Meet Cubby, Pet of the Week.
Keep your eyes open, the signs are all around you.
Sports: Brown earns USA Today All USA honors.
Eclectic Observer Page 4
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The
THURSDAY • MARCH 10, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 10
Faulk retains seat on County Commission Memory stick with uncounted votes found Tuesday and total means that no runoff needed for District 4 seat By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
There will be no runoff election for Elmore County Commission District 4 between Joe Faulk, Steve Livingston and Johnny Ford as votes were discovered late morning Tuesday, March 8, that pushed the incumbent, Faulk, over the 50 percent mark. According to the new figures, Elmore County Probate Judge John Enslen said that Faulk had 11 votes more than 50
percent, with a total vote of 50.17 percent and 1,591 votes. Livingston, Enslen said, received 1168 votes and Ford 412 with the new totals. It was purely human error, Enslen said. Enslen said they were votes that had not been counted and were from a missing memory stick used in one of the two voting machines located at the Church of Nazarene in Millbrook.
He said they were discovered at the same time the local Republican Party officials were canvassing for provisional votes that morning. The mistake occurred on election night, Enslen said. Only four precincts used more than one voting machine and Enslen said the precinct in Millbrook was one of those. The protocol, Enslen said, was to use two separate envelopes to transfer each memory stick that held votes from
ECYBO leader Burkette, pushes for city assistance maintaining park By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
While taxes may be a way of life, people in Alabama should consider themselves lucky when it comes to property taxes. According to a study by WalletHub, Alabama property owners shell out the nation’s second lowest tax rate, averaging just $538 a year, according to the study. The average American household spends $2,127 on real-estate property taxes each year, and residents of the 27 states with vehicle property taxes shell out another $412. Considering these figures and the debt-fueled environment to which we have grown so accustomed, it should come as no surprise that roughly $11.8 billion in property taxes go unpaid each year, according to the National Tax Lien Association, according to a release by WalletHub. Consider these stats released by WalletHub for Alabama, with a rank of 1 being the lowest: • Real-Estate Property Tax Rank: 2nd • Vehicle Property Tax Rank: 29th
Carmen Rodgers / The Observer
Jess Meuse, who placed fourth in the 13th season of American Idol, took the stage during Friday’s singer songwriter event. After singing, Meuse hosted the event as several local artist took the stage. Below, Local celebrity Russell Craig sings “Call Me the Rain” Friday night during the singer songwriter event.
STANDING ROOM ONLY Singer–songwriter event attracts large crowd to Eclectic’s Warehouse By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
It was standing room only Friday night at The Warehouse in downtown Eclectic.as people from all around the region attended the first of what may be many Singer Songwriter Nights. More than 300 people came out to enjoy an evening of entertainment for all ages. Jess Meuse, who competed in the 13th season of American Idol and placed fourth in the competition, hosted the first time event. Meuse is from Slapout and since her appearance on the hit reality show has become a nationally known artist. Meuse was excited about hosting the event and proud of the large turnout. “I had a blast. That was my first ever full-on hosting gig. For the first singer songwriter event at that venue I’m really proud of how it turned out. We had a lot of people there and it went really smoothly.” As a host, there was a lot of behind the See SONGS • Page 3
See TAXES • Page 5
Weather LOW
FRIDAY: HIGH 77 LOW 61
Monday’s town hall meeting became a little heated as Patrick Burkett, with the Eclectic Youth Ball League organization, expressed concerns over conditions at Aaron Park. With opening day on April 2, there is not much time do the necessary repairs to the facility. The need for repair begins with parking issues. With an upcoming tournament, Burkett is concerned about the lack of parking, as well as the condition of the current parking lot. “We’re looking at 19 teams, plus 12 teams from out of town coming in so we’re looking at almost 40 teams and we have nowhere for them to park,” said Burkett. “The parking lot is an embarrassment to the city. According to Burkett, the city, which owns Aaron Park and leases it to the EYBO, has done nothing to help maintain the ballpark. With limited funding the EYBO seems to be in a tough situation with limited options. “The city puts no effort into the ballpark,” he said. “We have a price to put in a back parking lot, but we can’t afford to do any major upgrades. We keep the fields up, we put the batting cages in, we’re keeping the concession stand up, we’re replacing rotten wood at our cost, and we’ve replaced the toilets at our cost.” This has been brought to Mayor Davenport’s attention on numerous occasions, yet Aaron Park remains in disrepair. “I’ve had several meetings with the mayor about a lighting grant but he came See COUNCIL • Page 5
Extension hosts fourth-grade Farm City Day
Today’s
HIGH
See VOTES • Page 3
Aaron Park sparks hot topic at town council
Study says Alabama property taxes 2nd lowest in U.S.
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that precinct, in this case the Church of Nazarene. He said the problem arose when both memory sticks were placed in one envelope at the polling place, where presumably they were then transferred to the Wetumpka Civic Center where the votes from the county were counted. There, Enslen said, it was likely that only one memory stick was removed from the envelope and then counted.
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Fourth-grade students from area schools went to Wetumpka’s “Farm City” to learn about the wide world of 21st century agriculture and the careers in forestry, biosystems engineering, conservation and farming that make up a new approach to agriculture. The days and ways of Old MacDonald have changed to include a comprehensive and all inclusive view of what agriculture is,
and the students from both Wetumpka and Red Land Elementary Schools had a first-hand chance to see this in practice. Hundreds crowded around any number of the several exhibits at the Elmore County Extension Office on Friday. There were informational stations about cotton and the spinning process, aquariums to explain fisheries, beeSee FARM • Page 3
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Wetumpka and Red Land Elementary fourth graders learn about livestock at “Farm City.” Corey Arwood / The Observer
PAGE 2 • MARCH 10, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Area Calendar March 10-11
PLAY BALL: T-Ball registration for boys and girls ages 4-6 will be held at Recreation Department through March 11, 2016. Girls must be 4 by January 1, 2016 and boys must be 4 by May 1, 2016. Cost is $40 and tentative date to begin is April 9 with games being played on Saturday mornings until May 1
March 10-11
BREAKFAST PROGRAM: National School Breakfast Week Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for families to find time for a healthy breakfast. To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Tallassee City Schools will recognize National School Breakfast Week from March 7-11, 2016. The campaign theme is “Wake up to School Breakfast”. National School Breakfast Week helps us educate parents and students about all the healthy and appealing choices we offer. Students will be encouraged to “Wake Up” their minds and bodies during March 7-11 with special menus, decorations, cafeteria events and more. School nutrition professionals in Tallassee City Schools prepare breakfast and lunches everyday that meet federal nutrition standards, which include limiting fat, calories and sodium, encouraging more students to choose from fruits, vegetables and whole grains offered with school meals. During the weeklong celebration, students will be offered fresh fruit along with menu items such as breakfast bagel, sunrise omelet and yogurt parfait.
