Holtville Heroics: Dawgs snap 6-game skid to rival Wetumpka. See Sports, Page 12. Wetumpka, AL 36092
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 8
Judge rules Harrison onto ballot
By MITCH SNEED and CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writers
Voters in Elmore County will see the name of current school superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison on the ballot in November. Judge Sibley Reynolds ruled Wednesday that Alabama’s “Sore Loser” law, which was cited in a motion he filed in January, does not apply in this case. The law prohibits candidates who lose a primary election to run under the banner of a different
party in the general election. Wednesday’s order by Reynolds means that Harrison’s decision to run as an independent candidate does not apply because he hadn’t lost an election, he was just not allowed on the ballot due to a paperwork issue. Harrison This clears the way for Harrison to compete for the spot he now holds, but he
will be an Independent and will face Richard Dennis, who is now unopposed in the March 1 GOP Primary. The news was welcomed by Harrison. “We were very thrilled with the judge’s ruling,” Harrison said. “My attorney was confident all along that the law did not apply to me. We now have a chance to allow the people of Elmore County to choose the next superintendent. We have a lot of innovative things going on in Elmore County and we want to continue that work.”
County fire association looking to fund training expansion
See HARRISON • Page 3
Four teachers honored by school board Wetumpka teachers respond to being named 2016 teacher of the year
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Elmore County Fire Fighters Association wants to add a burn facility at its training grounds and expand on its training tower to make room for high-rise search and rescue along with rope and high-angle training operations. It would be the second phase of construction for the roughly twoyear-old tower and cost about $100,000,” ECFF Chairman John Wilson said. The burn building would require the construction of a new structure at the ECFF countywide training grounds in Wetumpka, while the tower would be extended. At the outset of the tower’s initial construction Wilson said his organization had funds of its own directed toward the construction, but went to the Elmore County See FIRE• Page 2
Harrison’s election woes began in December after Dennis, who is principal at Prattville High School, raised questions with Elmore County Probate Court Judge John Enslen. He claimed Harrison had missed a filing deadline with verification of his professional credentials that is supplied by the State Department of Education. Harrison was a day late on filing that form, so Enslen asked Reynolds for an emergency ruling on Harrison’s status
Corey Arwood / The Herald
At Thursday’s local Republican forum, candidates running for Elmore County Commission Districts 1-3 were from left to right: Troy Stubbs, David Bowen, James “Trey” Taylor, Mack Daugherty and Shanna Chamblee.
GREAT DEBATES
Local candidates debate at Republican Committee Forum By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Republican candidates for Elmore County offices who are up for election on March 1 convened at the county judicial building to discuss their platforms and debate the issues that set them apart or likened them to one another. In all, there were around 13 candidates gathered at the Elmore County Republican Executive Committee Candidate Forum. There were candidates from Elmore County Commission districts 1-3, along with those running for District Attorney, Superintendent of Education and Board of Education District 4 all at Thursday’s forum.
“I enjoyed the forum, it’s unusual to get to see everybody at the same time and what surprised me more than anything is how well conducted they were,” said Chuck Billings, of Elmore County’s Lightwood community. The chair of the ECREC, Vicki Bonner Ward, said she thought the forum went “exceptionally well.” “I was really pleased with the people that turned out and I think the candidates gave some informative answers,” Ward said. Another audience member, Kathleen Holt, seemed equally satisfied with the event and also seemed focused on the content of the forum as a highlight. See DEBATE • Page 2
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Elmore County School Board released the results for the 2016 teacher of the year awards for all Elmore County schools and a list of roughly 20 teachers from the entire school system. Of those, four teachers were honored from Wetumpka schools. Kimberly Deem, a first grade teacher from Wetumpka Elementary School, was honored. “I was very honored to receive the award. It was a pleasant surprise especially to have been nominated by my coworkers at the first level and then nominated by the school, it was a definitely a pleasant surprise,” Deem said. Deem, a Montgomery native who has taught at WES for about 9 years, said teaching first grade kept her young. She said her philosophy was to be at school everyday, and as Deem said “try to be my own teacher of the year every year.” At Wetumpka Middle School, two teachers were honored. Kimberly Olsen received the award for teaching 5th and 6th grades at the middle school. Olsen said she has taught 5th grade at WMS around 16 years after moving to the Eclectic area from California around 20 years ago. She said the nomination and award came as a See TEACHERS • Page 2
Auto program expansion praised at groundbreaking ceremony By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The groundbreaking ceremony for an automotive technology expansion at Elmore County Technical center that was said to benefit both students and the local economy drew praise from high profile state and local officials. Martha Roby, U.S. representative for Alabama’s 2nd district, was present and Corey Arwood / The Herald delivered remarks. Pictured from left at Friday’s ground breaking were Larry Teel, She later participated in the groundbreakPresident Board of Education, Michael Morgan, Vice President Board ing and posed in line with Andre’ Harrison, of Education, Rep. Martha Roby, Dr. Andre’ L. Harrison, Superinten- Elmore County Board of Education superdent, Dale Bain, Board Member and Dr. Jimmy Hull, Director Elmore intendent, along with other ECTC adminisCounty Technical Center.
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tration and county officials as they hoisted golden shovels for photographs. According to information from ECTC, the expansion will connect to the Automobile Technology building by way of a canopy. It is expected to eventually house two vehicle bays, a vehicle lift, compressed air outlets for use of electrical power tools and roll-up doors that will provide access to the work areas. The total area of the project is about 2,000 square feet. Jimmy Hull, ECTC director, said that through analysis of workforce data from See EXPANSION • Page 3
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Teacher surprise. “I was just really happy that they noticed my efforts, that they felt I was doing a good job for the children,” Olsen said. Olsen said she enjoyed teaching science to her students most, and they were in the middle of doing experiments that she said were based on Newton’s laws on force and motion. “I love 5th grade because the students are very inquisitive,” Olsen said. The second teacher of the year award at WMS went to Diana Frazier, a 7th and 8th grade band director from New Brockton, Alabama. Frazier said she had taught at Wetumpka Middle School for about 6 years now. She said she enjoyed watching her students practice, many for their first time, music in her band class. “I love it. Music changes lives, not just a little while but forever,”
continued from page 1
Frazier said. And 9th and 10th grade English teacher, Brenda Brown was honored at Wetumpka High School. Brown, a Coosada resident, said she had taught at WHS for about two years now. Originally from Millbrook and having graduated from Stanhope Elmore High School, Brown is a product of Elmore County Schools. Before teaching at WHS, Brown said she was at Coosada Elementary for 13 years and taught elementary school students. She said she was part of a program that helped them learn to read. And though she said she “loved” working with the younger students, she felt her calling most with the older 9th and 10th graders. On being announced teacher of the year, Brown said, “Well, to Submitted / The Herald be honest I’m very appreciative because this was just an honor to Among the many Elmore County teachers awarded, Kimberly Deem, Kimberly Olsen, Diana Frazier and Brenda even be nominated but to win was Brown were all announced Teachers of the Year just amazing. I’m very grateful.”
