Feb 11, 2016 Eclectic Observer

Panthers ‘back to basics’ on defense ahead of area tourney

‘Leaders lead by example’

Ashes to ashes, the meaning behind Lent

Eclectic Observer Page 4

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The

THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 11, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 27, No. 6

Ivy Creek breaks ground for urgent care

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

It was announced in November that Tallassee and surrounding areas would soon have an additional option to medical care. The additional medical option is one step closer to fruition. Ivy Creek Healthcare, CEO Mike Bruce broke ground to the new Tallassee Urgent Care facility Wednesday. The new facility will open in 2016.

The new facility will be adjacent to Walmart on Gilmer Avenue and will

provide urgent medical care to the local community. Urgent care facilities are staffed with doctors and nurse practitioners that can handle any minor emergency.

“Urgent care facilities cut down on emergency room visits and provide medical care to the community when a patient can’t get in to see their primary care physician,” said Linda Lewis, with Ivy Creek Healthcare.

Ivy Creek Healthcare operates several facilities in Southeast Alabama.

However, this newest location will be the facility closest to Eclectic.

“Dadeville, Georgiana, and Wetumpka areas … Bruce currently maintains, Chilton Urgent Care and Wetumpka Urgent Care and three hospitals, family practices, pharmacies, home health and hospice services and pediatrics, and the Alabama Wellness and Prevention Centers,” she said.

The facility will offer extended hours for those who made need medical care See URGENT CARE • Page 2

New florist opens just in time for Valentine’s Day

Prison reform, storm cleanup discussed at Commission

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Prison reform sat at the top of the list of issues Monday at the Elmore County Commission Meeting, above lawsuits, letters and talk of elections.

The upcoming election also got some prominent play.

County Administrator Grace McDuffie was first to mention prison reform during 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 as Senate Bill 67 in the 2015 legislative session.

“Elmore County is a pilot program on this and we just kind of need to know what they expect of the county and the management of this program concerning the prison reform,” McDuffie said.

Commission chairman David Bowen immediately See COMMISSION • Page 2

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer Six-year-old Jordan Smith came out with his Papa Harold Lancaster to enjoy the firefighter’s appreciation dinner Thursday. Smith said he would like to grow up and be a firefighter, like his Papa.

Carmen Rodger / The Observer

ECLECTIC SHOWS GRATITUDE

Town’s volunteer fire fighters get their fill of food, thanks

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The town of Eclectic showed its appreciation to the towns volunteer fire fighters Thursday. The men, women and some of their children were treated to hot dogs with all the fixings, baked beans, chips and dip and homemade brownies. There was plenty of food and fellowship in the firehouse as firefighters gathered to enjoy the food and company. Two city council members, Inez Gates and Linda Reed were on hand for the dinner.

“These men work so hard and they don’t get anything out of it,” Gates said. “They do such a good job that we thought it would be

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nice to treat them for a change.”

Like Councilwoman Gates, Councilwoman Reed said she also appreciates the hard work and dedication these men show.

“They are great,” Reed said. “We just love our volunteer fire department.”

Andrew Wilkerson has been a member of the volunteer fire department for a little over a year, he said. Like most volunteer firefighters, Wilkerson said he believes in giving back to the town. He said he is also grateful for the camaraderie that has formed through joining the department.

“I just love my community and I love See FIREFIGHTER • Page 2

A new gift shop has opened on Main Street in Eclectic. Fannie’s Flowers and Gifts is located at the intersection of Main St and Ann Street and has a wide variety of gifts to suit men, women and children.

The gift shop offers a wide selection of live plants as well as artificial arrangements. The custom baskets are put together on site and offer something for everyone. The gift shop offers gift bags and gifts baskets of all sizes to fit any budget.

“These are authentic coach bags that we put in the baskets,” Gilbert said. “We spend our own money to buy the things to go into the baskets.”

While candy is a favorite Valentines See FLORIST • Page 2

Carmen Rodgers / The Observer

Fannie Gilbert, Alonzo Gilbert and Sonya Gilbert have a new gift shop that has opened on Main Street in Eclectic.

Elmore County firefighters gather for extraction classes

Today’s

59 36

Carmen Rodgers / The Observer

Mike Bruce, CEO Ivy Creek Healthcare, along with members of the community at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Tallassee Urgent Care facility Wednesday Feb. The new facility will open in 2016.

A floodlight lit the car and the mix of steam and smoke from the breath of the fire fighters and the dust from the chop Fire Fighters from all over Elmore job they were working on.

