up personalBy COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

USPS 681-260

Moore said although the fire departments didn’t come off the scene until about 1 a.m. Jan. 30, the departments had the blaze under control in about an hour. He said the fire apparently started in the kitchen, and although the report hasn’t been completed, there was nothing unusual about the fire that raised any red flags to cause the fire to be investigated. The name of the victim was not released.

Need Cash Fast? How Would You Like An

Interest Free $750 Advance *

To Hold You Over Until That Refund Comes In? ASK ONE OF OUR TAX PROFESSIONALS FOR DETAILS

LOCAL FINANCE LOANS & TAX 1661 E. Main Street•Prattville, AL

334.365.9678 *Some Restrictions May Apply

tax refund

FREE ESTIMATES!

Hedging, Fall Cleanup, Leaf Removal, All Yard & Lawn Maintenance

(334) 309-4422 • (334) 580-7879

ly with the president of the League of the South … I would love to get you a interview with the president of the League of the South, he would be glad to do that.” At Jones’ request, the Tribune spoke to LOS president Mike Hill to learn in its own words, its influence in the Tallassee SCV chapter and whether it had any involvement in the attempt to raise the flag in downtown Montgomery near historically black ASU. In a phone call Friday, Hill said his group, the LOS, had nothing to do with the initial efforts of Jones and a group she co-founded, the First Capitol Flaggers. However, Hill said they would be involved now, likely in the form of a See LOS • Page 3

Page 2 • FEBRUARY 10, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Rotary

continued from page 1

Edgewood’s round, gave a speech on “The Price of Oil; Will There Continue To Be Good News At The Gas Pump?” Runners-up Lee and Strickland gave speeches on “Does the United States Need a Stronger Military Force? Should the Draft be Instituted?” and “Gun Control: What Should Be Done and How Would It Work?” respectively. At press time, three seniors from Wetumpka High School are battling to see who will face off against Ellis in the finals Feb. 23. The overall winner of the finals will receive an award of $1,000.

Submitted / The Herald

Pictured (left to right) are Emily Strickland, Emilee Ellis and J.P. Lee, III, who are seniors at Edgewood Academy. The students represented Edgewood Academy at the Wetumpka Rotary Club Speech Contest Feb. 2, with Ellis winning the event. Ellis will now take on the winner of Wetumpka High School in the Feb. 23 final.

Valentine’s Dinner & Music FEBRUARY 13TH 6:00 PM TO 9:00PM

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Commission

County. He said the prison population is here, the corrections officers are here and he urged citizens to contact legislators about keeping them in Elmore County. Bowen said the Department of Corrections is one of the largest employers in the county. Vice-Chairman and District 5 commissioner Stephanie Daniels Smoke spoke about a $350,000 grant she helped secure for the Crenshaw area through the Alabama Department of Economic Affairs (ADECA) for home safety repairs and renovations to qualified residents. She said the grant did not cost taxpayers anything. “It’s monumental in that most grants we get do require some type of match from the commission and in this case it did not. We were able to let the homeowners do their own match,” Smoke said. Richie Beyer, county engineer, and Eric Jones, EMA director, both spoke about ongoing cleanup and repair efforts from damage caused by the storms and flooding of late December. After the work session motions were approved to accept a Domestic Violence Grant, an annual grant from the Department of Justice that is distributed by ADECA for fiscal year 2016. An agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to resurface about two miles of Possum Trot Road from Coosa River to Lightwood Roads was approved. And county construction equipment from the Highway Department was authorized for sale through JM Wood Auction.

Mardi Gras

continued from page 1

“Hwy. 231 Saturday Night Jamboree” BBQ Supper: $10 Per Plate • Catered by Champs BBQ Country • Rock-N-Roll • Gospel Line Dancing & Dance Floor!

Doors Open: 5:30pm • Music: 6-9pm All Ages Welcome | No admission charge | No Smoking For more information contact: Ray Funderburk @ 334-283-3494 R&R Music & Things @ 334-991-4682 Or Mike Whorton @ 334-315-9207

Al. League of the South Cultural Center Building 12814 Hwy 231 North Wetumpka, Al.

continued from page 1

“The last time we came … we had a wonderful time,” she said. “This year there seems to be a lot more floats, but we all had a great time. Wetumpka sure knows how to put on a parade.” The event kicked of in the morning at Gold Star Park with vendor attractions for parade goers to peruse and purchase and led up to the long-anticipated parade, which kicked off right on time. As the parade began, the thump, thump, thump of the Wetumpka High School band drums could be heard in the background while younger parade watchers were visibly excited.

As the band crossed Bibb Graves Bridge and the floats began coming into view, the crowds moved in closer to the floats to catch their share of beads, stuffed animals, hula-hoops and other items being tossed from the floats. Julie Sterns of Prattville, Alabama, said after just moving to Alabama, this was the closest thing to being home in New Orleans she had been to in a long while. “Me and my family just moved here a couple of months ago,” she said. “I am originally from New Orleans and I really miss being home. So, this is such a welcome sight and it kind of is a way for me to be there … at least in heart and memory.”

Area Calendar Community New at the Wetumpka Library What: New Books: Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb; Robert B. Parker’s Blackjack by Robert Knott; Breakdown by Jonathan Kellerman; Bertie’s Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith; My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout; After She’s Gone by Lisa Jackson; And Sometimes I Wonder About You by Walter Mosley;

The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge by Michael Punke New Audio Books: Scandalous Behavior by Stuart Woods and NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson Preschool Story Time is at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings. For more information, call 334567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com and on Facebook. Blood Drive When: Feb. 10, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Holtville High

School Tallassee High School Town Hall Meeting When: Feb. 11, 6 p.m. Where: Media Center, Tallassee High School Tallassee High School will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the expansion of the Career Technical education programs at Tallassee High School. Tallassee High School’s faculty believes this endeavor is imperative for developing “College & Career Ready” students, and provides students with

Mack Daugherty Conservative Republican Military Veteran

Home: (334) 857-3491

Cell: (256) 234-9216

9 Elmore County resident for the past 42 years. 9 Married to the former Mary Colley of Eclectic for the past 42 years. 9 Son – Corey, who along with his wife Holly and children, Addison and Cecily, reside in Birmingham. 9 Daughter – Dr. Cecilia Smith, who along with her husband, Rhett and children, Paul Rhett and Laura, reside in the Eclectic area. 9 30-Year Law Enforcement Veteran. 9 Successful Businessman (Founder and Owner of Lake Martin Security, Inc.), For the past 31 years. 9 Retired Engineer with CSX Railroad. 9 Graduate of University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy.

9 Volunteer Commissioned APOST Certiﬁed Deputy Sheriff in Elmore County for 24 years. 9 Volunteer Deputy Game Warden for past 23 years. 9 Certiﬁed American Red Cross Instructor 22 years. 9 Founding Member and Former Chief of Kowaliga Fire Dept. 20 years. 9 Currently serves as Chief of Security/Director of Trail Operations for Russell Lands, Inc., for the past 22 years. 9 Minister of Music in church ministry for the past 43 years. 9 Currently serves as Worship Leader at Church in the Pines/Children’s Harbor Chapel at Lake Martin. 9 Children’s Harbor Volunteer since 1989.

Accepting No Campaign Donations.

Wetumpka Depot Players present “Steel Magnolias” When: Feb. 11-14 and Feb. 18-21 Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: Purchase tickets by calling 334-868-1440 or log on to www.wetumpkadepot.com Elmore County Relay for Life Committee and Team Camptain Meeting When: Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. Where: Elmore County Firefighters Association (191 Red Eagle Drive), Wetumpka

Elmore County Commissioner District 2

“ I am not seeking this office as another job, as I have worked two and three jobs all of my adult life. I am seeking this office as an opportunity to SERVE the citizens of Elmore County in an honest, ethical, proficient, transparent and fiscally-responsible manner. For you see, I believe that people who are elected to public office are indeed SERVANTS of the people, and thus should be held to a very high standard. I am accepting no campaign donations and am obligated to no one but the citizens of Elmore County. I would be very grateful and humbled by your vote on March 1st.”

challenging opportunities within the technical fields as well as provides a skilled workforce data, as well as evaluates needs from business and industry on a local level. This is an open meeting and the community is encouraged to attend. This town hall meeting will allow the opportunity to offer suggestions and recommendations for the career tech program.

