Jan 7, 2016 Eclectic Observer

Panthers win sixth straight with area route of Dadeville.

Editorial: Public Servants showed dedication after floods.

Enslen recalls his brush with the Crimson Tide.

Eclectic Observer Page 4

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The

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THURSDAY • JANUARY 7, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 27, No. 1

New legislative session begins Feb. 2nd

By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor

Submitted / The Observer

The first Capitol building in Montgomery, Alabama was built in 1847, and was destroyed by fire in 1849. The current State Capitol was built on the previous Capitol’s foundations, and was completed in 1851.

Wetumpka Rep. Mike Holmes said the state is stuck in neutral, and it will remain that way until there is a higher priority in fiscal responsibility and a “real” revenue stimulus package proposed.

Months after it took two special sessions to arrive at a workable General Fund Budget, area legislators are less than a month away from beginning another legislative

session.

And the consensus among this area’s legislators is the budget will remain a hot-button issue through much of the session, which begins Feb. 2.

“Even though we were able to pass a budget, there is still the uncertainty of a long-term fix,” Holmes said. “Everyone is tired of band-aids being used over and over.”

Holmes said he expects to see bills to try to fix the state’s financial woes through flat taxes, fair taxes or

County assessing area road closures

Bad weather and all, worship continued Eclectic UMC service draws a holiday crowd

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Estimated $700,000 cost to repair road damages

By JOHN PEELER Managing Editor

Nearly a week following the rainfall and flash floods that took their toll on Elmore County roads, five roads are still closed with four closed until further notice and Holley Mill Road between Landers Swink Road and Alabama state Route 63 is still closed indefinitely.

Elmore County engineer, Richie Beyer, said initial assessments have shown a lot of damage throughout the county.

“We have three roads in the county, and the last two are in the City of Wetumpka, that are closed,” he said. “Once we meet with (the state) then we will be ready to get FEMA on the ground with us here for a full assessment.”

Richie said the estimated damage was in the “ball park” of close to $700,000 worth of damage.

“Our biggest site is Holley Mill,” he said. “All we can tell (about the site) is the rainfall in the area was well more See ROADS • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

57 45 High

Low

FRIDAY: HIGH 63 LOW 48

even his own that proposes no state income tax at all, but more legislators are wanting to take a hard looks at state spending.

“I think people are realizing we have more of a spending problem than a revenue problem,” he said.

“So in the next few weeks we hope to sit down with some agencies and ask some real tough spending questions…and try to get to the bottom of this. I think we’ll find there are hundreds of thousands of dollars See LEGISLATIVE • Page7

Carmen Rodgers / The Observer

(Above) John and Jeana Huggins assess the damage to Holley Mill Road after the latest heavy rainfall, which only added insult to injury from excessive rainfall seen over the Christmas holidays.

Heavy downpours create havoc around Elmore County

By CARMEN ROGERS Staff Writer

Gold Branch runs through the Red Hill and Kowaliga areas of Eclectic.

During the torrential downpour of rain on Christmas Eve the normally small and serene stream was transformed into a raging rapid. The water rose so quickly and moved with such force that it completely washed away a small span of Holley Mill Rd. Red Hill Assistant Fire Chief Chad Moore said it was a broken “water main that fed Red Hill”, which caused the span of road-

A number of Eclectic residents braved the weather on Christmas Eve for services held at Eclectic United Methodist Church amid the storm and all its flood and fury.

There were two services held that day, one of which was a first for EUMC. Nearly 50 people showed up to the 11 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, which EUMC Pastor Rob Gulledge said was See WORSHIP • Page 3

way to wash away with floodwaters. Numerous residents were without water while crews repaired the water lines.

John and Jeana Huggins live on Alabama state Route 63 and Gold Branch runs through their property.

“This comes off of several properties around here,” John Huggins said. “Our property is on 63 and it runs through our property and then it’ll go back to 229, all this (water) will end up at 229.”

The Huggins’ have lived in the area for many years through many different weather changes, they See HAVOC • Page 3

Contributed / The Observer

Pastor Rob Gulledge, of Eclectic United Methodist Church, led the first Christmas Eve night service amidst the torrential downpours and flash flooding that recently gripped the area.

Zumba: Working way through 2016

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Just as many are placing fitness at the top of their list of resolutions for 2016, Abby Traylor is returning to Jacie’s Dance Dynamics Studio and she is bringing zumba with her.

Classes will be held twice a week this year.

“Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 (p.m.) and it lasts an hour,” said Traylor, a certified zumba instructor. “Sometimes we have childcare available. I announce that each day so people know whether they can bring their kids or not.”

There is a minimal fee for the classes.

“It costs $3 per class and if you need childcare, that is an extra $2,” Traylor said.

Traylor said she began zumba as a way to remain healthy while she was pregnant. Because zumba is less strenuous than some of the more rigorous options, Traylor said she had to make some changes to her exercise regimen that included zumba once she became pregnant with her youngest son.

“I was pregnant with Blaze and I was running,” she said. “I’ve always been a runner and I had some problems with that. They told me I had to stop running.

I still wanted to exercise and a lady was teaching zumba at First Baptist Church so I started doing it and I did it all the way up until I had him.”

