Brown earns Junior National Team invite
Don’t believe everything you read on Facebook
Area Calendar Inside!
Eclectic Observer Page 4
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The
THURSDAY • OCTOBER 27, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 43
County approves $50k for Tallassee IDB Request passes on narrow 3-2 vote, matches $70k from city of Tallassee
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
By a razor thin 3-2 vote, the Elmore County Commission approved a $50,000 request to the Tallassee Industrial Development Board for an extension on Hanil Drive for Gulf Packaging, Inc. IDB Chairman Rick Dorley was present and said that the project cost for the extension would be $120,000 and that the city of Tallassee had agreed to fund $70,000. Dorley asked that the county provide
$50,000 for the cost of the project. During his presentation, Dorley also mentioned that there were already overages on the project to the tune of $15,000, and that the IDB board would handle those overages. He stated that the extension would be for Gulf Packaging, Inc. as part of its expansion. Dorley stated that the company would create 15 additional jobs over the next three years and between $7 and $8 million in capital investments. Commissioner Joe Faulk asked Dorley if the road
being discussed was the same road that was presented as part of an industrial access grant application. Dorley said that funding was sought for the project but was not obtained. Faulk then asked how much funding was sought initially for the road extension. Dorley said that the road initially came in at a cost of $500,000, which was then reduced to $400,000. He said the project did not receive grant funds because See COMMISSION • Page 9
New principal announced at school board meeting
Commissioner Joe Faulk arrested on felony ethics charges
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Joe Faulk, Elmore County Commissioner for District 4, was arrested Tuesday morning on felony ethics violations, booked at Elmore County Jail and released on $5,000 bond, according to Elmore County Faulk Sheriff Bill Franklin. Franklin said Faulk was charged with use of his public office for personal gain, but said further details would need to come from the attorney general’s office, which made the arrest. Attempts to reach Faulk for comment were unsuccessful. Mike Lewis, communications director for the attorney general’s office, would only say that “an arrest was made following a complaint and an arrest warrant” issued by an Elmore County magistrate. The arrest took place around 10 a.m., according to Franklin, who said that officials with the attorney general’s office made the arrest in the Sheriff’s Office parking lot before Faulk went through the See ARREST • Page 3
Carmen Rodgers / The Observer
Michelle Mitchell DVM, with her dog Layla at Mitchell Veterinarian Hospital on Gilmer Avenue. Dr. Mitchell is one of only three veterinarians in the state of Alabama to offer adult stem cell therapy for pets.
MODERN MEDICINE
Tallassee offers cutting edge treatment for pets By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Animal companions enhance life in many ways, and today there are more pet owners than ever before. It’s evident that we’re devoted to those pets more than half of us say we’d “leap into action” for our furry family members if they were injured. With 47 percent of American families owning at least one dog, more
than 83 million pet dogs in the United States according to the American Pet Product Association (APPA). As these pets age, they experience medical conditions much like those seen in humans. After monitoring the productive effects stem-cell therapy has on the human, it was only natural to see how this new therapy could benefit man’s See VETS • Page 3
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
A local woman was killed Saturday in two-car accident at the intersection of Cambridge Drive and U.S. 231 that involved a Wetumpka police officer driving his department cruiser. Elaine Merritt, 52, of Wetumpka was killed when the 2016 Honda Pilot she was driving collided with the cruiser, a 2010 Dodge Charger, driven by Andrew Bass, a Wetumpka police officer at the intersection of Cambridge Drive and U.S. 231, according to information released by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Merritt was later pronounced dead at Elmore Community Hospital. David Granger / The Observer The ALEA release did not identify the police officer, but Bass was identified in several Facebook posts. Bass, who worked previously as a deputy ALEA officials spent a couple of hours this morning investigating a wreck that See WRECK • Page 3 occurred on Saturday at the intersection of Cambridge Drive and U.S. 231.
Today’s
82 58 High
Low
FRIDAY: HIGH 85 LOW 58
See BOARD • Page 5
New leadership, direction for local Democratic Party
Local woman killed in officer-involved crash
Weather
Most of Monday’s Elmore County School Board meeting was spent in the presentation of honors and awards, as a special ceremony was held for its chairman who was honored for his 36 years serving on the school board in an emotional reception after the meeting. There was also a major personnel change approved by the board, and a new principal was announced for one of the county high schools. The new appointment to replace outgoing principal Jamey McGowin at Millbrook’s Stanhope Elmore High School was approved in the personnel action list. The new principal was a previous 5-year assistant to McGowan, and said he had 22-years military experience, and had been in previous teaching positions as well throughout that time. William Bergeron heavily credited his experience with the outgoing principal for the qualifications he said he that made him the top pick. And he talked about the
GOT JUNK! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Sell your clutter in the Classifieds.
256.277.4219
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Elmore County Democratic Executive Committee met in the Elmore County Courthouse in downtown Wetumpka Monday with a new interim chairperson and the dual goals of growing its membership and working to remedy county voting issues. With the election less than two weeks away, the local chapter of the political party convened under its new direction to discuss strategies to get voters to the polls for the Nov. 8 general election. Brenda Henderson said she was made the party’s new interim chair after a series See DEMOCRATS • Page 5
PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 27, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Obituaries
EFD REMINDS CITIZENS NOT TO BURN
Gloria D. Allen ALLEN, Gloria D. passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the age of 66 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 22 at 12:00 p.m. at Thelma Baptist Church in Wetumpka with the funeral to follow at 2:00 p.m. and the graveside service immediately afterwards at the Beulah Baptist Church cemetery. Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing. She was preceded in death by her parents: Joe and Eloise Grier. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Al Allen. She leaves behind three children and their spouses who loved her dearly: Tish (Trent) Hill, Heath (Sharon) Allen and Amanda (Lee) Williams. “Nina” will be missed by her five grandchildren: Hope and Caroline Hill, Autumn and Spencer Allen and Abbi Williams. She is survived by her sister, Sonja (Danny) Brown and brother, Tex (Nancy) Grier. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was a faithful member of the Seman Congregational Church for many years. Gloria’s favorite hobby was finding discarded things and making them beautiful again, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Many a
been
small thing
has
made
large... ...with the right kind of advertising.
