March 17, 2016 Eclectic Observer

Face your past, do the next right thing.

Reeltown rallies for the win over Elmore County.

Find upcoming Easter celebrations on this week’s calendar.

Page 8

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Eclectic Observer Page 4

The

THURSDAY • MARCH 17, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Vol. 27, No. 11

School board approves contracts for IT upgrades

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

The Elmore County Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to accept a bid from Information Transport Solutions (ITS) Inc. of Wetumpka for services related to information technology systems throughout the Elmore County school system.

ITS, the sole bidder on the Elmore County contract, will provide WAN

(wide area network) internet access, voice-over internet protocol services to include paging, alerting, POTS, emergency and fax lines, web hosting and content filtering. The total of the contract is $914,282 plus a one-time installation cost of $30,275.

Barbara Burchard, chief technology officer for Elmore County Schools, said that, should state and federal technology monies intended for schools (largely E-rate funding) be allocated by Congress

and the Alabama Legislature as expected, the discounted cost of the services to the schools would be $334,682 plus $30,275 for alerts that would not be covered.

“We expect that we will get the federal and state E-rate monies,” Burchard said.

“That would leave us with $364,957 in out-of-pocket costs.”

Burchard pointed out that the government funding would also pay the match required to draw down funding for 144

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Today’s

Weather

Last stop for plan approval is the town council scheduled for April 4.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Cory Diaz / The Observer

Elmore County High boys won their seventh straight AHSAA Class 4A state powerlifing championship Saturday at ECHS. Elmore County High girls powerlifting team captured its sixth straight AHSAA Class 4A state crown Saturday at ECHS.

Local students sweep powerlifting titles

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Elmore County High continued its dominance as a powerlifting program, and three competitors from two local schools captured individual state crowns, at the Alabama High School State Powerlifting Championships Saturday at ECHS. The ECHS boys won their seventh straight and the girls claimed their sixth straight Class 4A state title, and the girls finished in the top three out of 12 schools overall in classes 1A-7A. Senior Markel Leonard and freshman Grant Hall headlined the meet for See POWERLIFTING • Page 7

The 20-year Town of Eclectic Comprehensive Plan was approved Tuesday in what Mayor Gary Davenport said was the most well attended regular Zoning and Planning Commission meeting he was aware of.

He said there were more than 20 people at the meeting where the final changes were made to the plan before it is voted on by the city council in April.

A copy of the comprehensive plan can be viewed online at the official town website, www.townofeclectic. com, under the “Mayor’s Corner” section.

Davenport, who is also the chairman of the commission, said there were only minor “housekeeping” adjustments made to plan, such as spelling and grammatical changes.

“It will be recommended to the council that we adopt the comprehensive plan as approved by the planning commission,” said Davenport.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 4.

The entire process of developing the See PLAN • Page 3

Eclectic students of the month honored Sheriff’s department seeks help locating missing woman

76 50 High

See SCHOOL • Page 3

Town plan approved by zoning commission

Commissioners can’t reach a decision on public input The Elmore County Commission voted down the changes to commission meeting rules proposed by Joe Faulk of District 4 that would affect procedures on publishing the next meeting’s agenda and the timeframe for public input.

Had the amendments passed they would have effectively created more time for public review of the upcoming meeting’s topics and allowed for more time for public review and comment on those topics by requiring that the agenda be posted the preceding Wednesday at 4 p.m. and the window for public comment stay open until that Friday at 4 p.m.

It failed to pass because of what Faulk said was a two-two vote with Commissioner Chairman David Bowen of District 3 and Stephanie Daniels-Smoke of District 2 voting “no” at Monday’s meeting.

After the meeting Faulk said he was disappointed but only in the sense that it would have, as Faulk said, allowed more time to get on the agenda in order to comment on agenda items.

“There has never been an intention on this commission or any commission that I have served with that had any intention on limiting information to the public,” said Faulk.

See COMMISION • Page 7

miles of lit fiber for the system, which has chosen to run its own fiber rather than paying a contractor.

In other action, the board voted unanimously to approve contracts with Stallings and Son Contractors of Montgomery and Correct Cut, LLC, of Eclectic for the demolition of visitor-side bleachers Holtville High School and Elmore County High School

Low

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

FRIDAY: HIGH 68 LOW 47

Submitted / The Observer

Eclectic Elementary School has honored its students of the month for February. Kindergarten students honored were: DaShawn Gibbs, Dillon Dunson, Ja’Edlen Benson, Savannah Harris, Sarjah Matthews and Joseph Knight. First grade: Wyatt Bolt, Gabe Payne, Tyce Maynard, Dustin Woods, Landen Avant and Gavin Eason. Second Grade: Charlissia Gibbs, Breasia Marshall, Alexyes Matthews, Madalyn Calloway, Addison Darden and Kelsey Anthony. Third Grade: Arial Mann, Shelton Darnell, Tyler Woodfin, Kate Johnson, Emma Fletcher and Madeline Brunson. Fourth Grade: Katie Ruth Winter, Kiley Graham, Mary Louise Griffin, Jacob Kilpatrick and Meg Houts.