After having her youngest son, Traylor said she decided to continue with zumba. Little did she See ZUMBA• Page 7

Carmen Rodgers / The Observer

Abby Traylor teaches zumba moves at Jacie’s Dynamic Dance Studio Tuesday during a session. The hour-long classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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PAGE 2 • JANUARY 7, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

RE-ELECT

JAMES “TREY”

TAYLOR ELMORE CO. COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 A VOTE FOR

EXPERIENCE & PROGRESS I am a conservative Republican with Christian values and a proven record of accountability, transparency, ethical decision making, and PROGRESS. I am asking for your vote on March 1st to keep Elmore County moving in a positive direction.

PROGRESS in DISTRICT 2: ➢ 19 Roads resurfaced in Dist. 2 (79.84 miles): Central Ave., Rifle Range Rd., Jackson Rd, Rock Springs Rd., Weldon Rd., Windemere Rd., Real Island Rd., Emerald Mtn. Pkwy., Mountainview Rd., Dunn Adams Rd., Mt. Hebron Rd., Little Rd,. Chana Creek Rd., North Ann St., Indian Trail, Dean Circle, Peace Church, Nero’s Rock Rd., Nero’s Pt. ➢ Implemented new dirt road resurfacing project and resurfaced the following 5 roads in Dist. 2 (4 miles): Dolan Rd., Funderburk Ln., Nabors Ln., Jug Factory Rd., Mooney Hollow Rd. ➢ In conjunction with City of Tallassee and Tallassee Industrial Bd., worked with GKN to expand their facility, creating 40 jobs and saving 200 more ➢ Worked with State of Alabama to finance new water main to Madix facility in Eclectic, creating 23 jobs at this facility ➢ Partnered with Eclectic and Tallassee to accomplish resurfacing / improvement projects on county and city roads within their city limits ➢ Partnered with Cherokee Alpine Trail Assn. on construction of new parking lot ➢ Allocated funds to all schools in District 2

PROGRESS throughout ELMORE COUNTY: ➢ Implemented BLUEPRINT 2020 plan with an initial $13.6 million investment that will yield a total of $36 million in road, bridge, and facility improvements throughout Elmore County—all accomplished with no additional cost to taxpayers: • Construction of County Emergency Operations facility • Construction of Highway Dept. Admin. Facility (current) • Construction of Record Storage facility • Demolition and preparation for new Courthouse annex • Reroofing of County Judicial Building • Planned repairs to Judicial Bldg. and parking lot • Resurfacing of 165 miles of county roads

• Approx. 20 miles of unpaved county roads resurfaced • Replacement of 3 structurally deficient bridges • HVAC system improvements and capacity updates • Planned construction of Old Courthouse Annex • Planned improvements to several county facilities through use of energy savings projects

➢ $9 million awarded to Elmore Co. by ALDOT for federal bridge replacements and Firetower / Redland Rd. intersection improvements ➢ Implemented Budget Hearings for all county departments and non-profit organizations which were made open to the public ➢ Put into effect video recording of Commission meetings to make them available for public viewing on the county website ➢ Allocated $100,000 to Firefighter training facility in Wetumpka ➢ Maintained a balanced County Budget all three years Pd. Pol. Ad. by Trey Taylor

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Roads

continued from page 1

than what the pipe was designed for and caused the road to scour out and then you also have the water line that kind of complicated things. ‌ It looks like the road would have been damaged whether the water line was there or not.�

One area, Joiner Road, Richie said is just waiting for the area to dry out. “On Joiner, we just have to let it dry out,� he said. “It got so saturated people were going through there, more or less, mud riding. We can’t get our own equipment in there until it dries up some.�

Pipes on both Jug Factory Road and Holley Mill Road have been ordered, but will require additional work before the roads can be opened, Richie said.

Holley Mill Road, he said, will be closed for the longest period of time. “We have to lay the banks back so we can get out equipment in there and safely work and compact everything,�

Richie said. “That’s going to be a pretty long project. The one on Jug

Factory is not as large a site on the pipe part ‌ a couple of feet ‌ that part won’t take as long.�

Updates on road closures, as they become available, can be found by visiting www.elmorecoema.org.

Current roads closed are: Elmore County •Joiner Road from 200 Block to Loboe Road is closed until further notice. •Jug Factory Road from 2721 to 2221 is closed. This area is just south of Owens Road on Jug Factory. It will be closed until further notice. •Holley Mill Road between Landers Swink Road and Alabama state Route 63 – closed indefinitely due to river flooding along the Tallapoosa River.

Wetumpka •Company Street between Mansion Street and Green Street is closed until further notice. •900 Block of Jackson Trace Road is closed until further notice.

Worship to become a new holiday installment at the church. “Everyone has indicated a new tradition was born,� Gulledge said.

Earlier that week he said the Christmas Eve services promised to be a memory in the making.

And now, from what Gulledge said of the service, his earlier statement rings true, whether it was the service itself, or the weather, or the two combined.

He said that conditions were increasingly bad that night, so much so that there were a few roof leaks as a result of the downpour.

He gave visualization from one point in the night’s proceedings that seemed to strike him most. “The sanctuary is entirely dark, people are lighting their candles, we’re singing ‘Silent Night’ and the heaviest rain you can imagine is just poring down, you can hear it like a roar on the roof,� Gulledge said. “Literally we had driving rain and thunderbolts just coming down all around and everyone was singing ‘round yon virgin mother and child.’�

The weather however, at least from what Gulledge indicated, seemed to only add to the service. “Everyone was commenting how there was just this absolute down-

continued from page 1

pour ‌ and everyone was talking about how glad they were that they came,�

Gulledge said.

