‘Cats kick South Choctaw out of second round . Sports, Page 8. Wetumpka, AL 36092
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • APRIL 23-24, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 16
Third victim from March drive-by shooting dies
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A third victim has died from the March 19 shooting in Wetumpka that killed two, injured two more and resulted in the arrest of Marcus Edwards, who now faces three counts of murder. Jacoreian Jennings, 24, died Saturday, April 16, according to an obituary from Wetumpka’s Hillside Memorial and Gardens funeral home.
Edwards waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday after a warrant was signed to change one of the first degree assault charges he faced into a murder charge. A spokesperson for the office of Elmore County District Attorney Randall Houston said his case would now be presented directly to a grand jury on a date which has yet to be determined. Edwards faced f, two murder charges and two charges of assault in the first
degree that were read to him at a March 21 bond hearing before Elmore County District Judge Glenn Goggans. At the hearing Assistant District Attorney C.J. Robinson said approximately 10 different bullets were fired from a 9-millimeter handgun and hit a target in the densely populated area of South Shelby Street where the shooting occurred. Allegedly, Edwards shot into a crowd from a vehicle as he was travelling with
a passenger. The shooting was allegedly the result of a dispute among family members. Killed were, D’Osha Jackson, 19, and Darryl “Bunny” Hunt. Roderick Jones was injured and Jennings recently died from his injuries. A Montgomery man that was said to be Edwards’ uncle, Martin A. King, 34, was arrested later and charged with supplying the handgun to the alleged shooter.
Commission hosts Government Day session
Elmore County summer food service begins at close of school year
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
With the school year coming to a close, any resident of Elmore County can still ensure at least two meals a day for a child 18 years old and under during the months of June and July. On one day last summer there were up to 1,200 children served lunch through the Break For a Plate Summer Food Service Program, said Kim Smith, the child nutrition director with Elmore County School Board. It is the second year the county has offered the program which is provided by the USDA and the Alabama Department of Education. The program offers breakfast and lunch, free of charge, five days a week, and this year Smith said the service would be expanding to two locations at Stanhope High School and Wetumpka High School. There are very few restrictions on who can access the program, and enrollment in a county school is not a requirement. Smith said as long they are in Elmore County, 18 or under, they can receive the two meals. The service is not limited to individuals. According to See SUMMER • Page 3
Submitted / The Herald
Dr. Andre’ Harrison accepts the Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Administrator Award from College of Education Dean Betty Lou Whitford, right, and Dr. Sherri Downer, left.
OUTSTANDING ADMIN Dr. Andre’ Harrison honored by AU College of Education STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Dr. Andre’ Harrison serves as the Superintendent of Education for the Elmore County Board of Education, in Wetumpka. At a ceremony in April, he won the Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Administrator Award. During his 23-year tenure as an educator in Elmore County, he has served as a teacher, library media specialist, interim principal, acting principal, transition principal, attendance, textbook, and library media education coordinator, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, interim assistant superintendent for instructional services and human resources, assistant superintendent of education, deputy superintendent/chief of staff, and
acting superintendent of education. In addition to his work with Elmore County, he has been an adjunct instructor for Alabama State University in the areas of English and K-12 education since 1995. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for Auburn University. He was among the first group of certified AdvancED Lead Evaluators in the United States to evaluate school districts using the AdvancED District Accreditation Protocol. He has had the opportunity to serve on and lead external review teams at the district and school levels. He received a bachelor’s degree in English/language arts, a Master’s in English, a Class A certification in library media education, and a Class A certification in education administration from Alabama State See ADMIN • Page 3
The County Commission met before roughly 300 or more high school seniors from across Elmore County in a special County Government Day meeting to illustrate a commission meeting, and show how some of the county’s decisions were made. The meeting was conducted normally with a work session and business meeting. Occasionally a council member would explain the proceedings to the students. A special item in the work session was a proclamation read by Elmore County Juvenile Court Judge Patrick Pinkston in coordination with the County Extension Office and Department of Human Resources for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pinkston read the proclamation, which he said was a joining of forces between his office as juvenile judge and the commission on the issue of child abuse. See COMMISSION • Page 3
Corey Arwood / The Herald
Roughly 300 students attending a demonstration on how the County Commission handles local government affairs.