Artist reception at “The Kelly” When: Feb. 12, 5:30-7 p.m. Where: Kelley Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery (408 S. Main St.), Wetumpka Details: Meet and greet the artists of “Abandoned Rural America” and “The Land: God’s Gift” and enjoy an RC Cola and Moon Pie as well as other Southern delicacies made and grown in rural Alabama.

Need CPAP?

334-514-6183 Serving Elmore County since 1990. Located in Wetumpka at 6251 US Hwy 231 in the Triple C Plaza. www.qualityhomehealthcare.us

Redland Candidates’ Forum When: Feb. 13, 9-10:15 a.m. Where: Redland Vol Fire Dept Station No. 2 (Redland Road, just NE of the Dozier/ Firetower intersection, but before Jackson Road) Details: Sponsored by the Redland Community Association. Arrive before 8:45 a.m. to enjoy a cup of coffee with your neighbors. We’ll have Q&A with the incumbents/candidates for County Commission District No. 2 and No. 3, as well as Elmore County School District No. 5. In attendance: Trey Taylor, Mack Daugherty, David Bowen, Troy Stubbs, Larry Teel and Leisa Finley.) Valentine’s Day Blues Show When: Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Where: Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery Details: Show features Betty Wright, Willie Clayton, Wyndell “B,” J-Wonn and Vick Allen. Table seating is $45 and arena seating is $40. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 • Page 3

LOS However, Hill said they would be involved now, likely in the form of a donation of some kind. Hill explained LOS was a southern nationalist organization. It was a white-only group with no other races or ethnicities allowed in its ranks. None (non whites) had shown interest, he said. But, he said, no person of any other race would be permitted into the LOS, even if for some reason they did show interest. “I think that we probably would tell them thanks, but no thanks,” Hill said. The LOS are secessionists and Hill clarified that unlike the SCV his group was not a “heritage” group. “We seek the survival, well being and independence of the Southern people,” Hill said. They were, as Hill said, “active” in politics, social issues and education, and even though he said he could not give specifics, Hill said their membership was in the thousands. “We have quite a few members in that general area,” Hill said, referring to the Elmore County area and specifically Wetumpka, Eclectic and Tallassee. “Obviously some of our members are SCV and vice-versa,” Hill said. Fred Randall Hughey, media representative and “commander” of the SCV chapter the Tallassee Armory Guards, said he knew of only around three SCV members that were also in the League of the South. The initial report of Jones’ group’s attempts to install the flag in proximity to ASU in downtown Montgomery came from Hughey’s announcements at the last SCV Lee-Jackson Banquet. Hughey said the Tallassee SCV chapter would donate $500 dollars to Jones’ group and its aim. “I’m sure there are things the LOS purport that we don’t agree with and things that we do,” Hughey said. He went on to say, “If they want to be a member for the right reasons, we don’t have any problem with them and I’ve never had any problem with them.” Hill said, regarding the LOS, he did not know exactly what number of LOS members were also Tallassee SCV members. The League of the South has its headquarters in Wetumpka, Alabama.

continued from page 1

In a phone call with the SPLC about the aim of Jones’ group, and TAG’s involvement, SPLC president Richard Cohen, referred to the SPLC website which had chronicled the LOS, its beliefs, changes and devoted a profile to the group and Hill in it’s “Extremist Files.” According to the Southern Poverty Law Center the group had become more radical in recent years and developed what it called a uniformed, paramilitary unit. In the SPLC information taken from a LOS website, there were quotes from Hill about “targeting” hostile media members, political leaders and “cultural icons.” The group has a stated enemy in the federal government and in some of its most recent actions, installed multi-

ple highway billboards across several states that read “#SECEDE” in reference to its goal. Social media websites of the group include images of heavily armed men covered head-to-toe in military style garb with calls to arms and explanations of the need to embrace violence to attain its goals. There are calls to arms, cryptic quotes and warnings of looming race wars. One quote from Hill reads “ ... a campaign to destroy our blood. It is a war they have started but one we will finish, God willing.” Hill acknowledged the SPLC’s registry, and said it was “a badge of honor to be on their list.” “I’d be disappointed if we hadn’t elicited that commentary from them,” he said.

Hill said his group would like to help the Jones’ group after she made the announcement her group could not use the land donated to them, by what was said to be an anonymous physician out of Montgomery. The reason, as Jones said, was a “a power-line proximity issue,” found Feb. 4, one day after The Tribune’s publication and two day’s after its online posting. Jones repeatedly denied ASU had any factor into the placement of the flag. Richard Cohen, SPLC president, said, to him, the group’s intention was obvious. “The First Amendment gives people the right to be obnoxious and ugly,” Cohen said. Cohen said just because someone by

law could do something, does not mean that they should and this was a case-in-point. “It’s obvious that the people promoting this, the people behind it, intend it as an insult to ASU, an insult to black people,” he said. “The proof of that is the applause and cheers that they got when they announced it would be across from ASU.” Cohen said Alabama had an image problem nationally and internationally and it is an image that hurts the state economically. An example from just last year, Cohen said, was when Mercedes said it would not come to Alabama if the

Confederate flag was flying at the capitol. “I think that raising the Confederate flag in manners like this sends the message to the state, the country and the world that racism is alive and well in Alabama,” Cohen said. Big businesses, he said, are reluctant to come to areas that they think racism is alive and well. “I think it will hurt Tallassee,” Cohen said. Plans are also in effect to raise a 30-foot Confederate flag Feb. 22 in the heart of downtown Tallassee at the new headquarters of the local SCV chapter.

RE-ELECT

JAMES “TREY”

TAYLOR

ELMORE CO. COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 TO

CONTINUE PROGRESS • Continue saving and creating jobs • Continue ensuring the safety of our citizens through our first responder and EMA depts. • Continue paving and rehabilitating roads & bridges • Continue resurfacing dirt roads • Continue economic development • Continue an accountable and transparent govt. • Continue updating county facilities • Continue financial support to schools • Continue financial support to fire departments • Continue a balanced county budget • Continue county recreational improvements • Continue city/town partnerships to improve roads in city/town limits • Continue school partnerships for traffic control and road / parking maintenance I am a conservative Republican with Christian values and a proven record of accountability, transparency, ethical decision making, and PROGRESS. On March 1st cast your vote to

CONTINUE PROGRESS Pd.Pol.Adv. By James “Trey” Taylor

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties

Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER

CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net LAKE MARTIN VIEW – 260 South Lands End, 3 bd/2 ba, 1 acre, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville Church. $69,000. 2206 HWY. 120 – 2 miles from Reeltown School, brick, 3 bd/2 ba, heat pump, hardwood floors. Beautiful yards, new LD close to Kiwi Farm. 100% financing SOroof, for qualified buyer. REDUCED TO $99,500. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000. MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.

Kenneth Boone, Publisher John Peeler, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Page 4 • F

OPINION

10, 2016

“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

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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.

