May 26, 2016 Eclectic Observer by Tallapoosa Publishers

Foundation for new bleachers being laid.

Remembering our fallen warriors this Memorial Day.

Looking for something? Check this week’s classifieds.

Eclectic Observer Page 4

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The

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THURSDAY • MAY 26, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 27, No. 21

Personnel changes announced at school board meeting

Superintendent Andre Harrison announced Chris Holley as the new Holtville Elementary School principal, and presented Shayla Broadway, a 6th grade math teacher at Wetumpka Middle School, with the Montgomery chapter Air Force Association Teacher of the Year award.

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

William Carroll / The Observer

There was a lighter tone during the most recent county board of education meeting, and as the school year draws to a close this

week, last minute awards were presented and changes to personnel and administration were announced. Superintendent Andre

County to lease building for energy savings project

Harrison introduced the new principal for Holtville Elementary to the crowded meeting room. Chris Holley was said to have See SCHOOL • Page 3

Electic schools get needed connectivity upgrade New fibre optic network slated to be in place by next school year

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

By WILLIAM CARROLL Staff Writer

Ms. Dottie, a 6-yearold Rat Terrier, was said to have protected her owners, Sue and Mike Bellury, from a 2-foot rattlesnake which found its way into their Eclectic home.

The Elmore County Commissioners voted to approve leasing the old emergency management office space in the Thames Building to Schneider Electric for use as a project office during the county’s emergency savings project Monday evening. County Engineer Richie Beyer said that Schneider had approached the county about renting the space. “Schneider Electric has already begun mobilizing for our project,” he said. “As they were trying to get set up one of the things they looked at was bringing in office trailers, and they approached us about renting the space.” Beyer said that Schneider is offering $400 a month for a sixto nine-month period of time. He told commissioners that the space is not currently being used and that the county is continuing

Submitted / The Observer

Local woman ‘fortunate’ dog finds rattlesnake By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

An Eclectic woman said she was alerted to a rattlesnake holed up in her home by her small dog, a 6-year-old rat terrier named Ms. Dottie, who nearly died from its effort to vanquish the venomous intruder. Sue Bellury, 68, gave her account of an incident she said happened after visiting with a family member, who lives near her and her husband, Mike Bellury, at their home on Rock Hill Road. She said she had left a screen door

See COMMISSION • Page 3

propped open with a small piece of wood so Ms. Dottie could come and go as she pleases; a practice Bellury said she has since stopped. “I quit doing it after this episode,” said Bellury. Coming back into the house, Bellury said she noticed a rat sitting motionless on top of the piece of wood used to prop the door open. Bellury’s said she grabbed a piece of firewood, hit the rat and then disposed of See BITE • Page 3

By next school year all of the students in Eclectic area public schools should have a faster connection to the information superhighway. Troy Cable was recently awarded a contract to bring 10 billion bits per second of connectivity to Eclectic Elementary, Middle and High schools. According to information provided by Troy Cable, the company will invest $481,000 during phase one of the construction project, which will provide 10-gig connections for all three schools. According to the company, phase one should be completed by July 1, in time for the 2016-2017 school year. Phase two of the project will provide approximately 160 broadband connections to residential homes in rural Elmore County with a capacity of 1 gbps. The project is part of a larger contract granted to Information Transport Solutions. ITS representative Barke Hughes said that the upgrade would significantly increase the bandwidth available to the schools. “It is about ten times the bandwidth they currently have,” he said. “It was definitely a move Elmore County needed to make.” Hughes said that the project is moving along quickly and that the goal is to have the schools up and running faster by the start of the next school year.

Cancer support group to assist people in community

Dr. Brandon Johnson explains the various forms of cancer as well as treatment options for patients touched by cancer.

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Submitted / The Observer

Tallassee’s newest cancer support group continues to help people and family members of those who have been touched by cancer. James Martin founded the organization as a way for people to come together and share life experiences with each other as way to help heal. The support

group is looking into ways to further help cancer patients with expenses. Often cancer treatments are very costly, perhaps the most costly on the pharmaceutical market. Even those with the best insurance can be left toting the burden of extra copays. “Even if they have insurance, they have to go so often that it really adds up quickly,” said

Today’s

See CANCER • Page 3

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PAGE 2 • MAY 26, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Area Calendar May

MUSEUM EXHIBIT: During the months of April and May, the Elmore County Museum’s exhibit will feature the nationally known Elmore County Band - fondly called “The Big Blue”. The exhibit is filled with yearbooks, pictures of the band beginning in the 1950s and running through the 70s, plaques, scrapbooks, and a video of the 2003 Big Blue reunion! There are some funny, FUNNY stories told on the video! Come by Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. and take a step back in time!

