Elmore County searches for offense.
“Gov. Bently has paid his due penance in alleged affair.”
Find upcoming events on this week’s calendar.
Eclectic Observer Page 4
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The
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THURSDAY • APRIL 7, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 11
Elmore County builds to receive energy efficient overhaul By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Elmore County is expected to have its yearly energy expenditures cut nearly in half after entering into an agreement with an energy savings company to develop a plan to reduce utilities costs by updating existing county buildings. At a recent County Commission meeting Richie Beyer, county engineer, said bond details were currently being worked out to secure the funding for a
20-year contract with Schneider Electric. The southeast sales team leader with the company, Todd Smith, said Elmore County facilities would be brought up to 2016 standards, and save $4.4 million throughout the duration of the partnership. “We were able to reduce the energy and water consumption of the county by 38 percent which is huge,” said Smith. He said Schneider had worked on 40 or so projects throughout the state with
various counties and the Elmore County estimates were on the higher end. “They’ve analyzed current buildings and said if you put these improvements in place you will realize this much savings to your current budget,” said Beyer. He said county costs for electricity, natural gas, water and sewer usage were $400,000 and the money saved was going to be used to finance the physical upgrades to the buildings such as the heating and cooling as well as water
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Today’s
Weather
Dr. Harrison received the Outstanding Educational Administrator Award STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Carmen Rodgers / The Observer
In Eclectic Middle School’s annual catapult launch competition, Buckie Lanier and Wyatt Adams took the win for distance with their very large catapult, which launched its projectile 473 feet, and Austin Rewis won the accuracy portion of the competition.”
Eclectic Middle goes medieval
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The parking lot at Eclectic Middle School looked more like an ancient medieval battlefield as Mr. Joe Creamer, history teacher, and Mrs. Sherry Taylor, math and science teacher, held the annual catapult competition Friday, April 1. The winners for distance was Buckie Lanier and Wyatt Adams and Austin Rewis won the accuracy portion of the competition. This competition is something Mr. Creamer brought with him from his teaching days in Wetumpka, where this competition was also fierce.
“I’ve been doing this for at least seven or eight years,” he said. Lanier and Adams’ catapult was large with a distinct unkindness to it. However, this “monstrosity” catapult sent its projectile nearly 500 feet. “Theirs went 473,” he said. They did a real good job.” Lanier and Adams were extremely close to beating the previous record held by Cody and Ty Dennis who are now sophomores at Elmore County High School. See CATAPULT • Page 3
Elmore County Superintendent of Education Dr. Andre’ Harrison received the Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Educational Administrator Award. According to the University, this award was established to recognize Auburn University graduates who have made great contributions in administrative or supervisory roles. “I am very grateful to the Lord for allowing me to serve the students of Elmore County for 23 years as an educator in various capacities, and I am thankful to Auburn University College of Education for recognizing my service as an educator,” Harrison See HARRISON • Page 3
Local humane society always in need of volunteers By LIZ ELY TPI Staff
74 50 High
See ENERGY • Page 3
Harrison honored by Auburn University
Choice Bus visits area schools Friday was not the typical April 1 at Eclectic Middle School. In fact, it was more of a reality check for students. The Choice Bus was on campus giving students a first-hand look at how their choices have consequences. The Choice Bus is equipped with a life-sized jail cell complete with metal bunk beds, commode and sink. The bus is also equipped with audio and video capability to broadcast a video of testimony given by true inmates. The Choice Bus travels from Texas to New York in an effort to better the choices of students and, in turn, raise the graduation rate in the country. The Choice Bus visited three schools in Alabama with two of those three in Elmore County. On Tuesday, March 29, the Choice Bus visited students at Lanier High School in Montgomery and from there the bus headed north and visited Holtville Middle School March 30. and the final stop was at Eclectic Middle School, where students entered the bus one class at a time in intervals of 25-30 minutes. This Choice Bus is an educational tool used by the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation. “The foundation was created to help educators, community See CHOICE • Page 3
systems. Smith said they began working with the county about six months ago, and work would begin soon on the roughly ninemonth long project. He said they looked at the courthouse first and found outdated air conditioning and heating systems. “What we’re doing at the historic courthouse is pretty amazing,” Smith said.
Low
FRIDAY: HIGH 68 LOW 42
Liz Ely / The Observer
Volunteeres like Executive Director Rea Cord, are essential to running the Elmore County Humane Society and citizens are always encouraged to volunteer.
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The Humane Society of Elmore County has been in operation since 1984, and Executive Director Rea Cord has been a part of its team for 12 years. The shelter operates as a non-profit, helping to feed and bathe pets and find them new homes. Its neighbor, the Tail Ends Thrift Store, is run solely by volunteers whose efforts help to give back to the shelter, something that Cord notes is invaluable. “The thrift store is extremely important. The money earned there comes back to the shelter to help pay the shelter’s bills, and it’s run 100 percent by volunteers. They assist with many things, and there are dozens of ways people can volunteer,” Cord said. Of the various ways in which volunteers give back, Cord notes that aside from the thrift store, volunteers can help the animals exercise, foster pets or help with fundraising. The efforts of the volunteers do not go unnoticed by Cord and she is grateful for the
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continued help. “We have many, many volunteers that are invaluable. There are a lot of volunteers that do a tremendous amount, and we are indebted to them. We love them all. They help us go beyond the bare minimum and they don’t get paid a dime. Our board members are all volunteers as well and they handle a lot,” Cord said. While Cord acknowledges the shelter’s success would not be possible without the volunteers’ efforts, she notes that both the shelter and the Tail Ends Thrift Store doe need extra helping hands from time to time. “Our thrift store could use volunteers, and we welcome more. In general with volunteering, we like to see what people want to do. Having volunteers is vital to be able to take in more dogs and puppies. One staff person can only handle so much,” Cord said. For Cord, an obvious animal lover, being a vital agency for Elmore County is a driving factor in her team’s commitment to being the best they can be. She is grateful to the See VOLUNTEERS • Page 3
PAGE 2 • APRIL 7, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Area Calendar APRIL 4-UNTIL
Tallassee High School’s 2016 FFA plant sale begins. You’re more than welcome to come and tour our new greenhouse and look at the plants and facility. Swedish Ivy hanging baskets $8, Wondering Jew hanging baskets $8, Purple Queen hanging baskets $7, Mosquito Plant hanging basket $7, Spider Plant hanging baskets $7, Impatiens hanging baskets $7, Fern hanging baskets $7, Lantana $4, Coleus (single) $5,Marigolds (single) $0.25, Coleus $0.50, Vinca (single) $0.25
APRIL 4-22
Church Coed Softball registration will be held April 4 –April 22 at Recreation Department and tentative
date to begin season will be first week of May. Games played on Tuesdays and Thursdays and cost is $450 per team.
