April 12, 2017 Wetumpka Herald

INSIDE TODAY

Bentley completes Republican trifecta of shame

Sewell Award finalists announced

Be changed

by God’s story this week

SPORTS, PAGE A7

FAITH PAGE 5

OPINION, PAGE A4

THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898

Wetumpka, AL 36092

50¢

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 12, 2017

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 119, NO. 15

County considers downtown property

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The county commissioners began discussing what directions they could take on a downtown Wetumpka property owned by Elmore County, approved board appointments and continued a commitment giving preference to local bidders on county projects.

The session was held amidst the turbulence of gubernatorial impeachment

proceedings, and an expected resignation to be made by then-Gov. Robert Bentley.

The subject arose on occasion in the meeting.

Few people were in the pews of the Elmore County Courthouse Commission chambers, but the commissioners debated the merits of multiple items, some extending back into previous administrations and carrying weight with local municipalities.

One such was in relation to a downtown Wetumpka property owned by the county.

Under the previous county commission two parties emerged vying for its use, Adullam House Ministries and the City of Wetumpka.

Recently Adullam House withdrew its bid, while Wetumpka has maintained interest for the building to be ultimately acquired by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

File / The Herald

Wetumpka High School senior Micayla Johnston, who plays the part of Molly in the WHS Theater’s upcoming production of “Ghost,” listens as retired Prattville High School art teacher Donna Britan instructs her on making pottery in preparation for the pottery scene made famous in the 1990 movie of the same name.

SPIRITUAL ACT

Wetumpka High School Theatre puts on ‘Ghost’ production

By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

It might seem strange that Jeff Glass brought a retired art teacher into his theatre class last week to show his students how to make a pot.

But, just as his guest, Donna Britan, a retired art teacher at Prattville High School, went into great detail in her demonstration,

Glass is a stickler for detail, too.

The real purpose of Britan’s visit to Glass’ classroom was to show Wetumpka High School senior Micayla Johnston how to make the pottery scene in the WHS Theatre’s upcoming production of “Ghost; The Musical” more realistic and believable.

Johnston plays Molly, the lead in the production, and the scene in which her dead hus-

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A local Wetumpka High School student was recognized as the Wetumpka Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year at an annual event at the organization’s regional headquarters in Montgomery.

A junior at “I have always WHS, Breuna wanted to become a Monae, 17, nurse and I described the recognition at researched it and thought it would be the Boys and Girls Club a great avenue. It’s of the River part of my Region’s Annual Board personality to help people.” dinner as “motivating.”

—Ereuna Monae The Youth of the Year Wetumpka

See GHOST • Page A2

Today’s

Weather

See COMMISSION • Page A3

Local student recognized at regional Boys and Girls Club event

Body language workshop for Women in Business set for April 20 A River Region Women In Business program April 20 at Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino could help women be more aware of the messages their body language sends to professional colleagues, employees and customers.

Presented by the Elmore County Living magazine team at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., the event is open, free of charge, to all area women. Refreshments will be served, and door prizes, donated by local businesses, will be awarded. The program will begin at 6 p.m. and is expected to last about an hour.

“The ways that we sit, stand, speak and make or don’t make eye contact communicate more than the words we say, but are we really aware of the messages we’re sending to our bosses, See SEMINAR • Page A2

In what appeared to be a move for transparency, Elmore County Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs immediately recused himself on the matter.

“At this time I will go ahead and recuse myself of any conversation regarding this building due to my ownership of business property directly across the street, my ownership of a business directly across the street and

See STUDENT • Page A2

Ride for the Squad turning hurt, heartache into hope and education

By COREY ARWOOD Outlook Staff Writer

For its third year a local fundraiser has drawn bikers together for a run around Lake Martin to promote safe driving and a scholarship commemorating three 16-year-olds killed in a collision roughly three years ago.

Family of the Wetumpka High School juniors gathered in the parking lot of Aw Shucks, surrounded by dozens of motorcycles and their riders on Saturday for Ride for the Squad, an annual motorcycle ride, safety campaign and fundraiser to benefit the Dylan Bieber, Hoyt Hardin, Austin Augustine Scholarship Fund.

See RIDE • Page A3

Cory Arwood/ The Herald

Dozens of bikers gathered at Aw Schucks Oyster Bar and Grill for the Third Annual Ride for the Squad motorcycle run to promote driving safety and raise scholarship funds in memory of three Wetumpka teens who were killed in 2014 after what was described as a head-on collision with Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputy James Bart Hart.

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PAGE A2 • APRIL 12, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Seminar

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Obituaries continued from page 1

employees and customers through our body language?” asked Betsy Iler, managing editor of Elmore County Living magazine. Iler spent seven years assisting with body language education for autism students in north Alabama and Tennessee.

“In addition, we forget sometimes that our own minds are taking cues from our body language, as well. So what are we telling ourselves when we slouch in our chairs and drag our feet when we walk?

“This program is designed to raise awareness of what we’re saying when we don’t use words and will offer women some tools that could help us communicate more clearly and confidently in our business relationships.”

The workshop will include networking time, inspirational videos, a review of body language elements and a sampling of sitting and standing exercises to help women improve their postures and presence in business situations.

Sponsored by the

Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson-Thornton and Wind Creek Wetumpka, River Region Women In Business works to support, encourage and help women succeed in business, said the organization’s President Shea Irvine. The River Region chapter meets monthly at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce at 116 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka, with workshops that cover marketing strategies, organizational aids, inspiration and networking opportunities.

“We’re grateful to our sponsors who are so supportive of women in business,” Irvine said.

“Wind Creek Wetumpka has graciously agreed to host the April meeting, so we have more space for some aspects of this month’s program,” Iler explained.

For more information about River Region Women In Business, contact Irvine at 334651-8289 or visit the River Region Women In Business Facebook page.

Bette Lee Hunter Colley

Bette Lee Hunter Colley went home to be with Jesus and to reunite with her beloved husband of 67 years, William Elliott “Bill” Colley on April 3, 2017. Bill preceded her in death only four months ago in December 2016. She was born to and preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Oliver Hunter and Pauline Granger Hunter, and brother Donald Hunter. She is survived by her brother Thomas Hunter (Carol, wife), daughter Candace “Candy” Colley Lindley (John Lindley, husband), grandson Wyatt “Elliott” Wood (Sara, wife), great-grandsons Nathan Bennett Wood, Calvin Granger Wood, and by grand-daughter Colley Elizabeth Hatchett (Gilder, husband), great-granddaughter Mallie Tate

Marie U. Celka

Mrs. Marie U. Celka, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, and formerly of Dadeville, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at the age of 91. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, Tallassee, Al, with Father Mateusz Rudzik officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing. Mrs. Celka is survived by her daughterin-law, Patricia Celka; four grandsons, Christopher Celka (Ondrea), Michael

Hatchett, and great-grandson Hunter Davis Hatchett. Bette gave encouragement and a listening ear to her family and friends.