Lanier and crew work towards new trail construction By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
Jimmy K. Lanier is at it again, cleaning and clearing land for hikers to enjoy. Lanier and a crew of five men are working hard to clear the walking paths for the Forever Wild trails that will follow the majority of the length of Gold Mine Road where the Highline and Lowline Railroad, which carried needed materials during the construction of Martin Dam, once ran. The railroad system was the most effective and efficient method of carrying the heavy supplies needed to construct the
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Bill Garnett and Jimmy K. Lanier stand behind years of trash and debris that has been illegally dumped into the ravine that will soon be part of the new Alabama Forever Wild hiking trails that will follow the old Highline and Lowline Railroad bed.
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massive dam. The train tracks made a loop down to the dam. This loop included a total of seven bridges. Today, however, there are no signs of these bridges. This is why the Hiking Association plans on building a suspension bridge for hikers to cross at the exact location where the railroad trestle once stood. “This suspension bridge will be the longest suspension bridge this side of the Mississippi,” said Lanier. The total stretch of the suspension bridge will span well over the length of a football field. See TRAIL • Page 3
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Page 2 • APRIL 23-24, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Startup mentor program to help kids stay out of legal system By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Obituaries Marddie Hobbs
A Millbrook man has developed a mentoring program aimed to keep local youths out of the criminal justice system by stepping in at the first signs of trouble in any areas of their lives. Whether those problems arise in a young person’s academic, personal, social or even family life, Thomas Brown said he wants to keep them out of the legal system or prevent them from returning through the Millbrook Youth Mentoring Program. Brown said he was a retired probation officer from Chicago who had worked in pretrial services and taught graphic arts in the Chicago school system. “The objective is to let them know you don’t want to do something stupid that would get you in jail, because there is no telling what might happen,” said Brown, who previously served as the chairman of the Elmore County Democratic Party. A key component of his plan is to introduce those being mentored to alternatives from their daily lives and routines. One thing Brown mentioned was through exposing them to the different types of
Submitted / The Herald
Thomas Brown, far right, developed the Millbrook Youth Mentoring Program, and is seen here in a picture taken after a presentation made at the Elmore County Chapter of the NAACP held in Wetumpka’s Martin Luther King Jr., Recreation Center. Also pictured are: Susanne Goodin, Bobby Mays, Anthony Frost, Marcus Marshall, Estelle Marshall, Willie Reeves, Andrea Reeves, Michael Waters, Wanda Penn, Damien Williams and Jerry Giles.
skills and training for jobs in local industries. He gave examples of local auto manufacturers. “When you don’t know about them and you don’t know about opportunities you don’t pursue it,” Brown said. He said he has enlisted the help of motivational speakers and obtained materials from a number of advocacy, awareness and empowerment groups. The Montgomery based Equal Justice Initiative has supplied some of the con-
tent for the three-month program, Brown said. Brown gave a few examples of how the service would work. He said it was designed to work with local law enforcement and offer its services as sort of alternative to juvenile, or even adult, sentencing depending on age. He said the option would be presented to a parent or guardian, and if accepted the child would be referred to further counseling for a three-months, meeting twice-a-month to gauge
their interests in order to develop various skills. He said their services would not be limited to the criminal justice system. The program would also address domestic factors, Brown said, such as a student having problems in school due to conditions at home. Brown said he had received various degrees of support from members of Millbrook City Council, local law enforcement and authorities within the Elmore County Juvenile Court.