April 5
ID BOARD: The city of Tallassee ID Board will meet April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at 1 Twin Creek Drive.
April 9
5K RUN: The Roaring 5K Run is set for Saturday, April 9. Co-Sponsors are Tallassee Lion’s Club and Neptune Technology Group. Proceeds benefit the Lion’s Sight program. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Early registration is on-line through the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce at tallassee-
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Eclectic honors March students of the month
chamber.com TBALL OPENING CEREMONIES will be April 9th at 8:00 am at the Dixie Youth Baseball Complex. Games will start immediately after the ceremonies.
April 9-10
COMBAT ON THE COOSA: 2 Day Crossfit Competition. Individual -Saturday, Team- Sunday. Hosted by Crossfit Intrigue. For more info visit www. thegaragegames.com/ combat-on-the-coosa
April 10
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Eclectic will host homecoming April 10 at 10:30 Submitted / The Observer a.m. Eclectic Elementary School recently named its students of the month for March. Honored were KinderThe Joy Masters will be garten: Sophia Vittore, Chesney Sullivan, Izabella Donahey, Brayden Ward, Ben Merritt, Conner Holt. singing and there will be lunch afterwards. 1st Grade: Wyatt Bolt, Miley Goggins, Caden Bryant, Ayden Graham, Emily Miller, Rylan Watkins. 2nd
April 10-13
CHURCH REVIVAL: Lake Hill Baptist Church in Deatsville is hosting a revival April 10-13 starting at 7 p.m.
Grade: Samuel Diego Mateo, Annaleigh Collins, Brady Lund, Maggie Rhodes, Jaiden Holman, Hudson Fulmer. 3rd Grade: Destinee Daniels, Hayden Jones, Tianna Benson, Eli Pitchford, Jacobie Brown, Brodie Moore. 4th Grade: Ky’Asia Brown, Dalton Fuller, Sage Chandler, Maddie Clark, Cadie Belle Reed treatment.
April 16
April 15
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CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS: There will be an event at Holtville Elementary School April 15 at 1:30 p.m. to bring awareness to child abuse and neglect as April is is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month. he Elmore County Extension, Family Resource Center, Juvenile Judge, DHR Director, Superintendent of Education and many other community partners will be in attendance as well as about 100 elementary students. This is a celebration of all the good work that the schools, churches, agencies and communities do to strengthen families which prevents child mal-
CRATERFEST: Wetumpka Craterfest & Duck Dash will feature National and local music artists, Kidzone, Arts & Crafts, Crater Bus MiniTours, Crater Art Exhibit/ Video Saturday, April 16th from 2-7PM at Gold Star Park. Vendor spaces and sponsorships available! Contact Jamie Young at jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org or 334-567-4811. REELTOWN REUNION: The Sixth Reeltown High School Reunion of the Classes from 1950-1970 will hold its 20-Year Class Reunion on April 16 in the original Reeltown High School Auditorium. The Reunion begins at 10 a.m. for a time to meet, greet and tour the school. The “Assembly” will begin in the auditorium at 11 a.m. The RHS Jazz Band will be guest and play a few jazz tunes. Donations will be received for new Rebel Pride Marching Band uniforms. All donations greatly appreciated. Welcome, recognitions, etc., will follow. Please bring your “ole fashion brown bag/sack lunch” with a drink. No meal will be available. Classes will meet after assembly in the cafeteria for their sack lunch meal. Tours of the school and grounds will be available following the assembly and lunch.
April 16-17
FRENCH INDIAN WAR ENCAMPMENT: Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, the Alabama Historical Commission, and the Friends of the Forts are pleased to announce the annual French & Indian War Encampment taking place April 16-17 at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park near Wetumpka. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children six to eighteen years of
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age. The event takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. This special event focuses attention on the main protagonists of the French & Indian War - France, Britain and their American Indian allies. Additionally, the event features daily life at a French frontier fort and Creek village in the year 1756. Soldiers will engage in mock battles each day and souvenirs replicating items of the time period will be available from merchants on site. Living history demonstrations of military, Indian, and civilian life will take place on Saturday and Sunday throughout the day. Re-enactors will be dressed and equipped as they appeared in North America during the middle of the eighteenth century. Boy Scouts of America Troop 50 will sell food and drink on Saturday; however, there will be no refreshments available for purchase on Sunday so please plan to bring a picnic lunch.
April 17
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SKATE NIGHT: Come out for a night of skating for the American Cancer Society on Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Skatezone 88 Red Eagle Drive. It will cost $6.00 per person for regular skates and $3.00 more for inline skates. All proceeds go to the Jessica’s Cancer Busters Relay for Life team. For more information call Bubba Wood at (334) 300-2134 or Sherry Cole at (334) 313-4311.