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The Elmore County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing Titus woman.

Wendy Owings Powell has not been seen since March 3, when investigators received an unauthorized use of vehicle report on a maroon Powell 1998 Buick Regal LS. The vehicle, with the tag number 29AA243, was being used by the 27-year-old Powell and owners became See MISSING • Page 3

PAGE 2 • MARCH 17, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Area Calendar March 17

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Tallassee Neighborhood Watch Group Meeting at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

March 18

TURF MEETING: The Alabama Cooperative Extension

Obituaries

System will be conduction an athletic turf management meeting a the Elmore County Extension Service March 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $10 and you must pre-register at 334-567-6301.

This meeting is for coaches or anyone from a school who manages athletic turf and for City Parks and Recreation employees that manage city fields. Topics to be discussed are mowing, aeration, topdressing, irrigation and drainage, overseeding and transition, and maintaining pitcher’s mounds. Dr. Dave han and Dr. Chip East will be conducting this meeting.

March 19

RELAY FOR LIFE SINGING: The 11th Annual Relay for Life Singing for the American Cancer Society, Saturday March 19, 2016 at 6 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, Wetumpka. Corner of Chapel Rd. and Coosa River Pkwy!

Featured singers will be the Dye Family from Alexander City and Forgiven Heart from Wetumpka. Pastor Gerald Wood will emcee! All proceeds go to the Jessica’s Cancer Busters Relay for Life team. Please make checks payable to the American Cancer Society. For more information call Bubba Wood at 334-300-2134.

OPENING DAY: Boys Dixie Youth baseball Jamboree will be March 19 and opening ceremonies will be March 26.

CHICKEN RODEO: 2016 Thunder Chicken Rodeo is set for Saturday, March 19th at 2 p.m. at 709 Mansion Street in Wetumpka. Registration is open to past year’s participants only. For more information contact: Brad Price at Price Paint and Body. 334-478-4975

March 20

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000.

TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000.

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 pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000.

ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg.

SOLDChurch. $69,000. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville 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.

27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000.

TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000.

TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000.

MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000.

548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON: First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka, will have their annual Relay for Life Spaghetti Luncheon following the 10:30 worship service on March 20th, 2016 located in the Family Life Center.

During lunch, coloring contest and face painting will be available. After the luncheon, children birth - 6th grade, will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Come out and join them on this special day, celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets and a friend!

PALM SUNDAY: Church at the Brook is hosting Palm Sunday services from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 2890 Highway 14 in Millbrook.

ROAD TO RESURRECTION: New Home Baptist Church will host “Road to Resurrection” on Sunday, March 20, from 3:30–6 p.m. This is a family event which takes participants down the road that Jesus walked beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with the Resurrection. Meet characters who take you inside the scriptures as you are part of the Triumphal Entry, participate in the Passover meal, visit the jail where Jesus was held, meet a Roman guard who was part of the crucifixion detail, and finally meet Cleopas who reveals who he encountered on the Joyous Road to the Resurrection. We will have on-site registration available the day of the event, but we are also accepting 10 spots for each tour time to be signed up for in advance. It is not necessary to have a reservation but you can reserve a spot for your entire family to travel together. You can enter your name in any of the available time slots on the sign-up sheet: https://docs. google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JBNq08JsRgVU4VEwOfld_OqdXF698_P-Oiyshc7pyJI/edit?usp=sharing. We ask that you please try to arrive around 10 minutes prior to the start of your selected tour time. And you can certainly come earlier than your tour time to enjoy the food and other fun that we have planned!

March 21

HISTORICAL SOCIETY: There will be a meeting of the historical society at the museum in downtown Tallassee March 21 at 6 p.m.

Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 21, 6 p.m.

Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting.

TEA PARTY MEETING: The Wetumpka Tea Party is hosting speaker J. Carl Smith March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria area of the Elmore County Hospital.

For more information about the Wetumpka Tea Party go to www.wetumpkateaparty.com

March 24

BASEBALL: Babe Ruth registration will be held March

Mrs. Susan Elaine Colley 1963-2016 Funeral service for Mrs. Susan Elaine Colley, 52, of Eclectic, will be Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Eclectic. Rev. Larry Cummings and Rev. Chad Middlebrooks will officiate. She will lie in state at the Church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Watson’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 14, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.

Mrs. Colley passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at her residence. She was born on June 12, 1963 in Alexander City, Alabama to Albert Lee Mann (Annette) and Dina Gail Ray Thompson. She was a member of Santuck Baptist Church. She loved her children, grandchildren, and her cat, Princess. She enjoyed crocheting and made blankets for her grandchildren. Susan enjoyed fishing and had tender heart and was always smiling.