May 11-UNTIL

RELAY PLANNING: Relayers, cancer survivors, community leaders, team captains and hard workers are all needed to help plan the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life – including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers – to join together in the fight against cancer. Volunteers from the Tallassee Community are needed. If you would like to join the Relay For Life of Tallassee as a volunteer or team participant, call Amber Voss with the American Cancer Society at 334-6128174.

MAY 25

The Tallassee City Schools will destroy all special education records of students who are 21 years of age or older and who exited Tallassee City Schools prior to June 2011. Individuals desiring to obtain their special education records may do so by

contacting: Tallassee City Schools Special Education Services 308 King Street Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-5675 A picture I.D. is required of all persons picking up special education records. All special education records must be picked up before Thursday, June 2, 2016. RELAY FOR LIFE: Relayers, cancer survivors, community leaders, team captains and hard workers are all needed to help plan the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers – to join together in the fight against cancer. Volunteers from the Tallassee Community are needed. If you would like to join the Relay For Life of Tallassee as a volunteer or team participant, call Amber Voss with the American Cancer Society at 334-6128174.

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.

May 30

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: The Eclectic the Beautiful organization has planned its annual service for Memorial Day,

May 30, 2016 at 10 a.m., in the Veterans Memorial Park in Eclectic. Chairs will be available for those who wish to be seated during the service, and chairs may be brought form home if you’d like to bring them. We invite everyone to attend in honor of those Veterans who died during or since the wars, and if you have a family member that you’d like to honor, please bring flowers to place on the monument. One of the members of Eclectic the Beautiful will be available to list the names and call them out at the end of the program. At that time either a family member (or an ETB member, if you’d prefer), will lay the flowers on the monument for the family in remembrance of the brave men and women who served our country, fought to protect our freedom and will always be remembered. MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: The Tallassee Memorial Day Ceremonies will be held again this year at the gazebo in Veteran’s Park on Barnett Blvd., at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30. The Mayor will address the crowd, there will be Veteran Recognition, the laying of the wreath, James Bush singing Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA and leading the audience in singing God Bless America. Our veterans risked their lives, and many lost them in defending the liberties this country has stood for. Let’s us do our part in remembering those who did not come back, and thanking those who did! Tallassee Post 5035 encourages all to attend the short ceremony and enjoy the light refreshments on Veteran’s Day, Monday, May 30. We look forward to seeing all of you there!

June 1

May Yard of the Month

The home of Mike and Natalie Wilson was recently selected as the Eclectic Twilight Garden Club’s Yard of the Month for May. POOL OPENING DAY: Pool season for 2016 begins Wednesday June 1 at 1 p.m. and ends Saturday, July 30. Hours of operation will be MondaySaturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Daily pass is $3 per day and individual pass is $45, family pass for up to four in same household is $60 and five or more $75 for season. SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM: Free summer meals for kids and teens will be served in Tallassee. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Call 283-6864 for location and other information.

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JUNE 3

Relay for Life Paint the Town Purple at J.E “HOT” O’Brien Stadium

June 5

GOSPEL MUSIC: Lebanon Baptist Church in Titus is hosting Justified in concert Sunday, June 5 at 6 p.m. Come visit for an evening of great gospel music.

June 7

Industrial Development Board meeting 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.

June 10-11

TALLASSEE NOW: Tallassee Now event is set for June 11 at Bell Park and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

June 13-July 8

SWIM LESSONS: First session of swim lessons for ages 4 and up (must be 4 by time of lesson) will be June 13-June 24, Second session will be June 27-July 8 (closed July 4) Third session will be July 11-22. Registration fee for Tiny Tots is $55 and Levels 1-6 will be $65. You may register at Recreation Department until Thursday, May 26, and after May 26 please register at pool.

June 14-16

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The Wall Street AME ZION Church at 71 Zion Street in Tallassee is hosting vacation Bible School June 14-16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rev. Edwrin Sutton is the host pastor. Preschool children to adults and ministers are invited to take part in this fun-filled Bible program. For more information contact Mrs. Jeannetta Brooks at 334-283-2594.

June 17

CONCERT: Jessica Meuse will perform a concert June17 at 7 p.m on the Wetumpka Depot Players Depot Stage. Local children will have the opportunity to have a private jam session with Jessica prior to the concert and will perform a song or two with her at the end of her performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling 334-868-1440 or online at wetumpkadepot. com. To sign children up for your activities including the opportuinity to sing with Jess, contact Kristy Meanor Depot Executive Director.

