Feb. 6, 2019 Eclectic Observer

Page 1

What’s happening in the area? EVENTS, 7

Players return to diamond SPORTS, 8

Walls divide morality today OPINION, 4

Eclectic Observer The

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 6, 2019

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 30, No. 6

BOE explores superintendent raise By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Although the 2020 elections are still two years away, the Elmore County Board of Education took time to look at potentially approving a raise for superintendent Richard Dennis during the Jan. 28 meeting. Administrative assistant Jean

Czerpak said board members looked at the salaries of superintendents for neighboring systems to compare where the Elmore County system stands. By law, Czerpak said the board must make a decision at least 18 months before the next election if they want to proceed with a raise. “They have to vote on this by March,” Czerpak said. “They will dis-

cuss it more at their February meeting and we could see them reach a decision then as well.” In an effort to keep tax revenues in the county, the board approved a pair of resolutions regarding tax millage used for county schools. The first called for a special election to renew taxes collected under Amendment 3 of the Alabama Constitution, while the second request-

ed a special election for a different tax to take the place of one currently collected. Dennis said all school districts across the state are required to have 10 mills of tax for funding, with systems falling short of tax mills approved in a public vote covered by the state under Amendment 778. If the special vote See SUPERINTENDENT • Page 3

Elmore County DHR looking for more foster parents By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ Landfill ruling another blow to Ashurst Bar and Smith communities By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

A

fter a federal court ruled the Environmental Protection Agency had ignored complaints of racial discrimination connected with a landfill operating in a predominantly black neighborhood in Tallassee, the EPA closed the complaint, allowing the Stone’s Throw facility to remain open. “In a nutshell, what it means is (Stone’s Throw Landfill) will continue business as usual,” said Ronald Smith, a member of the Ashurst Bar/Smith Community Organization (ABSCO). See LANDFILL • Page 5

Today’s

Weather

75 58 High

Low

THURS: HIGH 77 LOW 52

File / The Observer

In an effort to convince people to become foster parents, February has been designated Foster Care Awareness Month by the Elmore County Department of Human Resources. DHR representatives will spread information about foster care to Elmore County residents to not only better educate them on what being a foster parent entails and also inform them how to become foster parents. “We have some papers we’re printing up to stick in church bulletins with information on how to become a foster parent and when the classes we offer start,” Cathy Tylicki with the DHR said. “We have also contacted the mayor and city council of Wetumpka for a proclamation about foster care.” Tylicki said she and others with DHR are willing to go into the community and speak with churches and civic groups, share information and encourage citizens to consider becoming foster parents. “These children are from the community and we need to support our community,” Tylicki said. “Some of them are going to grow up and stay in this community. We want them to be productive adults and productive citizens. This is one way to do that.”

Stone’s Throw Landfill is contaminating the surrounding area, residents say.

See FOSTER • Page 2

Latter-day Saints donates $10K to disaster relief fund By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented Wetumpka city officials with a $10,000 check for the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund on Friday morning. In welcoming church officials to the area, Elmore County Commissioner Troy Stubbs explained how the fund was set up in the aftermath of the April 2011 tornado outbreak and was reactivated shortly after the Jan. 19 tornado hit Wetumpka and Elmore County. “We’ve never really seen anything like that before,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “We’re making progress. Years ago, the people at See DONATION • Page 3

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Commissioner Troy Stubbs, third from left, explains to representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints more about the destruction caused by the Jan. 19 tornado.

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PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 6, 2019

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Tornado damage forces logistics changes to Wetumpka crater lecture, tour By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Jan. 19 tornado that hit Wetumpka has forced organizers to move the site of a lecture about the city’s impact crater and the origination site of tours. The lecture on Feb. 21 was originally scheduled for the city’s administration building but the police department had to relocate there after its building was destroyed by the tornado. Dr. David King Jr. will conduct the free public lecture on the updated science of the crater at Jasmine Hill Gardens, located at 3001 Jasmine Hill Road, on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. It’s an opportunity to hear how scientists have proven the size and scope of the impact and get King’s most recent research related to the crater. The annual crater tours on Feb. 23 will last 100 minutes, with four sessions at 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour is divided

into two parts, a video and orientation, followed by a driving tour in a van. Van tour space is limited and must be reserved by Feb. 15. Instead of meeting at the administration building as originally planned, participants will meet 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled tour time at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 5375 U.S. Highway 231. There is an optional walking tour. The total cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children up to 12 if accompanied by an adult. The tour is not recommended for small children. Reservations are confirmed by payment of the fee; only check and cash payments will be accepted. Checks must be made out to “Wetumpka Crater Commission” and mailed to the City of Wetumpka, ATTN: Valencia Smith, 408 South Main St. Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092. For additional information and to make reservations, contact Smith at 334-567-5147 or e-mail vsmith@cityofwetumpka.com.

Severe weather supplies not taxed in Tallassee Feb. 22-24 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Tallassee residents can take part in the 2019 severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday Feb. 22-24, although East Tallassee residents must pay a county tax. During the two-day event, shoppers can purchase tax-free generators, flashlights, lanterns, tarps, plywood, radios, batteries and many more household items used during severe weather. No state tax will apply in Elmore or Tallapoosa counties, and the City of Tallassee and Elmore County are also not charging a tax. But Tallapoosa County is not participating, which

means consumers in East Tallassee, in Tallapoosa County, will be charged a county tax. “If you need any of those items, they will be tax-free that Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock said. “That would be a good time to get those supplies.” Alabama’s tax holiday is the earliest among the four states with severe weather preparedness sales tax holidays. The Texas tax holiday is in April, Louisiana’s is in May and Virginia’s is in August. The sales tax holiday began in 2012. For a full list of tax-free items, go to alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays.

CORRECTION In a story about Sharon Watson on Page 3 of the Jan. 30 edition of The Eclectic Observer, Tuskeena Street was incorrectly spelled Tuskeema Street. The Observer regrets this error.

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Models at Saturday’s Masterpiece 2019 fundraising fashion show strut their stuff while helping raise money for those suffering from heart disease.

Masterpiece 2019 begins 1Heart’s efforts for others By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Wind Creek Casino concert hall was full of excitement Saturday afternoon as guests took part in the first Masterpiece fundraiser fashion show, which raised money for area residents dealing with heart issues. Around 30 models, children and adults, showed off their fashion and style during the show while the more than 500 audience members, including a number of area residents who have survived heart disease, gave each model a roaring round of applause. Masterpiece 2019 was held as a fundraiser for the 1Heart organization, started by LaTonya Duncan and dedicated to helping those in the area suffering from heart disease. Duncan, who has dealt with heart disease in her family, said 1Heart provides financial support for one year to assist recipients with medical bills and medications. “We could not do this without you all,” Duncan said. “You allow us the opportunity to do this.” Duncan said Masterpiece 2019 also served as a ribbon-cutting event, kicking off 1Heart’s ability to help members of the community. “This is all for a great cause,” co-host Christopher Bo C. Johnson said. “Heart disease is a monster in our community.

