Panthers fall short of playoffs.
Officials on the heels of lottery vote.
Looking for something? Check this week’s classifieds.
Eclectic Observer Page 4
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The
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THURSDAY • APRIL 28, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 17
Harrison honored as outstanding administrator STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Submitted / The Observer
Dr. Andre’ Harrison accepts the Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Administrator Award from College of Education Dean Betty Lou Whitford, right, and Dr. Sherri Downer, left.
Dr. Andre’ Harrison serves as the Superintendent of Education for the Elmore County Board of Education, in Wetumpka. At a ceremony in April, he won the Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Administrator Award. During his 23-year tenure as an educator in Elmore County, he has served as a teacher, library media specialist, interim principal, acting principal, transition principal, attendance, textbook, and library
media education coordinator, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, interim assistant superintendent for instructional services and human resources, assistant superintendent of education, deputy superintendent/chief of staff, and acting superintendent of education. In addition to his work with Elmore County, he has been an adjunct instructor for Alabama State University in the areas of English and K-12 education since 1995. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for Auburn University. He was among the first group
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
See COMMISSION • Page 3
Today’s
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See AWARD • Page 3
Motorist dies in motorcycle accident
Commission hosts government day session alongside regular meeting The County Commission met before roughly 300 or more high school seniors from across Elmore County in a special County Government Day meeting to illustrate a commission meeting, and show how some of the county’s decisions were made. The meeting was conducted normally with a work session and business meeting. Occasionally a council member would explain the proceedings to the students. A special item in the work session was a proclamation read by Elmore County Juvenile Court Judge Patrick Pinkston in coordination with the County Extension Office and Department of Human Resources for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pinkston read the proclamation, which he said was a joining of forces between his office as juvenile judge and the commission on the issue of child abuse. A section of the proclamation as read by Pinkston stated, “We hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call on all
of certified AdvancED Lead Evaluators in the United States to evaluate school districts using the AdvancED District Accreditation Protocol. He has had the opportunity to serve on and lead external review teams at the district and school levels. He received a bachelor’s degree in English/language arts, a master’s in English, a Class A certification in library media education, and a Class A certification in education administration from Alabama State University. From Auburn
Corey Arwood / The Observer
Above, a group of high school seniors watch as the Wetumpka Fire Department dismantles a sedan in a mock rescue procedure. Below, Elmore County High School students wait in line for barbeque at the end of Government Day where they had the chance to participate in different parts of Elmore County government.
GOVERNMENT DAY
High school seniors visit courthouse to experience local government By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
High school seniors from Elmore County schools convened in Wetumpka at the County Commission building to learn about the various facets of county government, its services and the departments that provide them on County Government Day. Roughly 300 students started the day’s fourhour introduction into county governance by gathering for the groundbreaking ceremony of See GOVERNMENT • Page 3
Both police and Wetumpka Fire Department officials confirmed that a motorcycle wreck over the weekend killed the rider after he struck oncoming traffic, however there is a different reason how and why the accident occurred according to the motorcycle club he was riding with at the time. One police account states that a white male crossed the yellow line to pass a vehicle and hit another head on. A first responder to the accident with the Wetumpka Fire Department said for some reason the operator of the motorcycle lost control and laid the motorcycle down, then moved into oncoming traffic. A member of The Predators, a Montgomery based motorcycle club, Keith Warren gave a different account to media, in See MOTORCYCLE • Page 3