Your

Opinion

Reader believes Confederate flag should be prominently displayed Dear Editor, I wish to address the recent letter written Glenn Dean. We should not be concerned with whatever image Chelsea Handler may have presented concerning Alabama. Ms. Handler is hardly a paragon of truth and morality. I invite the reader to research Ms. Handler. The so-called Rebel flag, which I prefer to call the Confederate flag, is actually the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia. There are other versions of this flag. The Confederate flag should be prominently displayed so that anyone passing through Montgomery may see it. The proposed placing of the flag near the campus of Alabama State University is not meant to insult anyone. Rather, its placement there is to make it visible from a major thoroughfare. The flags were properly displayed on the Confederate Monument. They were a part of the monument. Governor Bentley removed them during a time he was under much stress caused by his attempts to pass a budget and his marital problems. Hopefully, our next Governor will restore the flags to their proper location. The Civil War, or, as I prefer to call it, the War of Northern Aggression, cost the entire country dearly. The Confederate flag is a product of this war and should be prominently displayed where appropriate and not relegated to a museum. John Hazel Deatsville

Leaders lead by example

n my many years in the Army, the one thing stressed most was to lead by example. While many may not equate the doctrine of leadership in the armed forces to everyday life, in reality, we lead someone every day, whether it be someone who works for us or at home with our children. According to the Army’s leadership doctrinal manual, Field Manual 6-22, Army leadership is “the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization.” Not much has changed about what leadership is. It is the same definition I learned as a young Field Artilleryman in the mid-to-late ‘70s. FM 6-22 tells us a leader is anyone who, by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility, inspires and influences people to accomplish organizational goals. What the field manual does not tell us is what age, race, gender or any other demographic one has to be to become a leader. Why? Because contrary to many beliefs about a leader being born not made, everyone has the ability and potential to be a leader.

Dear John By John W. Peeler I believe Vince Lombardi had it right when he said, “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” With the advent of the 24-hour news cycle, the Internet and other various forms of obtaining news information, the general public now gets a little better look into today’s “movers and shakers,” politicians who might be running the state and the country, and yes, parents. But, even with the changes, one thing that hasn’t changed is the expectations we have of our leaders — just as our children look to us as parents to lead them. We expect our leaders to be moral, self-aware, adaptive, flexible, mentally agile, composed, confident, resilient, empathetic, able to display sound judgment, be a leader of character and a long list of other attributes. Above

all, we expect our leaders to lead by example. Today, we wonder why so many of our youth have gone astray, why they are involved in gangs, why they commit crimes at such an early age — but, all we have to do is look at who is leading them. Some get so busy with their jobs and their own agendas they forget about their children and the direct impact they can have on their lives. What can be seen is the number of children and teenagers on social media sites, hanging out on the streets unsupervised and outside at hours when only bad things are more likely than not looking for someone to lead them, instead of looking to their parents for the leadership they yearn for. For some children, by the time someone notices it’s too late. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Every day is a new day, especially if you take the time to become involved in an at-risk child’s life. Today, you can be the leader that leads by example. Today is the day you can save a child from becoming just another statistic or example of “just another child that lost their way,” if you can be the light that shines for them.

334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS John Peeler, managing editor John.Peeler@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 302 Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 313

March 1 primary election approaches with uninteresting races

e are only a few weeks away from our March 1 primary. We have an early primary date this year due to the fact that we are in the SEC Presidential Primary. Therefore, we will have some say in who will be the GOP and Democratic nominees. Indeed, the presidential fray, especially on the Republican side, has been the center of attention. However, we do have some statewide races on the ballot this year — albeit they are not very interesting or competitive. Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh should waltz to reelection to her post. She has served six years on the PSC — the last four as president of the utility regulatory panel. Only one member of our super Republican State Supreme Court is up for election and has opposition. Justice Tom Parker should coast to reelection. In the second congressional district, Rep. Martha Roby is running for her fourth term. She is facing a challenge from Becky Gerritson, founder of the Wetumpka Tea Party, as well as Bob Rogers. The winner will face Nathan Mathis of Houston County in the fall. However, this is a Republican seat. The primary could offer a challenge for Roby but probably not. In the third district, former Phenix City School Superintendent Larry DiChiara is challenging Rep. Mike Rogers. The winner of the Republican primary will have a Democratic challenger, Jesse Smith, also of Phenix City.

STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist

Alabama’s lone Democratic U.S. Representative, Terri Sewell, has no Democratic challenger. She has a token Republican opponent, David Williams. In the South Alabama Mobile/Baldwin first district, Congressman Bradley Byrne will face a familiar primary opponent in Tea Party activist Dean Young. Our senior U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby, is running for his unprecedented sixth six-year term in the Senate. He has been in the Senate for 30 years and the U.S. House for eight years prior to his election to the Senate in 1986. Shelby’s seniority is invaluable to Alabama. Seniority equates to power in Washington. Sen. Shelby is Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He is also Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which includes NASA. Shelby has been a stalwart appropriator for Alabama, showering the state with federal money to finance buildings and biomedical research centers on college campuses. He has been the primary advocate for the Marshall Space Flight Center and defense community around Huntsville. He still holds a public meeting in each of

Alabama’s 67 counties each year. Shelby has a campaign war chest of over $18 million to ward off his unknown opponents. There are four folks brave enough to challenge him, ex-State Senator Shadrack McGill of Jackson County, along with Jonathan McConnell of Birmingham, John Martin of Dothan and Marcus Bowman of Fairhope. Sen. Shelby and junior Senator Jeff Sessions have teamed up with Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson to try to put a final resolution to the decade long battle with Georgia over the so-called water wars. These four senators, led by Shelby, have asked a senate panel to intervene in the Army Corps of Engineers mismanagement of the ApalachicolaChattahoochee-Flint River Basin. They have asked the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to protect users of the River Basin in Florida and Alabama from disproportionate water use by Georgia. The water war with Georgia has been ongoing since 1990. Since then, the three states have argued and battled over the river system as metro Atlanta’s need for drinking water has skyrocketed. The Corps of Engineers has the authority to control the flow in the tri-state river system. A 2011 federal appeals court ruled that Georgia has a legal right to water from Lake Lanier, at the top of the system near Atlanta. However, Florida political leaders see the united front and power play of

our Senators Shelby and Sessions and their Senators Rubio and Nelson as a game changer. We will see. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.? • 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.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 • Page 5

Obituaries

Religion Briefs •Calvary Baptist Church will have their annual Valentine Banquet on Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. The menu this year is Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Salad, Bread, and Dessert. The cost is $8 per adult, $5 per child 4-11, and $25 maximum per household. Tickets are available at the church office. This banquet is a time to focus on relationships as well as a time of fundraising for our Children’s Ministry. For more information about this event contact Calvary Baptist at 334-567-4729 •Shoal Creek Baptist Church will host “Eat Healthy! Live Healthy!” at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 in the main sanctuary. Registered dietitian Allan Higgenbotham will be the special guest speaker. This is a free program sponsored by the Library Team of the church. It is open to the public. •Calvary Baptist Men’s Ministry will have a men and boys breakfast on Feb. 28 at 7:30 a.m. All area men and boys are invited to attend this great time of faith, food, and fellowship. For more information contact the church office at 334-5674729. •Open Arms International Outreach Ministry and Minister Charlotte Crawford will present the Prophetic Prayer and Healing Summit 2016 at 3 p.m. March 5 at Jeanette Barrett Civic Room 27 (directly behind Depot Players off Main Street). The event is free and open to the public. •Newsboys - We Believe, God’s Not Dead Tour will perform at 7 p.m. March 31 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Tickets start at $25. They may be purchased at ticketmaster.com or call 334-356-6866 for more information. •Calvary Baptist Wetumpka is hosting a “Cans of Love” food drive to benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the church through March 11. •Calvary Baptist Church of Wetumpka Griefshare Ministry meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. This ministry is for anyone who is struggling with grief due to the loss of a loved one. The cost of the workbook is $15. If you would like to participate you may attend either of the sessions. Also, if you are dealing with grief and cannot afford the cost of the workbook, we would still like for you to be a part of this ministry. Our desire is to help anyone dealing with grief learn to cope and overcome. For more information about this ministry contact the church office at 334-567-4729. •Emerald Mountain Christian School announces the opening of registration for new families for the 2016-2017 school year. The school is an inter-denominational Christian School with teaching based on a biblical world and life view as found in the infallible Word of God. We are located at 4125 Rifle Range Rd, Wetumpka, AL, 36093. EMCS offer a college preparatory curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is celebrating its 50th year of operation, having been

founded in Marion, AL in 1965. We offer football, basketball, baseball and golf for boys. We also offer cheerleading and golf for girls and plan to add basketball, volleyball, and softball next year. Students are also afforded opportunities to travel as well as taking classes in foreign language and computer. We are central to Wetumpka, Eclectic, Tallassee, and Montgomery. For more information, call Headmaster David Ames at 334-567-0555 for more information or visit www. emcspatriots.org. •Wallsboro United Methodist Church in Wetumpka has changed the evening Wednesday service to Thursday at 6 p.m. For more information, call 334-567-0121. •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. •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.