334-567-7811
Submitted / The Observer
A meaningful birthday wish Matthew Bennett, 11, had one birthday wish this year that was for people to provide donations to the Elmore County Humane Shelter. On Saturday Bennett presented his items and a check for $115 to ECHS Director Rea Cord.
Area Calendar October 29
ECLECTIC COTTON FESTIVAL: The Eclectic Cotton Festival Dog Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. in front of Town Hall. All dogs are welcome to enter the contest, owners must bring proof of rabies vaccinations with them. All pets must be on leashes and the contest is free to enter. There will be awards for biggest lap dog, smallest dog, best trick, best costume, ugliest and most unusual dog. A best in show trophy will be provided
to the best overall participant. Registration for the event is prior to the commencement of the show. FALL FESTIVAL: Rock Springs Baptist at 375 Rigsby Rd, Tallassee, is hosting its annual community Fall Festival on Sat, Oct 29, beginning at 5 p.m. All guests, all ages, are welcome. Program features a free hot dog supper, hay ride, cake walk, and marshmallow roast, games, face painting, go fish and much more. Children in costume are welcome. Come, bring canned beans or corn for ministry to a food pantry. HALLOWEEN DANCE: Eclectic Youth Football and Cheerleading League is hosting a Halloween Dance and Drive from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Elmore County High School old gym. The event is for children ages 4 to 12 and admission is free with a canned food item or $3 donation. Refreshments and glow sticks will be available for purchase. Canned food and donations will be given to the Eclectic Kindness Ministry. For information contact eyfcleague@
gmail.com.
October 30
Calvary Baptist Church Wetumpka will be hosting its annual Fall Festival on October 30th from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Come on out for a great night of games, candy, fun and fellowship.
October 31
Cain’s Chapel UMC will be taking applications for Christmas boxes through Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. We are located at 96 Lightwood Road, Deatsville in the Holtville/Slapout community. In order to be eligible, you must live in the Holtville area and have children who attend or be eligible to attend when old enough schools in Holtville. You must bring proof of all income, expenses and a social security number for each family member. Only children 12 and under will be eligible for our Angel Tree. Applications will only be taken on the dates and times listed above in the church office. We will not accept any applications beyond 5 p.m. Nov. 3. For more information, call the church office at 334-5692375, Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
November 5
Camp Stew and Indoor Yard Sale Cedarwood Community Church, Hwy 231 N. Wallsboro, Wetumpka from 7 a.m. to noon. Stew is $8.00 per large container that is microwaveable and reuseable. All proceeds from stew and yard sale go to church building fund. For more information, you may contact Laura Knight at 567-2457; Jo Parker at 514-0242 or church office at 567-0476.
November 6-9
The Wetumpka Church of Christ will host a Gospel meeting beginning Sunday November 6th through Wednesday the 9th with Mel Futrell. Brother Futrell currently serves as the pulpit minister at the Shades Mountain church in Birmingham. The theme of the meeting is “Christ Above All”. Sunday 6th services begin with Prayer service at 8:30 a.m. Bible study at 9 a.m. Worship assembly at 10 a.m. The sermon title will be “Pictures of Christ”. Immediately after services all are invited to a meal and fellowship. Visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy good food and fellowship. Monday through Wednesday services begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday 7th - “The Uniqueness of Christ” Tuesday 8th - “The Cross of Christ” Wednesday 9th - “Jesus the Human Being” Nursery will be provided at all services. Visitors, family, friends, are cordially invited to come worship with us.
November 7-9
Living by Faith Worship Center presents Fall Revival 2016. The speaker for all three nights will be Pastor Juanita Jackson.
November 15, January 10, February 4 and March 14
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WETUMPKA OFFICE 7616 US Hwy 231 • Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-8833
TALLASSEE OFFICE 1603 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078 334-283-2795
The Eclectic Fire Department wants to remind everyone that pursuant to the Drought Emergency Declaration issued by Gov. Bentley on Wednesday, Oct.12. Elmore County remains one of 46 counties in central and north Alabama under a “No Burn” order. This means that “NO” outdoor burning can be conducted without written permission from the Alabama Forestry Commission. Forestry officials confirm that since the 1st of October, 910 fires have been report and over 10,000 acres across the State have been destroyed. Anyone convicted to violating the “No Burn Order” can be fined up to $500 and/or jailed for up to 6 months. For more information, you can contact your local forester or visit www. forestry.alabama.gov Elmore County Museum, invites veterans and family members to sign up and participate in a free monthly reading discussion program on the experience of war, beginning September and ending in March. Discussions will be held in the Elmore County Museum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: November 15th, January 10th, February 14th, and March 14th. All books and films will be provided for each participant in advance of each discussion. Recent veterans of the global war on terror are particularly encouraged to participate.
November 14-21
Eclectic United Methodist Church will serve as a drop-off location for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. During National Collection Week, Nov. 14 – 21, Eclectic residents will donate shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball—for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. This year, Eclectic residents hope to contribute several hundred shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children.
