WHS students put on petting zoo for elementary school.
Don’t cross the ‘Crazy Cat Ladies’
Sports: ECHS track team boasts ranked runners.
Eclectic Observer Page 4
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The
THURSDAY • MARCH 3, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 9
Sunday morning fire destroys mobile home
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The Eclectic Fire Department along with the Red Hill Fire Department were dispatched to a possible structure fire at 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28. The structure fire was in the 3200 block of Chana Creek Rd. Upon arrival at 2:57 a.m., the firemen discovered a singlewide mobile home with heavy smoke and fire erupt-
ing from various sides of the dwelling. “We arrived on scene and set up command, “ said Sergeant Andrew Wood with the Eclectic Fire Department. “Initially, there was heavy smoke billowing from two sides of the residence.” After setting up command, the fireContributed / The Observer fighters assessed the situation and attempted to enter the structure. Firefighters from the Eclectic Fire Department and the Red Hill Fire Department work together to extinSee FIRE • Page 11 guish an early morning fire Sunday in the 3200 block of Chana Creek Road.
Is prison reform a pass for criminals?
Election results favor Houston, Roby Voters elect two new county commissioners STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Voters in Elmore County elected two new county commissioners and gave overwhelming approval to District Attorney Randall Houston, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Martha Roby. It was also a big night for 19th Circuit District Attorney Randall Houston who was a big winner over challenger Casey Biggs. Houston finished with a whopping 71 percent of the vote. “I’m grateful to the voters of the 19th District for again giving me the opportunity to serve them as district attorney,” Houston said. It was the county commission where the big news was made. Challenger Kenny Holt beat out incumbent Mark Hragyil, but will head to a runoff with Shanna Chamblee in District 1. Hragyil had served for two terms. Holt had 1.692 votes and Chamblee had 1,026 in unofficial totals. Hragyil had posted 980 votes. Former commissioner Mack Daugherty beat James “Trey” Taylor in District 2. The unofficial vote total was 966 for Daugherty to 770 for Taylor. Daugherty was relieved and grateful following Tuesday’s election. “I am very humbled and appreciative to the voters of District Two. I can assure them without any reservation that I won’t let them down,” he said. “I See ELECTION • Page 5
Today’s
Weather
57 42 HIGH
LOW
FRIDAY: HIGH 57 LOW 33
Law enforcement officials say prison reform slights victims By MITCH SNEED Editor
Corey Arwood / The Observer
Elmore County Probate Court Judge John Enslen relays vote totals Tuesday at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
Eclectic, county sees very large voter turnout By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Elmore County Probate Judge Chief Elections Officer John Enslen said the 2016 Super Tuesday primary elections for the county produced the largest turnout of voters in recent election history, topping both 2014 and 2012 in voter turnout. When the final results were in late Tuesday night, overall turnout for Elmore County was roughly 45 percent with more than 20,000 registered votes. The numbers for Eclectic nearly mirrored the county averages and saw a slightly higher turnout of about 47 percent of the nearly 1,165 registered voters who cast 547 ballots at Eclectic Methodist Church, the town’s single polling place. “We had an outstanding turnout, the largest turnout in the memory of most voters,” Enslen said.
He explained his thoughts for the increase in numbers. “I think they’re two things that brought out the voters,” Enslen said. “One is a very strong voting support for Donald Trump, second thing were some hotly contested local races particularly commission races and the board of education.” Enslen said he had no position on the importance of any particular local race, and he laughed and said he did not have any comment on the presidential race. However, when the votes came in for the different precincts Enslen had a few clear questionable facial expressions at announcing the numbers of select presidential candidates up for election. Overall Elmore county voters voted 80.10 percent at 3,019 votes for former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and See TURNOUT • Page 11
Winston’s Law raises the punishment in child abuse cases By MITCH SNEED Editor
Those convicted of aggravated child abuse now face the possibility of life in prison after Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signed Winston’s Law on Tuesday. The bill was introduced following the indictment of Wetumpka’s Hallee McLeod, a mother who is accused of severely abusing her 4-year-old son. The bill was championed by 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Randall Houston who asked the Alabama Legislature to increase the possible maximum penalty for aggraContributed / The Observer vated child abuse for a child Gov. Robert Bentley hands Alabama Children First’s Christy Cain a pen from TuesSee WINSTON • Page 5 day’s signing of Winston’s Law in Montgomery. Winston, for whom the bill is named smiles big as Disrtict Attorney Randall Houston looks on.
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Prison reform has been an issue in Alabama for decades, with the population in some facilities at more than 200 percent. While the Alabama Legislature introduced a plan that will address many of the issues, many local officials said the plan may help overcrowding at the expense of public safety. In talking with the men elected by the citizens of Elmore and Tallapoosa counties, they see more problems than fixes with the new plan – especially for the victims. “I think it’s the victims who are being forgotten in all this,” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “Being a victim of a crime is a traumatic experience. Then once a suspect is caught, the legal process is long and that’s frustrating. Then throw into the process that even if they are convicted they may not get any jail time – that even makes it worse. I think it’s the victims who are being slighted in this change and I think that needs to be addressed.” Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said that in effort to ease jail overcrowding, the criminals are getting off See REFORM • Page 3
EMS annual giveaway, auction set for March 12 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Eclectic Middle School’s PTSO Steak Dinner $10,000 Giveaway and Silent Auction is set for Saturday, March 12 inside the Middle school gym with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and dinner beginning at 6p.m. This is the middle school’s largest and most profitable fundraiser of the year. This fundraiser is important to the school system because it offers additional funding that otherwise would not available. “The state provides some funding, See EMS • Page 3
PAGE 2 • MARCH 3, 2016
March 3
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Area Calendar
SCHOOL BOARD: Elmore County School Board meeting will hold a special called board meeting on Thursday, March 3, at 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Elmore County Board of Education, Boardroom at 100 H. H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, AL for information call 334567-1200 or emailwww.elmoreco.com. The purpose of the meeting is to consider a personnel action and other board business. A work session will be held following the special called board meeting. LITERACY NIGHT: March 3rd is Literacy Night at WES Activity Center. The public is invited and are encouraged to dress up as your favorite book character!
March 5
PRAYER AND HEALING SUMMIT: Open Arms International Outreach Ministry is hosting a Prophetic Prayer and Healing Summit March 5 at 3 p.m. at the Jeanette Barrett Civic Room behind the Wetumpka Depot Players. Free and open to the public. FISHING TOURNAMENT: The Eclectic Volunteer Fire Department is host a fishing tournament on March 5 at Wind Creek State Park from safe daylight until 3 p.m. The entry fee for this tournament is $100 per boat and there is a $5 launch fee that is required by the state park. Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 7, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. 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.. Elmore County BOE Meeting When: March 14, 4:30 p.m. Where: Eclectic Elementary School Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendent’s office before 4 p.m.
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-regis-
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Obituaries Alfred James Emfinger
ter 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. 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 up to 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! 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 30
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)-625-6774 or online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. Community Celebration BBQ Cookoff When: April 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Where: 7250 Central Plank Rd. Wetumpka, AL 36092 Details: Event is free. Come enjoy food, fun and fellowship and inflatables for the kids.
May 21
PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series. Non-racers are welcome to watch. UNION ACADEMY REUNION: The Union Academy Senior Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion and barbecue. When: May 24, 2 p.m. Where: University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. Details: All students, faculty, their famililies, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, email hughesautoparts@ centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds,334-283-2233, email steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, email auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-5081768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
May 28-29
ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefiting Children’s Harbor.
ONGOING EVENTS WETUMPKA CITY POPS: Wetumpka City Pops community band rehearses on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration building. Any woodwind, brass, and percussion players are encouraged to participate. Santuck Flea Market When: First Saturday, March-December, dawn to 2 p.m. Where: Area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church Details: An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more.
