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County should stick by its guns
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THURSDAY • AUGUST 11, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 32
Man drowns in Lake Jordan
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
An Eclectic man drowned in Lake Jordan while swimming near the boat he and a friend had taken out after doing yard work, an Elmore County Sheriff’s official said. The incident occurred Wednesday roughly a mile north from Jordan Dam, said Sheriff Bill Franklin.
An account of the event was that the victim, Ned Terry, 31, had been swimming and at some point appeared to become distressed. Efforts were made by a local fisherman to use a tree branch from a nearby bank to help retrieve Terry, however they were unsuccessful. When he was found, shortly after submerging, Terry was unable to be revived and was transported to the state docks roughly 300 yards from the
dam, Franklin said. From there, he was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Franklin estimated that Terry was pronounced dead around 2 p.m. The ECSO was one of several agencies to respond, including local Marine Police, Wetumpka Fire Department and Haynes Ambulance and LifeF light.
County board takes no action on IDB request
Missing Elmore prisoner recaptured in Kentucky
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
The Elmore County Commission took no action on a request from the Tallassee Industrial Development Board Monday evening to allow the IDB to abate county ad valorem taxes, while nixing a request from the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce regarding a haunted history tour. Commissioners spent the majority of the work session portion of their meeting speaking with IDB Chairman Richard Dorley regarding IDB’s request to have the commission allow the entity to abate the non-educational portion of the county’s ad valorem taxes for the first 10 years. Dorley said that he was looking for a closer working relationship with the county and suggested at some point that a commissioner or commissioners be appointed to act as a liaison to the IDB. Commissioner Joe Faulk, while crediting the IDB and Dorley in particular, said that he felt it was a matter of equity and that it didn’t seem fair See COUNTY • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
88 73 High
Low
FRIDAY: HIGH 89 LOW 74
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
William Carroll / The Observer
BACK TO SCHOOL Elmore County Schools get back to the basics Above, it was all smiles Monday morning as Elmore County Schools started back this week. These first-grade Wetumpka Elementary students were already dutifully working on a variety of projects during the first day of school. Right, Lt. Anthony Crenshaw patrols the halls at Wetumpka Middle Schools and speaks briefly to sixth-grade teacher Shayla Broadway who had just led her class out of the lunchroom on the first day of school.
After missing for roughly three days, a tattooed convict who allegedly escaped from Elmore Correctional Facility was found in Kentucky during what was described by a state press release as a “routine traffic stop” on Monday. State police stopped Justin Caldwell, 27, in Hardin County, Kentucky around 11 a.m., according to an email sent out by a public information officer with the Alabama Department Caldwell of Corrections. The document sent out by Bob Horton, PIO with AL DOC, states that Caldwell is awaiting extradition back to ECF after being placed in the Hardin County Jail and now faces additional charges for the escape. The statement said it was unknown whether Caldwell was traveling alone, or with an accomplice, and no information was released about the details of the vehicle he was travelling in. An earlier press release from AL DOC indicated that Caldwell escaped during an early morning prison transfer. In a phone call, Horton said Caldwell also managed to out maneuver a K9 unit that was pursuing him. Caldwell managed to go undetected, Horton said, and was only found to be See INMATE • Page 3
State Auditor Ziegler continues push for Bentley impeachment
Area students to participate in leadership program
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler spoke to the Wetumpka Rotary Club Tuesday at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino in Wetumpka about current investigations pending against Governor Robert Bentley and his hope that the House Judiciary Committee might move to act on articles of impeachment against Bentley. Monday, Zeigler sent a letter to Judiciary Committee chairman Mike Jones asking the committee to consider at least one article of impeachment against Bentley. Zeigler noted that if the House does not act during the special session, it would be unable to act until February of 2017.
A leadership program for high school students of Elmore County is set to start next month and will include tours of local governments along with area industries and businesses. The director of “Youth Leadership Elmore County,” Katrina Mitchell, said her program was all about learning what it takes to run cities and discovering, as she said, “what leadership looks like in those venues.” Mitchell said she started YLEC course roughly 15 years See LEADERSHIP • Page 3
See AUDITOR • Page 5
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William Carroll / The Observer
State Auditor Jim Zeigler speaks to the Wetukpka Rotary Club at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino Tuesday.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Area Calendar August 10
The Elmore County Family Resource Center is hosting a Lunch and Learn event August 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at El Patron Mexican Grill at 65 Lightwood Road in Deatsville. The topic will be stopping sexual assault and is a program of the Lighthouse Counseling Center. For more information please call 334235-6091.
August 13
Beulah Baptist Church will hold the Annual Teachers Luncheon on August 13 at 1 p.m. In order to honor the Reeltown School Teachers and Aides and some other teachers from surrounding school systems.