County were gathered at the Elmore Andrew McCullers who had been in County Firefighters Association for a the Elmore County fire system for 17 chance to learn about the latest techyears and joined when he was 16 said niques and tools used to remove a perthe suits kept them warm, a benefit, he son from a mangled mess of a vehicle. assured, only during winter.

They gathered outside at night in He said that he had been to about 12 freezing temperatures around an older extrication classes over the years.

Ford Taurus and one by one took turns Of the class McCullers said, “They’re hacking away at the doorframes and valuable, one, you learn the new techhood. niques and the new vehicles that are The hydraulic power tools of choice coming out.” that night included a spreader, a cutter Working with newer model vehicles and a ram. was a main point of the class that met The spreader, John Wilson, Chairman two times on Wednesday. of the ECFA, said was designed to stick Both the morning and night class in and pop off a car door. brought a large turnout of fire fighters The cutter was to cut through the post from the 20 or so county fire departof the car and the ram was a jack-like ments, said Wilson. tool to push heavy objects out the way.

There were over 30 people gathered The whole set ran about 30,000 dolSee CLASS • Page 3 lars Wilson said.

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

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Corey Arwood / The Observer

Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Lauren Rosenhoover of Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing and the Alabama National Guard’s Medical CERFP, or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package recently joined the Wetumpka Fire Department and got hands-on experience with ‘extrication’ training.

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Firefighter helping people,” Wilkerson said. ”The brotherhood that’s formed, I love it and I wouldn’t change anything about it.”

Members of the Eclectic Fire Department are more than a department. The men do several things outside of the line of duty together.

“Anything a family would do, basically,” he said. “We’re always together.”

John Sanford has been a firefighter for 15 years he said, for him fighting fires is personal.

“My mom and I lived in a house in Montgomery and it burned in 1995,” he said. “It kind of stuck with me.”

Todd Sassano is a paid fire fighter for Alexander City where he resides; however, in his free time he volunteers as a medic in Eclectic, he said.

“I get on the truck as much as I can,” Sassano said.

Six-year-old Jordan Smith came out with his “Papa”, Harold Lancaster, to enjoy the supper. Smith said he would

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

continued from page 1

like to grow up and be a volunteer too.

Lancaster is new to the department and said it takes some help from his wife to be able to raise a child and volunteer time as a fire fighter.

“It takes two because as much as I work, she takes up the slack,” Lancaster said.

Josh Dorminey is chief of the Eclectic Fire Department. Dorminey is a third generation fire fighter, he said.

One might say firefighting is in his blood.

“My grandmother took my down to Howell Street and set me in a fire engine one morning when I was a little kid, and ever since then I wanted to ride in the fire truck,” he said.

Dorminey said he is proud of his department of 25 volunteer firefighters.

Together, he said, these men create a strong force to be reckoned with.

“I will put my guys up against any firefighters in this area,” he said. “We have some of the best.”

Florist

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Commission

continued from page 1

spoke about what he called the “revamping” of the prison system.

He said the state wanted to build three or four mega-site prisons to take the place of the current prisons and he voiced his concerns about them not being in Elmore 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.

Urgent Care continued from page 1

Day gift, Gilbert said she understands that most women want more than extra calories in a disposable box. She believes the custom gifts they create are far more favorable than the ordinary so many receive on Feb. 14.

“We kind of got away from the candy and that kind of stuff,” she said. “We added things the ladies like. They like the purses, the perfume, jewelry and scarfs. And that’s what we have to offer.”

While there are plenty of gifts for women, the gift shop also offers many gifts for men, as well.

“It’s a leap year so that means the women have to buy for the men this year,” Sonya Gilbert said.

Many in the community know Fannie Gilbert’s face. She has always had a passion for gardening and arranging beautiful flowers and late last year Gilbert decided it was time to open a gift shop, she said. Along with her niece and nephew, Sonya and Jerrod Gilbert, she did just that, making the gift shop a true family business.

“I used to have a florist across form the bank,” Fannie Gilbert said. “After that, I worked at Piggly Wiggly for a while doing their flowers and things, but they quit doing that a few years ago.”

The business is a family operation right down to the name, she said. Fannie’s Flowers and Gifts is named after Fannie’s mother who was also named Fannie. The idea of the flower and gift shop came about in November of last year.

The Gilberts were given the keys to shop at the beginning of the year and they have been working tirelessly to open before Valentines Day. She said not only did they meet their goal, they beat it. The shop officially opened Feb. 6.

