Nov. 7, 2018 The Eclectic Observer by Tallapoosa Publishers

SPORTS, PAGE 9

OPINION, PAGE 4

Panthers hitting the court with fresh attitude, new coach

Flowers: More than an election going on in politics

Eclectic Observer The

ALABAMA’S BIGGEST WEEKLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EDITION INSIDE

WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 7, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 29, No. 45

Resident files class action suit against ABC Board By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

An Eclectic resident recently filed a class action lawsuit against the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board with the Montgomery County Circuit Court. According to the suit, which was filed by Cary Reagan Jr. last Tuesday,

the 6-percent sales tax the ABC Board has applied to the 56-percent excise tax placed hard liquor is in violation of the Code of Alabama. Reagan’s attorney, Jim DeBardelaben, said the ABC Board is unauthorized to apply the sales tax. “For each bottle of whiskey you buy, they’re charging you 3.36 percent too much. That doesn’t seem like

much, does it? Do you know how much whiskey the state sold last year? About half a billion dollars worth,” DeBardelaben said. “They are taxing you a tax on the excise tax. In other words, a tax on a tax.” Since 2010, DeBardelaben said the ABC Board has overcharged Alabama residents between $45 and $50 million. “That’s a lot of money that they took

out of the pockets of the hardworking people of this state,” DeBardelaben said. The lawsuit stated Reagan is filing on his own behalf, as well on behalf of more than 500,000 Alabama residents who have purchased liquor from the ABC Board. “All members of the class have See LAWSUIT • Page 2

Cox hired as ECEDA executive director

‘TIS THE SEASON

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Amalia Kortright / The Observer

Lifelike scenes from Bethlehem will be featured as An Eclectic Christmas tourists are guided to different scenes from the nativity story.

An Eclectic Christmas tours returning beginning Nov. 30 By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

ne of the community’s most anticipated Christmas events is returning to Eclectic for its 11th year. An Eclectic Christmas, which is hosted by the An Eclectic Ministry nonprofit, will be held each eve-

ning from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. An Eclectic Christmas, which will take place at the Falk Farm on 1733 Claud Road, is a walking tour centered around the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Falk Farm owner and An Eclectic Ministry member Rita Falk said visitors will be guided through scenes and reenactments depicting everyday life in Bethlehem, as well from the Nativity

story. According to Falk, the purpose of An Eclectic Christmas is about more than gifts or decorations, and gives anyone who wants to come the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. “When you come, it’s quiet and there’s no music. There’s a fire to stay warm by. I don’t see people with their phones out. I see them talking to each other,” Falk said. See CHRISTMAS • Page 2

Ninth annual Renew Our Rivers a success

Today’s

Weather

72 57 High

The Elmore County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors recently appointed Cary W. Cox as its new executive director. Cox, in coordination with the county’s municipalities, will lead the economic development for Elmore County. With 30 years of experience in economic development related areas, Cox was selected from a list of highly qualified candidates. Cox comes from the city of Auburn Cox Economic Development Department, where he served for 14 years. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to promote economic development in Elmore County. I plan to partner with all our stakeholders and businesses to create an integrated plan that addresses the needs of all Elmore County citizens,” Cox said. “All of the pieces of the puzzle are here: natural beauty, rivers, lakes, schools, interstate, utilities, airports, land, history and, See COX • Page 2

Low

THURS: HIGH 71 LOW 59

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Carmen Rodgers / The Observer

Local volunteers have spent weeks bagging trash along Lake Martin’s shoreline. Friday morning those bags were collected and placed on barges to be properly disposed of during the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup.

See CLEANUP • Page 3

Where Superior Service is Standard

Gassett

Funerals On Site Cremations Pre-Needs • Monuments

Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC

Celebrating 40 Years of Service!

This weekend was a great time to clean up — the lake that is. Several volunteers, along with the Lake Martin Resource Association, gathered at Wind Creek State Park and surrounding areas to continue the process of cleaning the shorelines of Lake Martin in the ninth annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup. “All of this (debris) is only coming off of a small area,” LMRA President John Thompson said. Local volunteers have been at work for weeks, walking

Joe Al All Allen len Gasse len G Gassett, assett tt, tt Founder 1942-2009

(334) 567-8433 www.gassettfuneralhome.net • 204 East Charles Avenue, Wetumpka, AL 36092

PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 7, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Lawsuit

Obituaries Lee Ann Mann Lee Ann Mann, 55, of Tallassee, passed away November 4, 2018. She was born January 21, 1963. Funeral service will be Thursday, November 8, at 3 p.m. Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmie Rodgers and Rev. Travis Bittle officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. She is survived by her husband, Tony Mann; daughters, Crystal Pettway (Oscar), Christie Farmer (Terry) and Mandy Mann; son, Jarrod Mann (Janice); brother, Richard Garnett (Carol); and grandchildren, John Michael Griffith, Heather Griffith; Aiden Griffith, Thomas Roper, Cassie Pryor, Ashlyn Webster and Jurnee Webster; and six great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Margaret Ann Garnett and grandparents, Hazel Virginia (Hay Hay) and Frederick William Gray. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

continued from page 1

suffered the same wrong, but in different monetary amounts,” the formal complaint read. Additionally, DeBardelaben said the 6 percent sales tax is also in violation of the ABC Board’s own rules and regulations. DeBardelaben also argued, because the ABC Board is a state entity, it should not be charging sales tax in general. DeBardelaben, who has personally known Reagan for decades, said they have been researching the issue since last year before coming to the

conclusion the lawsuit was likely the only way to getting it resolved. “Mr. Reagan brought me a Christmas gift last year, and it was a bottle of whiskey. I don’t drink much, he doesn’t drink much and he was fussing about how much it costs in Alabama,” DeBardelaben said. “I said, ‘Give me the receipt. Let’s walk through it.’” If the court rules in favor of Reagan, DeBardelaben said Alabama residents who have purchased liquor from the ABC Board may be

entitled to receive financial compensation. Hopefully, DeBardelaben said the lawsuit will prompt members of the ABC Board to take a closer look at their rules and regulations in the future. “I think it’s going to make the people who appointed these boards study the (ABC) Board and make sure it’s doing the right thing,” DeBardelaben said. As of Herald press time on Tuesday, representatives from the ABC Board were unavailable for comment.

Christmas

continued from page 1

“There’s a lot of things we could do, but we don’t because we want people to experience something a little different from other places they go throughout the Christmas season.” Typically, Falk said people are surprised by how much better the event is than what they anticipated. “Because it’s from a small town, people expect it to be a little more local,” Falk said. “When they see how well it’s done with the lighting and the sound and the costuming, it’s much more professional than they are expecting.” Falk said An Eclectic Christmas was inspired by a similar walking tour that was annually hosted in the early 1990s by local resident Ann Bearden. Once she retired, the events stopped. “It was just kind of a void in our community. It was very small, definite-

Cox

continued from page 1

most importantly, our people.” Art Faulkner, Chairman of the Board of Directors said he appreciates the members of the board seeing the importance of this position and taking the necessary steps to get an individual Cox’s caliber and experience level. Cox is a Millbrook resident, and is expected to start on Dec. 3.

ly not this scale,” Falk said. “It inspired us.” It wasn’t until after pastor Wayne Cook came to town, Falk said, that An Eclectic Christmas was established. “He had some experience from Cullman doing something similar, and we put our heads together and wanted to do it again,” Falk said. While she is glad to have seen it become a staple in the community, Falk said she never anticipated that it would become as elaborate and well known as it has. “We’ve take it one year at a time. We never anticipated anything long-term. Every year, we do it all over again,” Falk said. “We plan one year at a time and plan one project at a time, so we’re not overwhelmed. Last year, Falk said An Eclectic Christmas attracted 5,500 people, which

is almost five times the town’s population. This year, Falk said they were able to add more tour dates to their lineup. “Some people do it as a family tradition, some haven’t missed it in 11 years and there are people who have never been,” Falk said. “We’ve had people come from several countries, and certainly several states every year and they bring tour buses in.” Falk said An Eclectic Christmas is possible because of the work of 150-200 volunteers who run the tour each night. Falk said volunteers will be accepted until the last night of the event. “Some people come for the first time and come back the next night and volunteer,” Falk said. “Most of our roles are very loose. There’s not very much scripted. It’s mostly village people in costumes that are mingling or carrying

out the role of whatever that scene is. There are very few speaking parts that somebody would have to rehearse for.” No matter anyone’s age or ability level, Falk said An Eclectic Christmas is designed to allow everyone from the community to participate. “If they want to volunteer from home, they can take reservations, sew costumes or mend costumes,” Falk said. “There’s a way for every age to volunteer, from baby Jesus to a young angel on top of the manger. We even have volunteers in their 70s and 80s.” Each tour is expected to begin in 15-minute increments beginning at 5:30 p.m. While reservations are encouraged, Falk said walk-ins are welcome. To learn more about An Eclectic Christmas, make reservation for the walk-through or sign up as a volunteer, visit Aneclecticministry.org.