She is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, William Henry Colley of Eclectic; daughters, Krystal Boulware Cummings (Brian), of Alexander City and Ashley Boulware Frew (Peyton), of Lagrange, GA; grandchildren, Clark Jackson Cummings, Maggie Ruth Cummings, and Lance Davis Frew; father, Albert Lee Mann (Annette) of Eclectic; mother, Dina Gail Ray Thompson of Jacksons Gap; sisters, Debbie Purvis (Roy), of Jacksons Gap, Christi Edwards (Charlie), of Eclectic, Jenny Kilgore (Michael), of Panama City Beach, FL, Bobbie Mann of Wetumpka; brothers, Mickey Mann (Tammy), of Jacksons Gap, and Bo Mann (Sandi), of Eclectic; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice , 1526 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

24th and April 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Football Field House. Tryouts will be April 9th at 9 a.m. Cost - $125 GRAND OPENING: Martin Collision Center Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Thursday, March 24 at 2p.m. at 1280 Holtville Road in Wetumpka.

March 26

EGG HUNT: The city of Tallassee is having its Easter egg hunt at City Hall March 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

March 27

EASTER SERVICE: Church at the Brook will host an Easter service March 27 at 10:30 a.m.

March 28

COUNCIL MEETING: The Tallassee City Council will meet March 28 at 6 p.m. at City Hall

March 28- April 1

SPRING BREAK: Tallassee City School’s Spring Break will be March 28 - April 1.

March 30

ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP: There will be a free estate planning and asset protection workshop at the Archibald Senior Center. Education workshop presented by local attorney Raley Wiggins. Topics include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, long-term care, Medicaid qualification, and probate administration. Also, how to protect your assets from: divorce, remarriage, creditors, bankruptcy, and nursing homes.

Registration is required. Call (334)-625-6774 or online at www.redoaklegalpc.com.

March 31

AFTER HOURS: Wetumpka Depot Business After Hours, Thursday, March, 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at 300 S. Main Street, Wetumpka.

CAREER EXPO: The Elmore County Technical Center will be hosting the Elmore County Career Expo at the Wetumpka Civic Center March 31. This event is for our local students during the morning and midday hours (8:001:30), and we have a portion of the day reserved for the general public in the afternoon (2:00-6:00).

April 5

ID BOARD: The city of Tallassee ID Board will meet April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at 1 Twin Creek Drive.

April 9

5K RUN: The Roaring 5K Run is set for Saturday, April 9. Co-Sponsors are Tallassee Lion’s Club and Neptune Technology Group. Proceeds benefit the Lion’s Sight program. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Early registration is on-line through the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce at tallasseechamber.com

April 9-10

COMBAT ON THE COOSA: 2 Day Crossfit Competition. Individual -Saturday, Team- Sunday. Hosted

by Crossfit Intrigue. For more info visit www.thegaragegames.com/combat-on-the-coosa

Need CPAP?

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Located in Wetumpka at 6251 US Hwy 231 in the Triple C Plaza. www.qualityhomehealthcare.us

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

School

MARCH 17, 2016 • PAGE 3

continued from page 1

(Eclectic) football fields. Stallings and Son will be paid $15,610 for the work at Holtville while Correct Cut will earn $12,500 for the work in Eclectic.

The board also approved without dissent a contract with Outdoor Aluminum of Geneva for replacement of the visitors’ bleachers at Holtville and Eclectic at a total cost of $320,000.

According to Bruce Christian, project coordinator for the board, Outdoor Aluminum’s contract requires that its work be completed

by Aug. 1, in time for use in the 2016 high school football season.

“If it’s not completed by then, that’s going to put me between a rock and a hard place,” said Christian, drawing chuckles from the board.

Christian also said that each contract for demolition of the bleachers required that the winning bidders haul off and properly dispose of the

Unemployment

old bleachers.

In other action, the board: • Voted unanimously to extend a bid agreement with Busworx/Blue Bird of Birmingham for the purchase of eight 2017 84-passenger buses. The cost of each bus will be $93,374 and the total cost will be $746,992.

• Approved several personnel actions.

• Recognized Seth Aude, a student at Redland Elementary School, for winning the Seventh Annual National Geographic geography bee.

The board met at Eclectic Elementary School and, prior to the business meeting, enjoyed a selection of Alabama-themed songs from the fourth-grade music class of Will Reese.

The next scheduled meeting of the board is Monday, April 18 at 4:30 in the Elmore County Board of Education Board Room.

continued from page 1

plan, Davenport said, took a total of five meetings and two surveys, which he said garnered around 300 responses each and a special-called town meeting.

“I feel like it’s been a very good community activity with a lot of feedback,” Davenport said.

He said the commission was excited about the results of the process and the

plan itself.

“It’s ran very smoothly,” Davenport said.

“I’d say overall we’ve had physical participation of probably close to 300 or 400 individuals that have actually attended meetings at some point in time (regarding the plan).”

Missing continued from page 1

concerned when she did not return when it was believed that she would.

The vehicle has not been located and Powell has not been seen or heard from since.

Investigators say Powell has small children and has missed regularly scheduled visitation with them.