We need to bring a greater awareness to this.” Co-host Torian Hamilton added, “We want to welcome you here today. We will be educating you and we will empower you.” The day began with a special performance from the Praise Dancers New Beginnings Reflection of Christ Dancers and De’Andre Peterson, who engaged in a special dance while heart disease survivors in attendance took a special walk down the “catwalk” before taking their seats to enjoy the rest of the show. The models showed off fashions from a handful of designers, while some of the survivors shared their stories. Nurse Traci A. Gibson-Scott shared additional information about heart disease with attendees, including how heart disease kills more than half a million people in the United States each year and how a number of factors play a part in heart disease, including diet and exercise. Duncan said Saturday’s fashion show brought in approximately $3,800, which will be used to help Vickie Pettus, one of the survivors in attendance. “We are looking forward to next year, and we hope it’s even bigger and better,” Duncan said. “Saturday was a very successful day. Everyone knows who we are now. The education did what we needed it to do. We all had a great time.”

Foster

continued from Page 1

Tylicki said 65 children are in foster care

in Elmore County, where there are 20 fos-

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ter homes available, virtually all of which are full. Tylicki said it would be wonderful to see the number of foster homes open to local children double in the near future. “We never know when we’ll need another home,” Tylicki said. Tylicki said prospective foster parents are required to go through a 12-week training course and be certified in CPR, first aid and water safety. Tylicki said potential foster parents who are married must have been wed for at least one year, and single parents are welcome to become foster parents as well. “We want to know it’s a stable environment,” Tylicki said. “Childhood has everything to do with who we become as adults and we want them to become successful. Children in our community need you. They need a loving and safe home.”

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FEBRUARY 6, 2019 • PAGE 3

Superintendent

continued from Page 1

passes, the 3 mills currently covered by Amendment 778 would be replaced by 3 mills collected under Amendment 382 of the state constitution, putting the Elmore County School System in the same position as the Tallassee City School System, which has already approved such a measure. Dennis stressed Elmore County residents would still pay 10 mills of tax whether the vote passes or fails but approval means local tax revenues will cover what is currently covered by the state. The board also approved four bids from three companies to handle lawncare services across the system for a total of $206,025. Site Scapes

from Pike Road will service schools in the Eclectic area for $42,000; Millbrook-based Clean Cut Property Maintenance was approved for bids of $45,375 and $34,650 to service the Millbrook and Holtville areas, respectively; and Yard Guard Lawn Care of Wetumpka was awarded the bid to service Wetumpka and Redland for $84,000. The Elmore County Board of Education also handled the following items: • Following a private hearing, the board voted to expel a student from the system, effective Jan. 29, although the student will be allowed to return on the first day of the semester beginning in January 2020.

• The board approved a proposed service agreement with Rice Advisory of Montgomery to help the system with some of its financial information. • Three facility use agreements, one for Wetumpka Elementary School and two for Wetumpka Middle School, were approved. • Human resources director Susanne Goodin said a new policy on cheerleading was being prepared and also presented a draft for a new organizational chart within the system to the board members. • A resolution authorizing and providing an extension in maturity of the series 2016 Capital Outlay School Warrant was approved. Czerpak said it was extended from Feb. 1 to May 1.

• The board approved 10 new hires across the system, three employee transfers, four resignations, seven leave-of-absence requests and a request to rescind a resignation. • The board recognized Frank Hysmith for being selected to serve on the Alabama School Bus Specifications Committee of the Alabama State Department of Education, as well as Holtville Middle School counselor Jessica Shields for being awarded the Outstanding Practitioner Award from the Alabama Counseling Association. The next meeting of the Elmore County Board of Education will be Feb. 18 at the central office in Wetumpka.

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited Wetumpka on Friday morning to present the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund with a $10,000 check. Pictured are, from left, county commissioner Troy Stubbs, Judge Glenn Goggans, Mayor Jerry Willis, Montgomery Stake president Quinn Millington and Jared McLaughlin.

Donation

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the time built things to fit the needs of the community. That’s what we’ve got to do now.� During the check presentation, District Judge Glenn Goggans said 29 applications for relief funds were reviewed on Jan. 24. “We are trying to get the money in and get it straight out to those in need,� he said. “We are trying to be good stewards of the money.� The president of the

church’s Montgomery Stake, Quinn Millington, presented the $10,000 check on behalf of the church and said all believers are called to do two things — love God and love their neighbors, and donations such as these are one way to live up to this calling. “We demonstrate our love of God by loving our neighbors,� Millington said. “It was evident to us immediately that we needed to get in

and help out. We stand ready and eager to continue helping however we can.� Willis said a tremendous number of volunteers showed up to help, and Goggans believes the area will recover from the tornado damage. “It’s going to get whipped,� he said. Following the presentation, Stubbs took church representatives down to Merchant’s Alley, where they looked

across the Coosa River and viewed the destruction caused by the storm. Stubbs then joined church officials at an event in Montgomery, where the church delivered a semi-truck loaded with 24 pallets of food to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. The donation was made to the Elmore County Food Pantry but due to an overwhelming response and a lack of space at the pantry, Stubbs said

the Montgomery facility agreed to store the food and deliver as needed to the Elmore County

facility. “We’re excited about that donation,� Stubbs said.

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Page 4 • FEBRUARY 6, 2019

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Walls divide morality today

H

ouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leading Democrats to a standoff with “The Wall.” They call the wall “immoral” and “unnecessary” slamming the wall as 14th century technology and a waste of taxpayer dollars. They claim President Donald Trump wants 2,000 miles of concrete wall when Trump has asked for funding about 300 more miles of barrier in strategic areas. In the past, Democrats have voted for funding the current 700 miles of border barrier, including 105 of 140 miles of border separating Pelosi’s state of California from Mexico. Nevertheless, “The Wall” remains steadfast and silent, standing there unmoved and unscathed barring illegal entrance into California. Pelosi invited Trump to give his 2019 State of the Union Address to the nation today. The event promises to be more entertaining than usual with Pelosi sitting directly behind the president as he speaks. The state of America’s economy is booming compared to the eight years prior to Trump’s arrival in the White House. Wages are up and unemployment is at record lows for all demographics. In just two years, Trump’s policies have driven America’s stagnating economy to all-time highs. Democrats and their mainstream media cousins are incensed the economy has heated up so much so quickly, contradicting all the predictions of doom and gloom from former

DANIEL GARDNER Columnist presidents and Nobel Prize winning economists. In foreign relations, instead of selling 20 percent of America’s supply of uranium to the Russians and abandoning our missile defense in Europe, Trump has reprimanded Russia for violating terms of the INF (IntermediateRange Nuclear Forces) treaty after it continued to build and deploy missiles banned by the treaty. Instead of giving billions of dollars to Iran, Trump has given Iran a thumping with sanctions intended to curb Iran’s development of long-range missiles with nuclear capabilities. And NATO members are now giving more money to fund the organization due largely to Trump’s leadership. Unlike his predecessor, Trump is renegotiating trade agreements with Canada, Mexico, China and the rest of the world. America’s producers and manufacturers have suffered for decades from irresponsible trade imbalances that penalized our businesses and supplemented foreign businesses. America’s economy is so good Democrats and media cousins have given up trying to paint all the green arrows red.

