Play for Peyton: Lady Indians dedicate season to fallen teammate. See Sports, Page 12. Wetumpka, AL 36092
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
Captured
Suspected robber Duchawn Redden, 24, of Jacksons Gap, was apprehended approximately 15 minutes after running away from the scene of the robbery at the Wetumpka downtown branch of PNC Bank.
VOL. 11, NO. 7
Suspect in downtown Wetumpka PNC bank robbery apprehended
Wetumpka Civic Center. Wetumpka Police Chief Danny Billingsley said they saw the suspect, Duchawn Redden, 24, of Jacksons Gap, Alabama, running away from the scene of the robbery at the downtown branch of PNC Bank.
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A robbery suspect charged in Wednesday’s Wetumpka bank heist led a concerted team of city, county and state law enforcement on a short-lived chase that ended at the
YMCA to induct four into Hall of Fame
Elmore County graduation rates higher than state average
By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor
The Wetumpka YMCA will induct four members into the Hall of Fame March 3 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Inductees span all the way back to 1970 when the Wetumpka YMCA was formed. Inductees are Earl Ryser, Edwin Sanford, Wendell Saxon and Sally Stevens. YMCA spokesperson Lois Pribulick said this year’s inductees were chosen for their involvement and contributions to the YMCA. She said nominations for induction are submitted, reviewed by the board and individuals that stand out for their accomplishments are selected. “Not all the nominations are selected,” she said. “We look at what they have done and what they have accomplished.” Ryser has served on the See YMCA • Page 2
“He ran down the river and all through the woods,” Billingsley said. “And wound back up at the civic center.” Wetumpka police, county sheriff’s department and a state trooper were on the scene and chased down See ROBBERY • Page 2
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
of 2016, to reward those who served and to install new officers and board of director members for 2016. Elmore County Probate Judge John Enslen swore in Joel Hunt as the new director of the board; Lee Macon, first vice chairman; Michelle Walden, second vice chairman and Ricky Roberts, treasurer. Cody Williamson of the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel was recognized as the William F. Sahlie Volunteer of the Year. The award recognizes an individual for their
Elmore County School system scored 1 percent higher than the state standard in the 2012-2015 graduation rates released by the Department of Education through the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Overall, Alabama had an 89 percent graduation rate according to the FERPA rates and Elmore County had a 90 percent rate over those four years. “We’re very pleased with it, our people have worked really hard here in our system with our children and were seeing the progress that we want to see and we’re very proud of it,” said Andre Harrison, Elmore County School System Superintendent. He said there was a benchmark set for the state this year with a goal of reaching an 86 percent graduation rate. And, at a state average of 89 percent, with ECSS surpassing that by a percent, Harrison said he was very proud of what the school system had done. Another aggregate released recently by the Alabama State Department of
See CHAMBER • Page 2
See GRADUATION • Page 2
Contributed by Barry Chrietzberg / The Herald
Keyesta Sherman, outgoing chairperson, passes the gavel to incoming chairperson Joel Hunt.
JUMPING BACK TO FUTURE Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce has annual meeting
By JOHN W. PEELER Managing Editor
It was back to the “Roaring ‘20s” Tuesday at the Wetumpka Civic Center as the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce had its annual meeting and banquet. Although dressing in ‘20s style was optional, many took advantage of the occasion to travel back to the time of ‘Flapper’style clothing, feathered headbands and gangster suits. But, the purpose of the meeting was to take a look back at 2015 and to the future
Elmore County firefighters gather for extrication class By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Corey Arwood / The Herald
Frank Bondra, of Holmatro Rescue Tools, displays the technique and tools of his trade to a group of Elmore County firefighters at their yearly extrication training where they learn how to chop into cars and remove wreck victims more effectively and safely.
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Fire Fighters from all over Elmore County were gathered at the Elmore County Firefighters Association for a chance to learn about the latest techniques and tools used to remove a person from a mangled mess of a vehicle. They gathered outside at night in freezing temperatures around an older Ford Taurus and one by one took turns hacking away at the doorframes and hood. The hydraulic power tools of choice that night included a spreader, a cutter and a ram. The spreader, John Wilson, Chairman of the ECFA, said was designed to stick in and
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pop off a car door. The cutter was to cut through the post of the car and the ram was a jack-like tool to push heavy objects out the way. The whole set ran about $30,000 dollars Wilson said. A floodlight lit the car and the mix of steam and smoke from the breath of the fire fighters and the dust from the chop job they were working on. Andrew McCullers who had been in the Elmore County fire system for 17 years and joined when he was 16 said the suits kept them warm, a benefit, he assured, only during winter. He said that he had been to
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Page 2 • FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Robbery
continued from page 1
the suspect all in 15 minutes or so, Billingsley said. The sheriff’s department brought out the hounds and searched for any discarded evidence or money after the capture, he said. It all went down around 12:30 p.m. Billingsley said, after the perpetrator produced a note demanding money. Billingsley said he did not want to specify the amount taken, but said, ”It wasn’t that large of an amount, but it was quite a bit,” Billingsley said. “Not thousands of thousands of dollars.” All of the money was recovered and
it was a team effort, Billingsley said. “It was a good program everybody jumped in there and helped,” Billingsley said. Redden is now being held in the county jail on charges of robbery in the first degree. Billingsley said he did not know of any prior offenses, or if Redden was suspected of any connection to other crimes in the area. The investigation is ongoing, Billingsley said.
Chamber
continued from page 1
service to the community. Vanessa Lynch, executive director of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce, said Williamson has been a visible and viable member of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce for several years, in particular in his role as a member of the board of directors and the chairman in 2014. “In spite of his busy schedule and demanding position as general manager of Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, Cody rarely missed a meeting or appearance and went above and beyond the expectations for a great board member,” Lynch said. Larry Dozier was the 2016 recipient of the Community Involvement Citation Award. The award is presented to the person who “has been highly involved in activities for the community of Wetumpka and Elmore County in many capacities beyond just that of the chamber,” presenter Lee Macon said.
Macon said Dozier, grew up in what is known by long-time residents as the Flatwoods community. “He first worked in the funeral business while attending Wetumpka high school,” Macon said. “He has served two terms as an Elmore County commissioner and three terms as the Elmore County Circuit Clerk. Although he retired five years ago, he presently works in the funeral business at Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home and serves as the board president for Elmore County Food Pantry. With the installation of new board members, the 2016 Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors are Joel Hunt, Lee Macon, Michelle Walden, Ricky Roberts, Vanessa Lynch, Steve Meany, Brian Overton, Keyesta Sherman, Missy Rhoades, Jayne Shell, Kim Adams, Eric Hyde, Tracy Hart, Lynn Weldon and Special Ex-Officio Mayor Jerry Willis.
Graduation Education and its Alabama Accountability Act of 2015, listed failing schools in the state. “We didn’t have a single school on the failing schools list,” Harrison said. He attributed the suc-
continued from page 1
cesses to good teachers that focused on the individual child and made sure they were on the right track to graduate by checking records and verifying courses of study. He said people do
not realize just how much paperwork there was that went into to making sure a student was where they needed to be to graduate. Harrison attributed the involvement of parents in their child’s graduation progression as another key element in the county’s graduation rate increase. Each year, Harrison said the rate continued to improve. Last year he said they were at 86 percent, which would point to a four percent increase since then. “Yes I would love to (be at) 100 percent, but with us having 90 percent, I can’t complain as a superintendent,” said Harrison.