Nearly three tons of garbage hauled in community cleanup By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The leader of the annual effort to clean up and maintain Lake Jordan said nearly three tons worth of trash were removed from the lake by upwards of 300 volunteers in a lake cleanup day last Saturday. Barbara Dryer, with the Lake Jordan Home Owners and Boat Owners Association, said it was close to as many volunteers as the group had seen at one time She said they picked up “a tremendous amount of trash,” in their efforts alongside Alabama Power. However the number was lower than the previous year, which Dreyer said led her to question the total, given the sheer quantity of garbage Corey Arwood / The Observer taken from the lake Saturday and the amount of volunteers removing it. Volunteers at the Lake Jordan cleanup effort brought boatloads of trash to shore She has overseen the yearly effort and went out again for another, while volunteers threw the haul into a garbage truck
since 1999 and said the increase could be attributed to the frequent heavy rainfall of the previous year leaving the lake at flood stage levels on multiple occasions. The second reason for the increased haul was the number of volunteers, which Dreyer attributed largely due to the weather on the weekend of the event. “The more people (volunteers) you have, the more trash you’ll get,” she said And despite the amount of people scouring the lake in boats and on shore sorting through the collected trash, she said there were no problems reported. “It was a wonderful turnout everything went like clock work we didn’t have any incidences,” Dreyer said. “Snakes were seen but not felt.” See CLEANUP • Page 3
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PAGE 2 • APRIL 28, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Cruisin ‘fer Critters is next big HSEC fundraiser REA CORD Executive Director
Kudos to all who came out to our first ever “Adoptions Under the Stars” event at the shelter this past Saturday! We ended our day with 12 adoptions and that means we may have left tired at 10 pm but very happy. All thanks to our Pet Care Staff who came up with the idea, did all the decorating and planning for this day of fun and adoptions! Am sure we’ll repeat this again so watch out for more info! Only two weeks until the 14th annual Cruisin’ fer Critters to support our shelter! With incredible thanks to the Predator’s Riding Club (PRC) for their unflagging support we hope for another huge turnout for this year’s charity ride. So, motorcycle or no motorcycle, please make sure to join in on the fun on Saturday, 7 May! This year’s ride
Obituaries Annie Rainey
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Annie Jewel Raborn Rainey, 79, returned to her heavenly home after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Her steadfast devotion to family and firm belief in God supported Ann in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She leaves behind a loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Robert Rainey, and two children, John Rainey (Judy) and Stephanie Smith (Danny), who stood by her during her time of need. Four grandchildren: Barbara Nuss, Chris Rainey, Nikki Rainey, and Christy Smith Wickham. Five great-grandchildren: Lilliana Carr, Chase Ingram, Cody Evans, Caila Wickham, and Carson Wickham. Ann is predeceased by her parents John and Annie Raborn, brothers and sisters: Juanita Raborn, Eugene Raborn, John Raborn Jr., Albert Raborn, Dorothy Kilpatrick, Merle Jenkins, and Ethel Brooks. Even in death Ann was a giving person. Her body has been donated to science at UAB. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to the Central Baptist Church Renovation Fund. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, April 30. Visitation is at 1 p.m. with the service following at 2 p.m.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS has a location change and actually starts and ends at different locations. Registration starts at 11 am at the Thirsty Turtle, 4884 Main St, Millbrook with the last bike out at 12 pm. With a few stops along the way, the ride then ENDS at DéJà Vu Montgomery, 121 N. Burbank Dr. in Montgomery, AL! Bikes are NOT required to join in the fun and Cruisin’ is open to everyone. Cruisin’ information: each ‘hand’ is $15 for which you get an event patch, goodie bag, food, door prize ticket and more. Best hand wins $250, 2nd best wins $100 and worst hand wins $50 (must be present to win). There is a $5 minimum if you
don’t want to play a ‘hand.’ Charles Shawn Singleton will be the Master of Ceremonies and awesome live music by the Jones Social Club. There will be 50/50 tickets, a bike/ car wash, live auction items you won’t want to miss, biker thrift items and just a great day of fun rain or shine. There will also be two super items for raffle at Cruisin’ 16 and tickets for EACH item are $5 to win either a Stevens Home Defense Pistol Grip Shotgun and/or a Yeti Hopper 30 Bag Cooler. Predator’s members are selling these tickets now so if you can’t join us on the 7th, contact Predator’s President, John West, at 334-294-7154. Sponsorships are also still available and John will be happy to help you with those as well. Cruisin’ is a children friendly event ‘til 6 pm so everyone come by in two weeks and we’ll see you there!
Pet of the week – Bree Bree is a Shepherd/ Labrador mix pup, about five months old, around 40 lbs. She is a super sweet gal, playful but cuddly and loveable. Bree is great with other dogs and cats and would be a perfect dog for children! Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at 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.
