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Eclectic Observer ALABAMA’S BIGGEST WEEKLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EDITION INSIDE TODAY
The
WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 24, 2018
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 29, No. 43
CHARGES DROPPED Houston: ‘We cannot prove whether (Holton) did or didn’t do it beyond a reasonable doubt’
By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
Murder charges against an Eclectic teenager accused of killing his parents were dismissed on Monday by 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Randall Houston. “As prosecutors, our job is to find the truth and do justice,” Houston said. “When we can’t find the truth, it is
Lindsey Road in Eclectic when impossible to do justice.” Michael Holton reported that he Jesse Madison Holton, had found drug paraphernalia 19, was initially arrested and from a party hosted by Madison charged with the murder of Holton. his mother and father, April Less than 30 minutes later, Owenby Holton and Jesse the ECSO was called back to the Michael Holton, in September residence. They found Michael 2016. Holton dead from a gunshot On Sept. 11, 2016, Elmore Holton wound to the back of his head County Sheriff deputies were and April Holton severely injured. She called to the Holton residence on
later died at a Montgomery hospital. Michael Holton served as the mayor of Eclectic from 2012 to 2014, before stepping down, citing family issues. April Holton had filed for divorce almost a month before the deaths. Houston said there were three theories about what actually happened, and the DA had probable cause to believe all three of them. See HOLTON • Page 2
Elmore County career coach selected for national award
Town council talks ADECA grant projects By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
An Elmore County Public Schools employee recently received national recognition for her work with career technical education. Career coach Lindsay Jordan was announced as a finalist for the Association for Career and Technical Education’s 2019 Career Guidance Award. Jordan was selected from nominees throughout the United States and is currently one of five contenders from different regions. When she was first notified, Jordan said the news came as a shock. Jordan said she hopes to use her achievement to emphasize the importance of providing access to technical education. “I hope every time something great happens in career tech, we have the opportunity to make a big deal about it,” Jordan said. “It’s less about me and more about the chance to talk about career tech.” Throughout her career in Elmore County, Jordan said she has seen many successes See JORDAN • Page 3
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Career coach Lindsay Jordan, second from left,was recognized by the Association for Career and Technical Education as one of five finalists for the organizations 2019 Career Guidance Award.
The Eclectic Town Council discussed two projects funded by grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs during its monthly meeting Oct. 15. Mayor Gary Davenport gave updates on a project to install new lights and poles at Aaron Park, which is funded through a $230,000 ADECA grant. Davenport said the same lighting has been at Aaron Park since its establishment in the 1980s, and the poles have been attacked by woodpeckers. Davenport said work started on the project about a month ago, and its completion is slated for December. Davenport also spoke about a project to repair and resurface of Madix and Middle roads, using a $200,000 grant from See COUNCIL • Page 2
String Alongs wrapping up successful first year By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
Since it was first started in February, members of the Eclectic Public Library’s String Alongs ukulele club have made a name for themselves in the community. Library director Betty Coker said about a dozen people have signed up since. The group consists of musicians ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. Throughout the past several months, Coker said the String Alongs have made a point to perform at community events, church events and See STRING • Page 2
Amalia Kortright / The Observer
The String Alongs perform at the 2018 Cotton Festival earlier this month. Library director Betty Coker said the String Alongs have been performing at various community events since they were formed in February.
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