Sept 8, 2016 Eclectic Observer

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Panthers rip off three straight wins

Football a microcosm for divides

Area Calendar Inside!

Eclectic Observer Page 4

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The

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 27, No. 36

Equality celebrates new fire house opening By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

It took the good people of Equality 35 years of stashing away money raised on bake sales and cookouts to finally raise enough funds for a fire station to replace its original one. It took one day for the power of Hollywood stardom to attract a crowd of approximately 1,500 to the new station’s dedication. With Pauley Perrette, who stars as Abby in the CBS television hit NCIS and is the real-

Students hospitalized after taking anti-seizure medicine

life daughter of Paul Perrett, Coosa County commissioner and Equality Volunteer Fire Department chief, in attendance, the department dedicated its new three-bay firehouse Saturday more than 35 years after the department was founded in 1981. It was an emotional Perrett who said of his daughter, “You may call her Abby. I call her daughter.” Perrette said the fire department and his desire for a new firehouse were clearly passions of her dad’s. See FIREHOUSE • Page 3

Mitch Sneed / The Observer

A crowd of approximately 1,500 people gathered at Equality’s firehouse dedication ceremony. Pauley Perrett attended in support of her father Paul Perrett.

LABOR DAY FINALE

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

A Holtville High School student was said by local law enforcement and county school officials to have distributed anti-seizure medication to roughly five other students, some became ill and all five were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Elmore County Schools Superintendent Andre Harrison said in an issued statement that it was confirmed some students had become ill during class Thursday. “The decision was made to transport them to the hospital as a precaution,” Harrison’s statement read. It said due to privacy rights no additional information could be given, but school officials had been “in touch” with the students’ parents. All five of the students who took the anti-seizure pills are “well” as of Friday morning, the statement indicated. However just how much trouble any, if not all, of the students might be in is still unclear. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said an off-duty deputy at the school as a student resource officer responded to the juvenile drug experimentation gone bad. “They were dealing with a 16-yearold high-school student that had possession of some anti-seizure pills for

Kenneth Boone / The Observer

Performers from all four acts at the Labor Day Concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater join the The Vegabonds in the show finale. Members of the Bama Gamblers, The Bank Walkers and Rexton Lee all joined in at the Labor Day concert which serves as a wrap up to the summer season on Lake Martin. Left, Daniel Allen of the Bama Gamblers performs with his band. The Labor Day concert is sponsored by Russell Lands.

See MEDICINE • Page 3

Fishing tournament draws 24 teams, raises funds By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

The 33 rd annual Rumbling Waters Team Bass Tournament saw 24 teams compete at the event sponsored by the Wetumpka Exchange Club Saturday. According to event organizers, the total was down from earlier years, but the anglers who did turn out has perfect day of bass fishing on the waters in and around Wetumpka. Two-man fishing

teams started the day on the Coosa River at 6 a.m. and anglers had the option of fishing in the Coosa, Alabama and Tallapoosa rivers. The top prize was $2,000 for total weight based upon five fish, along with $250 for the team with the biggest fish. Anglers stayed out on the waters until the 2 p.m. weight in time and paid $100 per boat for the opportunity to fish in the tournament. The Exchange See FISHING • Page 5

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William Carroll / The Observer

Brothers Jim (left) and Stan White collected a check for $2,000 as the winners of the 33rd Annual Rumbling Waters Fishing Tournament held in Wetumpka Saturday.

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A local animal shelter will hold its annual park event where hundreds of dogs, and their owners, come out to fraternize in what was described as a celebration of the bond between people and their pets, “primarily dogs.” But that was only because it would be difficult to coral cats around Ft. Toulouse for an entire afternoon, said director of the Humane Society of Elmore County, Rea Cord. This will be the shelter’s 11th annual Bark in The Park, where Cord said anywhere from 500 to 700 people, and nearly, as many dogs would gather for a number of K9 themed activities and demonstrations. “It’s kind of a celebration of pets and you know just dogs because you can’t really bring other pets out there too well, but you know owners, loving their dogs and supporting the shelter and having a good time in the park,” said Cord. The event is set to open on Sunday, Sept. 18 around 1:15 p.m., she said, with the Wetumpka Police Department and a demonstration from officers of its K9 unit. A number of “interactive See BARK • Page 5

Local power crew helps Florida hurricane victims By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Today’s

Weather

Bark in the Park slated for Sept. 18

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Crews of linemen with an electric cooperative’s local branch went to Florida over the holiday weekend to help with restoration efforts to those hit by Hurricane Hermine, and it was said they would be returning home soon. There were about three crews from Central Alabama Electric Cooperative that left last week to coordinate efforts with two Florida-based coops as they worked to get the power on for residents in Hermine’s wake. A communications specialist with CAEC said they joined with other coops from across the state that travelled to the affected regions of the panhandle. One of the crews went to the Tallahassee area, where See HURRICANE • Page 3


PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Area Calendar

September 11

Sunday is homecoming at River Road Baptist Church. We would like to invite everyone to come and join us in our homecoming celebration. Preaching is at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. Everyone is always welcome to come and worship with us. We look forward to seeing you there.

September 13, October 11, November 15, January 10, February 4 and March 14

The Wetumpka Public Library, along with the 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 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: September 13th, October 11th , 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.

September 17

A Fall Migration Walk will be held at the Fort Toulouse/ Fort Jackson National Historic Park located at 2521 W. Fort Toulouse Road in Wetumpka at 7 a.m. The event is a collaboration between the park and Alabama Birding Trails and will consist of a bird walk, sign unveiling and a French Colonial historical reenactment.

September 19

The annual Taste of Eclectic is scheduled for September 19. The event will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. at the Elmore County High School Cafeteria. The cost of the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Funds go to support the Veteran’s Park in Eclectic.

September 20

Seeing Is Believing is the theme of the next Tuesdays with Kelly meeting when Kathie Buntin and her mother, Bennie Kennedy, from Dothan Alabama will discuss flower arranging for the church altar. The door prize will be a devotional booklet “Seasons of Hope and Encouragement” written by Cindy Childress. Music will be provided by Mary Wolfe. Drinks and dessert are compliments of the Rumbling Waters Arts Club so bring your sack lunch to this “lunch and learn” event at noon on the third Tuesday of each month at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 408 South Main Street in Wetumpka, Alabama. Free and open to the public.