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Commission
continued from page 1
citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities and businesses to increase their participation and efforts to support families thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the community in which we live.” Another proclamation regarding the county’s acknowledgment of April as Fair Housing Month started off the new business. Leslie York of Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development read the document which she said was passed by Gov. Robert Bentley. In short it stated that no resident of Elmore County could be discriminated against due to “race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin and natural or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity” in regards to housing. “Whereas the Elmore County Commission is committed to highlight the Fair Housing Act by continuing to address discrimination in our community to support programs that will educate the public about the right to equal housing opportunities and to claim partnership efforts with each other and other organizations to help ensure all citizens to their right to fair housing,” the document, as read by York, stated. Following, a resolution was reviewed which recognized the 150th anniversary of Elmore County and the growth of the county from 1866 to the present. “This year marks a special year in the history of Elmore County. This year Elmore County celebrates its 150th anni-
Government
Award
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University, he obtained his AA certification in elementary and secondary education administration, and in 2005, he received his doctorate in education administration and supervision of curriculum and instruction. He and his wife and fellow educator, Monica, reside in Millbrook, and they are the proud parents of a daughter, Aundrea, who is a graduate of Elmore County Schools and attends the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Their family also includes a 13-year-old dachshund named Oscar. They attend Church at the Brook
Cleanup
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Dreyer has been with HOBO since its founding in 1991 and served as its first president. “This is one of the planks in our platform … to keep Lake Jordan clean and beautiful,” Dreyer said. And she said it was also about ensuring it stayed that way for future generations.
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the new courthouse annex, and then packing into the courtroom for a rare morning commission meeting. This year’s theme was “Safe and Secure Counties,” and special emphasis was given to the functions of those different agencies and departments tasked with keeping Elmore County residents safe. From the law enforcement role of the Sheriff’s Department, the roadway maintenance of the Highway Department and the emergency preparedness efforts of the EMA the students went from one exhibit to another to see examples of each bodies work. They broke down into three groups according to schools and took courthouse tours were they could register to vote. Some students competed in Emergency Management Agency “Ready Races” to see who could be the most prepared in the shortest amount of time during an imaginary emergency situation. EMA Director Eric Jones said his agency was involved to stress the importance of being prepared for major emergencies or disastrous situations in the county, while also showing senior high students the ways
Motorcycle
versary or sesquicentennial,” said David Bowan, County Commission chairman. Kimberly Erb, executive assistant to the commission, read the resolution which formally acknowledged the event through the April 21 meeting date. One section stated, “Whereas we commend the citizens for making Elmore County a great place to live and work as the population has grown from 14,477 during the 1870 census to 79,303 residents of the 2010 census.” In other news from the meeting, internet bandwidth speed increases for various county buildings were approved at a total of $300 per facility, a total of $900. County contract and payment details were discussed for a polling site at Redhill Community Center. And a nearly 12-mile widening and resurfacing project for a section of roadway spanning Grier, Weoka and Balm roads was approved. During their reporting time, each of the commissioners and county department directors spoke to the students. Some encouraged the students to learn more about the county government and others said to consider it for future employment. Both commissioners Smoke and Bowan emphasized voting. Bowan said, “Local government is where the rubber meets the road.” Some told the students their vote was their voice, and encouraged them to register if they had not.
APRIL 28, 2016 • PAGE 3
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an effort, he said to “set the record straight” regarding the negative responses to the motorcycle community that have come from the wreck. Warren said he had said all he had to say in talking to an area broadcaster, and did not want to talk anymore about the incident, but he said the details he provided were accurate as presented in the report. According to details found in the post Carroll Cauthen was riding with The Predators for a charitable cause with the Millbrook American Legion post, and travelling down US Highway 14 West toward Millbrook. Warren said in the post that Cauthen deliberately dropped his bike into the road before merging over the yellow lines and it was only after he lost control that he slid into oncoming traffic. Fire department details stated that it was four-door sedan that struck Cauthen. Warren stated Cauthen did this deliberately to avoid wrecking into other members in the club riding along side him.
they can be involved through public service in disaster relief organizations or public safety careers open to them “here in their home county,” said Jones. Other groups tested out Highway Department machinery and took instructional rides to the tops of trees in bucket trucks, and later witnessed the life saving tools to remove wreck victims from vehicles, used by the Wetumpka Fire Department. “This is about the only real day that you get to interact with them (students), and kind of give them a taste of what the county does in general, what we’re responsible for,” said Richie Beyer, county engineer with the Highway Department. “You know I talk to a lot of people during the course of a week that don’t really know who maintains their road, people don’t know who to call about a road problem, don’t have any idea that there’s even a county engineering department and what we do.” Beyer said they tried to familiarize the students with these county departments, and instruct them on what to do and who to contact if they encountered an issue.
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RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – 5 acre lot on lake point road in eclectic, off highway 80 close to lake martin, modular home or double wides are ok if newer. Only $29000. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED SOLD TO $45,000. 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000. MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.
Kenneth Boone, Publisher Mitch Sneed, Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
PAGE 4 • APRIL 28, 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.