June 23

BEEKEEPING CAMP: The Central Alabama Beekeepeers and Elmore County 4-H are hosting a beekeeping camp June 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 14. Take a look into the fascinating world of honey bees and see the role they play in our everyday lives. Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt and snack. Participants must bring a sack lunch. For more information and to register contact Allyson Andrews at 334-799-2254 or call at allyson.andrews@ icloud.com

JUNE 25

Central Alabama Comprehensive Health, Inc will hold the Annual Recognition and Silent Auction and Roast of the Honorable Deborah H. Biggers, District Court Judge. Supporting Honorees: The Honorable Miles D. Robinson, commissioner district 1, Macon County Commission. Dr. Fazel Martine, CEO of Prime Care Medical. This event will be held Saturday, June 25 at 2p.m. at the Tuskegee Municipal Complex in Tuskegee, AL. Donations are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Maggie Antoine at 334-3391202 or maggieantonie@ charter.net.

June 28-30

HOOPS CAMP: The Tallassee boy’s basketball team is hosting a summer camp June 28-30. The camp is for boys and girls ages 8-14 and will be grouped in ages 8-11 and 12-14. The camp will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and will be run by the varsity coaches and players. There will be drills for shooting, ball handling and five-on-five drills. There will also be a contest for free throw shooting and a 3-point shooter contest. For more information call coach Cecil Hollinquest at (256) 4042657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187. ONGOING EVENTS

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TENNIS LESSONS: Grassroots Tennis Association will be offering (8) Weeks of Free Tennis Lessons this Summer throughout the rural and inner city underprivileged communities. A player can become a recipient of Free Tennis Lessons by contacting this organization before (May 27th, 2016) by calling (334-439-8198).

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Cancer

Bite

continued from page 1

the body. It was not until after she had been inside for about 15 to 20 minutes that she said Ms. Dottie started barking from another room. Bellury said she was preparing food for supper, and thought the dog was barking at her husband, who she expected home. She said she then realized Ms. Dottie did not see her husband, but was barking at something in the corner of the room which she approached, but never touched, Bellury said. She said she did not know what kind of snake it was at the time, but grabbed a fire poker and struck it. While she was trying to remove the snake from her home, Bellury said the dog grabbed at the snake while it was on the poker, which is when she said she thought the dog was bit. “She snatched it after it was on the poker,” Bellury said. There was no indication the dog had been bitten, she said, with neither swelling nor obvious bite marks. She said, “When I came back in she was limp as a dish rag.” Her thought on the timeline of events was that the

snake had pursued the rat inside and bit it, which is why it was motionless on her patio. She said her regular veterinarian, was not open at the time of incident around late April, so she rushed her to Wetumpka and Bryson Veterinary Clinic. Ms. Dottie was given antivenom, Bellury said, and has since recovered. A spokesperson with the clinic gave advice on what to do if a dog is bitten. Given the amount of factors that come into play in a bite scenario, and the numerous treatment options available, she said the preferred action is to quickly contact a veterinarian. If a regular veterinarian is not available in an afterhours situation, she said to call an emergency veterinarian. She also mentioned a vaccination that protects against rattlesnake bites was a preventative option. The snake in Ms. Dottie’s incident, was two-feet long, and had one rattler, Bellury said. She said she felt “fortunate” to have left the event without being bit herself. “She did her job I guess you could say,” Bellury said.

Commission

continued from page 1

to pay utilities on the structure. Beyer said as part of the agreement the county would retain the services in its name during the term of the arrangement. Commissioners also voted to approve a traffic enforcement agreement with the East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office. Elmore County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ricky Lowery said the agreement involves a grant for the Click it or Ticket program. The grant funds do not require a county match. In other matters before the commission: • Commissioners set a public hearing for June 13 at 5 p.m. for a retail beer (off premises only) and a retail table wine (off premises only) liquor license application by Manojavaya 1 LLC for Four Way Market, 1651 Balm Road, Wetumpka. • The commission voted to approve transferring excess funds from the May 20, 2013 tax sale to the general fund. County Administrator Grace McDuffie said that this is required by state law and that the property owner still has 10 years to request from the general fund.

• Commissioners approved the following personnel notifications: Notification of hiring Jason Crumpton, Corrections officer to replace Z. Jones effective May 2. Notification of the termination of Joshua Singleton, corrections officer, effective April 21. Notification of hiring Walker Patterson to replace Singleton, effective May 9. Notification of hiring Kelly Saucer, probate clerk, effective May 16. Beyer notified the commission of the draft Americans with Disabilities Act Transportation Transition Plan. The plan evaluates existing sidewalks, pedestrian facilities, and curb ramps located within Elmore County’s Right of Way. The county is soliciting public comment on the proposed Transportation Transition Plan to consider by the commission. The proposed plan is available on the county’s website and the public has two weeks to provide comment.