August 16
What You See, Is What You Get at the next Tuesdays with Kelly meeting when Jason Powell of Petals from the Past will give a Container Gardening Demonstration. Come 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 Bring a sack lunch, drinks and desserts provided. Free, Open to the Public, Fun, Music and Door Prizes.
August 20
Holy Destiny and Justified will both be in concert at Holtville Riverside Baptist Church on Saturday night August 20th at 6 p.m. The church is located on
Highway 111 in Slapout. For more information call 334 569 2421.
August 26-27
The Tallassee High School Class of 1981 is planning its class reunion, to be held August 26 and 27 in Tallassee. If you are a member of the class and have not been contacted by a classmate, please call Suzy Solomon Wilson at 334-283- 8172.
August 28
The Wetumpka church of Christ is having homecoming celebration and fellowship meal in the fellowship hall after worship services, Sunday the 28th. All are invited, especially those who have worshipped at the Wetumpka congregation in the past. Kenneth Randolph and Janice will be with us for the worship services and fellowship. Brother Randolph will speak at Bible study and at worship assembly. Kenneth was minister at Wetumpka for 16 years. Services begin at 8:30 a.m.
September 3
Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Labor Day Weekend BBQ Sale on September 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the EMVFD Fire Station at 1785 Old Ware Road in Wetumpka. Boston butts may be purchased for $30 and plates for $8. The plates will include BBQ pork or ½ chicken, potato salad, baked beans and bread. Cakes will also be available for purchase whole for $25 or $2 per slice. For information or tickets, please call 567-6077 or 567-0405.
ONGOING EVENTS CHILD FIND: The Tallassee City School System is launching its
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Obituaries 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 a student, please contact Lynell Carr at (334) 283-5675 or Child Find (Alabama Department of Education) at 1-800-5482547.” ART EXHIBITION: There is a free exhibit of 65 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 224-8509804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA
FREE County wide Cleanup Day SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016 9AM - 1PM (or until truck is full)
T WO LOCATIONS:
•Old Highway Department Shop in Holtville •CEW&SA Redland Road Facility NO appliances, batteries, limbs longer than 4 ft. or 6 in. diameter, paints or thinners, oils and gases Cleanup is for residents only, no contractors QUESTIONS: (334) 514-5841, ext. 5006
Elmore County Commission
Donald Dunson
Mr. Donald Ray Dunson, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Friday, August 05, 2016, at the age of 78. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 08, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Jackson officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Paw Paw is survived by his sons, Donald Michael Dunson, Scott Harrison Dunson (Lisa); daughter, Ginger Lowell Bodiford (Edward); grandchildren, Paige Dunson, Kari Stephens (Jaiton), Chase Bodiford and Hayley Bodiford; great grandchild, Zadie Leigh Stephens; sister and brothers, Harold Dunson (Patty), Amie Langley (Wayne), Rickie Dunson (Debra), Wayne Dunson (DeLane) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Homer Jean Rowe Dunson; parents, John Leonard Sr. and Zadie Dunson; mother-in-law “second mother” Lowell Rowe; brother, John Leonard “Billy” Dunson, Jr.; sisters, Betty Hall and Rebecca Shaw. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 78644 Tallassee Hwy., Wetumpka, AL 36092 or The American Cancer Society. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, August 07, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama
Mary Hilliard
Mrs. Mary Pilgrim Hilliard, 91, of Eclectic, passed away August 3, 2016. She was born March 13, 1925. Visitation will be Saturday, August 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service Sunday, August 7, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Eclectic with Dr. Bob Williamson and Rev. Britt Green officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her children, Cheryl DeBardelaben (Leon), Mike Hilliard (Nancy) and Jim Hilliard (Janie); grandchildren, Simone Curtis, Christy Kelly (Bill), Tyler DeBardelaben, Josh Hilliard, Lacey Hilliard and Blake Hilliard; great grandchildren, Cass Curtis, Bailee Curtis, Jillian Curtis, Quinn Kelly, Taunton Kelly and Will Hilliard-Starr. She is preceded in death by her husband, George Hilliard. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
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 hand-sewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334-5789485 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 334-567-6301 or visit
www.aces.edu/counties/ Elmore/.
NAACP MEETINGS: Elmore County Branch NAACP Executive Committee meeting every 3rd Tuesday 6:30 p.m. 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 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.
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AUGUST 11, 2016 • PAGE 3
Inmate
Leadership
continued from page 1
ago and had been working recently to “revamp” the program. The program this year is set to run from September through May. Unlike previous years, Mitchell said the class would be held for one full day per month, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and during that time students would take a number of field trips and also learn lessons from a course curriculum. According to a Elmore County Extension Office press release, the focus of the series was to enhance the “leadership, communication, personal, and group skills,” of the roughly 20 students who get accepted. There is a selection process for the program and according to the document the applicants are chosen through referrals, interviews and minimum grade standard requirements. Public, private and home school students can apply, she said, with the last date to submit an application
listed as Aug. 30. Mitchell said they would learn about both county and state government, as well as that of the town and cities they travelled to throughout the county. She mentioned a few municipalities that were already on her list including Millbrook, Tallassee and Wetumpka. While there she said they would tour area industries focusing on workforce development efforts and to learn “what it takes to be a leader in various industries” as well as local governments. The students will also have to complete a “community service leadership project” as part of the course. She said in the past a variety of projects had been completed, from park cleanups to fundraisers for local charities.