Catherine (Cathy) Jane Estes Womack Catherine (Cathy) Jane Estes Womack, 65, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed unexpectedly in a Charlottesville Hospital. Cathy was born in Montgomery Aug. 3, 1950. She was the oldest daughter of the late Ollie Edward and James Wilma Lamberth Estes. She was also predeceased by her brother Steve Estes and Jenny Estes Wadsworth, all of Wetumpka. Cathy is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dennis Womack of Charlottesville, her sister Molly Fulford and her husband, Russell of Jackson, Alabama, her sister-in-law, Cynthia Hamrick of Jacksonville, Florida, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She received her undergraduate degree at Auburn, Masters degree at the University of Alabama and her law degree in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her residence was in Charlottesville, Virginia. A memorial service will be held at the Family Life Service at First United Methodist Church in Wetumpka on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity or Western Albermarle Rescue Squad,1265 Crozet Ave., Crozet, Virginia 22932.

•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 Tallassee. •River’s Edge Flea Market is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Tallassee United Methodist Church. All vendors welcome – new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. Various booth costs available. For info, call Joan Wood at 334-313-4913 or Melanie Baker at 334-415-8314. All proceeds are used for church-sponsored programs.

WETUMPKA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME 8801 Hwy. 231 North, Wetumpka • 334-567-7880

Let us serve your family in time of need. We are here to assist you with:

• Traditional Funeral Services & Cremation • Preneed Insurance • Monuments Brown Service & Liberty National Policies Honored Bill Barrett • Crystal Phelps • Donald Myrick - Funeral Director • Larry Dozier - Funeral Director • Bill Shaw - Apprentice Director

Family Owned & Operated

All this...for just that! E N J OY

Standard TV Service and Lightning 35 Internet for only

per month for 12 months

plus taxes, equipment, governmental and other fees and surcharges including RSN Fee and Broadcast TV Fee

Call 1-855-222-0102 or visit brighthouse.com

Serviceable areas only. Some restrictions apply. Products and price of equipment and services subject to change. Monthly Regional Sports Network (RSN) Fee of $2.50 and Broadcast TV Fee of $4.00. Offer expires 3/10/2016.

FAITH

Phone 334-567-7811 Fax 334-567-3284 News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Page 6 • FEBRUARY 10, 2016

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Ashes to ashes, the meaning behind Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I do hope everyone reading this column is warm and well. It appears Mother Nature looked at the calendar this week are remembered it was winter. Today is Ash Wednesday. The season of Lent begins today. The season is understood as a time for intentional spiritual discernment. So what does that mean? Periods of fasting and repentance are as old as the human condition itself. Since the dawn of humanity, there has been some measure of recognition for these practices. Fasting involves depriving oneself of something. Repentance involves reorientation; turning from one thing or direction in favor of a healthier one. The practices are rooted in cleansing. The basic idea is that any human can benefit from getting rid of dirt, so to speak. Life is messy, and sometimes the mess sticks to us. Fasting and repentance at their core seek to free a person from things that tarnish original, created image. Lent is a period of forty days for a reason. The great flood lasted forty days and nights. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Jesus fasted and was tempted by the devil in 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

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian Church

the wilderness for forty days. The biblical significance of forty does not necessarily imply a good time. The examples I just cited were all marked by discomfort, perceived lack, and questionable safety. In other words, biblical events connected with the number forty were not feasts and festivals. Or were they? While the Bible certainly speaks of periods of fasting and repentance as challenging, they are anything but torturous. On the contrary, the sometimes-painful journey leads to significant renewal and hope. It is no wonder spiritual practices continue to use forty as a focal point. So why bother with it in our time and place? Everyone knows of the triumph of the resurrection. Even those who do not identify as followers of Christ know what Easter represents. The will and way of God is not subject to things that are not of God.

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

Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street

Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m. Bible Study.............9 a.m. Worship service...10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.

Visitors Welcome At All Services

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

There is plenty of reason to bother with it. Every human inhabiting the earthly kingdom can benefit from a period of cleansing. The problem is that in our culture today we often associate this opportunity as a time to give up a bad habit, eat healthier, or somehow improve ourselves. This is a partial truth at best. Let me give you a couple of examples of why embracing the season of Lent has merit. I would like to also go so far as to suggest a couple of things to “give up for Lent.” You can judge for yourself if my thoughts have any merit. Our time and place is inherently destructive. To put it simply, people are meaner and madder than they used to be. Yes, I know this observation makes me sound old. That does not bother me. I stand behind the observation. What I mean is that our culture is becoming less accepting of others. We are less tolerant of differing opinions and experiences than ever. Disagreement and debate used to be normal aspects of human relationship. More and more they are becoming lines in the sand used to support a divide and conquer approach to life in the earthly kingdom. Ash Wednesday presents the opportunity for people to recognize and claim 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

8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.

Pastor Rickey Luster,

SundaySchool..........10:45 School....10:45 a.m. Sunday a.m. Morning Worship....9:30 a.m. Morning Worship........9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m. Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m. Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m. You will receive a warm You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church. Christ-centered Church.

NURSERY PROVIDED PROVIDED FOR NURSERY FOR ALL SERVICES SERVICES ALL

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

100 W. Bridge St.

Sunday Services at 11 a.m.

Rev. Jonathan Yarboro

Minister Dr. John Brannon

Sunday School..9:45 am Morning Worship..11 am

There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!

567-8135 “In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”

Please join us.

Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church

11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro

Rickey Luster, MusicDirector Director Music

Rev. Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka

First Presbyterian Church

Harmony United Methodist Church

Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor

finitude. No one is perfect, no one will live forever. No one can ever be right about everything. We all came from dust and to dust we will one day return. The season of Lent provides the opportunity to recognize how freeing our finitude is. We are free to be right and wrong. We are free to express agreement or disagreement with others. We are free to learn from success and failure; whether ours or others. We are invited to embrace teachable moments and allow them to change us for the better. Thinking of giving up chocolate for Lent? Try giving up something else. How about giving up malice, hatred, hurtful speech and action, or revenge? Who knows; a bit of chocolate might even help with that process. I encourage us all to embrace what today makes possible. It is a gift given to all by God. Admit your perfect imperfection. Acknowledge your blessings and challenges. Welcome your identity as made in the image of God. God will continue to shape your image of yourself in the process. May the blessings of Lent be made real in and through you at all times.

567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.

504 West West Osceola 504 OsceolaSt. St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729

Anthony B. Counts, Pastor InterimWorship Pastor Leader Angie Gallups, Billy of Students AngieReinhardt, Gallups, Min. Worship Leader

Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Rev. Anthony Rhodes Tammy Driver, Children’s Ministries Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries Tammy Student Driver:Ministries Derek Blankenship, Children's Director

Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students SUNDAY Morning Worship.......10:30 SUNDAY School.............9:15 Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Youth Choir ..................5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 Sunday School.................9:15 WEDNESDAY Evening Worship..............6:00 Fellowship Meal............5:45 WEDNESDAY Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Preschool/Children’s Missions............................6:00 Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Youth BibleStudy.............6:00 Study.........6:30

SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m. Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship...10:30p.m. a.m. Evening Evening Worship.....6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m. Supper.....................5:30 p.m. Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:00 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m. Calvary Youth.............6:00 p.m. Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m. Calvary Kids.............6:00 p.m.

CEDARWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org

Roger Olsen, Pastor Sunday Bible Study..........9:00 AM Sunday Worship.............10:00 AM We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us. Nursery Check out our Facebook page

Santuck Baptist Church

7250 Central Plank Road

“A Family of Families”

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Amy Pugh, Director of Children & Preschool Chad Middlebrooks, Students SUNDAY Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m. Worship........................9 & 10:30 a.m. Evening Celebration.................6 p.m. WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.