Elmore County remembering WWI Sunday STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year1918, the guns of World War I fell silent. Elmore County’s 10th annual Veterans Tribute at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka will dedicate this year’s event to the memory

of all Americans who served in World War I. The featured speaker will be Nimrod Frazer, a retired businessman, veteran, and author. Nimrod “Rod” Frazer has authored two recently published books highlighting Alabama’s fighting men during the war in the fields of France. His book, “Send the Alabamians”

Thank you for your support 3 years in a row! We sincerely hope you will allow us to meet your healthcare needs.

is a well-researched account of the 167th Infantry Regimen of the Rainbow division. Frazer’s father was a soldier in this Regimen. A bronze sculpture, gifted by Frazer, stands in Union Station in Montgomery as a tribute to those Alabamian guardsmen (some 3,600) who boarded the train here to go and fight in this “greatest war”. The sculpture was created by British artist, James Butler, and is a recast of the one that sits on Croix Rouge Farm in France today. Frazer, a veteran himself of the Korean War, received the Silver Star medal for gallantry in service to his country. He will be available for book signings before and after the concert in the Gallery of Honor. Alabamians of the River Region are encouraged to display their own and their family’s military photos and memorabilia in the Gallery of Honor which will be open to the public from 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Trinity

Episcopal Church. We hope some citizens will dig into chests and old family albums and display photos that have been passed down from relatives who served in WWI and other conflicts. Mark Harris, of Wetumpka (and a member of the Veterans Tribute Committee), has a portrait of his grandfather, Andrew Jackson Turner, in his WWI uniform. It will be on display in the Gallery along with a brief video created by Mark recounting the story of World War I. The annual concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Once again, the performances will delight the audiences with patriotic songs, lively entertainment and personal recognition of veterans of all branches of service. Our featured choir will be the Montgomery Chorale under the direction of Dr. James Seay. The Belle Fleurs, a trio of singers performing in the Andrew Sisters style of WWII, will once again entertain with “Boogey Woogey Bugle

Boy” with Melanie Perry of Tallassee on the trumpet. Nathaniel Graham of Montgomery will regale the audience with his tear-provoking performance of “God Bless America”. For the 10th year, the “Stars and Stripes Forever” will ring out in the 6-handed style of Trinity Church’s trio: Barbara Davis, Elizabeth “Ebba” Dunn and Charlotte Henderson, Robert “Robby” Glasscock, percussionist; Justin Hardin, flutist/piccolo; and Sarah Cater, organist and pianist round out the list of talent. A reception follows the concert in the Gallery of Honor with a cake by McKinney Cakes of Montgomery and sponsored by the Trinity Episcopal Church Women’s organization. All aspects of this event are free to the veterans and the public. The many donors and contributors are listed in the program for their generosity which makes this event possible.

Experience & Integrity in Real Estate Law Make sure you have the best team on your side. • Real Estate • Probate • Personal Injury

TRUSTED LEGAL ADVICE

Need your business to

STAND OUT from the crowd?

Call us, we can help!

256.234.4281

Now Located in Wetumpka 194 Fort Toulouse Road, Ste B

Community Hospital

Jim L. Debardelaben attorney at law

jim@jimdebardlaw.com | 334-265-9206 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal service performed by other lawyers.

334-283-6541 • www.chal.org 805 Friendship Road, Tallassee

I SOLD IT

• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

FAST IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Let us help you place an ad today, Please Call 256.277.4219 in print or online!

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

NOVEMBER 7, 2018 • PAGE 3

Carmen Rodgers and Amy Passaretti / The Observer

Sixteen to 18 tons of trash are estimated to have been cleaned up from Lake Martin’s shorelines this weekend during Renew Our Rivers.

Cleanup

continued from page 1

the shorelines and bagging bottles, cans, plastic and other debris that had settled along the shores of Lake Martin. Local organizations, such as Alabama Power, Wind Creek State Park and Lake Martin Dock Company volunteered their manpower and equipment to pick up the bagged trash and carry it to large dumpsters located at Wind Creek. Together, these organizations and companies hauled tons of trash and other debris from Lake Martin. “I would estimate it to be around 16 to 18 tons of trash,” Thompson said. “This is an area that we have never really picked up or cleaned in the past so some of these items have been out there for 50 or 60 years in some cases.” This annual event is held each year as the lake’s water level begins to drop. “You really don’t see it until the water goes down and you can walk back in there and look at it,” Thompson said. Lake Martin resident Kenneth Holland and his family have been

involved in the Lake Martin cleanup for the past five years and they said it is something they can do as a family that is enjoyable and rewarding. “We enjoy it, we really do,” Holland said. “We make it fun; we turn it into a game. We may see who can find the most lures or the most old lighters. Everything is a game.” Holland said there is no telling what they may find while cleaning the freshly exposed shoreline. “Whole tackle boxes,” he said. “We find all kinds of stuff, and it can really be a lot of fun. We found a beautiful log that is perfectly flat inside and still has the limbs on the bottom we are thinking about turning it into our mantle.” Lake Martin is one of Alabama’s most popular lakes and it’s the beautiful scenery and clean waters that attracts so many. The efforts to keep the environment pristine are ongoing. “We encourage everyone to join in,” Holland said. “You do not have to be a member to volunteer; we welcome any-

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

one.” To learn more about

the annual Renew Our Rivers or to submit an

application to clean a portion of shoreline go

to www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

OPIOID ADDICTION HAS NO AGE LIMIT. IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP.

S NEIGHBORS COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST RESPO

CALL THIS NEWSPAPER’S AD DEPARTMENT TO PLACE YOUR AD

24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760

Or call 1-800-264-7043

COURAGEFORALL.COM a message of the Alabama Department of Mental Health

AUBURN TIGERS

VS.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Show Your True Colors!

Pick a team, make a donation and let’s see who really has the best fans!

HWY 63, Three 5-ACRE lots on Highway 63 in Eclectic, 1 mile north of Cottons BBQ, 250 feet road frontage on each lot. Flat to rolling. $32,500 EACH. 1 Lot SOLD! LOTS IN RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – Good views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage, walking distance to downtown, 9 lots remaining, priced from $20,000 to $32,000. TALLASSEE WETUMPKA HWY-Brick 3 bedroom, 1 bath, on 2 acres, large den and kitchen, hardwood ﬂoors, carport, outside storage building. NEW ROOF. $85,000. TALLASSEE LOT – Great commercial lot in Tallassee next to Dairy Queen, with 3 bd/2ba house. REDUCED TO $84,900. NOBLE SUBDIVISION-4.8 ACRE lot , sloping, great building site, this lot is not part of Noble Subdivision- $48000. EAST COTTON ROAD, 3700 Sq. feet home on 15 ACRES, very nice property with ﬁsh pond, swimming pool, acreage completely fenced in for horses and cows. $398000. 1.7 ACRE lot on Highway 14/Gilmer ave. in Tallassee next to Timberlane Apts. Great business site. $45000. 5 ACRES on Highway 229 above Southside Middle school. Road frontage on 229 and Outer loop in front of the school. Good location. $50,000.

WAR

ROLL LE EAG

TIDE

TALLASSEE AUTOMOTIVE

October 15 - November 16, 2018

DONATIONS ACCEPTED AT: Tallassee Automotive | 1618 Gilmer Avenue | Tallassee Collier Ford | 5156 US Hwy. 231 | Wetumpka

Steve Baker, Publisher 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 • NOVEMBER 7, 2018

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

Observer

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

The Observer strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

YOUR VIEW We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the area. It’s free, and it only takes a few moments of your time to submit a letter to the editor. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less. You can mail your letter in to us, or email it.