EMFINGER, JAMES Alfred, age 67, a resident of Eclectic, AL died Tuesday March 1, 2016. Funeral services will be held Saturday March 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. from The Chapel of Gassett Funeral Home with Minister Douglas McKenney officiating. Interment will follow in Bullard Cemetery. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Cathy Emfinger; one son, Dustin L. Emfinger; three daughters, Jamie E. Moyers, Kristen E. Fox, and Carrie B. Emfinger; one sister, Cheryl E. Martin; seven grandchildren, Andrew James Fox, Elijah Kyle Causey, Dylan Paul Fox, Chloe Danyel Moyers, Gabriel Zane Jernigan, Triston Tyler Jernigan, and Alexander Lee Emfinger; two great grandchildren, Rylan Michael Paul Fox and Skye Rae Marie Fox. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2016from Gassett Funeral Home. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net Free admission to the public with free parking available. For info, call 334-567-7400. Bluegrass Jam When: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: All acoustic instruments welcome - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334-578-9485. Sit and Sew When: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: All sewers and knitters welcome. Bring your own sewing machine or hand-sewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org. Pottery Class When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: For age 16 and older. $80 for four classes or $20 per week. Taught every Saturday by Rick Bowman. Bring your own tools or use art center tools. Center provides other supplies. For info, call 334-313-1646. Creative Writing Workshop When: Saturdays, 11 a.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: For age 12 and older. $32 for four classes. Taught every Saturday by Cliff Wayne. For info, call 334300-9394. Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn When: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. Where: Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka Details: Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free. Open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/. SENIOR ACTIVITIES: “Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, Noon to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. New Regularly Scheduled Activities DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball! Bridge - Wanted: Bridge players for afternoon Bridge Club. Meets Wednesday afternoons Noon to 3 p.m. NOTE: For info on any Prime Time event, call 334-5671335. ECLECTIC: The Eclectic Senior Center is open every weekday until noon. For more info, call Deborah Rowe at 334-541-3581.
Tallassee Community Calendar Tallassee Board of Education When: March 10, 6 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Media Center Hammonds,334-283-2233, email steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, email auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
MARCH 3, 2016 • PAGE 3
Reform with light sentences at the expense of citizens. “We have some grave concerns about the watering down of sentencing of criminals and by watering down, that is a mild description of what has been done,” said Franklin. “No matter how you look at this, there are going to be criminals put back on the street that should be doing significant jail time. All that does is put citizens at risk and make our jobs in law enforcement even tougher.” The plan will encompass many things, including the closure of several prisons and the building of new facilities. One of those slated for closure is Wetumpka’s Tutwiler Prison for Women. But as far as addressing who gets to jail in the first place, the reforms include: • Creating a new category of felonies (Class D) meant to cover the least serious nonviolent crimes. Those sentenced under the new category rarely would go to prison. • Hiring more parole and probation officers to supervise inmates on the outside. • Establishing less severe punishment for those who commit “technical” violations of probation and parole, such as missing an appointment with an officer. • Forcing the parole board to disclose the reasons they reject parole.
continued from page 1
Parole approval rates in Alabama dropped from 43 percent in 2008 to 30 percent in 2013. • Giving convicted felons greater opportunities to serve their sentences in their home communities rather than prison. In a community corrections program, adopted and run at the county level, the offender must attend counseling and treatment programs at a facility during the day, with the freedom in most cases to return home at night. Abbett and other law enforcement officials went through training last week on the new guidelines with Judge Tom Young. Randall Houston held a similar training in Millbrook Friday for Elmore and Autauga law enforcement officials. Abbett said what he learned is most of the changes add up to lighter sentences that will keep people who have committed crimes on the streets. One of Tallapoosa County’s biggest problems is residential burglaries, due to the high quantity of lake property that is not always occupied, Abbett said. Under the plan, those would now fall under the new classification of a Class D felony. The sentence for that level of crime means that there would rarely be jail time upon conviction.
EMS but every school has local expenses for which the school is responsible,” said Blair Andress, principal of Eclectic Middle School. “Most schools require multiple school wide fundraisers… cookie dough sales, magazine subscriptions, etc.” While some of the individual class may hold fundraisers for certain causes throughout the school year, this is the one and only fundraiser that the middle holds school-wide. This event is an annual fundraiser and over the years it has seen some changes. “It began with just the steak dinner and drawdown, but several years ago, Eclectic Middle School added the auction,” Andress said. The silent auction has become a popular addition. The items up for auction have been donated by local business and
Another issue is with repeat offenders, where someone on probation for one crime commits another. “It used to be that if a person commits another crime while they were on probation, they would be put back in jail to serve the full term of the original sentence,” Abbett said. “Under this, the maximum time in jail that a probation violation will bring is 45 days until after they violate for the third time. Before that it is two or three days. It takes the sting out of it. Some criminals will look at it like it is worth chancing it.” Franklin said that while it may be called reform, easing overcrowded prisons by letting criminals walk the street is not an answer that most citizens want. “I can respect the fact that the state of Alabama is in a financial crisis, but this is not the answer,” Franklin said. “The extra money that people would have to pay to build additional prisons and cells would only be a morsel of what they will spend compared to the amount they will see in insurance rates under this plan. I hear it every day, where people are already seeing rates skyrocket because of this. It’s only going to get worse as this reform goes into full effect. ” He said that investigators who work hard will find
continued from page 1
each homeroom will also have a gift basket available for auction. The proceeds raised by the gift baskets will return to the classroom from which the basket came. “We will have dozens of items in the silent auction… baskets for each homeroom gift certificates to area restaurants, and much more,” Andress said. Besides the silent auction, this year’s event will also feature a traditional auction. “We also have a live auction with some great items,” he said. Just like last year, the school is selling only 300 tickets. The ticket entries will then be drawn for prizes. The first ticket drawn will win $100, the 100th ticket drawn will win $200, the 150th ticket drawn will also win $200, the 200th ticket drawn will win $500, the 250th ticket drawn will
win $1000 and the 300th ticket drawn will take home $8,000. “Last year was a record-breaking year,” he said. “For the first time, all 300 tickets were sold and the auction was also incredibly successful.” All proceeds are donated from the PTSO to the school. “The PTSO operates on a very tight budget so that the money can be invested in the school for the students,” Andress said. For more information on ticket sales call 334541-2131. Tickets may also be purchased the night of the event with the final ticket being sold at 5:45. Each ticket entitles the purchaser to two rib-eye steak dinners; additional dinners may be purchased for $15. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win.
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their jobs more difficult under the new plan. “We pride ourselves in the investigative division in staying well above the state average in solving crimes,” Franklin said. “Your people work hard to do that and then you tell them that they aren’t going to be able to put anyone in jail for any length of time? That’s just a tough pill to swallow right there. “This is one that you can’t blame on investigators, law enforcement or prosecutors. The finger needs to be pointed directly back to Montgomery and the legislators responsible for making these decisions. They aren’t doing the people of this state any favors, instead it’s a slap in the face of victims.” Senator Cam Ward who headed up the committee that shaped the reform plan wrote that one of the concerns was federal takeover. “(Federal takeover) is no idle fear,” Ward wrote. “When California’s prisons reached massive over-capacity, a federal judge stepped in and forced the state to release thousands of inmates because of crowded conditions. Hitting that point would mean loss of control over spending, over
sentencing and even over release dates of prisoners. In short, the federal gov-
ernment will decide who walks free and when.”
RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area
RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net LAKE MARTIN VIEW – 260 South Lands End, 3 bd/2 ba, 1 acre, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg. SOLDChurch. $69,000. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000. MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.