She loved those around her especially well. She was strong when the times called for strength, supporting her daughter Candy through cancer recovery. She maintained a playfulness throughout her Colley life, writing letters to grandchildren in the voice of “Polly Pig”, “Sammy Squirrel,” and other animals of the forest. Her dry wit accompanied by a Hershey’s “silverbell” brought joy to those who knew her. Bette often served delicious desserts, designed to make use of

Celka (Toni), Brian Celka (Belinda) and John P. Celka (Shea) and eleven great grandchildren, Caitlin, Jaiko, Marlie, Ashton, Andrew, Cade, William, Aja, Alex, Jackson and Olivia Celka. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Celka; parents, Jan and Elzbieta Tomczak and her son, John S. Celka.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

a unique spoon or serving dish. She loved Christmas, and she would keep an extensive Christmas Village display and tree up well past Christmas day. Bette was a proud member of the Girl Scout, for over 25 years. She was a dedicated member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she served in many ways. She was generous and always ready to share her blessings with those less fortunate than her.

The family is most grateful for the care provided by her many home care sitters over the past several years.

Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, AL, on Friday, April 7, 2017. Visitors will be received at 10:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 a.m. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net

Claudia Labriola Stone

LABRIOLA, Claudia Stone; a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama was born on August 13, 1921 in Titus, AL and passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at the age of 95. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Charles Box officiating. Interment will follow at Pine View Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Labriola is survived by her sons, Charles Labriola (Jackie) and Paul Labriola (Nancy); grandchildren, Beth Forrester (Jim), Nic Labriola (Bentley), Sarah Hyde (Kevin), and Carol Labriola; great-grandchildren, Claire Forrester, Anne Forrester, Charley Labriola, Blake Labriola, and Charlotte Hyde; sister-in-law, Frances Stone; nieces, June Ward, Janice Box, Carolyn Barrett, Debbie Stone, and Della Smith; and nephew, Dave Stone. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2011, Don Labriola. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net

Ghost

continued from page 1

band visits her while she’s at the potter’s wheel is key to the story.

The WHS Theatre’s “Ghost” will run Thursday through Saturday, April 20-22, and for matinee and evening shows on Saturday, April 29, beginning at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. All performances are in the WHS Commons. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free.

Johnston, her quick lesson in pottery behind her, held her own at the daunting task of pottery.

Meanwhile, sophomore Michael Armstrong, who plays the part of Sam, Molly’s murdered husband and the ghost in the title, joked, “I’ve got the easy part in this scene. All I have to do is walk up behind her and be spooky.”

Of course, “Ghost” is based on the 1990 film of the same name starring Demi Moore as Molly and Patrick Swayze as Sam. It tells the story of Molly’s encounters with her husband’s spirit and the mediation

one test two lives

between the two by Oda Mae Brown, played on the big screen by Whoopi Goldberg and in the WHS production by Damien Bowden.

Glass said “Ghost” appealed to him because of the challenges it presents his students.

“We always try to pick shows that challenge us as performers and as techies,” Glass said. “The music in the show is stunning, and some of the illusions the show calls for were appealing to us.

“All musicals are different, but all of them are difficult, too. We are utilizing full-scale video projections throughout the show for the first time. It’s been difficult figuring that out, but as far as performers go, we have an excellent, disciplined cast who make it easier on me. We’ve also had parents contribute a lot this year, which takes a lot of stress off of me.”

One of the things that may be unusual, but wasn’t difficult for Glass, was his choice of Bowden to play the part of Oda Mae. “He’s playing the part as a female,” Glass said.

“Outside of his close friends and family, I don’t think anyone will notice. If I did, I wouldn’t have cast him in the role.”

Both of the leads in the production, Johnston and Armstrong, have extensive experience in theatre for their ages, both in and outside of school.

Armstrong has played in the WHS productions of “The Wiz,” “Bring It On” and “Elf,” in which he played the lead of Buddy. He also played in the

Millbrook Community Players’ production of “Li’l Abner” and in the Wetumpka Depot Players’ “Jingle All the Way.” He said that he is looking forward to the production of “Ghost.”

“It opens the door to a reality in theatre where you’re not just playing a character, but a real person,” Armstrong said. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Johnston has played in “Putnam County 25th Annual Spelling Bee,” “Bring it On,” “Elf,” “The Wiz” (all at WHS) and in the Faulkner University Dinner Theatre productions of “The Addams Family” and “White Christmas.”

Glass said many of his students have had theatre experiences outside of school.

“It’s not at all unusual,” he said. “We have a few students who work outside of the school. Lizzy Woodall, for example, finished a movie not too long ago. I encourage kids to get involved wherever they can. The Wetumpka Depot Players have been wonderful partners in giving my students opportunities outside of school.”

Glass believes the WHS production of “Ghost: The Musical” will be a performance the community wants to see. As for now, he says rehearsals are going well.

“There are always stumbling blocks,” Glass said, “but one of the intriguing things about theatre is getting to figure them out.”

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Boys and Girls Club Director Cheryl Myrick, said Monae was chosen based on her leadership, character, service, academic excellence and her adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

Monae described the application process as intense, and said supporting documentation was needed from her school, as well as the club.

Monae said being at the club helped her focus on things she could not at home, and Myrick said Monae’s grades were flourishing.

“Not only does she excel at the club, academically she’s got a 3.5 GPA and she’s shooting for higher,” said Myrick.

continued from page 1

She said Monae was mature and that was the quality the WHS student picked as the one characteristic that would describe her most on the YOY application.

That maturity, Myrick said, was the reason she asked Monae to step in and watch the other BGC children when they were down in staff.

“Actually we use her if we have a staff person that’s out. I’ll actually call her in to work the program area,” Myrick said.

Monae said she had been at the club for about three years.

“I wanted to set a great example for the youth of our Boys and Girls Club,” said Monae.

She went on to say she liked

being part of the BGC staff, along with being a member.

“I enjoy it because I enjoy spending time with the kids and playing with them and things and I also admire the respect I get as being the junior staff,” Monae said.

She said she plans to enroll at UAB in the nursing program.

“I have always wanted to become a nurse and I researched it and thought it would be a great avenue,” Monae said. “It’s part of my personality to help people.”

Myrick said Monae’s choice of career was fitting.

“She’s a nurturer she likes to take care of people,” Myrick said.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

APRIL 12, 2017 • Page A3

Commission

continued from page 1

my wife’s role as the executive director at Main Street Wetumpka,” said Stubbs.

Commissioner Bart Mercer spoke first and talked about the background of the properties left to the county from the 19th century deed of Horatio Tulane, a Wetumpka businessman and member of the same Tulane family as Tulane University in New Orleans.