April 18-23
EARTH DAY CLEANUP 2016: Sign up a litter team to pick up around your neighborhood, business or call the Chamber of Commerce for a location. Advanced Disposal
Sponsor providing a roll off container at City Hall from 8am-noon on Saturday the 23 for nonhazardous material and litter team debris disposal. Parker Tire & Auto will take used oil, tires and batteries all week from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Electronic Recycling drop off at Tallassee Recreation Center April 21 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The city Shop will have a roll off container available for nonhazardous material disposal and appliances from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
April 24
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church in Eclectic will celebrate its 120th Anniverary with homecoming nn Sunday, April 24. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. (omitting Sunday School). Special singers will be “Holy Destiny” of Prattville. Following services, dinner will be served at noon in the church fellowship building. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us and stay for lunch at noon. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION BBQ: Santuck Baptist Church on Central Plank Road is hosting a community celebration BBQ Sunday, April 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
April 30
CEMETERY PRESERVATION WORKSHOP: The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance is hosting its annual cemetery preservation workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Scott Martin at bevel67@aol.com for additional information.
May 10
GOLF TOURNEY: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held May 10 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club Come join us for a fun day of lunch, golf and a chance to win bragging rights and CASH!
May 14
UNION REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ: On Saturday, May 14th from 2 p.m. until at University Station RV, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, hughesautoparts@centurytel. net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233,steven505@ centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-5081768, gfuquaret@gmail. com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
May 19
AFTER HOURS: Chamber Business After Hours, Sunset Reception is set for Thursday, May 19 at Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Catapult “If I’m not mistaken, theirs went 495 feet,” said Creamer. This project is multifaceted, teaching students mathematics, English, history, strategy and teamwork. “For the English aspect of it, they turn in an essay describing how it relates to ancient times,” he said. “The science and math aspects come in with the energy it takes and cresting the correct angles that it takes. “Mentioned it in December and assigned it in back January and on April 1, we launch them.” Lanier and Adams put a lot of time, energy and effort into their catapult. The two thought they had the machine dialed in just the way they wanted until a last minute decision moved them to make some adjustments on the contraption. “We had it built, but then we changed it last night,” said Lanier. “We worked on it some this morning too.
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We put phila bearings on it. We put the bearings on it and it made it move a little easier.” “We put it all together in two or three weeks.” This project also gets parents involved and teaches the students to work together. “This is a major undertaking,” said Creamer. “They have to design and plan, dual task and communicate and this builds those skills. We’ve had some really creative things this year.” Some of the catapults were massive while others were very small. The larger catapults were built for distance while the smaller ones were designed for accuracy. This project is only for seventh- and eighthgrade students at EMS and most every student on the fifth- and sixth-grade hall looks forward to their opportunity to participate in this annual competition.
Energy He said they planned to install, what he called a variable refrigerant flow system, which would allow individual control over the temperature in each office of the building, as opposed to the current on-or-off option for an entire floor. Next on the list, Smith said, was the judicial complex, which despite being in a newer building, Smith said was very inefficient. The county jail had a list of potential upgrades that Smith noted such as four old boilers used for heating and the existing water system, which Smith said used unnecessary amounts of water. He said jails typically have water waste issues, valves could be changed which would reduce water per flush and per shower, and an automated system that would prevent inmates from continually flushing toilets could be installed. About 75 percent of the lighting systems in the building Smith observed, he said were well over 20 years old. Smith mentioned of the main components for the
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county’s efficiency overhaul, however, which he said would also take the longest to implement. “What we kind of found was that they didn’t have a centralized integrated automation system through the county, that helped them control and operate and maintain their systems,” Smith said. “So most of the buildings were just running wide open.” A system would be developed that would allow remote access to a building’s lighting, or heating and cooling and could be set to automatically shut down at certain times, or through the use of motion sensors. He estimated the age of the technology the county currently used for its utility systems to be roughly somewhere from the 1980’s. “In the end it’s a win for citizens and the commission because they don’t have to come up with additional revenue to make these improvements, and the employees that occupy these buildings and spaces should see better working conditions in addition to the public that interacts everyday” Beyer said.
Choice
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leaders and other interested groups reduce the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate through creation of relevant and effective tools and resources,” according to the foundation’s website. Dr. Shelly Stewart began the foundation to honor his late mother, Mattie. Stewart had a brother who went on to become a prisoner while Stewart became a well-known doctor. It is the series of choices that lead two brothers from the same upbringing to become so drastically different in adulthood. The bus made an impression on the young minds. “I think most of the students were surprised by the jail cell. They didn’t really understand that there was no privacy in jail,” said Cynthia Collier, counselor at Eclectic Middle School. After visiting Elmore County, the Choice Bus will head north again to Birmingham area schools.
Harrison
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said. “ Of course, I am most appreciative of my wife, Monica, and daughter, Aundrea, for their love and support for me – plus my parents, Willie James and Inez Harrison, and other family members as well. I am also grateful to our Elmore County family for their support over the years.” Harrison credits his family for instilling in him the importance of getting a quality education. His goal is to ensure that students in Elmore County have that opportunity and that they recognize the importance of their education in achieving their future goals.
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Volunteers community and hopes to meet the expectations of its citizens. “We obviously love animals and love to help as many as possible. It’s what we’re here for. We receive a lot of support from Elmore County and I’m humbled by how well we are supported. I hope people have faith in what we’re doing here. We’re doing the best we can to help as many animals as we can and we’re always working to get better,” Cord said. As the Elmore County Humane Shelter focuses on the future, Cord and her staff also want the community to know that the shelter does more than meets the eye. “I want the community to know that we are their resource. Not only are we here to take in homeless and unwanted animals, but we might be able to help with advice for pet owners. We go beyond finding homes. We have a lot of ideas and we can always point people in the right direction,” Cord said. To request more information about volunteering, go online to www.elmorehumane.org or subscribe to their
APRIL 7, 2016 • PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 • APRIL 7, 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.