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 3, 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
Prison reform punishes victims, not criminals
T
here is no question that Alabama’s prison system is a mess. Overcrowding, poor conditions and a history littered with abuse of all kinds are just part of what is wrong in the places where criminals are supposed to pay for their crimes. Beginning at the State of the State Address, Gov. Robert Bentley introduced an ambitious plan that will build new prisons, hopefully addressing the conditions that some of the state’s prisons have become famous for. Yes, prisons do need to be replaced, but what came along with the reforms are changes to the sentencing structure that will give criminals such light sentences that it makes crime victims ask the question: Are they getting punished at all? The reforms include: • Creating a new category of felonies (Class D) meant to cover the least serious nonviolent crimes. Those sentenced under the new category would rarely go to prison. • Hiring more parole and probation officers to supervise inmates on the outside. • Establishing less severe punishment for those who commit “technical” violations of probation and parole, such as missing an appointment with an officer. • Forcing the parole board to disclose the reasons they reject parole. Parole approval rates in Alabama dropped from 43 percent in 2008 to 30 percent in 2013. • Giving convicted felons greater opportunities to serve their sentences in their home communities rather than prison. In a community corrections program, adopted and run at the county level, the offender must attend counseling and treatment programs at a facility during the day, with the freedom in most cases to return home at night. Is this what most of Alabamians want? No. In a state where the party of law and order and being tough on crime rules, legislators have passed a set of reforms that will make it almost impossible to keep those convicted locked up for any length of time. We would ask citizens who think this isn’t right and that it’s not what they want to contact their elected state officials and speak out. The victims of crime deserve far better.
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
Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305
Don't cross the 'Crazy Cat Ladies'
I
have lived, and I learned. I’ve learned that you don’t quit one job before you have another. I’ve learned that it’s okay to talk to professionals when you’re going through hard times. I’ve learned that you don’t leave a dead beaver floating in an ice chest for two weeks in the middle of an Alabama summer. These lessons are all documented. I’ve also learned you don’t tug on Superman’s cape, spit into the wind, pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger, and you don’t mess around with Jim, but I’ll be completely honest with you about something. I’m not too worried about Jim. Jim was my neighbor in Shreveport. He was weird. I will, however, tell you who you don’t mess around with and that is crazy cat ladies. I learned this first hand this past week, and I had no intentions of messing around with them in the first place. I blame it on Facebook. Facebook is the devil and has a new feature that allows the user to “react” to a friend’s post by clicking on an icon featuring an emotion. If you haven’t seen it, then it’s difficult to explain. It’d be about like explaining how to use a slide ruler to a kid, “new math” to an old person or common core math to me, so I just won’t. Just trust me on this one. I’ve often written about the
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
love I have for my animals in my articles and post about them daily online. They are a huge part of my life. Without thinking, I decided for Abby, my cat, to be a part of my six-second video of me reacting, literally, to Facebook’s new feature. The first three seconds of the video had me sitting in my recliner with Abby while I pretended to watch a friend’s video on my phone. The next three seconds I jumped up and down screaming. I was “reacting” to the faux video. Somewhere in the middle, Abby bolted from lap. I posted it on Facebook. What happened next will impact my life forever. It was as if a cat distress signal activated all the crazy cat ladies of the world uniting them as one. They all converged on my Facebook page, bombarding my video with comment after comment wondering how I could scare that poor defenseless cat in such a manner. Within minutes, they were organizing a “Cats Lives Matter” protest out in front of my house. They were throwing Molotov
cattails at my home. It was a horrific scene. We had to call in the National Guard. Perhaps Facebook has a cat distress feature that I’m unaware of. So, I’m exaggerating just a bit. There were only three of them, but they were three of the first four comments. On top of that, they are three of the sweetest, most supportive ladies I have ever known, but now I know something else. Don’t ever cross a cat lady. Lesson learned. I took the video down after that fourth comment. Abby is treated like a queen and lives better than 98 percent of the world’s population. I don’t know how many lives she used up before she landed with me, but she won’t need to use any more of them until it’s time to go to the land of giant catnip in the sky. I can’t judge the crazy cat ladies, because I may be a fanatical feline fella one day myself, that is, if I’m not one already. In fact, my friend Angela, already calls me “cat boy.” 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.
The reality of the electoral college votes and swing states
Y
ou know the outcome of our presidential preference primary yesterday. I do too, today; however, this column had to go to press a few days prior to the primary. Therefore, I will have to report and analyze your voting in a later column. One thing I do know is that we had a lot more attention paid to us in the Heart of Dixie because we had an early primary. The legislature is to be applauded for moving us up to participate in the March 1 SEC primary. It was fun while it lasted but we can say goodbye to presidential candidates in the Heart of Dixie for the remainder of the campaign. Whoever wins the GOP nomination will have to concentrate on the 10 battleground states during the fall. Under our electoral college system of selecting a president, we do not elect a president by a direct vote whereby the presidential candidate who gets the most votes nationwide is elected president. The votes in each of the 50 states are tallied and the candidate who carries each state gets all of that states electoral votes. Let us use Alabama as an example. We have seven congressional seats and two U.S. Senate seats. Therefore, we have nine electoral votes. California, the largest state in the union, has 55 electoral votes. They amazingly have 53 congressional seats, which means they have nearly eight times as many people in the Golden State as we do in Alabama. The bottom line is that the electoral college system favors the larger states, which tend to be liberal and
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
Democratic. This system also gives inordinate importance to states that are demographically blended to make them swing states. They are unpredictable and can swing to the Democratic or GOP candidate in the presidential race. The other 40 states essentially become irrelevant. We in Alabama are going to reliably vote for the Republican nominee even if it is Donald Duck. California is going to vote for the Democratic candidate even if it is Mickey Mouse. Therefore, simple math tells you that if the larger states like California and New York are going to vote for the liberal Democratic candidate and smaller states like Alabama and Kansas are going to vote for the conservative Republican candidate, then the advantage goes to the Democrat. You might say that the hay is already in the barn in about 40 states, us included. Because the Electoral College favors a liberal Democrat, Hillary Clinton will more than likely be our next president. A Republican almost has to have a straight flush in all 10 swing states and must carry Florida and Ohio, the two king key swing states. Less you feel cheated, our forefathers appear almost clairvoyant with their foresight in evening the playing field between the small and large states. We have an inherent inor-
dinate advantage in the U.S. Senate. We have two U.S. Senators and California has two U.S. Senators, even though each of their senators has eight times as many constituents as ours. So before you complain, put yourself in the shoes of a Californian. Their vote does not count in a presidential race and they have about as much representation in the U.S. Senate as a cow in Montana. However, our constitutional fathers left them one bastion of power. The U.S. House of Representatives calls for each congressional district throughout the country to have the same number of people. Everybody counts the same. Therefore, an assumption can be made that presidential politics favors a Democrat and the U.S. Senate favors the Republican Party. Thus, the battleground is the U.S. House of Representatives. Political analysts suggest that the 58 seat Republican control of Congress will continue into the future. That is because of projected population shifts to mostly red states in the south and west and Republican dominance of state legislatures, which draw congressional district maps in most states. This Republican control of state legislatures, which not only occurred in Alabama but throughout the country, gave the omnipotent power of the pencil to the GOP. When liberal Democrats drew the line they created coalition districts of different liberal groups – blacks, Hispanics and progressive whites. The demographic changes occurring in the country favor a Democratic president,
but the urbanization of the Democratic ranks has hurt their chances of regaining the U.S. House. This scenario has entrenched the Republican control of Congress. There are packed districts that are very red Republican conservative seats and very blue liberal Democratic seats and very few moderate lawmakers on Capitol Hill. This is also a recipe for gridlock. 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.