“Right now it’s just a missing person and we are concerned for her welfare,” said Elmore County Sheriff’s Department investigator Lt. Troy Evans. “Other than the vehicle and what we know there, we

don’t have much more to go on at this time.”

Evans said that Powell’s phone is disconnected and there has been no activity on her social media accounts since March 6.

Evans said anyone with information can contact him at 334-567-5546 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334215-STOP.

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Kenneth Boone, Publisher Mitch Sneed, 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 • MARCH 17, 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

A reminder that public information is for everyone

T

his week is 2016 Sunshine Week, a time that we in the media work to raise awareness and remind the people of our area that this week is not for the media – it is for the people.

The laws that are on the books are designed to assure free flow of government information – information that can help citizens understand government and make sure that leaders are being good stewards as they handle our business and our money.

The laws are on the books for good reason – to make sure that the public is not left in the dark.

This newspaper has featured several stories in recent weeks and months that are the direct result of the use of the state and federal open records and meetings laws.

We often hear residents complain that they didn’t know what lawmakers were doing or claim that they “pulled a fast one.”

That can only happen when we don’t pay attention and ask questions. Our staff pledges to let this week renew our mission of keeping the public informed by using the tools that the current laws allow to get information out.

We also charge citizens to do their part as well. This week should serve as a reminder as a time for Americans to educate ourselves and remember that public information doesn’t belong to the government, nor does it belong to the press – it belongs to the people. If you have a question or want to know ‘why,’ ask your government for the information. It is that simple. There are minimal costs associated with the production of the information in some cases, but if you want to know, it is worth the nominal fee.

The moral is that freedom of information is only a good principle when used by the people.

Let’s all do our part and let the sun shine on the workings of our governmental bodies.

Eclectic Observer The

334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eclectic Observer, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536688X. 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.

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ADMINISTRATION Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS John Peeler, managing editor John.Peeler@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 302 Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . .

Ext. 313

I

Face your past and do the next right thing

have a past.

That’s right, I have done a lot of things in my life I wish I could erase or get a do-over on, but in life it doesn’t work that way.

In 2009 I was on top of the world. I had risen through the ranks of a major newspaper chain, having led the Opelika-Auburn News to multiple honors as the best small daily newspaper in the state.

The company rewarded me by making me the publisher of a newspaper in Northern Virginia, paying more money than I ever figured I would make in this industry.

I was living in a beautiful home, in an incredible place with scenic views in a quaint town in the middle of a triangle formed if you drew lines between Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Washington, D.C. I had left the comfort of the newsroom for the world of business.

Instead of worrying about the letters and words printed in the paper, I was suddenly charged with guarding numbers and the bottom line.

Unlike some people who dread going to work, being in the newsroom is a joy to me. I love it.

It’s like a drug I can’t get enough of and a vocation that makes me happy.

Being a publisher wasn’t the same thing. While I enjoyed the challenge, it was a struggle every day, trying to make a profit in a town where the housing market had crashed hard.

When one thing doesn’t make you happy, you often turn to other things to get that same joy. For me, it was another woman and alcohol.

I threw away a marriage of 25 years as I found another woman.

Instead of being a social drinker who had a beer or two every now and then, it became a daily ritual.

I was running wide open and was the life of any party that I could find.

But I learned pretty quickly

MITCH SNEED Editor

nothing will make you happy, until you are happy with yourself. As my new relationship went down the tubes, I drank earlier and more often without any regard for what the repercussions might be.

The downward spiral resulted in two arrests, one that was thrown out of court after my accuser said I had threatened her when I filed suit over money I was owed.

It didn’t matter about the outcome, I had embarrassed my newspaper and I was dismissed from my job.

The second one was all on me.

After another round of hard times with the woman I was in love with and an entire day of drinking and feeling for sorry for myself behind me, I made the biggest mistake of my life.

I was drunk, out of control and went looking for my girlfriend.

I found her and the man she had been seeing and the result wasn’t pretty. I wish I remember what all I did, but the police report said I got in a fight, did some damage and got locked up.

From the penthouse to the outhouse in very short order.

I sat in jail for a few days and had plenty of time to think. I realized pretty quickly that about every bad thing that had happened to me had two things in common – alcohol and me.

I knew I had to change both of those things.

I had a friend who helped me get into an incredible place in Birmingham called The Fellowship House and I did 91 days at the in-patient rehab facility. There, I examined myself with a magnifying glass. At times that looking glass

made me feel like an ant under it on a sunshiny day. It wasn’t pleasant.

I met some of the most incredible people there and I learned that I wasn’t as important as I thought I was. I learned that if I keep doing the next right thing, good things would happen.

So that’s exactly what I did.

I started my road back into the newspaper business selling subscriptions to the Birmingham News and then got a break covering some high school football for that paper.

Then it was covering a trial for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.

Then I got a break when editor Bruce Browning in Carrollton and publisher Leonard Woolsey took a chance and brought me there.

In three years, I had worked my way to be the editor of a paper in Douglasville, Georgia, that we made the best small newspaper in Georgia, according the Georgia Press Association.