WRITE: Your View The Wetumpka Herald P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092 EMAIL: news@thewetumpkaherald.com Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or refuse to publish any submission.

Eclectic Observer The

334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Wednesday 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

More than an election going on in Alabama politics

ur gubernatorial election year politics ended Tuesday. However, there have been other political maneuverings and developments going on behind the scenes, which may ultimately have more longterm ramifications in the Heart of Dixie’s political future. The selection of a new Business Council of Alabama leader is imminent and will probably occur in the next few days. In addition, the jockeying and wrangling for the U.S. Senate Seat in 2020 has begun. Alabama Power President, Mark Crosswhite, prudently cleaned house at the BCA earlier this year. He organized a team of cardinals to interview and select a new leader. Much like the vetting process for a new Pope, the Cardinals meet in total secrecy and send out smoke signals from the Vatican that they have not yet reached a decision. However, there are smoke signals that a new leader of the BCA is about to be named. The process has been very private with no leaks. This entire year long process of removing Billy Canary, who had reigned for 12 years, and selecting a new CEO has been a battle of business titans in the state. It has been a battle waged behind an iron curtain. The role of Crosswhite in this change has been clear. Crosswhite has emerged as the clear leader of the Alabama Business Community. The original BCA was forged under the leadership of former Alabama Power President, Elmer Harris several decades ago. It had become a toothless tiger in recent years through poor leadership. Crosswhite has picked the organization out of the junk pile and given it new life. Chances for a new beginning happen very few times. Like in politics, after the

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist election, you must govern. My belief is that with a new leader and a fresh start the Business Council of Alabama will emerge bigger and better than ever. You can rest assured that the business community of Alabama, and indeed the nation, will be looking forward to defeating Doug Jones in 2020. It is a glaring anomaly that one of the most conservative Republican states in America would have an ultraliberal, left-winger in one of our senate seats. In last year’s special election against Roy Moore, Jones received $22 million from the most liberal zip codes and enclaves in America, especially from the left coast of California and San Francisco. It was the only show bill in town, and Moore energized liberal money from throughout the country. Thus, the two truisms, “more people vote against someone than for someone,” and “money is the mother’s milk of politics” combined to create Alabama’s accidental anomaly, Sen. Doug Jones. Our anomaly senator has done nothing to remedy the uncertainty about who he is since taking office. He has done no campaigning or visiting around the state. He has shown a disregard and disinterest in basic political practices, like getting out among the rank and file Alabamians. Jones seems to just go to Washington to vote, then back to Mountain Brook. The book on Jones is that he will not be elected to a full term in 2020. It is a presidential election year

and Alabama will vote for the Republican nominee, probably Donald Trump, overwhelmingly. This is a Republican senate seat and it will be won by a Republican. Jones seems to know this, therefore, he appears content to represent California during his tenure. As soon as Jones was sworn in, the race to be the Republican nominee began. The obvious candidates are one, if not all, of our six Republican members of Congress. Speculation abounded that the three best potential congressional horses would be Robert Aderholt, Bradley Byrne and Mo Brooks. The horse that has emerged as the favorite is Byrne. He has started early and has staked out the inside track. He has crisscrossed the state building an organization and is collecting and tying up the Washington establishment money. Aderholt will probably defer to staying in the House. He has more than 20 years of seniority and is in line to chair the Appropriations Committee. Congressman Mike Rogers is moving up in seniority and is on Armed Services. Brooks is expected to defer to Byrne in 2020 and look to run for Senator Shelby’s seat in 2022 if he retires. This stealth campaign for the 2020 Senate race has been going on this entire gubernatorial year. Byrne is indeed laying his stakes. There is a maxim in life and politics, “the early bird gets the worm.” 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.

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 cents per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). • Weddings/Engagements/Anniversaries/Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are free for up to 120 words and a small photograph. Longer announcements are billed at 25 cents a word over the initial 120. Photographs up to 4 columns by 4 inches cost $25. Announcements must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald. com. Include your name and telephone number in case there are questions and to explain billing for large photos or announcements. All extra charges must be paid before publication. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald, The Tribune or The Observer. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday) 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, president and publisher publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Amalia Kortright, bureau chief & staff writer amalia.kortright@thewetumpkaherald.com Santana Wood, design editor santana.wood@thewetumpkaherald.com SPORTS Lizi Arbogast, sports editor lizi.arbogast@thewetumpkaherald.com Caleb Turrentine, sports writer caleb.turrentine@thewetumpkaherald.com SALES Marilyn Hawkins, marketing consultant marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

Polishing life requires discipline

tanding outside the window of my truck, a man is holding a bowl of Halloween candy. A large motorcycle rally is in town, the island flooding with chrome and a constant deep rumble. “Here, please take some,” he said. He is friendly, but with a hint of desperation to be separated from the colorful bowl of treats. Unclaimed candies from Halloween, no matter how small the colorful packages appear to the eyes, turn radioactive to adults – the mere proximity a threat to contributing to expanding waistlines. We strike up a conversation. He is working detailing motorcycles in the corner of a narrow parking lot along the water. His disposition is sunny, matching the sky above. Across the road, incoming waves twinkle as if a bag of children’s decorative glitter dances across the surface. The day is much brighter than the night he came to town. “I’d parked my truck for the night,” he said. “Then the storm came through, flipped it over. Totaled the eight bikes I’d brought.” His voice was even in tone, almost as if speaking about someone else’s experience. There was a

LEONARD WOOLSEY Columnist disappointment in his voice – but a disappointment absent of anger. He shrugged his shoulders, pushing the movement back into the past. “Figured I was already down here. I might as well hang around and do something.” We talked through the window about how he’d once owned a company selling detailing polish. He proudly held up a bottle for me to see. But what struck me most was his total acceptance of his circumstances. What had happened had happened. Nothing on his part would have stopped the high-winds from coming to town. Maybe, he admitted, he could’ve moved the bikes out of the trailer, but he didn’t. His bad, so the saying goes. Two Kit Kat bars moved from his bowl and into my truck. But he’d given me much more than two pieces of candy. What he’d really shared me was a

reminder of how to deal with situations we cannot expect to control in life. Here was a man, polishing rag in hand and eight motorcycles mangled and twisted in a trailer, with a smile on his face. What was done was done. What he controlled, he demonstrated, was the now. To him, and the success he’d found in life – the one led by a positive attitude – saturated his being like an inland marsh during high tide. Everyone gets upset or mad from time to time. But what separates people seems to be their ability to successfully control the moment, somehow putting the proverbial genie back into a bottle without creating lasting damage. Careless words used in anger or emotional decisions made without thought can linger uncomfortably afterward – serving as stubborn reminders long after the original moment has passed. Candy in the truck, we laughed, wishing each other a good day. But pulling out into traffic it occurred to me that for him, that was already a given. Leonard Woolsey is president and publisher of The Galveston County Daily News in Texas.

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

NOVEMBER 7, 2018 • PAGE 5

Lock 31 added to state historic registry By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A Coosa River landmark was recently added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Jenny Stubbs, who nominated Lock 31, said she was notified Thursday that it was added by the Alabama Historical Commission. “I’m thrilled that it’s happening, and I think we’re all surprised that this hasn’t been done before now,” Stubbs said. “I’m glad I can be a part of it.” While the lock appears to be two large slabs of concrete in the river, Stubbs said it was nominated because of the historical significance it carries from the late 1800s. “The lock, in particular, is very visible in the downtown area. Everyone looks at it, but they don’t really understand what it is,” Stubbs said. Though construction of Lock 31 began as a $6 million project, Stubbs said it was never finished and never used. According to Stubbs, the project was abandoned because of how quickly trains replaced steamboats as the most prominent method of

transportation during that era. “It was part of a series of locks, and it was the last lock of the series. These locks for steamboats had special doors that let the steamboat through, but the doors were never put on (Lock 31) because it was literally during the shift,” Stubbs said. “It just tells you how important it was when it began, but how quickly the trend changed.” Throughout the years, Stubbs said Lock 31 has been cultivated into a boat ramp and has become part of Main Street Wetumpka’s annual Tulatoma Snail Trail tour. “We have a steamboat mural (on the old Lancaster Hotel building) facing the lock, which is something” Stubbs said. “Now, we’re working with an Eagle Scout to cultivate a space at the lock, so that it’s a bona fide stop on the trail.” While there are many buildings in Wetumpka that could be added to the registry, but have not due to the time and effort it takes to get a structure listed. “I don’t think it’s because we don’t have historic buildings. I think it’s because it’s sometimes a lengthy process to submit to get things approved, and it

