August 15, 2018 The Eclectic Observer

ECHS named Bicentennial Schools

Panthers prep for cross country season with new coach

Kavanaugh to SCOTUS assures Trump legacy

Eclectic Observer LOCAL, Page 8

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OPINION, Page 4

The

WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 15, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 29, No. 33

Commission approves Talisi Cove plat

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

The Elmore County Commission voted to approve the plat located northeast of Eclectic of the Talisi

Cove subdivision during a regularly scheduled work session and meeting Aug. 13. According to Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer, the 54-lot plat was proposed by the developer, Alabama Power, in late May or early

June.

The commission also voted in favor of a memorandum of understanding that would provide Alabama Power with the funds to improve the roadway leading into the subdivision to meet county

standards.

Beyer said Alabama Power is now permitted to begin construction on roads and streets inside the subdivision and advertise lots in the subdivision for sale.

See COVE • Page 2

Lightning strike sparks Eclectic house fire

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Firefighters from multiple agencies put out a fire at an Eclectic residence in the afternoon of Aug. 7.

According to the Eclectic Fire Department, units arrived at the residence shortly after 1:30 p.m. to the 300 block of Haynie Creek Road and discovered the house had caught fire after it was struck by lightning.

See FIRE • Page 3

Commission honors former EMA director

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Emotions were high as the Elmore County Commission recognized outgoing Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Jones for his service to the public during its work session on Aug. 13.

Jones resigned from the county’s EMA effective Aug. 10 to take a job as the Alabama EMA Program Coordinator, according to commission chairman Troy Stubbs.

“We were very excited for Eric, for his family, and the opportunity that he’s worked diligently to achieve at this point in his career,” Stubbs said. “We’re also very sad to see him leave. We recognize the many contributions that he has made to Elmore County.”

During Jones’ 14-year term as county EMA Director, Stubbs said he applied for and administered nearly $5.5 million worth of grants on behalf of the county, managed and administered over $13.5 million of aid distribution See COMMISSION • Page 3

Submitted / Sue Huddleston

Maui resident Janna Hoehn is seeking the photos of five soldiers from Elmore County who died in the Vietnam War to be featured on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s online ‘Wall of Fame,’ as well as at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial’s Education Center, once it is built.

“I’m just hoping that someone will recognize their names and reach out to me. That’s not just a name, that’s a person. That’s somebody’s loved one.”

— Janna Hoehn

‘Wall of Faces’ Photos of local fallen Vietnam soldiers sought

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A

woman is seeking the community’s help in finding the photographs of five Elmore County men who where were killed in action while serving in the Vietnam, as part of a national initiative.

Maui resident Janna Hoehn said she has spent the past decade gathering photos of all United States soldiers who were listed as missing or killed in action.

Once photos are submitted, she said they are posted online at the virtual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund “Wall of Faces,” and will be put on display at the Education Center, which will be

built adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Out of the 23 fallen soldiers from Elmore County, Hoehn said she is looking for the photos of Richard Clark of Tallassee, Abraham Powell of Wetumpka, Harry M. Wadsworth of Millbrook, Dale K. Wilson of Tallassee and Albert Davis of Prattville.

Hopefully, she said family and friends who still live in the area will be able to help.

“I’m just hoping that someone will recognize their names and reach out to me,” Hoehn said. “That’s not just a name, that’s a person. That’s somebody’s loved one.”

While she is not entirely sure how she obtained photos of each of the other 18 soldiers, she said she likely received See SOLDIERS • Page 3

Sunset Park recently unveiled in EclecƟc Jason Stepney and kids in the Woodlawn subdivision celebrated the opening of Sunset Parkin the Woodlawn subdivision in Eclectic on July 13.

Weather

94 72

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

High

As of mid-July, kids who live in Eclectic’s Woodlawn subdivision now have a new place to go outside and play.

Sunset Park, which is located on Sunset Drive, opened on July 17. Eclectic resident Jason Stepney said he expanded upon a swing set that had been donated to him to build the park’s playground, added a trampoline and planted two trees. He said he’s still working on the park’s gazebo.

“We’re trying to make an area where they kids can hang out and relax, and also

Submitted /

Today’s

Low

THURSDAY: HIGH 92 LOW 72

See PARK • Page 2

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Obituaries David “Willie” Oren Williams David “Willie” Oren Williams passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2018. David is preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Alene Ragsdale, his father, Eldridge Williams, his sister, Elaine Cato and his brother, Danny Cato.

He is survived by his loving wife of 6 years, Joyce Williams. He leaves behind two sons: David “DJ” Williams (Dawn) and Lee Williams (Amanda). Three grandchildren: Austin and Dalton Williams and Abbi Williams. Siblings: Reba Williams Fulmer (Larry), Iva Williams Hamm (Buddy), Renda Williams Skinner (Daniel), Rebecca Williams Alexander (Ray), Jerry Lane Cato (Pamela), Vicky Williams Hall (Kim) and multiple nieces and nephews.