Debate
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“It was very informative and we know more now than we did when we came,” Holt said. The debate began after Ward gave the introduction of candidates running for D.A. and Superintendent of Education, along with Board of Education District 4. The moderator of the debate was James Houts, the state’s assistant attorney general. The debate held among the candidates running for county commission seats consisted of five questions, with a 90 second period of closing remarks. Shortly after a five-minute “comfort” break, a second shorter debate was reserved for the two candidates running for the board of education District 5 representative. The commission questions ranged from general to specific topics on both local and national subjects. The tone remained seemingly calm throughout the debate and any barbs or pointed comments that might have been directed at any candidate’s opposition did not draw much outrage or response. The theme of civility emerged from the candidates multiple times and likenesses among the group were focused on nearly as much, if not more than their differences. Houts started the round off with a question about the differences of opinion between each of the candidates and the topic of “home rule,” and “limited self governance,” statutes. The second line of questioning related immediately to the Elmore County Commission and what each person thought the areas of successes and failures were for previous county commissions. Houts then went on to the future, and what each one
of the four running would like to have accomplished, if elected, after 100 days in their respective seats. Next to last was the question that seemed to solidify what appeared to be the trend to focus on what united them in their goals and beliefs over what set the three apart. The question was in regard to presidential candidate, Donald Trump, and what Houts said was the divisive role he had in the GOP. He asked if the GOP “establishment” suffered a “disconnect” from its “base” of voters. The final question related to the hot-topic of gambling in the state. But it was not solely aimed at the candidates’ stance of being for or against “gaming.” Houts asked whether they would be in support of, opposed or indifferent to receiving contributions from the Wetumpka-based Wind Creek Casino owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians. Largely they denied receiving any funds from the casino group, but one candidate did acknowledge receiving what he said was an unsolicited donation, which he had not yet decided upon keeping. The candidates for District 5, board of education, were asked straightaway in what Houts said was the “obligatory” question about Common Core. Their views differed sharply, one touting it as a sinister policy to fight, while the other outright said it does not exist in the state at all. Their last question was in regards to what they perceived to be the failures or successes of the Elmore County School Board.
Fire
continued from page 1
Commission to secure the rest and were given an additional $100,000 for the project. The ECFF is now looking to acquire roughly that amount for the completion of the expansion, Wilson said. Despite the cost, Wilson explained it as a winwin for Elmore County homeowners, businesses, the ECFF and the 20 or so fire departments within Elmore County.
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The ECFF would receive additional credit from the Insurance Services Organization, Wilson said. The ISO surveys fire departments and rates them based on numerous details some of which, Wilson said, were equipment quality, number of personnel and training. He said training was a big part of what the ISO looked at in its evaluations. More credit meant a better rating and a better rating, Wilson said, meant lower insurance costs shared between both homeowners and businesses. Wilson said savings on insurance would total in the millions of dollars countywide. “That’s why we’re emphasizing the training tower and trying to expand it is to try to assist people to get a better insurance rating,” Wilson said. He offered a breakdown of his estimates on the total savings, which he said were roughly based on what the average homeowner paid. The average homeowner, Wilson said, paid about $1,500 a year on a $2,500 to $3,000 premium for a house priced at $150 - $200,000. He said to multiply that times the number of homes in the county, which he estimated to be at least 500 to 1000. “It’s millions of dollars,” Wilson said. The ECFF message seemed to be that the new facilities and ISO rating boost would positively affect county fire departments through the new training opportunities they would have. As a result each department could potentially see their rating positively affected by the add-ons at Wetumpka. Most departments in Elmore County are a 6 in rating. Wilson said, there are also several 5s and a couple of 3s as well. And that is with a 1-to-10 rating system, with a higher number as a worse rating. He said there are two other similar facilities compared to what ECFF is proposing located in the county at Tallassee and Millbrook.
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FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016 • Page 3
Wind Creek Wetumpka’s manager recognized as Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Cody Williamson, General Manager of Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, Wetumpka, has been honored as the 2016 Volunteer of the Year by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce at its Feb. 9 annual meeting. Williamson was selected because he has been a visible and viable member of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce for several years. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors and as the 2014 Chairman. When presenting the award, Eric Hyde said that Williamson “does not just point at you and say do a job; he gets it done.” Williamson said of the award, “I am humbled by some of the people who have already been given this award. I am inspired to be like them.” When accepting the award, Williamson expressed his thanks to the team members at Wind Creek Wetumpka, saying “when I volunteer, they volunteer.” Williamson began his tenure with Wind Creek
Hospitality as the director of purchasing. Prior to that time, he was an attorney in the Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Legal Office. In his current role as GM of Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, Wetumpka, Williamson oversees operations for the hotel and casino. Williamson has a finance degree from the University of Alabama as well as a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is currently a board member for the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority as well as a member of the Wetumpka Rotary Club, the Montgomery Lion’s Club and the Wetumpka Gateway Commission. Since 1997, the distinguished William F. Sahlie Award has been given to individuals to recognize their outstanding service to the community. The Chamber describes this honor by saying, “Being a truly committed volunteer is not about filling seats and taking votes, it’s about being a supporter and an encourager of the
Expansion
mission and vision of an organization. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” About Wind Creek Hospitality: Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the Tribes gaming facilities including: Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Montgomery, as well as multiple racetracks in Alabama and Florida. The Poarch Creek Indians are descendants of a segment of the original Creek Nation, which once covered almost all of Alabama and Georgia. Unlike many eastern Indian tribes, the Poarch Creeks were not removed from their tribal lands and have lived together for almost 200 years in and around the reservation in Poarch, Alabama. The reservation is located eight miles northwest of Atmore, Alabama, in rural Escambia County, and 57 miles east of Mobile. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally
continued from page 1
the county and river region, there is a demand for auto-mechanics in the area. “It’s a high-demand, high-wage job right now and it’s projected to be that way for some time,” Hull said. The expansion of the program was important, Hull said, to allow students the opportunity to get the skills they needed either to continue their training after high school or go straight into the workforce. Hull said he had been at ECTC for about two-and-a-half years and the expansion had been in the works for a few years. However, he said it had technically been planned for 40 years. He said he had a copy of a letter from 1975 when the campus was built that detailed the intent to
include an automotive program, but the program was cut due to funding. Harrison said he was surprised as to the full impact the expansion would have on the area. “I didn’t realize the huge impact from an economic standpoint and a workforce development standpoint that we were going to have on this, but I’m very grateful and excited about the return investment that we’re going to be giving our students so that when they leave Elmore County and go into the workforce as an auto mechanic they’ll get hired,” Harrison said. He said he had all ready been in talks on collaborations with automotive dealerships and service garages throughout the area.