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MARCH 3, 2016 • PAGE 5
Election will serve all the people in the best way possible. “It is a relief,” Daugherty said. “I had a lot of volunteers to work very hard over the last four months and I want to personally thank my precious wife and my family who have worked tirelessly. It wasn’t my victory; it was everyone’s victory that lives in District 2. …We’re very thankful, but more importantly we are very humbled that the people would entrust us with their vote.” County Commission Chairman David Bowen, who had been a bit of a lightning rod during his term, was upset by Troy Stubbs in District 3 in Tuesday’s GOP primary. The unofficial vote total had Stubbs with 2,636 to 1,691 for Bowen. “I am deeply thankful to the citizens of Elmore County for this great turnout,” Stubbs said. “It proves that the people here are involved in local and national politics. I am proud of the race we ran and all the volunteers who helped along the way. We made a tremendous effort to get out into the community and listen to the residents. I can’t
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thank everyone enough and look forward to serving them all.” In the other county commission races, only one incumbent survived, but the race remained too close to call late Tuesday. The Elmore County Commission District 4 race was a three-man contest with incumbent Joe Faulk facing Johnny W. Ford and Steven Livingston. Faulk emerged as the winner, collecting 1,308 votes to 845 for Livingston and 301 for Ford. In a race that did not have a primary, District 5 County Commissioner Stephanie Daniels Smoke, a Democrat, will face former GOP county commissioner Earl Reeves during the general election in November. Leisa Finley topped Larry Teel for the Place 5 seat on the Elmore County Board of Education. Finley said now the real work begins. “I’d like to thank everyone for a campaign that we can all be proud of,” Finley said. “It was a victory that was well deserved for our students. Now the real work can begin as we work to
make this the best possible school system it can be.” Finley finished with 1,585 votes to 1,184 for Teel. Despite a last-minute push by Tea Party leader Becky Gerritson, incumbent Martha Roby sailed to a big win in Tuesday’s GOP Primary for the Second District U.S. House seat. Vote totals were not complete by the Herald deadline Tuesday evening, but Roby had garnered 70 percent of the vote. Gerritson had 25 percent of the vote to just 5 percent for Bob Rogers. “Today, Alabama voters have honored me - not just with their vote - but with their blessing and with a mandate to fight for conservative solutions,” Roby said in a released statement. “This win matters because it sends a message about who we are going to be as a party in Alabama and what being a conservative means here today. “I’m a conservative who wants to solve problems, not cause problems for conservatives.” Roby will now meet
Democrat Nathan Mathis in November. Mathis was unopposed in Tuesday’s primary. Incumbent U.S. Senator Richard Shelby garnered more than 60 percent of the vote and beat his closest challenger Jonathan McConnell. It was a race that was filled with negative campaigning and ads, but the man who was first elected in 1986 appears to be headed back to Washington for another term at the age of 82. In some of the statewide races, Tom Parker won the GOP Primary for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Parker beat Donna Beaulieu by a 40-percent margin. At press time, Parker had more than 70 percent of the votes. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh took a big win over challenger Terry Dunn, winning the GOP Primary for president of the Public Service Commission by more than 20 percent. In the presidential primaries, Trump and Clinton were big winners. Clinton had 77 percent of the vote statewide as on 10 p.m. with Bernie Sanders with 19
Winston
continued from page 1
under six years of age to life in prison. Under current Alabama law, aggravated child abuse is a Class B felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison, but the new law will elevate the crime to a Class A felony punishable by 10 to 99 years, or life, in prison in cases involving a child younger than six-yearsold. By elevating the punishment, this crime will be raised to the same level as attempted murder charges. “It was an incredible day,” Houston said. “It’s so refreshing to see that the system can work that well and that efficiently when a situation like this warrants it. We are so thankful to have not only gotten this bill passed, but have gotten it signed into law so quickly and with such overwhelming support.”
Houston and Bentley were joined at the bill signing ceremony by others who had fought for the bill’s passage. Winston was also there and Houston said that Bentley took time to welcome the boy and made him feel at home. “It really was a celebration of sorts,” Houston said. “The governor was great with Winston. He came out and met him and gave him a governor’s coin and he was tickled to death to have it. He was carrying it all day and showing it off to everyone. I was surprised that he was so comfortable in such a formal setting, but that just says something about the governor and how he handled it all. It was really a great day.” Houston said he was pleasedxs to have the new law, but hopes it
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never has to be used. “I hope I never have to use it,” Houston said. “I hope I never, ever see another case like this. But if there is every another district attorney who
does have an aggravated abuse case, I’m glad they will have this law so the people responsible will face a more appropriate penalty.”
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percent of the vote. Trump had 44 percent, followed by Cruz with 21 percent, while Rubio had about 18 percent. Ben Carson had garnered 11 percent of the vote. In Elmore County, Trump
had more than twice as many votes as Ted Cruz, his closest competition. Mitch Sneed, Corey Arwood and Carmen Rodgers all contributed to this report.
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Everything you always wanted to know about lent and more A
lthough the season of Lent is half over, I still get questions from people in the community about Lent, what it is, why we Episcopalians and some other denominations observe Lent and, surprisingly, “can we observe Lent, too.” The answer to the last question, of course, is that anyone can observe Lent and can do so anytime, even halfway through. I think knowing what, how and why about Lent before beginning is important. Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter, (not counting the Sundays as they are “in” Lent, not “of” Lent so, they don’t count as one of the 40 days) Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at Sundown on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter). There are six Sundays in Lent, last of which is Palm Sunday. Lent had its origins in Baptism and Penance. Even though Jesus went out into the wilderness/desert to fast and pray retreat for 40 days, he did not invent Lent, although this part of the Bible account did make a big impression on the Christians of the 2nd Century, as did Moses’ and Elijah’s 40 day fasts. In the first and third centuries, some form of fasting was usually undertaken by those getting ready to be baptized at the Easter Vigil on the Saturday evening before Easter. However, not until 325 AD did a 40-day period of fasting become standard, and even then, it Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist
BOB HENDERSON Trinity Episcopal
might have been 36 days in one place, 40 in another, omitting Sundays in one place, not in another. From at least this time, however, Lent was a time of special discipline and spiritual growth for those who would be baptized at Easter. As infant baptism became the norm, Lent became more and more a time of fasting for all members of the Church as well as a time for public penance. One meal a day was allowed, taken at evening. No meat, fish, eggs or cheese were eaten. As the centuries passed, the fast became less strict, and by the 20th century, except in convents and monasteries, people only fasted on Fridays, and gave up something during Lent. In the early church, once baptized, a person was supposed to stay sinless. There was only one way to remove the “stain of sin” for a baptized person – excommunication. That’s why so many people waited until their deathbed to be baptized. Soon, the church realized that some provision had to be made for those baptized Christians who had sinned, but then repented and wanted to return
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 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
to the church. This gave rise to Rites of Public Penance. The excommunicated penitent would perform acts of penance, which might include wearing sackcloth and ashes, fasting and prayer, dismissal from public services, laying on of hands. After a suitable period of penance, the penitent was readmitted to communion, usually at Easter. Gradually, this public penitence became more and more associated with Lent. Ashes and penitential psalms were added to the rite of expulsion (excommunication) and the day became known as Ash Wednesday. The Lenten services contained prayers, readings, and a time to scrutinize the lives of those who claimed repentance. At the Ash Wednesday Services, we are invited to the observance of “a holy Lent by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fast, and self-denial, and by reading and mediating of God’s holy Word.” As part of this holy Lent, most of us have been taught to “give something up” for Lent or to do something during Lent to “prepare” ourselves for Easter. What can we do? Yes, we can give up something we enjoy – candy or other favorite food and drink are typical. Others give up using plastic bag or bottles, give up smoking or a favorite TV Program. Giving up is good, but it’s even better when coupled with “taking on” something: additional study, prayers, donating money you would have spent on whatever you gave up, to 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
a good cause. There are any number of “take on” activities, just like there are many things to “give up.” No matter what one decides to give up or take on, these acts should be a means to remind us that Lent is a time for repentance and penance. “Repentance, – literally to “turn around,” – calls us to change our way of life so we can leave the old life behind for a new life in Christ. Penance is not punishment, but are acts designed to reinforce the Repentance.” Lenten disciplines are designed to move us toward God , so the best things to give up or take on are things which help move us closer to God. As we live in the ever increasing pace of our society, assaulted by constant music, electronic beeps, buzzes and other sounds, even machinery sounds, we should remember that Lent is also a time when we can learn how to withdraw from the noise and make time for quiet, reflective moments – moments when we can hear God speak to us. It really doesn’t help to overload ourselves with Lenten discipline. It is far better to pick one thing to do, and do it throughout Lent, than set up a fourpage schedule of Lenten events, and stop after two days. Rev. Bob Henderson is the rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka.