“We wanted to do something for ourselves,” Sonya Gilbert said. “At first I wanted to open a thrift store, but God had other ideas in mind.”

The gift shop will have live flowers available for Valentines Day and area delivery is available.

For more information, call Fannie Gilbert at 334639-0049 and after hours, 334-296-8518.

continued from page 1

after regular business hours.

“You cannot predict when you will need medical attention and that is just one reason why this new facility will be so beneficial to the community and surrounding areas,” Lewos said.

Now that groundbreaking has taken place, official construction will begin this week and the facility should be open by late summer.

“We are planning on being open for business

by August of this year,” Lewis said.

Class

continued from page 1

at the early class and about 20 of those were students from the Elmore County Technical Center, Wilson said.

The instructor that evening was from the Alabama Fire College.

From outside of the classroom he could be heard comparing newer cars to mine fields for safety workers.

The tools used removing a wreck victim do not protect rescue workers from the various containers of pressurized air and gas that operate anything from seat belts, air bags, and the pistons that open the hood and trunk of a vehicle.

“With the advancement of car safety systems we have to constantly look at new techniques and new ways of doing extrication,” Wilson said.

He said what makes cars safer to ride in makes it more dangerous for safety workers when removing a trapped driver or passenger.

And the procedures are a common occurrence, said McCuller, with the Wetumpka Fire Department.

“I can’t tell you how many Wetumpka has done all ready this year,” McCuller said.

Fire departments, McCuller said, go to wrecks more than anything else and it is usually the older vehicles that require the use of these tools.

Newer models are designed to crumble in a way that the door can still be opened, he said.

But newer cars, even though they are lighter, Wilson explained, are more difficult to cut into because of, what he said was, the tensile strength of the metals used.

And the tools they were practicing with that night were better equipped for those metals used on newer model vehicles.

Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Lauren Rosenhoover of Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing and the Alabama National Guard’s Medical CERFP, or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package had recently joined the WFD. “It’s actually pretty cool to learn how to use the equipment for the first time and learn how to actually use it properly and the different ways to use it,” Rosenhoover said.

She said it was her first experience in an “extrication” scenario.

“It was actually quite easy, the equipment’s a little bit heavy but other than that it’s easy to use so it just means I need to work out a little bit more.”

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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2016 • PAGE 3

Students of the month

Contributed / The Observer

Eclectic Elementary School January Students of the Month Kindergarten: Bella Vice, Shiyanne Grier, Jaymeson Davis, Tiyha Floyd, Brent Waid, Jayla Wagner; First Grade: Graysen Gober, Kalynn Moncrief, Aubrey Saylor, Jackson Lett, Lauryn Campbell, Caroline Hill; Second Grade: William Lloyd, Eli Green, Harley Clayton, Ayden Jones, Kristina Elmore, Tyasia Calhoun; Third Grade: Hailey Mathews, Jacob Smith, Gracie Ann Atkinson, Bailey Arnold, Alison Bipes, Jayden Robertson and Fourth Grade: Hailey Wiggins, Geoffrey Dark, Lucas Luster, Hanna Winn, Ethan Vetter.

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

“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.

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.

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

TPI

Tallapoosa Publishers,Inc.

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

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

PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016

OPINION

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.”

--Thomas Jefferson THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

The Observer strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Prepare for severe weather during tax-free weekend this month

T

he 5th annual The County Line Severe By the Weather Elmore County Commission Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday takes place this month and gives citizens an opportunity to purchase certain severe weather preparedness supplies free of state sales or use tax (local sales and use tax may apply). The Elmore County Commission unanimously passed Resolution 10-22-2012 to annually participate in the Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. (CST) on Feb. 26 and ends at midnight Feb. 28.

Some of the tax free items are common supplies costing less than $60 that can be used to prepare for a natural disaster or other emergencies. Supplies include but are not limited to batteries (automobile and boat batteries are taxable), cell phone chargers, weather radios, flashlights, tarps, duct tape, plywood for protecting windows, non-electric food and water storage containers, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, first aid kits and gas fuel containers. Power outage supplies include any portable generator costing less than $1,000 and power cords to provide lighting, communications or food preservation are also included.

For a complete list of tax-free items, list of participating local governments, or more information, go to www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax and review the Sales Tax Holidays link. Citizens may also call 334-242-1490 or 866-576-6531 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Leaders lead by example

I

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.