David served 18 years in the Navy and received multiple ribbons and awards for his service to our country. He always had a way of keeping you laughing and enjoyed spending time with his family.

A Military Service honoring David will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church, 375 Rigsby Road, Tallassee, AL 36078.

Alton “Al” Benefield Miller Alton “Al” Benefield Miller, 79, returned to his heavenly home on August 8, 2018 after complications with a respiratory illness. Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 28 years, Eloise “Weezie,” and his children, Mark Miller, Mike Miller (Amy), Missy Middlebrooks (Chad), Janice Hollon, Debra Bassell (Bruce), James “Buddy” Flournoy (Rhonda), John Flournoy (Debbie), and Barbara Hines. Al will also be fondly remembered by his 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, and by his sister, Nola Hampton. Al is preceded in death by four sisters. Al was a devoted member of the Georgia Road Church of Christ, and for the last 42 years a loved neighbor in the Eclectic community. His automotive garage was a steady and enduring fixture, known for being the best and fairest around. “Mr. Al,” as he was known by patrons and friends, always had a smile and a handshake for anyone who visited his establishment. He will be missed by one and all, but especially by his family.

He was an awesome dad. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Georgia Road Church of Christ, followed by the funeral and graveside service at 1:00 p.m. Minister Mel Futrel will be officiating, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Alton to the Georgia Road Church of Christ. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

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keep them from playing out in the street,” Stepney said.

During the construction process, Stepney said about 30 volunteers helped him with painting and building.

“It was a real community effort,” Stepney said. “Once they saw it was real, they started pitching in.”

At the opening ceremony, Stepney said the park was dedicated in honor of two children from the same family, Kenyatta and Lazarius Kendrick, who died. He said Kenyatta was a classmate of his son’s, and felt called by God to use the park to memorialize her and Lazarius.

“When (God) puts it on your heart, you give up and let Him lead you,” Stepney said.

Stepney said the idea for a park had been on his mind for a while, and he felt the need to make a playground more accessible to children in the area.

has also provided several volunteer opportunities.

Most recently, Oliver said her son, Yancey “Tyrece” Williams, spent the weekend giving free back-to-school haircuts from her house on Aug. 4 before joining Stepney at Sunset Park the next day to give out free backpacks, school supplies, clothes and shoes.

“I’m extremely ecstatic that someone trusted in God and took that leap of faith to do good for someone else,” Oliver said. “It shows that it doesn’t take a lot to have fun and come together.”

At a later date, Stepney said he plans on building a pavilion for families in the subdivision to host barbecues and other events.

“We’re looking forward in the future to having more things happen,” Stepney said.

continued from page 1

Over the past few days, Beyer said the commission has received lots of feedback from the community. He said many of the complaints they have received do not relate to the county’s subdivision regulations.

“Most of them deal with items related to traffic on the lake, environmental concerns related to the lake. Those are all items that actually the developer would be in a position to handle through their process,” Beyer said.

One member of the audience, who identified himself as a longtime Realtor, said he and other residents

near the subdivision were not aware the commission would be voting on the issue until the day before.

The Realtor said he and other residents were interested in voicing their opinions and working out a compromise.

“As a Realtor of 49 years, a builder and a developer, compromise is what’s necessary. We’re not trying to stop this, but there needs to be some compromise on this plan, because it will kill our slough,” he said.

In other business, the commission heard a presentation from Family Sunshine Center Family Services Executive Director Tay Knight, approved an emergency preparedness grant for MidSouth RC&D, ratified the appointment of David Rogers as Tallassee’s representative to the county’s EMS Board and approved budgetary amendments to allow the sheriff to provide two resource officers to Elmore County Public Schools.

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“There was nowhere for them to have 24-hour access to a playground,” Stepney said. “Some parents can’t always take their kids across town to Panther Palace when they want to play.”

According to Stepney, the park was built in conjunction with God’s Backyard Bible Camp, which was held in the afternoons from July 9 through July 13. Stepney said the Bible camp was the result of a collaboration with the First Baptist Church of Eclectic.

“Every afternoon, the kids would have an event over there,” Eclectic resident Vickie Leonard-Oliver said.

“I’m glad someone is stepping up to do things for one another. Actions, to me, speak louder than words.”

Since the playground opened, Oliver said she has seen firsthand how it has positively impacted the community. In addition to serving as a place to play, she said the playground

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We look forward to celebrating your milestones with you.

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AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 3

Commission

continued from page 1

when disaster struck the county on several occasions and established the Elmore County Emergency Operations Center.

During the work session, the county commission named the operations center’s conference and training room in his honor.