Speaking of walls, Democrat Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam advocated tearing down walls prohibiting any abortion “with the consent of obviously the mother, with the consent of the physician … and it’s done in cases where there may be severe deformities.” Northam said. “The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.” That discussion would be to decide whether the newborn baby should live or die. A day or two later, a photo on Northam’s page in his 1984 medical school annual surfaced of one person in blackface and another wearing a KKK outfit. Was Northam one of the people? Apparently nobody knows. Democrats quickly erected a wall between the party and Northam for his blatant lack of racial morality. Twenty-four hours earlier Democrats had united behind Northam for his moral stance tearing down legal walls preventing abortion of full-term, unwanted babies. Walls divide morality today. Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Mississippi. You may contact him at PJandMe2@gmail.com or interact with him on the ClarionLedger website www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion.

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Many shepherds needed to find lost lambs today

T

here’s no training in life that really prepares you for when a sibling disappears in a city with millions of people. But that’s what happened to our family, as my sister joined the 84,000 Americans who are currently missing. How could any one of them be found? God knows. The first book I ever remember receiving was an Arch Book titled “Jon and the Little Lost Lamb: The Parable of the Good Shepherd.” It’s the Biblical tale of the shepherd who sees to the safety of the 99 sheep in a pen and spends the rest of the book looking for the last one, a lost lamb. But how could one person, even a family, find a needle in a haystack? I called a large major metro daily newspaper in the area. I was told unless it was a child or there was the possibility of foul play, they weren’t interested (“So, in other words, we only want something interesting” snapped a math professor, a friend of mine who was upset with their policy). My brother fared little better than me with getting the TV networks to cover the case. A retired general, a friend from my D.C. days who now consults for a police department, told me “You can’t do this on your own. You need to get help.” He was right, of course. You

JOHN TURES Columnist need lots of shepherds nowadays. We were fortunate to get them. I know the police have become among the most maligned groups in America, an easy target. They don’t always get the credit for saving lives. But my sister would be still missing today if it weren’t for law enforcement. From big cities to small towns, they scoured the region looking for her, even though she wasn’t a local resident. It’s hard to get the word out when the bigger media entities just aren’t as interested in your case. But it was a different story for others in the press. One plea from me and a host of newspapers forwarded the story about my sister to anyone they knew who could help. A local newspaper carried the story, as did an AM radio station. If you’re reading this in a paper, know this paper helped. It’s another reason to support your community’s editors and reporters. Though it was tough tracking down churches in these big cities, our local parish was there to pray with me, adding my sister

to the list. Whether you believe or not, it’s a humbling experience when your family receives someone’s prayers, really. There were also so many people on Facebook, etc. (college, church, community, etc.) who commented on the message, shared it with friends in the area, who shared it with others. A former coworker heard our story and put it on an internet sleuthing site. The traditional media and social media combination worked so well when my brother went out to the city to look for my sister, everyone seemed to know about her. When the parable was being told in the Bible, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, of course. So why did the book call him Jon? I wondered about that. Now I think I know why. Any of us can be lost, of course. But many were put on this Earth to be shepherds too, to find those who are lost. Thanks everyone for stepping up to help someone you’ve never met, a person you’ll probably never meet. You are the heroes we need today to make this story have a happy ending. John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in Georgia. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange. edu. His Twitter account is @ JohnTures2.

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FEBRUARY 6, 2019 • PAGE 5

Landfill

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“Some of us would pack up and leave if we could just because it’s difficult to stay here. It doesn’t surprise me that they (EPA) dropped our claim but it is still disappointing.” The EPA, which closed the complaint on Dec. 10, had previously acknowledged the Alabama Department of Environmental Management had caused “adverse harms” to the people of the Ashurst Bar and nearby Smith’s communities by reissuing a permit to the Stone’s Throw Landfill, which accepts garbage from all 67 Alabama counties and from three Georgia counties. The ruling is the latest episode in a longstanding battle to preserve ancestral land in the communities and the quality of life there. Members of surrounding communities have contested Stone’s Throw Landfill in the courts for many years. “With respect to ADEM’s method of administering its monitoring and inspection process regarding daily cover at Stone’s Throw Landfill, we find by a preponderance of evidence that a lack of enforcement did result in adverse impacts but, because the evidence does not support that the enforcement was carried out differently at Stone’s Throw Landfill than at other landfills, the adverse impacts were not disparate based on race,” the EPA said in case documents. Representatives of Advanced Disposal and ADEM did not return repeated messages from The Eclectic Observer asking for comment. In 2017, ABSCO filed a complaint claiming ADEM discriminated against the community on the basis of race. ABSCO member Phyllis Gosa filed a civil rights complaint against ADEM in 2003 charging ADEM was discriminatory by modifying the landfill’s permit to expand its services to each county in the state and the three counties in Georgia. The EPA also dismissed that earlier complaint. In April 2018, ABSCO members welcomed a federal court ruling from California which said the EPA ignored complaints of racial discrimination in connection with the landfill. Alabama was one of five states involved in the 2018 suit. Gosa warned ADEM and the EPA of potential contamination to nearby water systems. “We initially got involved with the EPA, I warned them that I was told that the aquifer is situated there,” Gosa said. “There are a lot of perch springs, a lot of water in that area. Glenn Branch originates on my great aunt’s property. Glenn Branch comes off of that spring, goes down through some other residents’ property and empties into the Euphabee Creek. I warned them in 2003 that that was a concern. They paid no attention. “We were told if they (Stone’s Throw Landfill) would comply with ADEM and the EPA, it shouldn’t be a problem. Well guess what? The Euphabee Creek is allegedly contaminated with leachate and industrial

File / The Observer

Stone’s Throw Landfill continues to operate after the Environmental Protection Agency recently closed a complaint.