I believe Vince Lombardi had it right

Dear John

By John W. Peeler 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.

Eclectic Observer The

334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010.

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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

W

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

STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist

Phenix City.

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

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You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.

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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 334-567-4729.

•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 334567-4729.

•Emerald Mountain Christian School announces the opening of registration for new families for the 20162017 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 lun-

cheon the third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Call 334-567-4225 for more information.

•First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka holds a fellowship lunch every third Sunday after worship.

•Celebrate Recovery, which deals with life’s hurts, habits and hangups, 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 334313-4913 or Melanie Baker at 334-415-8314.

All proceeds are used for church-sponsored programs.

FEBRUARY 11, 2016 • PAGE 5

Obituaries 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

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-

Mack Daugherty Elmore County Commissioner District 2 Conservative Republican Military Veteran

“ 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.”

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.

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

256.234.4281

FAITH

Phone 334-567-7811 kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2016 • PAGE 6

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

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

G

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 AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian Church

devil in 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.

1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic

Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952

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 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist

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.

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

101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield

412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence

Area Church Services Agapé Assembly of God Hwy. 63 North Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Night Service 7 p.m.

Balm of Gilead Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Bethlehem East Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Discipleship Training 5 p.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Evening 7 p.m.

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 130, Eclectic 36024 Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship Services 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday Services 6 p.m.

Friday Services 6 p.m.

Prayer Meeting and Bible Class 1st Tuesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m.

Central Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Adult Choir Practice 5 p.m.

Evening Worship Service 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Children, Youth and Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Central United Methodist Church Sunday Morning 9:30 a.m.



Chaney Creek Primitive Baptist Church Every Sunday except 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Saturday before 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Chapel United Methodist Church Services 2nd and 4th Sunday 9:45 a.m.

Sunday School 2nd and 4th 9:15 a.m.

Sunday School 1st, 3rd and 5th 10 a.m.

Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m.

Eclectic First Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:45 a.m.

Discipleship Training 5 p.m.

Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m.

Youth, Children and Adult Studies and Activities 6:15 p.m.

Eclectic United Methodist Church 1035 Main Street Morning Service 10:50 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m.

Service 6:30 p.m.

Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 9 a.m.

Morning Worship 10 a.m.

Evening Worship 5 p.m.

Wednesday: Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m.

Good Hope Baptist Church 1766 S. Fleahop Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Discipleship Training 5 p.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m.

TeamKID and “R.U.S.H” Youth Celebration 6:30 p.m.

Healing Waters Church of God 1639 Kowaliga Road Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Family Training Hour 7 p.m.

Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church Hwy. 9 Nixburg Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Mt. Hebron Church of Christ 4530 Mt. Hebron Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 10 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday:

Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m.

Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday: Children in Action 6:30 p.m.

Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.

First Wednesday of Month Potluck supper, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Sunday: Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Adult Choir Practice 6:30 p.m.

Prospect Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Discipleship Training 6 p.m.

Worship Service 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study and Teen Kid 6:30 p.m.

Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Rock Springs Baptist Church 375 Rigsby Rd, Tallassee AL 334-283-1156

Submit your church calendar items and events to: john.peeler@thewetumpkaherald.com

Rushenville Baptist Church 10098 Georgia Road Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Children’s Choir 5 p.m.

Bible Study 6 p.m.

GA’s, RA’s 6 p.m.

Adult Choir Practice 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6 p.m.

Salem Road Baptist Church 12 Old Salem Road Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Night Services 6 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Prayer 7 p.m.

Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Bible Study 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer and Praise 7 p.m.

Union No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church PO Box 240452 Eclectic, AL 36024 Sunday School - 10 a.m.

Morning Worship - 11:15 Tuesday Bible Study - 6 p.m.

Watson Chapel Congregation 2223 East Cotton Road Sunday School 10 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.



THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2016 • PAGE 7

National Adoption Weekend is coming HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS

By REA CORD Executive Director

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.

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 334-202-1381 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., dinner 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 334-567-3377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net .

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PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

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 334-567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com and on Facebook.

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 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.

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 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.

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 Blood Drive When: Feb. 14, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Millbrook Wamart Tuesdays with Kelly When: Feb. 16, Noon-1 p.m.

Where: Kelley Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery (408 S. Main St.), Wetumpka Details: Event includes lunch and a short educational program about rural Alabama. This event features “The Holtville Story,” which is a movie made in the 1940s about Holtville High School.