November 15, December 13
Calvary Baptist Church Wetumpka will be offering Grief Share “Surviving the Holidays” from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. They will be meeting in the fellowship hall. Please contact the church office at 567-4729 or visit our website at www. calvarybaptistwetumpka. org for any questions concerning this matter.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
OCTOBER 27, 2016 • PAGE 3
Vet best friend. Turns out, it works incredibly well. You may think this type of cutting-edge technology only exists in the hustle and bustle of a big city. However, this innovative treatment for pets in now available right here in Tallassee, at Mitchell Veterinary Hospital. “We are one of three veterinarian hospitals in the state that offers this new treatment,” said Michelle Mitchell, DVM. “One is in Huntsville and one is in Birmingham.” Stem cells are valuable because they have the ability to transform into other cells. “Stem cells simply explained are your animal’s own repair cells,” Dr. Mitchell. Pet stem-cell therapy allows the animal’s own body to replace cells not viable with more suitable new cells. “They have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body during early life and
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growth,” Dr. Mitchell said. “They serve as a selfrepair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, it has the potential to remain the same cell type or become part of a cell with a specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.” There has been debate over the use of stem-cell treatment in the past. That debate came from the use of embryotic cells. Today; however, (adult) stem cells are taken from the same pet that is receiving the stemcell treatment. “Adult stem cells are highly concentrated in the fat tissue,” Dr. Mitchell said. “There are 500 to 1,000 times more stems cells in the fat than the bone marrow. The procedure to extract fat from the patient is much quicker and less invasive.” Because stem cells are harvested from the patient, the treatment is specialized to each individual case. According to Dr. Mitchell, the treatment process is
safe, simple and effective. A series of blood test are performed in the hospital, along with simple X-rays to view the problem area. The pet is then prepped for the fat removal from the abdominal cavity and the fat is processed to extract the adult stem cells. While stem cell therapy is a technically a “treatment,” it often leads to a treatment-free life for the pet patient. “We can treat the symptoms with medication, but we can treat the cause with stem cells,” said Dr. Mitchell. Mitchell says over the past year, she has treated seven cases with this new therapy and the outcome has been successful in each case. “All of the clients have been very pleased with the increase of their pet’s quality of life and their increased mobility,” Dr. Mitchell said.
Wreck in the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, was taken to Elmore Community Hospital and later transferred to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he underwent surgery for his injuries on Monday morning. Guy Bacon, an eyewitness to the accident, said Bass was traveling at high rate of speed without lights or siren at the time of the accident. Title 32 of the Alabama Code, titled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” requires that emergency vehicles use lights and siren when responding to an emergency call and that such use does not “relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.” Bacon, who said he was first ahead of, then immediately behind Bass, said he saw “all of it.” “I was traveling south on 231 when he came up behind me,” Bacon said Monday afternoon. “I noticed he was coming up behind me pretty fast and I thought at first that maybe he was after me, but I pulled over in to the left lane and there was another van in the right lane. He pulled up beside me in the (middle lane of the fivelane highway, that allows turns in either direction) and punched it. He threw dirt and debris all over my truck. “That’s when I saw the black van (driven by Merritt) pulling out of Urgent Care. She had already made it
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almost into the median. Most of her vehicle was in the median when he t-boned her.” Bacon said that he and a motorist who had been traveling in the opposite direction both stopped to assist the crash victims. He said there was nothing they could do for Merritt and when they went to assist Bass, the radio in his vehicle was tuned to music that was so loud that it had to be turned down for him to be understood when he answered their questions. “The other fellow that was there with me helping (Bass) told him, ‘We need to turn down your radio so that we can hear you,’” said Bacon. “It was pretty loud.” Bacon said that he and the other individual who stopped to assist gave witness reports to investigators at the scene. Capt. Robert Sliwowski of the Wetumpka Police Department would not comment because the accident is under investigation by ALEA. ALEA spokesman Steve Jarrett said the accident was under active investigation by the state law enforcement agency and there was nothing further to report at this time. He said a preliminary crash report would be made available in a few days. On Wednesday morning, ALEA investigators spent approximately two hours at the scene investigating the crash.
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Arrest parking lot before Faulk went through the booking process. Faulk had bonded out by the time The Herald talked with Franklin at approximately 12:30 p.m. Faulk has served District 4 on the county commission
Merritt was the wife of Byron Merritt, a former Alabama State Trooper. Byron Merritt’s brother, Tommy, and father, W.T., were also troopers.
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since 2000, including serving four-plus years as commission chairman. Prior to joining the commission, he was a member of the Millbrook City Council for six years and served the city as mayor pro tempore for four of those years.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP = POSITIVE RESULTS (256) 234-6366
TWO ELMORE GOP LOCATIONS!! 633 Coosa River Pkwy. • Wetumpka 232 Deatsville Hwy.• Millbrook OPEN Tues. & Thurs.: Noon to 6PM Saturdays: 9AM to Noon Opened daily Oct 31 to Nov 4 from Noon to 6pm
We Touch the Lives of the People You Love
(256) 234-4384
As your new Superintendent of Education in Elmore County, Richard Dennis will work to: • Include teachers and school administrators in the decision-making and problem-solving process. • Improve the academic performance of students in Elmore County to help ALL children reach their potential. • Ef¿ciently manage the system’s budget and personnel with an emphasis on putting resources in the schools. • Meet the individual needs of each community and coordinate K-12 extracurricular programs. (256) 825-9244
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Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 27, 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
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.