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
YMCA
continued from page 1
Ryser
Sanford
Saxon
board of directors for more than 12 years and is credited with being involved in all facets of building the Wetumpka YMCA including getting the current gymnasium completed, securing funds for building projects and many donated hours spent on the building projects. Sanford has served on the YMCA Board of Directors and started the first swim team in Wetumpka for the YMCA. Sanford took the team all over the state of Alabama and won three state championships according to the selection committee. Saxon has been a member of the Wetumpka YMCA for 17 years and over the past 10 years has served on the YMCA Board of Directors as a fund raising chairman. He has
Stevens
served as a coach in sports and has been an advocate for the Wetumpka YMCA. Stevens, along with Bill Chandler, who started as a volunteer at Camp Chandler, help start the YMCA in Wetumpka in 1970 and is credited with helping form the first YMCA Board of Directors. She was also cited for her many fund raising activities, which led to the land purchase, building the YMCA and putting a gym in the building. This year’s induction ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Wetumpka Civic Center. For tickets contact Scott Patterson at spatterson@ymcamontgomery.org or call 334-567-8282.
Firefighters
continued from page 1
about 12 extrication classes over the years. Of the class McCullers said, “They’re valuable, one, you learn the new techniques and the new vehicles that are coming out.” Working with newer model vehicles was a main point of the class that met two times on Wednesday. Both the morning and night class brought a large turnout of fire fighters from the 20 or so county fire departments, said Wilson. There were over 30 people gathered at the early class and about 20 of those were students from the Elmore County Technical Center, Wilson said. The instructor that evening was from the Alabama Fire College. From outside of the classroom he could be heard comparing newer cars to mine fields for safety workers. The tools used removing a wreck victim do not protect rescue workers from the various containers of pressurized air and gas that operate anything from seat belts, air bags, and the pistons that open the hood and trunk of a vehicle. “With the advancement of car safety systems we have to constantly look at new techniques and new ways of doing extrication,” Wilson said. He said what makes cars safer to ride in makes it more dangerous for safety workers when removing a trapped driver or passenger. And the procedures are a common occurrence, said McCuller, with the Wetumpka Fire Department.
“I can’t tell you how many Wetumpka has done all ready this year,” McCuller said. Fire departments, McCuller said, go to wrecks more than anything else and it is usually the older vehicles that require the use of these tools. Newer models are designed to crumble in a way that the door can still be opened, he said. But newer cars, even though they are lighter, Wilson explained, are more difficult to cut into because of, what he said was, the tensile strength of the metals used. And the tools they were practicing with that night were better equipped for those metals used on newer model vehicles. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Lauren Rosenhoover of Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing and the Alabama National Guard’s Medical CERFP, or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package had recently joined the WFD. “It’s actually pretty cool to learn how to use the equipment for the first time and learn how to actually use it properly and the different ways to use it,” Rosenhoover said. She said it was her first experience in an “extrication” scenario. “It was actually quite easy, the equipment’s a little bit heavy but other than that it’s easy to use so it just means I need to work out a little bit more.”
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
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FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016 • Page 3
Tallassee City Council votes to against raising Confederate flag By CARMEN RODGERS and COREY ARWOOD Staff Writers
In a specially called 10-minute city council meeting, with no public comment, members of the Tallassee City Council voted to show their “disapproval” of plans to place a 30-foot Confederate flag in the heart of downtown Tallassee by a local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. While the vote was more symbolic than a ban or an ordinance change, it allowed the public to know how the members of the council felt about plans for the flag. Of the 10-minute meeting, only about two minutes were devoted to the decision and the topic as a whole. There was a one-minute briefing offered up by City Attorney John Smith who gave a brief overview of the resolution prior to the vote. Smith said he had been in contact with different council members since Monday. He said that he got their input, then gave them his opinion and drafted the resolution. No official comment, or stance of any kind was offered, and the council immediately adjourned after the session after the 6-0 approval vote on the resolution voicing opposition to the erection of a flag pole where the Confederate flag would be flown. Bill Godwin, of Ward 6, was absent from the session. Following the meeting, Councilman Rob Rygiel said how Tallassee is perceived is important to economic growth. “We don’t have to allow (public comment),” said Rygiel. “We believe it is best for the economic growth of our city to present our city in the proper and best way for all people.” On Friday, a copy of the resolution was provided and included in part: “while acknowledging the rights of all to the freedoms of speech, expression and association, the City Council believes that the display of the
Confederate battle flag in Tallassee will foster resentment, upset and illwill among its residents and harm the City of Tallassee in its efforts to recruit businesses and industry as well as provide others an opportunity to ridicule our community.” The full test of the resolution can be seen at the end of this report. Tallassee had been thrust into the media recently by another SCV related Confederate flag controversy, which was later learned to have a connection to an alleged white supremacist hate-group. The local SCV had made a donation to a group whose aim was to raise a Confederate flag in downtown Montgomery blocks from historically black Alabama State University off of I-85. Amid this though the local SCV chapter also had its own plans to install a 30-foot flag at its new base overlooking the Tallapoosa River, just off of the Fitzpatrick bridge in downtown Tallassee. At the council meeting a diverse audience filled the pews of the chambers, and more citizens trickled in throughout the short procession and stood against the wall to watch. About five Tallassee Police Department officers were present at the special session and more people filed and stood against the wall to witness the hurried proceedings. Several SCV members were present on the front rows wearing Confederate flag memorabilia and after the meeting could be seen handing out pamphlets and approaching council members. It seemed clear that some public comment had been expected by at least some of the audience, and a few members from the audience said they had anticipated a time to speak about the issue and present their side. Sons of Confederate Veteran member Marion Patrick said what is placed on private property shouldn’t concern city leaders.
“This is private property, it doesn’t have anything to do with the city,” Patrick said. “We have nothing to do with the LOS,” Patrick said. “That is a separate organization in Wetumpka, but this is Tallassee. There’s no communication. We don’t support them and they don’t support us.” Patrick said he was at the meeting to support the raising of the Confederate battle flag. “When you mess with our monuments, yes, we get involved. We didn’t fight for slavery. It was about money, like every war. Some of my best friends are black people.” When asked about the flag being offensive to some Patrick had some strong feelings. “I’m offended that they are offended by my ancestors. I had five granddads that fought for the South. All of them ended up being sharecroppers, if that ain’t a slave, I don’t know what is,” Patrick said. The full text of the resolution reads: WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama to foster a climate of tolerance, inclusion and diversity and reduce the potential for conflict; WHEREAS, the City Council
is aware of efforts to erect a Confederate battle flag to be flown in downtown Tallassee on a permanent basis; WHEREAS, however good intentioned and a purported recognition of history and heritage those efforts may be, the Confederate battle flag has become, for many, a divisive and offensive symbol of injustice and intolerance; and WHEREAS, while acknowledging the rights of all to the freedoms of speech, expression and association, the City Council believes that the display of the Confederate battle flag in Tallassee will foster resentment, upset and ill-will among its residents and harm the City of Tallassee in its efforts to recruit businesses and industry as well as provide others an opportunity to ridicule our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama that the display of the Confederate battle flag is not in the best interest of the City of Tallassee and the City Council disapproves of such an action. Done this the 11th day of February, 2016.
Mack Daugherty Elmore County Commissioner District 2 Conservative Republican Military Veteran
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“ I am not seeking this office as another job, as I have worked two and three jobs all of my adult life. I am seeking this office as an opportunity to SERVE the citizens of Elmore County in an honest, ethical, proficient, transparent and fiscally-responsible manner. For you see, I believe that people who are elected to public office are indeed SERVANTS of the people, and thus should be held to a very high standard. I am accepting no campaign donations and am obligated to no one but the citizens of Elmore County. I would be very grateful and humbled by your vote on March 1st.”