Amalia Kortright / The Observer

News that Wetumpka’s Lock 31 was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage broke on Thursday. Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Jenny Stubbs said the unfinished lock represents the shift from the use of steamboats to trains in the late 19th century.

takes time and effort,” Stubbs said. “You have to be very focused on your submission, because you have to research and be educated with a lot of information.” Stubbs credited Main Street Wetumpka member Joe Champion, who she said was a

pivotal part in getting Lock 31 nominated and approved for the registry. “He would do things like get a copy of (the lock system map) from the probate office. He would find historic documents that legitimized the historic value of the space,”

Stubbs said. “In the beginning, he knew that the lock was important, and he helped me understand why.” Currently, Stubbs said is working to acquire a marker for Lock 31, and already has $1,200 in funds from Central Alabama Community Foundation’s Margaret

and Auston Bridges Historic Preservation Grant. “Markers are almost a couple thousand dollars, depending on how large you get it,” Stubbs said. “We’ll probably end up having to pay some overage costs, but we do have the bulk of the funds.”

Flower shop moves after decades at former location By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A well-known Elmore County business officially opened its doors at a new location on Oct. 31. After almost 65 years at its former location in downtown Wetumpka, Austin’s Flowers and Gifts LLC moved to 8580 Holtville Road in Deatsville. Powers said he started to consider moving Austin’s Flowers about a year ago, and made the final decision about three months ago. Powers said saying goodbye to the old location was emotional, but he believes moving was the best decision for both his business and the growth of Wetumpka’s downtown area. “We wanted to make room for what’s fixing to happen downtown. We wanted to reduce the overhead,” Powers said. “For our business, this seemed like the best thing.” So far, manager Lauren Head said business has been “pretty good,” at the new location. While it’s attracted interest from new people, Head said they expect to still receive business from its regular clientele, who she described as 100 percent supportive of them. Because there wasn’t a flower shop in the Deatsville prior to the arrival of Austin’s Flowers, Head said their presence has already drawn positive feedback from the community. While Austin’s Flowers is no longer within Wetumpka city limits, Powers said he will remain invested in the downtown area’s development. “It’s not like I’m abandoning Wetumpka’s downtown,” Powers said. “I’m with Main Street Wetumpka, and I serve on the board there. I plan to keep up with downtown Wetumpka and support them.”

Amalia Kortright / / The Observer

Austin’s Flowers recently moved to a new location on Holtville Road in Deatsville. According to owner Pete Powers, Austin’s Flowers was originally established in downtown Wetumpka in 1954.

Superior Gas, Inc.

Fall Heater & Tank Set

Call For Details! WETUMPKA: 334-567-5421 NOTASULGA: 334-257-3367

PAGE 6 â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 7, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

ClassiĂ&#x201E;eds

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

The Dadeville Record

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) Deal with others directly. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to sell yourself short. Listen to what is being shared by someone who seems very sure of the correctness of his or her perceptions. Understand that this person might want to share his or her deeper thoughts with you. Tonight: Be a duo. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) A friendship inspires you to take action or to push yourself harder. A new beginning becomes possible with a new friendship. You might be unsure about which direction you should head in. Know where you want to simplify your life. Tonight: Say â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? to an exciting offer. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Pace yourself. You might believe your day to be normal, only to Ă&#x201E;nd that the unexpected occurs. Demonstrate your ability to adjust and sort through what is relevant to you. You might decide to handle things differently as a result of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events. Tonight: Put your feet up. CANCER (June 21-July 22) You have a tendency to go overboard, and you have difĂ&#x201E;culty reining yourself in. Look at a long-desired goal with depth and caring. You can see a loved one making an adjustment. Know that this process is not easy for this person. Tonight: Act as if there is no tomorrow. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Stay anchored, and remain focused on what you want and on where you are heading. You could be distracted by another situation involving property and/or a domestic matter. You cannot change others, but your attitude might transform as a result of trying. Tonight: Happiest at home. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Your instincts will guide you through a difĂ&#x201E;cult talk, but only if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get too tied up in who is right and who is wrong. A close loved one could prove to be an amazing inspiration. Reach out to this person more often. Tonight: Meet friends for some drinks and munchies.

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

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

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You might need a break from the extremely hectic pace you have been maintaining. Be aware that making a money decision right now would be ill-advised. Make sure that you and a friend see eye to eye on how to split a bill for a meal. Tonight: Partake in the good times. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) The New Moon in your sign announces that signiĂ&#x201E;cant changes are about to head your way, if you so desire. You have to want these changes in order to make them a reality. A family member might weigh you down with his or her heavy ideas and thoughts. Tonight: Time for fun! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You put on your best face, even if you do not feel on top of your game. You know the power of positive thinking. On the other hand, not processing the negative thoughts that surround you might be a mistake. Stay as clear-headed as possible. Tonight: Do something just for you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Zero in on what is good for you. A get-together could be part of the scenario. You might need a friend to help you clear the air. Let this person play devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocate. A friend or loved one could jolt you with a sudden twist or turn. Tonight: Visit with an older relative. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You might not be sharing your desire to be more of a leader or an inĂ&#x2026;uencer around the workplace. Your talents in that area could emerge from out of the blue, or so others think. Co-workers will help pave the way if you let them know your desires. Tonight: Fun and games. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Look beyond the obvious when trying to make sense of a situation. Consider what has not been said. Think about how others feel. You might be able to understand why you are doing all of this processing, but know that it will pay off in the end. Tonight: Be near good music.

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

The Eclectic Observer

Employment

The Tallassee Tribune

Job Opportunities

The Wetumpka Herald

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities Roll Off Drivers Needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) \HDU RI YHULÂżDEOH HTXLYDOHQW commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a FRPSUHKHQVLYH EHQHÂżWV SDFNage which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long 7HUP 'LVDELOLW\ 3DLG +ROLGD\V DQG 372 3OHDVH DSSO\ WKURXJK RXU ZHEVLWH DW www.wcawaste.com (2( 0 ) ' 9

Full-Time/Part-Time Housekeeping Positions Â&#x2021;([SHULHQFH 5HIHUHQFHV Â&#x2021;3DVV EDFNJURXQG FKHFN Â&#x2021;0RQGD\ )ULGD\ Â&#x2021;'HSHQGDEOH 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ 3D\ EDVHG RQ H[SHULHQFH

WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: Â&#x2021;8QGHUJURXQG 0LQHUV Â&#x2021;(OHFWULFLDQV Â&#x2021;0DLQWHQDQFH )RUHPDQ Â&#x2021;6XSHUYLVRUV $SSO\ RQOLQH ZZZ ZDUULRUPHWFRDO FRP

We Are Looking to Fill the Following Positions: 1. RN/LPN Nursing Supervisor 2. Caregivers Provide appropriate care and supervision to Elderly and Disabled individuals. Call us at 256-342-5222 or email: aohcs08@gmail.com

Â&#x2021;&HUWLÂżHG 1XUVLQJ $VVLVWDQWV DP SP SP SP SP DP VKLIWV ([FHOOHQW SD\ DQG EHQHÂżWV $SSO\ LQ SHUVRQ DW :DVKLQJWRQ 6WUHHW $OH[DQGHU &LW\

The Journey Detox and Recovery

Birmingham,AL based Transportation Company looking for Class-A CDL-Drivers Â&#x2021;$YHUDJH PLOHV ZN Â&#x2021;0XVW EH DW OHDVW \UV ROG Â&#x2021;6WDUWLQJ SD\ DW PLOH LQFUHDVH WR LQ PRQWKV Â&#x2021; PRQWKV GULYLQJ H[S &DOO ([W RU (PDLO UHFUXLWLQJ#FKXUFKWUDQVSRUWDWLRQ QHW

is now hiring if interested in ZRUNLQJ LQ WKH ÂżHOG RI Addiction Recovery

Please Call: 256-354-1121

Â&#x2021;)8// 7,0( 351 &1$Âś6 30 30

6KLIW 'LIIHUHQWLDO Â&#x2021;/31 &+$5*( 1856( 30 $0 )7

Â&#x2021;51 ,QIHFWLRQ FRQWURO SRVLWLRQ H[SHULHQFH SUHIHUUHG

1HZ &RPSHWLWLYH 3D\ VFDOH 6KLIW 'LIIHUHQWLDO 3OHDVH $SSO\ ,Q 3HUVRQ $GDPV +HDOWK DQG 5HKDE +LOODEHH 6WUHHW $OH[DQGHU &LW\ 5HEHFFD &ODUN

Call 256-277-4219 To Place Your &ODVVLÂżHG $G 1RZ Hiring CDL Drivers, Backhoe Operators, and Laborers Must be highly motivated and able to follow directions Must have own transportation Please call: 334-322-4432 Â&#x2021;51 /31 &KDUJH 1XUVH 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ SP SP Â&#x2021;351 3RVLWLRQV )XOO WLPH SRVLWLRQV ZLWK H[FHOOHQW SD\ DQG EHQHÂżWV (PDLO UHVXPH DSLWWV#FURZQHKHDOWKFDUH FRP

%URZQ 1XUVLQJ DQG 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ

Bill Nichols State Veterans Home NOW-HIRING!!!

DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 56 cpm-No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 54cpm, 55cpm at 6 months, 56cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbound loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. AirRide Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health/Dental Ins. 0DWFKLQJ . 4XDOLÂżFDWLRQV 18 months Class A CDL driving H[SHULHQFH ZLWK PRV Ă&#x20AC;DWEHG Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 RU FRPH E\ +7/ RIÂżFH DW 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE

Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and EHQHÂżWV 3UH HPSOR\PHQW GUXJ WHVW UHTXLUHG Equal Employment 2SSRUWXQLW\ (PSOR\Hr Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com

Â&#x2021;51 /31 &KDUJH 1XUVH SP DP 6KLIW )XOO WLPH Â&#x2021;351 'LHWDU\ $LGH Â&#x2021;)XOO WLPH 'LUHFWRU RI 0DLQWHQDQFH

Apply at: hmrveteranservices.com Contact:Brandy Holman 256-329-0868 ,I LQWHUHVWHG LQ WHDFKLQJ DUW FODVVHV RQ D YROXQWHHU EDVLV FRQWDFW 6KRQGD <RXQJ $'& 'LU RI 5HFUHDWLRQDO 6HUYLFHV ([W

White Oak Transportation

is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! ([FHOOHQW %HQHÂżWV Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V

NOW HIRING!!! Â&#x2021;'LUHFWRU 3KDUPDF\ 6HUYLFHV Â&#x2021;'LUHFWRU 0DWHULDO 0DQDJHPHQW Â&#x2021;51 (5 5)7 SP DP Â&#x2021;51 ,&8 5)7 SP DP Email resume to:

Now Hiring for Full-Time Manufacturing Positions in the Alexander City Area. All Shifts Available. Overtime & some Saturdays may be required. Pay rates start at $9.00/hr & increase depending on the company. Your choice of two Health Insurance Plans available. Must pass drug screen & client background requirements. Apply in person at: 207 South Central Avenue Alexander City, AL 35010 or Online at www.asapply-ag.com NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS Shoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Wetumpka Apply in Person: 4700 US Highway 231 Wetumpka AL 36092 Established Apartment Community Seeking H[SHULHQFHG TXDOLÂżHG hard-working assistant community manager. %&%6 %HQHÂżWV 3DLG 9DFDWLRQ 3DLG +ROLGD\V &RPSHWLWLYH 3D\ 0XVW KDYH YDOLG GULYHUV license, pass drug-screen/ EDFNJURXQG FKHFN 0XVW KDYH reliable transportation/ auto-insurance. Call 334-277-3670

Sell your home in the classifieds call 256.277.4219.

NOW HIRING EXCAVATOR OPERATOR Full-Time Position. Must have valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license. Apply in Person: 6400 Hwy 63 S Alexander City (256)203-8400 CDL Drivers NeededClass B license required. Sherman Ready Mix Call 205-368-3502 or come by 4837 Dadeville Road, Alex City

Moco Transportation OTR Drivers Needed 25 yrs old, 2 yrs Exp. Hazmat Required. Good MVR. NO LOCAL RUNS Call: 1-800-328-3209 The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Shatia Carr (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@learning-tree.org

CARLISLE DRUG Taking applications for part-time positions Great for CAC or Southern Union Students Apply in person: 12 Main Street Alexander City 35010 No calls accepted! CLASS A CDL OTR DRIVERS Local AL Terminal *UHDW %HQHÂżWV *UHDW 3D\ 6LJQ 2Q %RQXVHV 5HTXLUHPHQWV \HDUV H[SHULHQFH PXVW SDVV GUXJ VFUHHQ PXVW KDYH FOHDQ 095 Call (903)569-6960

Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net

RU JR WR www.cvhealth.net EEO Employer M/F/D/V Drug-free-Workplace

NOW HIRING Â&#x2021;(PHUJHQF\ 5RRP )7 51 DP SP Â&#x2021;37 6XUJLFDO 6FUXE 7HFK Â&#x2021;)7 &513 :HWXPSND 3HGLDWULFV (PDLO UHVXPH OUD]LFN#LY\FUHHNKHDOWK FRP

Welder/Metal Worker -Welding -Light Machining -Metal Cutting -Misc Tasks Pay DOE and ability Must be able to pass drug test. Please call 256-234-6699

Jones Contractors, LLC NOW HIRING: Â&#x2021;6XSHUYLVRUV Â&#x2021;/HDG 0HQ Â&#x2021;&DUSHQWHUV Â&#x2021;&DUSHQWHU +HOSHUV Â&#x2021;3DLQWHUV Â&#x2021;/DERUHUV $SSOLFDWLRQV ZLOO EH WDNHQ DP DP 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ 256-749-3293

Merchandise Hay, Feed & Grain Hay For Sale Well fertilized Local delivery $45 per bale

Call: 334-415-0682

Miscellaneous For Sale Commercial Cool 14BPU Cool, 11,00 BPU Heat,New, Never been open, Paid-$500 Asking $400 Can be reached at 256-454-2926 If no answer leave message Sell your home in the classifieds call 256.277.4219.

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

NOVEMBER 7, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 7

Local boy scout refurbishes Memorial Park cannon By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A familiar staple at Wetumpkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memorial Park has recently received a much-needed facelift, thanks to a local Boy Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Noah Hudson, 16, refurbished the World War I cannon that formerly stood on blacktop in the park and moved it to a new spot near the Coosa River. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cannon had been sitting there on what used to be a basketball court for some time _ I think as long as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in scouts,â&#x20AC;? Hudson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought that it would be a good idea for a project because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique.â&#x20AC;? Boy Scout Troop 50 assistant Scoutmaster Gardner Perdue said he had wanted to see the cannon restored for a long time, and he was glad Hudson picked up the gauntlet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I help young men find community projects that improve the area theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in. I proposed this to several young men, and Noah is the one that said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I can do this,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Perdue said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had some questions about it, but he followed through.â&#x20AC;? Perdue said the last time anything was done to the cannon was in 1996 before Hudson decided to take

Notices

on the project. Prior to being painted and given new tires, Hudson said the cannon had been in a fairly bad condition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The paint was coming off, people had spray painted on it, some parts were rusted and the tires were disintegrating,â&#x20AC;? Hudson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just looks a whole lot better.â&#x20AC;? In the future, Perdue and Hudson said the area around the cannon will be landscaped and the cannon will be designated as a historic monument. Because of the blacktopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dilapidated condition, Hudson said the cannon deserved a better location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just put it right back there,â&#x20AC;? Hudson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overlooking the river and a lot more pleasing to the eye.â&#x20AC;? At noon on Nov. 11, Perdue and Hudson said the community is invited to gather at the cannon to pay respects to the 43 Elmore County service members who died during World War I. â&#x20AC;&#x153;World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which is Veterans Day,â&#x20AC;? Perdue said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to dedicate this cannon to all the men and women who served from this area.â&#x20AC;?

Apartments

Amalia Kortright / The Observer

Boy scout Noah Hudson worked to renovate a World War I cannon and move it to a new location in Memorial Park for about nine months. The cannon will be dedicated to Elmore County residents who served in World War I on the 100th annual Veterans Day.

