SPORTS, PAGE 9
OPINION, PAGE 4
Panthers hitting the court with fresh attitude, new coach
Flowers: More than an election going on in politics
Eclectic Observer The
ALABAMA’S BIGGEST WEEKLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EDITION INSIDE
WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 7, 2018
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 29, No. 45
Resident files class action suit against ABC Board By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
An Eclectic resident recently filed a class action lawsuit against the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board with the Montgomery County Circuit Court. According to the suit, which was filed by Cary Reagan Jr. last Tuesday,
the 6-percent sales tax the ABC Board has applied to the 56-percent excise tax placed hard liquor is in violation of the Code of Alabama. Reagan’s attorney, Jim DeBardelaben, said the ABC Board is unauthorized to apply the sales tax. “For each bottle of whiskey you buy, they’re charging you 3.36 percent too much. That doesn’t seem like
much, does it? Do you know how much whiskey the state sold last year? About half a billion dollars worth,” DeBardelaben said. “They are taxing you a tax on the excise tax. In other words, a tax on a tax.” Since 2010, DeBardelaben said the ABC Board has overcharged Alabama residents between $45 and $50 million. “That’s a lot of money that they took
out of the pockets of the hardworking people of this state,” DeBardelaben said. The lawsuit stated Reagan is filing on his own behalf, as well on behalf of more than 500,000 Alabama residents who have purchased liquor from the ABC Board. “All members of the class have See LAWSUIT • Page 2
Cox hired as ECEDA executive director
‘TIS THE SEASON
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Amalia Kortright / The Observer
Lifelike scenes from Bethlehem will be featured as An Eclectic Christmas tourists are guided to different scenes from the nativity story.
An Eclectic Christmas tours returning beginning Nov. 30 By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
O
ne of the community’s most anticipated Christmas events is returning to Eclectic for its 11th year. An Eclectic Christmas, which is hosted by the An Eclectic Ministry nonprofit, will be held each eve-
ning from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. An Eclectic Christmas, which will take place at the Falk Farm on 1733 Claud Road, is a walking tour centered around the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Falk Farm owner and An Eclectic Ministry member Rita Falk said visitors will be guided through scenes and reenactments depicting everyday life in Bethlehem, as well from the Nativity
story. According to Falk, the purpose of An Eclectic Christmas is about more than gifts or decorations, and gives anyone who wants to come the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. “When you come, it’s quiet and there’s no music. There’s a fire to stay warm by. I don’t see people with their phones out. I see them talking to each other,” Falk said. See CHRISTMAS • Page 2
Ninth annual Renew Our Rivers a success
Today’s
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The Elmore County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors recently appointed Cary W. Cox as its new executive director. Cox, in coordination with the county’s municipalities, will lead the economic development for Elmore County. With 30 years of experience in economic development related areas, Cox was selected from a list of highly qualified candidates. Cox comes from the city of Auburn Cox Economic Development Department, where he served for 14 years. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to promote economic development in Elmore County. I plan to partner with all our stakeholders and businesses to create an integrated plan that addresses the needs of all Elmore County citizens,” Cox said. “All of the pieces of the puzzle are here: natural beauty, rivers, lakes, schools, interstate, utilities, airports, land, history and, See COX • Page 2
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By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Carmen Rodgers / The Observer
Local volunteers have spent weeks bagging trash along Lake Martin’s shoreline. Friday morning those bags were collected and placed on barges to be properly disposed of during the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup.
See CLEANUP • Page 3
Where Superior Service is Standard
Gassett
Funerals On Site Cremations Pre-Needs • Monuments
Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC
Celebrating 40 Years of Service!
This weekend was a great time to clean up — the lake that is. Several volunteers, along with the Lake Martin Resource Association, gathered at Wind Creek State Park and surrounding areas to continue the process of cleaning the shorelines of Lake Martin in the ninth annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup. “All of this (debris) is only coming off of a small area,” LMRA President John Thompson said. Local volunteers have been at work for weeks, walking
Joe Al All Allen len Gasse len G Gassett, assett tt, tt Founder 1942-2009
(334) 567-8433 www.gassettfuneralhome.net • 204 East Charles Avenue, Wetumpka, AL 36092