HOBBS, Marddie, 85, of Wetumpka, AL. went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin & Lavinia Bryant; her brother, Melvin Hugh Bryant, Jr.; and her sister, Betty Jean Shockley. Marddie lived most of her adult life in Montgomery and moved to Wetumpka in 1996. She enjoyed growing things, especially roses, other flowers and her peach trees. She also enjoyed sharing the fruits of her labor. She was an avid reader and enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with her Shitzu, Cely, and visiting with her neighbors. She never met a stranger and loved everyone. She also felt it was her mission to brighten someone’s day by laughter. Her employed years were in retail and childcare, the latter of which was her favorite. She saved many notes written to her from parents expressing their appreciation for her loving care of their child. She is survived by the family she cherished: sister, Clara Lockwood and sister-in-law, Jean Bryant; son & daughter-in-law, Melvin Wesley “Buddy” & Melissa Hobbs; daughters & sons-in-law, Bonnie & Joe Power; Lynn & Tom Lupei and Diane & Steve Murray. Also, her grandchildren, Brandi Patrick, Wesley (Ginny) Hobbs, Christopher (Kim) Hobbs, Alan (Jenny) Power, Joshua Gause, and Brian (Laura) Lupei. In addition, her cherished great-grandchildren, Payton Rewis and Addison and Camden Power and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Marddie’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Dementia/ Alzheimers Association. Visitation will be at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka, AL. from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2016 followed by the funeral service there at 2:00 p.m. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net
Distinguished Young Women of Elmore County tea Sunday STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
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Distinguished Young Women of Elmore County All Elmore County young women who are graduating from high school in 2017 and reside in Elmore County are invited to attend the Distinguished Young Women of Elmore County Tea on Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. at the Wetumpka Elementary School Activity Center located on 510 Micanopy Street. Please bring a parent with you. This scholarship program is sponsored by Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Chapter, a non-profit teacher organization. Distinguished Young Women (formerly known
as Junior Miss) is a national and state scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full individual potential through a fun transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. Scholarships are awarded in the categories of academics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression. Attendance is necessary to receive a packet of information. The Distinguished Yo u n g Wo m e n Scholarship Program will be held June 25th at Elmore County High School at 7 p.m. For information contact Mel Reese at elmore@ distinguishedyw.org and visit www.distinguishedyw. org to register. You may also call or leave Mrs. Reese a message at 285-3922 or call 334-391-0763. Also contact Elisha Rogers at elisha.rogers@ elmoreco.com or call 334312-7744.
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Trail
continued from page 1
Today, nothing remains of the railroad system except the raised path where tracks once rested. While nature has overtaken the old railway path, it remains clear enough to see and travel by foot. This is exactly why Lanier decided to work with Alabama Power and Forever Wild to restore the path to walking condition. In order to do this, bridges must be constructed to overpass the deep gorges that surround the area. It is these deep gorges, which the Highline and Lowline Railroad once traveled over to reach the base of the dam, that Lanier and his crew are cleaning out. For years people have dumped trash and other unwanted items into the gorge that feeds directly into a stream, which runs directly into the Tallapoosa River. “There is trash down there that is probably 70 years old.” Lanier said. “We pulled old oil cans, tires…. we even pulled a jet ski out of it.”
Measures have been taken to stop this problem of illegal dumping of trash and other debris. There is now 24-hour electronic surveillance in the area watching for anyone dumping rubbish. There is a hefty fine for illegally dumping trash and Alabama Power intends to prosecute anyone found illegally discarding waste. Lanier believes this construction will not only rectify years of abuse to the land, it will also add to recreation and for locals and bring in much needed revenue for Tallassee, Eclectic and surrounding areas and, perhaps, even offer a lesson in history. Using the old train route, the trail will offer a glimpse into how Martin Dam came to fruition because without the Highline and Lowline Railroads, the task would have been insurmountable.
APRIL 23-24, 2016 • Page 3
Admin
continued from page 1
University. From Auburn University, he obtained his AA certification in elementary and secondary education administration, and in 2005, he received his doctorate in education administration and supervision of curriculum and instruction. His wife and fellow educator, Monica, reside in Millbrook, and they are the proud parents of a daughter, Aundrea, who is a graduate of Elmore County Schools and attends the University of AlabamaBirmingham. Their family also includes a 13-year-old dachshund named Oscar. They attend Church at the Brook in Millbrook.
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Smith, last year they helped sports groups, church groups, the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, among various others throughout the county. However, it is required that anyone planning to use the program attend a training workshop, which Smith said was scheduled for 4 p.m., April 26, in the Wetumpka Middle School cafeteria. She said it would last anywhere up to an hour, and another workshop would be announced for a date in May. “It’s been a lifesaver for many of our children throughout the county,” said Smith. “We don’t think about how funds are limited during the summer.”
She said the breakfast would consist of a “grab and go” type meal, while the lunch offering would contain servings of vegetables, fruits and milk. According to information on the Break For A Plate website, the program is described as a means to offer nutritious meals throughout a student’s summer break. The service is set to start May 31 and continue through July 29 with the exceptions of holidays and weekends. She said transportation and some degree of adult supervision would be required by those using the program, and more instructions would be given at any of the workshops.
Commission
resurfacing project for a section of roadway spanning Grier, Weoka and Balm roads. During their reporting time, each of the commissioners and county department directors spoke to the students. Some encouraged the students to learn more about the county government and others said to consider it for future employment. Both commissioners Smoke and Bowan emphasized voting. Bowan said, “Local government is where the rubber meets the road.” Some told the students their vote was their voice, and encouraged them to register if they had not.
