Meet Mel - Pet of the Week!
It’s never too late to forgive.
Brown makes Super All-State Softball Team.
Eclectic Observer Page 4
Page 5
The
Page 8
THURSDAY • JUNE 16, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 24
Town council member arrested By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
An Eclectic town council member was arrested earlier today by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office on what was said to be charges of criminal coercion. Eclectic police confirmed the arrest of Wanda Estes, who holds the council place 5 seat. ECSO served the warrant on behalf of the Eclectic Police Department, which
Estes
went through the county circuit clerk’s office to grant the warrant. An assistant in the circuit clerk’s office said it was awaiting service charges from the ECSO, which should arrive Thursday, before it could release any information on Estes’ charges.
Eclectic Police Chief Robert Head said an EPD officer signed off on Estes’ warrant. Head said he could not say much surrounding the detail involving the arrest, and the origins of the charges, however he said the investigating officer was Christopher Lindsay. Lindsay said he was only able to give limited details surrounding the incident, but said the charges came from a call he had responded to last week, and which
Estes at some point became involved in. Lindsay said the call was in reference to a verbal altercation at a residence on the 1100 block of Georgia Road, around June 10. He described it as a kind of “sticky situation” in which he said the victim became the victim twice. Lindsay emphasized that the warrant against Estes was signed on behalf of the victim. See ARREST • Page 7
Officials searching for another credit card fraud suspect
Teens plead guilty to murder
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Another Elmore County resident was said to have fallen victim to credit card theft and now Elmore County Sheriff’s Department is looking to the public to help identify an “unknown” female suspect, according to a Crime Stoppers report. Images taken from video surveillance footage show what appears to be black female in a white top waiting to make a purchase of what was said to be three cartons of cigarettes at a Montgomery convenience on the 900 block of W. South Boulevard. Elmore County Sheriff’s Office said the woman obtained the victim’s credit
the matter to their attorney, and prepare for condemnation court proceedings. Carter said the offer did not go nearly far enough. The appraisal and offer Carter said was lower than what he called the property’s tax-appraised value, and added, did not adequately address the actual business side of the property. The initial offer made to the Carters was $58,000, based on the city’s appraisal estimates. However the city attorney, Regina Edwards, said the additional amount was added in a compromise settlement only
In what the Elmore County DA’s office called a last minute deal, two teens pleaded guilty to murder in the Wetumpka area shooting that occurred last year during what appeared to be a drug deal and robbery. Assistant District Attorney C.J. Robinson said Donald Zeigler, 19, and Martavious Jennings, 19, entered their guilty plea sometime shortly before their scheduled Monday Jennings morning trial. “Both defendants decided they did not want to roll the bones in the trial,” said Robinson. Zeigler was sentenced to 30 years for shooting and killing John Oiler, who was also a juvenile at the time, Robinson said. Ziegler It was said to have taken place during the course of a robbery in which Zeigler, and Jennings, took what Robinson said was about $20 from the victims, as well as narcotics. Another unnamed juvenile was said to be present.
See DISPUTE • Page 3
See PLEA • Page 3
See FRAUD • Page 7
Today’s
Weather
94 74 High
Low
FRIDAY: HIGH 98 LOW 72
Corey Arwood / The Observer
Stoddard’s Bait Shop is at the center of a dispute between the shop’s owners and the City of Wetumpka.
Bait shop owners to fight city By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The owners of a local bait shop that was affected by a nearly three-month downtown street closure have rejected the city’s offer to acquire their property and have said they are now preparing for the legal proceedings of condemnation court. City council members voted in the last meeting to make the offer of $73,500 to the owners of Stoddard’s Bait and Tackle. However, owner Chris Carter said he and his wife and business partner, Therese Carter, have done their “judicial prudence” and were going to turn over
County Commission tables renewal of jail healthcare contract By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Elmore County Commission voted to table a measure which would have renewed the Elmore County Jail’s inmate health care contract with Quality Correctional Health Care until its next meeting on June 27. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said that the county originally signed an agreement with Quality in 2012, which was set as a three-year contract. The contract has now entered a yearly renewal phase and last year’s extension was done as a flat, or no additional charge, renewal. Franklin said he wanted the commissioners
to know that when the contract was originally agreed upon in 2012 it was based on a 270-inmate capacity at the jail. “We are nowhere near the 270 capacity,” Franklin said noting that the jail regularly houses about 20 percent less inmates than what the original contract calls for. Franklin said that the jail is currently running from 210-216 inmates on average and that he did not see those increasing over the next several years. He noted that the lower numbers were due to guidelines mandated by the Alabama Sentencing Commission. Franklin said that a lot of people who would have formally been placed in jail facilities are
now being placed in community correction programs. Quality’s legal counsel Justin Barkley said that his company was originally going to suggest an increase in the contract based upon inflationary figures, but due to the jail being under-filled he was recommending another flat renewal. The current cost of the program is $390,118. Commissioner James “Trey” Taylor wanted to know if there was a way the county could actually get a cost savings due to the lower numbers at the jail. Barkley responded that close to 70 percent See COMMISSION • Page 3
10% off FedEx or UPS shipping
wetumpka express UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
4049 US Hwy 231 Wetumpka, AL (334) 567-7447 Shipping • Professional Packing Service Private Mailboxes • Printing/Copies Promotional Products
Time to Get Your Own Place? Find your answer in the Outlook Classifieds – in print and online!
Call Classifieds – 256.277.4219
FOR RENT
1 BEDROOM APT. Move in tomorrow. Afford able monthly re nt. Call Norma 5556300.
FREE ESTIMATES!