March 10
AUDITIONS: Wetumpka Depot Players will hold auditions for two upcoming productions at 7 p.m. at the Depot. Auditions will be from cold script readings; no monologues required. I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick will be staged May 12 through 28, and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams will be staged Oct. 21 through 29. Contact Kristy Meanor at kmeanor@ wetumpkadepot.com or call her at 334-868-1440 for details. BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Tallassee Board of Education will meet March 10 at 6 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Media Center.
March 12
HERITAGE DAY: The Poarch Band of Creek Indians rich heritage will come to life on the grounds of the Museum Saturday, March 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
During this FREE event, Tribal Members will share aspects of their enriching history and legacy in fun and interactive ways for the entire family. The event will take place rain or shine.
March 14
COUNCIL MEETING: The city of Tallassee is having a council meeting at city hall at 6 p.m. Elmore County BOE Meeting When: March 14, 4:30 p.m. Where: Eclectic Elementary School ORIENTATION: Wetumpka Elementary School’s Kindergarten Orientation is on Monday, March 14. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. and an Information Program is at 5:30 p.m. JOBS FOR LIFE: Jobs for Life (JfL) Tallassee will begin our spring classes on Monday, March 14. JfL are now accepting applications for the eight weeks, two nights a week course. There are no age limitations for students. Applicants must be able and willing to work. Applicants may be unemployed or underemployed. Classes are limited to ten students. Applicants will be selected though an interview process. The classes are held in the ACTS Building on Main Street in Tallassee. Should you or someone you know be interested, please call Carl Stewart (334 415-8398) for further information. Email:warsameagle@ymail.com
March 15
CANCER SUPPORT: Tallassee’s Cancer Support Group Meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Community Hospital classroom.
March 17
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group Meeting at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m.
March 18
TURF MEETING: The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will be conduction an athletic turf management meeting a the Elmore County Extension Service March 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $10 and you must pre-register at 334-567-6301. This meeting is for coaches or anyone from a school who manages athletic turf and for City Parks and Recreation employees that manage city fields. Topics to be discussed are mowing, aeration, topdressing, irrigation and drainage, overseeding and transition, and maintaining pitcher’s mounds. Dr. Dave han and Dr. Chip East will be conducting this meeting.
March 19
RELAY FOR LIFE SINGING: The 11th Annual Relay for Life Singing for the American Cancer Society! Saturday March 19, 2016 at 6:00pm at Faith Baptist Church, Wetumpka! Corner of Chapel Rd. and Coosa River Pkwy! Featured singers will be the Dye Family from Alexander City and Forgiven Heart from Wetumpka! Pastor Gerald Wood will emcee! All proceeds go to the Jessica’s Cancer Busters Relay for Life team! please make checks payable to the American Cancer Society! For more information call Bubba Wood at (334) 300 - 2134!
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Myna Goldston
Mrs. Myna Goldston, 64, of Eclectic, passed away March 7, 2016. She was born June 8, 1951. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Refuge Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Scarborough will be officiating. Burial will follow at Refuge Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her mother, Nellie Dopson; sister, Dianne Gantt; brother, David Dopson (Patricia); niece, Ashley Cline (Michael); nephew, Brandon Irvin; and great nephews, Codey, Eiler and Larson. She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Steve Goldston. Myna was a member of Refuge Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She graduated from UAB and fulfilled her lifelong goal to be a Registered Nurse, which she did for over 30 years. One of her hobbies was clogging. She loved to bake and attended catering classes. Online condolences at www. linvillememorial.com. will be March 19 and opening ceremonies will be March 26.
March 20
SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON: First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka, will have their annual Relay for Life Spaghetti Luncheon following the 10:30 worship service on March 20th, 2016 located in the Family Life Center. During lunch, coloring contest and face painting will be available. After the luncheon, children birth - 6th grade, will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Come out and join them on this special day, celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets and a friend!
March 21
HISTORICAL SOCIETY: There will be a meeting of the historical society at the museum in downtown Tallassee March 21 at 6 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.
March 24
BASEBALL: Babe Ruth registration will be held March 24th and April 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Football Field House. Tryouts will be April 9th at 9 a.m. Cost $125
March 26
EGG HUNT: The city of Tallassee is having its Easter egg hunt at City Hall March 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
March 28
COUNCIL MEETING: The Tallassee City Council will meet March 28 at 6 p.m at City Hall
March 28- April 1
March 30
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SPRING BREAK: Tallassee City School’s Spring Break will be March 28 - April 1.
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ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP: There will be a free estate planning and asset protection workshop at the Archibald Senior Center. Education workshop presented by local attorney Raley Wiggins. Topics include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, long-term care, Medicaid qualification, and probate administration. Also, how to protect your assets from: divorce, remarriage, creditors, bankruptcy, and nursing homes. Registration is required. Call (334)-6256774 or online at www.redoaklegalpc.com.
April 5
ID BOARD: The city of Tallassee ID Board will meet April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at 1 Twin Creek Drive.
April 9
5K RUN: The Roaring 5K Run is set for Saturday, April 9. Co-Sponsors are Tallassee Lion’s Club and Neptune Technology Group. Proceeds benefit the Lion’s Sight program. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Early registration is on-line through the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce at tallasseechamber.com
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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Songs
continued from page 1
scenes work that Meuse had to put into this production. “I put the whole program together and I’m really proud of how smoothly it went, how laid back everyone was and everyone had fun, which is what music is all about,” she said. Because Meuse is traditionally a performer, hosting an event was something new to her. It was a learning experience for Meuse, an experience that she enjoyed. “It’s a huge difference, because when you’re singing and playing your instrument you have to interact a certain way when you’re performing,” Meuse said. “Your music speaks for itself but when you’re a host, I think there is a little more to it. I was like a production manager as well. With being a host, I had to know what to say. I think it was a good educational experience that actually helped me. I think it turned out pretty dang good.” Meuse values all the hard work and effort that the singers and songwriters put into the production of this event.
Votes
MARCH 10, 2016 • PAGE 3
continued from page 1
He apologized for the oversight and said the election officials were able to reconstruct the votes before any official votes had been certified and sent to the Secretary of State. Faulk said if it was not the most exciting day of his life, it was the most exciting day of his political career. “I’m elated and very appreciative that we take elections seriously and counting the votes seriously,” Faulk said. Faulk thanked the voters of District 4 and what he called their extraordinary confidence and he went on to say that he promised to serve them with the same type of dedication for the next four years. His closest competition, Steve Livingston, credited what he said was Faulk’s persistence in seeking votes for pinpointing what appeared to be a low voter turnout at the Church of Nazarene. Livingston said all Faulk needed was a few more votes to get over the threshold and he kept pushing and looking around. Enslen said both candidates were at the probate office that morning when the new numbers were announced, and both acted, as Enslen said, amiably. “I’m a little bit disappointed because I think there was an anti-incumbent movement,” Livingston said. Ford, who gained over 100 votes from the recount, remained out of the runoff but said at the news, “No I think there’s going to be a lot of folks that’s disappointed from what I understand listening to folks talk they wanted a runoff,” Ford said. “Mr. Faulk got the popular vote and that’s what counts.” Runoff elections for other county races are slated for April 12.