County
continued from page 1
missing during an inmate head-count performed after his escape. Horton said Caldwell was serving an 8-year sentence from a 2014 conviction on 1st degree theft of property. A mug shot provided by AL DOC showed Caldwell covered with tattoos with a crown on his forehead, and “Ohio,” among other images, scrawled across his neck.
continued from page 1
to allow the IDB board or anyone else to abate taxes when their associated municipalities do not have their own taxes to abate. Faulk pointed out that it was unfair to cities that did have ad valorem taxes to allow the IDB such power since Tallassee does not have ad valorem taxes. Commissioner Stephanie Daniels Smoke asked Dorley what issues he or the IDB board had with the commission that would prevent them from coming before the commission on a case by case basis to get the commission’s approval on abatements. Dorley said time was a significant factor in the process and could result in losing business opportunities as large industrial companies wanted answers quickly. Dorley pointed out that until recently, the IDB had the authority to abate county taxes. “We did have that authority, just recently that was overturned,” Dorley said. “It takes an advantage away from the industrial board of Tallassee, which does most of the recruitment in the county.” Dorley referred to his inability to abate taxes as “taking an arrow out of the quiver” in respect to the tools he has at his disposal. “I struggle with giving away the authority of the commission,” Smoke said specifically referring to signing away future potential general fund revenues. Dorley countered by pointing out that if businesses do not come to Elmore County there will be no additional general fund revenues to be gained. Faulk added that abatements are only one component of economic development. He suggested to Dorley that Dorley go before the Tallassee City Council and ask for an ad valorem tax. Commission Chair David Bowen agreed with Faulk on this issue. “The easiest method would be to have Tallassee have an ad valorem tax,” Bowen stated, noting that the city is always struggling with revenue issues. Bowen added that he too struggled with the idea of giving up the commission’s authority to abate taxes, especially to a non-elected entity like the IDB. Ultimately, the commission took no action on the matter as it was not included as part of the business portion of the meeting. In other matters, the commission voted 3-1 to deny a request made by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce to allow access to the county courthouse to the chamber and Central Alabama Paranormal Investigators for paranormal investigation and inclusion in a haunted Wetumpka tour in October. Chamber Director Gerry Purcell had proposed that the commissioners allow the chamber access to the
courthouse for a few hours to have CAPI conduct a paranormal investigation into the structure and to include it in a walking tour of downtown Wetumpka. Purcell said that the chamber has had a great response so far with over 125 people signing up for the tour. Purcell estimated that some 500 to 700 people may ultimately participate. The commission gave no reason for its rejection of the proposal. Bowen had asked Purcell if the chamber would reimburse the county for the cost of having a county employee present during the chamber’s use of the building. Purcell said that the chamber would be willing to compensate the county for any costs. In other matters: • The commission approved the cancellation of the STAR insurance policy and the approval of the Association of the County Commissions of Alabama liability self insurance fund. • The commissioners approved a petition for reimbursement of excess funds from the tax sale of real property from Stanley Dale Foster. • The commission approved a resolution to widen, level, resurface and traffic stripe Airport Road from Coosada Road north to AL 14. • During the comment portion, County Engineer Richie Beyer said that he had received several inquiries about putting in proposals on the old Board of Education building downtown. Initially, the Adullam House had put in a proposal on the building.
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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 • AUGUST 11, 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.