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science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. She said she used a “hands-on” approach, through projects with robotics, rockets and aerospace concepts to get her students interested in math. She mentioned an upcoming project she was going to do with her class that involved creating “hot air balloons” out of tissue paper and a heating element. Harrison said he wanted to call a special meeting for June 7 to

continued from page 1

cancer. In the May 17 meeting, Dr. Brandon Johnson was on hand offering advice to cancer patients. Dr. Johnson explained the chances of a person being struck with cancer. Johnson explained that cancer is a gamble and that everyone has the same probability of having cancer at some point in his or her life. Johnson went on to explain which cancers are more prevalent in various ages, races and sexes. “The most diagnosed cancer in men is lung cancer, and for women it is breast cancer,” Johnson said. Dr. Johnson also explained various forms of treatment, their cost and newer cutting-edge treatment that are still being tested. After, Dr. Johnson also took questions from attendees and offered as much advice as possible. “A positive attitude really is what makes the difference in cancer patients,” he said. These meetings are free to attend and everyone is encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be held on June 21 at 6 p.m. inside the Community Hospital classroom. Dr. Rand of the Tallassee Community Medical Center will be the guest speaker along with Pastor Derek Gentle of First Baptist Church in Tallassee. Meetings are held every third Tuesday of each month. The group is also expanding into the Eclectic area, with a meeting scheduled for the third Thursday of each month at the Warehouse on Main Street in downtown.

BBQ FESTIVAL June 10-11, 2016 Present receipt(s) from any retail businesses in the City Limits of Tallassee totaling $100.00 or more, dated between May 15, 2016- June 7, 2016 and receive up to 6 BBQ plates during the Tallassee Now BBQ Festival for $1.00 each. (Regular price $8 per plate).

Board served as assistant principal at HES for the past three years, and will officially enter into his new role in July. “I’m replacing someone that’s been there for 37-and-a-half years and, you know, had some great guidance,” said Holley, after the meeting, in reference to outgoing HES principal, Kathy Terrell. Holley said he wanted to maintain the school’s history of long-standing principals. “Being an elementary principal has been a ultimate goal for me and I look forward to working with students and parents next year and the teachers as well,” Holley said. Also, an award was given to a 6th grade math teacher at Wetumpka Middle School, Shayla Broadway. Harrison presented Broadway with the Air Force Association Teacher of the Year Award for the Montgomery Area Chapter. Broadway said she was given the award for her work in the subjects of

MAY 26, 2016 • PAGE 3

discuss personnel issues, along with maintenance and construction projects going on throughout the county. School Board finance topics were on the agenda with April payroll amounts being accepted. They were listed on the agenda to be a Scholastic amount of $6 million, and another amount set as Calendar, around $1,341,000. There were also three-pages worth of personnel actions approved by the board, with roughly 10 employ-

ment actions, 4 retired, 10 transferred and 23 resigned.

Bring the receipts to the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce no later than June 7th to redeem . Chamber OfÀce located at 17 Sistrunk in Downtown Tallassee Open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri-- 9am to 12pm. Pick up plates at O’Brien Stadium between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, June 11.

Steve Baker, Publisher Mitch Sneed, 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 • MAY 26, 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.

Remembering the fallen this Memorial Day

“D

ear Captain Fuller, in science this week, we’re talking about the human body, and I hope your human body doesn’t get shot, but I have homework to do.” “Dear Caption (sic) Fuller, You are the most kind man in the world to risk your life. For many, it’s the ultimate sacrifice. You do the most for us, so we won’t ever get attacked in the middle of English.” I received these letters from these precious children while deployed to Iraq eight years ago during my second tour there in support of Fuller Operation Iraqi Freedom. I thank God every day that my human body did not get shot, and I also thank Him for those men and women who indeed paid the ultimate sacrifice. As a platoon leader, I lost my two soldiers when they were hit by an improvised explosive device on April 4, 2004, during my first deployment. Philip Rogers died instantly, and Tyanna Felder died from her injuries three days later. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think about our fallen warriors and friends. I try to focus on faith, family, and friends in some way, shape, form or fashion in this column, but today, with respect to Memorial Day, I’m adding freedom to the mix. Where would we be without the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice? What freedoms would we have? Where would you be? With respect to my fallen warriors, whether or not we should have been in Iraq or not is beside the point. We were there. Philip and Tyanna raised their right hand and volunteered to serve their nation so that you or your loved ones wouldn’t have to serve involuntarily, and for that we should be forever grateful. Salute. I have the incredible honor of being the guest speaker at the Memorial Day services in my hometown on Monday. I’ve spoken or performed comedy in a lot of places for a wide range of folks, but as honored and excited as I am to do this, I’m equally as terrified, but I look forward to the challenge. “If a man does his best, what else is there?” General George S. Patton said. Some people are unaware of the true meaning of Memorial Day and lump many of the military related holidays together. While those grateful Americans mean well, it’s important not to confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died in the line of duty, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans “Another reason I would like to thank you is because you are serving the nation. Without people like you who join the military, our country would be bad.” I think this last letter really sums it up. So, to each of you who have ever worn the uniform, we thank you every day for what you have done for this great nation, and we’ll throw you a celebration come November 11, but Memorial Day is for our brothers and sisters from every walk of life who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can sleep in peace at night when we lay down our head. That debt can never be repaid, we are forever grateful and will never forget.