“I appreciate people for their hard work. Those singers and songwriters are great people and to hear their stories from their hearts is great. I’m a person just like they are, I just happen to be on a TV show. I just appreciate their pure talent and being so genuine and real, that’s what makes a musician to me.” There was a long list of performers, 16 in all. Most were local singer songwriters, such as Russell Craig who is from the Eclectic area and performs locally on a regular basis sang “Call Me The Rain,” a crowd favorite. Jessie Lynn, another local favorite, kicked off the event by singing “The National Anthem” on horseback and followed that with a moving duet with her grandmother. Some of the other artists included Brandon Self, Rexton Lee, Mike Squires and Ben Myrick and many more. The event brought revenue into the city. People from around the region attended the event. “I loved the event. I think that something of this
Farm
continued from page 1
hives for honey production and a whole list of farm animals that make up traditional “livestock.” Auburn University’s BioSystems Engineering program had an exhibit explaining the process of “gasification” that uses “biomass” to derive renewable energy sources. There was even a station with a drone tutorial. The Alabama Forestry Commission in Elmore County had presentations on land management and prescribed burning. “We talked about doing prescribed burning to help remove the undergrowth in the forest, help to remove some of the dangerous fuels and make healthy forests” said Brian Frederick, AFC forester for Elmore County. “We talked a little bit about us fighting wild fires out in the woods with the bull dozer.” It was the first time the students had been at the Farm City all day, Katrina Mitchell, County Extension Coordinator, said. Mitchell said Farm City began around 5 or so years ago, and was the idea of a hog farmer out of Eclectic, Chris George. She said they wanted to reintroduce the older students to the concepts of agriculture that they might have learned about when they were younger in a simpler way. “We try to educate young people on the importance of agriculture, give them a hint of agricultural careers,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got all kinds of folks that come out, so it is agriculture but it’s also talking about careers and things that kids can get involved in.”
Thank You! I am extremely humbled and appreciative of your vote of support in the county commission race. I would like to thank my precious family and the many volunteers who have worked so tirelessly for the past (4) months. I would personally like to take this opportunity thank Trey Taylor for his running a clean and respectful campaign. I would also ask that you please remember Trey and his family in your prayers, as his mother is going through some serious health issues. With God’s help and guidance, as your county commissioner, I pledge to work diligently to serve ALL of the people in District Two in an honest, ethical, transparent and ¿scally-responsible manner. Thank you, and God bless. Sincerely,
Mack Daugherty
nature will be great for our small town. If it is a regular event, I believe that more people will attend. We have to drive at least 30 to 45 minutes away to be able to hear great music. I was excited about only having to drive 5 minutes for this,” said Ashly Moore, an Eclectic resident. According to Aubrey Hornsby, this could become a monthly event. Hornsby once worked in Nashville with professional singers and songwriters. “It could be difficult to have 300 people turnout for an event like this in Nashville, so to have something like this in Eclectic is truly special,” he said. In addition to the Warehouse having a packed house, the local restaurants were also packed due to the influx of people. One restaurant in particular earned a special shout out from Meuse. “The people at El Gran Rodeo were so nice to us. They have always been so incredibly kind to me every time I’ve come to Eclectic,” Meuse said.
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 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $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.
Kenneth Boone, Publisher John W. Peeler, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
PAGE 4 • MARCH 10, 2016
OPINION
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
The Observer strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Your
Opinion
Keep your eyes open, signs are all around us Larger voter turnout is an encouraging sign
V
oters turned out in surprising numbers for the Super Tuesday primary. In Tallapoosa County, 41.98 percent of the registered voters went to the polls Tuesday. In Elmore County, 44.66 percent of voters filled out a ballot. And across Alabama, the voter participation number hit 41.4 percent. Since 1988, the Alabama Secretary of State’s office reports that in presidential primaries, the voter turnout has averaged much lower: • June 7, 1988 – 20 percent • June 2, 1992 – 29 percent • June 4, 1996 – 23 percent • June 6, 2000 – 20 percent • June 1, 2004 – 17 percent • Feb. 5, 2008 – 42.6 percent • March 13, 2012 – 24.42 percent In the past seven presidential primary elections, an average of 25 percent of the state’s registered voters have found the motivation to cast a ballot. It’s hard to say exactly what drove the surge at the polls. In Elmore County there were some hotly contested commission races that were a big factor. In Tallapoosa County there were very few contested races, but still people voted. Perhaps it was the presidential race, which has seen unprecedented news coverage, a massive number of debates and a huge helping of controversy as well. Some have credited the GOP frontrunner for the flow to the polls. This year billionaire/reality TV star Donald Trump has been the big draw. Despite your political views, it is obvious that he has impassioned our country’s voters. While we think Trump would be a dangerous U.S. president because of his governmental inexperience and his mercurial personality, we’re happy to see that more people are now involved in the presidential election process. That is indeed a positive takeaway from this year’s Super Tuesday voting in our area.