Titus Community Center Annual Meeting and County Commission Candidate Forum When: Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Titus Community Center Details: Following a brief annual meeting, the three candidates for Elmore County Commission District 1 (Mark Hragyil, Shanna Chamblee and Kenny Holt) will be given the opportunity to address and respond to questions from community members in attendance. Each candidate will be permitted a five-minute opening statement, followed by a period of open questioning and three-minute closing statements from each candidate. Those attending will be treated to hot soup, crackers and rolls.

Eat Healthy! Live Healthy!

When: Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Main Sanctuary of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Deatsville Details: Registered dietitian Allan Higginbotham will be the special guest speaker at the free event sponsored by the church’s library team.

Elmore County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 19th Annual Hunting Heritage Dinner When: Feb. 18, 6 p.m.

Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Single, couples, sponsor and corporate table tickets available. A ticket includes an all “you can eat” ribs and chicken meal as well as a one-year NWTF membership. Other activities included with tickets: silent auction, live auction, raffles including a total of 19 guns to be given away. For other information and/or tickets, call Gene Calhoun 334-315-2636 or Phil Savage 334-850-7997.

Millbrook Players present “Li’l Abner” When: Feb. 18-21 & Feb. 25-28 Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: Based on the classic comic strip, Li’l Abner is packed with one show stopping dance after another - pure entertainment for the whole family! Tickets are $8 for children ages 6-12. Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for more information.

Tea Party at Seven Gables When: Feb. 20, 10 a.m.

Where: Seven Gables, Tallassee Details: We’ll get dressed up and have some tea and hor d’oeuvres. Bring a friend. Special appearance from a princess. First child is $35 and additional siblings are $25

each. Call 334-283-2900 to reserve.

Elmore County Humane Shelter presents: Getting Down with the Dawgs Drawdown When: Feb. 20, 5 p.m.

Where: Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment Center Details: A $100 ticket gives you a 1 in 300 opportunity to win $10,000. Tickets include buffet dinner, chance to win door prizes. There will also be a cash bar. Tickets are now on sale. Call 334-567-3377 for more information.

SKYWARN Basic Storm Spotter Class When: Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Wetumpka Civic Center, located at 410 South Main St. Basics: The Elmore County Emergency Management Agency has opened registration for a free SKYWARN Basic Storm Spotter Class. Anyone 12 years of age and older interested in learning about severe weather may attend this free training provided by the National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office. Registration for the course is required. For more information, call the Elmore County EMA at 334-567-6451 or email Kim Trost at ktrost@elmoreco.org to reserve your seat(s) today.

Registration will remain open until 5 p.m., Feb. 23. This is the only SKYWARN spotter training class being hosted by the Elmore County EMA in 2016.

Montgomery Chamber Music Organization presents the Dover Quartet When: Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Wilson Auditorium, Montgomery Details: For more information or ticket information call 334-277-3505 or log on to www.montgomerychambermusic.org Titus VFD Camp Stew Sale When: Feb. 27 Where: Titus Volunteer Fire Department Details: Quarts of stew will be on sale for $10 each.

Proceeds will benefit the fire department. Call Darrel Murchison at 334-558-1507.

Sports & Outdoors Fleet Feet Sports Sweetheart Fun Run with Hoka When: Feb. 11, 6 p.m.

Where: Fleet Feet Sports, Montgomery Details: There will be sweets for you and your sweet to share afterward. Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports. Call 334356-5412 for more information.

Sixth Annual Alabama Nature Center Critter Crawl When: Feb. 13, 9 a.m.

Where: Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook Details: 5K Trail Run begins at 9 a.m. and the 1-mile race begins at 10 a.m. Register on active.com.

Brantwood’s Fourth annual Love Run When: Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Paterson Field, Montgomery Details: 5K race to show the 30 children at Brantwood Children’s Home some love. Race begins with a shotgun start and ends at Brantwood Children’s Home. Preregistration is $25 per person. Register on Active.com

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PAGE 10 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Sheriff’s Reports Jan. 21 •Attempted burglary at 4900 block of Rigsby Road in Tallassee.

•Theft of property at 100 block of Brookwood Drive in Wetumpka where a handgun valued at $600 was reported stolen.

Jan. 25 •Theft of property at 100 block of Foxwood Road in Deatsville with various items valued at $527 was reported stolen.

•Harassment and criminal mischief at parking lot of Four Way Market in Wetumpka where a pair of eyeglasses valued at $200 were reported damaged.