Life is not a sprint, it's a marathon
The County Line By the Elmore County Commission
County Commission to hold Shred Day
T
he Elmore County Commission is pleased to announce it is partnering with Shredit to sponsor a free Shred-Day event Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the North Parking Lot of the Elmore County Judicial Complex on U.S. Highway 231 across the street from Tutwiler Prison in Wetumpka. The Shred Day will provide a secure, reliable and free means to keep unwanted and obsolete records from being accessed by the wrong people. With the growing problem of identity theft, the Shred Day will provide citizens a secure method to safely dispose of confidential personal information. During the event, citizens (no businesses) can bring up to six banker-size boxes of documents to the Judicial Complex North Parking Lot and have them shredded on-site by a certified Shred-it employee. From drop-off to destruction, all documents will be constantly monitored and protected. Document shredding includes secure, confidential disposal of sensitive information. Documents will be securely destroyed on-site with a mobile shredding vehicle and later recycled. There is no need to separate paper from non-paper materials or remove staples, clips or fasteners prior to shredding. Recommended items to shred include:bank statements, insurance records, canceled checks, credit card receipts, computer print outs, bills/ invoices, financial statements, tax returns (more than 7 yrs. old) and correspondence. For more information on the FREE Countywide Shred Day event, please call 334567-1162.
I
t’s been a year since my world was turned upside down. It’s not that I didn’t see it coming, yet it still hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s like going into the ring with Mike Tyson. You don’t stand a chance. It’s inevitable. You know he’s going to knock you out or at least bite off a piece of your ear, or in my case, my heart. Either way, it’s going to hurt. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, which includes nine straight Iron Bowl losses to Alabama, three tours in Iraq, and the final season of The Dukes of Hazzard. Most of us at some point in our lifetime will go through this sort of pain, and the source of our pain is irrelevant. I’ve always heard that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I always chalked it up as just another “feel good” cliché but now know that it’s much more than that; it’s the absolute truth for those of us who choose to see the cup as half full and not half empty. Although I still have my weak moments, I know
ties involved nothing but the best. They know that, and I think they wish the same for me. Life is too precious and too short to JODY FULLER harbor hate and resentment in our hearts. It gets Guest Columnist you nowhere. It weighs you down. It puts you in that I am a much stronger a dark place, a hole. The person. Not only that, I’m a very wise and practical Will better person. My faith is at Rogers said it best, “When an all-time high. I’m more you find yourself in a hole, caring and compassionate quit digging.” than before, and I truly Instead of digging myself understand the power of into deeper sorrow, I relied forgiveness. heavily on my faith, famI don’t hate; I hurt. ily, friends, and fur babies Sometimes. Furthermore, to get through those hard I don’t blame or point fintimes. I also found myself gers. Perhaps I did early on writing more, as well as but not anymore. That was riding more out on the the easy thing to do. One of beautiful backroads of East my old bosses in the army Alabama and West Georgia. used to say that when you Speaking of digging, garpoint your finger at somedening has been therapeutic one else, you have four for me, too. Even during more pointing right back at our darkest hours, there are yourself. He was, however, so many good things for us only 75 percent correct, to focus on. unless he was double jointBy no means was it all ed in his thumb. I know I bad. As time goes by, I’m made mistakes, but I was focusing more and more faithful, loving and loyal to on the good memories that the bitter end. That is some- were made, and believe you thing no one can deny. me, they were plentiful. I sincerely wish all parI will hold some of them
near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Most of those memories are of the sweetest little girl in the whole wide world. It’s often been said that life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon—oftentimes an uphill, shoeless marathon on a dirt road littered with rocks, rattlesnakes, and shards of glass. You’re going to bleed and you’re going to hurt, but you have to keep on moving forward. Your resilience, perseverance, and toughness will strengthen with each step, and as long as you never quit, you will undoubtedly reach the finish line and be a better person when the dust has settled. Trust me. I’ve been there. Don’t ever give up. 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.