Home: (334) 857-3491
Cell: (256) 234-9216
9 Elmore County resident for the past 42 years. 9 Married to the former Mary Colley of Eclectic for the past 42 years. 9 Son – Corey, who along with his wife Holly and children, Addison and Cecily, reside in Birmingham. 9 Daughter – Dr. Cecilia Smith, who along with her husband, Rhett and children, Paul Rhett and Laura, reside in the Eclectic area. 9 30-Year Law Enforcement Veteran. 9 Successful Businessman (Founder and Owner of Lake Martin Security, Inc.), For the past 31 years. 9 Retired Engineer with CSX Railroad. 9 Graduate of University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy.
9 Volunteer Commissioned APOST Certified Deputy Sheriff in Elmore County for 24 years. 9 Volunteer Deputy Game Warden for past 23 years. 9 Certified American Red Cross Instructor 22 years. 9 Founding Member and Former Chief of Kowaliga Fire Dept. 20 years. 9 Currently serves as Chief of Security/Director of Trail Operations for Russell Lands, Inc., for the past 22 years. 9 Minister of Music in church ministry for the past 43 years. 9 Currently serves as Worship Leader at Church in the Pines/Children’s Harbor Chapel at Lake Martin. 9 Children’s Harbor Volunteer since 1989.
Accepting No Campaign Donations.
Kenneth Boone, Publisher John W. Peeler, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of The Wetumpka Herald
PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 13-14, 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
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
The Herald 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.
YOUR VIEW
OUR VIEW
Reader responds to flag issue
Small city celebrations offer more to connect with
Dear Editor, Whenever someone attempts to hide the truth, they wind up with a bunch of contradictions, and so is the case with Mr. Hazel’s letter. Mr. Hazel calls the traitorous uprising against our great nation, “The War of Northern Aggression.” While President Lincoln searched for a peaceful solution to the problem, the South attacked Fort Sumter. The rebels fired the first shot that started the bloodiest war in our history. In the short life of the rebel uprising, it adopted many flags, it seems they couldn’t make up their minds. The St. Andrews Cross was among the last of the flags flown before the rebellion was put down. A glaring contradiction is where Mr. Hazel says the Montgomery placement of the flag wasn’t meant to insult anyone, yet the articles said a cheer went up when it was announced that it would be in view of Alabama State University. For 150 years this flag has represented hate. Former Governor George Wallace flew it over the state capital in defiance of federal orders to treat all Alabama citizens equally. It has presided over thousands of Ku Klux Klan rallies and only God knows how many lynching’s it observed. A White supremacist rally just wouldn’t be complete without a Nazi flag and a rebel flag. Most recently a man wrapped himself in it and shot Black people in their church as they worshipped. Mr. Hazel, this is a flag of hate, it has no place in our town, or in Montgomery, other than in the museum, so we won’t forget this dark period in our history. Glenn Dean
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SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 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 Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS John Peeler, managing editor John.Peeler@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 302 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
W
orking and living in a small town has its advantages. Sometimes, working right outside of a larger city we get so caught up with the advantages of a larger city that we take for granted the offerings of the small things a smaller city brings. What you can’t find in a larger city is the type of personal celebration Wetumpka had Feb. 6 with Wetumpka’s Fourth annual Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras Festival. While you may be inclined to attend an event in a bigger city, you can get lost in the crowd, unlike the festival Wetumpka had where people participating in the event were friends, business acquaintances or children you knew. You just can’t find that kind of local participation and unity in the “big city.” A lot of times people sit and wonder what it would be like to live in a big city and while away the hours forgetting just what they have. Sure, smaller cities have problems. The difference between big city problems and small city problems is a smaller city’s problems seem exacerbated simply because everyone knows about them. Larger city problems can get lost in the shuffle and aren’t as highly visible, unless it is a really big problem — I’d rather know about an issue rather than have it hit me when I’m not expecting it. In reality, even with its drawbacks and being in the shadow of a larger city like Montgomery, I’d take the Mardi Gras Festival, the Crater Fest and every other event in Wetumpka over Montgomery any day. No one gets lost in the shuffle here.
Prepare for severe weather during tax-free weekend this month
T
he 5th annual Severe The County Line Weather By the Preparedness Sales Elmore County Commission Tax Holiday takes place this month and gives citizens an opportunity to purchase certain severe weather preparedness supplies free of state sales or use tax (local sales and use tax may apply). The Elmore County Commission unanimously passed Resolution 10-22-2012 to annually participate in the Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. (CST) on Feb. 26 and ends at midnight Feb. 28. Some of the tax free items are common supplies costing less than $60 that can be used to prepare for a natural disaster or other emergencies. Supplies include but are not limited to batteries (automobile and boat batteries are taxable), cell phone chargers, weather radios, flashlights, tarps, duct tape, plywood for protecting windows, non-electric food and water storage containers, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, first aid kits and gas fuel containers. Power outage supplies include any portable generator costing less than $1,000 and power cords to provide lighting, communications or food preservation are also included. For a complete list of tax-free items, list of participating local governments, or more information, go to www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax and review the Sales Tax Holidays link. Citizens may also call 334-242-1490 or 866-576-6531 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A photo of a family member, hidden for almost 70 years
“O
rphaned.” For most of us, an initial reaction upon hearing that term probably references Annie or maybe Oliver Twist, but it’s applicable to anyone who has lost both parents. My father stayed active until he had a stroke in late April of last year. His wife, my stepmother, died in late June, and Pop crossed the way about seven and a half weeks later. Recently, my brother and I have been cleaning Pop’s stuff out of the residence where he and my stepmother had lived. We’ve been coordinating with our stepsister, as she is preparing to sell the house (Pop moved in with her mother after they married). Since my father was a college athlete and coach, there has been a notable amount of sports memorabilia among the items that we have been divvying up. However, there can be a difference between “memorabilia” and just “stuff”, of course, and some of the photos, etc., are too faded and/ or deteriorated to keep. Among the items I elected to keep was an old 5” X 7” framed picture of Pop in his University of Kentucky football uniform from 1946. It’s a solo shot, but was cropped for use in that fall’s football program. The picture was in an older frame, with “Made in 1946” handwritten on the cardboard insert on the back. I wanted to display it in my office, but the frame was pretty grungy; it didn’t have a swing-out “leg” to prop it up, nor did it have a way to hang it
The SoCalled Column By Willie G. Moseley on the wall, so I opted to remove the photo to put it in a modern frame. And when I did that, I discovered the photo that accompanies this essay underneath the football photo. Somewhat yellowed with age— and it might have been a sepia-tone image to begin with—it’s a photo of a bank staff. The rectangular sign above two women who are standing reads “Collections” but I can’t suss out what the other signs on the metalwork say. The photo is slightly crooked on its white border. There is nothing written on the back of the back of it, so I don’t know when it was taken. The youngest male in the photo, standing right, is my uncle, Ralph Denton (1912-1990), older brother of my mother (1924-1991). His identity was confirmed by his two children, both of whom are older than me. They’re my only cousins on my mother’s side. The bank in question was the First and Farmers National Bank in Somerset, Kentucky. When my brother and I were children, we visited Somerset every summer. My mother, brother and I
would take a train to south central Kentucky, and we would stay with my grandmother. Pop would drive up a couple of weeks later to pick us up. We knew Uncle Ralph worked at a local radio station, WSFC-AM. During the Cold War, that station was a Conelrad emergency broadcast designate and an ad that played onscreen at a local movie theater intoned that WSFC was “the important 1240 number on your radio dial.” At some point during his later working days, Ralph left the radio station and went to work at the local bank. Until I uncovered that photo, I’d had no idea he’d also worked at the same bank before he went to work for WSFC. I figured that Uncle Ralph looked to be in his late 20s when that picture was taken, which would date the photo to the late 1930s. One of my cousins agreed with my estimate. There is no indication who the other employees are. If my father’s football picture was placed in the frame soon after that gridiron portrait was taken, the bank photo was hidden for over two-thirds of a century until it was uncovered. As Mr. Spock would say on Star Trek: “Fascinating.” Obviously, I wish I had more of the details about the photo and the circumstances, but in a way, part of the intrigue and familial meaningfulness was in its accidental discovery.