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A section of the proclamation as read by Pinkston stated, “We hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call on all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities and businesses to increase their participation and efforts to support families thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the community in which we live.” Another proclamation regarding the county’s acknowledgment of April as Fair Housing Month started off the new business. Leslie York of Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development read the document which she said was passed by Gov. Robert Bentley. In short it stated that no resident of Elmore County could be discriminated against due to “race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin and natural or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity” in regards to housing. “Whereas the Elmore County Commission is committed to highlight the Fair Housing Act by continuing to address discrimination in our community to support programs that will educate the public about the right to equal housing opportunities and to claim partnership efforts with each other and other organizations to help ensure all citizens to their right to fair housing,” the document, as read by York, stated. Following, a resolution was reviewed which recognized the 150th anniversary of Elmore County and the growth of the county from 1866 to the present. “This year marks a special year in the history of Elmore County. This year Elmore County celebrates its 150th anniversary or sesquicentennial,” said David Bowan, County Commission chairman. Kimberly Erb, executive assistant to the commission, read the resolution which formally acknowledged the event through the April 21 meeting date. One section stated, “Whereas we commend the citizens for making Elmore County a great place to live and work as the population has grown from 14,477 during the 1870 census to 79,303 residents of the 2010 census.” In other news from the meeting, internet bandwidth speed increases for various county buildings were approved at a total of $300 per facility, and a total of $900. County contract and payment details were discussed for a polling site at Redhill Community Center. Also discussed was a nearly 12 mile widening and
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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 The Wetumpka Herald
Page 4 • APRIL 23-24, 2016
OPINION
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
The Herald strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Taking a break from the norm
The County Line By the Elmore County Commission
County Commission to hold Shred Day
T
he Elmore County Commission is pleased to announce it is partnering with Shredit to sponsor a free Shred-Day event Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the North Parking Lot of the Elmore County Judicial Complex on U.S. Highway 231 across the street from Tutwiler Prison in Wetumpka. The Shred Day will provide a secure, reliable and free means to keep unwanted and obsolete records from being accessed by the wrong people. With the growing problem of identity theft, the Shred Day will provide citizens a secure method to safely dispose of confidential personal information. During the event, citizens (no businesses) can bring up to six banker-size boxes of documents to the Judicial Complex North Parking Lot and have them shredded on-site by a certified Shred-it employee. From drop-off to destruction, all documents will be constantly monitored and protected. Document shredding includes secure, confidential disposal of sensitive information. Documents will be securely destroyed on-site with a mobile shredding vehicle and later recycled. There is no need to separate paper from non-paper materials or remove staples, clips or fasteners prior to shredding. Recommended items to shred include: bank statements, insurance records, canceled checks, credit card receipts, computer print outs, bills/invoices, financial statements, tax returns (more than 7 yrs. old) and correspondence. For more information on the FREE Countywide Shred Day event, please call 334567-1162.
“I
just don’t care nothing about online banking. They can kiss my foot!” said a very agitated Husky Kirkwood. “I’ll just put my money a tin can.” I had lunch Friday in Chambers County at The Boxcar in the bustling community of Sturkie. The fried catfish and hushpuppies were really good, but the conversation was even better. Husky, a 93 year old WWII veteran and local legend is a hoot. Throw in another WWII veteran, and legend in his own right, 90 year old Earl Sumners, 62 year old David Littleton, and myself, and we had a good time. I don’t eat out much anymore. In fact, I just don’t get out amongst people a whole lot these days unless I have to be for a show. I’m just in a weird place right now where I like to be alone or with my dog and cat. The Boxcar seemed like a safe place, though. It was nice to take a break from what has become my new norm.
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
I keep busy. I’m writing my book. For years, people asked me when I was going to write it, so I finally started on it in January. I didn’t realize how much Forrest Gump and I had in common until then. The biggest difference is that he went to the University of Alabama, while I went to Auburn University… at Montgomery. He liked to run, too. I’m not running unless I’m getting chased by a pack of wolves. Even then, I might just lay down. Why be tired and get eaten up? My garden is coming along quite well, too. I have a few things already planted, and my seedlings are getting bigger each day and are just about ready to be planted. This is my first garden, so I’m very excited. I cook most
nights and can’t wait to see the herbs, fruits and vegetables that came from my very own garden on my kitchen table, although I don’t have a kitchen table. If the rabbits try to infringe upon my progress, I’ll be enjoying fried rabbit and hushpuppies this summer instead. Much of each day is spent behind my computer, so I try to go for a drive out in the country when I can. Abby stays at home. If you’ve ever taken your cat for a drive, then you most likely know why she stays at home. Ruby, on the other hand, loves to ride. Being out there on the backroads is therapeutic for me. Well, it is until some jerk comes flying up behind me and gets on my tail. That’s when I wish I had magical powers. After lunch, we went back out to Husky’s house. His family calls it Roamer’s Roost. I’d been out there many times but had only been on the tour once. Neither Earl nor David had been on the tour.