chemicals coming off of that landfill.” The landfill is located at 1303 Washington Blvd. in Tallassee and began accepting waste in 2002. According to the landfill’s website, the landfill currently accepts an average of 1,050 tons of waste daily and at current tonnage won’t reach full capacity until 2053. Waste is delivered to the landfill by direct haul and transfer trailer and is buried daily, the website said. The facility has current disposal contracts with Tallapoosa, Montgomery, Elmore and Macon counties, the cities of Notasulga, Alexander City and Tallassee, and accepts waste from Advanced Disposal subsidiaries and multiple third-party haulers, according to its website. In 2006, monitors reported high E. coli levels in a couple of streams in the watershed, according to Alabama Water Watchers, two volunteer groups that have been observing streams in the Auburn-Opelika area for several years. The highest E. coli levels were found at Chewacla Creek at Nixon’s Farm above Lake Ogletree at the County Road 27 bridge (site No. 10, 900 E. coli per 100 mL of water), and at Parkerson Mill Creek at Thach Avenue near the rugby field (site No. 25, 1,233 E. coli per 100 mL of water), according to Alabama Water Watchers. Several citizen monitors were

trained and certified by AWW in bacteria monitoring. “Blitz” monitoring across the Saugahatchee and Chewacla creek watersheds began in January 2007, and 10 to 12 volunteer monitors certified by AWW in bacteriological monitoring tested about 30 sites in and around Auburn and Opelika. “There is nothing of quality or improvement from having that landfill situated in our community,” Gosa said. The landfill was started over 40 years ago and has grown since then. “It came in the latter part of the 70s or early 80s,” Gosa said. “From what I have been told, the people didn’t think it would become what it is now. I think to begin with, the City of Tallassee was bringing in yard trash and eventually it expanded to take household waste. Once we realized they were bringing in household garbage, there were people in the community who got involved and started raising their voice but it made no difference. The Tallapoosa County Commission eventually ruled totally against the people in the community who tried to stop it and have tried to stop it since the very beginning and we have been completely ignored.” Gosa said fees Advanced Disposal pays Tallapoosa County to operate the landfill haven’t been used to help the Ashurst Bar and Smith communities. According to a report in The Outlook last October, Advanced Disposal paid

$651,495.05 to the commission in 2017. Tallapoosa County administrator Blake Beck said the money received from Stone’s Throw, which is referred to as a tipping fee, varies based on the tonnage the landfill brings in. Commissioners received $88,000 each in discretionary funds from the tipping fees in the 2018 fiscal year, Beck said. “The sad thing is none of it has made its way back to our part of the county,” Gosa said. “No recreation, poor housing, lack of sewage and water treatment.” Many residents in the Ashurst Bar and Smith’s community can trace the ownership of their property back to newly freed slaves who established the land not long after the Emancipation Act in the 1860s. “People there do not want to leave,” Gosa said. “Those are ancestral roots where we grew up. That’s where our people have been for years, as far back as the 1870s. That’s how far back we can track and we do not want to be moved away. But it’s almost impossible to live there.” Gosa issued a plea to the landfill’s owners. “Give us back our life, give us back the right to exist on land that we have had for over a hundred years, and get out of there,” she said. “You’re going to continue to destroy the landscape and once it’s destroyed, you can’t reclaim it. It is damaged forever.”

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

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

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classiďŹ eds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiďŹ eds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

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The Tallassee Tribune

Job Opportunities

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Birmingham,AL based Transportation Company looking for Class-A CDL-Drivers ‡$YHUDJH PLOHV ZN ‡0XVW EH DW OHDVW \UV ROG ‡6WDUWLQJ SD\ DW PLOH LQFUHDVH WR LQ PRQWKV ‡ PRQWKV GULYLQJ H[S &DOO ([W RU (PDLO UHFUXLWLQJ#FKXUFKWUDQVSRUWDWLRQ QHW

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The Wetumpka Herald

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) A conversation or interaction of some sort could delight you to no end. You like how you feel and decide not to share this interaction. Enjoy your mellow feelings while keeping a low-key attitude in other parts of your life. Tonight: Not to be found. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Zero in on a long-term wish. You might become involved in a lively discussion with a dear friend. Consider getting together for munchies instead of chatting on the phone. You might be on the verge of passing an important benchmark in your life. Tonight: Hang with friends. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Accept that you cannot always be center stage, though you might be today and would prefer otherwise. You might not be up for taking the lead on a project and being closely observed. Smile to get past this moment with success. Tonight: Be a friend Ă„rst. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Make the eɈort to look at an evolving situation in terms of the big picture. DeĂ„ne what you want and do the same for anyone else involved. You’ll come up with great solutions and ideas. Tonight: A compliment adds to your glow and appeal. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Be willing to allow a partner or loved one to dominate. Your strong personality often prevents others from stepping up. You might be delighted by how the other party responds to an issue. Find a way of complimenting this person. Tonight: As you like. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Others make it clear that they will take charge and make needed decisions. If you have vested interests, express them in a way the other party can hear. Do not try to bully this person into taking action. Tonight: Opt to be a duo. Start with dinner.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Emphasize the job at hand and how to proceed. You could want to act, but a co-worker or friend moves in quickly. Be happy not to carry the weight of this issue. Spend time clearing out calls and emails. Tonight: Do some shopping on the way home. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A creative and caring outlook toward a key person in your life activates interesting discussions. You might wonder how you got to the point of treating this person with kid gloves. Wonder less and just do it. Tonight: You might like someone’s way of saying “thank you.� SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You might feel tense and not understand why. However, you express your positive feelings in an upbeat manner. Ask yourself how you express your negative feelings. A child or loved one delights you with his or her caring. Tonight: Head home early. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You come from a solid base and ask valid questions. How you state your questions could make all the diɈerence in how they’re answered. Be gentle and unbiased. You could be surprised at what comes out. Tonight: Slow down and do what you want. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You have been eyeing an item you have wanted for a long time. Decide you deserve it, and make the purchase. Your mood will change as a result. Once in a while, you need to say “thank you� to yourself, as you give 100 percent in whatever you do. Tonight: Don’t shy away from a new friend or loved one. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You have the ability to draw a key person toward you. Standing on ceremony or being awkward in his or her presence does not really work. More than most signs, you understand the importance of being authentic. Tonight: Buy a special item for a loved one on the way home.

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 6, 2019 • PAGE 7

CommunityCalendar Bring more shoppers to your door with award-winning advertising that is focused on your target audience.

Submit calendar items: Participate in your Herald and Observer by calling 256-2344281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to the.editor@thewetumpkaherald.com or logging on to http://www.thewetumpkaherald.com/.

Friday, Feb. 15

• ALUMNI BALL: The ECHS Alumni Ball will be full of entertainment, food and fun at the Eclectic Warehouse located at 45 Main Street in Eclectic at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 15. Tickets are available online or can be bought by calling 334-398-3970 at the cost of $28 per person. • WE2STRONG CONCERT: A two-day benefit concert will be at the Range 231 North located at 3250 Wetumpka Hwy. in Montgomery from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Officials are still getting the details worked out, but what they do know is thecommunity/neighbors are in need. This is not an obligation; this is an opportunity. Two days worth of entertainment with opportunities to win and give. Lineup so far: Ella Langley, Jeff

Job Opportunities

and the Johnsons, Clay Barker Band, Blackberry Breeze and many more to come.