Then Kenneth Boone found me and gave me this incredible opportunity here.

The key? God, people who care about me and the fact that for the last six years I have been doing what I love again and I’ve been sober every single day.

I really don’t know why I felt compelled to write this today.

I just felt like it was important to let people know why I am so passionate about what I do. I love what being a journalist means and the fact that I am fortunate enough to do something I love.

I also hope it let’s someone in the same situation know that no matter what mistake you make, you can overcome it with hard work, support and prayer. Face your past, own it and good things will happen. The truth will set you free.

Thanks for listening. I needed that today.

Mitch Sneed is the editor of The Observer.

2016 election will be Clinton vs. Trump

B

arring some unforeseen circumstance, it appears that the two major-party candidates in the November general election for the presidency have been decided.

Hillary Clinton, after what appears to be a sweep of five primaries – Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio – on Tuesday, will be the Democratic Party’s 2016 presidential candidate.

Donald Trump, after winning Republican primaries in all of the same five states except John Kasich’s home state of Ohio on Tuesday, will be the Republican Party’s 2016 presidential nominee.

Supporters of Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz and John Kasich may manage weak arguments to the contrary, but let’s be real.

All that remains necessary prior to November is the tapping of running mates by Clinton and Trump.

For many, this writer included, the choice is not one that generates a lot of excitement about the coming election.

Many will cast their vote for the “lesser of two evils,” which is a shame in what is – still, without doubt – the greatest country in the world.

Regardless of the choice, there will be, one way or another, some historical significance to this year’s election.

Clinton will become the first female nominee of a major party for president and could become the first woman to hold the office.

DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Trump would become the first person to be elected president without holding prior public office since Dwight Eisenhower was elected in 1952. Of course, Eisenhower had just helped lead our troops to victory in World War II. Trump just stepped off the set of his own reality show.

Just from the perspective of potentially making history in November – particularly with the election of the first woman as president – this, in any other year, would likely be an election filled with anticipation and excitement. But the partisan, um, dislike that exists for Clinton simply won’t allow such anticipation or excitement to materialize. Between her marriage to philanderer Bill, Benghazi, emails and the general polarization of the American electorate, Clinton will never be a beloved figure. Not even among American women.

Trump, through the same rhetoric that endears him to his supporters, comes off as un-American, as a loose cannon with no real depth to others. He, too, should have kissed goodbye his chances to ever be beloved by all some months ago.

Here are the facts: If you like Hillary Clinton, it is almost a lead-pipe

cinch you despise Donald Trump. And if you like Trump, you’re likely counting the days until Clinton is popped with an inevitable indictment over the email scandal.

This might be called the oil and water election. The supporters of the respective candidates certainly don’t mix and can, in fact, become combustible, as we’ve seen at recent Trump rallies where alleged Sanders supporters invaded the arenas in protest of Trump’s sometimes over-the-top rhetoric about immigration, race relations and other touchy topics.

When a 78-year-old man is moved to “chicken-wing” a young black man who is walking by him posing no threat and paying the fightin’ old fogey no attention whatsoever, it’s likely that the rhetorical temperature in the room has risen to a dangerous level. But some like it hot. Trump and his supporters seem to be among them.

Confession: I never thought back in June when Trump announced his candidacy that he would make it this far.

In fact, I thought the prospect of Trump as president was a hoot. To be clear, I thought the prospect was laughable and wrote as much in this same space. I have since maligned the candidate and his candidacy on several occasions and continue to think that a Trump presidency will prove dangerous and that all should wake up and realize the same.

Yet here we are.

I have since come to realize the inevitability of Trump’s nomination.

Not just today, but some weeks ago. And while I held out hope for some time for Bernie Sanders, I was largely resigned all along to Clinton’s inevitability as the Democratic nominee.

So Trump surprised me. Clinton did not.

And that’s not only proven true with the election overall, but also the day-to-day of this crazy 2016 campaign.

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MARCH 17, 2016 • PAGE 5

Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On Saturday, March 19 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 on March 20. At 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist.

Following the service, all are invited to coffee hour. For more information, visit the church website: http://epiphanytallassee. org/ • East Tallassee Baptist Church Christ is Risen!

You’re invited to celebrate with us Sunday, March 25, 2016 7:15 a.m. Sunrise Service 10:30 a.m. Worship Service • East Tallassee United Methodist Church We will start our Easter week services on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 p.m. with an Easter message on March 24 we will continue with our Maundy Easter service at 6 p.m. United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church for good Friday service to be held at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.

East Tallassee United Methodist Church will have their annual Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday, March 27 at 6:30 a.m. at Veterans Park. There will be special music and congregational singing. Refreshments will be served in the park following service. On M27, our resurrection celebration (Easter Sunday) will be held at 11 a.m. The ETUMC choir and dance team will be performing. Please join us as we s=celebrate the joy and wonder of Christ’s resurrection.

We will also be having a Easter Night Service at 5 p.m. We are located at 101

Central Blvd, Tallassee.