Don’t believe everything you read on Facebook
E
very now and again I feel compelled to write about things I see on Facebook. Not the silly things like dancing cats or what people ate yesterday (my sister is bad about that one), no I am more interested in the false memes and news stories that perpetuate the internet these days. With the advent of the Internet decades ago people had more information at their disposal than ever before. Social media has ramped up that information sharing significantly. The problem though is a significant portion of this information is either misleading or downright false. Years ago I, and several attorneys I worked with,
became enamored of the Onion website. The site traffics in clearly satirical stories meant for the purposes of entertainment and not as a legitimate news source. The Onion makes it perfectly clear that the site is meant as satire and makes no attempts to write or report real news. These days though the line is quite blurred. There are “legitimate” news sites that publish legitimate news along with propaganda meant to appease their readers. Both extremely liberal and extremely conservative sites engage in this type of behavior. They know who their readers are and they seek to pander to them. Other sites actually exist that are a meld of real news and
WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
satire. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which type of story one is reading because the sites do not offer a clear disclaimer. Still other sites post stories that are presented as news but are nothing more than opinion pieces with a few scattered facts. These often are the worst offenders of all as readers take them as actual stories as opposed to opinions. With the election now less than two weeks away I have noticed a proliferation of posts
from sites that I would consider marginally news sites. These posts are then taken by readers and posted on their Facebook pages. The problem is that most of these posts are inaccurate or possess no actual facts. Supporters of whatever position the “story” supports then add their comments and the whole cycle continues as readers generally use the stories to either support their own positions or get mad about opposing positions. Sadly this has become more common in the Internet age. Generally newspapers had to follow a methodology of getting both sides of the story. Stories make an attempt to be fair and balanced while opinion pieces are clearly defined
as opinion pieces and can take whatever position the author wants. We have blurred the line between news and opinion to the point that it isn’t clear which is which. Sadly I fear that this problem will get worse instead of better. The best piece of advice I can give is to question everything you read, especially online. Question the source of the material, question the political position of the writers. Ask yourself if the story makes sense or if the facts are clear? Only then can we come to a consensus on what the truth is and what it is not. William Carroll is the managing editor of the Elmore County newspapers for Tallapoosa Publishers.
Letters to the Editor
Reader shares sentiments on Kaepernick’s protest Dear Editor: When Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg publicly criticized Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem, I sent her the following letter: “Dear Justice Ginsburg, I recently read of your interview with Katie Couric in which you commented on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s (and others) decision to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. You stated that you would “strongly take issue with the point of view that they are expressing when they do that” and you went on to say that you think their actions are “dumb and disrespectful.” Justice Ginsburg, I am a retired military officer who is writing you to respectfully disagree. In the course of my twenty years in the U.S. Air Force my service took me to over thirty countries to include Iraq. I dearly love this country, our military and our flag and
I stand at attention whenever I hear our national anthem. But I proudly served to defend the rights and freedoms of all Americans. This includes the freedom of speech and expression of young folks like Colin Kaepernick and others who dare to lawfully and peacefully express themselves. Mr. Kaepernick has simply chosen to kneel as a protest against racial injustice and police brutality. He is not anti-military nor is he attacking police officers or advocating violence and I applaud him for standing up (or kneeling in this case) for his convictions. Defending that right to lawfully and peacefully protest is what separates us from many of the countries I visited during my career and I certainly don’t find these young people dumb or disrespectful. Respectfully, Michael E. Waters Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) United States Air Force Elmore, AL”
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
Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305
The 1962 Senate race that changed the state
T
he year was 1962. John Kennedy was president. Camelot was in full bloom. The Congress was controlled by Democrats only because the South was solidly Democratic. The Southern bloc of senators and congressmen were all Democrats. Because of their enormous seniority, they controlled both houses of Congress, especially the Senate. The issue of civil rights was a tempest set to blow off the Capitol dome. Kennedy was under intense pressure to pass major civil rights legislation. However, he was up against a stone wall to get it passed the powerful bloc of Southern senators. Race was the only issue in the South, especially in Alabama. George Wallace was riding the race issue to the governor’s office in his 1962 campaign. The white southern voter was determined to stand firm against integration and was poised to vote for the most ardent segregationists on the ballot. Our congressional delegation was Democratic, all eight Congressmen and both Senators. All had come to Washington during the Roosevelt New Deal Era and were somewhat progressive. They had been the sponsors of legislation to help poor Southerners during the Depression. Our two U.S. Senators, John Sparkman and Lister Hill, had a combined 40 years of service. Hill was up for reelection in 1962. Hill had gone to the U.S. Senate in 1938. He had served four six-year terms and had become a national celebrity in his 24 years in the Senate. He was up for election to a fifth six-year term. It was expected to be a coronation. He was reserved, aristocratic and almost
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
above campaigning. Hill was also soft on the race issue. He was a progressive who refused to race-bait. Out of nowhere a handsome, articulate Gadsden businessman, Jim Martin, appeared on the scene. Martin was 42, born in Tarrant City, a decorated World War II officer who fought with Patton’s 3rd Army in Europe. He entered as a private and became an integral part of Patton’s team, serving as an intelligence officer in the Army of Occupation, and rising to the rank of major. After the war he went to work for Amoco Oil and married a Miss Alabama – Pat McDaniel from Clanton. They then settled in Gadsden and he bought an oil distributorship and became successful in business. He was a business Republican and became active in the State Chamber of Commerce. When the State Chamber Board went to Washington to visit the congressional delegation, they were treated rudely by our Democratic delegates who were still voting their progressive New Deal, prounion philosophy. Martin left Washington and decided that Alabama at least needed a two-party system and that he would be the sacrificial lamb to take on the venerable Lister Hill as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. Martin got the nomination in a convention and the David vs. Goliath race was on. By late summer it was obvious that Martin had some