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Obituaries Peyton Elizabeth Cox, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama; passed away Feb. 7 at the age of 13. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at The Wetumpka High School Gymnasium with Minister Mark Fronduti officiating. Peyton is preceded in death by her grandfather, Arthur Cox Jr. and her great-grandfather, Pascal Carnes. She is survived by her parents, Paul and Sandie Cox, sister, Sydney Cox, grandparents, Janet Cox, Doug and Nan Free, great aunts, Phyllis Carnes and Valenda Phillips, great-grandmother, Willie Dean Carnes, greatgreat-aunt, Ella Kate Moses, her cat, Abba, along with all of her softball sisters. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Costanza, Joey Holley, David Brown, Wade Morgan, Matt Thames, Tim Lynn (Uncle Foots), Wayne Cramer,
Julia “Judy” Warren Mrs. Julia “Judy” Warren, 86, of Eclectic, passed away peacefully at her home Feb. 11, 2016 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born July 16, 1929 in Elmore County, the daughter of the late Arthur and Kathryn Thornton. She was a 1949 graduate of Elmore County High School. She married Robert Warren April 15, 1949 and he preceded her in death after 54 years of marriage. She is also preceded in death by sisters, Mae Whitman and Virginia Abrams. She was a substitute teacher for Elmore County Schools and later worked in the lunchroom for many years. She attended Good Hope Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14
Religion Calendar •Calvary Baptist Church will have their annual Valentine Banquet on Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. The menu this year is Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Salad, Bread, and Dessert. The cost is $8 per adult, $5 per child 4-11, and $25 maximum per household. Tickets are available at the church office. This banquet is a time to focus on relationships as well as a time of fundraising for our Children’s Ministry. For more information about this event contact Calvary Baptist at 334-567-4729
Peyton Elizabeth Cox
Cox Clifton Adams, Robert Carswell, Wetumpka High School Softball Team and Coaches, Wetumpka Middle School Basketball Team and Coaches. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Shelter of Elmore County, 255 Central Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092, 334-567-3377 or ones favorite charity. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net
at Good Hope Baptist Church with services to follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Kenny Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her children, Donald Warren (Angela), Rob Warren Jr., Barbara Coker (Jarrod) and Ronald Warren (Joe); sister, Lois Geddie; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild due in April 2016 and dear friend, Paul Moulthrop. Flowers accepted or donations may be made in her memory to Hospice Advantage, 4253 Wetumpka Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36110. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.
FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016 • Page 5
•At 9:30 a.m. Feb. 14 the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Sunday School will focus on the parables of Jesus. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. During the season of Lent, beginning this Sunday and continuing until Easter, services at Epiphany will use the ancient language of Rite One. Following the service, all are invited to coffee hour. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee.org/ •Shoal Creek Baptist Church will host “Eat Healthy! Live Healthy!” at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 in the main sanctuary. Registered dietitian Allan Higgenbotham will be the special guest speaker. This is a free program sponsored by the Library Team of the church. It is open to the public. •First United Methodist Church men’s group will hold their annual pancake breakfast on Feb. 27. The proceeds will support the missions sponsored by the group, and particularly their wheelchair-ramp ministry. Breakfast — bacon or sausage, juice or coffee, and all the pancakes you care to eat--will be served from 7-10 a.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased at the door, or ahead of time from any member of the men’s group. All are invited to enjoy this great meal and support the ministries of the group. •Calvary Baptist Men’s Ministry will have a men and boys breakfast on Feb. 28 at 7:30 a.m. All area men and boys are invited to attend this great time of faith, food, and fellowship. For more information contact the church office at 334-567-4729. •Open Arms International Outreach Ministry and Minister Charlotte Crawford will present the Prophetic Prayer and Healing Summit 2016 at 3 p.m. March 5 at Jeanette Barrett Civic Room 27 (directly behind Depot Players off Main Street). The event is free and open to the public. •Newsboys - We Believe, God’s Not Dead Tour will perform at 7 p.m. March 31 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Tickets start at $25. They may be purchased at ticketmaster.com or call 334-356-6866 for more information. •Calvary Baptist Wetumpka is hosting a “Cans of Love” food drive to benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the church through March 11. •Calvary Baptist Church of Wetumpka Griefshare Ministry meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. This ministry is for anyone who is struggling with grief due to the loss of a loved one. The cost of the workbook is $15. If you would like to participate you may attend either of the sessions. Also, if you are dealing with grief and cannot afford the cost of the workbook, we would still like for you to be a part of this ministry. Our
desire is to help anyone dealing with grief learn to cope and overcome. For more information about this ministry contact the church office at 334-567-4729. •Emerald Mountain Christian School announces the opening of registration for new families for the 20162017 school year. The school is an inter-denominational Christian School with teaching based on a biblical world and life view as found in the infallible Word of God. We are located at 4125 Rifle Range Rd, Wetumpka, AL, 36093. EMCS offer a college preparatory curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is celebrating its 50th year of operation, having been founded in Marion, AL in 1965. We offer football, basketball, baseball and golf for boys. We also offer cheerleading and golf for girls and plan to add basketball, volleyball, and softball next year. Students are also afforded opportunities to travel as well as taking classes in foreign language and computer. We are central to Wetumpka, Eclectic, Tallassee, and Montgomery. For more information, call Headmaster David Ames at 334-567-0555 for more information or visit www.emcspatriots.org. •Wallsboro United Methodist Church in Wetumpka has changed the evening Wednesday service to Thursday at 6 p.m. For more information, call 334-567-0121. •Community Fellowshippers meet at Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church every third Wednesday at 11 a.m. The gathering includes devotion, program, prizes and covered dish luncheon. Local pastors and families encouraged to attend. •Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church hosts a noon salad luncheon the third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 334-567-4225 for more information. •First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka holds a fellowship lunch every third Sunday after worship. •Celebrate Recovery, which deals with life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups, holds meetings every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church. •Christians of all denominations are invited to participate in a cooperative Bible Study held each Tuesday 1-2 p.m. at 103 West Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka The group is self-led and selects a book of the Bible to read through and study together. All are welcome. •Friendship Closet, a ministry of Friendship Baptist Church, is open the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Those who need clothes, shoes, etc. for women, men and children, may visit. •Hope For Healing Grief Support Group meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tallassee. •River’s Edge Flea Market is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Tallassee United Methodist Church. All vendors welcome – new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. Various booth costs available. For info, call Joan Wood at 334-313-4913 or Melanie Baker at 334415-8314. All proceeds are used for church-sponsored programs.