STATEWIDE ELECTION RESULTS Due to election results rolling in after Observer press time, results were not able to be published in the print edition of The Observer. For statewide election results, refer to thewetumpkaherald.com or the print edition of The Wetumpka Herald or The Tallassee Tribune.

Boats & Watercraft 1993 14-foot Sylvan V-hull Boat w/drive-on trailer, 30 HP Evinrude motor, live well, WUROOLQJ PRWRU GHSWK ÂżQGHU rod holders. Asking $2800 Call Tom @ 256-307-1423

Business Opportunities BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT IN ONLY 7 WEEKS! Visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call 205-561-8118 to get your career started!

Services Appliance Service

Comm. Vehicles & Trailers

Community Events

Houses For Rent

For Sale 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Utility Trailer Heavy duty, single axle, steel PHVK Ă&#x20AC;RRU IROG GRZQ UHDU JDWH spare tire, trailer jack, rear lights Z WXUQ VLJQDO ÂżWV Â´ EDOO EXPSHU Need appliance or pull, excellent condition. $1,200. air conditioner parts? $OH[DQGHU &LW\ +RZ DERXW D ZDWHU ÂżOWHU IRU \RXU UHIULJHUDWRU" We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance.com

Motorcycles & ATVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tree Service

1BR Duplex $325 monthly $325 deposit CH&A NO PETS! (256)329-0870.

Lake Property Rental

Real Estate Homes For Sale OWNER FINANCE NO BANK!! 4BR/1.5BA, 2,700sf Walk to Town! Almost 1 acre, 1 car garage, and basement 2ZQHU ZLOO ÂżQDQFH WR TXDOLÂżHG ELGGHU ZLWK HIGHEST DOWN PAYMENT!! Open House Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm

www.highestbidsale.com

Rentals Apartments

GREAT WEEKEND GETAWAY Lake Access One Bedroom House for Rent One bedroom, one bath, kitchen, living area. Located one block from Lake Martin. Boat ramp available, with lake access. One year lease required. 1st/last/deposit. No pets. $595/month. Call 334-799-0529 for appointment to view house.

OfďŹ ce & Commercial Rental

Window & Door Services

Need to find the right employee?

WE CAN HELP. Reach the county market for less using the classifieds. Need a quick quote? Call 256.277.4219.

Recreational Vehicles

REPLACEMENT WINDOW SALE!!! Any Size Double Hung Window up to 101 UI

$238 Basic Installation

2IÂżFH 6SDFH [ IXOO EDWK H[WUD VWRUDJH &DOO

Industrial & Warehouse Boat Storage 12x35, $1,320 annual fee metal building with light and FRQFUHWH Ă&#x20AC;RRU FRQYHQLHQW location near Kowaliga Call 334-224-1384

Transportation Automobiles Available Now!! AVAILABLE NOW!!! 3BR-starting at $478 2BR-starting at $419 1BR-starting at $374 Kitchen furnished w/appliances, sewer/water/garbage services provided. Highland Ridge Apartments located in Goodwater. 2IÂżFH KRXUV SP SP &DOO

1995 Harley Davison Softail Custom Lots of extras 16,800 actual miles. 6200.00 dollars. Bike is in great shape. (256)596-2394

1998 Buick Lesabre Great running condition. 146,000 miles $1,600.00 or obo. (205)475-3530

2015 Wildwood 24 foot camper by Forrest River Auto slide, awning and jacks Nice, big bath, nonsmoker Used very little Asking $15,000 Call (256) 596-0019 or (256) 596-0018

EcoViewWindows.com

Visit Our Showrooms 836 S.Hull St. Montgomery,AL 334-676-3001 40 ECommerce Dr. Pelham,AL 205-564-8480 Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Tallapoosa and Elmore County Classifieds has customizable programs available to fit any budget.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WAIT! Call TODAY 256.277.4219

AlaScans

SERVICES WANT YOUR ad to be seen in 120 newspapers statewide? 3ODFH \RXU DG LQ RXU &ODVVLÂżHG Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (a participating ALA-SCAN member) or call WR ÂżQG RXW KRZ easy it is to advertise statewide!

SAVE YOUR Home! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? 'HQLHG D /RDQ 0RGLÂżFDWLRQ" Threatened with Foreclosure? Call the Homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relief Line now for Help! 844-745-1384

INSURANCE COMPARE MEDICARE Supplement Plans and Save! Explore Top Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans For Free! Get covered and Save! Call 1-866-697-0551.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HAVE AN Idea for an invention/ new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp, Free Information! 1-877-353-1293 WANTED TO BUY )5(21 5 ZDQWHG &HUWLÂżHG buyer will pay cash for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 1-312-291-9169; ZZZ UHIULJHUDQWÂżQGHUV FRP

GUARANTEED LIFE Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. MISCELLANEOUS %HQHÂżWV QHYHU GHFUHDVH 3ROLF\ DONATE YOUR Car to will only be cancelled Charity. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. for non-payment. Running or not! All conditions 1-844-601-5927 accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. HEALTH/BEAUTY 1-844-810-1257 ATTENTION: VIAGRA and Cialis Users! A cheaper MEDICAL alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special- $99 + A PLACE For Mom has helped FREE Shipping! 100% RYHU D PLOOLRQ IDPLOLHV ÂżQG guaranteed. senior living. Our trusted, local Call Now: 1-855-382-4115 DGYLVRUV KHOS ÂżQG VROXWLRQV WR your unique needs at no cost HEALTH/BEAUTY to you. Call 1-855-398-9908. Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine Need to find parts and supplies at little the right employee? or no cost! Free sleep guide included! 1-866-676-1814! OXYGEN - ANYTIME. $Q\ZKHUH 1R WDQNV WR UHÂżOO No deliveries. The all-new Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! Free info kit: 1-844-264-9500. STRUGGLING WITH Drugs and Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 1-888-362-4708 HELP WANTED-DRIVERS CLASS A CDL Driver. Birmingham Company. Immediate Openings. Good Pay .43 to start, pay .45 per PLOH DIWHU PRQWKV %HQHÂżWV Send resume recruiting@ churchtransportation.net or call Rodney at 1-866-301-4800. FINANCIAL SERVICES

WE CAN HELP.

Reach the county market for less using the classifieds. Need a quick quote? Call 256.277.4219.

Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Tallapoosa and Elmore County Classifieds has customizable programs available to fit any budget.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WAIT! Call TODAY 256.277.4219

PAGE 8 • NOVEMBER 7, 2018

AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 285-5125 Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Titus 5147304 Millbrook Baptist 3431 Browns Road, Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Crossroads Community Church 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Area Churches

Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 5675837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620

BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka

CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God 2080 Main Street, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 2153091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN

First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 5678653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 Victory Temple 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka

567-2190 servantfellowshipchurch@ windstream.net The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka Time of Refreshing Fellowship 117 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-7750 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730

One Spot. Hundreds of Possibilities!

CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES & MORE

HOMES FOR SALE/RENT

JOBS

PETS

GARAGE SALES

BARGAINS GALORE

Observer The

CLASSIFIEDS

256.277.4219

Sports

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com NOVEMBER 7, 2018 • PAGE 9

The

Observer

HITTING THE COURT Rodney Taylor prepares for first season at ECHS

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

File / The Observer

DJ Patrick, right, was a standout on the football field for Elmore County, and he’s expected to pick it right back up on the basketball court.