momentum. He was being perceived as the conservative and Hill as the liberal. Every Alabama courthouse was Democratic – all sheriffs, Probate Judges, all statewide elected officials. It was hard to imagine that the tradition of voting Democratic would change, but the winds of segregation were strong. When the votes were counted in November of 1962, Martin had pulled off the biggest upset in the nation. NBC’s team of Huntley and Brinkley reported the phenomenon on the nightly news. Republican President Eisenhower called Martin to congratulate him. However, things were happening in rural North Alabama. Martin had won by 6,000 votes but three days later, mysterious boxes appeared with just enough votes to give Hill the belated victory. The entire country and most Alabamians knew that Jim Martin had been counted out. Jim Martin would have been the first Republican Senator from the South in a century. Some people speculate that he would have been the vicepresidential candidate with Nixon in 1968. Regardless, he was the John the Baptist of the Southern Republican sweep of 1964, and the father of the modern Republican Party in Alabama. That 1962 Senate race was a precursor of what was to come in 1964. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
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Board
continued from page 1
humorous moment he found out about his new position. It started in a joke during a conference call from Superintendent Andre Harrison McGowan, he said. “Well you were number two and number one was taken,’” said Bergeron, recounting the call from Harrison. “And I said well OK sir and then he laughed, and said ‘I’m only kidding, I’m offering you the job.’” However, he said after the excitement of the moment the reality and gravity of the new position struck him. “It was thrilling, but then a few seconds you start thinking, Oh god, I’m responsible now you know this is my horse, I’ve got to make the decisions,” Bergeron said. Before the regular session and the emotional reception for the chairman, what was described as serious business was conducted in a special-called session. A lengthy student expulsion hearing was held in private after the parents decided on the option of a closed meeting. The student, called only ABC-2017-2, was voted to be expelled starting Tuesday through the first day of the second semester January 2018, according to the agenda. A number of board members, however, said they would be willing to revisit the topic if more information was presented later, on whatever the issue was surrounding the student. Afterward, the board members entered into the regular session and accepted the minutes from four previous meetings dating back to early September. The BOE superintendent for special projects, Bruce Christian, briefly mentioned what he said was the “pretty aggressive schedule” for new classrooms needed to accommodate growth at Redland Elementary School. Afterward, Harrison issued a number of awards to students and staff alike for various achievements and recommendations. The board then approved “each and every item” of last month’s payroll, according to the agenda, from
a nearly $2.75 million ‘Scholastic’ to a ‘Calendar’ amount of roughly $6.3 million. A five-year fiscal plan recommended by Harrison as “the Elmore County Five-Year Capital Plan FY 2017” was approved as well. Senator Clyde Chambliss, presented a resolution from the State Senate to Larry Teel. He said he had know Teel for some years, dating back into the 90s “I’ve known Larry Teel for quite a few years now, back into the early 90’s, and when I started preparing for this resolution I thought I knew him when he got started but he had been started for quite a while before I knew him, so I would like to read this resolution in his honor and in honor of his family,” said Chambliss. The Senate statement included ‘highest commendations’ to Teel for his time on the board dating back to 1980, and listed a detailed account of his accomplishments during those three-and-a-half decades. Every board member stood to speak on behalf of Teel and his retirement, and a number of ECSB officials presented him with plaques and awards. To conclude the ceremony a teary-eyed Teel approached the podium with a small sheet of paper he said was his speech. “I just want to say thank you, thank you to Elmore County, I knew I wouldn’t make it without being emotional, I apologize for that, but when you get older you get more emotional,” said Teel as he cleared his throat and wiped his eyes. “But I do thank you Elmore County for allowing me to serve these 36 years. Wow, if my Elmore County math and I am a proud graduate of Elmore County High School, if my math serves me correctly I have served half my life on the school board and I thank you for that, I really consider that quite an honor to have served for that length of time...”
Democrats of leadership changes when the outgoing chairs relocated to other areas. Previously, she said, she was the party’s treasurer and joined roughly a year ago after coming back to her home state. Now a Wetumpka resident, Henderson said she had not long since returned from living in Alaska for a number of years, during her husband’s 23 years in active duty military. “I was born and raised in Selma, so we wanted to come back home to establish roots again,” said Henderson. Henderson said her focus is on the political involvement of Elmore County residents. “We have got to get Democrats involved because right now it seems like in Elmore County they are just inactive,” said Henderson. “I’m new to the area, so I’ve never really been involved in politics per se, just that I like to go out and do
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my voting.” It was the committee’s second meeting under its new makeup and it recently began efforts to reach out to the surrounding areas for local Democrat involvement. There were approximately eight members present at their Monday night meeting. “We’re hoping that we can get people from all five precincts to become involved again. It’s been a while I believe since they’ve had a lot of involvement,” Henderson said. “We wanted to have people volunteer at the polls … we don’t have Democrats right now scheduled to work at the polls, which is unfortunate.” It was one of the topics they discussed Monday night as they listened to updates from Elmore County Commission District 5 Commissioner Stephanie Daniels Smoke, who is running in the upcoming elec-
tions. Positions in polling places 1, 2 and 4 were open, she said. The group talked about a number of issues regarding upcoming elections and addressed what were described as ongoing problems at local polls. Among those problems included the removal of poll workers, or their placement in a way it was said amounted to preventing African Americans from working together at local polling places. The reason was said to be because if two poll workers could identify a voter who, for whatever reason, did not have identification they could vote. Otherwise they could not. Their next step was a formal complaint made to the Secretary of State’s office for an investigation into the county’s handling of the voting process. The group’s next meeting was planned
for Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at a yet-to-be-determined location. One of their goals, Henderson said, was to move their meeting places throughout the county to encourage as much attendance as possible from each district.