Send your church news and happenings to: news@The Wetumpka Herald.com _________ JayneororShannon Molly CallCall Jayne at 567-7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7

+$33< 35(6,'(176Âˇ '$<

On the third Monday in February, our Nation observes the Federal holiday known as Presidents Day in honor of all who have served as Commander In Chief. The holiday began as an annual celebration of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday, but it was changed to celebrate all U.S. Presidents. George :DVKLQJWRQ ZDV WKH ÂżUVW 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV DQG LV FRQVLGHUHG WR EH WKH Âł)DWKHU RI our Country.â&#x20AC;? He was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland, Virginia. As a young adult he worked as a land surveyor before beginning his military career. He fought through the RevolutionDU\ :DU DQG RQ $SULO KH WRRN WKH 2DWK RI 2IÂżFH DQG ZDV VZRUQ LQ DV WKH ÂżUVW 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 3UHVLGHQW :DVKLQJWRQ KHOG RIÂżFH IRU RQO\ WZR WHUPV IURP WR +H helped to pick the sight of the White House which has been home to all of the American Presidents EXW KLP :DVKLQJWRQÂśV ELUWKGD\ ZDV PDGH DQ RIÂżFLDO KROLGD\ LQ E\ 3UHVLGHQW &KHVWHU $UWKXU Our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current leader is President Barack Obama. He is the Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 44th President.

02817 586+025(

Can you name the 4 Presidents in the picture to the right?

35(6,'(17,$/ :25' ),1'

Hidden Words: Adams, Bush, Carter, Cleveland, Clinton, Eisenhower, Fillmore, *DUÂżHOG +DPLOWRQ +RRYHU Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nixon, Obama, Reagan, Roosevelt, Taft, Washington, Wilson Connect the dots to see what the President uses to travel. Then decorate it.

$,5 )25&( 21(

:$6+,1*721Âˇ6 &5266:25' Across Clues: 7. What is the name of the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home? 8. Who is the current President of the U.S.? 9. The war that Washington fought in. 10. This monument, Mount ____, shows four American Presidents. Down: 1. What is the name of the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plane? +RZ PDQ\ WHUPV LQ RIÂżFH GLG :DVKLQJWRQ serve? 3. In which State was Washington born? 4. Washington was born on ____ 22, 1732. :DVKLQJWRQÂśV %LUWKGD\ LV WKLV W\SH RI KROLGD\ 6. What do you have to take to become the President of the United States? BBBBB %LUWKGD\ ZDV PDGH D KROLGD\ LQ

Crossword Ans: Across-7)White House 8)Obama 9)Revolutionary 10)Rushmore Down1)Air Force One 2)two 9LUJLQLD )HEUXDU\

)HGHUDO 2DWK RI 2IÂżFH 7)Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

$ 63(&,$/ 7+$1. <28 72 $// 285 63216256 AFFO RD ABLE

RANDALL V. HOUSTON DISTRICT ATTORNEY

HEARING INSTRUMENTS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Have Two Locations To Serve Youâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;˘WETUMPKAâ&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘TALLASSEEâ&#x20AC;˘

7358 U.S. Hwy. 231 (334) 567-9622

80 Herren Hill Road, Suite D (334) 283-3709

Clanton: (205)755-4242 â&#x20AC;˘ Prattville: (334)365-5715 Wetumpka: (334)567-2237

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Supporting Education!â&#x20AC;?

www.affordablehearingllc.com

DRIVERS NEEDED

J&M

AMBULANCE 2530 East 5th Street Montgomery, AL

334-265-1208

TANK LINES, INC.

1533 GEORGIA ROADâ&#x20AC;˘WETUMPKA, AL

567- 4 70 0

5156 U.S. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-567-8444 www.collierford.com

jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @ 256-245-3933

Karenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mane Tamers If your hair is not becoming to you, you should be com coming ing to us!

Karen â&#x20AC;˘ Toni â&#x20AC;˘ Jennifer â&#x20AC;˘ Connie 8711 Hwy. 231 Wetumpka

334-514-1958

á&#x20AC;Ł ÂŚÂĄ Â&#x160;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â Â&#x160;ÂĄÂ&#x201C;Â&#x161;Â&#x2018; Â?Â&#x153;ÂĄ Â&#x153;ÂŚÂĄÂŁá&#x20AC;¤

WETUMPKA HEALTH AND REHABILITATION, LLC Offering Short Term Rehab and Long Term Care 1825 Holtville Road â&#x20AC;˘ Wetumpka, AL

125 Cambridge Court Wetumpka, AL

334-285-5540 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING UPSCALE AND BBQ CATERING www.Smokehousebbqmillbrook.com

334.567.5131 James Hamner 26 Cambridge Dr. Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 567-5156 jhamner@alfains.com

2461 MAIN STREET MILLBROOK, AL

Keyesta Sherman 334-478-3864 NMLS MLO#1092373

www.keyesta.com

The Credit Union for Everyone! Autoâ&#x20AC;˘Homeâ&#x20AC;˘Life

Alfa Insurance

ÂŽ

www.alfainsurance.com

Call Alfa.ÂŽ The best agents in the business.

ASE CREDIT UNION 825 Wilson Street â&#x20AC;˘ Wetumpka, AL (334) 514-6050 â&#x20AC;˘ www.asecu.org ASE Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Lender and is Federally Insured by NCUA.

J. Alan Taunton & Company, LLC CertiÂżed Public Accountants

200 Executive Park Drive Tallassee, AL 334.283.2567

alantaunton@tauntoncpa.com

GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES

EST. 1951

5268 U.S. Hwy. 231â&#x20AC;˘ Wetumpka

334-567-5136 ALIGNMENTS

TIRES/BRAKES

Singletonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alignment And MufďŹ&#x201A;er Service, LLC KEITH CANNON, Owner

of Anniston, AL 4004 US Hwy. 431

220 Company Street â&#x20AC;˘ Wetumpka, AL

256-280-8000

www.claytonhomesanniston.com

Boutique Talisi

â&#x20AC;˘

EXHAUST

334-567-6760 OIL CHANGES

5376 U.S. Hwy. 231 Toulouse, AL

1745 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-567-0012

334-514-0455

1211 Newell Parkway â&#x20AC;˘ Montgomery, AL 36110 334-315-6950 www.ctltesting.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;EVERYTHING ROTATES AROUND YOUâ&#x20AC;? [ WWW.WETUMPKATIREPROS.COM

Deanna W. Nelson Agent

Hornsby & Son

New York Life Insurance Company 562 Clay Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-263-4806 dwnelson@ft.newyorklife.com

Body Shop L.L.C.

We accept all deer claims & all insurance claims. Call us for great customer service & a quick turnaround.

4790 US Highway 231â&#x20AC;˘ Wetumpka

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Company You Keepâ&#x20AC;?