The county should stick There are few things as rewarding as service to others by its guns
D
uring Monday’s Elmore County Commission meeting it was apparent that the majority of the commissioners had significant issues with granting the Tallassee Industrial Development Board the authority to abate county ad valorem taxes. While they took no action, it goes without saying that if this issue comes before them again, especially in a situation requiring a vote, they should deny the IDB’s request for a number of reasons. First, county tax abatement should be handled by the officials elected to handle that issue, namely the county commission. Several of the commissioners brought up this issue and their concerns that they did not want to give this authority away to the IDB. That thought was the correct one. As county elected officials, it falls on them to handle this issue, especially in a situation, like the one in Tallassee, where the city does not have an ad valorem tax of its own. Commissioners Joe Faulk and David Bowen suggested that the solution might be for the city of Tallassee to get its own ad valorem tax to solve the issue. This might be one solution, but as it stands, Tallassee does not, and may not adopt such a tax so county officials will have to keep the tax setup the way it is. IDB Chairman Richard Dorley suggested that the IDB needed this tool in its “quiver” in order to attract businesses, but he is effectively asking for an unelected board to make decisions that affect taxpayer dollars. While this might have been the scenario previously, prior to a change in the law, it is not now. Dorley suggested that the IDB doesn’t have the time
to contact the commission and get approval, and yet this is how it is done in practically every other state that handles William Carroll economic development. Let me give you an example. In West Point, Mississippi, my previous journalistic stop, they were able to land a Yokohama Tire plant, worth hundreds of millions, possibly billions of dollars. The deal was arranged by an area economic development entity that actually spanned three counties known as the Golden Triangle Development Link. In order to get the project through they had to get votes from the city of West Point, the Clay County supervisors and the legislature of the state of Mississippi. The state even called a special session to approve tax breaks and other incentive packing for the company. No matter your opinion on these types of tax breaks, they can be arranged quickly and with all haste, contrary to what Dorley said before the commissioners. There is nothing that prevents the commission and the IDB from working together on projects, but there is absolutely no reason for the commission to give abatement authority to an unelected industrial development board. They should retain that authority and grant it only in cases where it is appropriate, or where the investment and job growth potential are so significant as to warrant it. Just doling out abatements for every business showing an interest is not good business or public policy.
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 # 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 Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com . . . . . . Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305
“In America, any definition of a successful life must include serving others.” – President George H.W. Bush
W
hat a great week! My life sometimes parallels that of Forrest Gump in countless ways, although I never did anything remotely close to earning the Medal of Honor, and I sure as heck would never have played football for Alabama. But, like Mr. Gump, I agree that “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” I do a lot of speaking all around the country for all kinds of groups. I’ve performed for everyone from car clubs to college campuses. I’ve performed in some of the most dangerous places on earth from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the University of Alabama. I’m very blessed to do what I do. But, some are more special than others. Last Friday night, I performed in Auburn for the Southern Disability Foundation’s (SDF) 20th anniversa-
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
ry. This group is comprised of individuals and organizations from all over the state who serve the needs of the disability community. Per their website, the foundation was incorporated on Aug. 6, 1996, to serve as a community-based organization to capitalize a low interest, extended-terms loan fund to enable Alabama’s citizens with disabilities to access and acquire assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and services. On Monday, I drove down to Luverne, pronounced “Loo-vern” for those of you not in the know, to speak at the teachers and faculty in-service for Crenshaw County Schools to help motivate them as they kick off the new school year. I was a bit nervous as it was my first day of school, too, but they were a wonderful crowd so the nerves dissipated upon my arrival. On Tuesday, I went to Dadeville to do the same for
Tallapoosa County Schools. Although I was born and raised in Opelika, my roots are in Tallapoosa County, so there were several cousins, friends, and acquaintances in the audience, making it all the more special. The fact that Superintendent Joe Windle is retired Army was just icing on the cake. I’ve done 11 of these over the last three years and hope to continue to do more for many years to come. On Wednesday, I was down on the Mississippi Gulf Coast entertaining at a conference for law enforcement officers. The attendees were graduates of the FBI National Academy. This was one of the best events I have ever been a part of and it was an honor to be a small part of their conference. At the SDF banquet, I picked up a gig for Thursday morning, so I departed Gulfport at 2:57 a.m. Once again, I had the privilege of speaking to teachers, this time at Glenwood School in Smiths Station. Whether it’s teachers, law enforcement, or anyone else, my hat
is off to all who serve. On my second tour in Iraq, I received this sweet letter from a child. “Another reason I would like to thank you is because you are serving the nation. Without people like you who join the military, our country would be bad.” While I absolutely love and appreciate the sentiments of this young man, there should be a caveat to his statement and that is that one doesn’t have to wear a uniform or have an official title to serve. There are so many ways to serve and give back, whether it’s on the local or national level. Heck, even if it’s just helping your neighbor. There are few things as rewarding as serving others. If you don’t believe me, then you should give it a try. 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.