I
believe in signs. I’d struggled mentally, physically, and emotionally for quite some time when in early December I finally swallowed my pride and went to the VA in Tuskegee. When I returned from my last deployment five years ago, I went to the VA in Birmingham and had a negative experience with my doctor on my initial visit and never returned. My experience in Tuskegee was very different from the start. The enrollment clerk was very pleasant, and, as mentioned in an earlier article, the first available appointment just happened to be the very last slot on Christmas Eve. I truly believe that was a gift from God. That was a sign. I really liked my doctor. When I walked into his office, the first words out of his mouth were “War Eagle.” I was wearing an Auburn jacket. Our relationship was off to a great start. He’d spent 10 years as a flight surgeon in the Air Force. Whether I told him about my migraines, my sleep issues, or my allergic reactions to Bama fans, he was there to help me. Unlike the guy in Birmingham, he actually cared. His name was Dr. Canfield, and he would have been my primary care physician from that point on,
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
but he was getting ready to retire from the VA. As far as I know, that was his last day of work. Perhaps it wasn’t, but it was the last time I saw him. I’m just glad I got into the system with him. That was a sign of good things to come. He told me he was opening a private practice in Auburn. I wish I’d gotten his number. Two months later, after years of procrastination, I visited the Veterans Service Office at the Lee County Courthouse. If I was just looking for a check, I would have been there years earlier, but after all my years of service including three tours in Iraq, it was time. The aches and pains, mental and physical, were almost too much to bear at times. Some of my peers had begged and pleaded for me to go. I had a great meeting with the veterans service officer and had actually met him years ago before he held this position. That, too, was a good sign. Later, I drove through downtown
Opelika and stopped at Dorris Sign Co. to talk to my friend LaGina about having T-shirts made. I believe in figurative signs, but they believe in literal signs. It’s what they do, and they do a great job. We looked at different colors and different styles, and then she pointed at one hanging on the far end of the wall. I walked down to take a look. It was a nice T-shirt, but that’s not what caught my attention. I looked down on the table in front of me. It was a sign—literally and figuratively. It was the only sign there, and it could have been made any day in the past or any day in the future. In fact, I don’t know when it was made. The only thing I know is that I didn’t have to stop that day and he could’ve used any sign company in the area. The sign was for Dr. Canfield. It also had his phone number. Like I said, I believe in signs. Keep your eyes open. Signs are all around us. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
Eclectic Observer The
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eclectic Observer, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $25 One Year Elsewhere: $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 313
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Tales of genuine mentorship and old campaign secrets
O
ne of the finest men to ever serve in Alabama government is Albert Brewer. He is one of the most quality and highest caliber individuals to ever rise to the governor’s office. Brewer hailed from Morgan County in the heart of the Tennessee Valley. He was first elected to the legislature from Decatur in 1958 at the very young age of 28. He was identified early as a rising star. In fact, his star was meteoric. During his second term in 1962, he was elected Speaker of the House at age 32 – an unheard of feat. Besides being on a political fast track by the time he was in mid-30s, Brewer was also considered one of the best attorneys in Decatur. He is a kind, considerate, and genuinely sincere man with the most pleasant and contagious smile and countenance. Once you meet Albert Brewer you immediately warm up to him and like him. His smile and disposition can melt the most hardened enemy. Gov. Brewer became especially dear to me. When I first met Gov. Brewer, I was a 12-year-old page from Troy and Brewer was Speaker of the House. My mentor and sponsor was my representative from Troy, Mr. Gardner Bassett. Mr. Gardner was in his 70s and he loved Brewer. Since Mr. Gardner and I were close, he got me acquainted with the young Speaker from Morgan County. Brewer graciously took me under his wing and would
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
let me run special errands for him. Occasionally he even let me sit next to him in the presiding officer’s chair. This pleased Mr. Gardner because he had told Brewer of my love of politics and that when Mr. Gardner retired that I would run for and take his house seat and that is eventually what happened. Therefore, it was no secret to Brewer that I aspired to get into politics and eventually run for the legislature. He and Mr. Gardner would share legislative stories and history with me. When Brewer became Lieutenant Governor in 1966, he took me over to the Senate with him to be head of the Pages. This allowed me to work in the legislature during the summer while growing up. One day, Brewer said I want to tell you a campaign secret. He began his lesson by explaining that when you get ready to run for the legislature you should start your campaign in the country. He then explained why. It was based on the old bandwagon theory. He said people in the rural towns and hamlets have more time on their hands. They like politics better than their neighbors in the city, they talk more, they appreciate your interest more and
they want to be asked for their vote. Therefore, if you work the rural community first, they talk about you being there and they will commit to you early. At that time, if a person in a rural area told you they were going to vote for you, you could take that to the bank. Therefore, if you got there first, you could wrap up that area early and forever. Another big plus of working the country first was that whenever any person from that rural box came into the larger town or county seat to shop or get their haircut and the city folks asked about politics out their way, the rural man would say, “I don’t know about the other races but that Brewer boy is going to get all the votes up here for that open Legislative seat.” Then the bandwagon domino theory was on. The city folks assumed that if all the country folks were for someone that candidate was bound to win in a landslide so they better get on board too. That was a good lesson. I took Gov. Brewer’s advice in my first race and I got 82% of the vote over two opponents. By the way, Gov. Brewer is doing well today. After years as a successful practicing attorney, he went on to become a professor at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. My daughter had the opportunity to get to know him while she was in law school at Cumberland. She took several classes he taught, worked with him on the Alabama Constitutional
Law Project, and still looks to him as a mentor. Gov. Brewer still has that endearing warm smile and personality. He is a prince of a fellow. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
YOUR VIEW
Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.? WRITE: Your View The Eclectic Observer P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092 EMAIL: News@ TheWetumpkaHerald. com Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.
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Taxes
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
continued from page 1
• Real-Estate Tax on Median State House Value: $538 • Real-Estate Tax on Median U.S. House Value: $764 • Vehicle Property Tax on Highest-Selling Car: $173.68 Those numbers mean that Alabamians pay an average of $226 less in property taxes than the rest of the nation. Some other key stats that were part of the report included: • New Jersey has the highest real-estate taxes, $4,029, which is eight times more expensive than in Hawaii, the state with the lowest, $489. • Twenty-seven states levy some form of vehicle property tax. Of those states, Rhode Island has the highest, $1,099, which is 13 times more expensive than in Montana, the state with the lowest, $86. • Blue States, or traditionally Democratic states, have 39 percent higher real-estate property taxes, averaging $2,280, than the majority Republican Red States, averaging $1,642, according to WalletHub. Want to see how other states fared? Check out the full report at https://wallethub.com/edu/states-withthe-highest-and-lowest-property-taxes/11585/
Local Walmart employees get big pay hike
Council
continued from page 1
back and said Alabama Power said we didn’t have enough kids on free lunches to get the lighting grant,” Burkett said. “The light poles are in terrible shape. I mean there is one that is about to fall. It’s going to fall at anytime.” If these needed repairs are not done quickly, by the first of April, EYBO could possibly be in a situation where the organization can no longer host tournaments. “We can’t have tournaments if there is no place to park. We can’t make money and progress the ballpark if we have nowhere for parking. We tried to extend the handicap parking about two weeks ago and the response I got back was that it wasn’t a priority to extend it,” he said. As funds dwindle, the EYBO believes the city should step-up and make the needed repairs to the facility, which it owns. “We’re fighting a losing battle,” he said. “We have to pay 25 percent of the light bill but it’s a city park. The league is running out of money fast. We can’t just keep on with no help from the city at all… we have no help, none. We poured concrete for batting cages. We paid for the concrete but we had to pay the city $600 to pour it for us, with city employees. Instead of the city doing it themselves.” Councilwoman Wanda Estes helped the league with cleaning over the weekend and after seeing the condition of the park agrees with Burkett.
Some employees will see $3 an hour more, as minimum raised to $10 By MITCH SNEED Editor
Monday was like Christmas for many of the 303 employees at the Walmart in Wetumpka as well as the 299 at the Millbrook store. The employees all saw their pay increase as a result of what the retail chain called “the largest single-day, private-sector pay increase ever.” According to Walmart officials, the move will mean that the minimum amount paid to any non-probationary employee will be $10 per hour. The move essentially means that the minimum wage for Walmart employees is now $10 per hour. Walmart officials say the actual amount of the increases will vary, depending on where the employee is on the scale and the job classification. Officials said increases can be as much as $3 an hour and in some cases the increase may be less than $1. Officials said the increase will impact 1.2 million Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S., and more than 33,000 in Alabama. The increases will appear on the March 10th paychecks for employees, officials said. “The increases are part of the company’s two-year, $2.7 billion investment in higher pay, better training, clearer career paths and additional educational opportunities for its workers,” according to a released statement. The company has also instituted a plan that included quarterly cash bonuses based on the performance of their store. For the last fiscal year, Walmart said it paid associates across the country more than $550 million in bonuses, including more than $19 million in Alabama.