Contributed / The Herald
Eric Hyde prtesents Cody Williamson with the Wetumpka ARea Chamber of Commercne’s Volunteer of the Year Award at the groups annual meeting.
Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents.
recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The
Harrison
continued from page 1
as a candidate in the GOP Primary. Reynolds ruled that the missed paperwork deadline meant that Harrison was not qualified to run in the primary. That’s when he announced that he would run as an Independent. Harrison made that official in January when he filed his letter of intent. That led to Enslen filing a motion with the Alabama Attorney General’s office, questioning if the state’s “Sore Loser Law” would prohibit a run by Harrison as an Independent. Wednesday Reynolds said the law did not apply.
Reynolds ruling included: “Andre Harrison is not prohibited from appearing on the 2016 General Election ballot as an Elmore County Superintendent of Education candidate, subject to the vetting of the filed signatures. “That Andre Harrison legally can be listed on the 2016 General Election ballot as an independent candidate. “That as the Election Official for Elmore County, any votes cast for Andre Harrison for Elmore County Superintendent of Education may be legally counted.”
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OPINION
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
The Herald strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Our
Opinion
We could all learn from Carolina campaign combat
Get to know the T candidates before casting your vote H ow do you decide who will get your vote when you go to the polls? A recent Gallop poll said that 64 percent of voters said that party affiliation is the No. 1 fact considered by voters. Obviously, people align themselves with political parties that lean towards their own personal beliefs. That’s why the March 1 primary election is so important. The people who will represent their parties in upcoming elections will be decided and, in many cases, they will be unopposed in the fall. We ask that you as a voter arm yourself with information to make a wise decision. As President Thomas Jefferson once said, “The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.” We agree. The most basic improvement that can be made to modern American democracy is the development of an educated voting population. Being informed and then exercising the right to vote is an important way to help preserve our precious democratic system. With that in mind, we would ask voters to spend the coming days before the March 1 primary to spend time reading about the candidates. Get to know what they believe by meeting them when possible. Particularly in local races, there are sufficient opportunities to see candidates face to face. This newspaper will feature previews on the races in upcoming editions as a way to help voters form an opinion. We urge voters to do their homework. Our area and our state are facing issues that will shape our future. It is important that we find people who have our best interest at heart to serve us in elected office. Don’t let cute commercials, sound bytes or the letter beside a candidate’s name be the deciding factor for you. Knowledge is much more reliable.
McCain for
he great state of South Carolina has a new motto. It goes something like
this. “South Carolina: Where all political hell breaks loose.” The shenanigans date back almost 150 years to a time during Reconstruction when, after a contested gubernatorial election, South Carolina actually sat two state legislatures and two governors – one of each for each of the two parties, Republican and Democratic. Only when President Rutherford B. Hayes withdrew federal troops from the capital city of Columbia and the rest of the South did Republican David Henry Chamberlain cede the governor’s chair to Democrat Wade Hampton III and the Democratic legislature take over. But that’s all ancient craziness. Believe me, there’s been plenty craziness since, even 21st century dirty tricks. In 2000, George W. Bush, who would go on to win the Republican nomination and defeat his Democratic opponent Al Gore by a few Floridian chads, won caucuses in Alaska and Iowa before losing the first primary of the year in New Hampshire to John McCain by a whopping 18 percentage points. The race headed to South Carolina before moving on to Arizona and Michigan, where McCain held significant margins. In other words, Bush needed to thwart McCain’s momentum before the Arizona senator and beloved war veteran became unstoppable. Soon, primary voters were receiving recorded phone calls in South Carolina asking whether they would be “more likely or less likely to vote for John
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
president if (they) knew he had fathered an illegitimate black child?” (Of course, McCain never fathered any illegitimate child of any color. The child the sleazy calls referred to is Bridget, who John and Cindy McCain adopted as a three-month-old in 1991 from a Bangladeshi orphanage run by Mother Teresa.) There are other instances of Palmetto State political pranks, perhaps most infamous the tactics used by the late Republican strategist Lee Atwater against Democrat Tom Turnipseed in his challenge for Floyd Spence’s South Carolina congressional seat. Atwater made sure voters were reminded of Turnipseed’s treatment for depression as a teenager and of his involvement with the NAACP. Turnipseed lost. To Atwater’s credit, he wrote to ask Turnipseed’s forgiveness after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The past is prelude, they say, and if we don’t study our history we are doomed to repeat it. Sometimes even historical study doesn’t help. The candidates, particularly those competing in Saturday’s Republican primary, are at it again in South Carolina. As recently as Wednesday, the Donald Trump campaign went where few campaigns have ever gone, sending a cease-and-
desist letter to the Ted Cruz campaign threatening a lawsuit if Cruz didn’t quit running commercials attacking Trump for his past (supportive) positions on abortion. Earlier this week, Trump chided Jeb Bush for turning to his brother and his “mommy” to support him and stump in South Carolina – actually a wise move by Bush considering his family’s political success in the state. Also on Wednesday, the Marco Rubio campaign took on the Cruz campaign, alleging Cruz has been using underhanded tactics to influence voters in South Carolina – specifically push polls and a Facebook post that falsely suggested popular South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy had retracted his endorsement for Rubio and thrown his support behind Cruz. This is the stuff that happens in the race for leader of our nation? Shouldn’t we demand better and, if we don’t get it, refuse to support those willing to engage in such underhandedness? Color me sick of the threats and the lies and the shouting that some think equals strength. Personal attacks tell us, the voters, nothing about the way a candidate will lead our nation. And if the candidates can’t stop attacking their opponents long enough to articulate their plans, seems to me they’ve missed the chance to make their case. Perhaps it just took the hell of South Carolina to help us all realize that. Granger is a staff writer for The Herald.
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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 # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo.