Panthers ready to erase last season’s disappointment By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Elmore County faced disappointment with the end of the football season last week but there was a silver lining for several of the players. Basketball is right around the corner for the Panthers, with the first game less than two weeks away. The Panthers are coming off the worst season in school history, finishing 1-20 last year. However, the returning experience is teaming up with first-year coach Rodney Taylor as they look to turn the program in the right direction. “They bounce back well,” Taylor said. “Once the season gets going, I think they see another goal and another opportunity to achieve some things. Kids are more resilient than people realize.” Elmore County’s boys basketball team is just two years removed from an area championship but struggled to compete in a strong area last season. Taylor said the team will

have to have the mindset things will not be given to you overnight. “Basketball is a long season,” Taylor said. “You’re not going to win a championship on Tuesday but every day is a process of trying to get better. You want to improve so that when February rolls in, you’re playing your best basketball.” Elmore County began practice Tuesday and will have its first game of the season Nov. 16 at home against Horseshoe Bend. In the week leading up to the game, Taylor will hope to implement some of his game plan to the team. “We’re athletic but we’re not a big team,” Taylor said. “So, we’re going to have to play fast and push the ball up the floor. Hopefully our speed and athleticism will allow us to do that and get some easy baskets in transition.” The Panthers have nine seniors on the roster which should make the coaching transition a little easier. Football stars DJ Patrick and Shakwan Bickley will hope to be in basketball shape for the start of the

season as Taylor expects the two of them to be leaders this season. “All of these seniors played last year,” Taylor said. “DJ Patrick is of course a tremendous athlete and Shakwan Bickley will be a big key. But once we get this thing rolling, I really think that all 12 kids on varsity can contribute. We’ve got a good rotation.” Dalton Odom and De’Angelo Splunge will also return from the football field as they look to be factors on the court for the Panthers this season. Taylor also said Cole Hagler will be a key to the team’s fast-paced style of play. “Cole Hagler is a competitor,” Taylor said. “He plays hard, loves to play defense and runs up and down the floor.” The Panthers will be competing with Handley, Holtville and Booker T. Washington for the Class 4A Area 5 title this season. However, before they can think about another region championship, the Panthers have to make steps to show they are back at a competitive level of basketball.

Elmore County’s boys basketball team needed a boost after last year’s 1-20 season. The Panthers are hoping to find that with new head coach Rodney Taylor who will be taking over the varsity boys squad in his second year at the Taylor school. “I’m a big fundamentalist for basketball, and then hopefully, eventually, get this team known around the state,” Taylor said. “I would like to see this program get to the level where people come to Elmore County and don’t really want to play us in our gym. That’s what we’re hoping to build here.” Taylor, who has been the football team’s defensive coordinator for the last two seasons, is in his 25th year as a high school coach. He has spent time at Curry, Capitol Heights, Horseshoe Bend and Dadeville during his career. Taylor came to Elmore County last year but was not on the basketball staff. He said it was the first time in 28 years he was not on the sideline in some capacity. Over the last two decades, Taylor has been a coach for football, baseball and basketball. He has been in charge of junior varsity teams, varsity girls teams and varsity boys teams. Before getting to Elmore County, Taylor spent 15 years as the head coach for Dadeville boys basketball. While he was there, Taylor reached the 200-win milestone for his career and led the Tigers to four area championships. “When I got to Dadeville, I was trying to get it headed in the right direction,” Taylor said. “Here, we’re trying to build their confidence up. The object is to get this program to the regionals first and then see what happens from there.” Taylor is originally from Elmore County and was excited for the opportunity to return. He graduated from Wetumpka in 1988. “It was just a great opportunity to come here and get back near to home,” Taylor said. “It’s been a lot of fun for me because there are kids here whose parents I grew up with or played ball against so it’s a neat experience. It’s the most fun I’ve had for a long time here.” Taylor will inherit a senior-heavy roster as he attempts to turn around the Panther program. Nine of the 12 players on the See TAYLOR • Page 10

Weekend Football Forecast

Lizi Arbogast Santana Wood Caleb Turrentine Griffin Pritchard Brian Tannehill Sports Editor GAMES: Daphne @ Wetumpka Stanhope @ Saraland File / The Observer

Keshawn Benson (7) and the Elmore County Panthers made strides this season, finishing with a 6-4 record.

ECHS back to winning ways By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Elmore County football had been on a decline over the last half decade and the school decided to make a change. Jordan Cantrell took over the program in May and did not disappoint in his first season at the helm. The Panthers didn’t achieve

their ultimate goal of making the playoffs but they finished the season 6-4, improving their record by four wins. It was the team’s first six-win season since 2015. “This group really has changed things here,” Cantrell said. “It didn’t end the way we wanted but we’ve taken big strides and we’re very proud of them. We have 14 See PANTHERS • Page 10

Design Editor

Staff Writer

Correspondent

Last week: 6-3 Last week: 6-3 Last week: 6-3 Last week: 5-4 Last week: 4-5 Overall: 68-35 Overall: 71-32 Overall: 73-30 Overall: 70-33 Overall: 74-29 Wetumpka Wetumpka Wetumpka Wetumpka Wetumpka Saraland

Saraland

Montgomery Catholic Edgewood

Escambia

Montgomery Catholic Escambia

Reeltown

Spanish Fort

Auburn @ Georgia

Georgia

Georgiia

Georgia

Mississippi St. @ Alabama

Alabama

Clemson @ Boston Coll.

Clemson

Troy @ Georgia So.

Troy

Boston College Troy

Holtville @ Mont. Cath. Edgewood @ Escambia Daleville @ Reeltown BRHS @ Spanish Fort

Stanhope Elmore Holtville

Saraland

Troy

PAGE 10 • NOVEMBER 7, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Elmore County Player of the Week

Stanhope’s Leonard helps shut down high-powered offense By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Stanhope Elmore faced a tough test in the final week of the regular season, traveling to No. 5 Greenville. The Tigers’ offense entered the game averaging 35.8 points per game but Stanhope’s defense was up to the challenge. The Mustangs held Greenville to just nine points and senior defensive tackle Ladorian Leonard was a big reason why. “The quarterback was on the run all night,” Stanhope coach Brian Bradford said. “For him to step up like that and throw off their rhythm, it didn’t allow them to be in sync all night. They pressured him all night long and totally changed the game plan for them.” Leonard recorded seven tackles on the night, including four tackles for a loss and two sacks. As a defensive lineman,

File / The Observer

Stanhope Elmore’s Ladorian Leonard (52) has been a force for the Mustang defensive line for the last two seasons.

Leonard is not used to filling the stat sheet and he was surprised to hear he finished with so many tackles. “Honestly, I didn’t even realize I had that many tack-

les,” Leonard said. “I guess I just got lost in it. But going through that is the best feeling in the world. Taking on a double team or coming off a block to make a play feels like

Panthers

we’re on top of the world.” Although he may not have known his stats, Leonard still sensed he was having a good game. He said he knew early on the Greenville linemen could not block him. “If I’m getting in the backfield consistently against you, then I associate you with anyone on the line,” Leonard said. “I think if you can’t block me, no one on your line can block me. Adrenaline does help in those moments, it gives you that drive to go make that play.” Stanhope had a bye week after its loss to Opelika to prepare for the regular season finale against Greenville. Leonard said he was recovering from a minor injury during the off week. The Mustangs got anxious during the off time but Leonard said it made the team hungrier entering the Thursday’s game. He said the threat of being beaten by a

continued from page 9

seniors that led the way and we’re just proud of the foundation they have established now.” Running back DJ Patrick is one of those seniors as he finished his career without participating in the postseason. However, Patrick left his mark in the history books, setting a new school record for career rushing yards. Patrick rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns in his final game to finish his career with 3,932 rushing yards. He had 21 games with at least 100 yards, including a 305-yard performance against Leeds earlier this season. He finished the 2018 season with career highs in rushing yards (1,390) and touchdowns (20). “This has meant the world to me,” Patrick said. “There’s nothing like being an Elmore County Panther. I know it didn’t end the way we wanted it to but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world right now.” His performance against Leeds led Elmore County to its first ever win over the Greenwave. The Panthers finished the season with an average of 24 points per game, its highest total since 2015. It was the first time since 2013 the Panthers finished with a positive point differential. Patrick was not the only standout of the season for the Panthers. Shakwan Bickley finished with his first four receiving touchdowns of his career. Quarterback Austin Downey threw seven touchdown passes in his first season at Elmore County. Hayden Bass led the team in tackles, finishing with a careerhigh 108 tackles this season. Bass also recorded two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and a fumble recovery.

File / The Observer

First-year head coach Jordan Cantrell led Elmore County to its first six-win season since 2015.

Elmore County had 21 takeaways during the year. Patrick led the team with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The Panther defense finished with 16 total sacks. Seniors Parker Watts, Garrett Cole and Taylor Henderson each finished with three sacks.

The Cantrell era started off with a successful season but the Panthers will have trouble replacing many of the seniors on the team next season. If Elmore County wants to return to the glory of old, next season will be the true test but this year was a step in the right direction.

continued from page 9

ment before the end of the year. “For me, it’s about every day trying to get better,” Taylor said. “It’s just about sticking with the

process, fundamentally get better and every day be successful. Our goal is to be hosting the area tournament and then win it.”