OCTOBER 27, 2016 • PAGE 5
PAGE 6 • OCTOBER 27, 2016
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Should churches and Christians celebrate Halloween?
alloween is right around the corner and, once again, people ask: “Should Churches and Christians celebrate Halloween?” I think the answer is yes, for at least two reasons. First, Halloween is not a celebration of evil. Halloween is a sacred religious holiday. It came about like this. As Christianity spread through the ancient world, it began competing with other religions. One of the barriers to evangelizing these religions was that newly converted Christians missed the festivals, feasts and traditions they were accustomed to. Rather than dismiss those traditions, the Church chose to Christianize them, giving some of those familiar non-Christian customs and traditions Christian meaning. Many of our holiday traditions like Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, and Easter eggs were adopted from pagan religions and given Christian meaning. Halloween is no different. Most religions competing with Christianity believed that the spirits of the dead returned to earth from time to time. For the Celts, that time was their new year, which began on November 1. They believed that the spirits of the dead returned on that night to be equipped for their journey to the other world. If they were not given offerings of
food, or clothes, they would play tricks on their families. People dressed like spirits to hide from the real spirits. Carved lighted turnips were put in the windows to scare the spirits away. The Church began to celebrate its own version of the spirits of the dead feast. Throughout the history of the Church, many people were recognized for the holy, noteworthy and exemplary lives they led. They were canonized as Saints, and the church designated a particular day to celebrate life of each particular Saint. St. Patrick’s Day and St. Francis Day are examples of how we continue this practice. However, in the 1st and 2nd century, all Christians were known as saints. When these “ordinary saints” died, they had no “day” of their own. All Hallows Day developed as a way to celebrate and remember all the Hallowed or “Holy” ordinary saints of God, those thousands and thousands of people who lived the Christian life and died in the faith, unknown and unheralded. The writer of the book of Ecclesiasticus (from the Apocrypha) tells us that honoring believers, known and unknown, of past times and thanking God for their service in His Name is important. (Ecclesiasticus 44:1, 8-10,1314) : “Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their
REV. BOB HENDERSON Trinity Episcopal
generations. . . . There are some of them who have left a name, so that men declare their praise. And there are some who have no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived; they have become as though they had not been born, and so have their children after them. But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their posterity will continue forever, and their glory will not be blotted out. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.” Our faith, like the faith of those in the past, is in a God who has proven His character and power so many times in the past through the lives of others that we can be confident He will accomplish whatever He has promised for the future. So, we remember and celebrate their lives in Christ. In the United States, we call the feast All Saints Day, in England, All Hallows Day. “By designating October 31 and November 1 as the ‘Holy Evening’ and Holy Day of All Saints Day, the Church sought to give Christians an alterna-
tive, spiritually edifying holiday over the pagan festivals, and especially to proclaim the supremacy of the [Christian] gospel over pagan superstition.” (Passantino, “What about Halloween?”). The name “Halloween,” is a shortened form of All Hallows Eve – “Eve” being the night before a major Christian Feast day, like “Christmas Eve.” It was and is a time to remember with thanksgiving, those who have gone before us in Christ, those whose names we don’t know, but whose lives and actions sustained, grew and made the church what it is today. There is also a second reason to celebrate Halloween. In our culture, Halloween traditionally has allowed us to look at what frightens us – to experience it, to laugh at it, and to come through it. So at the end of October, we are visited by ghosts, witches, laughing pumpkin heads, and goofy ghouls. Should we mock evil or laugh at Satan? Absolutely! At the beginning of “The Screwtape Letters,” C. S. Lewis includes two telling quotations, the first from Martin Luther: “The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.” The second comes from Saint Thomas More: “The devil . . . the proud spirit cannot endure to be mocked.”
The one thing Satan cannot bear is to be a source of laughter. His pride is undermined by his own knowledge that his infernal rebellion against God is in reality an absurd farce. Hating laughter, he demands to be taken seriously. Indeed, I would say that those Christians who spend the night of October 31 filled with concern over what evils might be (and sometimes are) taking place, are doing the very thing Lucifer wants them to do. Giving him our fearful respect gives his authority credence and power. If we follow the traditional formula of having a good time at his expense, Satan flees. So, when we dress up like ghosts, spooks, and witches, our fear is replaced by laughter and fun. Our laughter takes away the power of evil because we are showing that in Christ and because of Christ, we have nothing to fear from the forces of evil. Evil can’t stand in the face of Christ’s love and laughter. Halloween proclaims the triumph of the gospel, the Church and Christianity over pagan superstition and evil! Celebrating Halloween reminds us that in Christ, evil has no power over us. We will triumph in Christ, just as all the saints who have gone before us in the faith triumphed. Bob Henderson is a rector for Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka.
Religion Briefs Tallassee Church of Christ
Announces our new minister, Charlie Boddy. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services begin at 6 p.m. Visitor’s welcome at all services 334-283-5437 209 Gilmer Ave.
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
On Sunday, Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m. Charlene Rallo will teach the second of two Sunday School lessons on the Protestant Reformation and the Birth of the Anglican Church. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee. org/
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
Our Life’s Journey is an outreach of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Pastor; and Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, Grand Knight. It airs on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com OR on your smart phone using the TuneIn app. Oct. 30 - Faithful Citizenship
Nov. 6 - The Last Things Nov. 13 - Are Catholics Really Christians? Nov. 20 - Prison Ministry Nov. 27 - Perpetual Adoration Dec. 4 - Love and Marriage Dec. 11 - Christianity vs. Islam Part 1 Dec. 18 - Christianity vs. Islam Part 2 Dec. 25 - Christ Mass Jan. 1 - Once Saved, Always Saved?