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Opinion
Peggy Blackburn, true journalist and friend
Your child’s first teacher By STACEY TURNER AND PAIGE PYLES Redland Elementary
Turner
Every parent wants their child to be successful and do well in school. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Children that come to school without literacy experiences are at an increased risk of reading difficulties. Parents play an important role in promoting literacy and preventing reading difficulties. Reading aloud with your child is the single most important activity parents can do to prepare your child to learn to read. Read to your child at an early age and read often. When you read to your child, you are promoting many reading readiness skills, including an understanding of the written language and print awareness. You also foster a lifelong love and interest of reading. Cuddle up and make story time an enjoyable, warm and loving time. Reading to your child is a great bedtime routine. It is likely to become a favorite part of your child’s day and maybe yours too. As you read, talk about interesting words in the story. This will help your child build a strong vocabulary, which is an important skill for developing reading comprehension skills. Read to your child with expression and different voices. Let your child pick out books for you to read. It is okay if your child wants you to read the same book over and over. If you do not have books in your home, visit your local library and check out books weekly. As you read to your child, ask questions and discuss what is happening in the book.
Point to the words as you read. Discuss how we read and write from left to right and top to bottom. Sing and read nursery rhymes with your child. Point out the rhyming words and make up your own silly rhyming words. Have fun with words and their sounds. Challenge your child to see how many words he can name with the same beginning sound. Example: ball, bat, baby, bug, ….. Help your child learn to write their name using upper and lower case letters. Writing may begin with scribbling, but will progress with practice. When your child enters kindergarten, he/she should already be able to name and recognize some letters of the alphabet and identify their sound. Consider Investing in magnetic letters or alphabet flashcards for practice. Ask your child to look for a given letter on cereal boxes, in magazines, or driving down the road on billboards. You can find free apps that provide practice with alphabet and sound recognition. You can incorporate math skills into daily routines at home. Ask your child to count out things, such as forks, napkins, plates, cookies, etc. Play board games with your child that require your child to move a game piece a given number of spaces. Help your child name and identify shapes in your home and their environment. Investing quality time with your child will create lifelong memories. You will never look back and regret the time you spend with your child.
Pyles
Dear Editor, The world in general is darker today with the passing of Peggy Blackburn, former editor of the Wetumpka Herald. The journalism world has lost a reporter, editor and community journalist that can never be replaced. I had the honor of meeting Peggy early on when I took over as the editor of the Prattville, Millbrook and Wetumpka Progress newspapers. The world may have seen us as competitors, but we just saw each other as friends. Most will never know how many phone calls and messages were sent back and forth to each other over “scoop.” One day she showed up at my door in Prattville at the office and asked for a job. I was shocked. I couldn’t imagine her ever leaving Wetumpka. She didn’t even need an interview, because I knew what she was capable of. She was an absolute joy to work with and I leaned on her a great deal for advice and support. Peggy was the kind of woman that other journalists should aspire to be, but never fool yourself into thinking you could do it better. Peggy was the best, and I freely admit it. Her time was short with us at the Prattville Progress. Her heart longed to be back in Wetumpka and eventually she was back in the editor’s seat there. We always stayed in touch, but not nearly as much as we should have. We both knew firsthand the grueling hours and commitment it takes to run a newspaper. Oh, go fly high my friend. Your work here is surely done. Those of us in “the biz” will try to carry on, and we will take our experiences we learned from you with us. A piece of you will always be with me in my heart. I pray for your family for love, comfort and peace. You are no longer in pain. You are no longer suffering. Thank you for your service to your community all of these years. I love you. Sarah Stephens Elmore & Autauga News
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016 • Page 5
Valentine’s Day King and Queen! On Monday, February 15, the Wetumpka Health and Rehabilitation residents and staff celebrated the month of love by crowning their 2016 Valentine King and Queen. Residents enjoyed tasty treats prepared by the facilities Activities and Dietary Departments as all anxiously awaited the crowning of this years King and Queen. The recipients of this distinguished honor, voted on by employees of all departments were, Janie Taylor and Phillip Sexton.
Contributed / The Herald
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. SOLDChurch. $69,000. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville 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.
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Phone 334-567-7811 Fax 334-567-3284 News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com TheWetumpkaHerald.com
PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Obituaries Sachi Uechi Stanton After a short but fierce battle with Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML), Sachi Uechi Stanton, 75, took her first steps in heaven on Feb. 13, 2015, where she is sure to have been greeted by her beloved husband, Richard Stanton, dog George, and numerous friends Stanton and family. Sachi was born September 20, 1940, in Miyako, Okinawa, Japan. The oldest of seven, she helped support her family during the darkest days of WWII. She met her future husband while working on a U.S. military base in Okinawa. After marriage she embarked on her next journey, raising five children as a military wife stationed at different posts around the world. The family settled in Huntsville, and later Wetumpka, AL, where her thirst for knowledge and acumen for learning enabled her to excel in various industries from electronics to floral design. Her engaging personality, generous spirit, 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
Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com
and tremendous work ethic propelled her toward success in every field. Aside from her family, Sachi’s greatest love was the Lord. She embarked on numerous mission trips to South America and was a faithful servant of God as both a confident leader and willing follower. She gave freely of her mind and heart no matter what role she played. After retirement, Richard and Sachi moved to Palm Bay, FL. In 2010, following a trip to the Holy Land, she suffered acute liver failure which led to a successful transplant at Mayo Clinic. She rebounded and was in exceptional health until her diagnosis of AML in July 2015. Sachi leaves behind five children: Donald, Micheal, Terry, Thomas, and Carl; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Many thanks to all her caregivers at Mayo Clinic and at Moffitt Cancer Center, especially Raj Satyanarayana, MD; Rami Komrokji, MD; and Mark Honor, PA-C. A memorial service was held at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood, Tampa, FL, at 1 p.m. on Thursday Feb 18, 2015. She will be buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Donations can be made to Mayo Clinic or Moffitt Cancer Center. 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
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Religion Calendar •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.
•First United Methodist Church men’s group will hold their annual pancake breakfast Feb. 27. The proceeds will support the missions sponsored by the group, and particularly their wheelchair-ramp ministry. Breakfast — bacon or sausage, juice or coffee, and all the pancakes you care to eat — will be served from 7-10 a.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased at the door, or ahead of time from any member of the men’s group. All are invited to enjoy this great meal and support the ministries of the group. •Calvary Baptist Men’s Ministry will have a men and boys breakfast 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.
Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729
•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.