“I have a high level of respect and desire to make sure that whatever happens with that building is completely compliant and in the spirit of the will that the Tulane family left,” said Mercer. “But … we have read some information that (Commission attorney) Jeff (Courtney) has gotten us, and I’ve actually talked to some other people in Wetumpka that have looked at this language over the years and I’m really not sure if anybody can absolutely say what should be done with any monies received off of rent or if you sold it,” said Mercer.

There is language in the hand-written

document stating its use in perpetuity, or its proceeds should go to charity for poverty, persons with low-income or homeless persons.

“My position is of course Elmore County is not in the property management business,” Mercer said.

He said something needed to be done with a vacant building to prevent its further deterioration, which left two options to either lease or sell.

Mercer said his desire was to sell the property and use the proceeds in the way specified in the Tulane family will.

Commissioner Earl Reeves asked Courtney about the will.

“In short the trust itself, I sometimes use the words trust and will interchangeably because right now the will actually serves as a trust document,” said Courtney. “It was written a long time ago as we all know … as I read it it’s a very ambiguous document.”

He said under the law a where a trust does not specify its terms the interpreta-

Ride There were tents for registration to a tattoo contest,and others with costumed children’s characters, while the leather-clad, bearded bikers largely lorded over their rides before the run started.

They looked natural at the local bar and seafood restaurant and the hard rock blaring out the sound system added a fitting score.

Some rode alone while others had a partner riding along on their hogs and cruisers; crotch rockets were in the minority, but there were at least two.

The riders left their bikes only briefly as the music died and the reason for their gathering came into focus as a detailed plan was dictated over a microphone and a number of safety precautions for their route were spelled out.

Then each returned to their bike, turned the ignition and, with roaring engines, crept out onto the highway one by one to begin the run.

The safety campaign is “to bring awareness that will hopefully make drivers, young and old alike, aware of dangers and save lives.” Overall the charity stated its purposes “to achieve our goal of turning our hurt and heartache into hope and education for young people in our community.”

Beverly Eddy is an organizer of the event and the aunt of Austin Augustine.

She talked about Ride for the Squad and the wreck simulators in the parking lot.

“As much as we’re glad to be able to raise scholarship money, our main focus is making teens

tion defaulted to Alabama Code, which he said is “very, very broad.”

He said there were multiple options available to the commission.

“It’s my understanding that the building is in terrible disrepair and that brings up other options … I don’t know how much that building and that property is worth in its present condition,” Courtney said, specifying his comments not as suggestions, only options.

“Everything from making a capital investment to recondition the building to actually terminating the trust as uneconomical if it were determined the property were worth less than $50,000.”

The majority of the commissioners seemed in agreement to upholding the intended charitable use of its proceeds.

Commissioner Kenny Holt said, “Whatever direction we go whether its lease or sale I think we should stipulate somehow a ledger or something and we take that money and use for the purpose of the family. We sell it, we donate it

to charitable organizations around here.

If we lease it, we do the same and I think that’d be what the family’s wishes were.”

The only decision made on the item was to approve further research into the property.

The commissioners approved John Strickland to the newly established Elmore County Industrial Development Authority Board.

A five-percent local preference zone for competitive bidding on county projects was approved for the legal boundaries of the county.

Holt appeared in the courtroom wearing slippers and in his report gave an emotional thanks to the commissioners for their concern regarding his health.

He said he received third-degree burns to his legs in an accident burning leaves and was hospitalized for days receiving treatment.

continued from page 1

realize how fast things can happen,” said Eddy. “So these driving simulators, they have the option to be in a drunk-driving wreck or a texting-and-driving wreck and while we know the wreck that happened the boys were killed in and Deputy Hart was speed, our safety campaign that is written addresses that, but the driving simulator allows them to be in a wreck of different kinds.”

Deputy James Bart Hart was in the vehicle the three were said to have struck in a head-on collision.

Eddy said through the campaign’s first year they gave three $1,000 scholarships and promoted safety.

The second year they gave six $1,000 scholarships and continued to promote safety. She emphasized promoting safety with every mention of a scholarship.

This year, its third, she said she was not sure how much they had brought in, but said the fundraiser would result in giving out

several scholarships at the high school.

“We just want to be able to make an impression on young people and others to think and drive safe,” Eddy said.

The centerpiece table in front of the tents and shrouded under an American flag was halfand-half set up for the three 16-year-olds and Matthew Bolar, son of Anne Adkins, who was killed on his second tour in Iraq.

Eddy said Adkins was a coworker, and that most of families there that day had a military connection.

“My husband was deployed at the same time as her son, but her son gave his life for our country while in Iraq, and that’s what this table is to remind people to pray for the soldiers and in memory of Matthew Bolar,” Eddy said.

On the table were pictures of Bolar in Iraq and recently of a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

Adkins praised the event.

“It is a wonderful, wonderful event and the people need to contribute and participate in this event as much as possible,” said Adkins.

On the table was a basket of toy soldiers. Eddy said the idea was for attendants to take one and place it in their home to remember military members.

Adkins talked about her time with her son, before his second tour at Ground Zero in New York and she offered a quote from Bolar.

“Mom, you know there are some things worth dying for and that’s my family and my country,” Adkins said.

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OPINION

Page A4 • APRIL 12, 2017

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

--Thomas Jefferson

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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

Bentley completes Republican trifecta of shame I

n 2010, now-disgraced former Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mike Hubbard penned a book titled ”Storming the Statehouse.” It was Hubbard’s account of how the Republicans in Alabama came to own in 2010 the majorities in both the state’s House and Senate for the first time since Reconstruction.

However, the way the Republican super-majority era in our state government has turned out, one wonders if maybe the book wouldn’t have been more aptly titled “Storm In the Statehouse.”

Anyway you slice it, Monday’s resignation of grandfatherly Robert Bentley on the heels of a sex scandal with his chief adviser completes a rather embarrassing trifecta for the

Republicans. Has it ever happened in U.S. history when the heads of a state’s legislative, judicial and executive branches have all been swept out of office within a year?

First, there was the very author of the book that so proudly and vociferously celebrated the Republican rise to prominence in Alabama, Hubbard.

The former speaker was found guilty in June 2016 of 12 felony violations of the state ethics law, basically meaning that he used his powerful position as House speaker for personal financial gain.

The most powerful Republican in the state’s legislative branch of government was later sentenced to four years in prison.

Then Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore – no stranger to controversy even

DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

before the messiness of his fellow Republicans became so terribly pervasive – was suspended by the Alabama Court of the Judiciary in September 2016 for urging Alabama’s probate judges to defy federal orders regarding gay marriages.

So, if you’re keeping score, now we have laid waste to the both the Republican head of the state government’s legislative and judicial branches. At least Moore, as much as I disagree with his politics, was removed from his position for taking a stand he believes in moral – or maybe political, but also appealing to certain religious

groups.