ONGOING EVENTS CHILD FIND: The Tallassee City School System is launching its annual campaign to assist children— birth to age 21—who have disabilities and may need special services. The campaign urges parents, service providers, and concerned citizens to contact Child Find, a program to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities or children who are believed to have disabilities. The Tallassee City School System wishes to notify you of the availability of special education services in our public schools. If you have questions regarding our programs, or if you wish to refer

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 HOUSE IN RED HILL ON 229, 2 large bd/1 bath, nice den and kitchen, 32x20 shop, 2.6 acres, $115,000. BEAUTIFUL WILLIAMSBURG HOME in Tallassee on Indian Trails on veery private 10 acres. 7000 Sq Feet, 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, great kitchen and den, Super nice home. $575,000. LAKE TALLASSEE – 650-ft. waterfront, 3 lots, 3± acres, super panoramic view, good building site, $225,000. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, RED HILL – Formerly The Country Mile convenience store, gas station and restaurant. Will sell only gas station and convenience store or all. Call for details, $245,000. BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME on Little Rd., Tallassee – 1.5 acres, completely remodeled. Very nice, 5 bd/5.5 baths, $239,000. 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $299,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES – KENT ROAD – UNRESTRICTED, REDUCED TO $45,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ, zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $99,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bd/ 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $259,000. TALLASSEE 854 E. PATTON – 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 3 acres of land, $125,000.

a student, please contact Lynell Carr at (334) 283-5675 or Child Find (Alabama Department of Education) at 1-800-548-2547.” ART EXHIBITION: There is a free exhibit of sixtyfive works of art by the late Priscilla Crommelin featuring vibrant still life and floral paintings, portraits and landscapes at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Highway 231 Saturday Night Jamboree at the Alabama League of the South Cultural Center Building at 12814 Highway 231 North in Wetumpka. There will be country, gospel, and rock and roll music in a good atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be line dancing, no alcohol, no smoking and no charge. Donations accepted for upkeep of the building. Contact Ray Funderburk at R&R Music and things at 334-991-4682 or 224-850-9804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET: First Saturday, March-December, dawn to 2 p.m in the area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church. An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission to the public with free parking available. For info, call 334-567-7400. BLUEGRASS JAM: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments welcome - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334-578-9485. SIT AND SEW: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All sewers and knitters welcome. Bring your own sewing machine or handsewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org. POTTERY CLASS: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka For age 16 and older. $80 for four classes or $20 per week. Taught every Saturday by Rick Bowman. Bring your own tools or use art center tools. Center provides other supplies. For info, call 334-313-1646. CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP: Saturdays, 11 a.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. For ages 12 and older. $32 for four classes. Taught every Saturday by Cliff Wayne. For info, call 334-300-9394. MASTER GARDENERS LUNCH AND LEARN: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka. Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free and open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334-5676301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/. NAACP MEETINGS: Elmore County Branch NAACP Executive Committee meeting every 3rd Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka Elmore County Branch NAACP regular monthly meeting every 4th Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka. HHS 50’s AND 60’s CLASS REUNION: Several members of Holtville High School Alumni are planning a reunion that will span two decades the 1950’s and 1960’s. This first-time reunion will

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Countywide Cleanup Day set for Sept. 17 STAFF REPORT Elmore County Commission

The next free Countywide Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the truck is loaded (whichever occurs first). Please note the date change due to the Labor Day holiday. This event, which is sponsored by the Elmore County Commission, is typically held on the second Saturday of every odd numbered month. Countywide Clean Up Days offer county residents ten convenient locations across Elmore County at which to drop off household and lawn trash at no charge. Free Countywide Clean Up drop-off locations: • The old highway department in Kent • The old highway department shop in Holtville • Crenshaw Park • Sweeten School • Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center • County Jail/Judicial Complex parking lot (U.S. Hwy 231 N. across from Tutwiler) • Titus Gas & Groceries Hwy 231 N. towards Titus on left at intersection of 231 and Titus Rd.

• Old Central Transfer Station • Annex Building in the Town of Elmore • Parking lot at CEW&SA Redland Road Facility A d d i t i o n a l Countywide Clean Up dates, times and locations (including a map with directions and GPS coordinates) are listed on the Elmore County web page Calendar of Events at www.elmoreco.org. We hope all Elmore County residents will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to drop off household trash and yard trash free of charge. All tree limbs must be no longer than four feet and no more than six inches in diameter. Items that will not be accepted include appliances, batteries, paints or thinners, oils, gases, and tires. Sorry, no contractors; the Clean Up is for residents only. For more information, please call Advanced Disposal at (334) 252-0458. Please help “Keep the Wave of the Future Clean” by bagging and sealing all household trash for regular pick up. Bagging and closing trash bags prevents “blow out” garbage on the roadside.

be held on November 11, 2016 at the Holtville Gymnasium beginning at 1:00 in the afternoon. Each class that has a reunion planning committee is asked to contact their classmates to relay this information so that “HHS 50’s and 60’s Reunion” will be a great success. SENIOR ACTIVITIES: “Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, Noon to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. NEW REGULARLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball! Bridge - Wanted: Bridge players for afternoon Bridge Club. Meets Wednesday afternoons Noon to 3 p.m. NOTE: For info on any Prime Time event, call 334-567-1335.


THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • PAGE 3

Firehouse

continued from page 1

Mitch Sneed / The Observer

NCIS actress Perrette attended Equality’s firehouse dedication ceremony in support of her father where she engaged with the community.