A little politics goes a long way

s a new editor I always think it is important to outline at least some of my views as it comes to the realm of politics. This is important going forward as it allows readers to understand where my opinions are coming from and what views I may have as to a variety of local issues. First, I am proudly neither a Republican or a Democrat. I have never knowingly registered as either one. I say knowingly because I think I may have been registered as a Republican once, not because I checked the box, but because that was apparently the “default” provision for the county I was in at the time. Interestingly, I am not necessarily a centrist fence straddler either. I take the position that both political parties are effectively corrupt and they simply play the role of “teams” that most Americans, being easily divided, pick as the team they wish to support. Take Alabama for instance. A state effectively run by the Democratic Party for years until 2010, when a wave of Republican legislators, pushing reforms and the goal of stamping out corruption, took over the state. Of course with the trial of Mike Hubbard beginning this week, following shortly after the scandal that has engulfed the

WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

governor’s office, can you really say Alabama is any better off with Republicans running the show? The problem in this state and around the country is that both parties have become so polarized that they effectively accomplish very little. Add to that the amount of shadow money that enters into federal and state races and flows into candidate pockets and you have a recipe for corruption. Hubbard is on trial for using his position for political gain, but isn’t that honestly what the vast majority of politicians do? It is really a grease game where he or she who gets the most grease on the wheel usually wins. Second, while I am not technically a libertarian I tend to be against the government involvement in most things, especially in social parameters. I am not a fan of the nanny state, but unlike some who apply that term simply to our welfare apparatus, I also apply it to a whole host of social issues, like who should be allowed to marry whom, or how

people should be allowed to conduct themselves in the privacy of their own homes. The late President Ronald Reagan was quoted as saying, “Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” I call this the mind your own business concept. Government’s role is not to enforce your way of life on others, its purpose is to protect you from others attempting to do things to you. That being said, generally local governments are in many ways a microcosm of state and national governments. There is always a little bit of corruption, even at the lowest levels of government. While I am new to the area, I have already noticed quite a few little eccentricities when it comes to our local governmental agencies. Over the next few months we will delve into them a little bit and hopefully enlighten citizens as to how their tax dollars are actually being utilized. While local politics may be small scale, a little bit can go a long way when you are talking about corruption versus doing what is right. William Carroll is the managing editor of the Wetumpka Herald, the Eclectic Observer and the Tallassee Tribune.

Jody Fuller is 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.

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 # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. 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 Steve Baker, publisher publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@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

Remembering a great politician: Chief Justice Perry Hooper

few weeks ago former Alabama Chief Justice Perry O. Hooper Sr. died at his home in Montgomery at age 91. He was the epitome of the southern gentleman. He was also one of the founding fathers of the modern Republican Party in Alabama. Hooper Sr. was a GOP leader long before it was cool to be a Republican in Alabama. He was the state’s longtime National Committee Chairman as well as a one-time party chairman. Many of Hooper’s early GOP stalwarts, like Wynton Blount and Jim Martin, used to jest that there were so few Republicans in the state that they could call a state executive committee meeting or convention in a phone booth. Hooper was a marine as a young man. He graduated from Birmingham Southern and then the University of Alabama School of Law. During this time, he married the love of his life, a beautiful Kappa Delta at Alabama from Montgomery, “Mrs. Marilyn.” He began his law career in Montgomery. He was elected probate judge of Montgomery County in 1964 and reelected in 1970. In 1974, he was elected as a circuit judge in Montgomery. In those Montgomery judgeships, he was the first Republican elected since Reconstruction. However, he became the ultimate Republican political pioneer in 1994 when he became the first Republican chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. In fact, he was the first Republican state justice since Reconstruction. Today, Republicans hold all nine seats on the Alabama Supreme Court. Hooper broke the ice and paved the way. As a jurist, Judge Hooper was seen as a role model

Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers for other judges. He was nonpartisan and fair. Both Democrat and Republican lawyers said he was friendly and treated them with respect and regard in his courtroom. Suburban Alabamians began voting Republican in the 1960 Kennedy/Nixon presidential race. In fact, Nixon carried Montgomery. The tide turned totally in 1964. The state voted overwhelmingly for Barry Goldwater in what became known as the Southern Goldwater landslide. Alabamians not only voted for the Republican standard bearer, Goldwater, but a good many pulled the straight Republican lever. This Goldslide put five new Republican congressmen in office, including Bill Dickinson, Jack Edwards and Jim Martin. Judge Hooper also rode this tidal wave to become Montgomery Probate Judge. He used the slogan “Put Barry in the White House and Perry in the Courthouse.” However, this would not to be his toughest race. Hooper’s perseverance and resolve were exemplary as he won the 1994 State Supreme Court Race and broke the stranglehold that the plaintiff trial lawyers and Democrats held on the Supreme Court. At that time, the state’s and nation’s business communities were incensed at the jackpot justice haven that Alabama had fostered. They were determined to root out the plaintiff lawyer-oriented/