FAITH
Phone 334-567-7811 Fax 334-567-3284 News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com TheWetumpkaHerald.com
PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
No matter the weather, be content in whatever circumstance you are
A
ccording to the Weather Channel another arctic front is sweeping though the Northeast. Boston is expected to have temps below zero. I feel for those dear souls up there and pray for their safety and warmth during that terribly cold weather. But I don’t want it down here. I lived in many northern states growing up. My father was a steelworker (construction) so we moved — a lot. I lived in North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and so many other foreign countries; I mean states. I have had my fill of cold, snow and ice. If I wanted them I would move up north, I don’t so I live down here in the Promised Land. I don’t need the snow. I don’t want to shovel it, drive in it, or wait for it to melt. Sure, it’s pretty while its falling, but it won’t go away as quickly as it arrived. Sledding can be fun, but once down the hill you gotta walk up that hill. Lakes freeze and you can skate. Great, but I don’t want to be part of any sport where they have to teach how to fall down and protect yourself so you won’t lose a finger, nose or ear. Who in the world devises a sport 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
JAMES TROGLEN First Baptist Church
where you wear knives on your feet and move around, at speed, on ice. The cold is invigorating — maybe, but I don’t like wearing a shirt, sweater, coat, scarf and wool cap just to keep comfortable. It takes longer to get dressed to check the mail than to deliver the mail. Yeah, let’s all get invigorated by bundling up and rushing into local stores and restaurants and then freeze every time they open the door for a new customer. For the ladies let’s all bundle up so no one can notice your new clothes, that’s a winner isn’t it. I love to go out in the winter ready to drive to work and find a thick layer of frost or ice on my windshield. I can burn up about $3 of gas thawing and melting it. Or, I can scrape a little window and try to drive while it thaws and scare all the neighbors to death. Hey, I have enough trouble driving when the windshield is
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
clear. What about skiing Pastor? I can’t’ think of a better thing to do than to strap two 2x4’s on my feet grab some utensils from the fireplace to help me steer and go down a mountain at breakneck speed dodging trees and less equipped skiers. I prefer the summer and hot weather. The ideal day for me is sun with very few clouds, a temperature of about 94 degrees and 90 percent humidity. The hardest question I want to think about, as I go out, is which pair of flip-flops I should wear. I like a little sweat running down my back that won’t freeze if I go outside. I like sunburn better than windburn. Names like Fargo, Minneapolis and Chicago make me shiver. Names like Destin, Panama City and Fort Lauderdale bring me a warm cozy feeling. I like my chocolate in a Hershey bar not a cup with scalding liquid that forces me to see a lip doctor (is there such a thing?). Besides snow turns black and dirty very quickly and what was a white winter wonderland is now a dark, dingy trap for people with hip problems and poor eyesight. Snow makes it hard to run away from
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
the wolves (they are there), badgers and wild squirrels who have developed a taste for human flesh. What about snow-ball fights — great. Let’s just get some ice out of the icemaker in the refrigerator and put some body’s eye out in the neighborhood. I don’t even like to stand in front of the refrigerator for very long, it makes me uneasy and reminds me of Pierre, South Dakota. I realize this is silly to many of you, these are just a few of my thoughts after watching the weather channel this morning. I am sure there are benefits of snow, ice and cold weather, but they are lost on me. I can’t wait for July and the typical southern weather of which I crave. Sometimes I put on a pair of shorts and T-shirt, my favorite flip-flops, sit in my lounge chair I have brought in from the patio, turn up the heat to about 85 degrees, add a sun lamp and a glass of ice tea and relax. Its fine until my wife gets home and starts muttering about me having that big nervous breakdown she has been expecting. Still we have the words of Paul; “for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11).
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 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 Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville
GOT NEWS? We have nine publications covering the lake & river region.
334.567.7811
Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street
Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m. Bible Study.............9 a.m. Worship service...10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.
Visitors Welcome At All Services
8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.
Pastor Rickey Luster,
SundaySchool..........10:45 School....10:45 a.m. Sunday a.m. Morning Worship....9:30 a.m. Morning Worship........9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m. Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m. Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m. You will receive a warm You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church. Christ-centered Church.
NURSERY PROVIDED PROVIDED FOR NURSERY FOR ALL SERVICES SERVICES ALL
Brandt Wright Realty, Inc. Cell: 334.657.6167
www.ClayBoshell.com
When you’re ready to buy or sell call Clay Boshell! Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
100 W. Bridge St.
Sunday Services at 11 a.m.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro
Minister Dr. John Brannon
Sunday School..9:45 am Morning Worship..11 am
There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!
567-8135 “In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”
Please join us.
Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church
11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro
Rickey Luster, MusicDirector Director Music
REALTOR®
First Presbyterian Church
Harmony United Methodist Church
Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor
Clay Boshell
567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.
504 West West Osceola 504 OsceolaSt. St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729
Anthony B. Counts, Pastor InterimWorship Pastor Leader Angie Gallups, Billy of Students AngieReinhardt, Gallups, Min. Worship Leader
Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Rev. Anthony Rhodes Tammy Driver, Children’s Ministries Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries Tammy Student Driver:Ministries Derek Blankenship, Children's Director
Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students SUNDAY Morning Worship.......10:30 SUNDAY School.............9:15 Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Youth Choir ..................5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 Sunday School.................9:15 WEDNESDAY Evening Worship..............6:00 Fellowship Meal............5:45 WEDNESDAY Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Preschool/Children’s Missions............................6:00 Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Youth BibleStudy.............6:00 Study.........6:30
SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m. Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship...10:30p.m. a.m. Evening Evening Worship.....6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m. Supper.....................5:30 p.m. Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:00 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m. Calvary Youth.............6:00 p.m. Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m. Calvary Kids.............6:00 p.m.
CEDARWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org
Roger Olsen, Pastor Sunday Bible Study..........9:00 AM Sunday Worship.............10:00 AM We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us. Nursery Check out our Facebook page
Santuck Baptist Church
7250 Central Plank Road
“A Family of Families”
B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Amy Pugh, Director of Children & Preschool Chad Middlebrooks, Students SUNDAY Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m. Worship........................9 & 10:30 a.m. Evening Celebration.................6 p.m. WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Send your church news and happenings to: news@The Wetumpka Herald.com _________ JayneororShannon Molly CallCall Jayne at 567-7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016 • Page 7