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL CLASS 7A Team (first-place); W-L; Pts 1. Central-Phenix City (25); 10-0; 300 2. Thompson; 8-1; 221 3. Auburn; 9-1; 188 4. Hoover; 7-3; 164 5. McGill-Toolen; 8-2; 153 6. Hewitt-Trussville; 7-3; 138 7. Theodore; 8-2; 96 8. Mountain Brook; 8-2; 87 9. James Clemens; 7-3; 44 10. Austin; 7-3; 15 Others receiving votes: Prattville (7-3) 10, Fairhope (7-3) 7, Bob Jones (6-4) 1, Davidson (6-4) 1. CLASS 6A 1. Pinson Valley (19); 8-1; 282 2. Spanish Fort (5); 9-1; 236 3. Clay-Chalkville; 9-1; 190 4. Hartselle (1); 10-0; 178 5. Jackson-Olin; 10-0; 142 6. Saraland; 9-1; 131 7. Muscle Shoals; 8-2; 102 8. Oxford; 8-2; 76 9. Wetumpka; 8-2; 44 10. Homewood; 8-2; 30

AHSAA postseason sure to be full of surprises

Taylor varsity roster are seniors. Taylor said his philosophy will not be about turning it around in one day but consistently making improve-

team from a lower classification also helped push them to another level. “Coach (Hunter) Adams, our defensive coordinator, stressed that us and Greenville are on two different levels,” Leonard said. “(Class) 5A and 6A football are completely different levels and we took that mindset into the game. We went out on that field with strong confidence.” Leonard and the Mustangs will hope to take the momentum from Thursday’s win into this week’s playoff matchup. Stanhope will hit the road to face No. 5 Saraland this week and Leonard is still ready to see improvements from his team. “Of all the good things we did last Thursday, take all of the wrongs and work on those,” Leonard said. “And this week, we have to focus on having good, intense and fun practices. We get after it but it is fun and competitive.”

Others receiving votes: Athens (8-2) 8, McAdory (9-1) 3, Hueytown (8-2) 1, Opelika (5-4) 1, Stanhope Elmore (6-4) 1. CLASS 5A 1. Etowah (21); 10-0; 287 2. Vigor (2); 9-1; 223 3. Madison Aca. (1); 9-1; 197 4. Ramsay (1); 9-1; 185 5. Mortimer Jordan; 9-1; 131 6. Briarwood; 8-2; 120 7. Jasper; 9-1; 90 8. Demopolis; 8-2; 82 9. East Limestone; 8-2; 46 10. Greenville; 8-2; 27 Others receiving votes: Jackson (7-3) 23, Russellville (9-1) 7, Pleasant Grove (8-2) 5, Brewer (8-2) 2. CLASS 4A 1. UMS-Wright (22); 9-0; 291 2. Jacksonville (1); 10-0; 222 3. Hokes Bluff; 9-1; 185 4. American Chr.; 10-0; 177 5. North Jackson (2); 10-0;

169 6. Brooks; 8-2; 114 7. Northside; 9-1; 87 8. Fayette Co.; 8-2; 69 9. Good Hope; 9-1; 62 10. Headland; 9-1; 29 Others receiving votes: Montevallo (9-1) 14, St. John Paul II (8-2) 3, Catholic-Montgomery (7-3) 2, Hillcrest-Evergreen (6-4) 1. CLASS 3A 1. Randolph Co. (17); 9-1; 270 2. Mobile Chr. (5); 8-1; 233 3. Winfield (2); 10-0; 194 4. Saks; 8-1; 166 5. Piedmont; 8-2; 154 6. Fultondale; 8-1; 123 7. Westminster-Huntsville (1); 9-0; 99 8. Gordo; 8-2; 85 9. Thomasville; 8-2; 49 10. Providence Chr.; 9-1; 24 Others receiving votes: Midfield (8-1) 11, St. James (9-1) 7, Pike Co. (8-2) 6, Beulah (8-2) 2, Geraldine (8-2) 1, Pike Road (6-4) 1.

CLASS 2A 1. Fyffe (24); 10-0; 297 2. Ohatchee (1); 9-0; 228 3. Thorsby; 9-1; 178 4. Luverne; 9-1; 164 5. Highland Home; 9-1; 137 6. Abbeville; 9-1; 118 7. Reeltown; 8-2; 98 8. Cottage Hill; 9-1; 87 9. Collinsville; 9-1; 67 10. Ranburne; 8-2; 35 Others receiving votes: Addison (8-2) 7, Leroy (7-3) 6, Aliceville (8-2) 2, North Sand Mountain (8-2) 1. CLASS 1A 1. Lanett (19); 8-1; 280 2. Linden (4); 9-0; 232 3. Maplesville; 9-1; 183 4. St. Luke’s (1); 9-1; 177 5. South Lamar; 10-0; 146 6. Georgiana; 9-1; 133 7. Falkville (1); 10-0; 106 8. Marengo; 9-1; 77 9. Mars Hill Bible; 9-1; 56 10. Elba; 7-2; 15 Others receiving votes: Spring Garden (9-1) 14, Wadley (7-2) 7, Donoho (8-2) 1.

o not let the cold weather or any rain deter you from getting out to a postseason football game this Friday night. There are plenty of good teams around the state this season and every classification should be up for grabs over the next five weeks. Some region champions will CALEB surely fall in the first round and there will certainly be lower-seeded TURRENTINE teams making a run at a spot in next month’s Super 7 in Auburn. Sports Writer It is impossible for every team to have common opponents so it makes it difficult to try to predict how teams stack up against other teams from around the state. But why should that stop us from trying? In Class 7A, it is hard to pick a team other than Hoover every year. The Buccaneers have won three of four state titles since the creation of 7A in 2014. Sure, Hoover is entering the playoffs at 7-3 but the not-so secret is Hoover entered last season’s playoffs with a 7-3 record. And they easily rolled to the title. With all of that being said, Central-Phenix City appears to be on another level this season. The Red Devils are outscoring their opponents by an average 36 points per game. Thirty six. The most impressive part is those same opponents have a combined record of 59-30 against other teams. And that is why Central-Phenix City is my pick for the 7A title. Class 6A has the potential to be even more exciting this season. Pinson Valley will once again be the favorite but possible matchups with top-10 teams Muscle Shoals and Homewood could make things difficult early on for the defending champions. Wetumpka can ride another wave of momentum to the state championship again but its path may be even tougher. Daphne, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Spanish Fort and McAdory would all have to be beaten before Wetumpka even reaches the title game. No matter who comes out of the North in 6A, I believe it will be the South champion that wins the state title. While I think the favorite should be Spanish Fort, my dark horse pick will be an underrated Opelika team with Wetumpka, Saraland and McAdory sitting just behind it. The number of teams capable of winning the state championship in Class 5A is just a little crazy. Between the favorites such as Vigor, Ramsay, Briarwood and Etowah and the surprises in Madison Academy and Greenville, the 5A playoffs should be a lot of fun. And just for the record so everyone can let me know it is wrong, I’ll go with Briarwood. In Class 4A, Jacksonville and Hokes Bluff have made big strides and look capable of making a run at the state title game. The thing about that though is someone has to beat UMS-Wright and I do not think anyone can do that. There has been a bit of a mess in Class 3A as well this season. Eight different schools have received first-place votes in the ASWA poll this season and all eight of them are still ranked in the top 10. Westminster-Huntsville and Winfield are the only undefeated teams remaining but I’ll take the Mobile Christian Leopards who are playing some great football right now. The theme continues into Class 2A with several teams looking to make a run in the postseason. Teams like Leroy, Abbeville and Collinsville may be able to make some surprise runs but no one wants to run into Fyffe in the playoffs this season. Linden and Lanett have been the best two teams in Class 1A all season but only one of them can make it to the state championship game. The North side of the bracket may be a little bit up for grabs and a team like Mars Hill or Falkville could turn some heads. However, the winner of the LanettLinden semifinal game will be winning this state championship. So, if your team is in the playoffs, good luck dealing with the stress. But if you have no rooting interest in this postseason, go out to a game or two to watch what will surely be a great month of football. Caleb Turrentine is a sports writer for The Observer.