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
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 3, 2016 • PAGE 7
Due diligence is vital when picking the right pet By REA CORD Executive Director
M
oving, can’t afford, can’t find homes for all in the litter, too big, digs, chewing everything, no time for, new baby, allergic, too old, too active, keeps running off, got a younger one, can’t take care of, don’t need any more, can’t control, scared of, getting aggressive, keeps breaking the chain, sheds too much, won’t housetrain, not using litter box, too many animals, new partner doesn’t like, kept her puppy/kitten instead, jumps on people, needs too much attention, neighbors complaining, wrong color, chasing livestock, killed dog/cat/chicken/ goat/calf/sheep, too lazy, children not taking care of, simply don’t want …… All of the above are reasons we have been
told by owner’s surrendering their pets. For those unpredictable life changes or unavoidable situations where re-homing a pet is in the pet’s best interest or a true necessity for the owner we are glad our shelter is able to help both the pet and the owner. But our reality is that far too many pets are surrendered for lack of homework before getting the pet, or lack of a true lifetime commitment to that pet. Responsible pet ownership means making sure you are not only ready to take on a pet, but that you will commit to caring for that same pet throughout its entire life. That entails all the challenges of raising and training a puppy or kitten and then also dealing with it during adolescence when you are ready to throw in the towel until the pet matures and settles down. It means
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS committing to providing adequate food and fresh water, shelter, containment to keep the pet safe, bathing and grooming, exercise, vaccinations and necessary veterinary care, pooper scooper patrol, cage cleaning (for a smaller critter), and spaying or neutering to prevent unwanted offspring. And it means dealing with all of this for the entire 10-15-20 year lifespan of that pet. In this age of the Internet, books, experts, TV and even our knowledgeable shelter staff, doing some homework before obtaining a pet is just too easy. You might find out that either the pet you
were thinking of just might not work for your family or situation, or you can confirm all the good things you were hoping for and learn how to best raise that pet so that it becomes a well-adjusted and loved member of the family. All of the above is why we want to work with our adopters to help try and find the best match for their family, energy level, personality and living situation. All puppies are cute, but if an adopter lives in a small apartment and works all day, then an active Labrador pup guaranteed to chew everything and that will eventually turn into a 70-pound adult just might not be a great fit. A reactive and nervous small dog might be risky in a home with a toddler, and a declawed kitty certainly doesn’t need to go to an adopter who wants an outdoor cat!
So, bear with us as we ask questions about lifestyle and home and family as we truly do have not only our pet’s best interest at heart, but the adopter’s as well. In 2015, 37 percent, or almost 1,600 pets, were turned in to our shelter by their owners. That was a 5 percent increase in owner surrendered pets since 2014. We implore prospective pet parents to please think before you obtain a pet, do some homework and take into account that any pet you get is completely dependent on you for
its future. For those who find a stray and want to help – once you have done the due diligence to make sure there is no one missing the pet, please take it to a veterinarian for a check-up, vaccinations AND make an appointment for spay or neuter surgery without delay. Far too many preventable and unwanted litters are brought to us from strays a family kept but never had spayed. Please be a part of the solution to pet overpopulation instead of part of the cause!
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Fire
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continued from page 1
released on scene by medical personnel. The Eclectic Police department also arrived on scene and offered additional public safety. “The Eclectic Police Department provided road closure and scene safety for us through the entirety and we appreciate them for doing that,” Wood said. With their rapid response and assertive defensive action, it did not take the firefighters long to contain the blaze. “At 4:09 a.m., just over an hour later, the fire was declared under control and completely out, but the majority of the fire was knocked out in 20 to 25 minutes,” Wood said. Eclectic Fire Department and the Red Hill Fire Department are prime examples of the dedication it takes to be a volunteer firefighter. “Were very fortunate in Eclectic,” Wood said. “We have a lot of guys who really care. It’s great the we have guys who will come out and put their lives on the line for others, even at 3:00 in the morning. “ As of now the cause of this fire is “undetermined.”
“Myself and another officer attempted to make entry,” he said. “Before a second team could enter, we had flames protruding and the structure became fully engulfed.” After attempting to enter the burning structure, it was deemed too dangerous. Then firefighters took a defensive stance in controlling the fire. “Due to that (the billowing flames) we were not able to make safe entry. We then took a defensive suppressive stance and did our best to preserve life and property, while ensuring the safety of our guys,” Wood said. There was one occupant inside the dwelling at the time the fire began. “The homeowner was at home and he was able to evacuate the residence with minor injuries,” he said. Although the homeowner did not receive any injuries, one of the firefighters did. “We did have one Red Hill firefighter get injured during the suppression,” Wood said. “He sustained minor injuries.” The injured firefighter was treated and
Turnout
along with younger students but they were there on a mission to teach and by the end of the event they got a brief glimpse into the day of an educator. “They were tired they didn’t realize how much it took teaching,” Tew said. “It was a educational process for them too.” William Pierce, FFA president, and senior at WHS led the project, which Tew said was part of National FFA Week. “I thought it was a great opportunity for the kids,” Tew said. “Especially for the high school (students) to be able to interact with elementary kids.” He said they taught the elementary students about why they raised the farm animals and the event itself was part of the FFA’s broader goal to teach agricultural to the community. Tew said the event went smoothly and there were no bites, kicks, or scratches from any ornery goat, chicken, or the seemingly sedate miniature horse. This weekend, Tew said students from area schools were going to the Farm City event, part of the Auburn University Cooperative Extension System, which will be held at the Elmore County Extension location across from the Farmer’s Coop in Wetumpka.
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Elementary School students were treated to a day of fun with farm animals by their high school counterparts in the FFA, who brought a farm’s worth of animals to their playground for a half-day petting zoo. The lineup included the usual characters found in a storybook farm, from pigs, chickens, goats, a dog and even a turkey. But despite all of the useful farm animals they brought, both Jason Tew, FFA director, and Bonnie Sullivan, WES principal said the miniature horse was the clear crowd favorite. “They were just learning about farm animals and getting to see farm animals,” Sullivan said. “I think it’s a good opportunity for them to seem the animals they might hear about in school and make that connection.” She said it helped to familiarize the elementary students with the animals they often read about in their lessons and books. The FFA director said it was a leadership exercise for the older students who organized and presented the informational petting zoo at the elementary school. He said they enjoyed the event
continued from page 1
nearly 20 percent at 694 votes for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Eclectic voters voted 99 to Clinton and 15 to Sanders. County wide the Republican presidential nominee statistics ran: Donald Trump at roughly 48 percent, Ted Cruz at 18 percent, Ben Carson at about 15 percent, Marco Rubio with roughly 13.4 percent and John Kasich at 3.5 percent. Eclectic voters voted 230 for Trump, 67 for Carson, 59 for Cruz, 44 for Rubio and ten for Kasich. There seemed to be a general pattern that Elmore County precincts voted in with only slight variations in both local and national races, so much that Enslen quit reading most of the results and focused solely on the most contested races. And outside of the political climate, Enslen said the results were evidence of something else. “All I can tell you is Elmore County is growing,” Enslen said. “If we have 48000 registered voters, which we do, then the census is really low if they say
MARCH 3, 2016 • PAGE 11
we only have 85000 people here.” Enslen said he projected a population of at least close to 100,000 people in in Elmore County, about 20,000 more than projected by government Census numbers. And from those numbers, Enslen said he saw the west half of the county growin gmore rapidly than the east, with the exception of the Red Land, Ala. Area, which Enslen said was growing “quite well.” He congratulated and praised the election workers in providing what he said was an overall “successful” election. “When you have 48,000 registered voters there’s bound to be some small amount of errors in the assignment to district or whatever,” he said. Enslen concluded, “But overall it was a successful election and we can be proud of the fact that in Elmore County we have honest and efficient elections free of corruption deceit or dishonesty. The people have spoken.”