“I’ve been hearing about the firehouse and the fire department for so long,” the television star said. “And it’s not new to me. My whole life has been fire engines and fire trucks and wearing (firefighters’) hats. “We’re actually in the middle of shooting season 14 (of NCIS). But Dad begged and pleaded for me to get out here and they all (the people connected with the show) really like my Dad.” Perrette said she was proud to be in Equality, which she considers her home, in support of her father and the fire department. “I am super proud,” Perrette said. “I’m bursting with pride for my Dad and everyone involved here.” Art Faulkner, director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, said he was surprised by the crowd - and initially mistaken about the reasons for

its size. “We came on (Alabama Highway) 9 and I started seeing all these cars parked everywhere and for a minute I thought all these people had come to see me and (Paul Perrett) and (Sen. Clyde Chambliss) and (Rep. Mark Tuggle). Then I realized they came to see Abby.” Perrette quickly corrected Faulkner, shouting “Pauley!” Chambliss echoed Faulkner’s sentiments about the crowd. “I think I know what to do next time I have a campaign event to get a big turnout,” Chambliss said. Tuggle focused more on the reason for the event. “Watching a volunteer fire department grow and expand is something we don’t get to do that often,” Tuggle said. “A lot of volunteer fire departments are struggling. So I can’t think of a better way to spend my day than watching a volunteer fire department expand.” In addition to Perrette, Faulkner, Chambliss and Tuggle, other special guests at the event included former Equality VFD chiefs, including founding chief T.J. Shockley, and firefighters from as far away as Tennessee and Honoraville, Alabama. Perrett said the new firehouse would benefit the department’s 25 volunteers, including 15 trained as first-responders and firefighters and support personnel. The new facility will provide a climate-controlled area to more safely protect the department’s equipment and includes an upstairs area for instructional training. Perrett said the new building was the least the community could do for its dedicated volunteers. “I get asked a lot, ‘Why do you guys do this?’ You know, I don’t have an answer for that,” Perrett said. “There are probably 40, 50, 60 firefighters who wouldn’t have an answer, either. But thank God they do it.”

Medicine whatever reason that fellow decided he would, I guess, voluntarily give out some of his pills to five other students,” said Franklin. Those that partook quickly succumbed to their collective symptoms, which were reported to have ranged from nausea to headache. Franklin said the Central Alabama Drug Task Force had an officer on the scene along with deputies to question some of the students, and the 16-year-old classmate distributor. He said it was his understanding that a meeting was being held

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in a juvenile probation office about the incident. The sheriff’s department, he said, does not handle juvenile matters such as that, and it would be referred to Elmore County Juvenile Judge Patrick Pinkston “I think he is probably going to have to answer to that in front of the juvenile judge,” Franklin said. As to the legal ramifications of handing out the medication, however, Pinkston’s office said due to the juvenile nature of the students involved they could not give any comment. The subject of “drugs and chemicals”

are listed as Class IV major offenses in the Elmore County Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, found on the Elmore County Public Schools website. A Class IV offense it says results in a filed police report and petition signed with Elmore County Judicial System. Under this rule, students would be assigned immediately either to their home pending an expulsion investigation, or to an “Elmore County Alternative Program.” The student, the guidelines read, will not be allowed to return to school until criminal charges have

been “disposed of” by authorities, or other requirements from the School Board had been met. The drugs and chemicals category under malicious battery and just above “threatening with a weapon.” The course of action the handbook lays out for 4 th through 12th graders is “recommended expulsion” upon the students first offense.

Submitted / The Observer

Three crews from Central Alabama Electric Cooperative went to northwest Florida to help restore power to the area affected by Hurricane Hermine, and the people it left without electricity for days.

Hurricane

continued from page 1

local media reported that as of Tuesday there was still a large percentage of the region without power. “I think they’ve pretty much been working 18-hour shifts, so I don’t think they’ve had the time to really do much of anything other than work and sleep.” CAEC Communications Specialist Tiffany Trueblood said she had not heard much from the crews because they had been working steadily to help restore the power in Leon and Suwannee counties. “They worked all through Labor Day,” Trueblood said. The numbers of workers from other coops out at work are beginning to dwindle, she said, with some down to about 200 to 300, while others have reduced their presence to only 60. The company also had two other groups from what she called their “westside crews” out of the Prattville area at work in Florida. All of the groups and the roughly 12 men have been there for going on a full week now. Trueblood said they left ahead of the storm last week, and before it had even been upgraded to a hurricane in order to prepare. Coordinating with the statewide organization, and the other groups they would be working with each crew had to also get familiarized with their new service territory. “Hopefully they’ll be coming home either today or tomorrow,” said Trueblood.


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 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

OPINION

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

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

Some like it hot, but not me JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

I

t got so hot in Iraq that I promised myself that once I got home I’d never complain about the weather again. Yeah, that didn’t last very long. It’s human nature to complain. We just can’t help ourselves. When it’s hot, we want it to be cold. When it’s cold, we want it to be hot. I’d settle for year round “football weather.” I hate being hot. It used to not be a problem. I grew up in a house with no air conditioning. We had box fans. I was conditioned to live without cold air. I was basically Les Stroud, Survivorman. In the late nineties, I lived in a house that didn’t have central heat and air. It was an old shotgun house with window units on each of the far ends of the home. A couple of the rooms didn’t have doors, so I had to put sheets over the doorways to trap in the cold air. If the A/C was not on, it got so hot that my friends would feel the door to check for a backdraft before coming in. It was toasty, and for the most part, I was okay with it. When I’m outside, I don’t mind being warm and am usually quite comfortable. I have a hard time distinguishing between 65 and 75 degrees, but can easily feel the difference in 70 and 72 inside my house. A while back, some of my friends jokingly called me “old” for being comfortable at 70 degrees. They keep their thermostat much lower than that. My home is comfortable, but old people do keep their homes warm, and that’s just fine with me. It’s how they were raised. Furthermore, it’s their home and their bills, so my hat is off to them, but sometimes when “viztin,” I want to take off my shirt and

pants, too, while they’re wearing a flannel shirt and blue jeans. Holy Hestia, Goddess of Fire, some like it hot. I was in a home recently where the thermostat read 86 degrees. That temperature outdoors is nice. That temperature indoors is worse than waterboarding. My friend Adrian was recently in a home with similar conditions and made a great observation. Oftentimes, it’ll be a thousand degrees, and they’ll have the ceiling fan running, but it’s running at the lowest speed possible. It’s as if it’s not actually on. It’s like the wind is moving it. You can actually see all five individual blades rotating, whereas mine runs fast enough to power a ski boat. It looks and sounds like it’s about to fall out of the ceiling. On the rare occasion you do visit one who is actually running the A/C, make sure you close all doors immediately and keep them closed. They can be on the other side of the house in a narcoleptic coma, yet if the door is momentarily left ever so slightly cracked, the Force awakens them. “Who left that door open? Somebody close that door!” they yell. Some people bring candy and crosswords when they visit. I’ve started bringing plastic and caulk. I remember going to my mawmaw’s house in the boonies of Tallapoosa County when I was a kid. She had a candy dish filled with hard candy and every time I’d go to pick out a piece, I’d wind up picking up the whole thing, because they were all melted and stuck together, and that’s a memory I wouldn’t change for the all the air conditioning in the world. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