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“I spent my weekend up there helping them clean,” she said. “And I don’t know why the town employees have not been out there to see what’s been worn up and broken.” Another main concern is the condition of the concession stand. “The concession stand is falling in,” said Burkett. “It’s been there for 35 years.” When asked, Mayor Davenport knew exactly how much money was in the bank for funding the ballpark. “For recreations and parks, the city has $1,009.72 in the bank,” Davenport said. “That’s what that type of maintenance would come out of. That’s probably about the same money that’s been in there for the past year.” Davenport pointed out that Panther Palace was in desperate need of repair as well and was frustrated with the work of vandals who continuously deface the park. “Basically, as it stands, this would come out of general funds. We need to put a line item budget in for maintenance. As bad as Aaron Park is, Panther Palace is just as bad. Every time we spend money over there it gets damaged or torn up.” By the end of the discussion, the mayor agreed to meet Burkett at Aaron Park to see what repairs need to be done immediately so that the park can hold the upcoming tournament in April.
FAITH
Phone 334-567-7811 kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com
PAGE 6 • MARCH 10, 2016
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Be thankful for family and God’s grace
I
am not from here so I have an advantage over many of you. I can’t be judged by my family’s past, good or bad. That is an advantage. I m not a bad sort, I could be better, but I don’t drink, smoke or chew, and didn’t date women who do. I know that doesn’t make sense but it is a form of an old saying. Now, if you lived in Huntsville, Alabama, and knew the Troglens from West Huntsville and then met me for the first time and found out I am from that brood, things would be quite different. The Troglens from West Huntsville were known as brawlers, heavy, heavy drinkers and a bit confrontational. There are not many of the local bars that didn’t know my dad or my uncles, well. If I had been put up for pastor in that area I am sure some would not want me because of my family. How sad considering I am not like them. Now, if you had known my mother’s family, the Greens from Farley, Alabama, it would be different in another way. My grandfather, Bud Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist
REV. JAMES TROGLEN First Baptist Church
Green, was a hard working and honorable farmer, well respected and thought of throughout Madison County. If, in that area, I had been put up for a pastorate I would have gotten it in a heartbeat. What a difference, depending on what part of my family you knew. The truth is I have always wanted to be judged for myself and who I am, not who they are. Now I love all my family and most of my uncles have redeemed themselves and are valuable and contributing members of society now. I loved them while they weren’t but it is easier and less painful now. But I am not Gaylon or Wayne Troglen nor am I Bud or Earl Green. I am James Troglen -
Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY
Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence
myself. I have worked hard to be who I am, God has worked diligently to help me become who I am. I am even grateful for my failings; for discovering them and paying the price for them has helped me learn what I should be and how to become a better person. I don’t mind people finding fault with me when it is me - but not because I am related to Gerry Troglen. All I ask is for people to look at me and see if they can like me. Listen to my words, not my granddaddy Green’s. Look at MY actions NOT Buddy Troglen’s. Then if you do not like me - I will be hurt, but can deal with it, maybe even see somewhere I need to change. But only if it is me being looked at will I see I need change or not. I am glad God looks at me and not my family. I wouldn’t have a prayer if he had looked at my ancestors. In fact, I wouldn’t have had a chance at First Baptist if they had looked at some of my relatives. Not a chance! But God looks at me, thank you Lord, and even that is lacking tre4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN
mendously. I need forgiveness every day just like you do. Whenever I think of the grace of God I am reminded of a little story I heard over 20 years ago. A widower for many years came back from one of his many trips to St. Louis and joyfully announced his engagement to a woman whom he had been courting for some time. “How did you propose?” his family asked. “I didn’t have to,” he replied. “She proposed to me! You see.” He continued, “Last year I asked her to marry me, but she said she could never marry a man unless he could save at least $1,000 in one year. On this last visit, I didn’t even mention marriage, but she asked me how much money I had saved. When I told her $28.36; she said, ‘That’s close enough!’” Through the grace of God and Jesus’ sacrifice for me it’s enough. Rev. Troglen is the minister at The First Baptist Church of Wetumpka.
Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135
Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist
Area Church Services Agapé Assembly of God Hwy. 63 North Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Night Service 7 p.m. Balm of Gilead Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Bethlehem East Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Evening 7 p.m. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 130, Eclectic 36024 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Services 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday Services 6 p.m. Friday Services 6 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Class 1st Tuesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m. Central Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Adult Choir Practice 5 p.m. Evening Worship Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Children, Youth and Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Central United Methodist Church Sunday Morning 9:30 a.m.
Chaney Creek Primitive Baptist Church Every Sunday except 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m. Saturday before 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m. Chapel United Methodist Church Services 2nd and 4th Sunday 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 2nd and 4th 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 1st, 3rd and 5th 10 a.m. Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m. Eclectic First Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m. Youth, Children and Adult Studies and Activities 6:15 p.m. Eclectic United Methodist Church 1035 Main Street Morning Service 10:50 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m. Service 6:30 p.m.
Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 9 a.m. Morning Worship 10 a.m. Evening Worship 5 p.m. Wednesday: Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m. Good Hope Baptist Church 1766 S. Fleahop Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m. TeamKID and “R.U.S.H” Youth Celebration 6:30 p.m. Healing Waters Church of God 1639 Kowaliga Road Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Family Training Hour 7 p.m. Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church Hwy. 9 Nixburg Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Mt. Hebron Church of Christ 4530 Mt. Hebron Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 10 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday:
Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m. Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday: Children in Action 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. First Wednesday of Month Potluck supper, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Sunday: Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Practice 6:30 p.m. Prospect Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Discipleship Training 6 p.m. Worship Service 7 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Teen Kid 6:30 p.m. Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Rock Springs Baptist Church 375 Rigsby Rd, Tallassee AL 334-283-1156
Submit your church calendar items and events to: thewetumpkaherald.com
Rushenville Baptist Church 10098 Georgia Road Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 5 p.m. Bible Study 6 p.m. GA’s, RA’s 6 p.m. Adult Choir Practice 6:45 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6 p.m. Salem Road Baptist Church 12 Old Salem Road Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday Night Services 6 p.m. Wednesday Evening Prayer 7 p.m. Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Bible Study 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Praise 7 p.m. Union No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church PO Box 240452 Eclectic, AL 36024 Sunday School - 10 a.m. Morning Worship - 11:15 Tuesday Bible Study - 6 p.m. Watson Chapel Congregation 2223 East Cotton Road Sunday School 10 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
MARCH 10, 2016 • PAGE 7
Elmore County Animal Shelter needs your help REA CORD Executive Director
The new Shelter Challenge began March 7, and our chance to win $1,000 for our pets if we finish in first place in Alabama! The best way for us to win is to leap out in first place today and stay there. Please go to www.shelterchallenge.com where you will be able to vote every day from work, home, school, smart phone, etc. Once there the easiest way to find us is to type in our zip of 36092 or Wetumpka, AL. Some web browsers do not work with this site, so if you have problems, please first try a different browser to access the site.