We saw everything from a fishing pond to farming equipment to a fire engine to a ’57 Ford Fairlane. His place is basically an open air version of the Museum of East Alabama. We were quite the crew, though. I have trouble talking. Earl has trouble seeing. David has trouble hearing, and Husky has trouble walking. So we could speak no evil, hear no evil, or see no evil. We just had a good time. We didn’t walk, either. We rode in one of Husky’s all-terrain vehicles. It was nice just riding around out there on that land in the open air with three solid gentlemen without having to worry about my laptop or magical powers. Jody Fuller 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.
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . .. .. Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305
VA funding bill seeks progress on payments
T
his week the House Appropriations Committee marked up and approved the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, advancing the annual legislation funding veterans services and military installations for consideration by the full House. While funding is the primary purpose, appropriations bills also offer an opportunity to effect needed policy changes. In this case, my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee sought to bring to light and repair some of the problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) unwieldy Choice Program. With the VA reform and accountability law enacted in late 2014, Congress set up and funded the Choice Program to allow veterans who live far away from VA facilities or experience especially long waits to access
MARTHA ROBY U.S. Rep.
health care from outside providers. However, implementation of Choice has been anything but smooth. I hear from veterans all the time who have tried to take advantage of this new option, only to face more delays, red tape and runaround. There are many reasons for the troubles with Choice, but funding should not be one of them. In fact, the $73.5 billion this appropriations bill directs toward the VA is the Department’s highest level of discretionary funding ever. Despite historic funding levels, the VA has had trouble following through on reimbursements to outside health providers. This problem has existed in Central Alabama for some time. As you
may know, I am working to build a Veterans Community Health Network in Alabama in which community hospitals and other health providers will partner with the VA to deliver care for veterans in remote areas or those who need specialty care. I believe this hybrid system is the future of veterans care and can be a model for other areas. One of the primary hurdles we have faced is the complicated and tiresome reimbursement process. Hospitals, clinics and other health providers in Alabama want to be a part of the solution to improving veterans’ access to healthcare. However, they can’t be expected to do it for free. No veteran should be denied access to care because the VA hasn’t paid its bills. That’s why I worked to include language in the Committee Report calling attention to the problem and directing the VA to (1) comply
with federal “prompt pay” requirements, and (2) account to Congress all the outstanding reimbursements owed to outside providers. My goal here is to prompt VA officials to settle outstanding debts and fix the reimbursement process so that providers can have full confidence in partnering with the VA. In Alabama, communication between the VA and local providers has definitely improved, which is a good first step. My office will continue to work through these issues on the local level so that our Veterans Community Health Network can be a success. As we do, I intend to use my influence in Congress to demand the VA pay its debts. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, Riley and their two children.