• St. Vincent de Paul March 20 - James Dean, David Carucci, Patrick Driscoll - "Palm Sunday" March 27 - James Dean, David Carucci, Patrick Driscoll - "Easter Sunday" April 3 - Patrick Lencioni "Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 1" April 10 - Patrick Lencioni "Living a Christian Life in a Secular World Part 2" OUR LIFE'S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8:00-8:30 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.

• Salem Macon Baptist The Forever Young Seniors will meet on Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Our program will be the "Faithful Fretters" from the First United Methodist Church in Tallassee. Mark your calendar and come to have good food, good program and good fellowship. Bring a covered dish The Community Easter Sunrise Service this year is at First Baptist Church in Notasulga at 6:30 a.m. Rev. Mike Stephens of Salem Macon will be the speaker and the First Baptist Choir will present the music. After the service, everyone will enjoy a good breakfast.

The Salem Macon Choir will present an Easter Cantata "In Christ Alone” at the Easter Morning Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.. Please come and celebrate Christ's resurrection. Salem Macon Baptist is located on Hwy 14, 4647 Tallapoosa Street, Notasulga, AL. Rev. Mike Stephens is pastor and Tim Bunn is choir director.

• House of Love and Mercy

Will be celebrating their 16-year anniversary. The celebration will be a two-day event beginning Friday, April 29 at 6 p.m.

The speaker for this great occasion will be Marsha Jean Evans (known as MJ) who used to reside in HOLM and is now a great supporter who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On Saturday, April 30 from 9am-12pm the HOLM will hold a silent auction to benefit the HOLM. Looking for a great time and looking forward for women that used to reside in the program as well as many people who live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

• Westside Baptist Church Services are Sunday at 10 a.m. 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday night prayer and Bible study 7 p.m.

All are invited.

• Word of Life Baptist Church Community News We would like to invite you to join us on these Mondays: March 7th, March 14th, and March 21st, at the Word of Life Baptist Church for our Community Celebrations.

There will be special speakers each night with great music and refreshments. This will be a time of fellowship and worship for our community. Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday School 9:30 a.m., and Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m. Our Wednesday Night Activities are at 6:30 p.m.

• Elam Baptist Church The Sunny Senior Breakfast will meet Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. The Easter Pageant is planned for March 20, Palm Sunday. There will more Easter events to be announced. Hope to see you in church each Sunday, Wednesday and special activities. Everyone welcome.

• 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 334312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

• St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church 3495 Hwy 14 Notasulga, AL 36866.

Minister Alma Purter, Pastor. Welcome, welcome, welcome! We look forward to your presence. Program committee: Sis. Brenda Moss 334-401-0706, Sis. Linda Pullium 334-209-3208 and Sis. Judy Moss.

• Beulah Baptist Church At Beulah, here is our schedule of services: Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Traditional Service 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Feed the Sheep 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Nursery is available. All are welcome • Lake Point Baptist Church Lake Pointe is a new church and Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the church’s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from God’s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome.

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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

Submit your church calendar items and events to: john.peeler@thewetumpkaherald.com

Rushenville Baptist Church 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.



PAGE 6 • MARCH 17, 2016

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Commission He and Commissioner Mark Hraygil, District 1, were the two “yes” votes.

Faulk said that his and Hraygil’s efforts at the meeting were to enhance getting commission information out in a timely manner.

Going forward, Faulk said he had no strategy at this point of bringing the topic up again.

However Faulk said in regard to working with the commission on the amendments, “If the opportunity presents itself, I will certainly take the opportunity.”

Commissioner Chairman David Bowen said it was an election issue on the part of one candidate, Shanna Chamblee, running for the District 1 seat against Hraygil in the primary elections held March 1.

Chamblee beat Hraygil,1029-980, but now stands to face Kenny Holt, who held the most votes, 1693, in the runoff elections on April 12.

He said he did not see there was any problem with the way commission information was currently being presented.

Powerlifting the Panthers, earning individual championships at 220pound and 98-pound, respectively. For Holtville, 340pound sophomore B.J. Burke posted the best overall lift total at 1,105 pounds, including the highest squat at 550 pounds en route to taking the top prize in the super heavyweight division.

Five girls medaled for ECHS, Ella Carpenter (114), Autumn Ware (123), Georgia Adams (132), Hannah Traylor (148) and Kelli Hobbs (175), while Reid Swicord finished runner-up at 81 pounds, Alex Simmons third at 98 and Jay Kujala fourth at 105.

“This was something Markel was shooting for, and he was hoping to get the state record in power clean, but instead he finished with a state title and I think that was a nice consolation for him,” Elmore County powerlifting coach Daniel Carpenter said. “(Grant) wasn’t expecting to win a state title. But after squat, he said he felt like he had a really good chance.

“I was really pleased with our teams,” Elmore County powerlifting coach Daniel Carpenter said. “For several of our lifters, it was their first time in a meet.