Hedging, Fall Cleanup, Leaf Removal, All Yard & Lawn Maintenance
(334) 309-4422 • (334) 580-7879
PAGE 2 • JUNE 16, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
Obituaries Ouida Hall
Mrs. Ouida “GG” Hall, a resident of Red Hill, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, June 08, 2016, at the age of 84. Funeral services will be Friday, June 10, 2016, at 10:00AM from Refuge Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Scarborough officiating. Burial will follow in Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Hall is survived by her children; Jane Gunn, Faye Phillips (Bill), Marvin Hall (Nina), Macon Hall (Suzy), and Marsha Taylor (Byron); 22 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and one on the way. She is preceded in death by her husband, George Dewey Hall; grandson, Russell Gunn; 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Mom loved her family and taught us to love the Lord! She is leaving quite a legacy. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 09, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Refuge Baptist Church Building Fund, 3098 Red Hill Road, Tallassee, Alabama 36078.
Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama
Kenny Carter
Mr. Kenny Carter, 64, of Tallassee, passed away June 9, 2016. He was born November 2, 1951. Visitation was held 6-8 p.m., Friday, at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service at 2 pm, Saturday, June 11, at Faith Baptist Church in Wetumpka with Rev. Gerald Wood officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. He is survived by his wife, Mary Carter; daughter, Shelly Harris (David); sons, Ricky Davidson (Beth) and Bobby Davidson (Rita); brothers, Mike Carter, Warren Carter (Madeline) and Phillip Carter; grandchildren, Zach Davidson, Logan Davidson, Joel Davidson, Alex Davidson, Jason Epperson and Tonya Phillips (Nate) and great granddaughter, Addison Phillips. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home
Eclectic, Alabama
Benjamin Temple
Mr. Benjamin “Ben” Stephen Thomas Temple, 25, passed away June 9, 2016. He was born February 12, 1991. Funeral service will be Monday, June 13, at 1 pm at Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Rippy officiating. Visitation is from 11 am until time of service. His friends are asked to wear Auburn colors and attire. War Eagle! He is survived by the mother of his children, Kayla Temple; mom, Katherine Eichelberger; dad, Jonathan Temple; son, Bentley Temple; daughter, Ryley Temple; brothers, Jonathan Temple II, Joshua Temple, Anthony Temple and Nic Temple; and sister, Raiya Temple. Ben attended Elmore County High School, where he was active in sports. He was an avid Auburn fan. He will be remembered as an awesome father with a loving heart, a contagious smile and a kid at heart. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
Mary Sanders
Mrs. Mary Drue “Mae” Sanders, a res-
ident of Eclectic, Alabama, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the age of 100. Funeral services will be Friday, June 17, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Estes officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Eclectic, Alabama, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Sanders is survived by her children, Totsey Marie Mayne, David Sanders, Glenn Sanders (Glenda) and Larry Sanders (Linda); grandchildren, Steven Mayne (Patty), Phillip Mayne (Teresa), Marilyn Sanders, Melissa Williams (Mike), James David Sanders, Jr. (Wendy), Chris Sanders (Dayna), Doug Sanders and Carolyn Lammers; eight great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Mr. James Elzie Sanders; parents, Charles and Lonas Atkins; two grandsons, Scott Mayne and Keith Sanders and nine siblings. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama
Area Calendar June
POOL OPENING DAY: Pool season runs through Saturday, July 30. Hours of operation will be MondaySaturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Daily pass is $3 per day and individual pass is $45, family pass for up to four in same household is $60 and five or more $75 for season. SUMMER LUNCH
PROGRAM: Free summer meals for kids and teens will be served in Tallassee. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Call 283-6864 for location and other information. SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Summer Reading program at Tallassee City Library begins. For more information, call 283-2732.
JUNE 14-JULY 8
SWIM LESSONS: First session of swim lessons for ages 4 and up (must be 4 by time of lesson) will begin June 13-June 24, Second session will be June 27 –July 8 (closed July 4) Third session will be July 11-22. Registration fee for Tiny Tots is $55 and Levels 1-6 will be $65. You may register at Recreation Department until Thursday, May 26 and after May 26 please register at pool.
June 17
CONCERT: Jessica Meuse will perform a concert June17 at 7 p.m on the Wetumpka Depot Players
Depot Stage. Local children will have the opportunity to have a private jam session with Jessica prior to the concert and will perform a song or two with her at the end of her performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling 334-868-1440 or online at wetumpkadepot. com. To sign children up for your activities including the opportuinity to sing with Jess, contact Kristy Meanor Depot Executive Director.
June 17-18
BASKETBALL CAMP: Birmingham Southern Basketball Camp begins. For more information call Coach Hollinquest at (256) 404-2657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187.
June 18
WOMEN’S CELEBRATION: Cain’s Chapel UMC is hosting a celebration of women June 18 at 5 p.m. in Deatsville. There will be a meal. The guest speaker will be Kim Hendrix. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other “girls.” Tickets are $15 and only available before June 14.
June 20
TEA PARTY MEETING: The Wetumpka Tea Party will meet June 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Elmore Community Hospital. The speaker is Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker and he will be speaking on Recovering the Ancient Paths: Sir William Blackstone’s influence on America’s Founders.
June 21
SILENT AUCTION: Get a number and bid on a variety of items featuring the 11 artists from the Do You See What I See? event between June 21 and June 28 at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. The artists are Kathy Atchison,
IF YOU HAVE COLLATERAL, WE HAVE YOUR LOAN. Business Loans for Central Alabama.