Area Calendar Community Calendar New at the Wetumpka Library What: New Books: Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb; Robert B. Parker’s Blackjack by Robert Knott; Breakdown by Jonathan Kellerman; Bertie’s Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith; My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout; After She’s Gone by Lisa Jackson; And Sometimes I Wonder About You by Walter Mosley; The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge by Michael Punke New Audio Books: Scandalous Behavior by Stuart Woods and NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson Preschool Story Time is at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings. For more information, call 334-567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com and on Facebook. Wetumpka Depot Players present “Steel Magnolias” When: Feb. 11-14 and Feb. 18-21 Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: Purchase tickets by calling 334868-1440 or log on to www.wetumpkadepot. com Redland Candidates’ Forum When: Feb. 13, 9-10:15 a.m. Where: Redland Vol Fire Dept Station No. 2 (Redland Road, just NE of the Dozier/ Firetower intersection, but before Jackson Road) Details: Sponsored by the Redland Community Association. Arrive before 8:45 a.m. to enjoy a cup of coffee with your neighbors. We’ll have Q&A with the incumbents/candidates for County Commission District No. 2 and No. 3, as well as Elmore County School District No. 5. In attendance: Trey Taylor, Mack Daugherty, David Bowen, Troy Stubbs, Larry Teel and Leisa Finley.) Valentine’s Day Blues Show When: Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Where: Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery Details: Show features Betty Wright, Willie Clayton, Wyndell “B,” J-Wonn and Vick Allen. Table seating is $45 and arena seating is $40. Tickets are available at www. ticketmaster.com Blood Drive When: Feb. 14, 1-4 p.m. Where: Millbrook Wamart Tuesdays with Kelly When: Feb. 16, Noon-1 p.m. Where: Kelley Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery (408 S. Main St.), Wetumpka Details: Event includes lunch and a short educational program about rural Alabama. This event features “The Holtville Story,” which is a movie made in the 1940s about Holtville High School. Titus Community Center Annual Meeting and County Commission Candidate Forum When: Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. Where: Titus Community Center Details: Following a brief annual meeting, the three candidates for Elmore County Commission District 1 (Mark Hragyil, Shanna Chamblee and Kenny Holt) will be given the opportunity to address and respond to questions from community members in attendance. Each candidate will be permitted a five-minute opening statement, followed by a period of open questioning and three-minute closing statements from each candidate. Those attending will be treated to hot soup, crackers and rolls. Eat Healthy! Live Healthy! When: Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Main Sanctuary of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Deatsville Details: Registered dietitian Allan Higginbotham will be the special guest speaker at the free event sponsored by the church’s library team. Elmore County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 19th Annual Hunting Heritage Dinner When: Feb. 18, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Single, couples, sponsor and corporate table tickets available. A ticket includes an all “you can eat” ribs and chicken meal as well as a one-year NWTF membership. Other activities included with tickets: silent auction, live auction, raffles including a total of 19 guns to be given away. For other information and/or tickets, call Gene
Calhoun 334-315-2636 or Phil Savage 334850-7997. Millbrook Players present “Li’l Abner” When: Feb. 18-21 & Feb. 25-28 Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: Based on the classic comic strip, Li’l Abner is packed with one show stopping dance after another - pure entertainment for the whole family! Tickets are $8 for children ages 6-12. Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for more information. The Tallassee Music Boosters 19th helping of the Fabulous Follies When: Feb. 19-20, 7 p.m. Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: Pat Merrett has once again put together a night of lip-synch-and-dance merriment, guaranteed to leave the whole family laughing. There will be generous portions of Carol Burnett and the Blues Brothers, and unbelievably dance-savvy gentlemen getting down to “Nay-nay.” Truly unbelievable. Sony and Cher will be there, as will Shirley Temple, Bobby Bare, and the Coasters — at least you’ll leave feeling sure they were really on stage. Performers range in age from pre-school to some whose 50-year high school reunions has already become a memory. Teachers, principals, the superintendent, lawyers, preachers, city councilmen---all are represented in this annual production to raise money for the bands and choirs in the city schools. Students from the Southside band will take part, and New Image, one of the high-school show choirs, will perform — not lip-synch — to bring some true musical talent to the stage. Admission is $5 at the door. Tea Party at Seven Gables When: Feb. 20, 10 a.m. Where: Seven Gables, Tallassee Details: We’ll get dressed up and have some tea and hor d’oeuvres. Bring a friend. Special appearance from a princess. First child is $35 and additional siblings are $25 each. Call 334-283-2900 to reserve. Elmore County Humane Shelter presents: Getting Down with the Dawgs Drawdown When: Feb. 20, 5 p.m. Where: Wind Creek Wetumpka Entertainment Center Details: A $100 ticket gives you a 1 in 300 opportunity to win $10,000. Tickets include buffet dinner, chance to win door prizes. There will also be a cash bar. Tickets are now on sale. Call 334-567-3377 for more information. Reeltown High School Reunion Committee Meeting When: Feb. 20, 11 a.m. Where: Elmer’s Restaurant, Notasulga Details: The 20 Year Reunion Committee, Classes of 1950 - 1970, will meet at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Elmer’s Restaurant. The committee representative from each class and others who volunteered to help is encouraged to be present for the planning meeting. The reunion began in 2004 as a vision of Mary Jo Hammonds Davis and meets every other year. At the present, the reunion will be an event in April. Final plans will be made at the planning meeting. This is a very enjoyable time to renew school friendships, fun and laughter making life time memories. You may contact Carol Lynn, committee chairman, for information. Each class representative should update your member contact list. SKYWARN Basic Storm Spotter Class When: Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center, located at 410 South Main St. Basics: The Elmore County Emergency Management Agency has opened registration for a free SKYWARN Basic Storm Spotter Class. Anyone 12 years of age and older interested in learning about severe weather may attend this free training provided by the National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office. Registration for the course is required. For more information, call the Elmore County EMA at 334-567-6451 or email Kim Trost at ktrost@elmoreco.org to reserve your seat(s) today. Registration will remain open until 5 p.m., Feb. 23. This is the only SKYWARN spotter training class being hosted by the Elmore County EMA in 2016.
Wetumpka Boy Scout Troop 13 Scout Sunday Since “a Scout is reverent,” the members of Wetumpka’s Boy Scout Troop 13 paid respect to First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka, their chartered organization, on Scout Sunday Feb. 7. The first Sunday in February is traditionally recognized by Boy Scouts across the country as the anniversary of the founding of Boy Scouts of America. On this day, young people and adults are recognized for their contributions to Scouting. Two days later, Troop 13 held its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper for the church and surrounding community. The boys cooked and served a delicious supper consisting of pancakes, sausage, bacon, orange juice and coffee. Both events were well attended. Troop 13 meets at 7 p.m. each Monday at First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Bridge Street, in historic downtown Wetumpka. Boys ages 11-17 are welcome to attend. Montgomery Chamber Music Organization presents the Dover Quartet When: Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. Where: Wilson Auditorium, Montgomery Details: For more information or ticket information call 334-277-3505 or log on to www.montgomerychambermusic.org Titus VFD Camp Stew Sale When: Feb. 27 Where: Titus Volunteer Fire Department Details: Quarts of stew will be on sale for $10 each. Proceeds will benefit the fire department. Call Darrel Murchison at 334558-1507. The Tallassee High School Alumni Night When: Feb. 27, 4-8 p.m. Where: 1220 Café, Tallassee Details: The Tallassee High School Alumni is hosting Alumni Nigh to help raise money for its scholarship fund. Attendees may drop in for dinner and fellowship anytime. Noah Griggs, Jr. and Pam Jennings Griggs, members of the classes of 1981 and 1979, are helping the 1220 staff prepare a delicious Italian dinner with a special desert. The committee has collected door prizes to give away, and will also be awarding prizes to the oldest THS graduate attending, the person who has traveled the farthest, and the one who shows the most TIGER PRIDE. So get out your best purple and gold. A table of memorabilia from years past will be set up, and T-shirts will be on sale for $15. Those who have already joined will be able to pick up their car decals. Tickets are available at 1220 Café, Suzannah s Photography, and from alumni members Lacey Brewer, John David Lambert, Tammy Dupriest Knapp, Kim Clayton, Rusty Dunn Tinsley, and Myra Singleton Johnson. The THS Alumni Association is a non-profit organization. For more information follow the group on Facebook or call Suzannah Solomon Wilson at 334-283-8172.
Sports & Outdoors Sixth Annual Alabama Nature Center Critter Crawl When: Feb. 13, 9 a.m. Where: Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook Details: 5K Trail Run begins at 9 a.m. and the 1-mile race begins at 10 a.m. Register on active.com. Brantwood’s Fourth annual Love Run When: Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m. Where: Paterson Field, Montgomery Details: 5K race to show the 30 children at Brantwood Children’s Home some love. Race begins with a shotgun start and ends at Brantwood Children’s Home. Preregistration is $25 per person. Register on Active.com Alabama Bass Trail South on Lake Martin When: Feb. 20, 5 a.m. Where: Lake Martin Details: The first stop of the Alabama Bass Trail South Tour. Future stops will be on Lewis Smith Lake, Lay Lake and Lake Jordan. Log on to www.alabamabasstrail.org
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for more information. Color in Motion 5K Montgomery When: Feb. 27, 9 a.m. Where: Montgomery MotorSports Park Details: Registration is $50 per person. You show up wearing white and we do the rest! As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along the course you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow! Go to www.colorinmotion5k.com for more information.