Saturday, Feb. 16

• 5K RUN: Running with Passion 5K will be at Fort Toulouse — Jackson Park located at 2521 W Fort Toulouse Rd. in Wetumpka at 6 a.m. Running with Passion is the second 5K event put on by Glad Tidings Community outreach.

Saturday, Feb. 23

• CRATER TOURS: Wetumpka Impact Crater Tours will be at 405 South Main St. in Wetumpka. Wetumpka sits right on the bullseye of the greatest natural disaster in Alabama history. The hills just east of downtown are

Rentals

the remains of a 5-mile wide impact crater that was blasted into the bedrock of what is now Elmore County. Join this annual event to learn from the experts and experience an exclusive guided tour of the crater. • WE2STRONG 5K: A benefit 5K will be at Gold Star Park on Ready Street in Wetumpk from 10 a.m. to noon. Ella Langley Music and two others will host a 5K benefit for the victims of the Wetumpka tornado. Organizers have partnered with central Alabama Community Foundation and About Time Events to bring the area a 5K to benefit the victims of the Wetumpka tornado. Preregister today to get $5 off your registration. Register at http://we2strong5K.itsyourrace. com/event.aspx?id=11816.

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Apartments

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Transportation

February 21, 2019 Location: Wetumpka Civic Center Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Lost & Found Relatives of William “Bay� Carlisle Found old photo that I would like to return to this family. 706-662-6645

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Services Appliance Service

Automobiles

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Sports

PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 6, 2019

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com TheWetumpkaHerald.com

The

Observer

SENIOR NIGHT SWEEP

Panthers have strong showing against Beulah

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Elmore County’s Cade Celka (11) puts up a shot against Beulah on Thursday night.

Elmore County boys score season high to down Bobcats By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Elmore County’s boys basketball team scored a season-high 93 points to beat the Beulah Bobcats in convincing fashion, claiming at 93-73 victory on Senior Night last Thursday to round out the regular season. “We just talked about focus and coming out and playing hard,” ECHS coach Rodney Taylor said. “I gave them two goals before the game. We wanted to have a minimum of 35 team rebounds, and (Tykerious Williams) and (Lonzie Portis) for them are really good scorers. The last time we faced them, they beat us 57-50, and they had 40 points combined. Our next goal was to hold them combined 18 (points) or less; we held them to 12. So, two really good team goals we handled did well.” Taylor’s goals for the team appeared to have a significant impact early on in the game. The Panthers See BOYS • Page 10

A strong defensive showing and capitalizing on a multitude of turnovers helped lead the Elmore County girls basketball team to a 43-24 victory over the Beulah Bobcats on Senior Night. “(I told our girls to) just to go out and enjoy it,” ECHS coach Amy Rachel said. “This is a special group of seniors that; it’s kind of a bittersweet night because you’re excited for them that they’ve reached this point, but you’re also sad to see the end of the regular season go and know that this is possibly their last home game.” Elmore County came out on fire early on, pressing hard against the Bobcats to hold an 11-2 advantage after the first eight minutes of play. Beulah began to find its rhythm in the second frame and put together a solid effort to narrow the gap. “We made some adjustments on defense that hopefully we’ll be able to take into the area tournament, so this was kind of a stepping stone game for us that we wanted to be able to relay some of the things we want to work on,” Rachel said. However, the Panthers refused to give in. The Elmore County defense showed its teeth throughout the third and fourth quarters, holding Beulah to a mere 11 points after the break, while the Panther offense began

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Above: Elmore County’s Madison Traylor (10) looks for an open teammate during Thursday night’s game against Beulah. Below: Elmore County’s Zee Ransaw is pressured by a Beulah defender on Thursday night.

to pull away, scoring 10 points in the third quarter and 12 in the final frame. Turnovers were a key part of the Panther defense in Thursday night’s game, as a number of Bobcat possessions ended with Elmore County intercepting a pass, stealing the ball away or grabbing it off the glass. In addition, Rachel felt her players were more patient offensively, which was a big positive to see. “I was pleased with the pressure we were able to put on their leading player and create some See GIRLS • Page 10

Excitement grows as players return to the diamond

LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

High school baseball teams officially got their seasons started last week when players were allowed to return to the field for organized practice. Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes did not try to downplay the excitement of getting his team back together to start hitting and fielding. “It’s been very exciting,” Dismukes said. “It’s like Christmas morning for us. We’re ready to get on the field and looking forward to moving around and catching some balls out here.” That same feeling has been expressed from coaches across the county. Michael Byrd has seen expectations rise during his tenure as coach at Elmore County and he believes this week could be the start of a special season.

No more arguments, Brady is the best QB

I File / The Observer

Baseball practice officially began around the state last week.

“It has been real exciting for us,” Byrd said. “We have some players who have been in the program

for a while. Last season, I think we tripled our win total from the year before and we think we have a

chance to do something that has not been done at this school in a long time.” See BASEBALL • Page 9

Patrick blows away competition at state championships STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Elmore County’s DJ Patrick made a statement at the AHSAA Class 4A-5A Indoor Track and Field Championships last week. Patrick grabbed two firstplace medals to lead the Panthers to a top-10 finish. On Friday, Patrick recorded a distance of 45 feet, seven inches at the triple jump event. It was less than a foot shy of the state record and beat second place by more than three feet. Patrick followed that performance up by earning another gold at the long

jump finals. His distance of 21 feet, three inches was eight inches ahead of second place and earned the Panthers 10 more points for the team standings. Reece Baker finished ninth in the boys 400-meter dash at the meet. His time of 52.73 seconds was just a tenth of a second shy of earning the Panthers another point in the final standings. Baker also ran in the 800, finishing in 17th out of 55 runners in the final heat. Teammate Zefeniah Edwards was three seconds behind Baker and finished in 22nd.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Panthers advance to area championship

The Elmore County girls basketball team avenged two regular season losses to Booker T. Washington with a 45-42 victory at Handley on Monday night. The Panthers will play Handley in the Class 4A Area 5 championship on Thursday night in Roanoke. Elmore County has already lost twice this season to Handley, both being by at least 20 points. However, the Panthers have already clinched a spot in next Monday’s sub-regionals and could host the next round if they defeat Handley on Thursday.

hate to admit it because I’m not usually a fan of winners. I like a good underdog story, and as a fan of sports teams that typically do very poorly in the postseason, it’s always been easier to hate on the successful teams. But after Sunday night’s Super Bowl LIII, there’s no argument New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. And more than that, he should be in the conversation of best athlete of all time. He’s up there with Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan. Let’s just take a look at a list of Brady’s accolades. • The man has six Super Bowl rings. That’s as many titles as the Pittsburgh Steelers have, a record that stood for an extremely long time. • He also has four Super Bowl MVP awards, the most by any NFL player, and three league MVP awards. He’s the oldest player to ever win either. • If you combine his regular-season and postseason stats, Brady is first in league history in career passing yards and touchdowns. • He’s been selected to fourteen Pro Bowls. And you thought Terrell Owens’ six selections were impressive. • Brady has won the most games ever by an NFL quarterback; he’s the only one to get to 200 regular-season wins. Oh, and he’s never had a losing season. Name a better quarterback. Please. See ARBOGAST • Page 9