Arts program helps make Wetumpka a special place Dear Editor, It has been very exciting to be a part of the arts in Wetumpka. The Abandoned Rural America Exhibition presented by a gentleman from Georgia, Peter Muzyka, has been a tremendous success and a huge draw to our community. The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery has worked extremely hard on this exhibit and it certainly showed with a successful opening night. The performance this past Sunday at the Wetumpka Depot playing to a full house of people dealing with words and music tied to rural America and times gone by was a pleasure to see. To listen to the songs performed by David Craig brought back a lot of memories of the Saturday evenings spent listening to the Grand Ole Opry. And the memories of Sunday mornings as our homes were filled with gospel music as we dressed for church and sang the Song of Jubilee. The amazing performance was an excellent representation of gospel music and certainly a crowd pleaser. All in all, the accolades go to the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery for putting together and presenting this walk down memory lane through the arts. Stay tuned for new shows coming our way and sponsored by the arts. This is just one of the things that makes Wetumpka better as we continue to move forward working together. Mayor Jerry Willis Wetumpka
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Hunting the good stuff is better than focusing on the negatives
I
’m wouldn’t usually describe myself as gullible, but when I’m up at the crack of nine, my guard is down and all bets are off. Chick-Fil-A posted a photo of their new steak filet on their Instagram page. It looked so good. I was even planning on going there for lunch. I even texted the local franchise’s owner, my friend Andrew. Once the text was sent, I realized it was April 1. I was the victim of a very cruel April Fools’ Day prank, and I don’t play around with food. Seriously, it was skullduggery at its best or perhaps its worst; I’m not sure. These days, I don’t eat out very often. I prefer cooking my own meals at home, and the preparation process does not end in “beep beep beep” either. It’s a way for me to eat healthier and save money, but when I do go out to eat, I like to hunt the good stuff at Chick-Fil-A. I occasionally get the chicken nuggets, but more times than not, I go with one of their salads. They are top notch, as is the customer service, which is really second to none. They always do a great job, and it’s always their pleasure. There was one occasion, however, when they messed up my order. Anyone can make a mistake. I went back inside, and my order was corrected—no big deal. When I got home, I realized that
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
my order was still messed up, so I went back a third time and the issue was finally resolved. I wasn’t upset, but my patience had been tested. I should’ve taken two shots of Polynesian sauce. That surely would’ve calmed me down. I felt the need to shoot Andrew a text. I just felt that he should know. Any owner or manager should want to know when their product or service fails to meet the standard. He apologized for the inconvenience and offered to make it up to me on my next visit to the home of the original chicken sandwich. All was good in the world, but then I wanted to kick myself in the behind but couldn’t because I had a belly full of yard bird. At that time, I was eating there several times a week, and the service was always impeccable, yet I never felt the need to send my friend a text to tell him so. Until now, I didn’t tell anyone about that mix-up at Chick-Fil-A,
but why is it that bad news spreads so much faster than good news? Why do we always focus on the negative? Why do we do this? When I worked at Kroger, I’d have hundreds of customers come through my line, and most of them were incredibly nice at best or neutral at worst, but there’d be that one person come through who either hated the world or thought the world revolved around them, and I would let them mess up my whole day. I’ve gotten better over the years, and try to focus on all the positive things around us rather than the negatives, because there’s not a doubt in my mind that the good outweighs the bad, but it’s up to each of us to see and share all the good. It’s there. It’s all around us. I promise. As a master resilience trainer for the Army, we call this “hunting the good stuff.” And if I’m being honest, I actually go with the chicken nuggets more than the salads, Polynesian sauce and all. That’s good stuff. 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.
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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
Governor Bentley has paid his due penance for alleged affair
I
n early 2009, Dr. Robert Bentley came to see me about his race for governor of Alabama. Bentley was finishing his second term in the Alabama House of Representatives and closing down his very successful dermatology practice in Tuscaloosa. I liked Bentley immediately and thought it was magnanimous that he would want to spend his retirement years as governor. I did not give him much of a chance and predicted he would run a respectable third in the race. However, he surprised everybody, probably even himself. I offered Bentley the opportunity to appear with me on my 30-minute public television show, “Alabama Politics.” He gladly accepted and arrived with only his wife, Dianne. The two of them were traveling the state together with Dianne driving him. After his victory, Bentley returned to the show as governor with the usual entourage of staffers and troopers. One of the staffers was Rebekah Mason. Dr. Bentley is a good man. He did an exemplary job his first four years as governor, although he inexplicably had a dismal track record with the Legislature. Even though they all were Republicans, the House and Senate treated him with complete disdain. Therefore, his first term lacked success as far as initiatives. Even still, Bentley remained extremely popular with the voters and was overwhelmingly reelected in 2014. During Bentley’s first term, he stayed in touch and thanked me for favorable columns, but I heard very little from him during the 2014 campaign year. In January of 2015, when I sat down for an annual visit with a contemporary of mine, who is the most astute political guru in the state, I casually mentioned to my friend that I had not heard from the governor all year. The gentleman, who, by the way, was an integral part of planning the governor’s inauguration replied,
Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers “Steve, nobody has.” He privately told me that the governor at 72 had fallen head-over-heels in love with his 45-year-old girlfriend, Rebekah Mason, and was spending every waking hour with her. He further informed me that it was uncertain whether Bentley’s wife or four sons were going to attend the inauguration. Mrs. Bentley was so fed up with his affair that she only acquiesced a few hours before the event. Ironically, a week later I was standing in the rotunda of the Capital after Gov. Bentley’s State of the State speech and Rebekah Mason came up to me and said, “Steve, the governor really appreciates the power of your pen and the first thing we do every Wednesday morning is I read your column to him.” I didn’t quite know what to say or take from the comment. Well, as you know, Mrs. Bentley filed for divorce late last year. It was assumed that the dissolution of the 50-year marriage was over a romantic interlude, but the divorce was quickly settled and sealed. Dr. Bentley agreed to a 50 percent settlement with the agreement that there would be no comment about the divorce or peripheral reasons. Surprisingly, the divorce and rumored relationship seemed to dissipate as an issue. The mainstream media left it alone. In the meantime, Mrs. Mason took on a significant role as the governor’s advisor and it appeared to all involved that she
was the governor. Her overt, forthright and offensive approach in all important meetings with the governor further alienated Bentley from the legislative leadership. A number of Bentley’s cabinet members are his former legislative buddies. His best legislative companion was Spencer Collier, who he made head of the ALEA. You know the rest of the story. When Bentley fired Collier he fired back. That gave the media the door they needed to open the Rebekah Mason can of worms. It is suspected that the salacious tapes were leaked to Collier by Ms. Bentley or a son. The bottom line is Dr. Bentley has quietly fallen in love in his 70’s like a school boy although he looks like the least likely person in the world to have an affair. He has paid a heavy price for his transgression. He has lost half his life savings and is estranged from his wife of 50 years and his four sons. However, Bentley has done nothing illegal that should prevent him from serving out the remainder of his term as governor. Impeachment proceedings will go nowhere nor should they. The leadership in the House and Senate cannot withstand the same scrutiny. The Biblical admonition that Jesus evoked, “To those who are without sin cast the first stone,” applies to those who would castigate Bentley. There is also a more secular version of Jesus teachings, “Those who live in glass houses should not cast stones.” 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.
FAITH
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APRIL 7, 2016 • PAGE 5
Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On April 10 at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School will focus on the parables of Jesus. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/ • Santuck Baptist Church Community celebration Sunday, April 24, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. There will be free BBQ, fun and inflatables for the kids. Join us as we celebrate community and host a BBQ cook-off at the Old Plank Road Market on Highway 9 across from the church. • St. Vincent de Paul April 10 - Patrick Lencioni “Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 2” OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8-8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www.wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale. • St. Paul United Methodist Church Fish fry and barbecue on Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m. Fish sandwiches $6, barbecue plates $10 and chicken wings $6. Come out and support this event.
for this occasion. Several prizes will be given to the most unique hat. Saturday, April 29 at 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Church Family Fun Day and Yard Sale. Activities will include games: Fish Pond, Cake Toss, Basketball, Beam Toss, Cake Walk and Bingo. Burgers, nachos and popcorn will also be available. Sunday School 10 a.m. Every Sunday Pastoral Service 12 noon (every third Sunday)
• Word of Life Baptist Church Community News Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday School 9:30 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 am. Our Wednesday night activities are at 6:30 pm.
• Salem Macon Baptist Salem Macon Baptist is located on Hwy 14, 4647 Tallapoosa Street, Notasulga, AL. Rev. Mike Stephens is pastor and Tim Bunn is choir director. • St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church April 17 at 2:30 p.m. the Church Fundraiser Spring Bling 2016 50 Women in Hats Program. St. John All Nations Willing Workers for Christ are inviting all women to participate with your fashionable hats
is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.
• House of Love and Mercy Will be celebrating their 16-year anniversary. The celebration will be a two-day event beginning Friday, April 29, at 6 p.m. The speaker for this great occasion will be Marsha Jean Evans (known as MJ) who used to reside in HOLM and is now a great supporter who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. the HOLM will hold a silent auction to benefit the HOLM. Looking for a great time and looking forward for women that used to reside in the program as well as many people who live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Westside Baptist Church Services are Sunday at 10a.m., 11a.m. and 6p.m. Wednesday night prayer and Bible study 7 p.m. All are invited.
• Elam Baptist Church Hope to see you in church each Sunday, Wednesday and special activities. Everyone welcome. • East Tallassee United Methodist Church The “River’s Edge Flea Market”
Obituaries
• St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church 3495 Hwy 14 Notasulga, AL 36866. Minister Alma Purter, Pastor. Welcome, welcome, welcome! We look forward to your presence. Program committee: Sister Brenda Moss 334-401-0706, Sister Linda Pullium 334-209-3208 and Sister Judy Moss. • Beulah Baptist Church At Beulah, here is our schedule of services: Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Feed the Sheep 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Nursery is available. All are welcome • Lake Point Baptist Church Lake Pointe is a new church and Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the church’s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from God’s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome. Come! Let us build!