J. L Lane Lending, LLC. 334.272.4313
Hope Brannon, Bobby Carr, Toska Courbon, Mary Ann Goodhue, Rebecca Grice, Carol Hickman, Manjula Kumar, Tara Sartorius, Angela Sullivan, and Melissa Tubbs. Besides art, gift baskets arranged by Judy Ruffer, Sandra Logan and Mary Alice Spear will be offered. All money raised goes to the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. TUESDAY’S WITH KELLY: Brown Bag “lunch and learn” event June 21 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. Drinks and desserts provided. Speaker is Donny Tomlin who will share his knowledge of Japanese Maples. Mary Wolfe will play her pocket violin. Layken Morgan will recite a poem. Door prize will be awarded. “CHIP IN FOR CHILDREN” GOLF TOURNAMENT: to Benefit The Learning Tree and The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool. The first annual Chip in for Children Golf Tournament to benefit The Learning Tree and The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool is planned for June 21, 2016 registration begins at 7:00 a.m. The tournament will take place at Auburn University Club, 1650 Yarborough Blvd, Auburn, Alabama 36830. Early registrations can be mailed to The Learning Tree, Inc. attention Stephanie Weldon at P.O. Box 780639, Tallassee, Alabama 36078 or emailed at sweldon@ learning-tree.org. There will also be registration the day of the tournament.
June 23
BEEKEEPING CAMP: The Central Alabama Beekeepeers and Elmore County 4-H are hosting a beekeeping camp June 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 14. Take a look into the fascinating world of honey bees and see the role they play in our everyday lives.
Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt and snack. Participants must bring a sack lunch. For more information and to register contact Allyson Andrews at 334-799-2254 or call at allyson.andrews@ icloud.com
June 25
Central Alabama Comprehensive Health, Inc will hold the Annual Recognition and Silent Auction and Roast of the Honorable Deborah H. Biggers, District Court Judge. Supporting Honorees: The Honorable Miles D. Robinson, commissioner district 1, Macon County Commission. Dr. Fazel Martine, CEO of Prime Care Medical. This event will be held Saturday, June 25 at 2p.m. at the Tuskegee Municipal Complex in Tuskegee, AL. Donations are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Maggie Antoine at 334-3391202 or maggieantonie@ charter.net.
June 26
MENS BREAKFAST: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka Men’s Ministry will be having their monthly Men’s Breakfast on Sunday, June 26 at 7:30 a.m. All men and boys of all ages are welcome to attend.
June 27
BASKETBALL CAMP: Auburn University (Chuck Person Shooting Camp For more information call coach Hollinquest at (256) 4042657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187.
June 28
OPENING RECEPTION: Rebecca Gregory and Phyllis Kennedy chair a reception June 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery in conjunction with the exhibition: Priscilla Cooper Scott Crommelin Life and Work. The exhibit features 65 vibrant still life and floral paintings, portraits and landscapes and is sponsored by the City of Wetumpka, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ball, Dr. & Mrs. Spencer Coleman, Lt. Col. Quentin Crommelin, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Fain, and Mr. & Mrs. Donald McConnell.
June 28-30
HOOPS CAMP: The Tallassee boy’s basketball team is hosting a summer camp June 28-30. The camp is for boys and girls ages 8-14 and will be grouped in ages 8-11 and 12-14. The camp will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and will be run by the varsity coaches and players. There will be drills for shooting, ball handling and five-on-five drills. There will also be a contest for free throw shooting and a 3-point shooter contest. For more information call coach Cecil Hollinquest at (256) 404-2657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187.
July 8
WOODCARVING SCHOOL: The 31st Annual Southeastern Woodcarving School and Competition will be July 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. For more information or to register go to www.centralalwoodcarving. com.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Dispute
continued from page 1
available outside of condemnation court. She said the added amount included legal fees, however it would not be available if a legal dispute was entered into, Edwards said due to the nature condemnation court. Carter said they were going to let the “court of law” decide. He said they were prepared to “go down the legal path,” and take the case “all the way” to the final appeal, or settlement. City officials said the building was ultimately set to be demolished in order to make repairs to Company Street, after a sinkhole forming underneath opened on March 17 in front of the bait shop. The cause of the sinkhole was attributed by the city to the affects extreme weather and flooding had late last year on old drainage systems, which fed into Company Street from uphill roadways. However, Carter maintains the city knew about the problem and is at fault for installing modern and larger pipes, which emptied into an outdated system too small
for the flow it was receiving. City public works director, Tex Grier, said the city had been aware of the issue and installed a reservoir or distributor to evenly measure water flow to the older system, however that too was overwhelmed in the heavy rains. The city proclaimed the cause to be an “Act of God.” Carter said he felt the city was doing its “due diligence” and did not do enough to make those travelling downtown aware that the businesses could be accessed through other means, and routes. He said he felt the city could work around the building, however city officials maintain the property must come down due to the proximity of the sinkhole and physical attributes of the property such as a stream, which was said to also flow through the pipes under the property. Stoddard’s has since been moved into another location, across the street near another business the Carter’s own, Coosa River Adventures. Carter said however, Stoddard’s dated back to 1943
Plea
continued from page 1
Robinson said the account was that the juvenile called the police after Zeigler shot Oiler, the bullet passing through his back and out his chest. Robinson said the juvenile took the cell phone off of Oiler and called the police after the incident. After police searched the phone, Robinson said it was apparent they were setting up a drug transaction where the shooting and robbery occurred. The shooting was said to have taken place in the Lucky Town community just outside Wetumpka. The two are scheduled for official sentencing on August 16, Robinson said, as the current charges are only tentative plea agreements. Earlier reports indicated Oiler was a student of Stanhope Elmore High School, while Zeigler was a Coosada resident and Jennings a resident of Elmore.
and described it as a “icon” and “mainstay” for the tri-county area. The loss of which, he said would be of both emotional value, and that of yearly revenue. The building held the unique element of also serving as a residence for its proprietor. Which, was described by Craig Ellis, manager, as a sort of local tradition of being open “on demand,” a feature which has all ready been lost to the location change. Ellis said the shop had historic value, and proclaimed that Hank Williams Sr. was a regular customer, along with Dwight. D. Eisenhower.
RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area
RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER
Commission of the costs were steady as those costs were connected to staffing and labor. He did state that the other 30 percent does vary somewhat and would include items like lab costs, x-rays and pharmacy costs. During the business portion of the meeting, Taylor made a motion to table the matter, which was unanimously approved by all four members in attendance. He said his reason for the tabling motion was to further negotiate the agreement to see if the county could save money on the terms. County Administrator Grace McDuffie told commissioners that the current contract expires on June 30. Commissioners also unanimously approved Alabama Career Center’s System Youth WorkBased Learning Program. The program, as described by ACC representative Christina Holloway, is a federally grant funded program regulated by the state and dispersed to the center. Holloway said the program is a no fee program and there is no cost to the county. Holloway wanted the commissioners to commit three of the county’s departments to participate in the program, which pairs young adults, between the ages of 18 and 24 to area agencies for 13 week, 390 hour max timeframes. In other matters before the commission commissioners approved: • A liquor license application for Manojavaya 1 LLC in Wetumpka. • Elmore County bond issue authorizing resolution. Due to the discussion it was noted that due to the county’s bond rat-
JUNE 16, 2016 • PAGE 3
continued from page 1
ing the county could get a 2.5 percent rate on a 20 year bond. • A polling site contract for Cain’s Chapel UMC in the amount of $300. • Memorandums of understanding for voting machines with area municipalities. • Agency agreement and resolution for the National Voter Registration Act • Releasing $14,640.30 in unclaimed funds from the County Fiduciary Fund to the General Fund. • An amendment to the county’s federal forfeiture fund budget in the amount of $10,000. • An amendment to the ADEM Tire Recycling Demonstration project budget. • Letter of support for
the Poarch Specific Trust Land reaffirmation. • An agreement and resolution for Elmore County to participate in a joint bidding program with
counties in the ALDOT Southeast region. • Fiscal year 2016 State Emergency Management Performance Grant cooperative agreement.
CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME on Little Rd., Tallassee – 1.5 acres, completely remodeled. Very nice, 5 bd/5.5 baths, $239,000. 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. G to national guard armory, $55,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET,PE 2 bd/1 NDba,INclose COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat SOLD pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – 5 acre lot on lake point road off highway 80 close to D in eclectic, SOLwides lake martin, modular home or double are OK if newer. Only $29,000. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $99,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large G heat pump, REDUCED FROM den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, NDIN PEacres $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED PENDING $189,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $259,000.
Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
PAGE 4 • JUNE 16, 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
Opinion
There is a time for politicizing, and a time for grieving
I
t was a festive weekend in the Elmore County area. People were out and about enjoying a great weekend of music and on the water. But by Sunday morning, moods had changed – in Wetumpka and throughout the United States. Fifty people lay dead in a nightclub in Orlando. The patrons of Pulse had been subjected to roughly three hours of terror before police killed the shooter. Parents and other loved ones had received texts from those inside until – whether injured, dead or escaped – they were unable to text any longer. When policemen finally made it inside the club to survey the grisly scene, they were haunted by the sound of cell phones ringing constantly, the family and friends on the other end getting no answer. As Sunday progressed, we began to learn about the shooter, his possible motives and the weapons he used. As a result of this information, merely hours after this horrible incident – with bodies still at the scene and parents left unsure of the fate of their children – the politicization began. It’s easy when you’re not directly affected
by an event, even one as tragic as this one, to forget that there are those whose pain, uncertainty, remorse, guilt – the whole gamut of emotions that survivors and family and friends must feel – are real. It’s easy to fall into using such an occurrence as an illustration of political views and, in doing so, dehumanize the victims. Let’s not do that. Before we begin discussions about how best to defeat ISIS, gun control and whatever topics this tragedy might inspire, let’s allow those directly affected to grieve. Better yet, let’s grieve with them. They are our brothers and sisters and they are hurting. Right now, they need our thoughts and prayers more than our opinions. Right now, they need blood donations, especially gifts of O positive, O negative and AB plasma. Right now, they can use financial donations, which can be made through both GoFundMe and CrowdRise accounts that have been set up. There will be time for opinions and arguments over how best to deal with this and other events like it. This is not that time. God bless Orlando and God bless the USA.
I
It’s never too late to forgive
n 1997, I was student at Southern Union State Community College. I’d just completed my first stint in the Army a year earlier. I was working full time and using the G.I. Bill to get through school. I was moving right along at a snail’s pace — a snail with a bum leg, that is. I did the best I could and transferred to Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) in 2000. I graduated the next year, but this story isn’t about any of that. It’s about a single chapter, pun intended, which took place at Southern Union. I took World Literature, which wasn’t exactly my cup of tea at the time. In fact, it’s not my cup of tea at this time, either. I don’t even like to see it as a category on Jeopardy. Give me sports, capital, or potent potables for a thousand, Alex, but you can keep the world lit for yourself. We had to write a paper on a book of our own choosing. In October of 1997, I went to the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library in Opelika and selected Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” for one reason and one reason only; I’d seen the movie. When I was in training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, I went to the movies just about every weekend. It was there where I saw “Dracula”, “A
Eclectic Observer
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
Few Good Men”, and “The Body Guard” starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston — twice. I’m not making that up. Don’t judge. I will always love you. I should have known better than to choose “Dracula”, because I actually fell asleep during the movie. That should have been a sign, because I only read a single chapter. There’s the pun. In fact, I’m quite certain I dropped the class. In May of 2016, I still had the book. I’m not sure why I never carried it back. It had become a running joke with one of my buddies. I can’t remember what brought it up, but another friend told me that Fine Forgiveness Day was coming up at the library. Naturally, I was intrigued, and on a Tuesday afternoon in May, I made the walk of shame into the library with book in hand. It was overdue just shy of 19 years, yet I still had the original check-out receipt. It was in the book. I never got that far, so of
course it was there. Fines stop accumulating at $5 per item, but if they didn’t, my fine would have been $1733.75. Count Dracula added up quickly — One, two, three batty bat…ah, ah, ah. The ladies were tickled that I still had the book and the receipt. It was old and not in the best condition, so after a few clicks on the keyboard, the director asked if I wanted to keep the book. In all likelihood, I’ll never read the book. There are just way too many pages, in small print, no less, but of course I wanted to keep the book. It only makes the story more interesting. There’s a good lesson in life here, too. It’s never too late to forgive, and when you do, you’ll be rewarded, and it won’t be in the way of waived fees or free books, either. You’ll be rewarded with intangibles that are priceless yet have no monetary value whatsoever. Forgive today and forget tomorrow for nothing else will free your mind, body, and soul from needless anger. Now, what did I do with that “Dirty Dancing” VHS tape I checked out from Movie Gallery? Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.