YOUR VIEW
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Speaker first order of business in special session
A
s anticipated, a special Legislative Session has been called by Gov. Robert Bentley. The Session is set to begin this Monday, Aug. 15. Dr. Bentley has bemoaned the fact that the legislature refused to grant Medicaid the $85 million they said they needed in the budget fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. In the Governor’s call he is requesting that the super majority Republican legislature reconsider their refusal to keep feeding Medicaid, which is a money-eating monster. It grows exponentially every year and is eating the state out of house and home. However, the Federal government matches our state dollars almost 3-to-1. Therefore, an $85 million cut in state funding results in almost $240 million less to Alabama Medicaid recipients. Fifty percent of the babies born in the state and 66 percent of the nursing home residents in our state are on Medicaid. Even with the dire threats of cuts to physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies, as well as possible deaths due to the loss of some dialysis care, these guys really do not want to raise new revenue. They are real Republicans. They believe that the least government is the best government. If truth were known they would probably do away with Medicaid, as well as state government, all together. The governor is proposing a state lottery to bolster Medicaid and the General Fund. The legislature cannot institute a state lottery by themselves. All they do is vote to allow you to vote on a lottery. The vote would be at the same time you vote
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
for president this Nov. 8. That is the most prudent date for the referendum. A special election would cost Alabamians $4 million. However, they cannot dilly-dally around. They have to get it on the ballot by Aug. 24. A lottery would bring in about $240 million. That is not a lot of money when you consider how much revenue is budgeted by the state each year, but it is not so much about the amount of money it brings in. It is the fairness factor to our state that is the issue. It is hard to understand how a legislator would refuse to allow their constituents the right to vote on this issue. If they have been listening to their folks at home at all, they have heard a hue and cry from their people that they would like the opportunity to vote on a lottery. Recent polls reveal that over 75 percent of all Alabamians would vote for a lottery if their legislators would allow them to vote on it. This includes Republicans, who would vote for it simply because they want their money to stay at home. We are one of six states in America who derive no revenue from this source. All of our surrounding states have a lottery, except Mississippi, which has full-fledged casino gambling from which they derive a good bit of their state revenue. Alabamians buy lottery tickets. They just have to drive to our neighboring states to get
them. The most tickets sold in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee are bought on their borders by Alabamians. If I were a Republican legislator running for reelection in 2018, I would hate to have to defend a record of casting my first vote of the quadrennium for Mike Hubbard for Speaker and then voting to refuse you the right to vote to keep your money home rather than sending it to our surrounding sister states. Speaking of electing a Speaker, the first order of business in the House of Representatives on Monday will be the election of a new Speaker to replace Mike Hubbard. Under the super Republican majority rules, the House GOP members must vote for the candidate selected in a caucus meeting. They held that meeting last week and selected Rep. Mac McCutcheon, a Republican from Monrovia near Huntsville, to be their choice for Speaker. McCutcheon has been in the House for 10 years and defeated five other candidates within the caucus. The 70 Republican members will vote unanimously for McCutcheon, the former Chairman of the Rules Committee. They will essentially lock the 33 Democrats out of the process for election of the Speaker. It should be an interesting session. I will keep you posted. 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.
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AUGUST 11, 2016 • PAGE 5
Humane Society couldn’t operate without generous donations HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
R
emember Cruisin’ fer Critters held by the Predator’s Riding Club back in May to raise money for our shelter? Well, they brought us the big check last Sunday and it was for a whopping $15, 050! This is the largest amount raised from Cruisin’ yet and we just cannot thank each and every PMA member and supporter enough! This is one of those events that may be only one day for those attending, but it is a year-round effort by all the Predator’s and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and hard work. As next year is the 15th anniversary of Cruisin’ fer Critters, look for some BIG news on what Cruisin 2017 is going to look like! Why do we need fundraisers like Cruisin’ or our Wags ‘n Whiskers Auction? Because in July we took in 417 pets (198 dogs; 218 cats) and from Jan-Jul we took in a total of 2440 pets! It takes a lot of labor, supplies sand space to care for this many animals and on any given day we are caring for
250-300 pets in our shelter and foster homes. It looks like June will have been our peak intake month this year (479) and our numbers should start a gradual decline as we move through summer and into fall and winter. Why this spike in the spring/summer? Short answer – kittens! So far this year (through July) we have taken in a total of 1114 cats – 62 percent of those cats, however, came in just in May, June & July. AND – of the 694 cats received in those three months, 76 percent were KITTENS (under six months old)! These percentages are not unique to our shelter and are played out every day in our area shelters. Is there an answer to these staggering numbers? YES – spaying and neutering pets BEFORE they have that first ‘oops’ litter would go a long way to reducing shelter intake and truly IS the answer to the crisis of so many unwanted pets. Please, if you got a kitten or puppy this spring/summer from out in the community – get its spay or neuter appointment made by the time it is six months old so it don’t contribute to the problem. Looking ahead, Sunday, 18 September will be another ‘don’t miss’ day and we hope you are planning to join us at Bark in the Park 2016, Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka. We will have a Microchip Clinic and ‘Ask the Vet’ at Bark in the Park thanks to Tuskegee University Veterinary School! From 2-3:30 pm, and for a cost of $25, you can get your pet microchipped and that
Submitted / The Observer
Titan – Pet of the Week Titan is a one-year-old male German Shorthaired Pointer/Labrador mix that is just a fun loving, goofy guy with a great nose for treats. And if you want a 60-70-pound lap dog - Titan is your man. He will just crawl right up in your lap if you sit down on the ground. He is great with other dogs and is one big love bug! Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $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 im-
Auditor
munizations, 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 http://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 and Sat 9-3.
will also include the registration with 24 PetWatch. Remember though – all 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. We do still have Vendor spots avail-
able at Bark in the Park for $35. This is a great way to get the word out about your business/club/group in a relaxed and fun atmosphere while also supporting our shelter. Bring your own table/ pop-up and it is a park so there is no electricity. To get a Vendor Application please email hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.