334-567-1131

TRI-COUNTY DELIVERY www.jenilynscreations.com

(334) 567-2511 www.567-2511.com

334-283-3463 â&#x20AC;˘ 334-283-8024 fax 101-B Caldwell Street, Tallassee, AL 36078 bhornsbyandson@elmore.rr.com

Elmore Co. Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Co-Op 355 QUEEN ANN ROAD WETUMPKA, AL

(334) 567-4321

ÂŚÂ&#x2014;Â&#x2014; Â&#x17D;ÂĄÂŠÂ&#x201C;Â&#x152;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2014;Â&#x153;ÂĄÂ&#x201C;ÂŁÂ¤

â&#x20AC;˘

1409 Gilmer Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ Tallassee, AL

334.283.5812

334-567-3325

Spencer J. Coleman, M.D. á żá ťá&#x201A; á żá ¸ Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2014;Â&#x160;ÂŁÂŁÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;ÂŞÂ&#x160;Â Â&#x17D;Â¤Â§Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;á&#x20AC;&#x2018; Â&#x2014;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x160;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x160;

á ťá ťá źá&#x20AC;&#x2013;á ˝á žá żá&#x20AC;&#x2013;á żá&#x201A;&#x20AC;á ˝á ¸

Art Bolin, Realtor

1671 East Main Street â&#x20AC;˘ Prattville Mark Davis, Owner

334.730.0804

334-657-8385 Office: 334-285-4646 www.realtycentralalabama.com Art@realtycentralalabama.com

42 Coosta River Pkwy., Wetumpka, AL 334-956-9074

450 Hackel Drive Montgomery, AL 36121 www.brmwater.com Phone: 334.273.1119 â&#x20AC;˘ Toll Free: 800.253.6619

ClassiÄeds

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

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

classiﬁeds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiﬁeds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

The Wetumpka Herald

Page 10 • FEBRUARY 10, 2016

HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS By REA CORD Executive Director

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

National Adoption Weekend is coming Besides coming to our shelter, this weekend affords everyone two additional venues

to meet our pets. We hope for many adoptions from the National Adoption Weekend Feb. 12-14, sponsored by PetSmart Charities. We will be at both the Montgomery and Prattville PetSmarts Saturday from 11 a.m.4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.. The shelter will also be open Sunday from 1-4 p.m. PetSmart adoption weekends are really fun events for our volunteers, so if you have a couple of hours to join in, please contact Charline Pope at 334202-1381 or email her at popecharlie58@ yahoo.com. Only two weeks until

our 6th annual “Getting Down with the Dawgs” Draw Down Feb. 20 and your chance to win $10,000. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t delay stopping by the shelter this week to purchase one of our 300 tickets for your chance to win big. All the fun will be at the Entertainment Center, Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Drive in Wetumpka. With the purchase of a $100 ticket you will have a 1-in-300 opportunity to win $10,000 (you do not 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 dinner/beverage, and there will also be door prizes, a cash bar and much more. Powersounds USA and DJ Ziggy will be adding to our evening with music and a super light show. We are very lucky to again have our very own rising musical star and American Idol finalist, Jessica Meuse, join us. We know everyone will thoroughly enjoy Jess’ powerful vocal talents and just love that she is a proud adopter of a few of our shelter pets. Doors will open on the Feb. 20 at 5 p.m., cash bar will be open approx 5:30 p.m., din-

ner begins at 6 p.m. and the Drawdown starts at 7 p.m. Get your tickets (or buy one as a gift for a friend or for an organization/club/group you support) at the shelter at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092, from 8 a.m.5p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets can also be purchased with a credit card over the phone and we will hold the ticket in “will call,” as tickets cannot be mailed. For any questions, call 334567-3377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net .

Pet of the week Basil Basil is a 10-month-old male tabby and for some odd reason has been with us since he was a 4-month-old kitten back in August. He is a great kitty, independent, playful, great with other kitties, will tell you when he wants attention. Let’s make THIS week, Basil’s ‘get a home’ week. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over 1 year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. The adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions this week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Get more feedback from buyers when you advertise in the Classiﬁeds. In Print & Online

t 0

l e

) o , d 4 e n

o m 7 s , t e d r , s l

y o s . t h e a , f

t n n e

d y g n e

l d p y

a r o e d e S

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

SPORTS

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 • Page 11

Holtville Bulldogs set for Dismukes’ debut By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Holtville senior pitcher Bradley Brown, shown here throwing in last season’s Class 4A first round playoff series at Sipsey Valley, will help anchor the Bulldogs’ staff this season.

When Michael Dismukes took over as head baseball coach at Holtville after the 2015 season, he didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Predecessor Kevin Hall guided the Bulldogs to the playoffs four times in the last five years, including last season where Holtville went three games at Sipsey Valley in the first round before falling 12-0 in the elimination game. Dismukes welcomes back five starters, including two postseason starting pitchers, as the new skipper looks for the veterans to carry this year’s team. “Our guys, with their experience will help carry us through the season,” Dismukes said. “We’re going to get out there, play one

game at a time. I’m pleased and excited about this this bunch, who I think is a special group that really works hard. “I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel here.” PITCHING: Bradley Brown and Brandon Dunn. That’s where everything will start for the Dawgs in 2016. Brown, a left-hander, threw eight innings in Game 1 at Sipsey Valley, giving up just one earned run on six hits and striking out six in a 2-1 loss. Dunn, a right-hander, started Game 2, relinquishing four earned runs in 4.1 innings-pitched, but kept HHS in the game that they pulled out, 10-7, to force an elimination game. The seniors combined for 10 wins in 2015 and that experience

will anchor a solid staff. Chase Driver won three games as a freshman last year, Ryan Carney and Reece Burbage each picked up a victory, and Austin Lankford rounds out a staff that Dismukes believes gives them a chance in every game. OFFENSE: The Bulldogs aren’t blessed with much team speed this season. Finding the right guys for the top of the order who are reliable to reach base in any way, Dismukes said, will be key as the middle of the lineup has run-producing bats. Hunter Roberts led Holtville in home runs in 2015 with three, and the senior catcher looks primed to power his team’s offense this year. See BASEBALL • Page 12

Looking ahead to area’s top Class of 2017 prospects By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

One week removed from National Signing Day, it’s hardly too early to breakdown the Class of 2017 prospects from the area. Next year could be one of largest local troops of recruits to sign to play college football in recent memory, speaking to the talent of these rising juniors. Headlined by star wide receiver Jackson Tate and new transfer Jeremiah Lowery, Edgewood Academy has the potential to have six players continue their playing career on the next level. Tate set an AISA record for receiving yards during his junior campaign with 1,785 on 76 catches, while scoring 25 touchdowns. The 6-foot, 190pound receiver has interest from the SEC’s Mississippi State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, along with Purdue of the Big Ten and Stanford of the Pac-12, but no offers as of yet. A two-year starter at Stanhope Elmore, Lowery arrives at Edgewood off a FirstTeam All-Area season with 107 tackles from his middle linebacker position. The Naval Academy has looked at the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker, as he looks to benefit from a round of summer camps. Offensive lineman Tyler Anderson (6-foot-2, 305), linebacker DeMarvin Perry (6-foot, 225), linebacker Landon Pinckard (6-foot-2, 225) and athlete Maurice Young (5-foot-11, 160) are all next level prospects for the Wildcats. At Wetumpka, defense leads the way with two linemen who could make a name for themselves before National Signing Day. Rising juniors Trent Holley and Jay McDonald had solid seasons for the Indians, both garnering interest from local schools Faulkner University and Huntingdon College, who both like their motors and explosiveness off the ball. Holley (6-foot-2, 230) earned 2015 with First-Team All-Area honors, finishing with 46 stops, four sacks and three forced fumbles. Had he not injured his elbow halfway through the season, McDonald was piecing together an All-Area type year. Wetumpka’s biggest 2017 recruit may be athlete DeAndre Williams. Playing both running back and lining up out wide, Williams’ versatility and size (6-foot-3, 215) has caught the attention of several schools, including this year’s College Football Playoff runner-up Clemson. Colleges will be coming off a dead period in a couple of weeks, and with National Signing Day roughly 358 days away, a lot will happen between now and then. But it’s never too early to take a look.

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Edgewood Academy seniors Nathan Rourke (12), Kelvin Lucky (behind), Reggie Gee (24) and junior David Poole (10) celebrate with the trophy after the Wildcats defeated Macon-East, 59-39, for the AISA Class AA state championship Monday at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex.

‘Cats capture championship; EA downs Macon- East by 20 By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Edgewood Academy reached what it came into the 2015-16 season for Monday at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex. Winning 24 of their 25 games this year, the Wildcats capped its historic season with a 20-point blowout of Macon-East, 59-39, for the AISA Class AA state championship, capturing the program’s first title since 2001. “I’m excited to continue the tradition,” first-year EA boys basketball coach Chris George said. “This is the first basketball championship since 2001, so I’m excited to start building and see if we can turn what (football and baseball) coach (Bobby) Carr has on the football field on to the basketball court. “We bought into it, we wanted to take what they were doing in football and apply it to basketball and it worked out. We had a bunch of hard-working kids that committed to the program, to what I was selling and they’ve done a great job. This is a great reward for them.” One year after falling to Restoration for the AA championship, the ‘Cats stormed back to Montgomery thanks to a crop of new faces.