All that was left was the Luv Guv – Bentley – and his charade to cover-up what amounted to – at the very least – a schoolboy infatuation with a woman years his junior that proved costly and embarrassing to the state’s taxpayers.

One almost felt sorry for Bentley yesterday, knowing that he’d lost his job, his pension, his wife of five decades and his personal and political respect.

Somehow, he managed to belly up to the gubernatorial podium one last time to apologize, step aside and complete Alabama’s Republican trifecta of political shame.

And, yet, when the next election rolls around, many Alabamians will do nothing more than look for the candidates with the elephants beside

their names.

My fellow Alabamians, you have been cheated, lied to, elected powerful men who wanted nothing more than to line their personal pockets. And why? Because you are tied to a single party and that party is having a party at your expense.

Our government is best, both on the federal and state levels, when there are two strong parties that will occasionally work together for the common good.

And, even if that occurrence is rare, is it better to have a single party take advantage of the positions you’ve put them in – not to help you, but to help themselves and their friends?

I do believe that our new Gov. Kay Ivey will, as best she can, serve us honestly and well, as she said in her brief remarks after she

was hurriedly sworn in on Monday afternoon.

But we have seen at least three occasions where that has not been the case – and the three men involved have each occupied the most stratospheric position in their particular branch of our state’s government – yet we keep pulling Republican levers and not even considering an alternative.

If you taste your milk and find it’s gone bad do you put it back in the refrigerator with the thought that maybe it will be better later?

No. You buy more, fresher milk.

And if you’re smart, maybe you’ll even try a different brand.

Granger is the managing editor of the Elmore County newspapers of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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ADMINISTRATION Steve Baker publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com David Granger, managing editor david.granger@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 Brandy Bowman, marketing consultant brandy.bowman@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . Ext. 313 Stacy Adams, marketing consultant stacy.adams@TheWetumpkaHerald.com . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 305

I

What a night in Fort Payne

was the entertainment over the weekend in the beautiful town of Fort Payne.

The drive up was spectacular as I drove through New Site, Goldville, Lineville, Piedmont and other quaint little Alabama towns and communities. The gig was a fundraiser for the Lions Club. I’ve always appreciated this club in particular, mainly due to their work with the blind.

As many of you know, my dad was blind.

In addition to my comedy, there was a live auction. When they called me about the opportunity, they asked me if I wanted to be the comedian or the auctioneer. As a stuttering guy, I decided to tell jokes. The auction lasted long enough as it was.

I met some nice people and had some rather long talks with a handful of them, primarily with some of my fellow veterans.

We just tend to share a bond, regardless of the era in which we served.

The dinner was excellent.

My choices were between pork or bacon-wrapped chicken. Of course, they had me at bacon.

Bacon-wrapped bacon would have been better, but the chicken was spot on.

My brother and his family live just outside of Chattanooga in the town of Ooltewah. They moved there from Opelika. They seem to have an affinity for funny sounding towns starting with the letter O. Rumor has it their next move will be to

JODY FULLER Columnist

Oneonta or Okeechobee.

My sister-in-law is from Fort Payne, so my brother and his family made the hour-long trek to see the show. My two youngest nephews stayed at their grandparents’ home alone, while everyone else came to the show.

Although I usually perform to a room full of strangers, it sure was nice having family in the crowd. Even when it’s a room full of strangers, I usually know have half of them, not to mention their mama-n-em by the time I leave.

The show itself didn’t go as well as I’d anticipated, but I knew that as soon as I walked into the room. The room was too big, the ceilings were too high, and there was absolutely no energy in the room. I told my brother beforehand that it was going to be dead.

The master of ceremonies was a super nice and charismatic guy that everyone knew and loved, but he got little to no response for anything he said or did.

Ouch. The auctioneer even commented on the crowd’s lack of enthusiasm.

I knew it was going to be a tough 45 minutes, but I pushed through. It was weird, because

I’m accustomed to having the majority of the crowd in stiches within minutes. The odd thing was that as I looked out amongst the crowd, most of them were laughing, but they were trying not to. It was as if they didn’t want their neighbor to see them having a good time. Many were covering their faces and laughing quietly. The venue was the activity center at the Methodist church, but I’ve had lots of great shows in churches. I wish they’d just cut loose and had a good time.

The collective crowd was odd.

Individually, everyone was great.

I had many people come up to me afterwards and thank me, hug me, shake my hand and more, so I guess I did okay. More important than my ego is the fact that the night was a great success, as it raised thousands of dollars for the Lions Club, and I was honored to be a part of it.

Personally, it was great having my family in attendance.

After the show, I went back to my brother’s in-law’s house and hung out with them and the nephews. That’s what it’s all about. Forget my ego, that’s as good as it gets.

Jody Fuller is from Opelika.

He is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

APRIL 12, 2017 • Page A5

Be transformed by God’s story this week

T

his column originally ran in the April 1, 2015 edition of The Wetumpka Herald.

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! It is a grey, rainy Monday morning as I write this week’s column.

Our weather of late has run the gamut of seasons, it seems. The correlation with Holy Week is not lost on me!

Holy Week is the most powerful week in the Christian calendar in my opinion. During the course of eight days, beginning with Palm Sunday, the word of God takes anyone paying attention to it on a spiritual roller coaster ride. It is truly something to behold.

We begin with the raucous and righteous praise of a parade. God’s anointed kind enters the holy city. The crowd

recognizes the Messiah, even if they do not fully understand who he is. Shouts of “Hosanna!” fill the air.

As the week progresses, the reality of God’s message and messenger begin to sink in. God’s choice of leader of the people and agenda for the world does not fit with human expectation. The ways of our world clash with God’s way of the world.

The week continues to unfold.

A plot to discredit and destroy God’s anointed king develops. The human need for authority and control gains strength and prepares for battle with the sovereignty of God. Many in the crowd who, only days before, heralded Jesus’ arrival take the side of human authority. Jesus’ clos-

JONATHON YARBORO First Presbyterian

est followers begin to fear for Jesus’ safety as well as their own. Greed finds its way onto the scene and Jesus is betrayed by one of his own.

In the midst of Jesus’ arrest and trial, there are ample opportunities for the people of God to intervene and set things right. No one was willing to stand up in support of the innocence of God’s Son. Jesus endured the worst punishment and suffering the human world can dish out. He rejected numerous requests to prove his divinity and save

himself. Again, no one spoke up on behalf of the one everyone knew to be the Son of God. No one expected to find the empty tomb. Even though the Word of God had explained it all in detail, the crowd and even the followers of Jesus believed the light of Christ had been snuffed out. The period of mourning began.