Salem Macon Baptist
Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Forever Young meeting. Arin Howell will talk about his trip to Cleveland, Ohio as a summer missionary this past summer. Arin is the grandson of Ann Howell Owsley, an Auburn University student and a member of the Baptist Campus Ministry. This is for everyone, so come and learn what our missionaries are doing to tell others about Jesus. Bring a covered dish and bring someone with you. Salem Macon is again collecting Samaritan Purse shoeboxes for children around the world for Christmas gifts. Our goal this year is 100 shoeboxes. Pick up the empty shoeboxes at the church fill them up. A pamphlet will give you information. Fall-O-Ween (Fall Festival) Sunday Nov. 6 from 4 - 6 p.m. Chili cook off, pumpkin carving, cupcake walk, face painting, Christian pumpkin story, balloons, and more. Children wear non-scary costumes; adults
wear your favorite team colors. Come and have fun.
Rock Springs Baptist
Families are invited to Rock Springs Baptist Church’s Community Fall Festival, Sat, Oct 29 at 5 p.m. Hayrides, face painting, decorate a pumpkin, cake walk, games, go fish, marshmallow roast and a free hot dog supper and more. Join us for wholesome fun. We’re at 375 Rigsby Rd in the Rock Springs Community, about a 10-minute drive from Tallassee, Wetumpka or Eclectic. Sunday morning Bible Study and Worship from 10-noon each Sunday. Ron Estes, Pastor, says, “ya’ll come.”
Elam Baptist Church
Everyone is invited to attend the Annual 2016 Hallelujah Harvest at Elam Baptist Church, 4686 Notasulga Road, Hwy 14, on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be many enjoyable events for all ages including face painting, kids crafts, buried treasure, fishing pond, hay ride, duck pond and cake walk. There will be a Costume Contest for children and adults. There will be lots of food including hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn. The Trunk or Treat Alley opens at 6 p.m. in the church parking lot. Visitor’s welcome. Come on out and join
in for a great celebration of the season of harvest and fall.
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
You are cordially invited to attend a Recognition Program for Councilman Charles C. Blalock. The program will be Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 64 Log Circle Tallassee, AL. This will be an evening of gospel music and comments from city officials and members of the community. Anyone who wishes to participate in this program is asked to contact the coordinators, Carolyn Smith at 334-283-6363 or Sylvia Phillips at 334-415-0458
East Tallassee United Methodist Church
The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.
Area Churches 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 2855545 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 5142881 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 5674417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 5672486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist
935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist 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 5670923 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 5413460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 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 5693006 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 5673665 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 5692851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 5671141 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 5141097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 5673668 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 5670311 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 5679886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN 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
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Halloween is a children’s holiday that occurs each Hidden Words: year in the United States on October 31. Kids dress %HH %XWWHUĂ€\ &DW up in costumes and go door to door in their neigh&ORZQ &RZER\ borhoods to receive candies and treats after saying 'RFWRU )DLU\ *KRVW “Trick or Treat!â€? Today, the most important thing to 0RQVWHU 0XPP\ remember when “Trick or Treatingâ€? is safety. Many 3LUDWH 3ULQFHVV kids no longer go door to door. Instead, they attend “Trick or Treatingâ€? events at places such as malls, 3XPSNLQ 6NHOHWRQ churches, and community centers. When going out, 6XSHU +HUR 9DPSLUH be sure to always have a large group of people with :LWFK =RPELH you at all times, and remember to include an adult. Wear costumes that are bright in color, and use a UHĂ€HFWRU LI \RX DUH ZDONLQJ LQ WKH GDUN $IWHU WKH IXQ and before you enjoy your treats, have a trusted adult verify that your candy is safe to eat. Be courteous to other “Trick or Treatersâ€? and to those who hand out candy. Don’t forget to say “Thank you!â€?
OCTOBER 27, 2016 • PAGE 7
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Commission the industry would not be providing enough new jobs in the right pay range. Faulk mentioned that he had a problem that the road originally was priced at a much higher number than the current figure of $120,000. Dorley replied that he was not sure why there was the discrepancy in price on the project. Ultimately the provision of funds was approved by a 3-2 vote with Faulk and Commissioner Mark Hragyil voting against the project. Rick Jackson, with the Boys and Girls Club of the River Region Wetumpka Club was also present during the meeting to ask for funds for transportation funding. Jackson Asked the commission for $20,000. He said that the program is averaging 65 to 70 kids a day during the fall and that the program currently has a bus and two vans it uses to transport children.
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“We want to expand, we want kids to come to our afterschool program,” Jackson said noting that the program runs from 3 to 9 p.m. Faulk asked Jackson what the funds would be used for, specifically asking him if he intended to use the funds to purchase another vehicle. Jackson responded by noting that the Boys and Girls Club planned to use the funding for its programs although he offered no specifics as to those issues. The commission ultimately voted to approve funding in the amount of $10,000. In other matters before the commission: • Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the sale of motorgraders to the highest bidder, Thompson Tractor. • The commission voted unanimously to approve the sale of surplus equipment to JM Wood Auction
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company. • Commissioners also unanimously approved providing scrap signs, posts and metal to Robinson Recycling. • The commission further approved an addendum to the agreement with Advanced Disposal for countywide cleanup days beginning in January 2017.
PAGE 10 • OCTOBER 27, 2016
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BROWN EARNS JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM INVITE Special to the Observer
OKLAHOMA CITY – Alabama freshman Elissa Brown was selected as one of 20 initial invitees for the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team Selection Camp, announced this week by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA)/USA Softball. The camp will be held on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Clearwater, Fla. The 20 initial invitees, along with any additional athletes that may be extended an invitation prior to the camp, will be competing for 17 spots on the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team roster. Athletes compete in a number of drills and simulated games and are evaluated by the USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Committee. The team will compete
this summer in a number of exhibition games as well as defending its gold medal from last season at the 2017 World Baseball Softball Confederation Junior Women’s World Championship on July 24-30 in Clearwater, Fla. Brown is a native of Eclectic entering her freshman season this year at Alabama. At Elmore County High School, she was a three-time All-State and four-time All-Metro honoree, ending her career as the AHSAA record holder in 12 statistical categories. She was also the school’s alltime leading scorer in basketball and won regional titles with the track and field team in the 100 and 200 meters. She played club softball with the Birmingham Thunderbolts, helping guide them to third-place finishes at PGF nationals in 2015 and 2016. Former Tide standouts Haylie McCleney and Andrea Hawkins played for the US Junior Women’s
University of Alabama softball freshman and former Elmore County High star Elissa Brown picked up an invitation Wednesday to participate in the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team Selection Camp, taking place over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Clearwater, Florida.