Football a microcosm for divides W ith football season now in full swing as college football kicked off this weekend, I am always struck by how sports in general speak to our collective consciousness. In the South, football especially takes on a whole new meaning when viewed from an overall consciousness. In many respects football can be seen as a microcosm of life, especially in how we interact with one another. Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to cover high school football games around Elmore County, during those games I have seen excellent displays of sportsmanship and personal interaction that should be commonplace throughout our country. While there are some heated rivalries, generally parents and fans of high school teams remember that the games are for the kids. College football on the other hand is a completely different matter. I always find it interesting how people who are college fans behave towards fans of other teams, especially those teams that are considered hated or rivals. Some treat the situation similar to the example I provided for the majority of high school fans. They

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334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eclectic Observer, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 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

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WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

simply treat the game as a game, and the athletes as young men competing in a sport. Others enjoy good-natured ribbing and “trash talking” but otherwise keep the situation civil. Another group though is more vocal and generally spews a bit more hate at their rivals and opposing teams fans. Still others take the hatred to a more extreme level, spewing hatred towards their opposing fan bases and the teams they root for. In many respects then college football can be seen as a microcosm of society in general. We have groups of people who can get along with everyone, even those with differences from themselves. We have another group that pokes some fun at others, but does so in a good natured way, sometimes to the level of being offensive, but not done with intentional malice. The third group consists of those that show dislike towards others,

but generally do not act upon that dislike, other than to be vocal about it. The final group is the most concerning and in addition to spewing its hatred will actually act out, sometimes in violent ways. The interesting thing about each of these groups is you can almost figure out who fits into what category by how they behave at a football game. While it is not always true, most people tend to follow football in much the same way they follow life, and therefore act according to their own nature during games. It is actually quite fun to watch how people behave and then try extrapolate that into their real lives. Again, the vast majority are actually quite fair and treat everyone respectfully, but for the few who aren’t problems can follow. What about those who don’t actually watch football? Well there is really no hope for them is there? Just kidding, although they are more difficult to figure out. Perhaps I will have to come up with another method for analyzing them. William Carroll is the managing editor of the Tallapoosa Publishers newspapers in Elmore County.

Sessions’ support of Trump could pay off

hroughout this year’s prodigious presidential selection process our junior senator, Jeff Sessions, has been at the forefront. He has become the darling of the extreme right throughout the country. He is and has been one of the most conservative members of the U.S. Senate for close to two decades now. Throughout his entire tenure in the Senate, he has been consistently ranked as one of the five most conservative members of this august body. It is because of Sessions staunch conservatism that he is probably the most popular major political figure in Alabama. He adroitly reflects the philosophy and values of arguably the most conservative state in America. His support and endorsement was sought by all of the GOP presidential contenders. His hardline approach on the immigration issue put him in line early with Donald Trump. Even still during the GOP presidential debates the other candidates, especially Ted Cruz, would imply that Sessions liked him. He was identified early on as being supportive of Donald Trump. Although he never officially endorsed Trump, he appeared at Trump’s campaign rallies in Mobile and Huntsville with a Trump hat on. Sessions showed a wise and shrewd side by knowing that Alabamians have always resented one politician endorsing or getting involved in a race other than their own. Novice politicians of recent years, like Bob Riley and Robert Bentley, would arrogantly endorse people who systematically lost because of their endorsement. They lacked the knowledge of Alabama political history that

STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist

Alabamians resent this interference. George Wallace in the prime of his political popularity would occasionally endorse someone and they always lost. Wallace eventually quit doing it. A good example would be that during this year’s Alabama Republican Primary, Sessions subtly sided with Trump and he got over 60 percent of the vote in Alabama and Bentley endorsed Ohio Governor John Kasich and he got less than 4 percent of the vote in the state. Sessions is a consistent guest on the conservative news network, Fox. He is adored nationwide by the country’s conservative base. He epitomizes the gold standard of conservatism on social and fiscal policy. He is even more respected and trusted by the right because they can tell that his heart is in it and he does not harbor aspirations to be president. Sessions has become Trump’s go to guy in the U.S. Senate. Sessions held a meeting early on to get Trump acquainted with his Republican Senate colleagues. Trump would probably have liked for Sessions to have been his vice presidential running mate. However, Sessions would not have brought anything to the table in the Electoral College process. The hardcore right wing is already in Trump’s corner and, like I always say, Alabama would vote for the

Republican nominee if he was named Donald Duck, especially given how far left the Democratic Party has drifted under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, III was born in Wilcox County but has called Mobile home his entire adult life. He is a true blue lifetime arch conservative Republican. He was a young Republican leader while a college student at Huntingdon College. He campaigned for Goldwater. He served as a Republican U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama for twelve years. Sessions was elected Attorney General of Alabama in 1994. He was elected to the U.S. Senate two years later in 1996. Therefore, Sessions has been representing us in the U.S. Senate for 20 years. He will be 70 years old on Christmas Eve. If Donald Trump were to be elected president, he would probably offer Sessions a cabinet post as either Secretary of State or Secretary of Homeland Security or maybe even a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. People who know Sessions well believe that he would leave the Senate for one of these posts. If that were to occur, his successor would be appointed by the governor. It would be a plum appointment. We will see. 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.


THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Fishing

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

continued from page 1

Club donates the funds to the Youth of the Year Scholarship Fund, which is set up for students in Elmore County. The club also participates in the national project Anglers for Kids. “All of the money we make, it goes back into the city and the county,” tournament organizer Haywood Robbins said during a previous interview. Of the 24 teams who participated in the event this year, several claimed cash prizes. The event paid out to five places as well as one winner being recognized for the biggest fish. Last year’s winners Jim and Stan White took home first place again this year with just over

Bark

15 pounds to net the $2,000 first place prize. Angler Buddy Coleman brought home big fish honors with a 4.42 pound bass taking home a check for $250. The event was not just a fishing tournament, as participants were able to bid on a variety of items. Venture Outdoors TV show Co-Host Rick Redmon was on hand to handle the auctioneering duties, which included food donation prizes from area restaurants, a power drill, a cooler and an assortment of other items. A final tally of the funds raised from the tournament were not available as of press time.

continued from page 1

demonstrations” are planned at the event where pet owners can get their dog involved in either agility courses or “nose work” hunts. The dogs, Cord said, would go in, out and around obstacles and over jumps following courses beset with ramps and tunnels. However any dog could do “nose work,” she said, as they literally use their nose to seek out objects. “They have a lot of fun doing it, so it doesn’t matter if the dog’s old, young, big, little, it doesn’t matter,” Cord said. A number of vendors are scheduled at the event, along with refreshment stands. There will also be a “microchip clinic,” where Cord said for $25 anyone that needed a “chip” for a their dog could get one along with its registration, “you can’t beat that,” she added. A pet photographer will take professional pet photos, and there will be a kissing booth, she said with as Cord described them, a “big ‘ol couple of dogs

that love to give kisses.” Later in the afternoon a “Pup Parade” will commence to show off the adopted pets and their adopted pet parents, or anyone else that wanted to join along, she said. For some the annual event is a chance to gather in a sort of family reunion, with HSEC staff. She said there is a big group of “repeat attendees.” “We have many people that never miss Bark in the Park, they’re there with us every year, … and it’s great to see a lot of our adopted dogs that for us is always a blast,” Cord said. The event is scheduled to run from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., with a $5 admission for anyone over 13. It is one of the shelter’s four major events, Cord said, and the last major of the year that the county’s humane society would be holding. Cord said the time and date was deliberately chosen to be on a Sunday afternoon from so there would be no competition with either church or Alabama football.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • PAGE 5

Big money for biggest bass caught in Saturday tournament on Lake Jordan By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Whoever lands first place in a bass fishing tournament organized by a local volunteer fire department will reel in $2,000 for the biggest catch of the day Saturday, but there are also four other places with money on the hook. Early registration for the Holtville-Slapout Fire and Rescue 4th Annual Bass Tournament will begin at 3:30 a.m. at Bonner’s Point on Lake Jordan. Following the daylong tournament, weigh-in will be that afternoon at 3 p.m. It costs $100 to enter a boat into the contest, with a $10 “big fish” pot. However, second-place secures any of the two-man teams in what is estimated to be roughly 55-boat contest $1,000, while third gets $500 and fourth $250. However according to the tournaments rules, “all winners are subject to take polygraph,” or what is more commonly referred to as a “lie-de-

tector” test. One the event’s main organizers, David Deese, said it was a common practice, and not a guarantee that someone would have to take one. It was only a precaution if a dispute arises, “if everybody came up fussing,” said Deese. He said he did not want that to happen, but if it did they would go to a local law enforcement agency to have the test conducted. The rules state a “five fish” limit, and Deese said it would be the combined weight among the “best five.” Deese said he had helped with the tournament for its four years running, and had seen a steady increase in participation. He said his first year only brought out 14 boats with every year it close-to doubled in size and last year had 52 teams competing. The money they raise from the tournament he said would go to a new rescue boat purchased a few months ago by the department.

Submitted / The Observer

Meet the Panthers Eclectic Middle School PTO hosted a meet & greet for the Panther football players, cheerleaders, coaches and parents to kick off the 2016 season.

JOBS available Advertising Sales Representative Alexander City & Wetumpka Offices As an Advertising sales representative you will be expected to develop new business and maintain an existing account base of clients for The Alexander City Outlook, The Wetumpka Herald, The Dadeville Record, The Tallassee Tribune, The Eclectic Observer, Lake Magazine, Lake Martin Living Magazine, Elmore County Living Magazine, Digital Sales and other special publications.

Salary+Commission, Excellent Benefit Package TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications Must be able to work in a fast paced and deadline oriented environment. Candidates must have excellent oral, written, and communication skills including basic computer skills with Mircosoft, Google Documents and email. Great organization skills and self-motivated. Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Please email resume to marketing@alexcityoutlook.com


PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

H

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

God is bigger than any of our complaints

e had been through a lot--a fall, a broken hip and ribs, surgery, two hospitals and a longer than expected rehab. Now, finally home and sitting in his living room, his trusty walker beside his chair, he spoke of gratitude and how good God had been to him. He showed me a bracelet that Jim, a brother in Christ, had given him. It was one of those rubber circles with a messaged stamped into the material. He had worn it throughout the ordeal. It simply said, “God Is

Bigger.” He asked me if I remembered a verse from the Psalms I had asked the audience to memorize and repeat in prayer. I hesitated, not sure of which verse he was talking about. Then he read it from his memory, word for word, with a familiarity that comes from long meditation and multiple repetitions. And his quiet voice was strong with a genuine confidence born of experience. “Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked

MIKE MCELROY East Tallassee Baptist

for us.” That’s Psalm 68:28. I did remember talking about that in a sermon, about a year ago. I think it was on a Sunday night. But honestly, I had not thought much about it since then. It was obvious that he had thought about it a great deal. God’s word had strengthened him and sustained him through

the troubles. As is so often the case, I left from that visit with a fresh sense of how often God blesses me when I am allegedly doing something to bless someone else. I long ago lost count of how many times I’ve left a home, a hospital or a nursing home encouraged and uplifted by the person I went to see. I, the teacher, so often find myself being taught by the people who sit and listen to me. When I see a brother or sister in Christ who has really suffered and

hear them talk about God’s strength bringing them through, it makes me ashamed about how often I’ve whined and complained about far less. There was a light shining that day in that house. Paul talked about it in Philippians 2:14: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the

day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16). We hide our light from a world that needs to see it when we grumble and complain. Lord, thank you for Sam and what he’s taught me. Thank you for the encouragement he is to me. Give us more grace to obey you and follow his good example of trusting you in adversity. Please allow my influence to be strong and good on someone today like his was on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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 Sept. 11, Epiphany will resume Sunday school for the fall. Lee Borden will lead a discussion about “What I Learned This Summer” 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/