Transfers David Poole, Nathan Rourke, Michael Taylor and Reggie Gee, who in an odd occurrence become the Wildcats’ first Division I basketball signee when he inked with Alabama State University before the season started, all came to Edgewood with one thing in mind: a state title. “This is what I came here for,” Gee, who was named the state tournament MVP, said. “I’m excited, words can’t describe it really. “The adjustment was good. The people welcomed me, and obviously the basketball team is good. That’s what I came here for, that and academics. It was great.” Despite Macon-East double-teaming Gee, EA led, 22-20, at halftime behind Poole’s performance on both ends of the court, scoring eight points and guarding Knight point guard Slate Garmany. “I love defense, I love playing against the best players,” Poole said. “It’s a big challenge, and he’s a great player. I told him he’s one of the best players I’ve played against. I really feel like defense creates offense. That’s one thing I always tell my teammates, if we play hard on defense, it’s going to create turnovers and turnovers create offense.” Gee shook Macon-East’s defense

loose in the second half, as he helped the ‘Cats open the game up, outscoring the Knights 21-8 to go ahead, 43-28, entering the final quarter of play. Edgewood poured it on in the fourth, leading by as many as 23 points en route to claiming the state title, beating a team had them on the ropes in the regional tournament final. Gee ended with a team-high 17 points, while Poole and Rourke each had 12. “When you beat them, they learn. And they continued to learn,” Gee said of the Knights. “So that was the hard part about it, they kept on learning. It made it harder and harder for us, but I’m glad we were able to pull away with the victory.” With starters Tanner Payton returning from the 2015 state championship loss, George said Gee, Poole and Rourke provided EA what it needed to get what they all went there for. “Reggie brought scoring ability, leadership. Nathan, his basketball IQ, his leadership and his understanding the X’s and the O’s of it was a tremendous help,” the coach said. “It kind of shortened the curve we had to take, and with both of those guys coming in and infusing the program with what we had coming back, it springboarded us to this championship.”

WE OFFER

PAINT & BODY REPAIR

Page 12 • FEBRUARY 10, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Stanhope secures 1st playoff birth since 2010 with win over PCHS By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Sometimes it takes scoring your highest point total of the season in an unconventional way to make the playoffs. Stanhope Elmore (3-15) made 34 free throws to defeat Park Crossing, 64-51, in the first round of the Class 6A, Area 4 tournament at Carver-Montgomery to clinch the program’s first sub-region berth since 2010. Both teams combined to make just 27 shots from the field, while attempting 96 free throws on 57 fouls called as four players fouled out. The Mustangs, who came in with an eight-game losing streak, went 34-for-57 at the foul line and sank just two field goals in the fourth quarter where it led going in 43-40, while the Thunderbirds failed to find a field goal in the final period. “They came out and they refused -- lose and you go home,” SEHS girls basketball coach Kelvin Stokes said. “Go hard or go home. That first is the toughest one. Being so young,

with them never being here before, never being in a championship-type situation, lose and go home, we played with a lot of resiliency. “We hit free throws, that was the biggest thing down the stretch. To get back in it, we hit free throws, getting to the basket, we were more aggressive.” Sophomore two-guard Nakayla Harris led the way for Stanhope with a game-high 18 points, including 11 in the fourth -- seven of those points off free throws. In contrast of the final quarter, Park Crossing displayed its offensive prowess in the opening period as it two 3-pointers to jump out to a 13-2 advantage by the 4:18 mark. Stokes then switched a threeguard lineup, including point guards senior Natalia Whitted and sophomore Tiana Stokes, to handle the T-Birds three quarter court extended defense, closing out the first with a 10-3 run. SEHS tied the game, 22-22, with 3:48 remaining in the first half, but PCHS answered, tallied nine of half’s final 12 points to take a

31-25 lead into the break. Both squads traded baskets for much of the third quarter, but speed on both ends of the floor allowed Stanhope to seize its first lead of the game, 39-38, with 1:31 left in the period off a Dalayiah Crawford steal and layup. The Mustangs held Park Crossing to just three field goals the entire second half. “Defensively, that was the first time we pressed pretty much the whole game. We didn’t sit back in a zone, we played and got them a little tired and got them out of sync a little bit, missing shots late,” Kelvin Stokes said. “I think they started believing in themselves when started seeing the ball go in. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” Crawford ended up with eight, while Tiana Stokes added 11 for SEHS. Lauren Pines led PCHS with eight points. Sealing a spot in the sub-region resurged Stanhope, Kelvin Stokes said, as the team turns its focus to Carver for the Area 4 championship. “I hit that locker room, it was

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Stanhope Elmore forward Jayla Thomas (21) skies for a rebound during Monday’s Class 6A, Area 4 tournament first round contest with Park Crossing at Carver-Montgomery.

like clapping and yelling. We did it, we did it,” he said. “We’re going to sub-regional. But let’s think about this, we’re playing for an area championship. Anything can happen, so let’s

play. Let’s not just be content with winning that first one, let’s make something happen.” SEHS and Carver play Friday at 6 p.m. at Carver.

Wetumpka sophomore guard Tyauna Ferguson (24) puts up a 3-pointer against Carver-Montgomery during the Class 6A, Area 4 tourmament first-round contest at Carver Monday. Cory Diaz / The Herald

WHS Girls’ season ends with loss to Wolverines By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Carver-Montgomery derailed Wetumpka off of its gameplan in the second half as it ended the Lady Indians’ season with a 71-45 Class 6A, Area 4 tournament first round victory Monday at Carver. With a postseason spot on the line, Wetumpka (7-14) kept the Lady Wolverines within arms reach through the first half, where WHS trailed, 32-23. The Tribe took care of the basketball and senior forward Alexis Edwards poured in her best offensive outing of the year, leading all scorers at halftime with 10. “Alexis has been dependable for us all year whether it be rebounding, getting loose balls, forward passes in transition, whatever the team needs that’s what she gives them,” Lady Tribe basketball coach Jermel Bell said. “Tonight, she came with a better performance on offense, she moved the ball well from the perimeter, making layups. She played a great game, and I hate that for a senior that’s come a long way, from not being a starter

Baseball Sophomore Chap Wilson hit .419 playing in just 16 games last season and had 15 RBIs in 36 plate appearances. DEFENSE: Youth punctuates Holtville’s outfield, its biggest question mark coming into 2016. Burbage, a junior, has experience in right field. Brown will likely be in left when he’s not pitching, and freshman

to now being one of the top players.” Edwards ended the contest with 12 points. After the break, Bell said his team continued its season-long trend of lacking energy and intensity in the third quarter, as Carver caused Wetumpka into turnovers with its press and extended the advantage to 56-35 heading into the fourth period. “We turned the ball over in the third quarter, where Carver plays their best, in the third quarter. We haven’t played well in the third quarter all year and that’s been one of our biggest flaws, coming out with a lot of energy and intensity,” Bell said. Sophomore guard Tyauna Ferguson scored 12 of her game-high 17 points in the second half, while junior forward Zekeria Hooks had eight for the Indians. While the 2015-16 season came to a close at Carver, Bell said all things considered, the team exceeded his expectations in his first year as coach. “Not having any returning starters, two players returning – you’re talking about a total of 11 new players. We win seven games, I think we did a tremendous job of overachieving.”

continued from page 1

Drew Nobles appears set to start in center. Dismukes said Josh Lanier and Austin Rhodes can fill in to different positions as the coach searches for the best combination of outfielder early. As sure-handed as the infield will be with Dunn at short, senior Brendan Knight at second and Driver at third, the Bulldogs’ outfield will need to help keep the double play in order.

GOT NEWS? We have nine publications covering the lake & river region.