National team in 2013 following their freshman campaigns, while Alabama has had five players represent the Crimson Tide on the US Women’s National Team, including gold medal-
ist Kelly Kretschman (2004), Ashley Holcombe (2009-12), Brittany Rogers (2009), Jaclyn Traina (2012, 2014-16) and McCleney (2014-16).
UMS-Wright slips past ECHS in tense 5-setter at regionals By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Despite fighting off 11 set points to capture the tense opening frame, Elmore County let all the momentum slip through its grasp as UMS-Wright squeaked by Friday in a five-set classic at the Class 4A South Super Regional Tournament. Trailing 24-19 in set 1, the Panthers battled back to force a tiebreak en route to taking it, 33-31. “I was telling the girls, ‘no matter what happens in this set, we still have four more we can do,’” ECHS volleyball coach Kimberly Moncrief said. “The girls said, ‘we’re winning this one.’ They decided they wanted it very badly, and they had the grit to finish it out. The momentum was swinging in our favor.” But Elmore County couldn’t wrap its arms around UMS-Wright to grab a two-set advantage at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex. Bouncing back from the tough first set loss, the Bulldogs resoundingly responded to win the second game, 25-12. Both teams jockeyed for position over the next two frames, with ECHS earning the victory in the third set, 25-13, before UMS stormed back to shut down the Panthers in set 4, 25-6, to set up the match-deciding fifth set. “I really don’t know what happened. I think we started to relax, and that was not the match to relax in,” Moncrief said of what happened after the first set. “We lost a little bit of the momentum in the second set and we were striving to get it back. I think we got back on our heels a little bit, made a couple of errors, and against a team like that, you can’t do that.” In the final set, the Panthers and the Bulldogs tugged with the lead and played to a 10-10 tie, with two aces and a kill from sophomore Madison Traylor leading ECHS. Much like after the first set, Elmore County couldn’t maintain the momentum as UMS closed the match with a 5-0 run to eliminate the Panthers from regionals for the second straight season. Senior outside hitter Hannah Traylor amassed a team-
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Elmore County senior outside hitter Hannah Traylor (6) and junior setter Sarah Ingram (3) hold back tears immediately after the Panther fell to UMS-Wright in five sets during the opening round of the Class 4A South Super Regional Volleyball Tournament Friday at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex.
high 13 kills along with 10 digs. Madison Traylor had 11 kills, seven aces and seven digs, while junior middle Hannah Hughes totaled 10 kills despite spraining her ankle during the practice before the regional matchup. “We’ve come close against the tough teams, I think that’s what helped us prepare for this. I think making
adjustments in the mental game got to us,” Moncrief said. “It’s a challenge but we want that challenge. That’s why we do what we do, schedule tougher. I’m very pleased, usually I’m not happy after a loss, but we made a strong showing even though we got put out in the first round. We’ll keep working to get that ‘W.’”
U.S soccer players highlight local event By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
The Wetumpka American Youth Soccer Organization received a check, and the league’s players checked meeting U.S. Soccer players off their bucket list Monday. Century 21 Southern Star donated $1,000 to AYSO Region 1586 for new goals and equipment. But the biggest draw of the night was U.S. Women’s National Team players, World Cup winners and Olympians Meghan Klingenberg and Christen Press being on hand at the Willis Bradford Prattville YMCA branch through a corporate contest the Prattville-based office won. Lana Sexton, a Wetumpka AYSO player, had never met a USWNT player before, but on her 13th birthday Monday got an autograph from Press and a photo with Klingenberg. “I think it’s really cool,” Sexton said. “I never expected to do something like this. This is amazing.” Not only did the event’s attendees get to meet the Olympic pair, they got to put their skills to the test against them and ask them questions.
Her first trip to Alabama, Press, the Los Angeles native and U.S. forward, said the event was special. “It’s always fun -- I think one of the perks of this job is to travel and get to see the whole country,” Press said. “We’re kind of sheltered from all the different walks of life in a way, so I think it’s special to come to a YMCA like this and see everyone get excited for us to be here and say, ‘hi.’” This fall, the Wetumpka AYSO had enough girls signed up to form an all-girls league, a direct effect of the USWNT’s success, AYSO Regional Commissioner Larry Hart said. “This is a big deal because this fall we became the first league in Central Alabama to have enough girls to separate to their own teams,” Hart said. “That’s a direct result of the US Women’s National Team and all the success they’ve had. It’ll make the girls better soccer players. This is really cool because they can come here and say, ‘thank you.’” Anthony Auen, a 12-year-old Wetumpka AYSO player, said he’ll remember meeting Klingenberg and
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Prattville-based Century 21 Southern Star office donated $1,000 to the Wetumpka American Youth Soccer Organization Monday. United States Women’s National Team members Meghan Klingenberg and Christen Press helped present the check to AYSO Region 1586 league participants.
Press for a long time. “It’s incredible. I’ve been playing soccer all my life, so coming out here and seeing these players that I’ve been watching for a while is
awesome,” Auen said. “Their words of advice (is what will stick with me). Find what you’re good at, your passion and just go with it. Do as good as you can, and don’t stop.”