The
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eclectic Observer, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $25 One Year Elsewhere: $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Steve Baker, publisher publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com . . . . . . Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305
A
Waggoner honored for 50 years of service
few Friday nights ago, a large throng of people gathered at The Club in Birmingham despite a torrential thunderstorm. The event was called Jubilee for Jabo. It was a commemoration of Jabo Waggoner’s 50 years of service in the Alabama Legislature. Jabo Waggoner Jr. has made his mark in Alabama political history. He began his career in the Alabama House of Representatives in 1966, as a 29-year-old freshman House member from Jefferson County. He served 30 years in the House. He has now represented Jefferson and Shelby counties in the Alabama Senate for over 20 years. The speakers who lauded Jabo were former Gov. Bob Riley, former Lt. Gov. Steve Windom and Dr. Swaid Swaid. It could have included hundreds of friends who have served with Jabo over the years, yours truly included. The resounding theme was that Jabo is always calm and resolute with a friendly smile and greeting, who never meets a stranger and is always unpretentious and down to earth. He has met a lot of people over the years and seems to remember them all by name. He has set the record for legislative tenure for anyone in Alabama history from Jefferson County. He made it clear to everyone in attendance that night that he plans to add to that record. At 79 he is in great shape. He plans to run for re-election in 2018. The event was very well done. Former Secretary of State Beth Chapman did a marvelous job as the emcee. The Jefferson County Republican Party did a fantastic job. Amazingly there were more than 500 people in attendance. Most people would hope that a faction of that number would attend
Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers their funeral. Jabo was gracious as normal and paid tribute to his beautiful wife of 57 years, Marilyn. There are more of my former legislative colleagues and friends who are also breaking records for seniority in the Alabama Senate. State Senator Jimmy Holley of Elba, who represents Coffee, Covington, Dale and Pike Counties in the Senate, served 20 years in the House before moving to the Senate in 1998. Jimmy and I sat together in the House for most of those 20 years. I never saw a more diligent or capable legislator than Jimmy Holley. He has now served 18 years in the Senate. He and his wife, Marry, are close. She is able to come to Montgomery with him. They enjoy their two sons and grandchildren. Another icon in the Senate is Gerald Dial. He, like Jabo, has set some records for longevity in the legislature. Sen. Dial has a combined 39 legislative years. He has served eight years in the House and 31 years in the Alabama Senate. He represents a sprawling district that covers the east Alabama counties of Cleburne, Chambers, Randolph and his home county of Clay. His wife, Faye, is always by his side. Like Jabo’s Marilyn and Jimmy’s Mary, she has been his anchor throughout the years. State Senator Hank Sanders has represented the good people of Selma, Dallas County and the
Black Belt region as their Alabama State Senator for 34 years. This is a record surpassing prior Black Belt legends Walter Givham and Roland Cooper. Hank is an icon who chaired the powerful Finance and Taxation Committee during the Democrat’s reign. State Senator Rodger Smitherman has represented Jefferson County in the Senate for 20 years. He is very effective and works across the aisle. He attended Jabo’s event, even though they are philosophically opposite and of different parties. They have a deep respect for each other and work together for the good of Jefferson County. State Senator Vivian Figures has now represented Mobile in the Alabama Senate for close to 20 years. She followed her late husband. Michael, in 1997. She has had a distinguished career as a very respected and effective member of the State’s upper legislative chamber. Houston and Geneva’s popular State Senator Harri Ann Smith has now represented the Wiregrass well for 18 years. There are several who have a couple of terms under their belt and have the potential to be legends but may leave the Senate because of statewide aspirations. That list includes Del Marsh, Arthur Orr, Cam Ward, Bobby Singleton, Gerald Allen, Clyde Chambliss, Clay Scofield, Steve Livingston, Rusty Glover and Greg Reed. Senator Trip Pittman could make greatness but has decided to call it quits in 2018. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
JUNE 16, 2016 • PAGE 5
Religion Briefs Vacation Bible Boot Camp. Theme: “The Armor of God” Eph. 6:11-18 There will be classes of arts, crafts, bible skits and refreshments. You are invited to our second vacation bible school. Come on out and put on your “Armor of God”. Join us for this boot camp event Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 22, 23 and 24, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for more information contact Sis. Annette Purter at 334-401-1405 or Sis. Odell Holstick at 334-283-2916.