334.567.7811

W I L D C A T S

• Kevi Hansen • Edgewood Academy • Scored her 1,000th career point Wednesday, finishing with 15, against Wilcox Academy in EA’s Elite Eight loss.

FEBRUARY 2016

TAX TIPS 2016

IRS says taxpayers should know their rights?

Do I need to file a tax return this year? STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

You are required to file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level, which varies depending on your filing status, age and the type of income you receive. However, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that some people should file even if they aren’t required to because they may get a refund if they had taxes withheld or they may qualify for refundable credits. To find out if you need to file, check the Individuals section of the IRS website at www.IRS.gov or consult the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ for specific details that may help you determine if you need to file a tax return with the IRS this year. You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website. The ITA tool is a tax law resource that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions. Even if you don’t have to file for 2011, here are six reasons why you may want to: Federal Income Tax Withheld You should file to get money back if your employer withheld federal income tax from your pay, you made estimated tax payments, or had a prior year overpayment applied to this year’s tax. Earned Income Tax Credit You may qualify for EITC if you worked, but did not earn a lot of money. EITC is a refundable tax credit; which means you could qualify for a tax refund. To get the credit you must file a return and claim it. 3. Additional Child Tax Credit This refundable credit may be available if you have at least one qualifying child and you did not get the full amount of the Child Tax Credit. 4. American Opportunity Credit Students in their first four years of postsecondary education may qualify for as much as $2,500 through this credit. Forty percent of the credit is refundable so even those who owe no tax can get up to $1,000 of the credit as cash back for each eligible student. 5. Adoption Credit You may be able to claim a refundable tax credit for qualified expenses you paid to adopt an eligible child. 6. Health Coverage Tax Credit Certain individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance, Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance or pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, may be eligible for a 2011 Health Coverage Tax Credit. Eligible individuals can claim a significant portion of their payments made for qualified health insurance premiums. For more information about filing requirements and your eligibility to receive tax credits, visit www.IRS.gov.

In 2014, the Internal Revenue Service adopted a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TBOR) that has become a cornerstone document to provide the nation’s taxpayers a better understanding of their fundamental rights when dealing with the agency. Not only has the IRS highlighted these 10 rights for taxpayers, they have also been shared extensively on a continuing basis with IRS employees since then. The TBOR adopted by the IRS in 2014 includes the same 10 fundamental rights that were placed by Congress in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) in late 2015. IRC section 7803(a)(3) now requires the IRS Commissioner to ensure that IRS employees are familiar with and act in accordance with the 10 fundamental rights that make up the TBOR. The TBOR takes the multiple existing rights embedded in the tax code and groups them into 10 categories, making them easier to find, understand and use. A list of your rights as a taxpayer and IRS obligations to protect them can be found in IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer. It includes The Right to Be Informed. Taxpayers have the right to know what they need to do to comply with the tax laws. They are entitled to clear explanations of the laws and IRS procedures in all tax forms, instructions, publications, notices and correspondence. They have the right to be informed of IRS decisions about their tax accounts and to receive clear explanations of the outcomes. What you can expect: Certain notices must include the amount (if any) of the tax, interest, and certain penalties you owe and must explain why you owe these amounts. When the IRS fully or partially disallows your claim for refund, it must explain the specific reasons why. Help with Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter is available online at IRS.gov. If the IRS proposes to assess tax against you, it must provide you in its initial letter, which allows for review by an independent Office of Appeals, an explanation of the entire process from examination (audit) through collection, and explain that the Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to assist you. If you enter into a payment plan, known as an installment agreement, the IRS must send you an annual statement that provides how much you owe at the beginning of the year, how much you paid during the year, and how much you still owe at the end of the year. You can access current and prior year IRS forms and publications at IRS.gov or have hard copies mailed by calling toll-free 800-829-3676. IRS also uses several social media tools that provide helpful tax information to a broad audience, including Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr and the IRS2Go free mobile app. To find out more about the TBOR and what it means to you visit: http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov In addition to the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, the IRS is committed to ensuring that your civil rights are also protected. Taxpayers are not subjected to discrimination based on race, color, national origin, reprisal, disability, age, sex (including sexual orientation and pregnancy discrimination), religion, or parental status in programs or services conducted by the IRS or on its behalf. If a taxpayer believes he or she has been discriminated against, a written complaint can be emailed to edi.civil.rights.division@ irs.gov or mailed to the IRS Civil Rights Division.

The Only Certainties In Life...

DEATH & TAXES!!

GROOMS TAX SE TA SERV RVICES ICES SERVICES BEST PRICES IN TOWN!

Walk-Ins & Appointments are Welcome!

2237 U.S. Hwy. 231 • Wetumpka, AL 36093

334-514-2898 or 334-430-4229

FEBRUARY 2016

TAX TIPS 2016

10 tips to help choose an income tax professional STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Many people look for help from professionals when it’s time to file their tax return. If you use a paid tax preparer to file your return this year, the IRS urges you to choose that preparer wisely. Even if a return is prepared by someone else, the taxpayer is legally responsible for what’s on it. So, it’s very important to choose your tax preparer carefully. This year, the IRS wants to remind taxpayers to use a preparer who will sign the returns they prepare and enter their required Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax return preparer: Check the preparer’s qualifications. New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization and attends continuing

education classes. The IRS is also phasing in a new test requirement to make sure those who are not an enrolled agent, CPA, or attorney have met minimal competency requirements. Those subject to the test will become a Registered Tax Return Preparer once they pass it. Check on the preparer’s history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for enrolled agents. Ask about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Also, always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an account in your name. Under no circumstances should all or part of your refund be directly deposited

into a preparer’s bank account. Ask if they offer electronic filing. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return. More than 1 billion individual tax returns have been safely and securely processed since the debut of electronic filing. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise. Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items. Do not use a preparer who is willing to electronically file your return before you receive your Form W-2 using your last pay stub. This is against

IRS e-file rules. Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form. Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it. Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes their PTIN. A paid preparer must sign the return and include their PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. Download Form 14157 from www.IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

TAX TIPS 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

Tips for recently married or divorced taxpayers STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Newlyweds and the recently divorced should ensure the name on their tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch could unexpectedly delay a tax refund. For recently married taxpayers, the tax scenario begins when the bride says “I do.” If she takes her husband’s last name, but doesn’t tell the SSA about the name change, a complication may result. If the couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the IRS computers will not be able to match the new name with the Social Security Number (SSN). After a divorce, a woman who had taken her husband’s name and made that change known to the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a previous name. It’s easy to inform the SSA of a name change by filing Form SS-5 at a local SSA office. It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified. The form is available on the agency’s Web site, www.ssa.gov, by calling 800-772-1213, and at local offices. The SSA website provides the addresses of local offices.

Eight facts to help determine your correct filing status Determining your filing status is one of the first steps to filing your federal income tax return. There are five filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household and Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child. Your filing status is used to determine your filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and deductions, and your correct tax. Some people may qualify for more than one filing status. Here are eight facts about filing status that the IRS wants you to know so you can choose the best option for your situation. Your marital status on the last day of the year determines your marital status for the entire year. If more than one filing status applies to you, choose the one that gives you the lowest tax obligation. Single filing status generally applies to anyone who is unmarried, divorced or legally separated according to state law. A married couple may file a joint return together. The couple’s filing status would be Married Filing Jointly. If your spouse died during the year and you did not remarry during 2011, usually you may still file a joint return with that spouse for the year of death. A married couple may elect to file their returns separately. Each person’s filing status would generally be Married Filing Separately. Head of Household generally applies to taxpayers who are unmarried. You must also have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for you and a qualifying person to qualify for this filing status. You may be able to choose Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child as your filing status if your spouse died during 2009 or 2010, you have a dependent child, have not remarried and you meet certain other conditions. There’s much more information about determining your filing status in IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information. Publication 501 is available at www.IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Generally, taxpayers must provide SSNs for each dependent claimed on the tax return. For adopted children without SSNs, the parents can apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, or ATIN, by filing Form W-7A with the IRS. The ATIN is a temporary number used in place of the SSN on the tax return. The form is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).