Stubbs recalled Jones’ efforts in organizing volunteers and cleaning up debris when tornados devastated parts of Elmore County in 2011.

“During that time, Eric administered, and organized and led all of those 5,700 registered volunteers,” Stubbs said. “At that time the county removed, with the assistance of the volunteers and Eric’s leadership, 3.2 million cubic feet of debris, which would equate to covering 72 football fields.”

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said he couldn’t say what quality he most admired in Jones, but he appreciated his leadership skills.

“A lot of times, people will come out because they’re in charge of a particular division of whatever and just start barking orders at everybody about what they need to do. Eric never was like that,” Franklin said. “Eric would come out, and he’d take part in whatever duties that needed to be performed and just work as a regular guy.”

Both Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley and Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock thanked Jones on behalf of their cities and wished him well working with the state EMA. “I’ve only been mayor less than two years in Tallassee, and we had a

Amalia Kortright / The Observer

Former Elmore County EMA Director Eric Jones, center left, was honored by the county commission after he accepted a position as the state EMA program coordinator.

dangerous situation earlier this year where a chlorine tank ruptured into an employee’s face,” Hammock said. “When I got out of the hospital to make sure he was okay and got back to city hall, Eric was there with my fire department and police department. He had already coordinated the hazmat team to come out of Trussville to sweep the area and make sure it was safe for us to re-enter.”

Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer, who is said to have worked closely with Jones over the years, said he will miss working with him. Beyer remembered, during the 2011 tornado outbreak, how the storms missed both his and Jones’ houses.

“We were spared for a reason. Neither one of us understood it at the time, but the people in this county are better off for it,” Beyer said. “From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate what you’ve done for this county, for me. I look forward to seeing you grow at the state level. And I hope, one day, you and I get to work side by side again.”

While he has received an abundance of praise from county leaders, Jones credited their support for his accomplishments.

“I do not need to be sitting up here starting to name people, or I’ll be up here all night long,” Jones said. “Those agencies and the support I’ve had from all of them have been unbelievable. It’s

awesome to be in the position that I’m in, to be able to see all of it come together.”

He said the efforts from volunteers from the county and his staff members have “moved mountains.”

Lastly, Jones thanked his family, who he said has supported him and sacrificed for him throughout his career.

“This is my personal cell phone. This is the first time in 14 years I ain’t got but one phone on my hip. Normally I’ve had three. They’ve had to compete with those other two,” Jones said. “I knew what I was signing on for, but they didn’t. I could not have asked for a better, more supportive family than what I have, and I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

Soldiers

Submitted / The Observer

Firefighters from multiple areas assisted the Eclectic Fire Department in containing and extinguishing a house fire on Haynie Creek Road.

Fire

continued from page 1

Once they arrived, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from all sides of the house.

Because of the conditions of the interior of the building, crews were forced to withdraw and cut ventilation holes in the roof to allow some of the heat and smoke to escape.

The EFD stated that firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire within minutes.

About a half hour after arriving, firefighters had extinguished everything except for some smoldering insulation.

The EFD was assisted by the Tallassee, Friendship, Red Hill and Santuck Fire Departments. EFD Lt.

Andrew Wood said the fire was contained to the attic of the house, but the majority of the building had heavy smoke and water damage.

According to Wood, no one was injured. He said everyone in the house was alerted by the smoke alarm and were able to safely evacuate.

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continued from page 1

them from relatives.

For the project, Hoehn said she has worked from state to state and has completed gathering photos from 21 states. She said she started on Alabama two months ago, and has already completed six counties.

Hoehn said the Vietnam War took place when she was in high school, and ended around the time she graduated. Two of her cousins, one of which died as the result of the lasting effects of Agent Orange, served in the war.

At the time, Hoehn said she saw a great deal of opposition to the war and the ill treatment of many returning soldiers. “Vietnam was an extremely unpopular war. There were lots of protests. When they came home, they were not honored as heroes. They were drafted. They had no choice.

They were just doing what they were told,” Hoehn said. “I just want to make sure that the fallen are not forgotten. They deserve to be honored and remembered.”

Anyone in possession of photos of Clark, Powell, Wadsworth or Wilson is encouraged to send them to Hoehn at neverforgotten2014@gmail.com.

For more information about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center, visit Vvmf.org/thewall.

Hoehn also said any Elmore County residents who wish to help can do so by doing research at local libraries for obituaries or local high schools to look through old yearbooks.

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Page 4 • AUGUST 15, 2018

Opinion

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Brett Kavanaugh to SCOTUS assures Trump legacy

T

he appointment of a United States Supreme Court Justice is one of the most profound legacies that a U. S. President can achieve.

The opportunity that President Donald Trump was given to appoint Neil Gorsuch to the high tribunal last year will be a monumental achievement of the Trump administration.

