SPORTS, 9
HSEC, 8
Panthers settle for a split
Meet PJ, the Pet of the Week
Eclectic Observer
SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE: STUDENTS WRITE LETTERS TO SANTA
The
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 19, 2018
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 29, No. 51
ECSO volunteers honored by sheriff By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
Four locals were recognized for their volunteer efforts with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office by sheriff Bill Franklin during a Monday evening Elmore County Commission work ses-
sion. Among those who received a certificate of excellence were Rickey Mann, Weldon Owen, John Glasscock and county commissioner Mack Daugherty. “That’s 135 years of volunteer service hours that these guys have given us,” Franklin said. “We have never
received a complaint on these four guys over an amassed time of over 45 years.” Mann, who Franklin said performed reserve work for the ECSO, was awarded posthumously. Mann’s widow, Bonnie Mann, accepted the certificate on his behalf.
“He was a great guy,” Franklin said. “He was a very simple person, not always wondering what he could get but always wanting to know what he could do for us.” Franklin said Owen has volunteered with the ECSO for about four decades. See VOLUNTEERS • Page 2
Development authority welcomes new director By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
The recently hired director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority was introduced during the Elmore County Commission’s Monday work session. Gary Cox, who officially took the position on Dec. 1, said he is excited to be in this position. As an Elmore County native and Stanhope Elmore High School alumnus, Cox said he is invested in the community. Cox said the ECEDA is currently working on several projects, which he said will benefit Elmore County. “We’re just right on the edge of doing some great things in Elmore County and I look forward to this opportunity,” Cox said. “I’m honored to be in this position.” Cox replaced former ECEDA director Leisa Finley, who resigned earlier this year.
Amalia Kortright / The Observer
Boy Scout Isaac Stubbs presented his rendering of Bicentennial Park, which he proposed as his Eagle Scout project, to the Elmore County Commission.
Unanimous vote Bicentennial Park project approved by commission By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
T
Amalia Kortright / The Observer
New ECEDA Director Gary Cox introduces himself to commissioners.
Today’s
Weather
60 49 High
Low
THURS: HIGH 59 LOW 43
he Elmore County Commission unanimously voted to approve a proposal for a new park on the grounds of the Elmore County Courthouse during a regularly scheduled Monday meeting. Boy Scout Troop 605 member and Wetumpka High School junior Isaac Stubbs presented his proposal for Bicentennial Park for his Eagle Scout project. “I hope that, with the project, I continue the growth of the county and invite the Eagle Scout spirit,” Stubbs said. According to Stubbs, the park will consist of two 6-foot
steel benches resembling those included in Wetumpka’s streetscape project. Stubbs said he intends to plant Eastern Redbud trees onsite. Stubbs said he anticipates that 10-15 people will assist him with the project and plans to begin Saturday morning and finish in the spring. The park is projected to cost about $3,500, which Stubbs said he plans to raise. County commissioner Mack Daugherty commended Stubbs for taking the courthouse grounds into considering when choosing an Eagle Scout project. “You could have done a project anywhere in Elmore County and I very much appreciate … that you’re choosing this project right here,” Daugherty said. “It’s just another example of your exemplary character.”
Community looking to reestablish education foundation By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
The Elmore County Board of Education discussed the reestablishment of the Elmore County Education Foundation during a Monday evening meeting. Superintendent Richard Dennis said several members of the community have approached him about reviving or establishing a new chapter of the foundation. “I’m actually trying to reach out to some of the See EDUCATION • Page 2
Amalia Kortright / The Observer
Superintendent Richard Dennis discusses the possible revitalization of the Elmore County Education Foundation.
Where Superior Service is Standard
Gassett
Funerals On Site Cremations Pre-Needs • Monuments
Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC
Celebrating 40 Years of Service!
Joe Al All Allen len Gasse len G Gassett, assett tt, tt Founder 1942-2009
(334) 567-8433 www.gassettfuneralhome.net • 204 East Charles Avenue, Wetumpka, AL 36092