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Zeigler said he was elected on a platform of turning the auditor’s office into a watchman or monitor for elected officials. “I had no idea how badly we needed a monitor,” Zeigler said. “I knew they (officials) were problematic, I didn’t know they were this bad.” Zeigler said there are currently four investigations pending against Bentley: One being conducted by the FBI; a second by the Montgomery County Grand Jury; another by the state ethics commission and the final investigation by the judiciary committee. Zeigler said that while four investigations sounds like a good thing he would rather have one that is making progress as opposed to four that aren’t. “I’m sad to report that there isn’t much progress,” he said. “Impeachment is a slow boat on the Coosa River.” In his letter to Jones Zeigler states, “I do not buy the notion that impeachment proceedings at all deliberate speed is not doing it right. Nor do I buy the notion that a slow process like the one now being done is a correct and deliberate process. Slowness does not mean doing it right and a speedy hearing does not mean doing it wrong.” Zeigler noted that the recent investigation of Mike Hubbard took over two and a half years to complete and noted that if Bentley’s investigation takes as long or longer, Bentley will be out of office. “We have a wounded duck governor,” Zeigler said. “We need a full strength governor.” Zeigler said the biggest problem he has seen in state government is the lack of a servant mentality among elected officials. He noted that many officials have forgotten the meaning of being a public servant and are simply in the business of politics for themselves.
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PAGE 6 • AUGUST 11, 2016
G
reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I hope all is well with those reading this week’s column. I hope all is well with those not reading it, but they might not ever know it! For as long as I can remember, I have been known as a fence sitter. In my 50 years of life, there have been few times when I took a stand on an issue and made my position known. At times, I have been criticized and chastened by peers and colleagues for this. The label of “Fence Sitter” fits me, as it turns out, but I wear it well and I wear it with no shame. I have never seen my vantage point from the middle of the road as superior in any way. I do consider it a blessing and my own calling. Let me give you
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
The view from the fence an example. We have a mayoral race coming up in our city. Unlike the presidential elections coming up in November, we have two highly qualified candidates who have the best I have worked together with our present Mayor Jerry Willis, on several community projects. I have seen his passion for the city of Wetumpka and its citizens. My family counts his family as friends. Emmitt Johnson Jr. is the first clergy contact I made when I arrived here 10 years ago. I saw his integrity and passion for our city and the larger community immediately. We became fast friends and my family counts his family as friends. I have not publicly endorsed either candidate in the upcoming election nor
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian
have I ever publicly endorsed any candidate for any office since becoming a Pastor. My main reason is that since I am called to serve a congregation of varying political opinion, I believe it would be unethical for me to endorse one over the other. The other reason has to do with what I feel called to as a moderate, or middle of the road, person. What I fully support is an educated electorate. The right to vote is the greatest right any of us has, but it is often exercised in ways that do more harm
than good. The city of Wetumpka has two strong candidates for its upcoming mayoral election. Both have tremendous passion for our city and its residents. Both want to see healthy growth in our city. Both have ideas on how to help make that happen. Their ideas differ somewhat. If you are going to vote, you need to know what those ideas are, plain and simple. You do not need to hear it from me or anyone else. You need to go to the source. If you want to know what Jerry Willis brings to the table if elected for a third term, talk to people involved in what has been happening over the last eight years. Contact his campaign. Contact him yourself. He will talk with you. If you want to know what
Emmitt Johnson, Jr. brings to the table if elected to serve as mayor, contact his campaign. Ask people who have worked with him. Contact him yourself. He will talk with you. As an unashamed fence sitter, I can assure you of a few things. First, I will tell you to register and vote. Second, I will not tell you who to vote for. Third, I will educate myself on the issues and plans at stake, prayerfully consider my own vote, and vote my conscience clearly. Finally, I will work to support whoever is elected. I encourage everyone to do the same.
6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091
96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 5692375 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
Rev. Yarboro is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Wetumpka.
Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 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 5412006 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 5675191 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 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5678750 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 5674441 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 5678649 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 5412418 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 5673665 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 5677455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 5672141 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 5675966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5676493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334538-9415 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 5672804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 5143656 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-
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 5692122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 2528618 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 5679211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 5143114 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 5678339 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 5678135 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 5141020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 5412552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist
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 5679143 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 5677750 Victory Temple (Pentecostal church) 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-7779 Words of Life Church 105 Cousins Rd., Wetumpka 5142730
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
AUGUST 11, 2016 • PAGE 7
WHO WAS ELVIS PRESLEY?