Eleanor Thomas Freeman
Mrs. Eleanor Thomas Freeman, 97, of Tallassee, passed away March 31, 2016. She was born May 2, 1918. Graveside services will be Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Troy, Alabama, with Rev. Mike Thomas officiating, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her sons, Reynolds Thomas (Paula), Royce Thomas (Sherry) and Alden Thomas (Cherry); fifteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husbands, Wilburn Thomas, Rufus E. Tate and Stirl Freeman; son, Billy Thomas; daughter, Sue Overstreet and grandson, Alden Thomas, Jr. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
George Hilliard
Mr. George Hilliard, 89, of Eclectic, passed away April 1, 2016. He was born September 3, 1926. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services Thursday, April 7, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Eclectic with Dr. Bob Williamson and Rev. Britt Green officiating. Burial will follow at Bullard Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. He is survived by wife, Mary Hilliard; brother, Robert Hilliard; sons, Mike Hilliard (Nancy) and Jim Hilliard (Janice); daughter, Cheryl DeBardelaben (Leon); grandchildren, Josh Hilliard, Lacy Hilliard,
Blake Hilliard, Simone Curtis, Christy Kelly and Tyler DeBardelaben; and great grandchildren, Will Hilliard-Starr, Cass Curtis, Bailee Curtis, Jillian Curtis, Alvinn Kelly and Taunton Kelly. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey Hilliard; brother, Wallace and sister, Violet. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
James Marvel
Mr. James “Jimmy” Marvel, 64, of Tallassee, passed away April 1, 2016. He was born February 20, 1952. He is survived by wife, Linda Marvel; father, Damon Marvel; sons, Matt Marvel (Candice) and Mason Marvel (Lizz); daughter, Mary Ellen Dickens (Jay); brother, Jeff Marvel (Kim); sister, Teressa Upchurch (Jim); and grandchildren, Kam Marvel, Damon Marvel and Adalyn Marvel. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Marvel. Pallbearers will be Jerry Pelham, Steven Mikell, Richard Dean, Bruce Dean, Warren Aaron and Jim Upchurch. Visitation will be Monday, April 4 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Linville Memorial Chapel with Wren Aaron officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem East Baptist Church Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home officiating. Jimmy was employed with International Paper in Prattville for 25 years. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
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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APRIL 7, 2016 • PAGE 7
r r r r r
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 Same-sex marriageriage licenses to be issued out of Elmore County Contributed / The
Herald
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Marbury teacher arrested on sex charges Wesley charged with t having sex with a studen
THURSDAY • JANUARY 28, 2016
By COREY Staff Writer Writer
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 KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor Herald
years, but now It has been nine of Richard Wayne family members peace. Adams can be at Sheriff Bill Franklin Elmore County ent of forensic in said the state departm ed his office earlier sciences contact ely identify Adams, the week to positiv body and skeletal whose decomposed near Possum Trot remains were foundille community Deatsv the in Road Feb. 25, 2009. Adams’ remains At the time when yards from 40 were found about Jordan, forensic the banks of Lake identify the sciences could not Their idea was an the top Challenge. s. winner. It was remain Innovative App award’ skull was up entries in Franklin said Adams University and The students came app among 1,200 school a By KEVIN TAYLOR State y the sent to Louisiana sity of North Texas. with the app “Mone and the state to earn Copy Editor well as new For Me later to the Univerd and put into the $5,000 grant as the stuHoltville Management of A group of seven s is DNA was retrieve You.” tablets for each ated. System. acker, student Index goal-tr DNA School a Middle “We have Combined dents who particip to additionand were able function hoping to raise an school “They got a hit “I was on my way games, a holiday y the remains,” Mrs. tips for saving and al $15,000 for their to positively identifthen contacted his school when I got designing a to offer g money issues I was almost after collectively Franklin said. “We avoidin Barrett’s email. app. team s.” and after the holiwhen I read it,” new smartphone relative tears before in the Verbena said. a jingle Just before the Adams was from County, days. We also have member Hope Nelson is in HMS stu2 Thanksgiving break sixthcommunity in Chilton Now their app idea national for the app,” said . “We ’s See REMAINS • Page the Cheyanne Barrett dent Brooke Carrico kid and contention to win 2 look grade students began See HOLTVILLE • Page made the app to ping an .” riendly working on develo Verizon adult-f app to enter in the
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By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
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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. 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 start picking up if you go to Redland, then any amount on the Mullino said. “So, Redland School. If you To a 10-year-old, like a long time, but to t) seem … they ortation you go (straigh school bus may eighth and up, then Public Schools Transp ing are in seventh and go to the middle school and Elmore County Mullino, said evaluat are picked up and Coordinator, Ray capacity of every bus is a high school.” bus routes and the g process to make sure nity is a growing Redland commu and has buses committed home constant and ongoin school and back students community, he said, students arrive at Elementary School at the d Redlan for only d out under safely. longest routes are be on and after those buses are checke Mullino said the may See BUS • Page 2 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
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.
By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor
CONTACT US
334-567-3284 334-567-7811 • Fax:
USPS 681-260
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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 Davis and Elmore County Engineer D Richie Beyer toured the two counties R recently for a sampling of the road r and a bridge issues facing the two counties. The tour is part of the DRIVE t Alabama campaign. A Beyer said he and the Davis collaborated together to highlight the l positive things the counties have done p through the Alabama Transportation t Rehabilitation and Improvement R Program. P “This was to show some of our legislators some of our needs,” he l said. “Just to drive home the point to them we are doing everything we can t with w our resources, but we really are in i 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.” Contributed / The Observer Beyer said there are 800 miles of paved roadways in the county in addi- Senator Clyde Chambliss and Representative Mike Holmes listen to tion to the 200 miles of dirt roadways. Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer brief the two during the Autauga and Elmore counties road tour. The tour was part of the DRIVE Alabama See TOUR • Page 2 campaign.
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By COREY ARWO OD Staff Writer
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REMEMBERING MLK Day with a mar
City celebrates MLK
Blalock, along A number of Jimmy Rodg with Police Chief Tallassee churc have once again the Tallassee ers and members of combined efforhes Polic organize the ts to are expected to be e Department in attendanc King Jr. Day annual Martin Luther well. e, as prominent citycelebration and both “It’s just strict ly a mem local religious officials as well as al march in memory of orito speak and leaders are expected and the contr Dr. King atten The ceremony d. to mankind. ibution that he made It’s a celebratio will begin with march at 10 across the coun n all a a.m. Jan. 18 try so we decid to start at First that is set here in the ed city Church in Talla United Methodist would come of Tallassee that we together,” said one mile down ssee and span abou Blalock, Char t end at 48 Log Gilmer Parkway and also mastcity council member andles er of cerem Circle. onies for the Mayor Bobb MLK Day even speak and coun y Payne is slated to This will be t. cil member about the seven Charles th
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By COREY ARWO OD Staff Writer
ch and ceremony
By COREY ARWO OD Staff Writer
2
report card. Carmen Rodgers Tribune
By CAR CARMEN RODG ERS Staff Writ Writer
Recently, Jame and Rick Ric ey Jone s Martin, Wanda Jone s s decid in Tallassee s and surro ed to be proactive unding areas have for formed the . They Tallassee Neig Watch Grou G p. hbor ular meetings The group will hold hood regwher community uni are welce members of the ome three said to join. said they hope The spread and and the sayin the initiative will g “see some See NEIGHBORH thing, OOD • Page 2
50¢
VOL. 117, NO.