He credited Joanne Wells, EUMC’s choir director, and the youth and young adults of the church with the evening’s successes.

There were nearly 120 in attendance at the earlier afternoon service.

However, Gulledge said that with there being two meetings, some creativity was needed in adding the instrumental element for the late night arrangements.

That was where Gulledge said some of the more unique aspects during the first-time service arose.

With no piano or organ accompaniment and a list of Christmas songs, Gulledge said the choir director pulled together an arrangement of local musicians to fill in.

He said there was a small wind ensemble with clarinets and saxophones and trumpets that played in the church balcony, which was another first for

the church. “And so when we didn’t have two people to play the organ and the piano we ended up having 14 people up in the balcony playing instruments and they accompanied the congregational singing which is kind of remarkable,� Gulledge said.

There were multiple performances by EUMC praise and youth groups, some included hand chimes and xylophones while Gulledge said others had a more standard contemporary ballad style.

He said there was even a Christmas version of the popular song, “Hallelujah�

by Leonard Cohen, which was used in both services and coordinated by Maggie Rowe an EUMC youth member.

Speaking about the young adults of the church and their involvement in the productions Gulledge said, “I think it really speaks a lot to their musicianship and their leadership as well that they were able to do that.�

JANUARY 7, 2016 • PAGE 3

Havoc

continued from page 1

said. Through the various weather perils witnessed by the Huggins’, none held a punch like the most recent deluge.

Proving, again, just how powerful water can be. “It’s never blown out like this, but it has done this before on our side when the hurricanes came through,� John Huggins said. “I’ve seen it back up but usually it’ll go down. I’ve never seen it like this.�

As for why this deluge caused more damage than those in the past, John Huggins said he believes it was people who contributed to the roadway collapse. “It was probably trash and debris,� he said. “It probably backed up and washed over the road.�

The Huggins’ home did not have any flooding, but their cows did not fare so well. “Our pasture flooded,� Jeana Huggins said. “They (the cows) are still here. They’ll get to the highest point in the pasture. They really are smart.�

The heavy downpours also affected other area residents. Nancy Lightsey, who lives in Eclectic said she became concerned about her mother’s home and began digging a trench around the house to divert the water. The precautionary measure worked and Lightsey managed to avoid potential devastation. “I didn’t want it to go into momma’s house because she sits down low,� Lightsey said. “I dug a hole where water could drain under the fence. I just dug a trench with my sharpshooter.

Not much of a trench, but enough to keep the water out of the house and to keep the water flowing so it could go on down.�

came up to the house.

You can still see where it came up. There’s debris, cut grass and mulch and you see where it had gone up the front of the house. If it ever gets dry again, which could be April or May, I’m going to have some French drains done so that it will drain better.�

As to why the area seems to flood more often than not during heavy downpours, Lightsey said she believes poor infrastructure is to blame. “People around here have a time when it rains so much because everything’s been here for so long,� she said. “Water

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PAGE 4 • JANUARY 7, 2016

OPINION

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.”

--Thomas Jefferson THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

The Observer strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Our View

History repeats itself in Clemson, Alabama faceoff

Public servants proved their dedication during the floods

L

ast year ended with the state of Alabama uncertain of the “actual” effects the December rains brought.

Because accurate damage assessments couldn’t be completed until some of the water receded, we left the Christmas and New Year’s holidays with a little doubt and a lot of hope.

Today, we aren’t a lot closer … but, we are closer than we were — and it could have been worse.

So much time is spent on all the negative things we see in the media, it often difficult to see the good news or the good news goes unnoticed.

State Emergency Management Agency Director made note of some Alabama municipalities possibly not being able to recover from the damage with federal assistance, which is why he stressed the point of getting damage assessments to the state as fast as was feasible.

Now for the good news — Elmore County is one of the few counties I have seen where governmental agencies pulled together so quickly and seamlessly to serve their public.

Activation of the new Emergency Operations Center and going “on line” came just in the nick of time.

Under the continuous watchful eye of many different agencies and first responders, damages to homes, property and loss of life was minimized to the extent possible, save Gold Star Park and an unforgiving swollen river — all the credit goes to those behind the scenes that coordinated the accurate and timely flow of information to the public.

As the waters recede and the roads begin to open back up, make sure you think about all the city and county workers it took to make it possible, most of which gave up their own time with families and possible rain and flood issues to take care of the people they work for first — the public.

They deserve your thanks.

YOUR VIEW



A

t the time, it was the absolute thrill of my life. October 8, 1966, dawned a perfect fall Saturday, and I was a part of Clemson’s traveling squad that had made the trip to Tuscaloosa’s Denny Stadium to play the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was Alabama’s first Tuscaloosa game of the season. The all time record between the two teams was 7-3, in favor of Alabama. There were 46,486 fans in attendance.

My head coach was Frank Howard who had played football at Alabama. Alabama’s coach was Paul “Bear” Bryant, who was in his ninth season at Alabama. Coach Howard, a native Alabamian, had finished playing at Alabama in 1930, the year before Bryant started at Alabama, and they were good friends.

The preceding week, I had done my best as the scoutteam quarterback to mimic Alabama’s left-handed quarterback, Kenny Stabler. I am sure that I failed miserably, and for more reasons than my being right-handed. Clemson’s quarterback was little Jimmy Addison of Fairfax, Alabama, my big brother in a Clemson fraternity.