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
Clay Boshell REALTOR®
Brandt Wright Realty, Inc. Cell:
334.657.6167
www.ClayBoshell.com
When you’re ready to buy or sell call Clay Boshell! Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
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
First Presbyterian Church
Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.
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.
Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church
Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church
11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro
Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor
Pastor Rickey Luster,
Rickey Luster, MusicDirector Director Music
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
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 20-21, 2016 • Page 7
Supplemental Qualified Voters of Elmore County as of 2/8/16 to 2/15/16 for the 2016 Presidential Primary Election.
Submitted / The Herald
Eric Hyde presents Cody Williamson with the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year Award at the group’s annual meeting.
Wind Creek’s Williamson honored as Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Cody Williamson, General Manager of Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, Wetumpka, has been honored as the 2016 Volunteer of the Year by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce at their February 9th Annual Meeting. Williamson was selected because he has been a visible and viable member of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce for several years. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors and as the 2014 Chairman. When presenting the award, Eric Hyde said that Williamson “does not just point at you and say do a job; he gets it done.” Williamson said of the award, “I am humbled by some of the people who have already been given this award. I am inspired to be like them.” When accepting the award, Williamson expressed his thanks to the team members at Wind Creek Wetumpka, saying “when I volunteer, they volunteer.” Williamson began his tenure with Wind Creek Hospitality as the Director of Purchasing. Prior to that time, he was an attorney in the Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Legal Office. In his current role as GM of Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, Wetumpka, Williamson oversees operations for the hotel and casino. Williamson has a finance degree from the University of Alabama as well as a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is currently a board member for the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority as well
as a member of the Wetumpka Rotary Club, the Montgomery Lion’s Club and the Wetumpka Gateway Commission. Since 1997, the distinguished William F. Sahlie Award has been given to individuals to recognize their outstanding service to the community. The Chamber describes this honor by saying, “Being a truly committed volunteer is not about filling seats and taking votes, it’s about being a supporter and an encourager of the mission and vision of an organization. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” About Wind Creek Hospitality: Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the Tribes gaming facilities including: Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Montgomery, as well as multiple racetracks in Alabama and Florida. The Poarch Creek Indians are descendants of a segment of the original Creek Nation, which once covered almost all of Alabama and Georgia. Unlike many eastern Indian tribes, the Poarch Creeks were not removed from their tribal lands and have lived together for almost 200 years in and around the reservation in Poarch, Alabama. The reservation is located eight miles northwest of Atmore, Alabama, in rural Escambia County, and 57 miles east of Mobile. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents.
TALLAWEEKA BAPTIST CHURCH ALLEN OCIE L ANDERSON SHANTEL KIMURIA BLAKELY ELEANOR JEAN BROWN COURTNEY ANN FRALIC BRENDA FREE DANIEL LAMARR GARNETT TONY WAYNE HARRIS OPAL WALLACE HATCHETT ELIZABETH NYOKA HATHCOCK KENNETH EDWARD LEAVINS VIVIAN MARTIN KATHY MORGAN HEATHER NICHOLE OLIVER ZACHARY JAMES PESCIA JAMES MICHAEL REED ROBERT JR ROYE MARTHA S STEPHENSON ROBERT W STOVALL JOHN TAUNTON DUSTIN KAIN THOMAS RUTH M TUCKER CHARLOTTE WARD MICHAEL WATERS JOYCE ELEANOR WILLINGHAM SHIRLEY YANKEY JESSICA L GOD’S CONGREGATION HOLLINGSWORTH CODY WETUMPKA CIVIC CENTER BOSTIC SAMUEL LEE COBB BRIANNA CONLEY SIERRA CHRISTINE ALEXANDRIA DELOACH PAMELA A ERWIN CRYSTAL HOFFMAN MARYSOL PEREZ ANDREW TAYLOR PETERSON JERLISHA J REDIC ASHLEY ROSE SANDS WILLIAM DANIEL STODDARD COLLIN TATE FRIENDSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT BLACK WILLIAM NATHAN CONNOR DONNA E. CONNOR MARK ANDREW GAUTHIER RHONDA WOODFIN MARTIN CLAYTON ANDREW WELDON LAURIE BETH WELDON WESLEY PAUL ASBURY KENT COMMUNITY CENTER ALL ANITA C BAKER ASHTON NICOLE BOZEMAN JASON LEE DROST ABIGAIL COLLEEN FOSTER ETHAN RYAN GAULDIN WARREN KEITH HOWARD JAMIE ELIZABETH MATTHEWS KOURTNEY SHIPMAN NOLEN ELLIOTT SHIPMAN PAMELA NOLEN SHIPMAN WADE ALAN STROUD CATHERINE GRACE THORNE LEVI L KOWALIGA FIRE DEPARTMENT BORG NANCY RENEE BUTLER JOE NEAL III CULPEPPER ANGELA DENISE DEWBERRY JOHN B HARVEY FRANCES RADNEY KIRKLAND JENNIA ANN KIRKLAND ROBERT B JR WILMETH RHAEANN R REDHILL COMMUNITY CENTER FLOWERS JAMIE KAY FLOWERS NELMA RODGERS FULMER JIMMY WAYNE JR SEARS CHRISTOPHER MCCAGER WHITAKER CURTIS WAYNE IV ECLECTIC BAPTIST CHURCH DAGEFORDE RANDI LEEANN FREEMAN ANGELA JAMES MOULTON-MESSER L REBECCA PACK JOSHUA DANIEL PEFFER LISA COMMANDER TOMLIN ANDREW IV SEMAN COMMUNITY HOUSE DUCKWORTH WILLIAM CONNER MYERS RICHARD GREGORY NALL KATHLEEN ALICE SHAW THOMAS F SANTUCK COMMUNITY CENTER ADAMS RICHARD WOODROW HERRING CODY LINTO BRANDON CHASE MAYO CHELSEA FRANCINE MCGEE PAUL STEPHEN JR QUALLS KELLEY ANN THOMPSON JOHN PATRICK