Wetumpka High School students and FFA members brought the fun of the farm to elementary students in a half-day petting zoo last Friday, Feb. 26 as part of National FFA Week. From left to right are: William Pierce, Marshall Alexander, John Graham, Hannah Overton. Corey Arwood / The Observer
LOCAL NEWS THAT’S REALLY LOCAL. Really. 2015 Wetumpka Herald Offensive Player of the Year: Nathan Rourke. See Sports, pg. 8.
50¢
Moore law challenged by re County Same-sex marriage out of Elmo ses to be issued Contributed / The
Herald
licenses to issue any marriage Judge Ensley refuses Oƛice. County Probate from the Elmore
By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor a Supreme A day after Alabam Moore Roy Court Chief Justicee order for all issued an executiv the state to stop , probate judges in marriage licenses issuing same-sex Probate Judge Elmore County issuing any John Enslen stopped . marriage licenses
on the Moore’s order comesdistrict state heels of different punch holes in the courts trying to ell v. Hodges landmark Obergef for same-sex case, which allowed marriages. ordered On Wednesday Moore by decision that “until further Court, the the Alabama Supreme the Alabama existing orders of
The
THURSDAY • JANUARY 28, 2016
Probate Court Court Judge John Enslen, in his official official capacity capacity as the the Chief Elections Officer of Elmore County, has petitioned petitioned the Circuit Circuit Co Court of Elmore County County for an emerg emergency declaration declaratio n judgment and fin finding on whether Andre’ L. Harrison, Harris current superintende su perintendent nt of ed superintendent education
By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor / The Herald
Kevin Taylor years, but now working on It has been nine de students began of Richard Wayne e Barrett’s sixth-gra app among 1,200 family members e. It was the top iving break, Cheyann peace. Adams can be at Sheriff Bill Franklin Innovative App Challeng tablets for each of the students Just before the Thanksg By KEVIN TAYLOR to enter in the Verizon well as new Elmore County a $5,000 grant as developing an app Copy Editor ent of forensic earning the school said the state departm earlier in entries in the state contacted his office Adams, A Marbury High ted. sciences participa who ly identify School teacher wasand the week to positive body and skeletal y arrested Thursda whose decomposed near Possum Trot count charged with one remains were found le community e of a school employe act Road in the Deatsvil engaging in a sexual Feb. 25, 2009. g Adams’ remains accordin when student, time a the with At 40 yards from to were found about Jordan, forensic Millbrook the banks of Lake identify the Police sciences could not Their idea was an the top Challenge. was Chief P.K. remains. Innovative App award-winner. It skull was up entries in Johnson. Franklin said Adams’University and The students came app among 1,200 school a By KEVIN TAYLOR a State the Brian sent to Louisian with the app “Money and Copy Editor the state to earn of North Texas. new ment For Me to the University put into the grant as well as J. Wesley, later Manage $5,000 Holtville and of the stuA group of seven 30, of DNA was retrieved You.” tablets for each is ker, Index System. ted. Middle School students Millbrook “We have a goal-trac Combined DNA and were able dents who participa to additionfunction hoping to raise an school was “They got a hit “I was on my way games, a holiday Wesley the remains,” Mrs. saving and identify got ly for I tips al $15,000 for their when arrested positive offer to school designing a to then contacted his issues I was almost after collectively in the Franklin said. “We avoiding money Barrett’s email. app. circuit it,” team the holinew smartphone Elmore County relatives.” before and after in tears when I read said. y in the Verbena a jingle Just before the clerk’s office Thursda Adams was from days. We also haveHMS stumember Hope Nelson is in County, 2 Thanksgiving break sixthWetumpka. community in Chilton Now their app idea national for the app,” said as a See REMAINS • Page “We the Wesley is listed Cheyanne Barrett’s dent Brooke Carrico. kid and contention to win at 2 began Page teacher • E look grade students social studies See HOLTVILL made the app to g ing an working on developVerizon Marbury High, accordin adult-friendly.” app to enter in the to the school’s website. 2 See ARREST • Page
nt Student innovators win graenge Verizon app chall Holtville students excel in
Enslen
for Elmore County, can be placed on the ballot as an independent in the upcoming March 1 primary. Harrison, who was previously disqualified as a Republican candidate due to missing a certificate of administration from the Alabama State Department of Education, sent a letter of intent to Enslen Jan. 4 indicating he would run as an independent candidate, the petition alleges. In his petition, Enslen seeks the answers to four basic questions: Whether Harrison can appear on any subsequent ballot for an election after being disqual-
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
ARWOOD ARWOOD
A small restaurant restaurant opened opened Eclectic this week week run by a in Eclectic family with a vision farming family
Contributed / The Observer
Good Hope Baptist Church brought Gospel and Art to The Warehouse. The event was held Jan. 17 and brought for fun for children of all ages. The Warehouse is known for hosting community-oriented events
THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
The Warehouse in Eclectic finds ways to be a staple in the community By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
For years, The Warehouse in downtown Eclectic has been used to bring people together. The facility was once a cotton warehouse where farmers would bring their bounty to be sold. However, it was more than that. At the cotton warehouse people would come together to trade products and goods. Today, The Warehouse is once again bringing people together, in more ways than one. Not only does The Warehouse bring hearts together in marriage, it has become the heart of the community. “Our marriage to the community has been the best union,” said Aubrey Hornsby, who owns and
We live, work and play right here. We know what’s important to Elmore County. Rely on us. constantly evaluated School bus routes, numbers By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor any amount on the To a 10-year-old, like a long time, but seem rtation school bus may Public Schools Transpo ng Elmore County Mullino, said evaluati Coordinator, Ray capacity of every bus is a sure bus routes and the process to make constant and ongoing and back home school students arrive at under are safely. routes longest Mullino said the may be on though the drivers must have two hours, even as 6 a.m. Drivers no later the road as early respective schools the students at their
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Elmore County Public Schools Transportation Department constantly monitors transportation routes and the numbers of students that ride the buses and make any adjustments that may need to be made.
a.m., he bell rings at 7:30 than when the tardy don’t said. Redland drivers “For instance, the until 6:20 (a.m.),” kids , then start picking up if you go to Redland Mullino said. “So, Redland School. If you ) to … they you go (straight eighth and up, then and and seventh in school are go to the middle are picked up and high school.” ity is a growing Redland commun and has buses committed said, he students community, Elementary School at the only for Redland checked out are buses and after those See BUS • Page 2
John Peeler / The
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operates The Warehouse in downtown Eclectic. The Warehouse often hosts events specifically for the community. In October The Warehouse hosted the Auburn/Alabama Dance for the children of the town. Many of the local churches of all denominations use the facility for community gatherings. “I think there’s a tradition of The Warehouse partnering with local churches for several years now,” Hornsby said. “Its cross is at the center of town. We love to work with the local churches.” When the town of Eclectic decided to adopt a strategic plan last year, the goal was to envision the town 30 years into the future. In the developed plan The Warehouse is the center of town.