Democratic court. We were called “tort hell” in a cover story by Time Magazine. The Business Council of Alabama backed Hooper. They also hired one Karl Rove to work on the campaign. The Alabama trial lawyers backed incumbent Sonny Hornsby. It was a bitter and expensive campaign. Hooper narrowly beat Hornsby in the November election by less than 300 votes out of 1.1 million cast. Hornsby and the trial lawyers challenged the election. After a long court battle and several recounts, the U.S. Supreme Court declared Hooper the winner by a final margin of 262 votes. After Hooper’s win in 1994 the wall was lifted. The Republicans swept the court and have not relinquished any of the seats on the State Supreme Court. Due to the state’s mandatory age limitation of 70 for judges, Hooper could not run again in 2000. However, if he could have run, his reelection would have been much easier than in 1994. Judge Hooper is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn, along with his sons, John, Walter, Conwell and Perry Hooper, Jr. and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Perry Hooper, Jr., affectionately known as “Perry O.”, was my best legislative buddy. He has enjoyed a stellar career highlighted by 20 years as a state representative from Montgomery. Judge Hooper was a fine gentleman. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 26, 2016 • PAGE 5

Pet of the Week – Artie

Marine Police aim for safe holiday on Lake Martin

Artie is a nine-month old Dachshund/Hound mix, only about 30 pounds so he is as big as he is going to be. Poor Artie has been with us since February and just keeps getting bypassed, which is sad considering how happy, playful, and loveable he is. Artie is great with other dogs, loves to play with toys, and is the perfect size for most any family. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at http://www.elmorehumane.org/ for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Believe it or not, the Memorial Day Weekend will be the busiest few days of summer on Lake Martin for boating. “Memorial Day weekend is usually the busiest time of summer,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol Division Sgt. Mark Fuller said Tuesday while riding the lake. “It surpasses July 4. With the July 4 fireworks, there are more boats congregated in one area, but for the overall lake, there will be more boats for the Memorial Day holiday.” Fuller has some suggestions that come in handy for the first holiday of the boating season. Not only are they tips that will keep boaters safe, but tips that will keep boaters from receiving tickets as the marine officers patrol and stop boaters on a probable cause basis. “Anytime you are going on a boating excursion, particularly at the beginning of summer, you need to check all of your safety equipment,” Fuller said. “Take your boat to a marina, have it summerized, check all your belts and hoses and all of your fuses. Check your life jackets, you have to have one for everyone on board. It has to fit them, has

Cliff Williams / The Observer

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol Division Sgt. Mark Fuller pilots a boat on Lake Martin Tuesday in an event to familiarize media with what they do on the water and to promote safe boating this holiday weekend, which Fuller said is traditionally the busiest of the year.

to be in good condition and readily available.” There is one thing that will get a boater pulled over quickly. “Children under eight have to have life jackets on,” Fuller said. “We are sticklers for that. We are looking for any other safety issues like people riding above the gunnels of the boat and riding on the back sundecks of pontoon boats and the go-fast boats as we call them.” For those boaters wanting to ride at night on the lake, there is one thing that will make the boat legal and is a safer ride. “If you are going to be out at night, all of your navigation lights have to work,” Fuller said. You need to be clearly visible. That has been a big issue with our accidents recently.” That gets the basics of boat safety. But what about a license? “Any Alabama resident who is 14 and older who operates or owns a boat has to have a vessel license,” Fuller said. “If you are 12 or

13 and have taken the safety course you get a license like a learner permit but you have to have a licensed boat operator in the boat that is at least 21 years old.” Everyone has to have a vessel license that operates a boat, but only a few people are exempt from the exam. “If you were born prior to April 28, 1954, you do not have to take the exam,” Fuller said. “But you still have to go to the drivers license office and get the vessel classification on your drivers license.” Fuller has some advice that will make every boater’s experience safer. “Everyone seems to be in a hurry and all about them,” Fuller said. “There are other people that have just as much right as you to be here. If you are in doubt, slow down. The other boater might have taken your right-of-way but that is no reason to get into an accident. It is better to be slow, late and safe.”

Screaming low Prices! 5-DayS only!

Prices Good May 26 - May 30 COKE 2 Liter Products Asst.