Thanks everyone for taking literally just a minute of your time every day to help us win big for our animals! Our shelter is lucky to have an awesome group on our side – the Predator’s Motorcycle Association (PMA)! The PMA and our shelter are looking forward to the upcoming 14th annual Cruisin ‘fer Critters on Saturday, May 7 at Papa T’s, 3420 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Registration starts at 11 a.m. with last bike out by 1 p.m. Each ‘hand’ is $15 for which you get an event patch, goodie bag, food, door prize ticket and more such as live music, motorcycle games, bike/car wash and
just a great day of fun. Best hand wins $250, 2nd best wins $100 and worst hand wins $50 (must be present to win). There is a $5 minimum if you don’t want to play a ‘hand.’ Sponsorships are available and start at $100 so please contact John West at 334-2947154 or email us at the shelter at hselco@bellsouth.net if you would like to be a sponsor or for any questions. Spring is right around the corner and will bring us a huge influx of litters. If you find a mom and her litter or if you have a mom and litter you intend to bring to us we implore you to wait until the babies are closer to 7-8 weeks old if at all
possible. While we love and care for all our pets as best we can, there is simply not enough space in the shelter, nor enough foster homes, to raise litters for weeks and weeks until they are ready to be adopted. There are also a number of physiological and psychological reasons for puppies and kittens to stay with their moms and siblings until they are finished weaning. Besides the nutritional advantage of staying with mom long enough, puppies and kittens learn a lot of lessons from their mothers & siblings as they grow. Puppies & kittens weaned too early can develop potential health and behavior challenges down the road – some
Meet Cubby - Pet of the week Cubby is 5 months old as of early March and is a too cute Catahoula/Lab mix boy. He loves to play, grabbing his toys and racing all around with them. He’s a loving boy who also wants to please. Right now he’s wondering why he’s the last of his litter to be adopted, so let’s find him that special
family he’s waiting for. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip,
heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.
elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth. net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Monday–Friday 10-5 and Saturday 9-3.
of which are cute, some irritating and some may result in that pet being given away, abandoned or taken to a shelter eventually. If you do have a litter of puppies or kittens you need to bring us we ask that you try to keep them until they are closer to eight weeks old if at all possible since space is our limiting factor and
being able to place them for adoption immediately truly helps them and the other animals also desperately looking for new homes. To contact the shelter for any questions please contact us at hselco@ bellsouth.net or call us at 334-567-3377.
PAGE 8 • MARCH 10, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
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Submitted / The Observer
Above, Avery Thomas, Julian Vilardi, Barrett Sexton, Tyler Thorne, Richie Hicks, Hannah Daniel and Ali Boardwine pose at Thursday’s competition at Auburn University. Below, Ali Boardwine and Julian Vilardi placed higly at the regional science fair Thursday in Auburn and will now advance to the state competition beginning later this month.
Area students shine at regional science fair STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
On Thursday March 3rd, seven students from Elmore County attended the Greater East Alabama Regional Junior Division Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) at Auburn University in Auburn. These seven students (Julian Vilardi, Avery Thomas, Barrett Sexton, Tyler Thorne, Richie Hicks, Hannah Daniel, and Ali Boardwine) had qualified to compete by their outstanding performance at the Elmore County Science Fair. The students displayed their posters and went through a rigorous interview process. Eighty-four students from 11 different school systems competed in the fair. Two of the seven Elmore County students took top awards along with several special and category awards. Ali Boardwine from Elmore County Middle School placed Third in Best of Show, first in the Animal and Plant Science Category along with winning the Air Force Special Award and qualifying for the Broadcom Masters Award.
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Julian Vilardi from Wetumpka Middle School placed first in Best of Show, first in the Energy and Environmental Category along with the Geosciences Award, the Future Scientist Award, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award and qualified for the Broadcom Masters Award. Ali and Julian will continue competition at the State Science and Engineering Fair March 31-April 2 at UAH in Huntsville.
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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Time to consider a plan for integrated pest management
I
ntegrated Pest Management, or IPM, is the practice of using a variety of methods to manage pests. When used correctly, pesticides can be a great tool for managing pests, but they should not be the first action to manage pest problems. The questions I answer during the growing season are usually related to insects, disease, weeds, and nutrition. Many of these problems can be managed without the use of pesticides. What does nutrition have to do with pesticides? Poor growing plants are more susceptible to insects and disease. In contrast, plants growing in healthy soils are more resistant to insects and disease. How do we make our soil healthy? Improving the soil by adding organic matter helps greatly. You can buy organic matter or compost your own. Growing cover crops when the vegetable crop is finished is also a good idea. Growing crops such as cereal rye or crimson clover during the fall and winter season will keep the organic matter from washing away from the field or garden and adds additional organic matter as well. If you have room, summer cover crops such as sorghum, sudangrass or iron clay cowpea can be planted in the spring in areas of the field or garden that are not in production. Lots of information can be found on our web
DR. CHIP EAST Guest Columnist
site in a publication called “Cover Crops for Alabama.” Adding animal manure can be a good idea, but I do not like to use it within 120 days of harvest. The reason for the 120-day wait is the potential for pathogen contamination into the crop. Animal manure is a great source of nutrients and organic matter and is recommended in many cases. However, you should be aware that some herbicides that are used in forage/livestock production can remain active in the manure. If you do not know what herbicides have been used on the pastures or hayfields, you may want to reconsider the use of animal manure. Remember to do a soil test of your field or garden. Lots of time and money goes into producing a crop, and many problems are related to nutritional deficiencies. I would suggest a commercial farmer soil test every year, and I would highly
recommend a home gardener soil test every two or three years. All the information for soil testing can be found at your local Extension office. You should get your results back in a week, and the Extension office will be glad to explain the soil test results if needed. The soil lab can also do a nutrient analysis on plant material (leaves) if needed. This costs a little more money than a soil test, but can be very valuable information for the grower. When choosing which varieties or cultivars to grow, try to plant ones with disease resistance when possible. Many diseases can be avoided just by planting disease resistant seeds. These seeds may cost a little more and can sometimes be hard to find, but may be beneficial if diseases can be avoided. Watermelon seeds can be purchased that are resistant or tolerant to anthracnose, fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew. Tomato cultivars are available that are resistant to many diseases including fusarium wilt and tomato spotted wilt virus. You can even grow heat set tomatoes that produce better in the higher temperatures of summer. The Extension office will be glad to provide you with information on disease resistant seeds, but the first step may be identifying the disease, and we can help with that too.