Aubrey Hornsby is no stranger to the entertainment business. He spent many years in Nashville, which is the hub of the country music industry. Today, Hornsby hopes to bring a little bit of Nashville right here to Eclectic. Hornsby said he hopes the newly formed group will offer a creative outlet for women that will allow various perspectives to shine through. “I’d like it to be uplifting, but you have to tell the truth and not every bit of the truth is uplifting,” he said. “Sometimes you have to sing the blues.” Currently, the group hopes to meet on a regular basis at the Warehouse on Main Street in Eclectic. “I want to inspire an ongoing women songwriters night. We call it Songs of Love and Life,” Hornsby said. The group is in its beginning stages and Hornsby is searching for a professional female performer that will offer knowledge and experience to the amateurs See SINGERS • Page 2
Legislators representing Autauga a and Elmore counties, along with A Autauga County Engineer John Mark D Davis and Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer toured the two counties R rrecently for a sampling of the road a and bridge issues facing the two countties. The tour is part of the DRIVE A Alabama campaign. Beyer said he and the Davis colllaborated together to highlight the positive things the counties have done p tthrough the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement R Program. P “This was to show some of our llegislators some of our needs,” he said. “Just to drive home the point to tthem we are doing everything we can with our resources, but we really are w iin need of some more road and bridge
funding. We want to take what we’ve done good in ATRIP and leverage some of that money on routes that are eligible for federal funds … which is in our case about 75 percent of our paved road system.” Beyer said only about 200 miles of Elmore County’s 800-mile system is eligible for federal aid money to them. “We’ve got a problem in Elmore County where we are doing anywhere from on an annual basis of 10 to 15 miles of road work and our problem is in the 200 mile range,” he said. “We’re not really making too big a dent in it. As soon as we do 10 to 15 miles a year, we have 10 to 15 miles that fall in that same condition, so we’re not really making that much headway on it.” Beyer said there are 800 miles of paved roadways in the county in addition to the 200 miles of dirt roadways. See TOUR • Page 2
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a march and ceremon y
By COREY ARWO OD Staff Writer Blalock, along A number of Jimmy Rodge with Police Chief Tallassee churc have once again the Tallassee rs and members of hes combined effort organize the are expected Police Department s to to be in attend King Jr. Day annual Martin Luther well. ance, as prominent citycelebration and both “It’s just strictl officia y a memorils as well as local religio al march in us memory of to speak and leaders are expected and the contri Dr. King attend. The cerem to mankind. bution that he made It’s a celebr march at 10 ony will begin with a across ation all the a.m. Jan. 18 country so to start at First we that is set here in the city of Tallas decided Church in TallasUnited Methodist would come see that we one mile down see and span about Blalock, city together,” said Charles end at 48 Log Gilmer Parkway and also master council member and Circle. of ceremonies Mayor Bobby MLK Day for the event. speak and counc Payne is slated to This will be il member Charl about the seven es th See MLK • Page 2
/ The
Rec offers self defense classes Director Golde
By CAR CARMEN RODGE RS Staff Writ Writer
City celebrates MLK
2
Thurlow Dam with the Àood gates open after recent Àooding in the Tallasse area. The dame was one of many included in the infrastructure report card.
CCommunity bands t ether, forms tog n ighborhood ne watch
Recently, James Rece and Ricke Ric y Jones Martin, Wanda Jones decided to in Tallassee be proactive and surrounding have for formed the areas. They Tallassee Neigh Watch Group G borhood . The ular meeti meet ngs wheregroup will hold regcommunity uni are welcomembers of the three said said they hope me to join. The spread and and the sayingthe initiative will “see somet See NEIGHBORHO hing, OD • Page 2
IMMIGRANTS
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By COREY ARWO OD Staff Writer Rick Golde instructor and n, self-defense course director of department the recreation , could use thesaid he thought anyon e he developed easy-to-learn techniques for the self-d efense classes set to begin in the next week or so. With a chop to the throat, a gouge in the eyes and a knee in the groin to a “body-oppo nent bag,” played one Golden dismetho would-be attack d to incapacitate any Registration er. is now open classes that are scheduled for the to meet for an See DEFENSE • Page 2
In Print & Online! See WAREHOUSE • Page 2
Legislators sample road and bridge issues in Elmore and Autauga
By JOHN PEELER Managing Editor
LOCAL, PG. 10
Learning Tree s Boots and Bow Ties fundraise r set for Feb. 5
The Tallassee Tribune Alabama in
ified for that year; whether Harrison may legally be an independent candidate; whether Harrison’s name should appear on the election ballot in the event he supplies the requisite independent-candidate petition and whether any votes cast for him if his name is placed on the general-election ballot, should be counted. Should Harrison be required to present an independent-candidate petition, the petition would have to contain not less that 625 valid signatures of registered See COURTS Page 2
Nashville meets Eclectic
local food into into a loca to turn local local of farm to table movement of dining. For now, Farm Farm Boyz Eatery Eate Eate lunch, breakfast breakfast and serves lunch, primarily as operates as and a bakery and café from a.m.-2 6:30 a.m.-2 Monday p.m. Monday through Friday. But if the plans of Whitehill Farm Boyz’ Kevin owner, Kevin it would Whitehill, pan out it what he eventually serve, what farm to table table dinners called, farm dinners. Located in the corner corner sho shop Trustmark just down from Trustmark Kowaliga Road Road in Bank on Kowaliga Eclectic, Farm Farm downtown Eclectic, operates as a working working Boyz operates and a base of of operkitchen and ations for projects Whitehill mind for the commuhas in mind nity. His restaurant restaurant is focused focused goods. mostly on baked goods. Whitehill said he tries tries to use
Reeltown narrows coac h search down to top five candidates, Pg. 11
Vol. 27, No. 4
Restauran Restaurant Restau rantt aims high high g aims with farm farm to with plate con concep cep plate concept By COREY Staff Writer Writer
REPLACING A LEGEND
Grapplers move to 20-1, defeat Stanhope Elmore.
Probate Prob ate judg judge seeks clarification from Circuit Court on eligibility of independent candidates By JOHN PEELER PEELER Managing Editor Editor
that Alabama Supreme Court a ministerial probate judges have marriage any duty not to issue the Alabama to license contrary e Amendment n Sanctity of Marriag Marriage Protectio or the Alabama force and effect.” full Act remain in probate judges With that, some order, but not have ignored Moore’s 2 See MARRIAGE • Page
ered Remains originally discov near Possum Trot Road
Wesley charged with having sex with a student
SPORTS PAGE 12
Page 11
Will Wi ll c cur current ur superintendent be on ballot?
Human remains identified from 2009 discovery
Marbury teacher arrested on sex charges
Page 12
TheWetumpkaHerald.com TheWetumpkaHerald.co TheWetumpk aHerald.com m
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VOL. 11, NO. 2
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Sports: Lady Panthers trounce Tigers
Opinion: State Opinion: State general gen fund woes will surf surface new session. sessi sessi in new
What will be a Rodgers covere cov d bus shelter for the/ The Tribune of Jones Mobile Mobile Home children H Park, was the Ricky Jones. Jones. Jones brainchild Jone had this built for the neighb of hood and encour encoura ages ag org others to follow suit. Carmen
Four TTPD officer s
By CARMEN RODGER RS Staff Writer Writer
Contributed / The Observer
Senator Clyde Chambliss and Representative Mike Holmes listen to Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer brief the two during the Autauga and Elmore counties road tour. The tour was part of the DRIVE Alabama campaign.