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Baseball

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

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No matter how high the expectations are for a team, coaches said they have to start back at the basics to get players ready for the season. Bunting, baserunning and fielding drills were often seen on the field throughout the opening week of practice. “Early on, it’s about fundamentals,” Dismukes said. “If we can play fundamentals, we’re going to be OK. We have to be fundamentally sound and then progress from there.” While the basics are important for all players, the challenge may be keeping high school athletes focused while repeating the same drills. Stanhope Elmore coach Wes Dunsieth said his team is having to work back up from the ground floor but there has to be time for new drills too. “You have to mix it up so they don’t get bored,” Dunsieth said. “We try to throw some new things at them. They have stuff they know they have to do every day but we give them something new to work on every day too.” Dismukes said working on baserunning can be a crucial part in a team’s success. Thursday, Wetumpka worked on situational baserunning for almost an hour, including hit-and-runs and sacrifice bunting. “That’s how you manufacture runs,” Dismukes said. “If we can’t handle the bat and move some runners over, it’s not going to work out for us. We can’t rely on the three-run homers. We have to put ourselves in great positions to score some runs.” After the opening week of practice, several teams already held scrimmages at practice. Dunsieth said the Mustangs got three scrimmages in during the first week so the players could get some live looks at the plate. Wetumpka got a scrimmage during Monday night’s practice. Dismukes said getting those situations in during a competitive atmosphere can help and the players enjoy it more than a regular practice. “The grind of the offseason can be tough,” Dismukes said. “They’re ready to start throwing and hitting and competing. They want to scrimmage every day if they could but that’s tough to do.” While the excitement continues to build toward the opening day of the season, the coaches are trying to take advantage of the limited practice time they have. Only three weeks separate AHSAA’s official first day of practice and the first game day plus teams will often have to deal with rain and other weather factors while preparing for the season. “We always feel rushed,” Dismukes said. “We don’t feel like we have that much time. We’re really only looking at 12 to 14 days to get ready for the season so we have to be efficient with our time.”

Softball teams return to basics as practice begins By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

The spring sports season is quickly approaching and high school softball teams returned to the field last week to begin practice. After winning 41 games last season, Holtville has higher expectations than ever but coach Darryl Otwell said the Bulldogs are taking their preparation one step at a time. “It’s back to fundamentals on everything for us,” Otwell said. “The basic concepts of the game. We think that’s a good thing for everyone, even the ones with plenty of experience.” Holtville is looking to make some noise across the state during the season but it begins on the practice field. Otwell said the sense of excitement around the team was clear from the first day. “It was great to have them all back out there on the field together,” Otwell said. “We have new faces and a lot of young talent too so it was nice to see them come together as a team.” Elmore County also got its practice started last week and coach Kim Moncrief is hoping the Panthers are ready to make some noise of their own this season. She said the focus of the first weeks of practice will be getting the players in the right mindset to compete. “We’re trying to build their confidence,” Moncrief said. “We want them to know they can achieve what they set their minds to. We teach that comes with good decision making and repetition. We have the talent to make some noise but we just need that confidence.” The Panthers have started their practices without seven players, who are still playing in the basketball postseason. Moncrief said everyone wants the basketball team to go as far as possible but, in the meantime, the available players have to be focused and ready to work. “We need to get out and start playing,” Moncrief said. “We are ready to have everyone back but we don’t want to delay anything. We just want to be hitting our stride when playoffs come.” Tallassee coach Pat Love said the Tigers have been focusing on the defensive side of the ball. Errors were costly for the Tigers last season but

File / The Observer

Elmore County’s softball team hopes to improve on some of its fielding mistakes from last season.

Love hopes the extra emphasis early in the season can cut some of that down. Love did not have his full team at his disposal for the first two weeks of the season with some players still in basketball season. He said he does not feel like it will have a long-term effect on the team but he did say it will be nice to have everyone back. “It’s important to see everyone together,” Love said. “When you’re getting to see everyone and learn everyone’s game, you start to see who is going to step up and who is going to be a leader for us. It’s about building that team chemistry.” During the first two weeks of practice, teams have had to deal with rain, freezing temperatures and even some sunny skies. Otwell said dealing

Wade Rackley / Auburn Athletics

Auburn’s Chuma Okeke (5) is defended by Alabama’s Herbert Jones during Saturday’s game in Auburn.

Tigers hammer Alabama in 84-63 rivalry win By JEFF SHEARER AuburnTigers.com

From the logo, Jared Harper launched the deepest of 3s, swishing a 30-footer that symbolized Auburn’s scorching first half. Alabama coach Avery Johnson immediately called timeout, but the pause served only to give the sold-out crowd more time to celebrate. The Tigers remained red hot, amassing a 20-point halftime lead in Saturday’s 84-63 rivalry win at Auburn Arena. “I work on that all the time,” said Harper, who scored 19 points and had five assists. “I just know if I can hit from that far out then I can be able to hit when I’m closer to the line. I happened to be there, I saw an opening and had the confidence to be able to make a shot.” Harper and Bryce Brown combined

FEBRUARY 6, 2019 • PAGE 9

for 42 points. Anfernee McLemore added 10 points including a pair of defense-extending 3-pointers, while Chuma Okeke filled the box score with nine points, five rebounds and four steals. “I felt like we pressured the ball really well,” said Brown, Auburn’s leading scorer with 23 points Auburn made 13 steals, forced 21 turnovers and outscored Alabama 30-14 in points off turnovers. “Our guys really stepped up,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “I thought the effort and energy defensively was huge to turn Alabama over 21 times. That’s the closest we’ve looked to the kind of Auburn basketball that I like to see.” After missing its first five shots, Harper’s 3-pointer got Auburn going. The Tigers connected on 7 of 11 3-point attempts in the first half. For the game, Auburn hit 13 of 22

3-pointers, a 59.1 percent clip. McLemore’s 3-pointer and dunk off J’Von McCormick’s assist completed a 13-0 run, part of a 21-2 Auburn stretch that turned an early deficit into a 25-11 lead. After Alabama pulled within three, Auburn caught fire again, reeling off 17 unanswered points, culminated by Harper’s steal and alley-oop to Brown for another slam. The Tigers ended the half on a 19-2 run and led 48-28 at intermission. “We’re going to go as No. 1 and No. 2 (Harper and Brown) take us,” Pearl said. “One and two showed, while size matters, speed and quickness are important, too.” Alabama trimmed the deficit to 11 but Harper answered, drawing a foul on a corner 3-pointer and making the free throw for a 4-point play. Twenty-two seconds later, J’Von See AUBURN • Page 10

with that variety is something that happens during the season too. “The big thing for us was trying to adjust to the weather,” Otwell said. “Softball weather is all over the place. It was cold that first week but now it’s going to be in the 70s all week so we just have to be ready for all of it.” Despite some of the challenges, players have not lacked any excitement entering the new season. The teams have been working with each other during the offseason but getting on the field together is a distinctive feeling. “It’s been really exciting to be back,” Love said. “We’re trying to just knock that rust off. We’ve had those one on five drills but it’s just different when you can get everyone out there together.”