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 # 1536688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $25 One Year Elsewhere: $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 313
State officials are on the heels of the lottery vote
A
s the budget hearings began for the 2016 Legislative Session in January the largest Powerball lottery sweepstakes in American history was playing out. It was one of the biggest news stories of the year, thus far. Legislators were hearing the same song second verse that they heard last year. The General Fund is about $200 million short. If the money is not found, we will lose $500 million in Medicaid federal matching dollars, most state highways will be without state troopers, and most counties, not just in the Black Belt, will be unable to grant or renew driver’s licenses. In addition, the federal courts will take over our prisons and more than likely release hundreds of convicts on the streets and state employees will either be let go or have their take home pay cut again for the eighth straight year. At the same time that legislators were hearing that Alabama needs $200 million to make ends meet, most of their constituents were buying lottery tickets in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee and the rest were going to Biloxi to the casinos. Ironically, the amount of money that Alabama would receive
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
from having their money stay in state from a lottery is $200 million. Most Alabamians find it ludicrous that we allow our money to exit the state to our neighboring states. Alabama and Utah are the only two states in America who derive no state revenue from gambling. We are one of only five of the 50 states who have no lottery. Our neighboring state of Mississippi does not have a lottery because they get most of their state revenue from casino gambling. The largest number of lottery tickets sold in the recent Powerball in Tennessee, Florida and Georgia were in outlets on the border of Alabama and guess who was buying the tickets? You guessed right, Alabamians. They say the lines on the Florida border were so long that they backed up to Andalusia and Atmore. The last time that Alabamians were allowed to vote on a lottery was 1999. It lost on a narrow vote because of the large amount of
pork and questionable spending attached to the constitutional amendment. State Sen. Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair) has come with a clean lottery proposal. It is very simple. It succinctly calls for a yes or no vote on an Alabama-owned lottery. The proposal does not lay out any details for the operations of the program nor does it spell out how the money would be spent. If passed by the legislature it would go before voters in the November general election. The legislature would then establish a lottery in the 2017 Regular Session. Sen. McClendon in announcing his reason for offering the legislation said that he was simply trying to respond to demands of his constituents who have told him, “Let us vote. We want to vote.” He added, “I have heard it time and time again.” At least one legislator is listening to his people who sent him to Montgomery. The cry from throughout the state is deafening. People want to vote. Polling reveals that the lottery would pass by a two to one margin at this time if put on the ballot. My guess is that it would be more like three to one. Alabamians are sick and tired of their money funding the governments of Florida and Georgia.
Democrats in the House and Senate want the lottery to be similar to Georgia’s, which allows all the money to accrue only to education. The people of Alabama want the right to vote. It is hard to understand how a legislator could justify not voting to allow his or her constituents the right to vote on this issue. Alabamians gamble and Alabamians buy lottery tickets. They want their money to stay home. As Sen. McClendon said his people – who, by the way, are mostly Republican in a non-border suburban area of Jefferson County – are telling him, “Let us vote,” then most Alabamians are telling their representatives and senators the same thing. A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote of both chambers, 63 votes in the House and 21 votes in the Senate to allow a vote of the people on the lottery issue. 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.
Phone 334-567-7811 thewetumpkaherald.com
FAITH
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APRIL 28, 2016 • PAGE 5
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 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 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 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist
5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 5676561 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 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653
First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 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 5677779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 514-2730
Area Church Services Agapé Assembly of God Hwy. 63 North Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Night Service 7 p.m. Balm of Gilead Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Bethlehem East Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Evening 7 p.m. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 130, Eclectic 36024 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Services 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday Services 6 p.m. Friday Services 6 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Class 1st Tuesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m. Central Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Adult Choir Practice 5 p.m. Evening Worship Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Children, Youth and Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Central United Methodist Church Sunday Morning 9:30 a.m.
Chaney Creek Primitive Baptist Church Every Sunday except 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m. Saturday before 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m. Chapel United Methodist Church Services 2nd and 4th Sunday 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 2nd and 4th 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 1st, 3rd and 5th 10 a.m. Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m. Eclectic First Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m. Youth, Children and Adult Studies and Activities 6:15 p.m. Eclectic United Methodist Church 1035 Main Street Morning Service 10:50 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m. Service 6:30 p.m.
Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 9 a.m. Morning Worship 10 a.m. Evening Worship 5 p.m. Wednesday: Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m. Good Hope Baptist Church 1766 S. Fleahop Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Discipleship Training 5 p.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m. TeamKID and “R.U.S.H” Youth Celebration 6:30 p.m. Healing Waters Church of God 1639 Kowaliga Road Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Family Training Hour 7 p.m. Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church Hwy. 9 Nixburg Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Mt. Hebron Church of Christ 4530 Mt. Hebron Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 10 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday:
Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m. Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday: Children in Action 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. First Wednesday of Month Potluck supper, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Sunday: Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Practice 6:30 p.m. Prospect Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Discipleship Training 6 p.m. Worship Service 7 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Teen Kid 6:30 p.m. Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Rock Springs Baptist Church 375 Rigsby Rd, Tallassee AL 334-283-1156
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Rushenville Baptist Church 10098 Georgia Road Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Children’s Choir 5 p.m. Bible Study 6 p.m. GA’s, RA’s 6 p.m. Adult Choir Practice 6:45 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6 p.m. Salem Road Baptist Church 12 Old Salem Road Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday Night Services 6 p.m. Wednesday Evening Prayer 7 p.m. Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Bible Study 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Praise 7 p.m. Union No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church PO Box 240452 Eclectic, AL 36024 Sunday School - 10 a.m. Morning Worship - 11:15 Tuesday Bible Study - 6 p.m. Watson Chapel Congregation 2223 East Cotton Road Sunday School 10 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
APRIL 28, 2016 • PAGE 7
Area Calendar APRIL 4-UNTIL
Tallassee High School’s 2016 FFA plant sale begins. You’re more than welcome to come and tour our new greenhouse and look at the plants and facility. Swedish Ivy hanging baskets $8, Wondering Jew hanging baskets $8, Purple Queen hanging baskets $7, Mosquito Plant hanging basket $7, Spider Plant hanging baskets $7, Impatiens hanging baskets $7, Fern hanging baskets $7, Lantana $4, Coleus (single) $5,Marigolds (single) $0.25, Coleus $0.50, Vinca (single) $0.25
APRIL 28
TALLASSEE YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER SIGN-UPS : April 28 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Dixie Youth Baseball Pavilion Football is for ages 5-12 the cost is $110 and that includes a uniform. Cheer sign-up is for ages 5-12 and cost $40 a uniform is not included. For more information contact Kerry Cole at 334 399-1195. Limited number of slots.
April 29
CHARITY GOLF TOURNEY: Search and Rescue of Elmore County annual golf tournament will be held on Friday, April 29 at Quail Walk Country Club. Lunch begins at 11:30. Tee off at 1 p.m. For more information call Terri or Ernie Pritchard at 334569-2556 cell/text 334-850-4762 or Baron Preston at 334-306-7169.
April 30
YOUNG EAGLE: The Wetumpka Chapter of the EAA is hosting the 2016 Airport Appreciation Day and Young Eagle Event April 30 with flights for children ages 8-17, simulator rides, food and face paintings. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and requires a parent signature. CEMETERY PRESERVATION WORKSHOP: The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance is hosting its annual cemetery preservation workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Scott Martin at bevel67@aol. com for additional information. MULE DAY: The Weogufka Center will host Mule Day Saturday, April 30. Vendors are welcome. Breakfast will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Concessions will be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Parking is $2 per car. There will be plowing demonstrations, buggy rides and entertainment will be available all day. For more information contact Margaret Thornton at 256-234-2186 or Kattie Hocutt at 256-3293638.
April and May
MUSEUM EXHIBIT: During the months of April and May, the Elmore County Museum’s exhibit will feature the nationally known Elmore County Band - fondly called “The Big Blue”. The exhibit is filled with yearbooks, pictures of the band beginning in the 1950s and running through the 70s, plaques, scrapbooks, and a video of the
2003 Big Blue reunion! There are some funny, FUNNY stories told on the video! Come by Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. and take a step back in time!
May 1
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON: The Elmore County Bama Chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association will hold its annual scholarship luncheon on Sunday, May 1, at 1:00 p. m. at the Islamadora Fish Company, 2553 Rocky Mt. Road, Prattville, Alabama. The chapter will recognize this year’s recipients of Elmore County’s four endowed scholarships. Guest speaker will be Dr. Judith L. Bonner. Reservations are required for the luncheon and can be made on the chapter website at elcobama@gmail.com or by call 334-285-3558. Please indicate menu preferences when making reservations: tournament burger, Islamorada salad with/without grilled chicken, popcorn shrimp, or grilled or fried catfish. Cost is $20
May 5
ART UNDER THE STARS: Wetumpka Elementary School is hosting Art Under the Stars May 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CTE AWARDS BANQUET: The second annual Elmore County CTE Awards Banquet is Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Faculty, staff and student honorees and their families will have a seated dinner with a keynote speech from Bobby Jon Drinkard prior to the awards.
May 10
GOLF TOURNEY: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held May 10 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club Come join us for a fun day of lunch, golf and a chance to win bragging rights and CASH!
May 14
UNION REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ: On Saturday, May 14th from 2 p.m. until at University Station RV, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233,steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256508-1768, gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
MAY 1-2
Spring Show at THS
MAY 2
Register for Zumba with Ashley at Recreation Department or day of class beginning May 2 at 6 p.m. in the activity room. Cost is $35 for 4 weeks
MAY 2
Register for Pickle Ball Summer League $20 per team (Men’s /coed) or $10 individual begins May 2 and games are played on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-7:30.