Government Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: Feb. 16, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Elmore County BOE Meeting When: Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Elementary School Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendent’s office before 4 p.m. Elmore County Commission Meeting When: Feb. 22, 5 p.m. Where: Old Elmore County Courthouse Details: A work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting.
Seniors “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. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, 12 to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. New Regularly Scheduled Activities DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball!
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Police Reports was reported stolen. Reports filed by officers of the Wetumpka Police Department Feb.1Feb. 10 Feb. 1 •Harassment on 5600 block of U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. Feb. 2 •Theft of property on 1000 block of Micanopy Street in Wetumpka where a cell phone valued at $800
Feb. 4 •Theft of property on 300 block of East Bridge Street in Wetumpka where a ring valued at $200 was reported stolen. •Recovered property on 500 bock of Company Street in Wetumpka. •Runaway juvenile on 200 block of South Pine Street in Wetumpka. Feb. 5 •Criminal mischief on 300 block of Cotton Lakes
Boulevard in Wetumpka where property valued at $350 was reported damaged. •Menacing at 50 block of Chapel Road in Wetumpka. •Lost Property on N.W. Main Street in Wetumpka where a gun valued at $500 was reported lost. Feb. 6 •Domestic violence (menacing), domestic violence (harassment) on 30 block of Cotton Gin Court in Wetumpka where a firearm was confiscated.
Reports filed by Elmore County Sheriff’s Department Feb. 5-Feb. 10
Sheriff’s Reports
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•Possession of marijuana second degree and drug paraphernalia on 400 block of S. Main Street in Wetumpka.
ing deck in Wetumpka. •Possession of marijuana first degree, possession with intent to distribute on casino deck in Wetumpka.
Feb. 7 •Drug paraphernalia on 4500 block of U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. •Found property at Chapel Lakes Apartments in Wetumpka. •Safe keeping at 3400 block of Elmore Road in Wetumpka. •Possession of controlled substance on casino park-
Feb. 8 •Possession of controlled substances on Coosa River Parkway and Holtville Road in Wetumpka. Feb. 9 •Unlawful breaking and entering, theft of property on 120 block of Chapel Road in Wetumpka where various items valued at
Feb. 5 •Domestic incident on 100 block of Thrasher Drive in Wetumpka. Feb. 6 •Domestic complaint on 1300 block of Politic Road in Elmore. •Theft of Property on Redland Road in Wetumpka where store merchandise was reported stolen. •Criminal mischief on 5100 block of Grier Road in Wetumpka where vehicle tires valued at $600 were reported damaged. •Criminal mischief, theft of property reported on 100 block of Hickory Drive in Eclectic where a table valued at $100 was reported stolen and property valued at $250 was reported damaged. •Domestic violence (harassing communications) on 600 block of Lake Eagle Nest Drive in Wetumpka. Feb. 7 •Domestic violence (harassment) on 700 block of Firetower Road in Wetumpka. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 900 block of Butler Mill Road in Eclectic. •Theft of property on 70 block of Maverick Circle in Wetumpka where a revolver valued at $200 was reported stolen. •Domestic incident on 800 block of Abrams Road in Tallassee. •Criminal mischief on 9300 block of Alabama Highway 143 in Deatsville where a 2015 Dodge Journey Crossroad FWD valued at $15,000 was reported damaged. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 200 block of Scroggins Drive in Tallassee. Feb. 8 •Theft of property, identity theft on 40 block of Magnolia Court in Wetumpka where Disney figurines valued at $400 was reported stolen. •Recovered property on 10 block of Hatchet Street in Elmore. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 50 block of Gail Lane in Elmore. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 1500 block of Island Road in Titus. Feb. 9 •Domestic violence (harassment) on 3100 block of Redland Road in Wetumpka. •Harassing communications on 80 block of Milton Road in Wetumpka. •Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, theft of property on 1600 block of Coosa River Road in Deatsville where a Colt 38 revolver valued at $500 was reported stolen. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 3800 block of Crenshaw Road in Wetumpka. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 800 block of Baltzer Road in Elmore. Feb. 10 •Domestic violence (criminal mischief) on 2400 block of Cherokee Trail in Tallassee where various items valued at
$1355 was reported stolen and property valued at $1200 was reported damaged. •Burglary third degree, theft of property at 50 block of North Street in Wetumpka where various items were reported stolen. Feb. 10 •Failure to pay for fuel on 8300 block of U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka.
$375 was reported damaged. •Harassment on 10 block of Eighth Retreat in Eclectic. •Criminal littering on 3200 block of Jug Factory Road in Wetumpka. •Criminal trespass, harassment on 4800 block of Balm Road in Wetumpka. •Domestic violence (harassment) on 5400 block of Ceasarville Road in Wetumpka. Arrests made by officers of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department Feb. 4-Feb. 11 Feb. 4 •A Wetumpka man, 26, was arrested and charged with theft of property third degree. •A Prattville woman, 42, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for theft of property second degree. •A Montgomery man, 30, was arrested on a grand jury indictment for sex abuse child less than 12. Feb. 5 •A Wetumpka man, 31, was arrested for a failure to pay warrant for resisting arrest. Feb. 7 •An Alexander City man, 31, was arrested and charged with public intoxication. •A Montgomery man, 38, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for DUI. •A Deatsville woman, 44, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for theft of property first degree and grand jury indictment for fraud use credit/debit. •A Millbrook man, 25, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for no driver’s license. •A Deatsville man, 44, was arrested and charged with domestic violence third degree and harassment. Feb. 8 •A Wetumpka woman was arrested on a probation violation. •A Wetumpka woman, 34, was arrested and charged with N.W.N.I. (Negotiating a Worthless Negotiable Instrument). •A Wetumpka man, 38, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant for obstructing governmental operations. •An Elmore woman, 38, was arrested on a failure to pay warrant for driving while revoked. Feb. 9 •A Tallassee man, 43, was arrested on a writ of arrest for child support warrant. •A Wetumpka woman, 45, was arrested on a grand jury indictment for theft of property first degree. •An Eclectic man, 34, was arrested and charged with domestic violence (harassment). Feb. 10 •An Alexander City man, 22, was arrested and charged with burglary second degree and robbery second degree.
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FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016 • Page 11
LIFE OF THE PARTY ¡! Wetumpka area celebrates Mardi Gras locally with a festival and parade! The community pulled out all the stops to make sure it was a family friendly event!
Photos by John W. Peeler / The Herald
The Wetumpka High School Band drum line crosses the Bibb Graves Bridge pounding out the beat. Above, Local motorcycle clubs took to the streets to participate in the Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival. Top right, Friends and family lined the Bibb Graves Bridge to wait for the parade to wait for the start of the Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival floats. Top left, cups and other treats, as well as beads and some stuffed animals, were only a few of the chosen items thrown from floats during the Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival.
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PLAY FOR PEYTON Lady Indians dedicate season to fallen teammate Peyton Cox
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
During two intrasquad games last weekend, Wetumpka softball coach Randy Belyeu stopped his runners from trying to steal bases. Even with his speedsters, Belyeu called off the attempts not because of injuries or lack of effort, but due eighthgrade catcher Peyton Cox throwing out six straight runners. “She had asked me why I stopped stealing. I said, ‘you shut it down,’” Belyeu recalled. “All she did was grin. So I’ll always remember that.” Two days later, Cox passed away at age 13. The team took Monday off from practice to mourn and meet. After returning to a normal routine and hitting the practice field Tuesday, senior outfielder Cherrell Thrasher believed the Lady Indians have become closer in the wake of losing a teammate.