Clemson had defeated Virginia in the first game of the season in a miraculous comeback victory. Addison had been named Sports Illustrated “Player of the Week.” It was the first game where the Clemson players had “touched the rock.” (Perhaps somebody

JUDGE JOHN ENSLEY Guest Columnist

needs to take that rock to Arizona, where it came from, for a short visit on Jan. 11.)

Alabama’s captain was Ray Perkins. Stabler had two favorite receivers, Perkins and Dennis Homan. Clemson was no match for that combination, or Alabama’s stingy defense. I suspect Alabama’s 26-0 victory that day could have been worse but for Bryant’s friendship with Howard. At a party that night after the game, an Alabama linebacker named Stan Moss consoled me by saying, “Don’t hang down your head, we’re really that good.”

Alabama would go on to have an 11-0 season, trouncing Nebraska 34-7 in the Sugar Bowl. They were the only undefeated and untied team in the nation that year, but were robbed of a national championship by the Associated Press and Coaches Polls. Alabama finished third in those polls.

Isn’t it wonderful the championship is now won on the field?

Clemson would go on to win the ACC, which was about two touchdowns behind the SEC from top to bottom. That year, Clemson defeated Virginia, Duke, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Maryland and South Carolina — a member of the

ACC at the time. Our losses that year included USC in LA, Georgia Tech in Atlanta, and an upset by NC State in Raleigh.

In 1970 and 1971, I quarterbacked a couple of undefeated intramural football teams while a student at the University of Alabama Law School. My teammates were former opponents who had soundly defeated Clemson four years earlier — Conrad Fowler, Bob Childs, and Wayne Owen. We all graduated together in 1972 and remain friends. By then Stabler was a star in the NFL, and would quarterback a win for the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI Jan. 9, 1977.

The Alabama and Clemson connections run deep — Howard, Hootie Ingram, Charley Pell, Danny Ford, and now Dabo Swinney, just to mention only Clemson head coaches who played for Alabama. Clemson’s only National Championship, the 1981 season, was achieved under the leadership of head coach Danny Ford, a former Alabama player.

The match-up on Jan. 11, for the National Championship should be very interesting. I am really excited, and that says a lot. It ain’t so easy for a man in his 70th year to get this excited.

May the best team win.

Judge John E. Enslen is the probate judge for Elmore County.

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Your View The Eclectic Observer P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092

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Member

Member

Paving dirt roads a joint effort with landowners

E

lmore County’s unprecedented growth has both positive and negative aspects. One of the negatives deals with unpaved or dirt roads. Many people flee the hustle and bustle of the city for relaxed country living, often leading to the purchase of property on an unpaved road.

Citizens relocate to a picturesque piece of Elmore County along one of our 300 miles of dirt roads serving varying volumes of traffic. After a few months, when the “new” wears off and the associated ills of living on a dirt road rear their head, is when most people begin the quest to have their road paved by the county.

In a perfect world, the Elmore County Commission could authorize and fund a dirt road paving program to address all the unpaved roads in the county. Unfortunately, the reality is the commission faces not only trying to make improvements to dirt roads, but also must address the mounting number of paved roads that are reaching a critical condition and need resurfacing. The commission is utilizing its limited funding to address the large investment the county has in its paved road system while at the same time trying to chip away

The County Line

By The, Elmore County Commission

at dirt road improvements.

To utilize the county’s resources most efficiently, the commission has adopted a policy that would implement measures to provide structure to a dirt road improvement program.

The plan requires landowners on a dirt road to file a petition with the Elmore County Engineer to include the signature of all legal landowners from the road.

The petition would inform residents that in order for their road to be scheduled for improvements, all required right-of-way would need to be donated by the landowners to the county, all utilities would need to be relocated to accommodate the new roadway, and the road would be surveyed and designed by the county prior to any improvements.

These requirements are designed to place the county’s limited resources on making

improvements to the selected dirt roads. When numerous roads compete for priority, criteria such as households served and traffic volumes determine priority.

While this policy will help identify unpaved roads that the county can improve in a cost effective manner, it is not a cure all. This is just the first step in the process of putting a program in place to address these types of roads and improvements of this nature take time, years in fact, to accomplish. Citizens who live or are planning to live on a dirt road understand that the muddy, dusty, and sometimes washboard road conditions are inherent to dirt roads. Elmore County is not alone in its plight of dirt road maintenance.

Mobile County has a link on its web page discussing this very issue (mobilecount ypublicworks.net/whatitmeansframe. htm).

NOTE: Due to numerous inquiries regarding Elmore County’s Dirt Road Policy, the Elmore County Commission periodically runs this article to inform citizens of the county’s policy.

FAITH

Phone 334-567-7811 kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JANUARY 7, 2016 • PAGE 5

. . . And the darkness cannot overcome it

W

e humans talk about how “darkness falls.” But it really doesn’t fall. Because of the earth’s rotation, darkness rises.

The top of a mountain will still have light while the valley below is in darkness. You can watch the darkness creep up the mountain until, finally, all is dark.

We humans inanely dislike darkness. Darkness feeds a primitive fear inside us because we can’t see what’s around us or, more importantly, what may be coming after us or threatening us. We have always sought the light, except when we are doing something we don’t want to keep secret. No wonder, then, that most religions, including Judisam and Christianity, have used light and dark as a metaphor for the spiritual battle between good and evil, sin and righteousness.