Do not forget about crop rotation. This means you need to be rotating vegetable families. For example, tomato, pepper, and eggplant are in the same family and should be planted together. Next season plant another vegetable family in that place. Many farmers have several sites for crops and keep a record of where things were planted from year to year. The longer you go without planting a crop from the same vegetable family in the same location, the better. My first thought as I think of crop rotation is disease management, but crop rotation helps with insect and nutrient management as well. The crop rotation information can be found on our web site by typing “crop rotation” in the search box. Other aspects of IPM will be discussed in my next article. If you have any questions on IPM, give us a call at your local Extension office. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Dr. Chip East is a regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
MARCH 10, 2016 • PAGE 11
Elmore County EMA reschedules SKYWARN course By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
After cancelling last month’s SKYWARN course due to the threat of inclement weather, the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency has rescheduled the course for March 17 from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Millbrook Civic Center, located at 3168 Park Circle. Registration is now open. The cost is free and the course is a basic storm-spotter class. This free training is provided by the National Weather Service’s Weather Forecast Office in Birmingham and is offered to anyone 12 and older who has an interest in learning about severe weather. The National Weather Service’s trained volunteer weather spotters will teach the upcoming SKYWARN course. The information reported by
trained spotters, along with Doppler radar, satellite and other data enables the National Weather Service to release the most rapid and precise warning possible in the event of a tornado, severe thunderstorm and flash flooding events. “If you’re placed under a severe thunderstorm warning, your action steps should be the same as under a tornado warning,” said Kim Trost, ALEM Program Coordinator & PIO for the Elmore County EMA. “When you start thinking about the power that a thunderstorm can punch, it really doesn’t matter if those winds are coming in a straight line or if they are twirling. The potential is there for property damage, injury and even death.” The spotlight of the upcoming SKYWARN storm-spotter course is to inform anyone who is interested along with members of local law enforcement,
fire and rescue, emergency medical services, public works, amateur radio operatives, etc., about SKYWARN procedures for safely spotting and reporting severe thunderstorms and harsh weather occurrences. This course is not designed for “storm chasers” and SKYWARN does not support or demonstrate how to pursue storms or harsh weather occurrences. Furthermore, this course does not encourage or teach spotters how to chase storms, but rather how to safely observe and report them. SKYWARN is the only spotter training class to be hosted by the Elmore County EMA for 2016. Registration is required to attend this coarse. Registration for SKYWARN will remain open until 5 p.m. on March 17. To make a reservation call 334567-6451 or email Kim Trost at ktrost@elmoreco.org .
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Commissioners release important runoff election information STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Primary Election Runoff is just around the corner on Tuesday, April 12. Anyone may register to vote if he or she resides in Alabama, is at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, hasn’t been barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction, and hasn’t been declared mentally incompetent by a court. APRIL 12, 2016 PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION DEADLINES Monday, March 28 – Voter registration deadline Thursday, April 7 – Last day to apply for absentee ballot Monday, April 11 – Deadline to hand-deliver or postmark absentee ballot Voter Registration forms may be picked up at the Board of Registrar’s Office in the Elmore County Courthouse in downtown Wetumpka. Forms can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website (alabamavotes.gov) and mailed to Elmore County Board of Registrars. All state and county offices providing public assistance (Medicaid, WIC, DHR, etc.) also have voter registration forms available. Absentee ballots may be obtained from the Circuit Clerk’s Office in the Judicial Complex at 8935 US Highway 231 in Wetumpka. For questions regarding Absentee Ballots, contact the Circuit Clerk at 334514-3116. In order to vote, Alabama requires voters to have a valid photo ID at the polls. Any voter without photo ID is eligible to obtain a free Alabama Photo Voter ID card by visiting the Board of Registrars’ Office. For more information, visit www.alabamavoterid.com. By law, voters who fail to present valid photo ID will be allowed to vote using a provisional ballot. Individuals barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction may request to restore their voting rights (if all terms of the felony conviction sentence have been fulfilled). Contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at 334-242-8700 for assistance. Additional election information including polling place verification, ballot application status, sample ballots, etc. can be reviewed at alabamavotes.gov. Citizens may also contact the Elmore County Board of Registrars Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 334-567-1150.
Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com
PAGE 12 • MARCH 10, 2016
SPORTS
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Brown earns USA Today All-USA honors
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Elmore County senior shortstop Shannon Darnell (26) unloads a throw to first base Tuesday during a doubleheader against Benjamin Russell at Tony J. McGhee Field.
BRHS blasts Elmore County for 28 runs in DH sweep By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Benjamin Russell cranked out 28 runs on 30 hits, sweeping Elmore County Tuesday in a doubleheader, 12-5 and 16-6 in six, at Tony J. McGhee Field. The Wildcats scored at least one run in 11 of the 13 innings of the twinbill, capitalizing on defensive miscues from the Panthers (4-10), who were coming off a 10-0 win over Central-Coosa on Saturday. Despite allowing 30 hits, ECHS head baseball coach Wendell Jackson credited his team’s six errors for Ben Russell’s sustained offense. “Our pitchers are doing fine. We’re making too many errors, too many mistakes defensively,” Jackson said. “We’re turning an error into two runs whether it’s allowing the leadoff hitter on or allowing an error to dictate how the rest of the inning progresses from there. “The pitchers (against BRHS) gave us a chance, we just had several occasions where we led off the inning with an error and it escalated from there. It seems like when we put it together offensively – we had two decent games – and for the most part our pitching gave us a chance, the defense didn’t play very well. When we play quality teams like we do, it’s very tough to overcome mistakes, giving them extra outs.” In game 1, the Wildcats scored all 12 of their runs in the first six frames on 13 hits off Elmore County starter Jonathan Stiff and Chandler Falks, led by Austin Elliott
and Darius Jackson, who each had 2 RBIs. Stiff took the loss, lasting four frames and allowing nine runs, while Falks pitched the last three innings, giving up as many runs while striking out two. For the Panthers, hits came at a premium off BRHS starter Timmy Lawson, who earned the win giving up just four, as junior outfielder Chase Motes hit an RBI double along with senior Nathan Taylor’s RBI sacrifice fly in third. Elmore County got its final two runs in the bottom of the sixth off a two-run double from Skyler Sanders, plating Stiff and Cody Watson, pinch running for catcher Eli Cobb. Ben Russell kept the offense rolling in the nightcap, collecting 17 hits in six frames. Senior first baseman Josh Wilson led ECHS with three hits of his own, and the Panthers tied the game, 5-5, in the bottom of the third, but the Wildcats put up four runs in the fifth and seven in the sixth, to push the game out of reach. “We swung it better over a two-game stretch against Ben Russell than we have in a while. I think it’s because we have a little more confidence going up to the plate,” Jackson said. “We put on some hit-and-runs early and the counts made them swing. That may have something to do with it, putting on some hit-and-runs and they did a good job of that.” ECHS hosts the Day of Baseball Saturday.