Arbogast

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I’ll wait. During Sunday night’s Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams, there was no question in my mind who was going to win. Similar to why I just knew Alabama was going to get into the College Football Playoffs: Because, well, it’s Alabama. How did I know the Pats were going to win Sunday night? Because, well, it’s Tom Brady. When the game was tied 3-3 with under five minutes to go, it seemed like the prime time for Brady to do what Brady does, and that’s exactly what happened. Brady put on his game face and methodically moved the ball down field with four straight completions, and Sony Michel topped off the Patriots with a 2-yard punch for the ultimate game winner. The score certainly indicated a defensive showdown, and it was. But Brady still got his. He finished with 262 passing yards on 21 of 35 completions. There was no way Brady was going to let the Patriots lose. And people may jab at Brady for bragging in his celebration videos on social media, but again, he’s Tom Brady. He’s won more Super Bowls than I could ever dream of winning. He’s allowed to brag a little. And again, as much as I say I dislike Brady, he actually seems like a decent human being. You never see him in the headlines for doing things he shouldn’t be doing, and he just comes across as a standup guy. There’s also a couple more amazing things about Brady you should consider. He’s easily the biggest steal of any draft for any sport ever. Brady was taken in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. That’s just unbelievable. He’s also a staggering 41 years old. Granted, that’s not actually all that old. But in the sports world, that’s ancient. He’s also got at least one more year in him — if not more. And knowing Tom Brady, he’ll probably be hunting down lucky No. 7 this time next year. Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Observer.

PAGE 10 • FEBRUARY 6, 2019

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RANKINGS GIRLS CLASS 7A 1. Hoover (28-1) 2. McGill-Toolen (25-2) 3. Sparkman (24-5) 4. Austin (25-5) 5. Davidson (24-4) 6. Spain Park (24-6) 7. Grissom (18-6) 8. Auburn (21-4) 9. Hewitt-Trussville (17-9) 10. Foley (22-7) Others nominated: Vestavia Hills (18-9). CLASS 6A 1. Hazel Green (27-3) 2. Blount (21-4) 3. Eufaula (23-6) 4. Hartselle (24-4) 5. Huffman (22-8) 6. McAdory (22-7) 7. Carver-Birmingham (21-8) 8. Cullman (22-8) 9. Opelika (21-6) 10. Muscle Shoals (16-12) Others nominated: Albertville (197), Athens (15-13), Dothan (17-5), Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (18-8), Mae Jemison (15-10), Northview (16-10), Park Crossing (22-4). CLASS 5A 1. Ramsay (22-7) 2. Charles Henderson (21-6) 3. Madison Academy (22-7) 4. Central-Tuscaloosa (22-3) 5. Shelby Co. (26-1) 6. Wenonah (20-8) 7. Brewer (21-8) 8. Pleasant Grove (19-8) 9. Brewbaker Tech (25-3) 10. West Point (24-5) Others nominated: East Limestone (19-8), Faith Academy (19-9), Jackson (23-4), Mortimer Jordan (17-6), Scottsboro (19-10), Southside-Gadsden (17-5), Vigor (17-6). CLASS 4A 1. Priceville (21-5) 2. Sipsey Valley (25-1) 3. Childersburg (28-1) 4. Greensboro (21-1) 5. Sumter Central (22-3) 6. Rogers (25-3) 7. Anniston (23-4) 8. Cherokee Co. (21-6) 9. West Limestone (20-6) 10. Oneonta (22-6) Others nominated: DAR (17-11), Deshler (20-8), Handley (21-4), St.

Auburn

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McCormick assisted on Malik Dunbar’s dunk. Just like that, Auburn led 60-43, and the crowd noise increased once again. “I want to thank our fans for creating this environment,” Pearl said. “I want to thank our students for standing in line all afternoon. The line was all the way down to the football stadium. I had never seen it like that.” John Petty led Alabama (13-8, 4-4) with 18 points. “This a tough building to play in,” Petty said. “You’ve just got to give credit to them, they shot the ball extremely well and they had their fans into the game. These are some of the best fans probably in the NCAA.”

The Fans ! u o Y r a e H

John Paul II (14-11), Wilson (20-9). CLASS 3A 1. Pisgah (27-1) 2. T.R. Miller (20-2) 3. Midfield (20-8) 4. Winfield (27-1) 5. Phil Campbell (22-4) 6. Geneva (25-3) 7. Montgomery Academy (25-2) 8. Susan Moore (24-5) 9. Locust Fork (19-6) 10. Glencoe (18-8) Others nominated: Lauderdale Co. (14-14), Pike Road (18-10), Prattville Christian (21-8), St. James (19-7), Slocomb (18-8), Weaver (18-9). CLASS 2A 1. Sand Rock (27-2) 2. Sacred Heart (21-4) 3. Central-Hayneville (17-4) 4. Collinsville (23-5) 5. Cold Springs (21-6) 6. Fyffe (24-5) 7. Samson (22-6) 8. G.W. Long (22-4) 9. Geneva Co. (20-7) 10. Calhoun (14-6) Others nominated: Addison (16-10), Ariton (17-7), Cedar Bluff (12-14), Hatton (20-7), Winston Co. (17-6). CLASS 1A 1. Pleasant Home (18-3) 2. Spring Garden (21-7) 3. Skyline (23-5) 4. Phillips (19-10) 5. Talladega Co. Central (22-8) 6. Belgreen (20-6) 7. Florala (22-6) 8. R.A. Hubbard (18-7) 9. Mars Hill Bible (17-9) 10. Brantley (20-8) Others nominated: Covenant Christian (17-5), Decatur Heritage (18-6), Falkville (16-11), Georgiana (15-12), Lanett (13-7), St. Luke’s (19-9), Westminster-Oak Mountain (17-7). AISA 1. Tuscaloosa Academy (22-2) 2. South Choctaw Academy (21-1) 3. Abbeville Christian (24-4) 4. Lee-Scott (19-4) 5. Northside Methodist (17-8) 6. Fort Dale Academy (15-4) 7. Sparta Academy (17-5) 8. Monroe Academy (11-5) 9. Macon-East (12-9) 10. Evangel Christian (19-9) Others nominated: Lakeside