In this year’s Christmas message, Queen Elizabeth said, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: The light

REV. BOB HENDERSON Trinity Episcopalian Church

shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, “ [John 1:5].

In his Gospel, John continues to expand on this theme: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 8:12; Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 12:35; I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 12:46.

Throughout history, people have looked at their world and seen the darkness rising. Invasions by for-

Obituaries Geraldine Elliott Mrs. Geraldine “Jerrie” Elliott, 90, of Eclectic, passed away Dec. 30, 2015. She was born Aug. 4, 1925.

Visitation was held 1-2 p.m. Jan. 4 at First Baptist Church of Eclectic.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Britt Green and the Rev. Mark Smith officiating. Interment followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing.

Mrs. Elliott was a lifetime

member of First Baptist Church of Eclectic.

She is survived by her son, Bryant (Larisa) Elliott; daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Mark) Williams; five grandchildren, Cathy (Dustin) Thompson, Michael Whitesides, David Elliott, Stephen Elliott, and Stas Mruz; and two great grandchildren, Layne Lamberson and McKayla Thompson.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Charles Franklin Elliott.

Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

eigners like the Vikings and the Mongols; world wide epidemics like the Black death of the 1300s, the Great London Plague in the 1600s, the Typhus epidemic of 1847 and Spanish Flu in 1918s; wars, like WWII, the Russian Revolution; the Holocaust, and other persecutions: all have caused the people of their times to predict that the darkness was overcoming the light.

And today, people look around, see ISIS taking over the middle east, the so-called moral disintegration in the United States, global warming, natural and man made catastrophes all show that darkness is overcoming light.

I don’t think so. It seems to me that we either believe God’s promises or not. We either believe that darkness cannot overcome the light, that evil cannot overcome good, that sin cannot overcome righteousness, or we don’t. And if we believe it, then we have nothing to fear.

If we believe, than no matter how dark it gets, no matter how many dark days we face, no matter how hopelessly dark our world and our

lives seem, then, we will not remain in darkness, we will not walk in darkness. The light will never overcome the darkness, we will have the light of life, we will never loose it.

For denominations that follow the Church Calendar, today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the Feast of Light.

On Epiphany, the church celebrates the day the wise men arrived at the stable, the day Jesus was manifested to the gentiles, the day the light of Christ was shown throughout the world.

That light was not overcome when Jesus died; it was not overcome throughout the centuries’ it was not overcome despite the terrible things which were done by the Church and Christians “in the name of God.” No matter what awful things have happened or will happen, the light of Christ has not been overcome.

That is God’s promise — darkness cannot overcome the light; evil cannot overcome good. No matter how dark the night seems, our faith in that promise — be it as dim as a candle or as bright as a bonfire — will overcome whatever darkness rises.

Religion Calendar •First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka youth group will host a spaghetti Supper at 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 6 in the Family Life Center.

Each plate comes with spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert. Proceeds go to support the church youth program. A love donation will be accepted for each plate.

•Seman Congregational Christian Church on Alabama Highway 9 having a revival with Brother Scott Jordan Jan. 10-13.

Service times will be 7 p.m. each day. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

•Rev. Roger Olsen, Pastor at Cedarwood Community

Church, will begin a new series of messages Jan. 10, entitled, “Taking a Journey to Egypt.” The series is based on the popular book, “You’ll Get Through This”

by Max Lucado. The messages all focus on the life of Joseph in the old testament. This series is designed to speak to those who may be going through difficult times and need that the serenity of knowing that God will always get you through the storms of life.

The message for this Sunday is entitled, “Brotherly Love” and the text is Genesis 37: 18-36. Holy Communion will also be served during the worship service, which meets at 10 a.m. Sundays. The adult Sunday School class,

which meets at 9 a.m. is taught

by Mickey Knight. Cedarwood Community Church is located at 10286 US Highway 231 in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro Community. For more information please call the church office at 334-5670476 or follow us on our Facebook page.

•Wellspring Community Church in Millbrook will host The Underground at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 featuring surviving The Fall! Have free food and hang out afterward. Evening filled with rockin music, lights, and a great time with friends.

•New Home Baptist Church in Wetumpka will host SALT

(Serving and Learing Together) Conference Feb. 4-5. To register and arrange lodging, contact Eric Sutton no later than Jan. 28. Call 334-567-5966 or 334-398-5697.

•GriefShare grief recovery seminar and support group will began meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Wetumpka. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon and on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. There is a $25 registration fee to help cover cost of materials. The church is located at 504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka. For more information, call the church office at 334-567-4729.

Area Church Services Agapé Assembly of God Hwy. 63 North Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Night Service 7 p.m.

Balm of Gilead Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Bethlehem East Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Discipleship Training 5 p.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Evening 7 p.m.

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church P.O. Box 130, Eclectic 36024 Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship Services 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday Services 6 p.m.

Friday Services 6 p.m.

Prayer Meeting and Bible Class 1st Tuesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m.

Central Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Adult Choir Practice 5 p.m.

Evening Worship Service 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Children, Youth and Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Central United Methodist Church Sunday Morning 9:30 a.m.



Chaney Creek Primitive Baptist Church Every Sunday except 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Saturday before 2nd Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Chapel United Methodist Church Services 2nd and 4th Sunday 9:45 a.m.

Sunday School 2nd and 4th 9:15 a.m.

Sunday School 1st, 3rd and 5th 10 a.m.

Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m.

Eclectic First Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:45 a.m.