We wanted them to compete, go out and give their best

MARCH 17, 2016 • PAGE 7

continued from page 1

And he said the documents would continue being published just like they had, however he said he was going to work to get the agenda out by the Thursday before the next meeting.

As it stands items can be added to the agenda up until the Friday preceding the next Monday’s meeting.

Bowen said in his seven years on the commission he had never denied anyone the ability to speak at a meeting, and any public document someone might want is available upon request.

He said as the commission chairman anyone could call him up until the Friday before the meeting and he would try to get them on the agenda.

At times, Bowen said, the commission is adding items to the agenda the Friday before the meeting anyway.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said Bowen.

Other items at the meeting included the discussion of 911 technology led by Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin, which was postponed until next meeting.

continued from page 1

effort. Overall, all of our kids worked really hard for me all year and did a good job.”

Seven of Holtville’s eight boys placed in the top 10, including three medalists Burke, Mason Ford, who came in second at 158 and Blake Talley who ended up fourth in super heavyweight.

Sergio Cripple (192), Billy Hacker (248), Michael Lassiter (235) and Nathan Smith (super heavyweight) all finished in the top 10.

Extending its state title streaks, Carpenter said he’s not sure how his program’s streaks match up to other schools in different sports, such as Bayside Academy volleyball’s 23 straight championships, but he’s hoping to grow the sport of powerlifting.

“With our sport, the competition depends on who showed and what they can do, and the same goes with our team as well. But all schools in the AHSAA are invited,” he said. “We’re hoping to help continue to grow it. Strength and conditioning is the common denominator at most schools now.”

An agreement was approved with the company Schneider Electric for $4 million in energy efficiency upgrades to existing county facilities that Bowen said would guarantee savings in energy expenditures and not raise taxes.

Funds were approved for the City of Millbrook to host the Crappie Masters Camp.

A budget amendment was approved for unexpected repair costs directed to the Health Department for a heating and cooling systems repair.

Office space was approved for lease to the Central Alabama Drug Task Force.

And a public hearing was scheduled for 5 p.m.

Monday, May 9, to discuss the vacation of Poplar Drive in Kowaliga Bay Estates.

The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 28.

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

PAGE 8 • MARCH 17, 2016

SPORTS

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER

Patrick paces ECHS JV track team at East Alabama meet

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Elmore County freshman D.J. Patrick carried the banner for the Elmore County junior varsity track and field team at the East Alabama JV/Middle School Meet at Auburn High School last week.

Patrick posted two top finishes, winning the boys triple jump event by more than three feet with a 41-foot, nine-inch measurement. CentralPhenix City’s Ka’ron Henderson came in second, jumping 38 feet, eight inches.

ECHS JV placed one-two in the boys 400-meter dash, with Patrick pacing the field with a time of 53.23 seconds, edging out his teammates, eighth-grader Zefeniah Edwards, who ran a 54.12.

The only event Patrick didn’t win, the boys 100-meter dash, he came in second, sprinting an 11.48, as Opelika’s Marquevious Swanson clipped him by .08.

In the boys 300-meter hurdles, sophomore Jakob Hodges finished runner-up, recording a 47.75, crossing the finish line nearly eight second behind Opelika’s Marquevious Swanson.

Freshman Cole Hagler came in third in the boyd 1,600-meter run with a time of 5:25.14, while freshman Mazaria Ransaw picked up a third-place showing, the top finish for the Panther girls JV team, in the girls 100-meter dash with a 14.03.

Ransaw also earned sixth in the girls 400-meter dash, running a 1:10.88, finishing two spots ahead of her teammate Tishay Benson (1:12.71).

Sophomore Ella Carpenter came in sixth in the girls 1,600-meter run, crossing the line at 7:38.63.

The ECHS JV boys 4X800-meter relay team ended up third, recording a time of 10:07.42, trailing first-place team Opelika and runners-up Smiths Station.

Panthers beat Marbury, get nohit by Wetumpka

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Elmore County split games at the ECHS Day of Baseball, downing Marbury, 7-1, in its opener before being no-hit by Wetumpka, 17-0, to close the day.

Senior Shannon Darnell struck out eight in a complete game effort against Marbury, allowing one run off just six hits picking up the victory.

The Panthers (5-11) scored all seven of its runs in the first four frames, jumping out to a 7-0 advantage.

Senior trio Darnell, catcher Eli Cobb and first baseman Josh Wilson sparked Elmore County’s offense with two hits each, as Wilson along fellow senior Nathan Taylor each batted in two runs, chasing Bulldog starting pitcher Michael Wurtz after three innings.

Cobb finished with an RBI versus Marbury.

In the second game, Wetumpka sophomore pitcher Max Champion threw a no-hitter – was one walk away from a perfect game –against ECHS, as the Indians pounded out 17 runs on as many hits to end the game in five innings.

Taylor, along with sophomores Kadin Edwards and Jonathan Stiff all struggled on the mound against Wetumpka.

ECHS travels to Montgomery to play a doubleheader with Brewbaker Tech today, starting at 4 p.m.