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The Wetumpka Herald
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
APRIL 23-24, 2016 • Page 7
Area Calendar APRIL 4-UNTIL
Tallassee High School’s 2016 FFA plant sale begins. You’re more than welcome to come and tour our new greenhouse and look at the plants and facility. Swedish Ivy hanging baskets $8, Wondering Jew hanging baskets $8, Purple Queen hanging baskets $7, Mosquito Plant hanging basket $7, Spider Plant hanging baskets $7, Impatiens hanging baskets $7, Fern hanging baskets $7, Lantana $4, Coleus (single) $5,Marigolds (single) $0.25, Coleus $0.50, Vinca (single) $0.25
April 18-23
EARTH DAY CLEANUP 2016: Sign up a litter team to pick up around your neighborhood, business or call the Chamber of Commerce for a location. Advanced Disposal Sponsor providing a roll off container at City Hall from 8am-noon on Saturday the 23 for nonhazardous material and litter team debris disposal. Parker Tire & Auto will take used oil, tires and batteries all week from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Electronic Recycling drop off at Tallassee Recreation Center April 21 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The city Shop will have a roll off container available for nonhazardous material disposal and appliances from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
April 23
SINGING: Dolly Boshell will be singing Saturday April 23 at Antioch Baptist Church. Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the singing starts at 6:30 p.m. Featured will be the Larch Family, Dr. Rick Jones and the Youth of Antioch. Everyone is welcome and there will be no admission charge. PLANT SWAP EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: The Central Alabama Master Gardeners’ Association will host a plant swap Earth Day Celebration April 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Wetumpka Recycle Center. ADOPTIONS UNDER THE STARS: The Humane Society of Elmore County would like to invite everyone to the shelter for our special adoption event. It will be held at the shelter from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Everyone will have the opportunity to meet new furry friends, and if you’d like to give one a forever home, there will be reduced adoption fees. Refreshments will also be available. The HSEC is a non-profit organization. Donations of funds and/or items will be appreciated as well. We invite everyone in the community to participate. Media Contact-Rea Cord 334 5673377 or www.elmorehumane.org MUSIC WORKSHOP: Montgomery Area Musicians Association is proud to offer another “Growing Montgomery Musicians” Education Workshop for students in grades 6-12, Saturday, April 23, from 11:00-4:00. This will be held at Art’s Music Shop at 3030 Eastern Blvd. The students will have the opportunity to work in small groups and individually with some of our talented, award winning local musicians. Lunch will be provided
for participants. MAMA is a local non-profit organization, which was created and is operated by volunteers. It was established to celebrate our area’s rich musical heritage; to serve, develop and promote area musicians; and to offer musical education opportunities for the youth in our local communities. We invite all students in the community to participate. Media contact-Alesia Gilliland Alesia8213@aol.com or (334) 409-0326
April 24
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Mt. Hebron East Baptist Church in Eclectic will celebrate its 120th Anniverary with homecoming nn Sunday, April 24. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. (omitting Sunday School). Special singers will be “Holy Destiny” of Prattville. Following services, dinner will be served at noon in the church fellowship building. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us and stay for lunch at noon. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION BBQ: Santuck Baptist Church on Central Plank Road is hosting a community celebration BBQ Sunday, April 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
APRIL 25
Tallassee City Council meeting will be at City Hall from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
APRIL 26th & 27th
Kindergarten registration begins 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Child must be 5 on or before Sept. 2. Your child will take a kindergarten assessment. Please bring the following documents: birth certificate, social security card * voluntary*, immunization card, two proofs of recent residency (electric, water or gas bill, lease or mortgage). If you do not have these documents, you may still register your child.
April 29
CHARITY GOLF TOURNEY: Search and Rescue of Elmore County annual golf tournament will be held on Friday, April 29 at Quail Walk Country Club. Lunch begins at 11:30. Tee off at 1 p.m. For more information call Terri or Ernie Pritchard at 334-569-2556 cell/text 334850-4762 or Baron Preston at 334-3067169.
April 30
YOUNG EAGLE: The Wetumpka Chapter of the EAA is hosting the 2016 Airport Appreciation Day and Young Eagle Event April 30 with flights for children ages 8-17, simulator rides, food and face paintings. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and requires a parent signature. CEMETERY PRESERVATION WORKSHOP: The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance is hosting its annual cemetery preservation workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Scott Martin at bevel67@aol. com for additional information.
MULE DAY: The Weogufka Center will host Mule Day Saturday, April 30. Vendors are welcome. Breakfast will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Concessions will be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Parking is $2 per car. There will be plowing demonstrations, buggy rides and entertainment will be available all day. For more information contact Margaret Thornton at 256-2342186 or Kattie Hocutt at 256-329-3638.
April and May
MUSEUM EXHIBIT: During the months of April and May, the Elmore County Museum’s exhibit will feature the nationally known Elmore County Band - fondly called “The Big Blue”. The exhibit is filled with yearbooks, pictures of the band beginning in the 1950s and running through the 70s, plaques, scrapbooks, and a video of the 2003 Big Blue reunion! There are some funny, FUNNY stories told on the video! Come by Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. and take a step back in time!
May 5
ART UNDER THE STARS: Wetumpka Elementary School is hosting Art Under the Stars May 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
May 10
GOLF TOURNEY: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held May 10 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club Come join us for a fun day of lunch, golf and a chance to win bragging rights and CASH!