WALLSBORO COMMUNITY CENTER COLE KIMBERLEY G JONES SHELBY CHARLENE SEGREST KENNETH RUSSEL SEGREST SHELLY ANN BUYCK FIRE DEPARTMENT DONALDSON DOROTHY A DONALDSON RONALD F MADDOX CORY ANDREW MYERS AMY CARTER OATES JESSICA LYNN OATES PAUL COOPER PETTIT CATHA WILLENE TYRONE PEYTON TITUS COMMUNITY CENTER REEVES SYDNEY PAIGE WATSON AMBER MELISSA NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH BILLINGS BRAXTON EVAN BURTON KELLY ANGEL MERRITT SHANNAN COLLIER REYNOLDS GRANVILL EUGENE CAIN’S CHAPEL LIFE CENTER BUCK BREELYN M CHANDLER BRITTNEY NICOLE EDWARDS BRANFORD MARSALIS HICKS JOHN HITSON STACY H HOYT SHANNON E MOORE ROBERT PATRICK VANORMER CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL WHITE SANDRA S DEATSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAYSON CHYNA MYLAN KELLEY JOHN DAVID MARTIN ALAN SHERWOOD MARTIN NANETTE S POKORA BRADLEY MICHAEL RINEHART GEOFFREY SEAN RODIE KAILEY JORDAN STRINGFELLOW MICHAEL DEWAYNE WEST JAMES STANLEY JR WEST SUMMER LEE WILLIAMS EVELYN CRENSHAW PARK CARLISLE ROBERT GENE JR CARLISLE TERESA NARRELL PIKE MICHAEL BRANDON NEW HOME BAPTIST CHURCH ANDRESS SUSAN D BARRON JANE SISSON CONWAY KRISTY RENAE ESCOBAR BRIAN DAVID INGRAM JAMES ANDREW MOSES JESSICA SMITH OBAKPOLOR OMOYEMWEN ABIGAIL ROYAL RICHARD DARRELL COOSADA TOWN HALL BODIFORD OUIDA LYNN JOYE MILES LINWOOD POWELL DOROTHY ANN RICHARDS JAMES HOBERT JR SMITH KARL DAVID SMITH RUTH HANNIGAN CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE ANGUS JANE MCGOWN BAKER ELIZABETH H BOSWORTH CRYSTAL M BROWN STEPHANIE NICOLE BURGIN JERRY AMZIE CHAMBERS STEPHANIE WILSON DOOLEY JOYCE LOUISE DUCOTE NICHOLAS JUDE GILBERT LENISE A GILBERT RANDY L HALL VICTORIA LYNN HARRIS PHILLIP ANDREW HAYES CINDY K HEARTSILL SHERRI JUNG HERRIN CLARA ASKEGREN HERRIN FREDRICK A HERRIN MONA L KEITH ROBERT EDWARD KILLIAN KELSIE MARIE LEE SHIRLEY B LIVESTONE DEIDRE LASHAY MCKINNON JOHN BURRELL MCNAUGHTON HEATH LARRY MURPHY QUINSHAN LAKIMA REYNOLDS CAMERON BERNARD ROBERTSON LELAND MATTHEW SMITH CHRISTIAN JOEL SPRAGGINS DARRELL ARDITH STOKES MARTIN ANDREW TAGUE SANDRA ELLEN TAYLOR CHRIS J WHITEHEAD TIMOTHY MACK WINGARD JOSHUA ADAM YOUNGBLOOD DONNA MICHELLE
VICTORY BAPTIST BROWN FRANCIS KEVIN BROWN MICHELLE C CHANCEY LEANNA MICHELLE FOCIA PRESLEY RENA GODWIN JESSE PAUL HEARTSILL CLIFFORD SHARPE III HERNANDEZ NICOLE ANN KNIGHT JAMARCUS QUINTERRIOUS MILLER ALLISON LEIGH NICHOLSON PHILLIP GRANT PATTESON WESLEY E PENN EMILY HATHCOCK ROBINSON DANIEL KEVIN TAYLOR HEATHER SMITH TYUS RODNEY TYUS TONI DENISE WINSLETT JOEL KEITH WINSLETT LAURA LEIGH MILLBROOK CIVIC CENTER AGEE CHANDA DELISA BOGAN VICKI LEE BUDD TIMOTHY ALPHONSO CAVE HILDA KAY EATON DANIELLE ELYSE HAMILTON PATRICK RAY HULSEY CHARLES ADLER LANGHAM VICTORIA FAULKNER METZ MAUREEN OCONNOR TAYLOR MARIE RIOPEL JAMES PETER SHIRAH DIANE CAROL VALENTA BRADLEY JAMES FAIN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER ANDERSON ANDREW W BODDIE ROY H BRINKLEY SARA V CONE ELEANOR BOSWELL CURRY WANDA M FAILS MARY ELIZABETH GILBERT CHESTER E HALE DENNIE WATERS HALE SCOTT LEE SR HALL JESSICA REEVES KEY FRANKIE C MYERS KENDELL VINCENT ROPER JOHN A RUSHENVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH JONES MICHAEL LANIER WATKINS PHILLIP MICHAEL WATKINS REBEKAH SUSAN WILKERSON JACOB MATTHEW WRIGHT LISA MARIE BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH BLACKMON ABBY ELISABETH BLACKMON KENNETH RAY HUGHES COLTON MULDER MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH AHRENDT ALEX MICHAEL BARTON WINIFRED H BEST RACHEL MELTON BIELEN BETH HATFIELD BIELEN JASON JOSEPH BLETHEN MATTHEW THOMAS BOWEN RICHARD SALVATORE CHANCE EMILY ANN CHANCE TYLER LEE DAME AMANDA SUSAN DEMICK ELAINA MARIE FOSTER DAVID LEE FOSTER LISA ANN FURLONG DENNIS EUGENE FURLONG LISA BARTON HANCOCK HEATHER LEE HANCOCK JIMMY PATRICK HARBIN AIMEE TROY HARBIN RICHARD L HOLTZCLAW ALICIA MICHELLE HOOPER SHARON CHRISTENE HUMPHREY MARY E INGELS JANA KENNAMER KOCIAN PATRICIA A LOFTIN JARED HEATH MALDONADO BETTY CONDELARIO NEIGHBORS LYNSEY J OWENS CHRISTINE FRANCES PATE CALLIE LEIGH PITTMAN CYNTHIA RAGLAND KANDIS CALLOWAY SINGLETON NICK HALL TAYLOR CATHY HILLIARD THOMPSON JAMIE HUNTER ZAK RONNIE VARNER ROCK SPRINGS VOTING HOUSE BLAIR RAMONA ANN HOWELLS ROSELLA JOY MELTON GABRIEL NICOLE RICHARDSON KALEB CANNON RIVERE PATRICIA DIANNA
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Page 10 • FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016
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THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Holtville Elementary honors Science Fair winners
Submitted / The Herald
Royalty crowned On Monday, Feb. 15, the Wetumpka Health and Rehabilitation residents and staff celebrated the month of love by crowning their 2016 Valentine King and Queen. Residents enjoyed tasty treats prepared by the facility’s Activities and Dietary Departments as all anxiously awaited the crowning of this years King and Queen. The recipients of this distinguished honor, voted on by employees of all departments were Janie Taylor and Phillip Sexton.