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for

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All Pools, Patio Furniture & Grills

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fred’s Pure Cane Sugar 4lb. 25

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LAY’S Chips 9.75-10.25oz. Asst.

COKE 12 Pk. Products Asst.

88 5,000 BTU Air Conditioner

fred’s Charcoal

AEROSPEED 20 In. Box Fan 3 Speeds Asst. Colors

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While Supplies Last. No Rainchecks On Screaming Low Prices Items. Advertised products shown may not be available in all stores. Brands, styles and colors may vary by store. Sorry, we can’t offer rain checks on seasonal, special buy or while supplies last items. We reserve the right to limit quantities. We apologize for, but are not responsible for typographical errors. ©2016 - Fred’s Stores of Tennessee Inc. All rights reserved. Not all fred’s locations will have a Pharmacy. Visit fredsinc.com to ﬁnd the nearest Pharmacy location.

EV. 4488 (5/26-5/30/16) NP

PAGE 6 • MAY 26, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

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ClassiÄeds

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

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

classiﬁeds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiﬁeds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

The Wetumpka Herald

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 26, 2016 • PAGE 7

Submitted / The Observer

Participants in the Run for the Roses – Coosada Style, Kentucky Derby Party fundraiser pose for a photo. The final tally from the May 7 ‘Run for the Roses party at The Elms was $3,450!

Run for Roses Kentucky Derby Party event a big success By REA CORD Executive Director

he final tally from the May 7 ‘Run for the Roses - Coosada Style,’ Kentucky Derby Party at The Elms was $3,450! Isn’t that simply fantastic? We are so lucky to have so many pet loving shelter supporters in our corner and can never thank them enough. The Elms is the perfect location for this event and all the hosts and hostesses that make this such a top-notch event deserve a huge round of applause. Thank you again for coming together for our pets like this each year! We hope you have your calendar marked for our 11th annual Wags & Whiskers Auction on Friday, July 29 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. This is one of our biggest fund-rais-

HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS ing events with a room full of items for auction, great food, door prizes, and fun for everyone. All the proceeds go to our humane shelter to help ensure we can continue our work and be there for the public and so many pets in need. We are still accepting items for our auction and would love to add some furniture items (that winners can transport home the night of the auction), perhaps some antiques & sports and outdoor items. If you would like to donate an item to our auction please contact Sandy Faulk at 334541-2505 or email her at silentauction@ elmorehumane.com. All donated items are

tax-deductible and support a great cause (we are a bit biased). This is both a silent and live auction so plenty of opportunities for everyone to find one or more treasures. The fun, food and bidding begins at 6 p.m. when we open the Civic Center doors. Creek Casino Wetumpka will again be providing tables full of yummy hors d’oerves. Scott & Michelle Williams from High as the Sky Auction Company will make sure our live auction is a fun experience for everyone and DJ Ziggy from PowerSounds USA will keep our energy level high as our master of ceremonies. Silent auction bidding will then continue until the final whistle and our many auction volunteers will then help everyone collect their items and do the final pay-

ment processing. You can preview each and every item that will be in our auction by checking out our special auction website: http:// www.elmorehumane. auction/. New items are being added weekly so check back often to see what new treasures will be up for bid. You can pre-purchase tickets ($25 couple/$15 single) at our shelter (255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka) or at the door. We also have a limited number of tables seating eight for $300 – come to the shelter or call us at 334-567-3377 to pay for your table before they are all gone! Our silent auction is our biggest single fund-raising event, so we hope for a huge crowd who want to have fun, find a few treasures and support

our work to help as many animals as we

can each and every day.

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new D heat pump, hardwood ﬂoors, 2 lots, SOL REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – 5 acre lot on lake point road in eclectic, off highway 80 close to lake martin, modular home or double wides are ok if newer. Only $29000. 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. 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. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $259,000.

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 26, 2016 • PAGE 7

Submitted / The Observer

Participants in the Run for the Roses – Coosada Style, Kentucky Derby Party fundraiser pose for a photo. The final tally from the May 7 ‘Run for the Roses party at The Elms was $3,450!

Run for Roses Kentucky Derby Party event a big success By REA CORD Executive Director

our work to help as many animals as we

can each and every day.

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com

PAGE 8 • MAY 26, 2016

SPORTS

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

CORY DIAZ / The Observer

The first stages of the construction of the new visitors bleachers at Burt-Haynie Field on Elmore County High School’s campus began this week. Outdoor Aluminum, based out of Geneva, Alabama, started digging and had completed work on seven of the 19 foundation piers as of Wednesday afternoon. Outdoor Aluminum sub-contracted foreman John Sweeney, a Kansas native, said he aims to have all foundation piers for the stands, which will stretch from the 30-yard line to the 30-yard line, to be completed by next Wednesday and the work for the aluminum will begin the following day.