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His mother, Gladys Presley, was carrying twins, but his brother Jessie was stillborn, making Elvis an only child. Just before high school, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Elvis attended Humes High School, graduating in 1953. He began his career as a recording artist with Sun Records in 1954, and by 1956 he was famous. His music was revROXWLRQDU\ DW WKH WLPH ZLWK LQÀXHQFHV IURP ERWK JRVSHO PXVLF DQG WKH 5 % PXVLF KH HQMR\HG DV D WHHQDJHU Despite his career, Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and began a two-year term of service. While VWDWLRQHG LQ )ULHGEHUJ *HUPDQ\ LQ KH PHW KLV IXWXUH ZLIH 3ULVFLOOD %HDXOLHX 7KH\ PDUULHG RQ 0D\ 1967. After his return from the Army, Elvis continued his career as a musician and actor. He starred in over 30 ¿OPV $V KLV FDUHHU SURJUHVVHG KH EHFDPH D SRSXODU /DV 9HJDV SHUIRUPHU NQRZQ IRU KLV HFFHQWULF IDVKLRQ VW\OH (OYLV KDV VROG MXVW RYHU D ELOOLRQ UHFRUGV DQG LV D PXOWL SODWLQXP DUWLVW ZLWK QXPEHUV VWLOO FOLPELQJ WRGD\ He won three Grammy Awards for his music and was nominated 14 times. He was awarded the Grammy /LIHWLPH $FKLHYHPHQW $ZDUG EHIRUH WKH DJH RI +H ZDV FDOOHG ³7KH .LQJ RI 5RFN DQG 5ROO ´ ³7KH .LQJ ´ RU VLPSO\ ³(OYLV ´ +H ZDV DOVR IDPRXV IRU VD\LQJ ³7KDQN \RX WKDQN \RX YHU\ PXFK´ LQ KLV WUDGHPDUN GHHS YRLFH Elvis Presley died at his home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. Today, Graceland is a museum open to the SXEOLF 3UHVOH\ UHPDLQV RQH RI WKH WK &HQWXU\¶V PRVW SUROL¿F SRS FXOWXUH LFRQV
NAME THAT TUNE ELVIS HITS WORD FIND
/RRN DW WKH SLFWXUHV EHORZ DQG decide which famous Elvis song they represent. Use the hidden words from the word search for clues. 1. 1. __________
CRO RO ROSS
2. __________ 3. __________ 4. __________ 2.
3. Across Clues: %UDQFK RI VHUYLFH WKDW (OYLV MRLQHG 3. How many Grammies did Elvis win? 4. Number of years served in the Army. 6. Country where Elvis was stationed. 8. Today his home is a what? 10. The name of his Memphis estate. 11. City he performed in later in life. 12. Presley’s record sales have gone? Down Clues: :KDW ZDV KLV 0RWKHU¶V ¿UVW QDPH" 2. Elvis’ middle name was what? 4. A popular nickname for Elvis. 0RYHG KHUH MXVW EHIRUH KLJK VFKRRO 7. State in which Elvis was born. 9. Whom did Elvis marry?
4.
All Shook Up, Always On My Mind, Blue Christmas, Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, If I Can Dream, It’s Now or Never, Jailhouse Rock, Kentucky Rain, King Creole, Love Me Tender, Return To Sender, Viva Las Vegas, Wooden Heart 7XQH $QV .LQJ &UHROH +RXQG 'RJ %OXH 6XHGH Shoes 4)Heartbreak Hotel
THE KING’S GUITAR
Crossword Ans: Across- 2)Army 3)three 4)two 6) *HUPDQ\ PXVHXP *UDFHODQG /DV 9HJDV 12)Multiplatinum Down-1)Gladys 2)Aaron 4)The .LQJ 0HPSKLV 0LVVLVVLSSL 3ULVFLOOD
Connect the dots to see Elvis’ favorite instrument.