Discipleship Training 5 p.m.

Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m.

Youth, Children and Adult Studies and Activities 6:15 p.m.

Eclectic United Methodist Church 1035 Main Street Morning Service 10:50 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Meal 5:30 p.m.

Service 6:30 p.m.

Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 9 a.m.

Morning Worship 10 a.m.

Evening Worship 5 p.m.

Wednesday: Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m.

Good Hope Baptist Church 1766 S. Fleahop Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Discipleship Training 5 p.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m.

TeamKID and “R.U.S.H” Youth Celebration 6:30 p.m.

Healing Waters Church of God 1639 Kowaliga Road Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Family Training Hour 7 p.m.

Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church Hwy. 9 Nixburg Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Mt. Hebron Church of Christ 4530 Mt. Hebron Road Sunday: Morning Bible Study 10 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Wednesday:

Mid-Week Bible Study 7 p.m.

Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday: Children in Action 6:30 p.m.

Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.

First Wednesday of Month Potluck supper, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Sunday: Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Adult Choir Practice 6:30 p.m.

Prospect Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Discipleship Training 6 p.m.

Worship Service 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study and Teen Kid 6:30 p.m.

Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Rock Springs Baptist Church 375 Rigsby Rd, Tallassee AL 334-283-1156 Rushenville Baptist Church

Submit your church calendar items and events to: kevin.taylor@thewetumpkaherald.com

10098 Georgia Road Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Children’s Choir 5 p.m.

Bible Study 6 p.m.

GA’s, RA’s 6 p.m.

Adult Choir Practice 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 6 p.m.

Salem Road Baptist Church 12 Old Salem Road Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Night Services 6 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Prayer 7 p.m.

Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Bible Study 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer and Praise 7 p.m.

Union No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church PO Box 240452 Eclectic, AL 36024 Sunday School - 10 a.m.

Morning Worship - 11:15 Tuesday Bible Study - 6 p.m.

Watson Chapel Congregation 2223 East Cotton Road Sunday School 10 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.



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THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

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Zumba know she would soon be teaching the exercise group. However, once she became an instructor, it became less about fitness and more about helping others feel good.

“I’m not really someone who likes to stand up in front of a lot of people but I had to get over that because I wanted to do it for everybody else because I know how good it makes me feel and I want everybody else to feel that way too,” Traylor said.

Traylor said she became a certified zumba instructor in Auburn last year.

The classes taught her several things. Certification consisted of a full day of courses that taught her how to get the most out of the dance moves she teaches, she said.

“It was an entire day of going over dance steps

Community Lewis Black -- The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour When: Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Details: Tickets start at $25. Purchase them at ticketmaster.com Blood Drive When: Jan. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Walmart of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. Millbrook Players present “MurdArr!! Pirates of the Salty Dog” When: Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: A tale of “Captain Bigbeard” and his misfit crew of Scallywags! Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, which includes dessert and drink. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for more information.

Blood Drive When: Jan. 10, 9 a.m.-noon Where: First United Methodist Church of Millbrook Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc.

continued from page 1

and what to do to use certain muscles in the body,” Traylor said.

Not only is zumba great physically, it is also good for mental health, she said.

“I get mental health. I’m in a better mood because it’s a stress reliever,” she said. “I get the satisfaction of people telling me how they feel about themselves.

It makes me feel good that they feel better about themselves. I would do this for free if I didn’t have a family that I am taking time away from.”

Traylor admits she has a great support team. Jacie Williams allows Traylor to use her facility to hold zumba classes, she said.

Traylor also has a helpful assistant who offers assistance when needed.

“Hannah Edwards, she helps me,” Traylor said.

“She learns all the dance

moves so she can stand up there and you have two people to see instead of one. If we need to tone anything down I can show you a version and she can offer a version. She’s a really big help to me.”

Typically, zumba dancers dance to Latin music.

Traylor, however, said she likes to mix things up a little in order to be more appealing to everyone.

“You’re supposed to do mostly Latin music, but people relate better to songs they hear everyday,” Traylor said. “So, I probably do about 50-50, 50 percent Latin music and 50 percent rock and today’s music.”

For more information about zumba classes you may contact Jacie’s Dance Dynamic’s at 334-5415019.

Legislative in wasteful spending out there.”

Prattville Sen. Clyde Chambliss said the General Fund Budget is his “focus.”

“I am expecting that we will be facing a budget hole this year similar to last year and it doesn’t appear to me that there is the will in the Legislature to solve the problem once and for all, so I am expecting to see cuts again this year,” he said.

Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery) said this upcoming session certainly “won’t be boring.”

In addition to the focus on the General Fund Budget, he said Sen. Del Marsh’s proposed education bills “should shake some things up.”

Brewbaker said Marsh’s proposed bill is “complex” and would bring about “dramatic change” regarding teacher tenure and pay.

Area Calendar When: Jan. 10, 2 p.m.

Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: A tale of “Captain Bigbeard” and his misfit crew of Scallywags! Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, which includes dessert and drink. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for more information.

Blood Drive When: Jan. 10, 1-4 p.m.

Where: CVS of Tallassee Details: Hosted by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. Self-Defense Class When: Jan. 11 Where: Tallassee Recreation Center Details: Contact the recreation department if you are interested in a self-defense class. The class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. Cost would be $55. Call 334-283-4726.

Eclectic Girls Club Meeting When: Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Kountry Kitchen, Eclectic Details: All are invited. Make friends, meet old acquaintances, enjoy fun, food and fellowship.