• St. Vincent de Paul OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8-8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www. wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale. June 19 - Sola Scriptura part 2 June 26 - One Church part 1 July 3 - One Church part 2 July 17 - Apostolic Authority and the Pope July 24 - Marriage and the Eucharist part 1 July 31 - Marriage and the Eucharist part 2 August 7 - Making Catholic Moral Decisions (Jim Toner) August 14 - Making Catholic Moral Decisions (Jim Toner) August 21 - By Faith Alone part 1 August 28 - By Faith Alone part 2 September 4 - Which Came First part 1 September 11 - Which Came First part 2
• Salem Macon Baptist Church Is having VBS June 12 - 15. The title is “ Submerged: diving into God’s Word.” Hours are Sunday 4 - 7:30 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; And Wednesday, Family Night 6 p.m. All children invited. Come, bring someone with you and plan to have fun learning about God’s word, playing games and eating good food.
• Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On Saturday, June 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany will host “Beans & Rice.” The Beans & Rice ministry takes place the third Saturday of every month. At that time the Parish Hall is open to those in need of food, who may choose their preferred items from the selection available. There will be NO Sunday School from now until mid-August. On June 19 at 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: epiphanytallassee.org. • First United Methodist Church Choir Camp—That Joe-he’s so dreamy! The classic Old Testament story of Joseph is retold in the exuberant times and music of the ‘50’s. It’s surfer beats, leather jackets, and surfboards but the gospel truth remains the same…trust the Lord with all your heart. This is a day camp open to anyone in the church or community that is entering first grade through those exiting sixth grade. We will learn an entire musical with narration, choreography, sets, and of course MUSIC. Camp hours are: Sunday, July 10, 2 - 4 p.m., Kick-off party (mandatory) ; MondayThursday, July 11-14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Thursday night, July 14, 7 p.m., Program. To register, call the church office at 283-2195 or sign up in the bulletin. The cost of camp is $10 per camper, due upon arrival to camp. The deadline to register is June 20. Call now, space is limited! • St John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church
• Elam Baptist Church Located at 4686 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, Alabama, Hwy 14 will have “SUBMERGED” Vacation Bible School 2016 June 19 – 23, Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each evening through 6th grade. The kids will experience an adventure like no other, deep within the mysterious seas. As they submerge themselves in God’s Word and discover that Jesus didn’t just see what’s on the outside of people but looked deep down on the inside. So grab your goggles, step into your flippers, and dive in to find truth below the surface with us at “SUBMERGED”! Everyone is invited and welcome. Join us!
PET OF THE WEEK – MEL
• St. Paul United Methodist Church Homecoming service will be June 26 at 11 a.m. with Pastor the Rev. Hazell Stoudmire, speaker of the hour Rev. Houston Martin from JACOM Church in Tallassee. Revival service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church June 27-29 at 7 p.m. Speaker Rev. John Jackson from Oak Grove No. 4 Baptist Church in Fitzpatrick. • East Tallassee United Methodist Church The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-3124913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.
Mel is about a year old and was found at a landfill so also has the nickname of Dump Dog. It really is a shame he appears to have been discarded like this as he is simply a wonderful, easy going, happy, playful and loving boy. He is about 40-45 pounds, great with other dogs, just looking for a family to spoil him. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at http://www.elmorehumane.org/ for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.
Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 5675754 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 5692825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5674325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 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 Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486
Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 5691952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 5674458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 3121878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589
Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-5389415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 5670620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311
10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091
81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 541-2552
HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 514-3114
UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-2375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 5677865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 2656099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook
CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 5670476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook
LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-8339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook
CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 5691510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561
PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 3862386
CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God
INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church
LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 514-1020
PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook Cornerstone Full Gospel 9301 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-9143 East Chapel MP Church Airport Rd., Millbrook Grace Bible Church 2251 Main St., Millbrook Gracepoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka 514-9292 New Life Church - Millbrook Sanctuary Worship Center 1688 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka Servant Fellowship Church P O Box 1423, Wetumpka 567-2190 servantfellowshipchurch@windstream.net The Worship Center 2705 Williams Rd., Wetumpka
Turn to our Classified Pages to find the latest garage, yard, moving and estate sales going on in your area. You never know what you might find!
CALL CLASSIFIEDS TODAY!
Find great deals! The
Herald
Classifieds
•
(256)
277-4219
PAGE 6 • JUNE 16, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
ClassiÄeds
Lake & River Fax (205) 669-4217
Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties
The Alexander City Outlook
The Dadeville Record
Phone (256) 277-4219
classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com
The Eclectic Observer
The Tallassee Tribune
DIESEL TECHNICIAN NEEDED! Full-time. Must have experience. Great Pay with Benefits.
Please Contact Patterson Truck Parts
256-234-3981
The Wetumpka Herald
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
JUNE 16, 2016 • PAGE 7
Owning livestock comes with a lot of responsibility By REA CORD Executive Director
H
Submitted / The Observer
Crime Stoppers investigates another case of credit card fraud. The suspect, above, allegedly obtained the victim’s credit card information without possessing the card.
Fraud
continued from page 1
card information without possessing the card. An ECSO officer said the information from the victim’s card was somehow applied to a new card and then used to the make the purchase. This way the victim would not realize the purchases were being made until they actually checked their account balances after the fact, the officer said. The date of the incident, according to the report, was Sun., May 29, and the amount spent was $180.15. Another similar Crime Stoppers report involving ECSO and a case of identity theft, and credit card fraud was issued shortly after on May 31. In that case, the suspects were two men who used similar techniques and were said to have used the cards at multiple locations throughout Montgomery. However, they were also suspected of mimicking the spending patterns of the victim in order to elude the victim or card company. Sheriff Bill Franklin said that identity theft, and credit card fraud, was one of the most rapidly growing crimes nationwide. This case was said to be a more straightforward instance of identity theft, however the crime itself was said to be constantly evolving.