(13-10), Pike Liberal Arts (12-15), Southern Academy (17-5). BOYS CLASS 7A 1. Mountain Brook (25-3) 2. McGill-Toolen (21-6) 3. Lee-Montgomery (25-3) 4. Sparkman (20-8) 5. Oak Mountain (19-8) 6. Florence (27-3) 7. Hoover (20-8) 8. Fairhope (20-6) 9. Vestavia Hills (19-9) 10. Austin (15-7) Others nominated: Baker (1613), Enterprise (22-7), James Clemens (17-11), Theodore (16-10), Thompson (20-10). CLASS 6A 1. Columbia (21-7) 2. Lee-Huntsville (20-7) 3. Jemison-Huntsville (20-8) 4. Eufaula (24-5) 5. Oxford (22-4) 6. Muscle Shoals (20-7) 7. Pinson Valley (18-9) 8. Carver-Montgomery (18-9) 9. Hartselle (21-7) 10. Sidney Lanier (17-6) Others nominated: Albertville (207), Blount (17-10), Buckhorn (24-5), Homewood (22-8). CLASS 5A 1. Wenonah (23-4) 2. LeFlore (20-8) 3. Fairfield (20-8) 4. Pleasant Grove (21-8) 5. Hamilton (24-4) 6. Russellville (18-6) 7. Brewbaker Tech (19-9) 8. Sylacauga (21-7) 9. East Limestone (17-7) 10. Charles Henderson (17-9) Others nominated: Jackson (20-6), Tallassee (21-6), Vigor (15-9). CLASS 4A 1. Hillcrest-Evergreen (21-2) 2. Williamson (20-7) 3. Brooks (24-3) 4. Sumter Central (22-3) 5. Deshler (22-6) 6. Good Hope (22-5) 7. Anniston (20-7) 8. Escambia Co. (17-6) 9. Talladega (20-7) 10. Cherokee Co. (20-5) Others nominated: Childersburg (18-9), Headland (21-6), LAMP (188), Oneonta (17-8), UMS-Wright (16-

Boys

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CLASS 2A 1. Fyffe (23-5) 2. Abbeville (20-5) 3. Red Bay (24-5) 4. Tanner (22-6) 5. Section (17-9) 6. Barbour Co. (19-7) 7. Sacred Heart (16-10) 8. Calhoun (22-7) 9. North Sand Mountain (18-6) 10. Central-Coosa (16-4) Others nominated: Collinsville (1610), Cottage Hill (15-6), Daleville (16-7), Houston Co. (14-6), Sumiton Christian (20-6). CLASS 1A 1. Decatur Heritage (25-4) 2. Cornerstone-Birmingham (19-7) 3. Spring Garden (20-6) 4. Georgiana (22-5) 5. Skyline (20-8) 6. R.A. Hubbard (16-9) 7. Covenant Christian (19-6) 8. Francis Marion (18-4) 9. Mars Hill Bible (16-9) 10. Holy Spirit (22-6) Others nominated: Elba (14-6), Florala (17-7), South Lamar (15-6). AISA 1. Lakeside (19-3) 2. Pike Liberal Arts (17-6) 3. Evangel Christian (24-4) 4. Success Unlimited (13-3) 5. Morgan Academy (15-4) 6. Bessemer Academy (14-2) 7. Monroe Academy (16-2) 8. Edgewood (19-5) 9. Tuscaloosa Academy (18-6) 10. Kingwood (16-6) Others nominated: Chambers Academy (15-5), Escambia Academy (12-8), Lee-Scott (13-10), Lowndes Academy (15-6), Southern Academy (18-4).

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Elmore County’s DJ Patrick (22) drives the ball down the court against Beulah on Thursday night.

a few back-door cuts and did some tremendous things.” This energy helped the fourth quarter in becoming almost a mirror image of the opening frame. The Panthers dominated the final eight minutes of play just like they had the first eight minutes, holding Beulah to 13 points while scoring 25 to claim the 20-point victory. With Elmore County ready to enter the area tournament, Taylor said there are still some points to be worked on, including committing unforced turnovers and forcing the ball into unfavorable situations. At the

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CLASS 3A 1. Plainview (26-4) 2. Westminster-Huntsville (21-4) 3. Prattville Christian (26-3) 4. Lauderdale Co. (19-9) 5. Sylvania (17-7) 6. Hanceville (21-5) 7. Winfield (20-8) 8. Pike Co. (16-6) 9. Piedmont (19-5) 10. Weaver (18-9) Others nominated: Houston Academy (17-9), Mobile Christian (16-9).

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dominated the first quarter, nailing shot after shot, staking themselves to a 31-16 advantage after eight minutes. “We came out on fire. I think the crowd, the kids were really getting into it,” Taylor said. “The momentum was carrying us.” Beulah pulled itself back into the game starting in the second frame, forcing weaker looks from Elmore County while finding a relatively good stride, leaving the Panthers with just a five-point advantage going into halftime. Coming out of the locker room, with the same level of intensity, the Bobcats took their first lead since the early moments of the game. However, Elmore County got back into a groove to retake the lead and hold an eight-point lead going into the fourth quarter. “At halftime, we talked about that,” Taylor said. “The emotions, even though we came out on fire and doing well, emotion only lasts for a short amount of time. The game settled down, and the emotion led us to make some bad decisions, some bad choices, some bad shots and allowed Beulah to get back into the game. Beulah fed off of it, ended the half well and carried it on into the third quarter.” One thing Taylor felt was key to the Panthers re-seizing the momentum and hitting their rhythm in the third quarter was Keshawn Benson, who nailed a pair of 3-point shots to stretch the game out. “Once we got rolling, we just couldn’t be stopped,” Taylor said. “We got back into the energy. It was good emotion and good energy that led to a lot of fast break opportunities. We had some nice jump shots, got

turnovers and scoring opportunities for us,” Rachel said. “I thought we did really well in rotating over in our rotation and making sure we were covering the places we needed to. That was some of the things we had struggled with, not necessarily being in the position that we should be in.” With Thursday night’s game being the last before the area tournament, Rachel felt the win over Beulah showed what her team can do and achieve moving forward. Although she said the

11), West Morgan (17-9).

same time, however, he felt the many good things he saw out of his players Thursday night far outweighed the bad “For us to put up 93 points, I didn’t know we could do that,” Taylor said. “It’s just trying to build off this.” Four Elmore County players scored in double digits Thursday night, led by Austin Downey with 16 points, followed by Shakwan Bickley with 15, Dalton Odom with 13 and Benson with 12. Jamie Singleton scored nine points, DJ Patrick, Cole Hasler and Deangelo Splunge each added six.

continued from Page 8 team might make some minor tweaks to their game plan, there are not going to be any major changes. Madison Britt led the Panthers in scoring with 11 points, followed by Madison Traylor and Mackenzie Lewis each scoring eight. CK Bolton chipped in six points, Zee Ransaw and CJ Thornton both added four points. Britt was also a beast on the boards, pulling down 16 rebounds while claiming six steals. Traylor was just shy of a double-double with 10 rebounds of her own.

Donald Campbell / The Observer

Elmore County’s CK Bolton (5) gets set for an inbounds pass Thursday night against Beulah.

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