•Burglary and theft of property at 14000 block of Holtville Road in Deatsville where various items valued at $400 dollars were reported stolen.

•Domestic incident at Maverick Circle in Wetumpka.

Jan. 26 •Fraud (investigation) at 300 block of Mimosa Road in Deatsville.

•Identity theft at unknown location.

Arrests made by officers of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department Jan. 13 to Jan. 26 Jan. 13 •A Tallassee woman, 25, was arrested on failure to pay warrants for improper lights and driving with revoked license.

Jan. 14 •An Auburn woman, 34, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for illegal possession of prescription.

•A Prattville man, 31, was arrested on a grand jury indictment for breaking and entering a vehicle.

•A Tallassee man, 25, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for DUI. •A Montgomery man, 36, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for cruelty to animals.

•A Wetumpka man, 47, was arrested and charged for menacing and a failure to appear warrant for public intoxication.

•A Millbrook man, 22, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for second degree possible marijuana.

•A Marbury man, 36, was arrested and charged with resisting arrest.

Jan. 15 •A Wetumpka man, 28, was arrested and charged with public intoxication.

•A Wetumpka man, 27, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental operations, resisting arrest and public intoxication.

Jan. 16 •An Eclectic man, 18, was arrested and charged with attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

•An Elmore man, 37, was arrested on a probation violation.

•A Wetumpka woman, 39, was arrested on grand jury indictments for second degree possible forged instrument and second degree theft of property.

•An Eclectic man, 68, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for driving with revoked license.

•An Eclectic woman, 44, was arrested on failure to appear warrants for second degree possible marijuana and second degree possible marijuana.

Jan. 17 •A Jemison man, 27, was arrested on failure appear warrants for improper tag and driving on a suspended license.

•A Wetumpka woman, 31, was arrested and charged with first degree theft of property and first degree theft of property.

•A Wetumpka man, 58, was arrested on failure to appear warrants for DUI. •A Wetumpka man, 40, was arrested on a grand jury indictment for second degree TOP. •A Deatsville woman, 54, was arrested and charged with public intoxication and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Jan. 18 •A Wetumpka man, 35, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for attempting to elude.

•A Wetumpka man, 18, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for improper passing.

•A Wetumpka man, 37, was arrested on a failure to

appear warrant for DUI. •A Wetumpka man, 27, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for third degree domestic violence (harassment).

•A Deatsville man, 20, was arrested and charged with second degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear warrants for illegal possession of a prescription and second degree possession of marijuana.

•A Montgomery man, 38, was arrested on a writ of arrest warrant for child support.

•A Wetumpka man, 48, was arrested on failure to appear warrants for revoked license and improper lights.

A Deatsville man, 25, was arrested on failure to appear warrants for public intoxication and drug paraphernalia.

•An Autaugaville man, 24, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for PDP. Jan. 19 •A Marbury man, 40, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

•A Wetumpka man, 40, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for disorderly conduct.

•A Deatsville woman, 22, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for minor possession of alcohol.

•A Wetumpka man, 29, was arrested and charged with non support of a child.

•An Eclectic woman, 41, was arrested for bondsman processes UPCS, UPDP and carrying concealed.

•A Tallassee woman, 24, was arrested for bondsman process of distribution of a controlled substance.

•A Tallassee man, 27, was arrested and charged with first degree receiving stolen property, third degree domestic violence (harassment), third degree domestic violence (criminal mischief).

• A Wetumpka man, 34, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for possession of marijuana.

Jan. 20 •A Montgomery man, 33, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest.

•A Wetumpka man, 22, was arrested and charged with second degree possession of a forged instrument and third degree theft of property.

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2016 • PAGE 11

Alleged ‘hate group’ LOS joins in Confederate flag saga

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The ongoing issue with the Confederate flag and Elmore County, specifically the Tallassee chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, took a turn when the Tallassee Tribune was notified of a connection to a group, classified as an extremist hate-group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights law organization out of Montgomery.

An email sent to the Tribune indicated the SCV supporter who gathered funds to raise a 50-foot Confederate flag in downtown Montgomery within blocks of Alabama State University had ties to the white-supremacist group the League of the South, or LOS, based out of Wetumpka.

In a phone interview, Richard Cohen, SPLC president said, “We consider the League of the South to be a hate group.”

Cohen cited what he said was the group’s “incendiary racism” and “their belief that the South should secede from the union again,” as evidence for the classification.