Lunch is $10. Call Penny Holley at 334-306-0929 for more information.

Auditions for “SchoolHouse Rock” When: Jan. 10, 2 p.m.; Jan. 11, 7 p.m.

Where: Depot Theatre, Wetumpka Details: looking for a diverse cast of actors ages 12 and up. We are casting adults of all ages as well.

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents “Journey - ESC4P3” When: Jan. 15, 8 p.m.

Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Details: Tickets start at $25.

Purchase them at ticketmaster.com

Millbrook Players present “MurdArr!! Pirates of the Salty Dog”

Tim Tebow “The Journey Continues...”

When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Details: Tickets start at $60.

Purchase them at ticketmaster. com. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama.

McCraney-Cottle Arts Council

JANUARY 7, 2016 • PAGE 7

continued from page 1

“It would have a major impact in the public school system,” Brewbaker said.

While talk of allowing Class III gaming seems to have died down, Brewbaker said he would not be surprised to see another proposal for a state lottery brought to the table.

“I’m opposed to the government enticing people into a game that they aren’t going to win,” he said.

“There is a problem with the government wanting to fund itself on a voluntary tax from bottom-wage earners. I think it would be wrong and not in the public interest.”

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presents “Alice in Wonderland” When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Tallassee High School Auditorium Details: A Missoula Children’s Theatre production offers attendees on a whimsically madcap, fun-filled fantasy. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call Mona Mills at 334-201-4892 for more

Another target by some legislators will be Medicaid.

It’s certainly on Chambliss’ radar.

“The conclusion that I’ve drawn from my study is that the growth of Medicaid from just over 20 percent of the General Fund in 2010 to nearly 40 percent now is the problem,” he said. “I don’t know the answer to stabilizing the increasing costs, so I’ve asked to be on the sub-committee that studies Medicaid in detail.

My hope is to figure out what we can do to get people back to good paying jobs with employer provided health care.”

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SPORTS

Cory Diaz Sports Editor Phone 334-567-7811 sports@thewetumpkaherald.com

PAGE 8 • JANUARY 7, 2016

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Public School Coaches All-County Football Team All-County First Team Offense QB - Keldon Washington, Wetumpka, Sr. RB - B.J. Smith, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. RB - Teddy Brooks, Tallassee, Sr. WR - Neal Cook, Elmore County, Sr. WR - Jurmorris McMillon, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. WR - Keedrick Adams, Wetumpka, So. WR - Nathan Taylor, Elmore Counry, Sr. TE - Zech Byrd, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. OL - Josh Wilson, Elmore County, Sr. OL - Jake Baker, Tallassee, Jr. OL - Dereck Taplin, Wetumpka, Sr. OL - Madison Albright, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. OL - John Ellis Rawls, Wetumpka, Jr. ATH - Kell Floyd, Elmore County, Sr.

All-County Second Team Offense QB - Tanner Anderson, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. RB - Kavosiey Smoke, Wetumpka, So. RB - DeAndre Williams, Wetumpka, Jr. WR - K.T. Martin, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. WR - Rod Thrasher, Wetumpka, Sr. WR - Logan Swindle, Tallassee, So. TE - Robbie Lynch, Tallassee, Sr. OL - Jared Sims, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. OL - Victor Jones, Elmore County, Sr. OL - Will Bowden, Wetumpka, Jr. OL - Caleb Stinchcomb, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. ATH - Kareem Jackson, Stanhope Elmore, Jr.

All-County Special Teams P - Trent Lewis, Stanhope

Elmore, Sr. (1st Team); Casey Baynes, Tallassee, Jr. (2nd Team) PK - Will Digmon, Wetumpka, Sr. (1st Team); Josh Stockman, Elmore County, Jr. (2nd Team)

All-County First Team Defense DL - Ryan Rush, Elmore County, Sr. DL - Zeryes Rivers, Tallassee, Sr. DL - Trent Holley, Wetumpka, Jr. DL - Jake Andrews, Stanhope Elmore, So. LB - Markel Leonard, Elmore County, Sr. LB - Jeremy Noah, Tallassee, Sr. LB - Jeremiah Lowery, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. LB - Corey Boothe, Elmore County, Sr. DB - Jamarcus Miller, Tallassee, Jr. DB - Barry Mitchell, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. DB - Travis Rawls, Elmore County, Sr. DB - Nick Turner, Wetumpka, So.

All-County Second Team Defense DL - Nick Talley, Tallassee, Jr. DL - Jay McDonald, Wetumpka, Jr. DL - K.J. Stokes, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. DL - B.J. Winborn, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. DL - Cedric Brown, Tallassee, Sr. LB - Deangelo Jones, Wetumpka, Fr. LB - DeAndre Meadows, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. LB - Robert Laprade, Wetumpka, So. LB - Ty Pierce, Stanhope Elmore, So. DB - Brady Hancock, Tallassee, Jr. DB - Jamarcus Townsend, Wetumpka, Jr. DB - David Arrington, Wetumpka, So.

Elmore County senior guard Johnnie Jasper puts up a jump shot during Tuesday night’s Class 4A, Area 5 win against Dadeville in Eclectic.

Photo by Cory Diaz

ECHS stifles Tigers in 25-point route

BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Elmore County turned up the defense and turned Dadeville over in a 60-35 area matchup route Tuesday at home.