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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PANTHERS LOOK TO CAPITALIZE ON PLAYOFF CHANCES IN 2016
Above, Sophomore running back D.J. Patrick takes a handoff from senior quarterback Will Venable during the Panthers’ first fall practice Monday. Inset, Elmore County head football coach Norman Dean shows senior H-back Keshaan Bowman how to run a drill. Cory C ory Di Diaz D iaz / Th The Ob Observer
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Despite a nail-biting, 28-21 win over rival Tallassee to punctuate last season with an exclamation point, it may have been the most heartbreaking season’s end for Elmore County since 2011. The thrilling victory secured the Panthers’ first winning record, at 6-4, in four years, but the team still missed the Class 4A playoffs for the fourth consecutive campaign. “In the region we’re in, we’re 6-4, winning season, we beat a 5A team (Tallassee) going to the playoffs, beat St. James a 4A team going to the playoffs, beat Munford, a 4A team that goes to the semifinals and because of tiebreakers and our region, we don’t get to go (to the playoffs),” ECHS head football coach Norman Dean said. “The past three, four years, we’ve had good
quality teams, quality kids that play hard. “Our thing we’ve been pushing this year, hey, make one more play. Make one more play, get over the hump to make it. We’re trying to get there, we’ve got a good group of kids working hard, come this summer, been banging weights for three, four years. Now we got to translate and hopefully the ball bounces our way one time.” Similarly to its last trip to the postseason, Elmore County will feature a quarterback that started the season prior in rising senior Will Venable. In his first year starting, Venable threw for 1,299 yards on 88-for-180 passing with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The signal caller is also the Panthers’ returning leading rusher with 233 yards on 70 carries and two scores. Without do-it-all All-Star running back and Venable’s top passing target
Kell Floyd, Dean hopes rising junior wide out Terrence Head, starting for the second straight season, along with senior offensive linemen Jakobi Bickely (6-foot-6, 235) and Ryan Rush (6-foot-3, 270), to help smooth out the road back to the postseason. “We’ve only got four offensive guys back; a lot of holes to fill on the offensive side of the ball. (Having Venable back) that’s going to help,” Dean said. “Plus, we’ve got a go-to receiver in Head returning from last year. (Rising senior) Tyric Belyeu, he’s playing football again this year, that’s going to help. That’s two targets you can throw to that I think will give us an opportunity to be successful. We’ve thrown and caught the ball a little better than usually at this time of the year. I think we’re a step ahead in that.” Defensively, upperclassmen Bickley and Rush on the line lead a young group, that touts a trio of sophomores
who played often. Donovan Jones tied for the team lead in interceptions with two last year at linebacker, while Kwan Bickley and D.J. Patrick come back at safety and cornerback, respectively. “Guys been getting after it, getting a little bit better every day. Big things we’ve been pushing this year, give great effort and try to execute well,” Dean said. “In practice, the times we execute, we do alright. The times we get tired and we don’t execute, it looks bad. It’s like everybody else, we’ve got to push through the tired and execute. “We’re getting some good leadership. Our handful of older guys are stepping up, doing a good job with that. The chances we’re going to have, we’ve really got to take advantage of that.” ECHS opens the 2016 season Aug. 19, hosting Montgomery Academy at Burt-Haynie Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
ECHS volleyball loaded for deep run By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
One more rival standing in the way won’t deter Elmore County in its pursuit to add to its championship mantle. County rival Tallassee, a Class 5A school the last two years, dropped back down to 4A through the AHSAA reclassification released this past January and landed in Area 5, joining the Panthers with other county rival Holtville and Dadeville. ECHS seeks its seventh straight area title and eighth straight regional appearance this season, and senior hitter Hannah Traylor said the road to an area title stays the same. “I don’t think it makes it harder because in the past years, we’ve played Holtville and Dadeville, and have done really well against them,” Traylor said. “We’ve played Tallassee and in the past times, we’ve done really well against them, too. Sometimes we struggled but I think this year, at the rate we’re going at, it’s going to be pretty solid. We’re going to stay strong and I think we’re going to push through and get area again.” Traylor anchors a seasoned Panthers, who came one win shy of advancing to the state tournament in 2015, after a stellar junior campaign where she had 184 kills en route to earning a First-Team All-Area selection. While she wants to improve her stats as a senior, the hitter said she just wants to help lead a veteran team to victories. “I don’t want to be selfish, I want to help the team out and do whatever works to make the team win.”
Senior libero Madeline Taylor, junior middles Hannah Gibson and Hannah Hughes and sophomore outside hitter Madeline Traylor all give Elmore County five players with starting experience. Hannah Traylor lauded backups Haleigh Hart an Alyssa Thomas and said their performance in preseason practice will add needed depth to the rotation. “Haleigh Hart has come a really long way. She moved up on varsity this year, and she’s worked really, really hard to get the position that she’s got,” Traylor said. “She’s improved, she’s quicker now and her hits are a lot better. Also, Alyssa Thomas, a junior this year. She’s stepped up and she’s done a really good job in the back row. She’s gotten a bunch of her passes, she’s gotten a bunch of digs. She’s just all around gotten better.” The Panthers have worked harder and are more unified heading into this season, Traylor said, a key competent as the team hopes to keep its streaks alive, and yet reach higher. “We’re definitely going to have to be much more sharp. We’re not going to have much room for error, so we’ll have to cut down on our errors,” Traylor said. “We need to play the court well and know which spots we need to cover because most of the time, the other team finds opens spots we leave open. We just have to hit coverages and play really clean and smart.” ECHS opens the season Aug. 25, hosting Alabama Christian Academy and Benjamin Russell for a tri-match.
Cory Diaz / The Observer
Elmore County senior outside hitter Hannah Traylor spikes the ball during the team’s practice Tuesday in the ECHS gym.