Coosa River Whitewater festival set for next weekend By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

An estimated 60 whitewater kayakers are expected to take turns tearing up the rapids at Moccasin Gap for the 31st annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival next weekend. The competition, launching at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, featuring varying categories, is just one part of the threeday long festival. Registration for competitors will begin Friday at 10 a.m. at the Coosa Outdoor Center at 172 River Road in Wetumpka. Practice times for registered competitors are scheduled for Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We’re not worried about a flood and we’re not worried about a drought,” Coosa Outdoor Center owner Lonnie

Carden said. “We’re hopeful the weather is good and that people show up. We’ll have fun anyway.” The schedule of competition events is as follows: junior freestyle (10 a.m.), women’s freestyle (11 a.m.), men’s freestyle (noon), women’s and men’s pro freestyle (1 p.m.), Boater X, sit-ontop kayak race (2 p.m.), King of the Wave (2:15 p.m.) , Kayak Jousting (2:30 p.m.), Classic Ender (3 p.m.). The awards ceremony will be at 8 p.m. at the Festival site. With some prize money available for the competing professionals, Carden said all other monies raised through the Coosa River Whitewater Festival would go toward Corn Creek Park. “We’ve already given the county $15,000 to

help with the new road back in. But we haven’t been allowed back in there in three years. We’re going to go back in there and refurbish barbecue grills and picnic tables, just refurbish and clean the place up and see what’s needed.” In order to participate in all festival activities you must be registered or a registered guest and wearing the armband that you will receive at registration check-in. Since the Coosa River is a public waterway you do not need to be registered while on the river or to be a spectator during competitions. You will need to be registered for all scheduled events (entertainment, meals, camping, etc.) at the festival grounds held at the Coosa Outdoor Center and for the shuttles provided by Coosa River

File photo / The Observer

A competitor paddles through the rapids during last year’s Coosa River Whitewater Festival at Moccasin Gap.

Adventures, Coosa Outdoor Center and Outside World Outfitters on Saturday. The Signals will provide live music Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. and

Charley C. & Cuzamatics will play after the awards ceremony Saturday at 9 p.m., along with raffles and door prizes. The festival will close with a Hometown Throwdown

and a lazy day paddle Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com.

Gator season registration to open June 3 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will open online registration for the state’s 11th annual regulated alligator hunts June 3 at 8 a.m. Registration must be completed by 8 a.m. July 12. A total of 260 Alligator Possession Tags will be spread among four hunting zones. The administrative fee to apply for an Alligator Possession Tag is $22 and individuals may register one time per zone. While the tag is free, the selected hunters and their assistants are required to have valid hunting licenses in their possession while hunting. Only Alabama residents and Alabama lifetime license holders ages 16 years or older may apply for tags. Alabama lifetime license holders may apply for an Alligator Possession Tag even if they have moved out of the state. To register for the 2016 alligator hunts, visit www. outdooralabama.com/registration-instructions during the registration period. Hunters will be randomly chosen by computer to receive one Alligator Possession Tag each, and the tags are non-transferable. The random selection process will utilize a preference point system. Applicants should check their selection status at www.outdooralabama.com after the drawing takes place July 12. Those selected to receive a tag must

confirm their acceptance online by 8 a.m. July 19. After that date, alternates will be notified to fill any vacancies. If selected for an Alligator Possession Tag at two or more locations, hunters must choose which location they would like to hunt. The slot for locations not chosen will be filled from a list of randomly selected alternates. Hunting zones, total tags issued per zone and hunt dates are as follows: Southwest Alabama Zone – 150 Tags Locations: Private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile counties, and private and public waters in Washington, Clarke and Monroe counties that lie east of U.S. Highway 43 and south of U.S. Highway 84. 2016 Dates: 8 p.m. Aug. 11 until 6 a.m. Aug. 14; and from 8 p.m. Aug. 18 until 6 a.m. Aug. 21. Southeast Alabama Zone – 40 Tags Locations: Private and public waters in Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Russell counties (excluding public Alabama state waters in Walter F. George Reservoir/Lake Eufaula and its navigable tributaries).2016 Dates: 8 p.m. Aug. 13 until 6 a.m. Sept. 5. West Central Alabama Zone – 50 Tags Locations: Private and public waters in Monroe (north of U.S. Highway 84), Wilcox and Dallas counties. 2016 Dates: 8 p.m. Aug. 11 until 6 a.m. Aug. 14; and from 8 p.m. Aug. 18 until 6 a.m. Aug. 21. Lake Eufaula Zone – 20 Tags

Location: Public state waters only in the Walter F. George Reservoir/Lake Eufaula and its navigable tributaries, south of Alabama Highway 208 at Omaha Bridge (excludes Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge). 2016 Dates: From sunset Aug. 19 until sunrise Oct. 3. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama. com.