Arrest
ave you ever hit an animal in a vehicle? That is something most of us dread, not only because of the injury or death of the animal, but the damage to our vehicles and possible injury to ourselves and passengers. It is, however, one thing to hit a small wild animal or domestic pet, but an entirely different matter to hit something as large as a deer, goat, cow or horse. Alabama deer are probably the most common larger animal hit by automobiles and adults and can range anywhere from 60-200 lbs. Many reading this can likely attest to the damage hitting a deer can do to a vehicle, but multiply that 5-10 or more times for hitting a horse or cow that might weigh 1000 - 2000 pounds! Loose livestock seems to be a far too common problem for law enforcement in Elmore County and it could sadly only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed from hitting loose horses or cattle on one of our roadways. Owners of livestock not only have a neighborly obligation to keep their animals contained, they also are required to maintain adequate fencing by Alabama State Law so that these animals don’t endanger the public or themselves. Section 3-5-2 of the Alabama Code makes it unlawful for the
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS owner of any livestock to knowingly, voluntarily, negligently or willfully permit such livestock to go at large either upon the premises of another or upon the public lands, highways, roads or streets. Furthermore, any person(s) owning or having the possession, custody or control of any livestock who unlawfully and knowingly permit the same to run or be at large, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. There is no “open range” in Alabama for livestock. Alabama Code takes this even further and defines minimally required fencing in explicit detail for cattle, horses, or all livestock in general. This means that owners with fencing that does not comply with Alabama Law and who don’t take the effort to repair or build a fence to the “Code” could find themselves in a courtroom for damages caused by their livestock as a result of them continually getting out. This law is not directed at those ‘one-time’ instances of a tree falling and taking out a section of fence, or a gate being accidentally left open – we all know animals don’t exactly understand property lines at those times.
Need CPAP?
continued from page 1
The account, according to Lindsay, was that Estes was not initially involved in the incident that he was responding to at the residence, the verbal altercation, which he said had no connection to her criminal coercion charge. However, he said the victim in that incident was the same person who accused Estes of criminal coercion, and that Estes became involved as a result of the verbal altercation call. Estes, Lindsay said, went to the scene and got involved According Alabama Code 13A-6-25, criminal coercion is a Class A misdemeanor, which essentially deals with the act of threatening someone in a number of ways to either act in an unlawful manner or to not act in a lawful manner.
LAKE MARTIN: $449,000 Near CHIMNEY ROCK with Boat & Swimming Dock
•5 Bedroom •3.5 Bath •3,000 sq. ft. •87 ft. water frontage
CALL VICKIE TODAY! 334-272-6133
334-514-6183 Serving Elmore County since 1990. Located in Wetumpka at 6251 US Hwy 231 in the Triple C Plaza. www.qualityhomehealthcare.us
But we have far too many property owners with fencing that is in severe disrepair or doesn’t even come close to meeting the Code and, consequently, have livestock that escape often, endangering the public and tying up law enforcement time that could be better spent elsewhere. For the sake of people and animals alike, if you own livestock, please make sure your fences and gates are adequate to contain your animals and that you make immediate repairs in the event of a breach. If you are not familiar with the legal fencing requirements in Alabama email the shelter at hselco@ bellsouth.net and we will send you that excerpt from the Code of Alabama. Don’t forget – our 11th annual Wags ‘n Whiskers Auction is coming up fast and will be at the Wetumpka Civic Center on Friday, 29 July! We have tickets at the shelter for sale $15/person, $25/couple and a very limited number of $300 (seats eight). We are also still accepting items for our auction – antiques, art, smaller furniture items, gift baskets, pet items, sports and outdoor items, collectibles, gift certificates, you name it! If you would like to donate to our auction please contact Sandy Faulk at 334541-2505 or email her at silentauction@elmorehumane.com. All donated items are tax-deductible and support a great cause (we are a bit biased).
SPORTS
PAGE 8 • JUNE 16, 2016
Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
ECHS’s Brown makes Super All-State Softball Team By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Setting the state record in batting average and reaching base nearly threefourths of the time her senior season, Elissa Brown arguably had one of the best approaches in the state at the plate. But that wasn’t enough as her astonishing numbers led to a super week for the Elmore County shortstop. She was named the Class 4A Hitter of the Year and landed 4A First-Team All-State honors at her position, announced by the Alabama Sports Writers Association Friday. Brown, a University of Alabama signee, closed out the week Sunday making the 2016 ASWA Super AllState Softball Team as one of the 10 best players in the state regardless of classification and finishing sixth in the Miss Softball voting. Every time she stepped into the batter’s box, a near guarantee of getting on base, Brown said it was just her filling her role for the Lady Panthers. “My role is to get on base,” Brown said. “If I have to lay down a bunt – I have to read the defense. That’s something I’ve really been working on doing and I’ve gotten good at it. If the defense is back, I need to lay down a bunt, and if they’re not, I’ve got to get the ball pass the defense and get on base. That’s the first thing I do when I get into the box.”
The stats prove the leadoff hitter had defenses figured out. For Brown’s senior campaign, she hit an Alabama record .640 with a staggering .730 onbase percentage, along with 12 triples and only striking out four times all year. The speedster led Elmore County with 60 runs scored, had 18 RBIs, and stole 43 bases. “If you’re not confident, you’re not going to succeed. Even if you’re not good at something, act like you are,” she said. “That boosted my confidence; I feel nervous about some things at times, but I never let anybody else know. “I wanted to get on base every time I got up there, and that confidence really allowed me to get on. I’m just glad it all worked out.” And the 27 percent of the time she didn’t reach? “I don’t know. I guess they started probably learning my secrets.” The three-time First-Team All-State player batted .523 for her five-year prep career, with being strictly a slapper hitter before her senior season. In preparation of joining Alabama this fall and a personal of starting as a freshman at one of the top collegiate programs in the country, Brown knew she needed to improve her power. “I’m using this past season and the summer to improve standing in and swinging; you always need power behind your slapping. Now, I’m mixing
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Elmore County senior shortstop and University of Alabama signee Elissa Brown (22) was named to the 2016 ASWA Super All-State Softball Team Sunday.