May 14
UNION REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ: On Saturday, May 14th from 2 p.m. until at University Station RV, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-2573826, hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233,steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, auburnhood@aol. com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
will be held at 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
MAY 5
Alabama Power Service Organization will host the Annual Relay for Life Hotdog Cookout. May 5 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hotdogs, chips and dessert will be $6 and an additional $1 for an extra hotdog. Contact Melinda Emfinger 334252-2969.
MAY 10
GOLF TOURNEY: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held May 10 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Come join us for a fun day of lunch, golf and a chance to win bragging rights and CASH!
MAY 14
UNION REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, Class of 1974 is hosting a school reunion BBQ: On Saturday, May 14, from 2 p.m. until at University Station RV, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-2573826, hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233,steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, auburnhood@aol. com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.
May 19
AFTER HOURS: Chamber Business After Hours, Sunset Reception is set for Thursday, May 19 at Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
May 21
PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series. Non-racers are welcome to watch.
MAY 23
Tallassee City Council meeting at City Hall from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
MAY 1-2
Spring Show at THS
May 28-29
MAY 2
Register for Zumba with Ashley at Recreation Department or day of class beginning May 2 at 6 p.m. in the activity room. Cost is $35 for 4 weeks
MAY 2
Register for Pickle Ball Summer League $20 per team (Men’s /coed) or $10 individual begins May 2 and games are played on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-7:30.
MAY 3
Industrial Development Board Meeting
WETUMPKA’S
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ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefiting Children’s Harbor.
JUNE 7
Industrial Development Board meeting 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
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PAGE 8 • APRIL 23-24, 2016
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
‘CATS KICK SOUTH CHOCTAW OUT OF 2ND ROUND By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
Edgewood Academy showed no mercy in the second round of the AISA Class AA playoffs, run-ruling South Choctaw in both games, 15-0 in three innings and 17-0 in five innings, for the sweep. Entering their first postseason action – the Wildcats had a first-round bye – off an 8-2 home loss to Glenwood Monday, EA head baseball coach Bobby Carr said his team dialed in. “The guys that have been here, they understand it and they do a good job of showing the other guys that haven’t been here the way we do it, the way we get it done,” Carr said. “I think the proof is in the pudding. “I also see it in football, too, they take their level of play and level of focus up to a whole other level than where they’ve been. That’s what every coach wants to see out of their team. Starting pitchers, senior Michael Taylor and junior Caleb Sullivan, surrendered a combined three hits on the day, while the offense, led by junior leadoff hitter Jackson Tate, sophomore Khalid Young and Taylor, churned out 32 runs in the doubleheader. Tate ended the day with three extra-
base hits, including a three-run home run in the nightcap, and five RBIs. Taylor went a perfect 6-for-6 in the two games, with four RBIs and two doubles and Young garnered five total hits with three RBIs in the series opener. “I saw a lot more focus out of our guys,” Carr said. “I just think when it comes to playoff time, our kids know what’s expected and I could see that look in their eyes. It wasn’t just the way we swung the bats, it was the way we played the game and our approach to the game. Our pitchers threw well and we played good defense.” Edgewood advances to the third round where it’ll meet Marengo Academy in the AA semifinals. “They’re very good; they’re like 30-1. They’ve only lost one game this year by one run,” Carr said. “Very deep in the pitching department. Their head coach and I are really good friends.” EA has eliminated the Longhorns in the playoffs or have beaten them for the state championships for eight straight postseasons, a fact that has Carr confident. “I guess the question is how are they going to beat us?” The Wildcats and Marengo start the third-round playoff series at EA Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Edgewood Academy junior leadoff hitter Jackson Tate (3) blasts a three-run home run in the second round of the Class AA playoffs against South Choctaw Thursday at Billy Skinner Field.