When news began to spread that the tomb was indeed empty, those who had heard the Word of God began to remember what they had been told. God’s sovereignty proved its power over human free will once and for all. The most misguided response to the presence of God cannot diminish the presence of God. Don’t take my word for it.

Read the story for yourself.

Take the time this week to read the Gospel of John, beginning at chapter 12 and reading through chapter 20.

No matter how well you think you know the story, read it again. You will find new meaning. That is how the Word of God works. Its richness is endless.

Embrace all Holy Week has to offer. Allow the limits of the human world to be broadened by an encounter with the world as God sees it.

Be transformed by God’s story as it unfolds this week.

You will be amazed by what you discover about who and what God is.

The spirit of God tells us so.

Think about it.

The Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Wetumpka.

Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God

Wallsboro United Methodist Church 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro

Rev. Ryan Johnson Pastor Rickey Luster, Music Director Sunday School....10:45 a.m.

Morning Worship....9:30 a.m.

Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m.

Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m.

You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church.

NURSERY PROVIDED FOR ALL SERVICES

Wallsboro United Methodist Church 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro

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

Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street

Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m.

Bible Study.............9 a.m.

Worship service...10 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.

Visitors Welcome At All Services

large...

Pastor

...with the right kind of advertising.

NURSERY PROVIDED FOR ALL SERVICES

• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

256.234.4281

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 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist

First

“And we know that Presbyterian allChurch things work 100 W. Bridge St. together for good to thoseJonathan who loveYarboro God, Rev. to those who are the Sunday School..9:45 am Morning called Worship..11 according toam His567-8135 purpose.”

Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.

Sunday Services at 11 a.m.

Minister Dr. John Brannon There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!

– Romans 8:28

“In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”

Please join us.

Mountain View Baptist Church

has been made

Rickey Luster, Music Director

You will receive a warm welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church.

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 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 5674458

Many a small thing

Rev. Ryan Johnson

Sunday School..........10:45 a.m.

Morning Worship........9:30 a.m.

Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m.

Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m.

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

567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd.

504 Osceola Street 504West West Osceola St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729 •••• Anthony Rhodes Rev.Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries

Need your business to

STAND OUT

Derek Blankenship, Tammy Student Driver:Ministries

from the crowd?

Children's Director

SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m.

Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship... 10:30p.m. a.m.

Evening Evening Worship..... 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY SERVICES WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m.

Supper.....................5:30 p.m.

Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:45 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m.

Student Worship........6:00 p.m.

Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m.

Calvary Kids...............6:00 p.m.

CEDARWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org

Roger Olsen, Pastor Sunday Bible Study..........9:00 AM Sunday Worship.............10:00 AM We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us.

Nursery Check out our Facebook page

Call us, we can help!

334-567-7811

• • • • •

Santuck Baptist Church

7250 Central Plank Road 7250 Central C Plank Road “A Family of Families” “A Family of Families”

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Counseling Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Education Chad Middlebrooks, Students Amy Pugh, Director of Matt Fallin, Worship Children & Preschool Amy Pugh, Children & Students Preschool Chad Middlebrooks,

SUNDAY SUNDAY Sunday School........9 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m.

Worship...................9 &&10:30 Worship........................9 10:30a.m. a.m.

EveningCelebration.................6 Celebration...........5 p.m.

Evening p.m.

WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for for every age Programs 6:15 -- 7:30 p.m.

6:15

Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record

Anthony B. Counts, Pastor Angie Gallups, Worship Leader Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students SUNDAY Morning Worship... ....10:30 Sunday School.............9:15 Youth Choir .............. ....5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 WEDNESDAY Fellowship Meal............5:45 Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Study.........6:30

Send your church news and happenings to: news@The Wetumpka Herald.com _________ Call Brandy Call Jayne or Shannon at 567-7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space

PAGE A6 • APRIL 12, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Hoppy Easter!

How To Draw A Bunny

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated by many families all over the World. This year Easter falls on Sunday, April 16. In 325 A.D., the Council of Nicaea declared that EasWHU ZRXOG EH FHOHEUDWHG RQ WKH ÂżUVW 6XQGD\ DIWHU WKH ÂżUVW IXOO PRRQ WKDW IROORZHG WKH 6SULQJ (TXLQR[ WKH ÂżUVW GD\ RI 6SULQJ 7KLV PHDQV WKDW (DVWHU FDQ RFFXU RQ DQ\ 6XQGD\ EHWZHHQ WKH ÂżUVW GD\ RI 6SULQJ ZKLFK XVXDOO\ IDOOV RQ 0DUFK H[FHSW GXULQJ D OHDS \HDU ZKHQ LW IDOOV RQ 0DUFK DQG $SULO 7KDW LV ZK\ (DVWHU VRPHWLPHV FRPHV earlier in some years than others. It is believed that the term Easter which we use today is derived from the Old High German word eostarum which, in turn, was derived from Latin and means “dawn.â€? Easter is the most popular of all the Spring holidays because it represents the new life and warm weather that are so often associated with it.

0DQ\ SHRSOH GUHVV XS LQ WKHLU ÂżQHVW FORWKHV DQG JR WR &KXUFK RQ (DVWHU 6XQGD\ ZKLOH many others have picnics and participate in community events like Easter egg hunts.

Children love Easter for the fun that it brings. Kids are visited by the Easter Bunny who brings a basket of goodies each year. Eggs are dyed to look bright and colorful. Adults KLGH SODVWLF HJJV ÂżOOHG ZLWK JRRGLHV WR VHH ZKR FDQ ÂżQG WKH PRVW

All About Easter Word Find Game Find the words hidden in the puzzle below. All of the letters in the puzzle will be used. The words can move in any direction.

Mini Easter Memorization Game Cut out each of the kids and glue each to a solid piece of construction paper.

Allow to dry and then cut out each individual tile. Place the 12 squares face GRZQ RQ WKH WDEOH (DFK SOD\HU JHWV D WXUQ ÀLSSLQJ RYHU FDUGV ,I \RX ¿QG D match, you keep it. Person with the most pairs, wins. ma

A S Special T Thank You To All Our Sponsors!

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APRIL 12, 2017 • PAGE A7

12TH ANNUAL SEWELL AWARDS

And the nominees are ...

Jake Baker

Jack Broom

Morgan Brown

Easterling Carpenter

Brady Hancock

Kevi Hansen

Madison Hill

Austin Lankford

Caity Jo Lee

Mark McGowin

Zach Mozingo

Laura Ann Parker

Elizabeth Thomas

John Ellis Rawls

Sarah Ray

Marcus Robinson

Cindy Shelton

Karson Stanford

Adele Tessier

Hannah Traylor

Nicole Tyler

Jana Venable

Will Venable

Phillip Warlick

Finalists announced for 12th annual Sewell Awards

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Seniors Morgan Brown, Kevi Hansen and Caity Jo Lee of Edgewood Academy and John Ellis Rawls, Sarah Ray, Marcus Robinson and Adele Tessier of Wetumpka High School were among the 24 student-athletes named April 5 as finalists for the Joe Sewell Memorial Award and the John Sewell Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded Tuesday, May 2, at the award’s annual banquet.

The banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center.

The award was established in 2005 to recognize outstanding high school senior athletes in Elmore County who have consistently represented the highest ideals of Christian leadership.

Each year, one male and one female senior from Elmore County high schools are chosen for the top honors – the

Joe Sewell Memorial Award and $3,000 John Sewell Scholarship. Male and female category winners are also selected for academics, athletics, leadership, and church, community, and character, with each student receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

The Joe Sewell Memorial Award is the only program of its kind in the River Region that presents scholarship money in conjunction with the awards to overall and category winners.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Michael D. Williams, president of Faulkner University, a Christian university with campuses in Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville.

Williams became Faulkner’s eighth president on June 1, 2015, after serving twenty-eight years in a variety of roles at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. In addition to being a sought-after con-

ference speaker and presenter, Williams is deeply committed to community outreach and has volunteered his time in various capacities of non-profit and community organizations, including having recently been selected to serve on the Montgomery Area Committee of 100.

Other finalists are: • Jake Baker, Brady Hancock, Laura Ann Parker and Karson Stanford of Tallassee High School; • Jack Broom, Madison Hill, Austin Lankford and Nicole Tyler of Holtville High School; • Easterling Carpenter, Hannah Traylor, Jana Venable and Will Venable of Elmore County High School; • Mark McGowin, Zach Mozingo, Cindy Shelton and Tripper Warlick of Stanhope Elmore High School; and • Elizabeth Thomas of New Life Christian Academy.

Nominated freshman athletes from each participating

school will also be recognized for their commitment to the qualities outlined in the award program. This year, those freshmen are: • Taylor Atkinson, Ean Carpenter, Grace Clements, and Ella Watts of Elmore County; • Aubrey Beyer, Kalynn McElrath, Sullival Stevens and Tyler Wilson of Stanhope Elmore; • Miles Broom, Payton Coburn, Brooke Cooper and Brianne Staton of Holtville; • Sydney Brown, Kamden Burleson, Katie Roberts and Luke Sisson of Edgewood; • Abigail Chavers, Isaac Merrell, Matthew Thomas and Kaleb Varner of New Life Christian; • Natalie Davis, Tavarious Griffin, Bruin Hathcock and Lindan Oliver of Tallassee; and • Reagan Greene, Elizabeth McTier, Robert Stewart and James Teel of Wetumpka.

The award serves to honor the legacy of Joe Sewell, a

native of the Titus community who established a very successful baseball career in the major leagues from 1920-1933 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. His outstanding character and leadership are qualities that serve as the foundation of this award. His cousin John Sewell, for whom the top scholarships are named, loved sports and spent much of his free time coaching and helping young people.

Tickets are sold in advance only for the year’s ceremony and will not be available at the door. Each ticket includes admission to the banquet and banquet meal and can be purchased for $25 each until April 14 or $35 each after April 14 while supplies last. Tickets are available at Alabama Power Company, 400 S. Main St. in Wetumpka or online at www. joesewellaward.org.

WHS baseball team shows support for mom fighting cancer

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

The ballpark provides everyone their own unique arena.

Watching the game and strategy of baseball, being part of a team, the baseball diamond shapes the atmosphere to what you want it to be – or need it to be. It can be a love or a hate, it can be an escape as well as a unifying sanctuary.

For Karen Shepherd, the field serves as a safe haven.

A mother of three former and current players, Shepherd has been involved in the Wetumpka High School baseball program for seven straight years. For the first six years, she attended most, if not all, home games at Bazemore Field and helped take tickets at the gate or worked in the concession stand.

But this season has been different for the Shepherd, whose son Hayden is a junior on the Indians varsity team. Right as the 2017 season was starting this February, Karen, 49, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, as a growth in her

abdomen was discovered by her doctors.

“I just finished my second round of chemo,” Shepherd said last Tuesday. “I’ve got one more round to go. Thankfully, it’s localized in one area.

It’s not in my bone marrow.

Doctors seem to think that they can shrink it. They said they can’t cure it, but they can shrink it and we can deal with it later on in life.”

Admittedly, Shepherd, who took a leave of absence from teaching her fourth-grade class at Wetumpka Elementary School last Monday, hasn’t been to the ballpark as much this season due to her treatments. But on Senior Day last Tuesday, the Wetumpka baseball team honored her in a surprise pregame ceremony, recognized her on the field with flowers and a card, and each player wore a special pink Wetumpka jersey with “Shepherd” on the back.

“I did not know anything about it. They just kept telling me I had to come to support our seniors,” she said. “I was like, ‘OK. I don’t have (a senior) this year, but I’ll be

there.’”

WHS baseball coach Mark Davis said the team and the rest of the parents wanted to surprise Shepherd in a full display of support for her and her family.

“Karen has been around the program a long time,” Davis said. “She’s got three sons, Dalton, Clayton and Hayden, that have been through the program. She’s been there a lot and has worked hard at the field and for our program for many years. I just thought what better way than to do it on Senior Night. I felt like this would honor her. We’re behind her 100 percent and whatever we can do to help her out going through this in her life.”

The kids that have played alongside her sons, along with their families, have become a big family over the last seven years, Shepherd said. And their support since her cancer diagnosis has been comforting.

“You know they care, but for them to go out of their way and do something like this. I mean, the flowers, when they went out in their jerseys … It’s just unreal,” Shepherd said.

Cory Diaz / The Herld

Karen Shepherd hugs Garrett Hardin (16) after a surprise pregame ceremony honoring her last Tuesday at Bazemore Field.

“I’m just at a loss for words because they’ve got their own things they have to deal with, growing up and doing that. But to take the time out, the energy, the vthoughtfulness and the card … The things they said in my card are awesome. It just

means … It’s very sweet.

“The most comforting part has been the support. Baseball family, church family, my school family, everybody has gone out of their way. You See CANCER • Page 8

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Tallassee takes down Holtville for 4A, Area 5 crown

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Tallassee’s offense needed a jolt, trailing Holtville by a game with the Class 4A, Area 5 championship and the right to host a first-round playoff series on the line.

Patience and percentages picked it up as the No. 8 Tigers (17-13) pounded out 23 runs en route to coming back to win the series, 10-5 and 13-3 in five innings to clinch the area title at Southside Field Saturday.

In games two and three, Tallassee’s leadoff batter reached base eight times and the bottom half of the lineup delivered versus HHS, who settled for the Area 5 two seed after sealing a postseason berth with the series-opening win Friday.