The chance to name a second Supreme Court appointment will be a colossal legacy for the Trump presidency. The appointment of two seats on the Supreme Court has given Trump an indelible place in U.S. presidential history.

The leftist detractors of the Trump presidency are moaning.

However, the conservative base of American politics has got to be rejoicing with hallelujahs.

The quiet, conservative Americans who voted for Trump probably never realized how impactful their vote for Trump was in November 2016.

For within less than two years after casting a vote they will have placed America on a more stable conservative path for not only the rest of their lives, but possibly for the next generation.

President Trump’s appointment and subsequent confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to replace the deceased Antonin Scalia was a profound choice.

However, his selection of Brett Kavanaugh to replace the retiring jurist Anthony Kennedy is equally brilliant. If Trump does nothing else during his tenure in the White House, if you are a conservative American, Trump’s presidency has been a rousing overwhelming success.

When the last votes were counted in November 2016, and it became obvious that Donald Trump had defeated Hillary Clinton, conservative Americans were exuberant.

Many had turned out to vote for one reason. The possibility of naming a conservative to the Supreme Court was their primary reason for voting for

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist Trump. The naming of two within two years was beyond their wildest dreams.

With the conclusion of the eight-year reign of the liberal Obama era and Trump’s defeat of Clinton, President Obama made one last simple, profound statement, “Elections have consequences.” That epitaph has become prophetic.

The court had been drifting leftward out to sea with the two extremely liberal Obama appointees, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor coming on board. However, the Supreme Court Ship of State has taken a turn to the right under the helm of Captain Trump.

Brett Kavanaugh is an excellent selection. He has impeccable credentials. He is only 53 years old, which means that he will be a sensible mainstream conservative voice of the court for probably three decades.

Kavanaugh’s resume reads like a profile of someone born to be a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Like most Supreme Court members, he graduated from a prestigious Ivy League Law school. He is a product of Yale undergraduate and Yale Law School.

Kavanaugh was the favorite for the appointment from the beginning. He was always on the top of Trump’s short list and the choice of the Republican legal establishment in Washington. He is a former law clerk of the retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Although Kennedy had been appointed by Republican Ronald Reagan, he was considered the one moderate on the court. There are four bona fide liberal justices and four stalwart conservatives.

Kennedy was the swing

vote in the middle. Trump’s appointment of Kavanaugh will replace a swing vote on the nine-member court with a staunch conservative.

Kavanaugh served in George W. Bush’s administration and has been a distinguished jurist in the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit for over a decade and has written over 300 opinions. Therefore, his record as a jurist has been thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized. He is looked upon as a top legal scholar and strict constitutional adherent with a record of following judicial precedence.

Kavanaugh will be confirmed along pretty much the same partisan lines as Gorsuch.

Trump is blessed with a Republican majority Senate.

Leader Mitch McConnell will put the confirmation hearings on a fast track and have Kavanaugh approved by the end of October, prior to the mid-term elections. The Republicans have a thin 51 to 49 majority.

All 51 Republican Senators appear to be on board for confirmation. Our Senator Richard Shelby has given a big thumbs up to Kavanaugh.

In addition to the 51 Republicans, Kavanaugh is expected to pick up four Democratic Senate votes of moderate Democrats from red states.

The big question is how does our new accidental anomaly, Democratic Senator Doug Jones vote. He is considered a longshot to win in 2020.

However, a yes vote on confirmation could give him a glimmer of hope. A no vote would guarantee his not being elected to a full term.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature.

Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us

The Democrats’ rhetoric is just as dangerous as Trump’s

T

his week a New York man, Carlos Bayon, was arrested after leaving threatening messages for House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., promising to go after their families and “feed them lead.”

When police raided his home, they found 200 rounds of ammunition as well receipts for an assault rifle and handgun and books with titles such as “How to create a foolproof new identity,” “Middle Eastern Terrorist Bomb Designs” and “Silent But Deadly,” instructions for making homemade silencers.

This is the same Steve Scalise who barely survived an assassination attempt last year when James Hodgkinson, a Bernie Sanders campaign volunteer, fired at least 70 rounds in his attack on Republicans practicing on an Alexandria, Va., field for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise was shot in the hip, spent weeks in the ICU, and had to undergo multiple surgeries.

It’s worth keeping these incidents in mind as we listen to the rising chorus of warnings that the president’s irresponsible attacks on the media will result in violence. CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta recently tweeted, “I’m very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt.”

And New York Times columnist Bret Stephens warned, “We are approaching a day when blood on the newsroom floor will be blood on the president’s hands.”

imagine how an unbalanced mind could be influenced by MARC overheated rhetoric by people in positions of authority.

THIESSEN Let’s be clear: No individual, Columnist Democrat or Republican, is responsible for the violent actions of a deranged person.