MAY 3
Industrial Development Board Meeting will be held at 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
MAY 5
ALABAMA POWER SERVICE ORGANIZATION will host the Annual Relay for Life Hotdog Cookout. May 5 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hotdogs, chips and dessert will be $6 and an additional $1 for an extra hotdog. Contact Melinda Emfinger 334252-2969. TALLAWEKA BAPTIST CHURCH: May 5 marks the 65th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. Friends and neighbors from across Tallassee representing many area churches have gathered for prayer on the first Thursday in May for years. This year’s National Day of Prayer event in Tallassee will be hosted for the twelfth consecutive year by Tallaweka Baptist Church. A light lunch will be served, beginning at 11:30 AM. The program will begin at noon. The event will be held in the fellowship hall of the church, located at 1419 Gilmer Avenue in Tallassee. Everyone is welcome to attend this special time of prayer. “Wake Up America” is the theme this year’s National Day of Prayer. Area ministers, in cooperation with the Tallassee Ministerial Alliance, will conduct the observance in Tallassee. Since it is a work day and many will come during their lunch hour, the program will conclude before 1 p.m. For more information about the local National Day of Prayer observance, please contact Tallaweka Baptist Church, 332-2832279, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m until noon.
May 7
CAMP STEW SALE: The Cedarwood Community Church will be holding a camp stew sale from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 7. The church will also be holding an indoor yard sale with many unique items. Included are a wheel chair, walker, hospital bed, dvd’s video games and lots of other items. Cedarwood is located at 10286 Highway 231 in the Wallsboro Community. All proceeds help to support the ongoing community ministries of the church. For more information please call the church office at 334-567-0476.
MAY 10
GOLF TOURNEY: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held May 10 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Come join us for a fun day of lunch, golf and a chance to win bragging rights and CASH!
MAY 14
UNION REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, Class of 1974 is hosting a school reunion BBQ: On Saturday, May 14, from 2 p.m. until at University Station RV, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233,steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256508-1768, gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
May 19
AFTER HOURS: Chamber Business After Hours, Sunset Reception is set for Thursday, May 19 at Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
May 21
PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series. Non-racers are welcome to watch.
MAY 23
Tallassee City Council meeting at City Hall from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
May 28-29
ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefiting Children’s Harbor.
JUNE 7
Industrial Development Board meeting 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
JUNE 10-11
TALLASSEE NOW: Tallassee Now event is set for June 11 at Bell Park and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. ONGOING EVENTS 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 224-8509804 with questions.
Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com
PAGE 8 • APRIL 28, 2016
SPORTS
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
ECHS kicks off spring camp
Elmore County opened spring football practice Monday. At their first full-padded practice of the spring camp Tuesday, the Panthers worked through a number of technique, position and team drills on offense and defense. ECHS works to halt its postseason drought this fall, having missed the playoffs the last five years, and improve on its 5-5 record from 2015.
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Elmore County senior striker Malik Settles (5) commits a handball violation during his team’s Class 4A-5A area season finale against Marbury Thursday at Burt-Haynie Field.
Panthers fall short of playoffs, lose to Marbury Cory Diaz / The Observer
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
The path to the playoffs called for one goal in the season’s final 40 minutes. Marbury, who had already sealed the top spot in the Class 4A-5A, Area 5 standings, led 3-0 at halftime against Elmore County, who was sitting in second place and hunting its first postseason appearance in program history – all it couldn’t afford was to lose by three or more scores. With the Bulldogs controlling play for nearly all of the first half and most of the second, the Panthers (3-7-1, 3-3) turned it on late, generating a couple of shots in the last handful of minutes, but ran of out time, as they lost by three and their chance at the playoffs. Area and county rival Holtville slid up to second in the standings. “We didn’t give it our all until right there with two minutes left,” senior midfielder Kent Whetstone said. “We didn’t have enough time to do it. I think we did just about as good as we could, but we just didn’t give it 100 percent until when it was two minutes left. “It’s been a good season. We’ve done better than we ever had, got closer to the playoffs than we ever have. We just couldn’t do it.” The Bulldogs took the lead in the fourth minute off a throw-in, and padded its lead in the 17th and 33rd. Elmore County placed itself in the thick of postseason contention by winning its first three area matches of the season, including sweeping rival Tallassee, but collapsed down the stretch, dropping its last three games, losing to Marbury and Holtville by one goal. “I’ll remember this – the run we had,” senior striker Malik Settles said. “The early run we had, just the hard work that we put in. We just couldn’t get it done and make it through. “It meant a lot. I know we’ve been wanting to go since we’re seniors and it was our last year. It meant a lot to the team, and most of all the seniors. It was a good effort. A lot of players cared, but we just couldn’t get it done.”