“Our top two guys, (Will) Peters and (Dee) Williams, both seniors and pretty much most of the time when they get on, it gets us going,” THS head baseball coach Adam Clayton said. “(Casey) Baynes does a really good job in the three hole driving runs in, but really our one through six guys have done a good job all year. Seven, eight, nine have really not swung it well, but seven, eight, nine really swung it well today, and that really picked us up.”

Junior designated hitter Caleb Stewart, senior leftfielder Chris Rowland and sophomore centerfielder Kalvin Levett combined for six hits and seven RBIs for Tallassee, including a tworun home run for Stewart.

Holtville game one starter junior Chase Driver fought off the Tigers getting their

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Holtville senior Blake Harris (16) gets knocked down by Tallassee senior starting pitcher Dee Williams’ (1) tag Friday during game one of the Class 4A, Area 5 series at Smart-Collier Field.

leadoff on four times Friday, retiring the last 12 batters he faced to earn the win in the 3-1 complete game effort, striking out seven. Senior second baseman Blake Harris lifted the Dawgs offensively in game one ultimately scoring off an RBI single thanks to a throwing error by Baynes. Williams took the loss for Tallassee.

But Bulldog pitchers Dylan Culverhouse and Drew Nobles battled baserunners all afternoon Saturday, and couldn’t respond.

“When leadoff guys get on, they’re going to score 80 percent of the time,” HHS head baseball coach Michael

Dismukes said. “It felt like they got their leadoff guy on every inning. It was 12 innings right there that they seem like they were getting on every time.

“We just couldn’t make that pitch today. And that’s the game of baseball.

Hopefully our guys bounce back. But tip your hat to (Tallassee), they had their back against the wall and they came out swinging.”

In games two and three, junior Jake Burton led the way for the Tigers, going 7-for-11 with four RBIs, while Blake Dean had four RBIs on three hits and Peters collected three RBIs.

Two victories away from an area championship heading into Saturday, Clayton said there wasn’t much talk about being down a game to the Bulldogs.

“I think the kids understood what had to be done.

Sometimes it’s best to not say anything, so that’s kind of how we did it and it worked today, I guess.”

For Holtville, Harris batted in a team-high three runs and senior designated hitter Jake Brown went 4-for-8 with a double.

“I’m proud of my guys.

They came in and had to win one to get in and they took care of business (Friday),”

Dismukes said. “I’m proud of how they handled themselves through the whole series, up and down. They played their hearts out (Friday), we just couldn’t get it done today.

“The bottom line is we’re going to the postseason, and that’s the ultimate goal. It doesn’t matter if you’re one or two, eventually you got to play a playoff game on the road, so why not start round one?”

THS will host Monroe County in a 4A first-round playoff series April 21 and HHS will travel to play W.S. Neal.

Dismukes drives Dawgs past Panthers

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

After Elmore County turned the tables on Holtville Thursday at ECHS, Kaylyn Dismukes single-handedly flipped the game right back over.

In a pivotal area and rivalry matchup, the Lady Bulldogs raced out to a 2-0 lead before the Lady Panthers finally cracked HHS pitcher Brooke Cooper, pushing three across the plate in the bottom of the fourth to go ahead, 3-2.

That’s when Dismukes took over.

The 5-foot-10 sophomore led off the fifth with a base hit and came around to tie the game on an error by ECHS’s Madison Britt. With the game tied back up in the bottom of the fifth, Dismukes relieved Cooper and proceeded to strike out eight of the 10 batters she faced in the final three frames. In the final two innings, she batted in four runs, capping a perfect game offensively at 4-for-4, including two doubles with four RBIs and two runs, as Holtville pulled away from the Panthers, 9-3, in the Class 4A, Area 5 contest.

“I feel like Coop’s got all the talent in the world,” Bulldogs head coach Daryl Otwell said. “I truly felt she gave us the best chance to win today. The girl has pitched extremely well all year for us. We just haven’t defended well behind her and it was the same thing

Cancer just don’t realize how much people care about you until something like this happens. And they all stop what they’re doing and love you.”

On the other side, she said, the most difficult part has been trying not to miss anything and keep everything as normal as possible for her family. Davis praised the way Hayden has come to the field every day.

“I think he has done a great job of focusing. Baseball can be more of a stress reliever for him. He can get out there and leave everything outside the fence,” the coach said. “It’s time for him to enjoy it and take his mind off of worldly things. All of our guys support each other, take care of each other and pull through adversity. That’s what baseball teaches us – taking care of each other. When one person is down, another person picks you up.

“Hayden has accomplished a lot

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Holtville senior centerfielder Haley Mann (33) slides into home plate past Elmore County catcher Mackenzie Lewis (33) to score a run during Thursday’s Class 4A, Area 5 contest at ECHS.

tonight.

“I think this could be a good combination for us going forward, mixing the two in. KK’s coming off arm trouble. I’m really trying to limit her pitch count, but also don’t want to get Coop’s too high. It gave us an advantage

tonight, you go from a spin pitcher to a little more of a power, putout pitcher.”

ECHS coach Kimberly Moncrief agreed that her hitters couldn’t make the adjustments quick enough at the plate.

“I definitely think that works in their favor that they have a pitcher

that can come in and throw with the velocity that (Dismukes) can throw at,” Moncrief said. “Our girls have been hitting decently against power pitchers, but I think we did have to make some adjustments.”

Sophomore third baseman Cyndi Thornton brought Dismukes home on a RBI base hit for the Lady Dawgs first run of the game in the third and sophomore shortstop Jordan Cousins’ sacrifice fly scored senior Haley Mann in the fourth off Panther eighth-grade starting pitcher Maci Curlee, who took the loss tossing the complete game.

Elmore County senior third baseman Stephanie Eckstein ignited her team’s rally in the fourth with a leadoff double and later scored on a passed ball. Next batter, Curlee gave ECHS its first lead on the night at 3-2 with a two-run home run, the first of her high school career.

“Maci is a solid player all the way around. It was amazing for her because that was the first time it had happened, but she’s been close in practice,” Moncrief said. “I don’t think it was so surprising that it happened. We all knew she had the potential. But it was great to see it happen for her, and she was grinning ear-to-ear when she was rounding third.”

Eckstein led the Lady Panthers, going 2-for-3, while junior Juaneka Patterson went 2-for-4 and Kierra Harden added a hit.

continued from page 7

through this time. I think he’ll come out on top in whatever it is.”

With a big smile, Karen hugged every single Wetumpka baseball player after the surprising ceremony. That’s what she hopes lasts with them, positivity and resiliency, but she’s got more to teach.

“Hopefully not to give up, try to stay positive. I have a few bad days after treatment, but other than that, I try to stay normal and stay positive,” she said.