River Road Baptist Church

Homecoming 2016 will be Sept. 11. We are celebrating 59 years of service for the Lord. Services will start Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. with worship and will be followed by fellowship lunch. Everyone is welcome and invited. 239 Lower Tuskegee Road, Tallassee where Josh Cullars serves as Pastor

St. Vincent de Paul

Our Life’s Journey is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8 -8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www.wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale. Sept. 11 - Which Came First part 2

Faith Foundation Holiness Church

Sixth Annual Church Anniversary Celebration of Faith

Foundation Holiness Church is Sunday Sept. 11. The theme will be “A Church Pressing On” I press toward the mark for the prize of high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14. Guest speaker will be Rev. Wesley Mitchell, Pastor of Union #2 Baptist Church Eclectic, AL. Pastor Bishop Marvin Freeman and Overseer Apostle Quentin Freeman. For more information contact Mother Gloria Freeman at 334-991-4026 or Sister Shannetta Daniels at 334-415-5019.

Elam Baptist

As summer is over and fall is in the air, the new Church Year began Sept. 1 for 2016-2017. Elam pastor and members look forward to the new church year and reaching others for Jesus Christ in outreach, Bible study, fellowship and activities. The Elam Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir rehearses each Wednesday at 6 p.m. with director, Kevin Lanier. Leading praise and worship during the morning service is Melanie Garner, Amy Hughes, Connor Teague, Gracie Teague and Cici Clark along with Kevin Lanier. Everyone is welcome and has a special invitation to join us at Elam for all worship, events and fellowship. You will be blessed. Hope to see you in CH RCH. What is missing in CH RCH? U are! So, make it complete and be in CHURCH.

Carrville Baptist Church

Sunday, Sept. 25, join us for our fall community celebration. There will be inflatables, games, a train, pony rides, food and much, much more. Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday school 9:15 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. and all Sunday Evening Activities are at 6 p.m. Our Wednesday night activities are

at 6:30 p.m.

Lake Pointe Baptist

Super Sunday Evenings, Revival-themed services at Lake Pointe Baptist Church, 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama, the last two Sunday evenings of August and the first two Sunday evenings of September. That’s Sept. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Special guest speaker is Dr. Ray Cummings, pastor of Golden Acres Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come hear the exciting challenge from God’s Word. For answers to your questions, call the church at 256.373.3293 and leave your message or email pastor@lakepointebaptist.com

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. We would like to invite you to join us at East Tallassee United Methodist Church for Homecoming on September 11 at 11 a.m. Special music will be provided by Suzie Seals, the ETUMC Choir and the ETUMC Dance Team. Our theme for the day is Love for All Mankind. We are encouraging everyone to wear red as a symbol of Love. There will be a covered dish meal following the service. We are located at 101 Central Blvd. Tallassee, AL. All are welcome to join is for annual celebration.

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 5675754 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 5692825 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 5674325 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 Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville 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), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 5691952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 5674458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 3121878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 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 334-5389415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 5670620 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 5691510 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 Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 5670476 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 3862386 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 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 5677865 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 2656099 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 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 Victory Temple (Pentecostal church) 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730


THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • PAGE 7

THE GAME OF FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL WORD SEARCH

Football is a game where two teams of 11 players each try to move a ball by running or passing across the other team’s goal to score a touchdown. Scoring can also occur when WKH EDOO LV NLFNHG WKURXJK WKH JRDO SRVWV ZKLFK LV FDOOHG D ¿HOG JRDO (DFK WHDP KDV IRXU chances, which are called downs, to get the ball over the other team’s goal line, unless the defending team takes the ball away. The main type of football is tackle football. There are other versions of the game, such DV WRXFK RU ÀDJ IRRWEDOO WKDW DUH QRW DV URXJK DQG DUH RIWHQ SOD\HG E\ \RXQJ SOD\HUV WR DYRLG LQMXULHV ,Q WKHVH YHUVLRQV RI WKH JDPH WKH EDOO FDUULHU LV WRXFKHG RU KLV ÀDJ LV WDNHQ DZD\ IURP him, instead of being tackled by defenders. To assure that all of the rules of play are followed, line judges and referees govern the game. Players and coaches must follow the rules of the game according to the RI¿FLDOVœ GHFLVLRQV In the United States, there are three basic levels of organized football: high school, college, and professional. There are also recreational levels that many children, both boys and girls, play throughout the year. The modern game of football was derived from the game of rugby which was created in the United Kingdom. In the late 1800’s, college students began playing the game against each other. The rules ZHUH PRGL¿HG E\ VFKRRO RI¿FLDOV LQ RUGHU WR PDNH WKH JDPH VDIHU WR SOD\ EHFDXVH RI WKH PDQ\ LQMXULHV in early games. By 1912, American football had become what we know today with the regulation-sized football being instituted.

Ball, Defense, Fans, Field, Field Goal, Football, Gear, Helmet, Kicker, Mascot, Offense, Pass, Player, Quarterback, Referee, Run, Runner, Stadium, Tackle, Team, Touchdown Crossword Ans: Across-2)Football 4)Referee 6) scoreboard 7)soccer 8)number 10)coach Down1) jersey 2)Field goal 3)touchdown 5)helmet 9) mascot

GAME DAY PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET A popular game day treat has always been pigs-in-a-blanket. Follow the directions to make these treats! You will need one package of hot dogs, one can of crescent rolls, a baking sheet, and tin foil. Step One: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line sheet with tin foil. Step Two:Open the can of crescent rolls. Unroll and separate the triangles. Cut each triangle in half, making two triangles out of each. Step Three: Cut the hotdogs in half. Step Four: Roll each hotdog in a triangle of dough. Place the pig-in-a-blanket on a lightly greased cookie sheet with the tip of the triangle underneath. Step Five: Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with ketchup and mustard!