But we are all collectively Let’s pray something so responsible for creating the awful never comes to pass. climate of hatred that is But by that standard, the permeating our politics today. blood on the Alexandria field Those who call Republicans was blood on the Democrats’ Nazis and terrorists, and call hands. Before shooting Trump supporters “deplorables” Scalise, Hodgkinson joined who “didn’t like black people Facebook groups such as “Join getting rights” are just as guilty the Resistance Worldwide,” of feeding this climate of hate “Terminate the Republican as those who call journalists the Party,” and “The Road To Hell “enemy of the people.”

Is Paved With Republicans.”

Here’s an idea: If we are He posted that “Trump is a really concerned that the state Traitor” and “Republicans are the Taliban of the USA.” Where of our political discourse is going to get someone killed, did he get the idea to compare Republicans to terrorists? Well, then maybe people on both sides should cut it out. I’ve just to give one example: been outspoken in my criticism During the 2016 campaign, of those on the right who Clinton compared Republicans engage in divisive rhetoric. to al-Qaeda and the Taliban, declaring “Now, extreme views It would be nice if voices on on women, we expect that from the left would do the same some of the terrorist groups, we on their side. Journalists are not “the enemy of the expect that from people who don’t want to live in the modern people,” and don’t deserve to be called such. But while world, but it’s a little hard to they express understandable take from Republicans.” outrage over being labeled And Bayon, the man enemies, they should also be who threatened Scalise doing a better job of calling and McMorris Rogers, was out Democrats who compare reportedly driven to rage over Republicans to our actual Trump’s border policies. enemies. Because demonizing Many Americans were our fellow Americans is not outraged by the horrific policy only wrong and dangerous when of family separation, but it Republicans are the ones doing is inexcusably irresponsible the demonizing. for those such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to compare Marc A. Thiessen’s column Trump’s policies with those of Nazi Germany and the detention is provided by The Washington Post News Service & Syndicate. centers along the U.S.-Mexico border to Hitler’s concentration Follow him on Twitter @ marcthiessen. camps. It isn’t difficult to

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AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 5

EFD conducts live fire training

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

The Eclectic Fire Department recently completed a live fire training session at a donated structure in the 5500 block of Georgia Road last month.

For each training session, Lt. Andrew Wood said structures are donated by residents who would have demolished them otherwise. “Training sessions on acquired structures allow us to train personnel on tactics and operations in the most realistic conditions,” Wood said.

According to Wood, firefighters used the structure to train for weeks in advance before it was burned on July 28.

“In the weeks preceding the live burn, EDF personnel utilized the structure to train on ventilation, forcible entry, rapid intervention techniques and other fireground skills,” Wood said. “On the morning of the live burn, live fire instructors with the Eclectic Fire Department oversaw training on interior, transitional and exterior fire attacks.”

While members of the EFD typically undergo live fire training at least quarterly in “traditional, wood-frame structures,” Wood said the structure they recently used involved several differences that trained firefighters on how to adapt to working in different environments.

“This structure was a mobile home that had been renovated multiple times,” Wood said. “This resulted in a false roof, a more traditional living room and a walk-in crawl space under the structure.”

Wood said many of the firefighters who went through the training came out better prepared for the next emergency. Since the training, Wood said firefighters have used the skills they developed during the session during at least one incident.

Submitted / The Observer

EFD firefighters used a trailer to conduct live fire training during a July 28 session. Typically, Lt. Andrew Wood said the EFD utilizes wooden structures.

Depot Players to debut ‘Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean’

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

The Wetumpka Depot Players are gearing up for their performance of “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean,” which was written by Ed Graczyk and is directed by Tom Salter.

The show will premiere on Sept. 20, and run through Oct. 6.

“It’s about a group of ladies who have returned to the local dime store to gather for their 20th reunion of their little group that they called ‘The Disciples of Jimmy Dean.’ These women were all in high school when the movie, ‘Giant,’ was being filmed on location in Marfa, Texas,” Wetumpka Depot Players Executive Director Kristy Meanor said.

According to Meanor, “Jimmy Dean” is a fictional work that revolves around the true, dramatic backstory behind the movie “Giant.”

“James Dean was killed during the filming of that movie,” Meanor said. “These fictional ladies were all in his fan club, and of course, it was such a huge thing to be in the same town where he was.”

Auditions took place in late July, and the cast includes Janie Allred, Chantel Oakley, Skylar Frye, Leslie Blackwell, Lauren Norris, Reese Lynch, Marcella Willis, Cindy Smith, Venna Everett and Ellen Anne Singleton.

“We have cast the show with a talented group from around the River Region,” Meanor said. “All of these artists will be wonderful in this play. It was obvious from their first read-through that this group has great chemistry. Under

Amalia Kortright / The Observer

The Wetumpka Depot Players production of “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean,” features a predominantly female cast and is directed by Tom Salter.