Submitted / The Herald
Holtville Elementary School’s Science Fair Winners went on to compete in the Elmore County Fair on Feb. 3 at Lanark Learning Center in Millbrook. Holtville Elementary had two winners that placed in the Elmore County Science Fair for grades 4 & 5. The first place Life Science winner among grades 4 and 5 was Drey Barrett. The second place Earth/Physical Science winner among grades 4 and 5 was Jack Carlisle.
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Community 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. Millbrook Players present “Li’l Abner” When: Feb. 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. 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 Community Celebration BBQ Cookoff When: April 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Where: 7250 Central Plank Rd. Wetumpka, AL 36092 Details: Event is free. Come enjoy food, fun and fellowship and inflatables for the kids. 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. Union Academy Senior Class of 1974 School Reunion BBQ When: May 24, 2 p.m. Where: University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. Details: All students, faculty, their famililies, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, email hughesautoparts@ centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds,334-283-2233, email steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, email auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-5081768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information.
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Area Calendar
Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
Sports & Outdoors Alabama Bass Trail South on Lake Martin When: Feb. 20, 5 a.m. Where: Lake Martin Details: The first stop of the Alabama Bass Trail South Tour. Future stops will be on Lewis Smith Lake, Lay Lake and Lake Jordan. Log on to www.alabamabasstrail.org for more information. Color in Motion 5K Montgomery When: Feb. 27, 9 a.m. Where: Montgomery MotorSports Park Details: Registration is $50 per person. You show up wearing white and we do the rest! As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along the course you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow! Go to www.colorinmotion5k.com for more information.
Government Elmore County Commission Meeting When: Feb. 22, 5 p.m. Where: Old Elmore County Courthouse Details: A work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 7, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Elmore County BOE Meeting When: March 14, 4:30 p.m. Where: Eclectic Elementary School Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendent’s office before 4 p.m. Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 21, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting.
Seniors “Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, Noon to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. New Regularly
FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016 • Page 11
Scheduled Activities DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball! Bridge - Wanted: Bridge players for afternoon Bridge Club. Meets Wednesday afternoons Noon to 3 p.m. NOTE: For info on any Prime Time event, call 334-5671335. The Eclectic Senior Center is open every weekday until noon. For more info, call Deborah Rowe at 334-541-3581.
Tallassee Community Calendar The Tallassee Music Boosters 19th helping of the Fabulous Follies When: Feb. 19-20, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: Pat Merrett has once again put together a night of lip-synch-and-dance merriment, guaranteed to leave the whole family laughing. There will be generous portions of Carol Burnett and the Blues Brothers, and unbelievably dance-savvy gentlemen getting down to “Nay-nay.” Truly unbelievable. Sony and Cher will be there, as will Shirley Temple, Bobby Bare, and the Coasters — at least you’ll leave feeling sure they were really on stage. Performers range in age from pre-school to some whose 50-year high school reunions has already become a memory. Teachers, principals, the superintendent, lawyers, preachers, city councilmen---all are represented in this annual production to raise money for the bands and choirs in the city schools. Students from the Southside band will take part, and New Image, one of the high-school show choirs, will perform — not lipsynch — to bring some true musical talent to the stage. Admission is $5 at the door. 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. Reeltown High School Reunion Committee Meeting When: Feb. 20, 11 a.m. Where: Elmer’s Restaurant, Notasulga Details: The 20 Year Reunion Committee, Classes of 1950 - 1970, will meet at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Elmer’s Restaurant. The committee representative from each class and others who volunteered to help is encouraged to be present for the planning meeting. The reunion began in 2004 as a vision of Mary Jo Hammonds Davis and meets every other year. At the present, the reunion will be an event in April. Final plans will be made at the planning meeting. This is a very enjoyable time to renew school friendships, fun and laughter making life time memories. You may contact Carol Lynn, committee chairman, for information. Each class representative should update your member contact list.
Page 12 • FEBRUARY 20-21, 2016
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HOLTVILLE HEROICS: Law lifts Dawgs over rival Wetumpka By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Above, Holtville seniors Courtney Twiggs (left) and Reagan Law clutch each other’s arms immediately after the Lady Bulldogs defeated Wetumpka Wednesday at WHS. Bottom, Wetumpka senior Riley Greene drives the ball versus Holtville during Wednesday’s game at WHS.
Screams and hugs happen when you break a near three-year, six-game losing skid to one of your rivals. That’s how Holtville celebrated on the field Wednesday, after edging Wetumpka, 6-5, in both teams’ season opener at WHS. The Lady Bulldogs last defeated the Lady Indians on April 13, 2013, and it was only fitting that the lone remaining player off that season’s team delivered the eventual game-winning RBI. With one out in the top of the sixth and the game tied 5-5, senior shortstop Reagan Law lifted a deep fly ball to centerfield, as junior Haley Mann tagged from third to put Holtville ahead, 6-5. “When I got up to the plate, the only thing I was thinking was hitting a hard groundball to get her in, or hitting it out in the outfield,” Law said. “I didn’t do well all night until that one made me feel really good.” Experiencing his first victory against Wetumpka since initially joining the coaching staff as an assistant, Holtville head coach Daryl Otwell said he was proud that one of his seniors came through for the team. “Coach (Randy) Belyeu has a phenomenal program. Coach (Larry) Munroe, they have great hitting teams, they play defense well and they’re fast,” Otwell said. “I like playing Wetumpka. It puts a lot of pressure on us because we get overshadowed by the big Wetumpka up the road, especially coming off the successful year that they had. We’re a young bunch, they were extremely excited to play them tonight. Any time Wetumpka and Holtville play, it’s a big rivalry. I love coach Belyeu to death. They do a great job – its one of those friendly rivalries. “For our girls, we hadn’t beaten Wetumpka since I’ve been at Holtville and 2013 is a long time. We had one senior that’s ever defeated Wetumpka, so the seniors really took pride in this game. Reagan as a Derek Jeter. May not wow
you all the time with her doubles and home runs, but she’s truly the motivator and the engine for this team.” The Dawgs jumped out to a 5-1 lead going into the bottom of the third with timely, two-out hits, but Wetumpka clawed back into the game. In the bottom of the fourth, after getting a run back in the third, an RBI single from sophomore Alexis Austin, driving in senior Katelyn Carswell, followed by sacrifices from sophomore Madison McKee and junior Kelsie Cornelius, pulled the contest back square, 5-5. The Tribe flashed its offensive prowess in the fourth, but for the remainder of the game, Holtville’s Kaylyn Dismukes kept them in check, allowing just five hits – two to WHS senior Riley Greene – while striking out four in the win. “(Dismukes) was throwing strikes, we knew she was throwing strikes, we just didn’t get as many hits as we wanted to,” Belyeu said. “(Greene) hit the ball real hard. We moved a lot of girls over hitting the ball; what we got to do is bunt better. That hurt us – bunting hurt us. We’re a team that’s supposed to be able to bunt. Hats off to Holtville, they played a heck of a game.” Wetumpka threatened again in the fifth after a leadoff double from Greene and two batters later, the senior was thrown out at home plate on a bunt from Carswell. The Lady Dawgs had 10 hits and garnered six runs off WHS’s Mary Beth Slater, who took the loss, in six inningspitched. Giving her team the lead in the sixth and it closing out for the victory, Law said she feels the team gained much-needed momentum. “The most important innings of a game are the sixth and seventh inning. It’s the hardest, most nerve-racking,” she said. “I think that we can have a great year if we come together in those two innings.” WHS and HHS play in Central Alabama Classic this weekend in Alexander City.