Defense drives EA to regional tourney title By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
Defense ruled the big moments for Edgewood Academy, as it blanked Northside Methodist, 5-0, and snuck past topseed Macon-East, 6-5, in eight innings to claim the AISA Class AA, Region 1 Tournament Championship Thursday at Lagoon Park. Leading 1-0 in top of third as Northside had two runners on, the Lady Wildcats turned a triple play to thwart what would be the Lady Knights’ last threat. Third baseman Peyton Rodie threw out Northside’s Bailey Dempsey at first base, as EA first baseman C.J. Weldon threw back across the diamond to get Abbey Knight out at third before Rodie sent the ball back to second baseman Caity Jo Lee, who tagged out Peyton Bradley to complete the triple play. Edgewood’s defense wasn’t done. After the ‘Cats seized the lead, 6-5, in the eighth, Macon-East
loaded the bases in the bottom half, but Rodie snagged a line drive and stepped on third base to end the game and capture the regional title. “We had some errors, but the big thing was we didn’t allow the errors to build on each other,” EA softball coach Britt Wilkerson said. “After we’d make a mistake, we found a way to come back and make a big play when we needed to. When somebody made an error, the girls responded really by somebody picking them up. That’s something we worked on last week vigorously.” Through the two games, EA committed seven errors, five against Macon-East, and while the team bent, it didn’t break with a combination of timely defense and sound pitching. Junior Morgan Brown shut out Northside in the opening game, allowing just four hits and struck out two. In the championship game, freshman
Avery Roberts bowed up when it counted, Wilkerson said, throwing 17 first-pitch strikes and limiting Macon-East to five runs on eight hits. “This time last year, (Brown) felt confident, but you could tell her immaturity in big games. (Thursday), she played more mature and had a more relaxed nature about her,” Wilkerson said. “If she was throwing something and it wasn’t working, she made adjustments. “Then Avery comes in, she was confident and relaxed. She’e been working on a few pitches this season and she commanded a lot of them and located them when she needed to. Our catcher, Kevi Hansen, did a wonderful job of reading the ball and held a lot of runs by blocking up the ‘uh-ohpitches.’ She was doing everything she could to keep our pitchers in the ballgame and it’s great to have that partnership.” Offensively, Lee led
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Edgewood Academy sophomore third baseman Peyton Rodie (4) fires the ball to second base to get the third out of a triple play her team turned against Northside Methodist during the Class AA, Region 1 Tournament Thursday at Lagoon Park.
the way for Edgewood batting in two runs in each contest and had a triple. Against Northside, Weldon and senior leadoff Emilee Ellis each had an RBI, and versus MaconEast Rodie gave EA its
first lead with a two-run homer in the top of the second. “We were confident we’d get first or second. When you’re playing Macon-East, they have such a good program and
you know it’s going to take a good game and you have to play hard to win,” Wilkerson said. “We hung in there, tied up the game and with the plays we were making, it all worked together.”
Lady Dawgs clinch area-hosting duties with win over Dadeville By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
What better pre-postseason test than to play three straight area games in as many days, with all the playoff implications intertwined. After splitting the first two contests against area and county rival Elmore County, a 3-1 win at home Tuesday and a 10-8 loss at ECHS Wednesday, Holtville defeated Dadeville, 9-2, Thursday in a must-win to wrap up hosting the Class 4A, Area 5 tournament. The Lady Bulldogs (21-16, 3-1) had a chance to seal hosting duties Wednesday, but Elmore County scored the game’s final four runs to emerge victorious in a game that featured five lead changes. For the Lady Panthers, freshman Alyssa Beam earned the win in relief, throwing three scoreless frames, securing the two seed for the area tourney. With its final area matchup against Dadeville less than 24 hours later, HHS softball coach Daryl Otwell said he wanted to see how his team would answer. “We’ve got a great opportunity to see how well our team is mentally bouncing back after a tough loss,” Otwell said Wednesday. “Within 24
hours, see if we can do it again. This is a great test for us, and one I’m excited to see how they respond.” Holtville gave up two runs before recording an out to Dadeville in the first inning Thursday, but didn’t flinch, grabbing a 3-2 advantage before opening the game up in the sixth. Junior centerfield Haley Mann lit her team’s fuse with a two-run double in the sixth, as the Dawgs plated four more runs to go ahead, 9-2. In the last two games, Mann went 6-for-7 with five RBIs and three runs scored. “She had her energy levels up, she was flying around and she had a great day at the plate. She’s capable of doing that day-in, day-out,” Otwell said. “She’s been very big for us this year, especially at leadoff. “Haley stepped up again (Thursday) and was the spark plus for us, jump-starting the six-run sixth inning.” Senior shortstop Reagan Law and freshman pitcher Kaylyn Disukes both batted in a run in each of the last two games for the Bulldogs. Against Elmore County, senior third baseman Courtney Twiggs scored a run. Holtville plays in the Hoover Invitational Tournament this weekend.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Elmore County senior shortstop and University of Alabama signee Elissa Brown (22) leans in to slide under the tag of Holtville catcher Meagan Wadsworth (00) during Wednesday’s Class 4A, Area 5 game at ECHS.