Tom’s direction, the show has hit written all over it.”

As director, Salter said his process is to start with the script and assess the cast. He said his goal with the play is to help the actors perform the role in the way that works best for them while engaging the audience.

“The director, from my view, has two jobs. First, to help each actor find their character and make it their

own. Second, to communicate the message of the playwright to the audience,” Salter said.

“We use the actors, set, lights and props to tell the story in a way that the audience suspends their disbelief and becomes involved in the story.”

Meanor described the play as nostalgic, with secrets and twists that emerge throughout the show. She said the time frame of the show makes it unique, because it features

flashbacks between two decades.

“It’s an interesting play in that, while it takes place in ‘75, there are flashback scenes that go back to the 50s,” Meanor said. “From staging the show, that’s a unique opportunity to have to different time periods represented.

Salter referred to directing “Jimmy Dean” as “very challenging work,” and said it has been one of his favorite

plays for years.

“The characters are rich and complicated, and there are some staging issues with flashbacks in character’s minds that have to be clearly communicated to audiences,” Salter said. “It’s a wonderful show.”

Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information about show times or tickets, visit Wetumpkadepot.com.

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PAGE 6 • AUGUST 15, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 7

Man sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

A man who formerly listed an address in Wetumpka was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July.

James Rembert, 21, was initially arrested and charged with murder on March 3, 2016. The charge was later reduced.

According to court documents, Rembert Rembert allegedly fatally shot Derrick Bowman in the chest on Jan. 30, 2016. Bowman was found unresponsive at a residence

on Jones Street by the Prattville Police Department. Bowman was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Rembert was originally booked into the Autauga Metro Jail on a bond of $250,000. His bond was later increased to $350,000.

As part of his sentencing order, Rembert was given credit for the time her served in jail. Rembert was also ordered to pay all court costs associated with the case, $10,000 in fines and other fees. Court documents stated the payment of court-ordered money will be a condition of parole, early release, work release or probation.

At the time of his sentencing, Rembert was already serving a 10-year

sentence for robbery in the first degree. He had been at the William E.

Donaldson Correctional Facility since October 2017.

PAGE 8 • AUGUST 15, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Submitted / The Observer

About 200 schools throughout the state, including Elmore County High School and Wetumpka Middle School, were recognized by Gov. Kay Ivey in Montgomery on Aug. 3.

Two Elmore County schools named Bicentennial Schools

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief

Two local schools were recently selected as official Alabama Bicentennial School by Gov. Kay Ivey, according to an Aug. 3 announcement. The Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative serves as a way for schools to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Alabama’s foundation, according to a press release from Ivey’s office.

Both Elmore County High School and Wetumpka Middle School were

chosen along with 200 other schools from around the state. All Alabama Bicentennial Schools will receive $2,000 grants that will go toward the implementation of community service projects.

The 400 schools that applied sent in proposals for projects intended to connect students to the community.

Projects were chosen by committees of local educators, community leaders and private citizens.

“One of the core objectives of the bicentennial is to get Alabamians thinking about what makes our state

special, and what they want it to be,” Bicentennial Commission Education Committee co-chair Steve Murray said. “The terrific projects developed by the Alabama Bicentennial Schools will create opportunities for students to learn about the importance of community, and to discover the ability they have to shape the future of their corner of the state.”

Ivey said she was proud to see such a large response to the program and to see so many schools being honored. “The Alabama Bicentennial celebration is about bringing

communities together and getting all of our citizens involved,” Ivey said.

“The schools being honored are a great representation of that goal.”

According to ECHS and WMS representatives, projects will be announced soon.

Elmore County Public Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis said he was excited and proud for both schools, and plans to honor them at the next Board of Education meeting on Aug. 20.

“It’s great recognition for our schools,” Dennis said.

Trial, plea dates set for former WPD officer charged with rape

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The trial for a former Wetumpka police officer charged with rape in the first degree has been set for Sept. 17.

Nolan Moseley, 32, who lists an address on Spring

Drive, pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment in a July proceeding. He is scheduled to enter a formal plea on Sept. 4. Both Moseley and his defense attorney, Jim T. Norman III, are ordered to personally appear for the plea date.

Moseley was initially

arrested on July 26, following an investigation by the State Bureau Investigation and an indictment issued about a week prior to the arrest. Moseley Moseley was booked into the Elmore County Jail on a bond of $40,000. He was released shortly after his arrest, according to Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin.

According to Elmore County Senior Assistant District Attorney Mandy Johnson, Moseley and the victim had known each other prior to the incident.

Johnson did not elaborate on the nature of their relationship in order to

protect the victim’s privacy.

Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton said Moseley was not employed with the WPD, and had resigned in February, two weeks before the incident occurred.

Assistant Chief Ed Reeves said Moseley’s resignation was not related to the case.