It was the sixth straight victory for the Panthers, who improved to 2-0 in Class 4A, Area 5 play and 12-4 overall, quadrupling its win total from last season.

To close out the first half, ECHS forced six turnovers in a row, taking a 27-10 advantage into halftime. It followed that up, causing five more turnovers in 12 third-period possessions for the Tigers as the Panthers extended its lead to 41-17 after three.

“We just played hard for real,” senior guard Johnnie Jasper said. “We really didn’t do much, just played defense, just keep going at it. The offense kept rolling as we went on with the defense.”

Elmore County scored seven points

off the Dadeville turnovers to close out the half, and almost all of its thirdquarter production were points off turnovers.

“We picked up the pressure,” ECHS boys basketball coach Warren Brown said. “(Assistant Coach Nathan) Taylor said ‘let’s run our press.’ We played them in the Alex City Tournament, and we saw what was good for us and what didn’t work so well. We fell back and let them earn it, that’s why it was a low-scoring first half.

We wanted to stretch the lead, so let’s jump in it and got a couple of turnovers, one thing to another, that’s what pressure does. We were able to build on that lead.”

The Panthers converted several offensive rebounds to points, helping the team jump out to an early, firstperiod lead and pull away.

With guard trio Jasper, Tyric Belyeu and Neal Cook, who scored 15, 14 and 13, respectively, driving, Brown said it opens up rebounding lanes for

his team.

“When we’re attacking, everybody is sucked in and it kind of leaves the two bigs and everybody is going after the scorers, Johnnie and Neal Cook, who’s scoring double digits as well. It gives us a free lane to crash the boards and that’s what’s happening,” Brown said.

“The spacing on the court, guys knocking down shots around the perimeter has been good and it’s opening things up. That’s what it’s supposed to look like when you’re playing well.”

Getting the program’s first area win over a foe other than Holtville in nearly two years was a momentum builder, Jasper said.

“We’re going to eat. We’re going to keep at it, we’re going to try to go to the playoffs and finish strong,” the senior said. “Last year, we wasn’t doing too good. But this year, we want it more.”

ECHS travels to Booker T. Washington-Magnet today, continuing area play.

New law extends Alabama coastal waters to 9 miles Special to the Observer

Elmore County senior point guard Elissa Brown pushes the ball up the floor in the Panthers’ area win over Dadeville Photo by Cory Diaz Tuesday night at home.

Elmore County races past Dadeville

BY CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Elmore County sprinted past Dadeville, 59-25, in a Class 4A, Area 5 tilt at ECHS Tuesday.

It was all about the start for the Lady Panthers (8-4, 2-0) as they missed just two field goals attempts and outscored the Lady Tigers, 19-2, in the opening quarter.

Dadeville made the contest’s first basket, then the Panthers proceeded to account for the next 33 points.

After a near 12-minute offensive drought, Lady Tiger guard Quanesha Presley sank a layup, while Elmore County led, 37-6, at halftime. Presley paced Dadeville with 13 points for the night.

ECHS shot 69 percent as a team from the field

for the game, thanks to easy baskets off turnovers.

Senior point guard Elissa Brown paced the Panthers with 32 points on a 94 field goal percentage performance due to her game-high seven steals on the defensive side of the floor.

As a team, Elmore County had 12 steals.

Sophomore forward Hannah Gibson had two steals and scored all six of her points in the first half.

Freshman forward Diamond Brown led the Panthers with four rebounds and added six points.

Hannah Traylor and Haleigh Hart scored six and five points, respectively.

ECHS travels to Booker T. Washington-Magnet tonight with tipoff at 5 p.m.

The Congressional Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on Dec. 18, includes a provision to extend Alabama’s state waters from 3 miles to 9 miles.

The bill includes additional provisions that attempt to address the ongoing Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery mismanagement that has resulted in abbreviated nine and 10-day seasons for private sector recreational anglers the last two years. The red snapper provisions in the bill were authored by Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.).

Through its Marine Resources Division, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has worked diligently over the last several years with the Alabama congressional delegation and the Alabama State Legislature to enact legislation to improve red snapper management and increase angler access to this valuable fishery resource.

Senator Shelby’s provisions affecting Red Snapper: Fishery Boundaries: Includes bill language that extends Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana state seaward fishery boundaries from 3 miles out to 9 miles for these states to regulate red snapper and other reef fish. Currently, just Texas and Florida have boundaries out to 9 miles, and this provision makes the state fishery lines in the Gulf equitable.

Red Snapper Tagging Study: Provides up to $5 million for NOAA’s National Sea Grant Col-

lege program to support external research and development through its network of academic institutions for a red snapper tagging study in the Gulf of Mexico.

Red Snapper Stock Assessment: Provides $5 million for independent, non-NOAA stock assessments for Gulf reef fish including red snapper. Directs NOAA to count fish on artificial reefs and offshore energy exploration infrastructure, incorporate those counts into future stock assessments and management decisions for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico.

Red Snapper Allowable Catch: Urges NOAA to provide an increased allocation of Gulf red snapper to private recreational anglers should the total allowable catch of red snapper increase above a certain threshold. This would help provide relief for recreational anglers that who have been especially impacted by NOAA’s misguided regulations.

Red Snapper and the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP): Provides no funding for the full transition to the new MRIP implementation plan until NOAA fixes the stock assessment process as directed under the bill’s red snapper section. MRIP is a controversial program for estimating recreational fishery catches.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama. com.