Thurlow Dam with the Àood gates open after recent Àooding in the Tallass ee area. The dam was one of many included in the infrastructure
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By CARMEN RODGER ERS Staff Writer Writer
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See MLK • Page
ns
Tallassee Polic e Departme a promotion nt held otion honor mem ceremony Wednesday bers who have to to higher ranks wh advanced . Chris Ch Owe Ch Benny Merr Merritt itt were prom nby and commander. oted r. Owenb nby is now to mander of inves comtigati tig tigat at ons and Merr iss commande anderr of pat itt patro pa t ls. Mitchell Wright and and Alex Hood Hoo Hoo edd from patro patroll officer were promoter to Sergeant. The he ceremony offic took pplace polic licee head in front headqu quarter erss w where mem of thee Tallassee arter bers Policee D Polic Department, along ng with with frien oredd the men. ds and family honThe ceremonial event was even of it’s t’s kind kind of the the Tallasssee the first Mitche Police ll Wright, Alex Hood, Chis of promotion See PROMOTION given Wednesday Owenby and Benny Merrit Carmen Rodgers / The • Page 2 Station. Tribune t stand with their during the Promo certi¿cates tions Ceremony at the Tallassee Police
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Rick Gold instructor anden, self-defense cours e department, director of the recre ation could use thesaid he thought anyone he developed easy-to-learn techniques for the self-d efense class es 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-opponent bag,” played one Golden dismeth would-be attac od to incapacitate any ker. Registration 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 Tre es Boo Ties fundraiser ts and Bow 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
A small restaurant restaurant opened opened in Eclectic Eclectic this week week run by a farming family family with a vision local to turn local local food into into a loca movement of of farm to table dining. For now, Farm Farm Boyz Eatery Eate Eate serves lunch, lunch, breakfast breakfast and primarily operates as as a bakery and and café from 6:30 a.m.-2 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday Monday through Friday. But if the plans of Whitehill Farm Boyz’ owner, Kevin Kevin Whitehill, pan out it it would eventually serve, what what he dinners. called, farm farm to table table dinners shop Located in the corner corner sho just down from Trustmark Trustmark Bank on Kowaliga Kowaliga Road Road in downtown Eclectic, Eclectic, Farm Farm Boyz operates operates as a working working kitchen and and a base of of operations for projects Whitehill has in mind mind for the community. His restaurant restaurant is focused focused mostly on baked goods. goods. Whitehill said he tries tries to use
Reeltown narrows coa ch search down to top five candidates, Pg. 11
Vol. 27, No. 4
Restauran Restaurant Restau rantt aims high high g aims withh farm wit farm to plate con concep cep plate concept
Human remains identified from 2009 discovery
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 Probate Court Court Judge John Enslen, in his official official capacity capacity as the the Chief Elections Officer of Elmore County, Court of has petitioned petitioned the Circuit Circuit Co emergency Elmore County County for an emerg finding declarationn judgment and fin declaratio Harrison, on whether Andre’ L. Harris superintendent education Enslen current superintende su perintendent nt of ed
working on ade students began among 1,200 ne Barrett’s sixth-gr app ge. It was the top giving break, Cheyan ts Innovative App Challen tablets for each of the studen Just before the Thanks to enter in the Verizon well as new developing an app a $5,000 grant as earning the school entries in the state who participated.
By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor A Marbury High School teacher wasand arrested Thursday count charged with one ee of a school employ act engaging in a sexual ing with a student, accord to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson. Brian J. Wesley, 30, of Millbrook was Wesley arrested in the circuit Elmore County ay in clerk’s office Thursd pka. Wetum as a Wesley is listed at social studies teacher ing Marbury High, accord . to the school’s website 2 See ARREST • Page
The
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 ge Amendment Sanctity of Marria ion Marriage Protect or the Alabama force and effect.” Act remain in full probate judges With that, some ’s order, but not have ignored Moore 2 See MARRIAGE • Page
vered Remains originally disco near Possum Trot Road Kevin Taylor / The
SPORTS PAGE 12
Page 11
Willll ccur Wi current ur superintendent be on ballot?