When the assault was reported to the WPD, Reeves said the case was turned over to the SBI. “With him being a former (WPD) officer, we weren’t going to work the case,” Reeves said.

First-degree rape is a Class A felony. Moseley could face a life sentence in prison if found guilty.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 9

A better way to live

“C

onfident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”

(Philemon 21-22) Paul had just asked his friend Philemon to do a counter-cultural thing--to take back his runaway slave Onesimus. He not only asked him to take him back without punishing or killing him, he asked his friend to forgive his disobedience and to receive him back as a brother in Christ.

This little letter is a jewel, a masterful demonstration of how Christians persuade instead of demand cooperation from one another. The verses I selected for today’s meditation convey three important reminders about our life in Christ.

Look at Paul’s words: “Confident of your obedience,” and remember that we should

have confidence in each other to do the right thing. Even though Paul had asked a hard thing, he told his old friend that he trusted him to do what he should. There’s no shortage of doubt and suspicion in the world around us, and plenty of justification for those cautious attitudes. Broken promises and unkept commitments may jade our outlook on life and the people around us. It’s tempting to bring that same mindset into the church. But in the body of Christ, there should be a higher level of honesty, reliability and trust. We who love and serve the same Lord should be able to trust each other. We’re supposed to tell the truth and keep our word.

Truly, not all church members are genuinely converted and we are all still flawed and imperfect.

But optimistic confidence, not skeptical distrust, should characterize our interactions.

Then think about this phrase: “knowing that you will do even

MIKE MCELROY East Tallassee Church of Christ more than I say.” Here’s the spirit of loving, joyful obedience. Paul knew his friend, and knew that his heart would go beyond letterof-the-law compliance. Do you take advantage of opportunities to serve, obey God and show his love with free and willing joy, or do you have a contract-like mentality that is looking for the very least you can do and get by?

It may be okay to make deals like that in the marketplace. You may have to fulfill some contractual obligations in a very precise way.

But we shouldn’t be like that in our relationship with God. Will we repay the Lord’s gracious generosity and kindness toward us with grudging, bare-minimum obedience?

And then here’s a reminder that God’s grace works through means, in this case, prayer. “I am hoping that through your prayers, I will be graciously given to you.” Paul knew it would be a gift of grace if the Lord allowed him to get out of prison and travel back to Colosse to see his friend again. But he also knew that Philemon’s prayers somehow influenced God to grant that grace to him. We should remember this too, and not just about answered prayer. God’s grace is mediated through various channels--the proclamation of the gospel or a beautiful song.

We may see God’s grace in a friend’s comforting words or a stranger’s kind actions. Our own prayers may be the very means God uses to bless someone dear to us. When we cultivate a strong dependence on God and confess that to him in regular, fervent prayer, we are far more likely to see his grace at work in our lives, even in unpleasant or difficult

matters.

It’s not always easy to live with hope and joy. But we can learn to trust instead of always being suspicious. We can serve without thinking about doing the very least we can. And when we are careful to look, we can see God’s grace coming through the people and circumstances around us. These attitudes make it easier to have a calm, pleasant optimism about life. I want that.

Don’t you?

Mike McElroy is pastor at East Tallassee Church of Christ and a regular faith columnist for The Observer.

WANNA WRITE FOR THE OBSERVER? If you are interested in being a faith columnist for The Observer, please email amalia.kortright@ thewetumpkaherald.com.

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 5672917 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 5414444 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 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 285-5125 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), Titus 514-7304 Millbrook Baptist 3431 Browns Road, Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 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 5675837

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Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 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 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 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., Wetump-

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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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100

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

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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

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

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Sports

8

DAYS UNTIL FOOTBALL PAGE 10 • AUGUST 15, 2018

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com TheWetumpkaHerald.com

The

Observer

PROGRAM REBUILD Panthers prep for cross country season with new coach

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

The Elmore County cross country team is looking to build its program under first-year coach Joseph Snelick.

The team has struggled in recent years to find consistency with runners and Snelick said it could take some time.

“Running isn’t big here at all so it’s tough,” he said. “My biggest goal is to just get five guys out there consistently.”

Snelick is a Texas native who ran track at Texas A&M in 2009. After finishing as a state runner-up in high school, he was a part of the nation’s top recruiting class for the Aggies that season. Snelick said running is his passion but getting that dedication from the kids can be a challenge.

The team has been running in the mornings during the first week of practice to avoid the heat of the afternoons. The coach said he had a few kids dedicated to getting in the work over the summer but he expects a bigger turnout with the students being back in school.

The Panthers have already spotted their lead runners for the season. Junior

File / The Observer

Elmore County’s Zefeniah Edwards gives the Panthers a formidable runner in the 800-meter race.

Zefeniah Edwards returns as one of the top athletes. He holds the 1,600 school record for outdoor track but will be looking to set his mark on the cross country competitions this season.