Cory Diaz / The Observer

Above, Elmore County senior second baseman Abbie Ryals (21) runs to third base as Reeltown’s Maggie Knox (2) gets the force out during Tuesday’s game at ECHS. Below, Elmore County eighth-grader Ella Watts (18) drives the ball versus Reeltown Tuesday at ECHS.

REELTOWN RALLIES

Scores five runs to beat Elmore County 8-5

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Reeltown scored five runs in the fifth inning to rally over Elmore County, 8-5, in a back-and-forth contest Tuesday at ECHS. Entering the top of the fifth up, 5-3, the Lady Panthers (7-10) couldn’t recover from the Lady Rebels’ run, turning out six of its 11 hits for the game to regain the lead, as they dropped their fourth consecutive game.

“They were able to get their bats going pretty well against us and had some hits at good times for them,” ECHS softball coach Kimberly Moncrief said. “Defensively, we really didn’t play badly, there were a couple of plays we could’ve done a little better, but our pitching was doing what they were supposed to be doing. But sometimes they’re going to hit us and we just have to make adjustments.”

Reeltown chased Elmore County starting pitcher Nicole Ferpes, who took the loss, after a two-run double from Kayli Hornsby that tied the game and back-to-back RBI hits from Jalee King and Brianna Jarvis. Ayriana Stoneback added a sacrifice RBI, putting the Rebels ahead, 8-5.

Both teams traded runs in the first

and Reeltown plated one in each of the first three frames to go up, 3-1, heading the bottom half of the third.

Behind senior shortstop and University of Alabama signee Elissa Brown, junior Stephanie Eckstein and eighth-grader Ella Watts, the Panthers rallied to score four runs and take the lead, 5-3.

Brown went a perfect 3-for-3 for the

game, scoring two runs, while Watts and Eckstein both drove in runs, scoring junior catcher Ladaisha Pierson and sophomore outfielder Juaneka Patterson, during Elmore County’s ascent to the lead in the third.

“We don’t like to play coming from behind, but it seems like we do that a lot. We would like to put some more runs up at the beginning of the game, get us a little bit of a cushion,” Moncrief said. “But they’re usually pretty good on the clutch, they’ll come through and make some hits at the right time, that’s what happened for us when we took the lead.”

The loss marked the second loss to Reeltown, where Moncrief’s sister Kelli Hilyer is the head coach, in eight days, taking the sibling rivalry leaning two to one in HIlyer’s favor.

“It’s a lot of fun because we rag each other back-and-forth,” Moncrief said of coaching against her sister. “I’m proud of the way the girls played, they played their hearts out. We beat them over there at their place in their tournament. That’s just a good team right now, we played them well. It could’ve gone either way.

“Right now, it’s just getting all together going in the right direction before area starts.”

ECHS returns to action today, hosting Horseshoe Bend at 6 p.m.

Panthers beat Tallasse, open area play with win

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Elmore County’s headed through uncharted waters off Shawn Beam’s header that lifted ECHS over Tallassee, 1-0, last Thursday in its Class 4A-5A, Area 5 opener at BurtHaynie Field.

The win marked the first time the Panthers (1-3, 1-0) started out area play with a victory.

“I don’t think we ever have started out area play with a win,” Elmore County boys soccer coach Norman Dean said. “The kids played very hard and very well. It was a good area win for us. We start out tied for first in the area, instead of tied for last.”

ECHS went up by one in the first 40 when Beam, a sophomore reserve, came in and finished a corner kick.

Dean credited the play of junior keeper Spencer Andrews and his defensive backline for the holding on to the lead to get the area victory

and keeping Tallassee scoreless throughout the area match.

“Spencer was solid for us in goal. It was a good game defensivelh,” the coach said.

“The guys that had a big game in helping us shut them out was (senior) Terrance Palmore and (freshman) Jason Aguilar, they did a great job for us.

“Offensively, (senior) Malik Settles and (junior) Josh Stockman moved the ball very well for us. We finally have got it to out where we have some quality play from our bench. Beam, he’s not a starter, and he came off the bench and was able to contribute in a big way for us to win.”

Against Stanhope Elmore, who advanced to the second round of the Class 6A last season, Elmore County gave up just one goal, falling 1-0, on the road Tuesday. Pulling out the area win over Tallassee and playing Stanhope tight, Dean said he hopes his team can continue to build and sustain the momentum.

“I think we’re getting to

Corey Arwood / The Observer

Elmore County sophomore defender Winston Scardina (22) fights off a Tallassee player for control of the ball during last Thursday’s Class 4A-5A, Area 5 match at Burt-Haynie Field.

the point where we realize we can compete. They believe they can compete, and they play together. They understand where their teammate should be and they pass it to their teammate.

“Like I said, hopefully we can build on that. Winning breeds winning. With us being

successful to start off with good, solid play, maybe that will carry on, and we’ll see how it works out as far as the playoffs go.”

Elmore County hosts Prattville Christian Academy today, with the girls kicking off at 6 p.m. and the boys immediately following.