it in and working on that, working on my defense,” Brown said. “Offense is the key. If you’re hitting, they have to find a place for you on the field. So I’m working on that so I can have more confidence against good competition I’m facing this summer and this fall. Overall, I’m just excited to get there.” Brown said her senior season at Elmore County taught her how to be a
better leader. “It wasn’t the outcome we wanted with the team as a whole. I could do all I needed to do to help us out,” she said. “That really helped me in a way where I can learn to pick someone else up. Going off to college, when a situation comes around, I’ve been in that situation before where no one else has, and I can do it for my team.”
EC Impact U12 edges Dothan in for gold at state Games By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
After dropping the opening match of the tournament to the home-standing Dothan Shockers FC, EC Impact U12 wanted the rematch. The Shockers edged the Impact, 1-0, Saturday to kick off the 34th annual Alabama State Games at Westgate Memorial Park before the Wetumpkabased team rattled off two straight victories to set up a rematch for the gold medal. “It was a very even match, back-and-forth,” EC Impact U12 coach Fernando Segarra said of the final match. Dothan got on the board first, but Impact answered to send the game to overtime, where Ethan Blecher scored the game-winning goal with less than one minute remaining in the second overtime to lift Impact, 2-1, to the gold medal. “We were covering the ball on our side of the field. We got the ball and Brody (Worrell) sent a nice through ball through the midfielders toward the goal. Ethan sprinted from the back past their midfielders and set up
a 1-on-1 with the keeper, and he tucked it in on the right side, past the keeper. “My whole team started yelling, jumping in the air. Our parents jumped out of their seats as well. We didn’t know how much time was left, but we knew it was close to the end. We had to get our concentration back in those last few seconds to keep them from not tying it. It was exciting, our kids were absolutely excited.” Impact beat FC Montgomery U12, 2-1, and BEST U12, 3-0, to advance to the State Games U12 final behind the strong play of defender Raney Jones, midfielder Worrell, forward Logan Pack and goalie Payton Patchell, who conceded two goals. “Our player that gets the most compliments about is Raney Jones; she’s our only female player, but one of our strongest defenders. She can take any of the boys’ lunch money any time,” Segarra said. “Payton Patchel, he did a fantastic job. He didn’t let hardly anything go by.” Losing the opening game, and trailing in the finals, Segarra
Submitted / The Herald
EC Impact U12 participants pose with their gold medals Sunday at the 34th annual Alabama State Games in Dothan. The team is: Brody Worrell, J.T. Howell, Mark Tessier, Henry Skala, Rhett Pinkston, Samuel Segarra, Nathan Ryan, Logan Pack, Bubba Brannon, Julian Duff, Raney Jones, Ethan Blecher and Payton Patchel; coaches: Josh Tessier, Josh Pack and Fernando Segarra.
credited the will of his team, who fell short in the gold medal match in 2015, to fight back to capture the top prize this year. “This is a very relentless group. In previous tournaments,
we’ve been down five goals to zero and would come back to win games. They do not give up and are ready to play,” he said. “Even though we lost the first match – I was going to say in an
unlucky game for us – we dominated, but they were able to put the ball in the net when we couldn’t. We were looking forward to the gold medal match. Our kids fought hard.”
Soccer camp instructors laud local youth By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
In his fifth summer instructing camps stateside, Thiago Melo believes he’s never had a better group than the one he and fellow instructor Beth Leadbetter had in Wetumpka last week. Melo, from Rio de Janeiro, and Leadbetter, from Preston, England, as part of the TetraBrazil and Challenger Sports annual summer trek through the United States, spend five days showing campers from the American Youth Soccer Organization Elmore County post ways to improve their soccer game. “I need to be honest, that was a great surprise,” Melo, who coached the 14 to 18 age bracket, said. “I think it’s one of the best camps I’ve ever worked. I’m sure next week, I will miss this group because they’re so good players. And that’s why I’m in the U.S., to grow soccer. I’m glad I’m here every summer, to leave my family at home, and come here to help.” Only 20 years old, Leadbetter brought five years of experience, coaching since 15 back home in Preston, to Wetumpka. “It was a little bit (scary), but the parents are scarier,” Leadbetter said. “The
kids are fine, they just listen to what you say. They’re taught to respect because you’re their coach. Once you used to it, you realize it’s pretty cool.” The main focal point for the week, both instructors said, was improving off the ball. “I’m hoping they’ve just learned a little bit more about soccer and creating space on the field. Think about what to do next before you’ve got the ball,” Leadbetter said. “They’re a good little group of guys and we have a good laugh together.” “One thing I’m working with them a lot this camp is making decisions, how to make the right decision,” Melo said. “Bring the ball away from the pressure. Sometimes they want to play in a corner because they have more players there. Sweep the game to the other side and find the space to play. Helping them make decisions, creating game situaSubmitted / The Herald tions. “I don’t tell them what to do, I give Challenger Sports instructor and Preston, England native Beth Leadbetter congratulates a camper them exercise to makev them think of during drills Thursday at the American Youth Soccer Organization fields. what to do.” “It’s very different, very hot – and you’re playing soccer, you’re full-on Leadbetter saw similarities between the Wetumpka campers and her kids bugs. In Preston, you don’t have set ups committed and it’s your sport. I think back home, but left impressed with like this where it’s a lot more local kids that’s really good about it, anybody can coming around,” she said. “In England, if come down from anywhere.” Elmore County and the atmosphere.