FOOTBALL CROSSWORD

DESIGN YOUR TEAM HELMET

Across Clues: 2. A popular American sport. 2IÂżFLDO LQ FKDUJH RI JDPHV 6. Where the score is displayed. 7. What sport is referred to as “footballâ€? in most other places? 8. Players have a special what? 10. Person who directs the team while they are playing. Down Clues: 1. A player’s shirt is called what? 2. Kicker can score this point. 3. Most common point scored. 5. Worn on players’ heads. 9. Character representing the team.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS! James Hamner 26 Cambridge Dr. Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 567-5156 jhamner@alfains.com

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The Wetumpka Herald


THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • PAGE 9

Cruising fer Critters, Bark in the Park coming soon BY REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day and also thank all who‘labored’ at work today keeping us all going in the 24-7-365 world we live in these days. The Labor Day weekend is our short break before a very busy next couple of weeks with two major events happening to benefit our shelter. Coming up this weekend, Sept. 10-11, is the first ever ‘Camping fer Critters’ by the Predator’s Riding Club (PRC) in support of our shelter. Camping fer Critters is a two-day motorcycle rally that will take place at the Reeltown Lion’s Cub Rodeo Grounds at 19700 Highway 49 S, Notasulga, AL 36866. Gates open

Saturday morning, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m and the fun goes until noon on Sunday, Sep. 11. There is an entry fee of $15/ person (must be 21 to participate) with plenty of vendors, live music, 50/50 and plenty of camping space. Camping is primitive – pop ups and small campers allowed; there are no hookups and have to bring your own generators. Bikes are not required to attend this first ever event! This should be a great weekend event and hope to see a big crowd. Following Camping fer Critters is our 11th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse, Wetumpka on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 1-5 p.m! There will be plenty of fun for human and dog alike with vendors, food, children’s games and more. The microchip clinic will be open from 1:30-3:30 p.m. so if you have

a pet in need of a microchip then come on out so the Tuskegee Veterinarians can chip your pet for $25. While at Bark in the Park get your pet’s photo taken by a professional pet photographer (hint, hint, Christmas card season is right around the corner); perhaps get your pet’s toenails trimmed at one of our area pet groomer booth’s; stop by our “kissing booth” to get a smooch from an awesome pooch; check out the puppet show; and make sure to purchase one of our Bark in the Park 2016 t-shirts for sale for $15. These are just a small sampling of everything that will be going on at Bark in the Park so make sure to join us for a great afternoon in the park with fellow pet lovers. Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/ person 13 years old and older. ALL

Pets of the week – Bancroft, Darby and Donovan STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Bancroft, Darby & Donovan are three handsome, 16 week old Airedale/Walker Hound boys who are just fun loving characters. They love their toys and will do best with a lot of room to romp or in an active family. Their rough coats will be easy to care for and you are sure to get asked what special breed they are when people meet them. These boys will be in the 60 lb range when fully grown so calling all large Terrier and/ or Hound loving dog folks to come meet and adopt one of these brothers. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, and free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our

website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 & Sat 9-3.

dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, and they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park. Vendor spots are still available and Bark in the Park is a great place for folks to be able to learn about your business, product or service. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc. Our vendor fee is a measly $35 and you must bring your own tables/pop-up/chairs. There is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator please let us know for site planning. To get a vendor application please contact us at the shelter at hselco@bellsouth.net or call us at 334-5673377.


PAGE 10 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

SPORTS TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

THREE TIMES IN A ROW Panthers rip off 3 straight wins By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

It’s taken this Elmore County volleyball team a little longer to warm up. But the Panthers seem to have sparked the flame, as they’ve won three straight, without dropping a set, after losing the season’s first two matches. ECHS took its Class 4A, Area 5 opener against Dadeville, (3-0) last Wednesday, then won at Billingsley (3-0) Thursday and at Central-Coosa (3-0) Tuesday. “The girls have worked really hard on trying to go ahead and take as many points as they can at each opportunity,” Panthers volleyball coach Kimberly Moncrief said. “We’ve taken the approach that every point matters. “We seem to start off sluggish, then we’ve pulled the gap in a little bit these last few games and pull out wins. Then, in the second and third set, we get stronger. We’ve warmed up faster these last three.” Elmore County’s firestarter, Moncrief said, has been sophomore setter Nicole Ferpes, who’s garnered a bevy of assists during the team’s streak. Versus Central-Coosa, Ferpes had 20. “Our offense has really come along these last couple of games. Our offense coming onboard has helped, and we’ve been cutting down on the serv-

ing errors,” the coach said. “We still have some, but they’re nowhere near as prevalent as they were in the first matches.” Outside hitters and sisters Hannah and Madison Traylor, as well as middles Hannah Hughes and Hannah Gibson have been the beneficiaries of Ferpes’ surgence. Against Coosa, senior Hannah Traylor led the Panthers with 12 kills, Madison Traylor had nine, while Gibson added seven, a season-high for the junior middle. Along with Ferpes, Moncrief also lauded the play of junior setter Sarah Ingram, who’s also come on with setting and serving. Defensive trio Madeline Taylor, Jazzmyn Barton and Alyssa Thomas have shared time on the back row and each have smoothed out their rough edges from the opening trimatch. Playing a lot of girls this early in the season, the coach said she plans to have ECHS ready for the any scenario when postseason arrives. “I feel like we’ve tried to work to have a pretty strong bench this year. We’ve had situations in the past in regionals where we’re playing without a player or two,” she said. “This year, we can have people come in that’s had time to work with

Cory Diaz / The Observer

Elmore County sophomore setter Nicole Ferpes (22) sets the ball for a Panther hitter at a tri-match earlier this season.

everyone on the team. That’s helped some this year, and finding out what everyone’s best

thing is. Everyone has their own strength.” Elmore County hosted

Wetumpka Wednesday and travel to WHS for a tri-match with Brew Tech today at 4:30 p.m.