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SPORTS
Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com
PAGE 12 • MARCH 3, 2016
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Elmore County goes 1-4 in last 5 By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Elmore County dropped four out of five games in a four-day stretch, but head baseball coach Wendell Jackson believes his team will turn the corner soon. After they lost four straight contests by double-digits, the Panthers (3-7) stayed in striking distance with their last four, including a 12-2 win over B.B. Comer in its first game Saturday at Central-Coosa. At Tallassee’s annual Field of Dreams Tournament Wednesday, Reeltown handed ECHS its fourth consecutive double-digit defeat, 16-6, but Elmore County rebounded to remain in the game versus Park Crossing and Horseshoe Bend, falling 5-3 and 7-4, respectively. “The positive of it is, we’re playing much closer games and giving ourselves a chance to
win by minimizing our mistakes,” Jackson said. “We’re swinging the bats a little better, but we’ve still got obstacles to overcome.” The bats did come alive for the Panthers at Central Saturday, by the tune of 20 runs in a twinbill, with 12 runs in the win over B.B. Comer and eight in a loss to host Central-Coosa, 14-8. Senior shortstop Shannon Darnell jumpstarted and helped ECHS snap a six-game losing skid with four RBIs against B.B. Comer, while senior catcher Eli Cobb added two hits and two RBIs. Sophomore pitcher Jonathan Stiff picked up the win on the mound, allowing two runs on five hits in a complete, fiveinning game, while striking out two. In the nightcap, Elmore County led 7-0 in the third, but
Central-Coosa outscored ECHS 14-1 the rest of the way, collecting 18 hits off sophomore pitcher Kadin Edwards and Cobb, who took the loss in relief. Junior outfielder Chase Motes batted in two runs to lead the Panthers, while junior second baseman Skyler Sanders garnered three hits. “It’s a credit to them swining the bat and staying positive while they’re swinging the bat and doing what they’re supposed to do,” Jackson said about this team closing the weekend with a surge of offense. “I think we’re pretty close (to turning the corner). They’re just making mistakes, it ain’t like it’s a bunch of kids that don’t give a rip. It’s good to see the mistakes ain’t bothering them and they go on to the next play.” To get back to playing winning baseball, Jackson said the experience his young team is
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Elmore County outfielder Trey Thompson (14) is tagged out versus Stanhope Elmore earlier this season.
gaining will be key going forward. “Things that are happening to us, it’s not going to happen all year. We’re making inexperience mistakes and the longer we stay in this, the more experience we get and, therefore, we won’t
make those mistakes again,” Jackson said. “It’s learning from your mistakes, taking to heart to what they’re doing and it’s paying off for them, you can tell.” Elmore County played two games at home Saturday, versus Fayetteville and Central-Coosa.
ECHS track team boasts ranked runners By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Elmore County sophomore wide receiver Terrence Head (7) attempts to fight out a tackle attempt during last season’s game versus Reeltown.
ECHS finalizes its 2016 regular season schedule By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Elmore County finalized its 2016 regular season football schedule last week. Just over one month after the AHSAA released its 2016-17 and 2017-18 reclassification that saw the Panthers remain in Class 4A, Area 3 with the same teams with the addition of rival Tallassee, ECHS filled its nonregion dates, opening 2016 Aug. 19 at home versus Montgomery Academy. Elmore County’s schedule contains six playoff teams from 2015
and a combined opponent record of 65-58. The Panthers will travel to Alabama Christian Academy, who they’ve played the last two years, in Week 1 because of the AHSAA giving schools 11-week slates, and will host MontgomeryCatholic for homecoming Sept. 23, rounding out the non-area opponents. Elmore County opens the Area 3 slate at twotime defending 4A state champion Leeds on Sept. 2, and travels the next Friday to Handley, who lost in the first round of the playoffs. One week before
homecoming on Sept. 16, the Panthers host Childersburg, who have split area games the last two seasons with ECHS winning in 2015, 37-21. Elmore County travels to Munford, who’s coming off its second trip to the semifinals in three years, on Sept. 30 and hosts Dadeville in Week 7. The Panthers close out 2016 with county and area rivals Holtville (Oct. 14) and Tallassee (Oct. 21), before a bye in the final regular season week before the postseason starts. “It’ll be a whole lot
like the last few years,” ECHS head football coach Norman Dean said after the release of the reclassification. “There’s a handful of games in there that we have to win. And some of the opponents we play, some of those games are real tough to win. The last three, four years, we’ve done well enough to be tied for the last playoff spot but lost on a tiebreaker. “This year, 4-3 in the region should get you in. “It’s the same old song. We’re in a super tough region, you can be a very good football team and not make the playoffs.”
The Elmore County track and field team makes up for the lack of returning runners with the quality of its experienced participants. Heading into the 2016 season, the Panthers boast a handful of athletes ranked inside the top 10 in Class 4A in their respective events, headlined by junior captain and javelin thrower Nathan Whorton, freshman D.J. Patrick– who finished eighth in the boys triple jump at the AHSAA state meet last year– eighth-grader Zefeniah Edwards and senior hurdler Corey Boothe, a top10 placer at the state meet. “We lost a lot from last year, and we’re so young this year,” ECHS track and field coach Warren Brown said Monday. “The majority of our team will be between eighth- and 10thgraders. I’ve got one Cory Diaz / The Observer or two seniors, if that. We’re just young, but Elmore County eighth-grader I’ve got some good Zefeniah Edwards, seen here young guys that are participating in a cross country going to get it going event this past season, gives these next couple of the Panthers a formidable runyears.” ner in the 800-meter race. Most of the Panther girls 4X40-meter relay teams returns off of its state meet appearance, who Brown hopes will help lead the girls squad. “Girl-wise, I’ve got three returners from last year, one thrower and two runners that did qualify in the state meet. So they got some experience from that part.” Juniors Cody Watson and Trey Thompson, along with sophomores Jakob Hodges and Terrence Head also add depth in various events for Elmore County this season, which Brown said he is looking at as a rebuilding year. “I’m excited because we’re young. But we’ll figure out a way to put something together by the time Sectionals come around,” the coach said. “We’re just looking for that spark. “We’ve got 30 kids altogether, so the program is growing. After Spring Break, it should be coming together.” ECHS kicks off the track season at Montgomery Academy’s annual Race to Fight Hunger meet, starting at 9 a.m.
ECHS goes winless at Wetumpka Invitational By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Wins and losses never mattered for Elmore County at the Wetumpka Invitational Softball Tournament this weekend. While the Lady Panthers went winless against the older teams of Prattville Christian Academy, Handley and Vestavia Hills, what was more important was gaining playing time and experience for her young team, head coach Kimberly Moncrief said. “We got some girls in, we got some playing time for some girls in different positions, just to see what that magic setup is going to be for us a little later on in the season,” Moncrief said. “We were able to do decently with hitting and fielding, we just have to learn to put it all together at the same, to be able to finish games. “Two of the teams we played well against ended up in the semifinals. That’s good for us. When you play high cali-
ber teams, you’re only going to get better, and I’m proud of my girls for fighting and doing as well as they did against those teams.” ECHS collected just seven hits for the tourney, falling to PCA, 10-2, Handley, 7-0 and Vestavia Hills, 8-3. University of Alabama signee Elissa Brown carried the offensive banner for the young Elmore County squad, going 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs versus Vestavia Hills and scored both runs on PCA. Junior third baseman Stephanie Eckstein had two hits against Vestavia Hills and an RBI sacrifice bunt versus PCA, while eighth-grader Ella Watts picked up the Panthers’ other hit in its opening contest. Eighth-grader Kierra Harden prevented a Handley no-hitter, securing her team’s lone hit. Sophomore pitcher Nicole Ferpes took two losses against PCA and Vestavia Hills, with Harden coming in on relief in both games, and freshman Alyssa Beam lost
versus Handley, but the trio only gave up 12 earned runs, as the Lady Panthers committed 12 defensive errors in the three games. Moncrief lauded her pitching staff’s performances against the stout competition, and with the miscues, said that her team had to shake off nerves in each matchup. “We can tell that some of them are a little nervous because they make routine plays all the time and when they miss a play here or there. That play might be errant, but they’ll come back the next time and make the play -- a lot of that has to do with nerves,” Moncrief said. “They just want to do so well, and they mess up, but those are things we can fix. The mistakes we’re making are fixable. “I really believe in this team and I really believe that this year we’re going to be successful, but we’re also building for the future, too.” ECHS played Central-Coosa Tuesday and travel to LAMP today at 6 p.m.