ERALD.COM THEWETUMPKAH
on the Moore’s order comesdistrict state heels of different By KEVIN TAYLOR punch holes in the courts trying to Copy Editor fell v. Hodges landmark Oberge d for same-sex a Supreme A day after Alabam Moore which allowe case, Roy Court Chief Justice order for all marriages. ordered ve issued an executi On Wednesday Moore n by the state to stop s, that “until further decisio probate judges in marriage license e Court, the issuing same-sex the Alabama Suprem Probate Judge the Alabama Elmore County existing orders of issuing any John Enslen stopped s. license marriage
Page 12
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Sports: Lady Panthers trounce Tigers
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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
ELMORE COUNTY SEARCHES FOR OFFENSE Playoff hopes hang in balance By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
A well-placed blooper over Josh Wilson’s head and out of reach gave Dadeville just enough room to down Elmore County, 4-1, Tuesday in a crucial area series opener at Dadeville. Eerily similar to their first game of the Class 4A, Area 5 series against Holtville, the Panthers (6-19, 0-3) fell behind early as the Tigers struck first, putting a run on the board in the bottom of the first. ECHS responded back, with an RBI hit from Wilson off Dadeville starter and University of Alabama verbal commit Cal Jones, driving in senior shortstop Shannon Darnell from second base, tying things up, 1-1. “We both kind of struggled to score, which is a credit to both pitchers,” Elmore County head baseball coach Wendell Jackson said. “We both scratched a run across. In the sixth inning, we walk two guys on and they got a blooper over the first baseman’s head, and we couldn’t get to it. “It was a tough play. One of
them found where we weren’t playing. We played just like we did against Holtville, we struggled at the plate.” Much like the Holtville opener, starting sophomore pitcher Jonathan Stiff pitched a gem in the loss, only allowing the one run through the first five innings before Dadeville opened up the game in the sixth. Senior Eli Cobb came in and recorded the last out of the inning. “He might have got a little tired, and he’s such a competitor, we felt like keeping him in there with his competitive edge. He competed (in the sixth), he just lost control for a second,” Jackson said. For game 2 Thursday on the hill, Jackson said he’ll likely start Darnell, who hasn’t thrown since March 12 due to injury. The coach hopes the right-hander can hold the Tigers close, as his team tries to sort out its offensive woes. “We’ve got to score more than one run in these that count. Score runs, somehow, someway, figure out a way to get runs in,” Jackson said.
Robert Hudson / The Observer
Elmore County’s Jonathan Stiff delivers a pitch during Tuesday’s area game against the rival Dadeville Tigers at NolenJones Field in Dadeville. Elmore County lost 4-1.
“We had opportunities to score against Dadeville – we had opportunities to score against Holtville – we just couldn’t get the big hit.
“We’re really due for that. We’re due for something good to happen to us in area play, because the last two years, it’s been close games. Hopefully,
the bats will break out.” ECHS hosts Dadeville in a doubleheader today at 4:30 p.m. at Tony J. McGhee Field.
Panthers JV win season finale over Dadeville
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Carmen Rodgers / The Observer
Elmore County senior midfielder Malik Settles (6) battles a Tallassee defender for possession during Tuesday’s Class 4A-5A, Area 5 matchup at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.
Elmore County junior varsity baseball team scored five runs in the first two innings and coasted to a 12-3 win in the season finale at Dadeville Tuesday. Jacob Taunton’s four RBIs on two hits led the way for the Panthers (7-14), while Taylor Henderson batted in three runs and Jamie Singleton added two RBIs. On the mound, Claiborn Brown earned the victory, giving up two runs off five hits while striking out seven hitters in six innings. LaPatrick Brown pitched the seventh, recording all three outs via strikeout, but the Tigers managed one run on two
hits in between. ECHS took the early lead, 2-0, in the top of the first. Dadeville got a run back in the bottom half off Claiborn Brown. The Panthers fired back, pushing across three more runs, all the runs they would need, in the second. Dadeville scored another run in the bottom of the fourth, before ECHS closed out the game plating two in the sixth and five in the seventh to extend its lead to 12-2. Along with Taunton, Dalton Odom finished the contest with two hits for Elmore County, while Henderson cleared the bases with a hit and Singleton garnered a two-run base hit.
Elmore County thrashes Tallassee, grabs area lead By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
“They’re just as loose as they can be.” While his team’s navigating uncharted ground in area play, that’s how Elmore County boys soccer coach Norman Dean described his players. Thrashing Tallassee, 5-1, in a Class 4A-5A, Area 5 match on the road at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium Tuesday night, the Panthers (2-3-2) are perched atop the area standings with Marbury (3-0) and have won their first two area games in a season for the first time in program history – both victories over Tallassee this year. “They’re just as loose as they can be. That’s just the nature of the game,” Dean said. “In football, you know, the kids will board the bus and it’ll be quiet and everyone’s focused. It’s not like that in soccer. It’s loose and just a different game. “But right now,
they’re loose, and they’re enjoying it.” The county rivals traded goals in the first 10 minutes. “We came out scored first, early. But then they answered back real quick,” Dean said. “I was like, ‘alright, it’s kind of going to be one of those nights.” With the match back tight, the Panthers’ relaxed attitude and style of play shone through, as they added two more goals, including one right before halftime that proved to be all they needed. “After that, about halfway through the second half, we scored again to make it 4-1 and we were feeling pretty comfortable,” Dean said. The Panthers netted the game’s final goal with 15 minutes remaining. Junior forward led ECHS, ending with two goals, while sophomore Shawn Beam and senior Malik Settles each tallied one. Junior keeper Spencer Andrews
relinquished one score, but stopped several Tallassee shots. Dean credited the experience of his players for earning a share of the lead at this point in the season. “We’ve got kids that played summer league, some played summer league together and with us for a few years. Just that experience factor is something we haven’t had before,” the coach said. “Like Josh (Stockman), he started as an eighthgrader. That maturity level – guys like Malik, Kent Whetstone, they’ve been playing for several years, and now they’re older, more experienced and stronger. “It was a big win last night. Our kids are playing hard, and possibly putting themselves in a position to make the playoffs for the first time.” ECHS travels to Holtville for area play today.
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Elmore County junior varsity first baseman Jamie Singleton (21) drives a pitch to the outfield against Wetumpka earlier this season.
Wetumpka’s youth soccer kicks off new season
Cory Diaz / The Observer
The Wetumpka chapter of the American Youth Soccer Organization opened its spring season with its largest league ever Saturday at Rumbling Waters Soccer Park. More than 280 kids from Wetumpka, Eclectic, Millbrook and the surrounding areas, took to the field for opening ceremonies, marking the beginning of AYSO Wetumpka Post 1586’s 2016 spring season.