Blount ends Stanhope Elmore’s hoops title dreams By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
DOTHAN – Mattie T. Blount’s bigs battered the boards and bombarded Stanhope Elmore, 70-26, in the first round of the Class 6A South Regional Tournament Thursday at the Dothan Civic Center. The Lady Leopards, ranked No. 3 in 6A, nearly had more offensive rebounds (23), than the Lady Mustangs had total rebounds (24) as they built a 28-point lead by halftime, 48-20, putting the game away. “That’s the advantage we have,” Blount girls basketball coach Janel Williams said. “Overall, we know our bigs when they play well, we play well. When they’re crashing the boards hard, we’re a tough team to beat. We just have to make sure they follow that assignment and gameplan, game after game. When they’re in that attack mode, they’re tough to beat.” Stanhope’s 5-foot-10 senior forward Imani Fifer sat the majority of the first half after picking up two fouls in the first three minutes, as the team didn’t have the size to match up with 6-foot freshman center Jajauana Lambert, 6-foot-1 sophomore forward Breanna Harris and 6-foot-2 sophomore forward Daja Woodard, who attempted a dunk in the first half. “Blount is very long, very athletic and
they’re just very good,” Mustang girls coach Kelvin Stokes said. “It was tough having that type of size to match up with and then, they’re so athletic and fast in the open court. (University of Alabama signee Cierra Johnson) is an awesome guard, didn’t have anything for her. And the bigs down low – I can’t believe they had one try to dunk in the game. I was like, ‘wow.’” Johnson and Lambert of Blount (21-7) led all scorers with 17 points apiece, while Woodard had 12 and Harris added 11. Sophomore guard Dalayiah Crawford led SEHS (6-18) with eight points and, despite only playing less than 15 minutes, Fifer was the team’s second-leading scorer with six and had five rebounds. With only two seniors on the team, Stokes said he’s proud of his team that made it to the regional tournament for the first time in 13 years and excited about the future of the program . “We’re so young and not being here in such a long time, the resiliency this team showed was remarkable,” Stokes said. “I think this venue here gives them the taste of what it’s going to be like from now on in. Our expectancy is to come back now. Cory Diaz / The Herald They’re hurting right now and I want them Stanhope Elmore sophomore guard Dalayiah Crawford is surrounded by two Mattie T. Blount defendto keep that pain in their stomach so they ers during Thursday’s Class 6A South Regional Tournament game at the Dothan Civic Center. can remind themselves where they got to get next year.”
Tribe stays hot, sizzles in 6-2 win at Elmore County By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Wetumpka continued its hot start, downing Elmore County, 6-2, at ECHS Thursday night. The win improved the Indians to 3-1-1 on the young 2016 season and marked the third time in five matches the team has scored four goals or more, while earning high praise from its head coach. “I would say this is probably my best team, athletic-wise and soccer skill-wise, that I’ve had since I’ve been the boys coach at Wetumpka,” Wetumpka boys soccer coach Drew Glass said. “From the top to the bottom, I got a great team this year.” Glass credited his two senior captains, midfielders Colton Hughes and Andrew Mantell, for the fast start, as well as junior centerback Ramsey Mitchell, sophomore keeper Charles Posey and junior newcomer and Brazil native Felipe Lozano, who opened the game up for the Tribe at Elmore County. Two minutes after WHS sophomore Rodolfo Torres was hit with a yellow card for a foul in the 18-yard box and junior forward Josh Stockman gave the Panthers the 1-0 lead in the 27th off a penalty kick, Lozano ripped one past ECHS junior keeper Spencer Andrews from 25 yards out to tie things up. Mantell scored the first of his two consecutive goals in the
32nd, prospering off an Indian offensive attack slicing down the middle of Elmore County’s defense all game long, as WHS went into halftime up, 2-1. “We usually don’t do that, we try to play outside-in. But they were leaving the middle, and I got ball handlers this year,” Glass said. “Felipe can handle the ball. He’s probably the best ball-handler on the team and he’s not afraid to handle the ball. He’s not afraid to take on four defenders by himself. I’m trying to teach him, you’ve got to distribute, and he did a great job of that tonight. This was probably his best game of the season.” After “playing tight” in the first 40, Glass said he told his players to have fun in the second half. Mantell converted a penalty kick in the 52nd after ECHS was called for a handball in the box, but the Panthers answered in the next minute as junior forward Jeb Ballard dribbled through three Wetumpka defenders and netted a goal, pulling Elmore County back within one, 3-2. Sophomore forward Marlon Taite closed out the match strong for the Tribe, having his foot on the three final goals, scoring off a rebound in the 62nd, assisting Hughes’ goal with a cross in the 70th and putting the ball in the goal in the 71st off a shot that bounced off the post, to give WHS the 6-2 advantage. “We had a goal of trying to finish it in the first 20. I can’t
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka junior midfielder Felipe Lozano (10) brings the ball down between two Elmore County players during Thursday’s match at ECHS. challenge them like that with that mentality. I just got to tell them to have fun,” Glass said. “So at halftime, it’s 2-1, I just say, have fun. Go out there and have fun. We come out, they play. This is a game everybody got experience in. I played all 20 of my players and all 20 of them had their bright moments.”