“Running is definitely his thing,” Snelick said. “You can tell it’s his passion so it’s easy to keep him focused.”

Freshman Logan Pack returns to the team in his first season as a high school student. He still finished with team bests in the 3,000 (11:52.01) and the 2.1 mile (13:57.86) last season. Both of those times are listed as the school’s all-time records.

Those two runners will be joined by senior Jake Taunton, sophomore Alex Simmons and freshman Reece Bakers as Snelick’s top runners for the 2018 season.

Snelick said the Panthers are still in the process of scheduling meets but it looks like the first competition will have to wait until the team gets in a few more practices. Snelick said they will shoot for the Central Alabama X-C Invitational as their first meet, which will be held in Montgomery on Sept.

22.

File / The Observer

Lady Panthers ready for another title defense The Elmore County volleyball program has become a Class 4A dynasty over the last decade. The Lady Panthers have won eight consecutive area championships under coach Kim Moncrief and they will be looking to extend that streak this season.

“The girls are fired up every single year,” Moncrief said. “They know people are targeting them so they work very hard because no one wants the streak to end with them.”

The team is coming off of a 19-10 season in which the Panthers made it to the state finals. Seven players from that squad graduated last year but the bar is still set high

entering the 2018 season.

Moncrief is beginning her 10th season as the head coach of Elmore County and she has built a program that has high expectations every season.

“It can all end in a minute though,” Moncrief said. “We cannot underestimate anyone.

We have to keep working and keep holding the bar a little higher every year.”

The Panthers are returning several players from last season’s varsity squad, led by Madison Traylor. The senior is the leading offensive player for the team, finishing with 246 kills during the 2017 season.

Grace Barlet is back for her senior season as well while classmate Tatyana Harden returns to the court after a two-year absence from

the team. Juniors Brianna Baker and Mirriam Foster will also be returning to the varsity squad.

Moncrief said the team’s first goal is to win the area’s regular season so it can host the area tournament.

However, the Panthers still have their eyes set on a higher goal, with a return to the state championships in mind.

In past seasons, Elmore County has challenged themselves with tough games outside of the area to help prepare for the playoffs. Last year, the Panthers played up against Class 6A schools and defeated both Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell at the end of the regular season.

“We’ve always challenged the girls with the scheduling,” Moncrief said.

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“For some of the non-area games, we like to go and play against the bigger schools.”

Everyone knows who the favorite in Class 4A Area 5 is but that does not stop the Panthers from working hard.

Moncrief said the team has been getting used to the new personnel and working on some different drills during the first week of practice.

“We have some competitive and hardworking athletes,” she said.

“We never know when this streak will stop so we keep trying as hard as we can to.”

Elmore County will begin its season on the road Aug. 28 with a tri-match against Catholic-Montgomery and Charles Henderson. The team will begin its area title defense Sept. 11 with a match against Handley.

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ver the last decade, I have attended more than 100 high school football playoff games. I could not tell you when my first one was or when my last one will be, but I can tell you the ones I will remember forever.

I have seen 60-point blowouts at the AISA level and I have seen triple overtime thrillers at the Class 6A level. I have seen players who are on to the National Football League and I have seen players who never want to touch a football again.

For me, my love of the lights started early on. I remember throwing the ball around, as kids do, underneath the concrete stands for the first three quarters of a game then running to the fence to see what the fans were cheering about as the clock ticked down.

When I was in middle school, I remember getting that first taste of a true high school rivalry. My future high school defeated the hated rivals on a cool October night to clinch the school’s second (and most recent) region championship. Two years later, I was a freshman and got to see my school defeat that same rival by 41 points, starting a streak of five consecutive wins over the school not to be named.

As a high school student, I was the one charting out every scenario to figure out how my school would win a tiebreaker and make it to the playoffs for just one more game. It was worth it during my sophomore year because somehow, my school made it into the playoffs with a 3-7 record after winning the fiveway tiebreaker for the region’s final playoff spot.

Of course, my school spirit could not be waivered by losses.

During my senior season, I painted up for every game – that’s right, I was one of those kids – and we never had a down moment in the student section.

The game that stands out the most may be our pregame excitement (and paint job) before losing a game by 55 points.

The team played in only two playoff games during my high school years but I did not love it any less. It may have made me angrier at the time but the memories are only good.

I began working the sidelines of Friday night games the fall after I graduated from high school. I’ve seen the coaches and players up close and I’ve heard the noise of the crowds at ground level. I’ve seen the football stars, the botched calls, the shaky kickers, the angry coaches and even the “all in good fun” band battles.

It does not matter who your school is, there is nothing like a Friday night on a football field under the lights. It should be a time everyone involved will never forget. And that time is now.

Welcome to football season.

Caleb Turrentine is a sports writer for The Observer.

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