ECHS to host state powerlifting championships By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
For the second straight year, Elmore County High will host the Alabama High School State Powerlifting Championships Saturday, as the boys and girls teams look to add to their consecutive title streaks. ECHS hosted the state meet last March for the first time, with the girls winning their fourth straight state championship and the boys locking down their sixth straight and ninth championship in 10 state appearances. Panther powerlifting coach Daniel Carpenter said Tuesday it’ll be tougher this year as he expects there to be close to 300 competitors at the event, nearly triple the amount of lifters from 2015. “Our main focus is number one is not to get hurt,” Carpenter said. “We want them to go in, start and finish the meet. Number two, hopefully they can beat their old maxes. Three, with that, hopefully that can place. And then four, maybe their placement will be at a state championship level for our team and individual records. “The main thing is them showing up, being consistent. That really helps out. You never know how you’re going to do, it depends on who else shows up, too.” Recent success, the new weight room inside the new gymnasium, plus having the state meet on campus last year, has ramped up excitement for powerlifting, as Carpenter has the largest girls team he’s ever had and the strongest commitment from all lifters. “I think everybody around here is a lot more excited, especially with our new weight room and using this to help fundraising to put some new equipment in there. I think it’s helping our strength and conditioning program
overall,” he said. “It’s helping us out with our own program here and hopefully with a big draw on Saturday.” With the increased numbers, more teams and powerlifters will have the opportunity to capture a state crown as a championship has been added for each weight classification for the girls competition and a top three overall for teams 1A through 7A. “Hopefully they’ll see a good meet, see kids enthused about competing.” Admission will be $5 as the event will get started at 9 a.m., and concessions will be on-hand.
Being labeled one of the best, no matter who says it or how many times it’s said, always catches you off-guard. Or at least it does to Elissa Brown. USA Today, a national print and online publication, named the Elmore County High senior to its All-USA Preseason Softball Team for 2015-16, released Thursday on its web site. Already signed to play college softball at the University of Alabama, currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, Brown said seeing her name on the USA Today’s list of the top 20 players was unexpected. “I actually was surprised,” she said. “USA Today, you don’t really think about that. Me and my parents were like, Cory Diaz / The Herald ‘what is this?’ I was thankful. It’s kind of a big deal being Elmore County senior shortstop and University of Alabama picked by USA Today. “I’m just out there playing signee Elissa Brown was ball and I guess, when you’re named to the USA Today’s good – supposedly good – it Preseason All-USA Softball just happens. You’re doing Team Thursday. what you love and good things happen.” Brown joined future Crimson Tide teammate Bailey Hemphill, out of Lafayette, La., on the All-USA team, along with others who’ll play at the top collegiate programs around the country. “I was talking with my parents the other day and we were talking about me being chosen to play with Alabama. And how big of a deal this is,” Brown said. “Thousands of girls want to play for these D-I schools, and (UA softball coach Patrick Murphy) chooses me. “That’s kind of the same thing with this All-American team. There are millions of girls around the country, and they choose me. I’m just blessed with all this talent, the ability to do what I love and be recognized for it. I’m just thankful. It’s still hard to wrap my mind around it, but I like it.” So far in her senior season, Brown paces the Lady Panthers in every offensive statistical category from the leadoff spot, hitting .576 with 11 RBIs, 26 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, 10 walks, a .682 on-base percentage and an 1.773 on-base plus slugging percentage. As a leader for Elmore County in her final prep year, Brown said she wants to lead her team back to the playoffs. “Definitely making it to regionals this year because we didn’t make it last year. We got a little spark to us, we got a little fight to us,” she said. “We never give up. As a leader on the team, only one of two seniors, that’s what our main goal is this year, to make it to regionals and showcase our talent.”
Submitted / The Herald
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Elmore Count High powerlifters, along with hundreds of others, will vie for state championships at the Alabama High School State Powerlifting Meet Saturday at ECHS.
Huntingdon College football players received their USA South Athletic Conference championship rings Monday. The Hawks won their first conference title in program history this past season, finishing 7-0 in conference play, won their first postseason game and fell in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, 43-23 to No. 10 Mary Hardin-Baylor on Nov. 28. Huntingdon sophomore defensive back and former Elmore County High standout Austin Adams posed with his ring Monday.
Panthers start season strong, secure six gold medals at MA meet By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
In its season-opening meet, the Elmore County track and field team brought home six first-place medals from Montgomery Academy’s annual Race to Fight Hunger Meet Saturday in Montgomery. Freshman D.J. Patrick and eighth-grader Zefeniah Edwards captured two event titles apiece, and freshman Jeffery Purcell claimed one, toting the banner for the Panthers, who combined for 18 top-10 finishes at the meet. Patrick won the 13-14 boys division 200meter dash, with a time of 23.56, and the triple jump, with a measurement of 41 feet, 5.25 inches. Edwards grabbed the top prize
in the 13-14 boys division 400-meter dash, clocking in at 53.47, and the 800-meter run, coming in at 2:20.28. Purcell earned first place in the 13-14 boys javelin toss, measuring a throw of 120 feet, 10 inches, and also managed a runnerup finish in the 110-meter hurdles event, with a time of 20.15. Rounding the gold medals, the Elmore County boys ran the fastest time in the 13-14 boys 4X400-meter relay event at 3:58.45, and ran down a third-place showing in the 4X800-meter race at 10:05.94. Eighth-grader Hayden Bass claimed a silver medal in the 13-14 boys shot put with a toss of 34 feet, nine inches, while teammate Cole Boothe finished sixth. Bass came in fourth in the 13-14 boys discus event sling-
ing it 88 feet, seven inches. Young Panther athletes had a strong showing in the 13-14 boys 300-meter hurdles, as they filled in half of the top-six spots with eighth-grader Garrett Pattillo finishing third (50.89), eighth-grader Sam Bartlett fifth and Purcell sixth. Bartlett also brought home another fifthplace result in the 110-meter event running a 21.47. Freshman Cole Hagler placed sixth in the 13-14 boys 1,600-meter run, recording a time of 5:26.03. Junior Nathan Whorton came in seventh in the 17-18 boys javelin, tossing it 137 feet, one-half inch and senior Corey Boothe ended up ninth in the 17-18 boys 300-meter
hurdles with a time of 46.86. Behind Edwards, freshman Dalton Odom placed 10th in the 400-meter dash, clocking a 1:03.19, and 11th the 800-meter race, with a 2:39.93. On the girls side, sophomore Tishay Benson recorded the top finish, coming in 14th in the 13-14 girls javelin at 39 feet, 11 inches, while earning 25th-place in discus with a toss of 40 feet, 11 inches and ended up 32nd in shot put. Freshman Mazaria Ransaw ran down 17th in the 17-18 girls 400-meter dash race, coming in at 1:09.97, and sophomore Hannah Rawls finished 25th in the 17-18 girls long jump, measuring a leap of 12 feet, six inches.