Dana Jones, of Georgiana, Alabama, warned that she had consulted her lawyer regarding the online blogger who had sent the email to the Tribune, and said yes, she was an avowed member of the LOS. “As far as the League of the South? Am I a member of the League of the South, I sure am. I’m proud to be,” Jones said. “If you want an article about the League of the South I could hook you right up personally 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 donation of some kind. 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.

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 LeeJackson 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.

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 multiple 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.

Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com

PAGE 12 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016

SPORTS

POTENTIAL ON THE ROSTER ECHS head coach believes upcoming season has plenty options

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

THE THRILL OF VICTORY AND AGONY OF DEFEAT

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Options.

That’s what Elmore County head baseball coach Wendell Jackson feels like he has on this upcoming season’s roster and the element he hopes can resurge the program.

The Panthers have whiffed on the postseason the last two years, and after losing seven seniors off 2015’s team, options will help Jackson and the coaching staff to fill holes.

And that type of competition at several positions has been a good thing in preseason camp.

“Everything’s been so energetic, everybody’s been working really hard,” Jackson said. “This is a really good group of guys.

They get along well with each other, play for each other – there’s no individuals in this group.

“This group’s been in the weight room really hard. They’ve gotten stronger, you can tell the strength is better with this group.”

ECHS hosts Horseshoe Bend Feb. 16 to File / The Observer open 2016.

Elmore County rising senior Shannon Darnell, shown here laying down a bunt during a home game last season, will be one of five seniors to lead the Panthers in 2016.

PITCHING: Variety on this season’s club starts on OFFENSE: DEFENSE: the mound. Four seniors will toe the rubA big preseason camp offensive emphaWith the exception of Darnell, who was ber while a host of underclassmen fill out sis, the Elmore County bats have taken an everyday starter at first base last season, the remainder of a staff that Jackson will pride in its small ball plan, a method of the infield will have all new faces for the call on. which the players have become keen.

Panthers.

Jackson said he was unsure who would The Panthers order could contain as Darnell moves over to shortstop, replacstart Opening Day, but right-handers Eli many as five first-year varsity players at ing Central Alabama Community College Cobb, Shannon Darnell and Travis Rawls, one time, dependent on who’s pitching, signee and All-State honorable mention along with lefty Josh Wilson, are in the and bunting could help ease the transition. Michael Wayne Walls, and Wilson steps mix.

With Rawls and Zach Dowis heading up into the role at first, where he played sparWhile none of his pitchers have big- the aggression and speed on the base paths, ingly in 2015. game experience, the platoon approach Jackson said batters would be tasked with Dowis solidifies the catcher position will keep ECHS fresh as the area games moving runners over to scoring position. with prior game time. The outfielder only with Dadeville and Holtville come later in “Maybe we can find a way to steal first sees Rawls return. And rest of the defenthe year. base,” Jackson joked. sive spots are up-for-grabs.

“We have a lot of options,” Jackson said.

Panthers rely on defense in area tourney “Most of it has been preparation, being focused and having guys being committed. I think How can Elmore County regain the momentum it started we lost focus toward the end of the year.” the year with back?

In the first 16 games of The Panthers (15-12) came the year, Elmore County kept out strong, reaching as high as opponents at 55 points or under No. 9 in the Class 4A poll by 13 times, going 12-4. But the finishing second in the annual Panthers have given up more county basketball tournament than 55 points five times, and won eight straight regular season games, including its first including the last three regular season matchups, that were all two area games.

Since the turn of the calendar losses.

“We had a really good week year, the team has gone 3-8 and of practice. We focused more dropped five of its last six to on the defensive end,” Brown close out the regular season. said. “I think in those games, Beginning postseason play defensively we fell off. So we today in the first round of the went back to the basics, we’re Class 4A, Area 5 tournament going to get back to playing versus Dadeville at Sidney defense.

Lanier, ECHS boys basketball “If we can keep the offense coach Warren Brown said his in the low 50s – under 50 if team will try to recapture its possible – we’ll be fine.” early season success.

ECHS won two of three “That’s the million dollar question,” Brown said. “We got meetings with Dadeville, beating them once in a tournato have the same guys that we ment while each defending started the season with show up. We’re looking for the same their home court. In all three contests, the Panthers’ defense attitude, same ambition and to maintained its scoring margin, play with the same effort that they gave earlier in the year. but in the loss at Dadeville,

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Cory Diaz / The Observer

Elmore County senior shooting guard Johnnie Jasper battles two Dadeville defenders for a rebound during a game earlier this season at ECHS.

