Edgewood advances to championship series. Sports, Page 8. Wetumpka, AL 36092
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 17
Fatal accident on Redland Road By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A fatal single-vehicle wreck near Chubahatchee Creek bridge on Redland Road resulted in the death of a commuter late Wednesday night or early Thursday and is still under investigation. Alabama State
Troopers investigated the incident and said John Helmers Jr., 24, of Camden, was killed after his 2004 Ford F-150 ran off the road and struck a tree. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency statement indicated Helmers was not wearing a seatbelt and the wreck
happened overnight and was discovered April 28. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene about four miles outside of Wetumpka near Scholars Drive. The Wetumpka Fire Department was among the responding agencies to the scene. Lt. Phillip Hethcox
said the motorist, a white male, appeared to be travelling east toward Tallassee. He noted that the investigation was ongoing, but gave an account Corey Arwod / The Herald of what he thought could have led to the accident. A Camden man, who was thought to be travelling east toward Tallassee on Hethcox said it looked Redland Road, died in a single-vehicle crash after his truck ran into a tree See ACCIDENT • Page 3
just before Chubahatchee Creek Bridge, possibly some time in the early morning hours of April 28.
Kids fly for free today at Airport Appreciation Day
Local man charged with stealing funds from VFW By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Kids 8 through 17 years of age can fly the skies over Wetumpka for free Saturday at the 2016 Airport Appreciation Day, Young Eagle Event, sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Wetumpka Municipal Airport. Pilots with Wetumpka’s Chapter 822 of the EAA are going to be taking as many kids as they can on individual 15-minute flights, all in the name of inspiring an interest in them for aviation, said Stan Tew, a retired state employee, who has flown in over 50 Young Eagle Events. Tew said they would fly a circuit toward Wetumpka and the Coosa River, and up to the Jordan Dam, then back over the prisons and return to the city’s airport. He said they would continue to fly until everyone registered had their turn, and he said registration would be from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. . Being a legitimate plane ride each passenger will be outfitted with a headset to communicate with the pilot and cut down on engine noise. Planes of different makes and models will be taken up Saturday, Tews said, the
Submitted / The Herald
Wetumpka High School STEAM Machine’s Golden Arrow competed in the final GreenPower Electric Car Race for the 2015/16 Season in Huntsville and placed third in the race. The team’s car was awarded Best Presentation and Best Design. This was the team’s first year competing in this event.
NEED FOR SPEED WHS STEAM Machine competes in GreenPower Car Race
See AIRPORT • Page 3
A Wetumpka man was arrested on charges of embezzling funds from the state VFW, after the national headquarters noticed “financial irregularities” at posts which he oversaw in his position at the state level of the organization. A spokesperson with Veterans of Foreign Wars, said Johnny Lee Waller, 45, was currently under investigation for theft of funds from Huntsville post 2702, and law enforcement from about three different agencies were looking into other posts that might have been affected throughout the state. Waller, J. So far there are two posts specifically with funds being examined, one in Huntsville and another that Randi Law, the VFW communications manager at its national headquarters, said she could not name because of the investigation. She said the national VFW uncovered a “larger issue,” and noticed something wrong after looking into financial irregularities in posts affected by Waller’s position as adjutant commander at the department level. She said at that point Veterans of Foreign Wars contacted law enforcement. As adjutant, Law said Waller oversaw the daily operations of the VFW departments at the state level, though it is not clear yet to what extent of the state group’s funds Waller had access to. She said the sum in question was See VFW • Page 3
Depot players to present ‘ I Hate Hamlet’ STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The cast of The Depot Players ‘I Hate Hamlet’ pose for a preview picture. The show is set to open May 12. Submitted / The Herald
The Wetumpka Depot Players are thrusting into spring with the second show of their 36th season. Audiences are bound to love I Hate Hamlet, Paul Rudnick’s award wining comedy. Opening May 12, the play promises thrills, chills, and laugh-out-loud entertainment. Andrew Rally has it all: a starring role in a television series, a beautiful girlfriend, a devoted agent, and most important-
pka m u t e W
ly, the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. Or does he? When everything goes awry, Andrew summons the ghost of John Barrymore and the fun begins! The laughs are nonstop as Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore and his sword in this delightful comedy. Written in 1991, I Hate Hamlet premiered on Broadway with huge success. It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor, a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress and won two Theatre World Awards. Playwright Paul Rudnick was
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also nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 1993 for Outstanding New Play. The play is loosely based on Rudnick’s own personal history of moving into the apartment of the late Barrymore. “What a fun play,” said director Tom Salter. “And what a wonderful cast. There is a ghost…one of the theatre’s most famous actors…a sword fight… and guys in tights! There’s something for everyone in this very funny play.” The show features Stephen Dubberley as Barrymore and See DEPOT • Page 3
Page 2 • APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Cruisin’ fer Critters is the next big HSEC event REA CORD Executive Director HSEC
K
udos to all who came out to our first ever “Adoptions Under the Stars” event at the shelter this past Saturday! We ended our day with 12 adoptions and that means we may have left tired at 10 p.m but very happy. All thanks to our pet care staff who came up with the idea, did all the decorating and planning for this day of fun and adoptions! I am sure we’ll repeat this again so watch out for more info! Only two weeks until the 14th annual Cruisin’ fer Critters to support our shelter! With incredible thanks to the Predator’s Riding Club (PRC) for their unflagging
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS support we hope for another huge turnout for this year’s charity ride. So, motorcycle or no motorcycle, please make sure to join in on the fun on Saturday, 7 May! This year’s ride has a location change and actually starts and ends at different locations. Registration starts at 11 a.m. at the Thirsty Turtle, 4884 Main St, Millbrook with the last bike out at 12 pm.