“Through faith, that’s the only thing getting me through, knowing that everything is going to be OK however it turns out. Whatever the end result, everything’s going to be OK. “If they’ll just realize (baseball) is important to them now, but in the grand Cory Diaz / The Herald scheme of things as long as you’re Wetumpka baseball team recognized Karen Shepherd, mother of current junior varsity player Hayden enjoying and doing what you want to Shepherd (front right), during a pregame ceremony Tuesday at Bazemore Field.

Karen Shepherd was do, that’s all you can ask for.” diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in February, and has since completed two rounds of chemotherapy.

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HSEC wins $5,000 in Wind Creek contest

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Please give a huge shout out to Wind Creek Hospitality as we were one of 25 non-profits from throughout Alabama, Georgia and Florida to be awarded $5,000 Friday evening. Wind Creek Hospitality had held a Facebook contest whereby non-profits could enter a video and get their supporters to vote – and because of our wonderful supporters we were in that top 25. We will be using our $5,000 to help us build a new food storage building, something that is direly needed! Thank You Wind Creek Hospitality!

April 9-15 is National Animal Control Officer (ACO) Appreciation Week and we ask that you please appreciate and thank your local ACO for his/her hard work helping both animals and people. These men and women go far beyond the old days of the ‘dog catcher’ as they work to enforce state and local laws, help animals in need, protect the health and

safety of people and resolve issues involving animals.

Animal control officers often go far beyond just capturing wayward animals as they deal with dog and cat bite/ attack cases, mediate disputes between neighbors over animal issues, round up loose livestock that have gotten out of pastures, investigate animal cruelty and neglect cases, work with their fellow law enforcement on other cases where animals are often innocent victims, investigate and often seize abandoned pets, etc. All areas of Elmore County have a containment or “leash law” for dogs and Wetumpka and Tallassee add to that with a “leash law” for cats. City noise ordinances and barking dogs are often at crossed paths and some towns have limits on the number of pets in city zoning ordinances. And some, but not all, of our cities restrict livestock within city limits.

Our animal control officers are dedicated professionals who deserve respect from the public they serve.

Many are Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training (APOST)

‘Stardust’ exhibit at The Kelly through June 2 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Pastel Society is hosting its annual national competition, “Stardust”, in Wetumpka’s Kelly Fitzgerald Memorial Gallery through June 2.

Entries for the “Stardust” exhibit were received from as far away as New York and Pennsylvania. Paintings in the exhibition include the full range of subject matter and style.

Kathy Atchison of Titus served as the guest curator for the exhibition and has several paintings in the show.

Other local area artists include Libby Christensen, Toska Courbron, Jennifer Levins, Marguerite Edwards, Margaret Sant and Christine Freeman.

“The Kelly” is located on the 2nd floor of the City of Wetumpka Administrative Building and is typically open during city business hours, 8 a.m.

- 4 p.m. daily.

There is no admission charge.

According to Atchison, “When many people think about pastels, they think about either pastel colors or chalk.

Pastels are not necessarily either: They come in a full palette of rich colors, including darks, and are actually comprised of pure pigment held together by a binder. Folks confuse them with chalk because they come in sticks and

are applied directly to the surface of the paper. However, I think that if you see the work now hanging at the Kelly, you will realize pastels are just as rich and intricate as oil paintings--and they’re just as durable as well.

“Pastels have been in use since the 16th century, and were utilized by many famous artists, especially the Impressionists.

Pastels are both a drawing and painting medium. The Stardust exhibition has excellent examples of both. Remember, this is a national show. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some exceptional works of art.”

Also on exhibit is the quarterly show of the Elmore County Art Guild.

Two more “Tuesdays with Kelly” events are planned for April and May. “Tuesdays with Kelly” take place on the third Tuesday of each month at noon in the Gallery. They are brown bag “learning lunches” and the public is invited.

On April 18, Scotty Kirkland of the Alabama Department of Archives and History will speak on Roderick MacKenzie, a pastel artist best known in Alabama as the creator of the eight murals in the Rotunda of the Alabama State Capitol.

The May 16 “Tuesdays with Kelly” will be presented by Rick Evans of the W.A. Gayle Planetarium, who will speak about the night sky and our own stardust.

certified officers and some have attended specialized animal control training at the state and national level to learn about things like safe capture techniques, animal identification, disease issues, legal issues, investigative techniques, court proceedings, rabies control, public education, wildlife and exotics and so much more. Animal issues often put them in harm’s way from both animals and people and their call volume often means they have to triage cases to deal with the most serious, or potentially serious, the quickest.

So we just want to say thank you to each and every animal control officer for all they do to help animals and people throughout Elmore County. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.

If you can’t make it to our shelter this coming weekend, perhaps stop by to see us at Cooter’s Pond in Prattville as we join in other shelters and rescues at the Fourth Annual Hotel Pit Bull Pit-Nic and Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be many great dogs looking for their forever homes as

well as vendors, demos, food and more so hope to see a park full of pet lovers on Saturday and please thank Hotel Pit Bull members for inviting us all to join in on the fun.

The 15th annual Cruisin’ fer Critters is coming up on Saturday, April 29, at Deja Vu, 121 N. Burbank Drive in Montgomery. Registration starts at 11 a.m. with last bike out by 1pm. Each ‘hand’ is $15 for which you get an event patch, goodie bag, food, door prize ticket and more. There will be live music, a bike/car wash, a fun live auction and just a great day of fun.

Best hand wins $250, 2nd best wins $100 and worst hand wins $50 (must be present to win). There is a $5 minimum if you don’t want to play a ‘hand.’

Sponsorships are available so please contact Joey “Shaggy” Keithahn at 334558-1423 or Sherri Clower-Kirkley at 334-207-3773.For more info contact Joey “Shaggy” Keithahn at 334-5581423 or Sherri Clower-Kirkley at 334207-3773.

NOTICE WETUMPKA POLICE DISPATCH IS MOVING

EFFECTIVE APRIL 18, 2017 AT MIDNIGHT WETUMPKA POLICE DISPATCH WILL NO LONGER BE LOCATED AT THE WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT, 208 MARSHALL STREET. THESE DISPATCHERS WILL BE MOVING TO THE CONSOLIDATED 911 CENTER. THERE WILL BE A FEW MINOR CHANGES ON HOW WE DO BUSINESS: THERE WILL NO LONGER BE A DISPATCHER AT THE WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT. WE WILL HAVE TWO PHONES LOCATED IN THE LOBBY: (1) DIRECT LINE TO 911 DISPATCHERS (2) A PHONE ALLOWING YOU TO CONTACT EVERY ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION IN THE DEPARTMENT AND A NON EMERGENCY PROMPT IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO AN ON DUTY PATROL OFFICER. IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRESS THAT 911 CALLS WILL NOT CHANGE. ALSO NON-EMERGENCY CALLS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CALLS WILL STILL BE AT PHONE NUMBERS 567-5321 AND 5678432. ON THESE LINES YOU WILL PROMPTED TO THE CORRECT OFFICE.