Brown said his team came out flat and, to get in the game late, relied on its pressure defense – how the team will look to create momentum versus the Tigers in the area tournament.

“The pressure late in the game last time got us going, and we played a little more man, full-court, half-court,

which got us back into the ballgame,” Brown said. “We’re going to come out aggressive and put pressure on them early in the game and see if we can get the lead and eventually wear them down.”

ECHS and Dadeville tipoff at 5:30 p.m. at Sidney Lanier today.

ECHS freshman wins silver at indoor track meet

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Elmore County freshman D.J. Patrick, shown here with a bronze medal from a meet earlier this season, took home a silver medal Saturday in the Class 4A5A boys triple jump event held at the Birmingham Crossplex.

Contributed / The Observer

Elmore County freshman D.J. Patrick secured a silver medal at the AHSAA State Indoor Track Meet Saturday held at the Birmingham Crossplex.

In the Class 4A-5A boys triple jump event, Patrick leapt 42 feet, 5.5 inches in the finals to earn silver, finishing second behind St. Paul’s Jalyn Armour-Davis’s jump of 44 feet, 9.5 inches.

The runner-up triple jump was one of two top-8 finishes for the Elmore County freshman at the state meet, as

the 6-foot, 170-pounder landed in eighth-place in the boys long jump.

Patrick improved his heat measurement by 4.5 inches to post a 19-foot, 11-inch jump in the finals to come in eighth and tally all nine of ECHS’s team points for the meet – eight in the triple jump and one in the long jump.

Elmore County ended up 19th out of 29 teams with nine points.

The other Panther that participated at the state meet, eighth-grader Zefeniah Edwards finished 17th in the 4A-5A boys 800-meter race, posting a time of 2:10.77.

ANDY GRAHAM Sports Columnist

O

ne of the most iconic sports shows in history was undoubtedly ABC’s Wide World of Sports that usually aired on Saturday afternoons from 1961 to 1998.

It’s opening sequence addressing “the thrill of victory” and “the agony of defeat” has indelibly become part of the American lexicon. No matter how hard some in society try to push the “everybody gets a trophy” mentality, the nature of athletic competition demands there be a winner and a loser.

I know, there are exceptions, but at its root effort is exerted to gain victory. That’s the whole point.

There’s great value in participation, but that’s not what we’re discussing today. The two age-old concepts wonderfully articulated by Wide World of Sports are never more clearly on display than at an event like the Super Bowl. 111.9 million people witnessed on full display “the thrill of victory” and “the agony of defeat.”

The Denver Broncos celebrated the night away and will, no doubt, continue to celebrate for weeks to come with their victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. It is the ultimate achievement for a football player and should be acknowledged with congratulations and jubilations.

Peyton Manning holds the NFL record for career passing yards, single-season passing yards, career passing touchdowns, single season touchdowns among a host of others.

With the Broncos victory Sunday night, Manning also became the first NFL quarterback to win 200 games as a starter. The level of Manning’s greatness on the gridiron can hardly be debated, but losing three Super Bowls would have put an unseemly blight on an otherwise brilliant career.

I know it sounds silly, but there’s an enormous difference between 2-2 in the big game and 1-3.

Manning has always been a class act and I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed his career from beginning to end.

Yes, I said end.

As I write this, he hasn’t officially retired, but I feel sure that announcement is forthcoming.

As I said in the beginning, the nature of competitive sports demands that every thrilling victory be counterbalanced by agonizing defeat. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers begrudgingly played the role of those in agony Sunday.

The Panthers played one of their worst games of the season offensively and never got on track.

The Broncos deserve the credit for Carolina’s poor play because they were the better team on that particular night.

As amazing as the high is for winning the biggest game of the year, the crushing misery of losing it is just as potent. It’s common to see grown man shedding tears and nearly impossible to hide their dismay.

Newton has taken a lot of grief for the way he handled his press conference after the game. I think that criticism is well-deserved. He was petulant and showed some definite immaturity.

I just so happen to catch an episode of Andy Griffith today. It was the one where Opie trained really hard for a race and desperately wanted a metal, but came in fourth.

He was pouting and being a very sore loser. Andy told him winning was easy, but it was just as important to be a good loser and it took courage to do so.

It has to be incredibly difficult to answer a barrage of questions after playing terrible and losing the game you’ve dreamed about your entire life.

However, that’s what being a grown-up man is all about. Maybe someone can get Cam a copy of that episode.