Nominees announced for 12th annual Sewell Awards By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Nearly 30 student-athletes were named senior finalists and are up for several awards at the 12th annual Joe Sewell Memorial Award and John Sewell Memorial Scholarship banquet, the Board of Directors announced Friday. The banquet is scheduled Shannon Darnell for May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The Joe Sewell Memorial Award was established Olivia Smith in 2005 to recognize outstanding high school senior athletes in Elmore County who have consistently represented the highest ideals of Christian leadership. Each year, one male and one female senior from Elmore County high schools are chosen for the honor, which includes the $3,000 John Sewell Scholarship. Male and female
category winners are also selected for academics, athletics, leadership, and church, community, and charElissa Brown acter, with each student receiving a $1,000 scholarship. The Joe Sewell Memorial Award is the only program of its kind in the River Region that presents scholarship money in conjuncJosh WIlson tion with the awards to overall and category winners. This year’s keynote speaker will be Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of former Auburn standout the late Phillip Lutzenkirchen. Mike Lutzenkirchen is also executive director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, the objective of which is to “help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death,” according to the foundation’s official website. Senior finalists are:
• Elissa Brown, Elmore County • Casey Brumbeloe, Stanhope Elmore • Cyan Carroll, New Life Christian Academy • Ryan Crockett, Wetumpka • Shannon Darnell, Elmore County • Dylan Davidson, Tallassee • Cheyenne Davis, Stanhope Elmore • Brandon Dunn, Holtville • John Durden, New Life Christian Academy • Emilee Ellis, Edgewood Academy • Riley Greene, Wetumpka • Chandler Haynes, Holtville • Hana Hollis, Wetumpka • Reagan Law, Holtville • Ty Naquin, Stanhope Elmore • Kerri Newton, Holtville • Brian Owings, New Life Christian Academy • Jordan Roberts, Edgewood Academy • B.J. Smith, Stanhope Elmore • Christian Smith, Edgewood Academy • Olivia Smith, Elmore County • Sam Smith, Tallassee • Emily Strickland, Edgewood Academy •Courtney Wallace, Wetumpka •Yolanda Walsh, Tallassee • Julianne Wilkes, New Life Christian Academy
• Josh Wilson, Elmore County Nominated freshman athletes from each participating school will also be recognized for their commitment to the qualities outlined in the award program. This year, those freshmen are: • Tyler Abernathy, Edgewood Academy • Andy Baker, Tallassee • Grace Barlet, Elmore County • CeDayvia Barley, Stanhope Elmore • Trey Brand, Elmore County • Tripp Carr, Edgewood Academy • Laiken Champion, New Life Christian Academy • Garrison Clark, Wetumpka • Emma Coyle, Tallassee • Kaylyn Dismukes, Holtville • Kirsten Elsky, New Life Christian Academy • Alisson Evans, Stanhope Elmore • Kennedy Grier, Holtville • Tucker Jones, Holtville • Conner Koch, Holtville • Mary Kate Lackey, Tallassee • Tanner McNaughton, Tallassee • Anna Kate Norton, Wetumpka • Cayden Opperman, Wetumpka • Haven Owings, New Life Christian Academy • Avery Roberts, Edgewood
Academy • Cristo Rocha, Stanhope Elmore • Daniel Spivey, Wetumpka • Madison Traylor, Elmore County • Parker Watts, Elmore County • Amelia Welch, Edgewood Academy • Owen Woodard, Stanhope Elmore The award serves to honor the legacy of Joe Sewell, a native of the Titus community who established a very successful baseball career in the Majors from 1920-1933 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. His outstanding character and leadership are qualities that serve as the foundation of this award. His cousin John Sewell, for whom the top scholarships are named, loved sports and spent much of his free time coaching and helping young people. Tickets are sold in advance only for the ceremony and will not be available at the door. Tickets include admission to the banquet and the meal and can be purchased for $35 while supplies last. Tickets are available at Alabama Power Co., 400 S. Main St. in Wetumpka or online at www.joesewellaward.org.