ASWA WEEK 3 FOOTBALL POLLS Class 7A 1. McGill-Toolen (27) (3-0) 324 2. Spain Park (3-0) 230 3. Hewitt-Trussville (3-0) 212 4. Hoover (2-1) 193 5. Central-Phenix City (2-1) 153 6. Bob Jones (2-1) 111 7. Lee-Montgomery (2-0) 108 8. Murphy (1-1) 50 9. Thompson (2-0) 40 10. James Clemens (0-2) 32

10. North Jackson (1-1) 33 Class 3A 1. Piedmont (26) (3-0) 321 2. Gordo (1) (2-0) 245 3. Opp (2-0) 211 4. Montevallo (2-0) 169 5. T.R. Miller (1-1) 145 6. Oakman (2-0) 122 7. Bayside Acad. (2-1) 119 8. Hillcrest-Evergreen (1-1) 71 9. Colbert Co. (1-1) 42 10. Mobile Chr. (1-1) 23

Class 6A 1. Clay-Chalkville (24) (3-0) 314 2. Blount (1) (3-0) 222 3. Spanish Fort (1) (2-1) 198 4. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (3-0) 192 5. Opelika (1) (3-0) 177 6. Oxford (3-0) 132 7. Gardendale (3-0) 99 8. Park Crossing (2-1) 58 9. Bessemer City (2-1) 55 10. Hartselle (3-0) 31 Others receiving votes: Minor (3-0) 15, Saraland (2-1) 15, Chelsea (3-0) 11, Benjamin Russell (1-1) 4, Austin (2-1) 3, Parker (2-0) 3, Southside-Gadsden (3-0) 3, Selma (0-2) 2, Wetumpka (2-1) 2, Albertville (3-0) 1, Hazel Green (1-1) 1, Hueytown (3-0) 1. Class 5A 1. Jackson (17) (2-0) 289 2. St. Paul’s (10) (2-1) 270 3. Russellville (2-0) 207 4. Mortimer Jordan (2-1) 177 5. Beauregard (1-0) 134 6. Etowah (2-1) 111 7. Guntersville (2-0) 110 8. Central-Clay Co. (3-0)65 9. Brooks (2-1) 62 10. Scottsboro (2-0) 34

Class 2A 1. Elba (27) (2-0) 324 2. Fyffe (2-0) 232 3. G.W. Long (2-0) 205 4. Lanett (3-0) 186 5. LaFayette (3-0) 137 6. Cleveland (2-0) 112 7. Washington Co. (1-1) 93 8. Tanner (1-2) 61 9. Leroy (2-0) 56 10t. New Brockton (1-1) 55 10t. Red Bay (3-0) 55

Class 4A 1. Cordova (23) (3-0) 310 2. Andalusia (1) (3-0) 224 3. Leeds (2) (3-0) 203 4. UMS-Wright (2-1) 180 5. Madison Acad. (1) (1-1) 165 6. West Limestone (3-0) 120 7. Munford (1-1) 102 8. Thomasville (2-0) 83 9. Haleyville (3-0) 53

Class 1A 1. Maplesville (22) (1-0) 309 2. Linden (5) (2-0) 251 3. Pickens Co. (2-0) 205 4. Spring Garden (2-0) 158 5. Brantley (1-1) 153 6. Cedar Bluff (1-1) 115 7. Berry (3-0) 108 8. Addison (3-0) 66 9. Sweet Water (1-1) 62 10. Decatur Heritage (1-1) 48 Others receiving votes: Wadley (2-0) 21, Notasulga (1-2) 12, Georgiana (2-1) 9, Houston Co. (3-0) 7, Hubbertville (2-0) 7, Marengo (2-0) 7, Woodville (1-1) 1. AISA 1. Bessemer Acad. (27) (3-0) 324 2. Autauga Acad. (2-0) 234 3. Monroe Acad. (2-1) 196 4. Escambia Acad. (2-1) 191 5. Lowndes Acad. (2-0) 133 6. Fort Dale Acad. (2-0) 121 7. S. Choctaw Acad. (3-0) 87 7. Marengo Acad. (1-1) 86 9. Chambers Acad. (2-0) 67 10. Pike Liberal (2-0) 29

Cory Diaz / The Observer

Elmore County sophomore H-back Donovan Jones (13) carries the ball versus Leeds last Friday.

ECHS searches for 1st region win at ‘puzzling’ Handley By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Although Elmore County lost at Leeds last Friday, head football coach Norman Dean didn’t lose any ground. The Green Wave, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, were coming off winning the state championship in 2015, and had beaten the Panthers each of the last two seasons in region games. “If you lose a game, you definitely need to lose to the people who are better than you are,” Dean said Wednesday. “You don’t need to lose the game you’re supposed to win. I would put it that way.” Dean and his coaching staff prepared Elmore County with a gameplan, but knew dethroning the defending champs on the road was a tall order. This week, the Panthers (2-1, 0-1) hit the road for another Region 3 battle at Handley, who are still searching for their first win on the year coming off a close, 21-12 region loss at Tallassee. Handley won the meeting with ECHS last season, but Dean’s team has a good success rate against them. In addition with Tallassee spreading the ball out more than it’s done under coach Mike Battles, Elmore County picked up a good blueprint for what works versus a veteran Handley team. “They have as many seniors as we have juniors and seniors combined. It’s puzzling that they have that many kids, but they have a lot go both ways,” Dean said.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that play both ways, but our numbers are down. “You pick up offensive and defensive tendencies, and you see what other people run successfully against them. You pick up their three or four best run plays and stop that, and you see two or three pass plays they go to when they need a first down or a touchdown and stop that.” Senior quarterback Will Venable led ECHS at Leeds through the air, going 7-for-12 for 137 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown to fellow senior Tyric Belyeu, who caught five of those passes for 126 yards. While running back D.J. Patrick paced the Panthers the first two games on the year, the run game failed to get off the ground against the Green Wave with only 83 total yards. Balance will be key this week, Dean said, for Elmore County to secure its first region win. Defensively, senior defensive lineman Jakobi Bickley, and linebackers Shakwan Bickley and Ryan Orr will be charged with slowing down Handley tailback Spanky Watts, who piled up 139 yards on 21 carries at Tallassee. In a stacked region, Dean said the Panthers can’t afford to drop to 0-2. “The magic number is four. The past few seasons, we’ve been 3-3 in the region,” he said. “Now with Tallassee in the region, (the playoff race) will probably run to the last week of the season. Everybody in the region will probably lose one. You just don’t want to lose one you’re not supposed to lose.” ECHS and Handley will kickoff Friday at 7 p.m.


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