“This week has been hard,” Thrasher said. “We’ve had so many experiences with death that I feel like we’re coming closer together as a team.” While the Tribe, who won the Class 6A state championship last year, have lofty goals, the team has something else to play for this season as it dedicated the 2016 season to Cox. “What I want to see is more selflessness,” senior rightfielder Laken Watson said. “We have something else to play for, we’re playing for Peyton this year. Number 22. For me personally, a state championship would be nice, but knowing that I’m making her proud is what’s going to mean the most at the end of the day. “I’ll take that at the end of the season over anything else.” After trying to get things back to normal this week, Belyeu noticed a change in his girls. “Not to take one another for granted. We got a bunch of pranksters, we got
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Mike Guillot, with Haynes Emergency Lighting, presented the Wetumpka softball program at Thursday’s practice with a memorial sign for eighth-grader Peyton Cox, who passed away Sunday.
a bunch of sarcastic girls – that’s not mean,” he said. “They weren’t as sharp with one another this week, very loving so to speak. And a lot of smiles. Just being around one another makes them
feel a little bit better – I know it made the coaching staff feel better. “Great day, we’re going to miss that kid. She had worked her butt off. It’s just tragic. I feel for her parents.”
Yellow Jackets sting Dawgs in area tourney elimination By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Holtville junior point guard Brant Evans fights for a rebound with two Booker T. Washington-Magnet players during Thursday’s Class 4A, Area 5 Tournament game at Sidney Lanier.
Booker T. Washington-Magnet’s speedy start sank Holtville, who couldn’t rebound from an 18-pount deficit to fall, 76-53, Thursday in the first round of the Class 4A, Area 5 Tournament hosted by BTW at Sidney Lanier High School. The No. 4-ranked Yellow Jackets pressed the Bulldogs early, building a 28-10 lead off turnovers by the end of the first. Heading into the remainder of the game, HHS settled down as it hung with Booker T. Washington-Magnet to rest of the way, putting up 43 points while allowing just 48. “We closed the season out strong,” Holtville boys basketball coach Cortes Mitchell said. “The thing I like about my kids, they
fought until the end, so I teach them not to quit and they did not quit tonight. “BTW is ranked No. 4 in 4A. We got beat by 23 points, and like I said, the kids didn’t quit and that’s what I asked them to do. I didn’t see anybody giving up tonight, so I’m proud of them for fighting until the end.” The Jackets led by 25 at halftime and went up by 33 after three quarters of play, 63-30, but the Dawgs battled back to outscore Booker T. Washington-Magnet in the final period, led by junior point guard Brant Evans, freshman Dajon Reeves and eighth-grader Drake Baker. The Holtville trio combined for 26 points in the second half to help cut down the deficit. Evans tallied 11 of his team-high 14 points, while Reeves added nine
points and Baker scored six in the second half. Reeves, the 6-foot-1 forward, ended with 13 points and Baker, a 5-foot-10 forward, totaled eight. Senior Deontray Jackson turned in 11 points for HHS. With the their second-half performance against the fourth-ranked team in 4A, Mitchell said what he saw was encouraging. “I only have two seniors. Some of those guys, they already know our expectations, we depend on them a lot,” the coach said. “Dajon, he’s a ninth-grader, Brant, he’s a junior and Deontray, he’s a senior. Hopefully we can kind of be in the gym over the summer, work hard and get this thing on the right track. “Like I said, I’m proud of the guys, they fought hard, fought to the end.”
ECHS ends Lady Dawgs’ season with 54-point thrashing By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Elmore County stampeded Holtville, 78-24, Thursday night in the first round of the Class 4A, Area 5 Tournament hosted Booker T. Washington-Magnet at Sidney Lanier High School. With the victory, the Lady Panthers (13-8) sealed a sub-region spot for the second straight season, as the trying season for the Lady Bulldogs (1-16) ended with the loss. ECHS led wire-to-wire, opening the first two quarters of play with 10-0 and 9-0 runs, respectively, as it held a 43-13 advantage at halftime. Senior point guard Elissa Brown and freshman two-guard Madison Traylor paced the Panthers with 18 and 13
points, respectively, in the opening half. Senior guard Kayla Taylor accounted for eight of Holtville’s first 13 points, and finished the night with 11 before leaving the game late in the third with a knee injury. ECHS stretched its lead in the second half with defense, forcing turnovers to contain the Lady Dawgs to 11 points after halftime. Brown ended with 31 points as all 11 of Elmore County’s available players scored at least one point. Traylor had 17, while junior forward Hannah Traylor added nine. Sophomore Kiera Bozeman had four points, while seniors Nyisha Nelson and Taylor Plymon had three and two points, respectively.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Holtville senior point guard Kayla Taylor races Elmore County senior Elissa Brown for a long rebound during Thursday’s Class 4A, Area 5 Tournament game at Sidney Lanier.
New faces for WHS ready to prove doubters wrong in 2016 By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Doubt hasn’t dampened Wetumpka’s spirit. Having seven seniors graduated – six that signed to play college softball – off last season’s Class 6A state championship squad and only two starters returning may raise questions from outsiders. But on the inside, doubt fuels the 2016 version of the Lady Indians even more. “We keep getting told over and over – we’ve had people doubt us, saying ‘this isn’t the seniors from last year, this isn’t the same team,’” senior first baseman Marissa Campbell said Thursday at the team’s practice. “I think we’re determined to prove everyone wrong because it gets old hearing.” Senior Katelyn Carswell and junior Kelsie Cornelius are the lone players on this season’s team received significant playing time in the threegame championship series with Southside-Gadsden at third base and catcher, but for the former, it’ll be different this year as Carswell will play first, at least to start the season.
“It’s going to be different, but we’re all going to work together,” Carswell said. “Try to be a team and work together. I’m going to try my hardest, no matter where I am. I’m just going to try to be a leader.” Like first base, new faces will occupy all other positions, except for Cornelius at catcher, for the Tribe this year. Juniors Katelyn Cole and Mikayla Holt will play beside Carswell in the infield at second. Sophomore Alexis Austin will be Courtney Richardson’s heir apparent at shortstop and sophomore Madison McKee will take over at third for Carswell. “We have a bunch of talent,” Cornelius said. “We have a lot of strong players. People are doubting us, but their doubt is only going to make us stronger.” Although a pair of All-State pitchers graduated in Lauren Lett and Savannah Reaves, Lady Indian head coach Randy Belyeu doesn’t see a drop off in the circle with junior Mary Beth Slater stepping into the No. 1 spot, while experienced senior Riley Greene, along with freshman Gracie Morgan and eighth-grader Julianna Thames provide depth. “We still got the pitching, I know we lost some
pitchers – two All-Staters – but we got girls that can step up and take their place,” Belyeu said. “They’re going to have some rough edges, we’re not worried about it. Our pitching is going to carry us.” The outfield will feature three new starters as well with senior Laken Watson being the only cemented starter in right field, while Green, senior Cherrell Thrasher and junior Sydney McKissick all factoring in. “Coach Belyeu has said multiple times ‘no green,’” Watson said of the all-new outfield. “Nothing is expected to hit the ground this year.” Admittedly arrogant, Belyeu believes Wetumpka is reloading this year, not rebuilding off its state title run in 2015. Coupled with that confidence, Greene said the team’s determination to prove the doubters wrong will carry the Tribe. “We are all joining in together as a team, and with the new girls that have moved up to varsity, even the girls that are on JV, we’re determined to do just as well as last year.” WHS opens the season Tuesday versus county rival Holtville at home.