With a few stops along the way, the ride then ENDS at DéJà Vu Montgomery, 121 N. Burbank Dr. in Montgomery, AL! Bikes are NOT required to join in the fun and Cruisin’ is open to everyone. Cruisin’ information: each ‘hand’ is $15 for which you get an event patch, goodie bag, food, door prize ticket and more. 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.’ Charles Shawn Singleton will be the Master of Ceremonies and awesome live music by the Jones Social Club. There will be 50/50 tickets, a bike/car wash, live auction items you won’t want to
miss, biker thrift items and just a great day of fun rain or shine. There will also be two super items for raffle at Cruisin’ 16 and tickets for EACH item are $5 to win either a Stevens Home Defense Pistol Grip Shotgun and/or a Yeti Hopper 30 Bag Cooler. Predator’s members are selling these tickets now so if you can’t join us on the 7th, contact Predator’s President, John West, at 334-294-7154. Sponsorships are also still available and John will be happy to help you with those as well. Cruisin’ is a children friendly event ‘til 6 p.m so everyone come by in two weeks and we’ll see you there!
HSEC Pet of the week – Bree Bree is a Shepherd/ Labrador mix pup, about five months old, around 40 lbs. She is a super sweet gal, playful but cuddly and loveable. Bree is great with other dogs and cats and would be a perfect dog for children! Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www. elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-5673377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 & Sat 9-3.
Local returns home from two-year mission trip Special to / The Herald
Wetumpka resident Matthew Robinson recently returned home from a twoyear mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After receiving training for two weeks in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, he served the remaining two years in and around the Salt Lake City, Utah area. Robinson’s father Greg Robinson, who serves as the external affairs director for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, said his entire family has seen the blessings of his son’s sacrifice to successfully serve a mission for two years. “As individuals, knowing Matthew was making the sacrifice to go on a mission made us want to be better here,” said Greg Robinson. During a recent talk Matthew Robinson gave to his local congregation, he explained that the most important lesson he learned on his mission was to love others. “Love is the essence of the gospel,” he relayed. And he further explained that when he lost focus, he enacted what was taught to him in the MTC—to have charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Although his schedule will be different now that he’s back home, Robinson plans to continue to follow the same principles he learned to live by on his mission.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Wetumpka Elementary honors Earth Day brown bag winners
APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2016 • Page 3
Accident
continued from page 1
like the man overcorrected, possibly after veering off of the road, lost control of his vehicle and ran into a tree on the opposite side of the road. A tree near the scene of the accident was entirely stripped of bark on one side and the embankment of the creek behind was heavily disturbed, possibly suggesting high speeds. ALEA announced the scene was clear around 11 a.m. and a release would be published later with more information.
VFW
continued from page 1
made up of general funds, donations and the results of fundraising efforts by the various state posts. Law said she did not know if Wetumpka VFW Post 4572 had been affected. She called it “A betrayal of the worst kind to veterans and supporters across the state of Alabama,” and said “the national headquarters was very disturbed by these allegations.” It was reported that law enforcement officials said Waller took more than $2,500 from the organization, and was free on a $30,000 bond. A Huntsville broadcaster stated Waller was interviewed in September of 2015 during an internal audit, in which Waller said upwards of $20,000 were lost per month due to a mismanagement of funds relating to the Post 2702 restaurant. According to another report he resigned his position after two years as state adjutant at the beginning of April. Law said Waller served in the army from 1987 to 1995.
Depot Submitted / The Herald
Elmore County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee joined hands with Wetumpka Winn Dixie (Mickey Hodge, manager) and Wetumpka Elementary School first grade teacher Stephanie Munroe for an Earth Day Brown Bag Contest. The winners were: 1st place, Jacob Macon, 2nd place, Taelyn Billups, 3rd place, Thomas Lawrence Federation representation: Jeanette Tew and Betty Barrett. Winn Dixie customers received their grocery items bagged in the Earth Day Bag Contest bags during Earth Day.
Airport
continued from page 1
height and speed of the flight determined by the plane. He said his plane, a two-seat home-built RANS S-7S, travelled right at a 100 knots, or 115 mph, and stayed around 1500 feet while the faster ones, he said, reached about 2500 feet. Other certified factory-built models, such as Cessnas and Pipers, Tew said, would be flying the event as well. Regardless of the aircraft he said every trip on Saturday was considered a basic low-level sight-seeing flight. Tew, who has been with the EAA since 1998, said most of the kids he has flown have responded with surprise and awe at seeing their hometown from a different altitude. “Most of them really like it ‘oh wow this is neat’, they look down, they say it just doesn’t look like they expect,” said Tew. “I had one little girl she looked down and she said ‘wow those cows look just like ants’, and some of them that said ‘hey there’s my house’”. Despite the largely positive reaction he has seen throughout his more than 50 Young Eagle Day flights, Tew said there is the occasional apprehensive flier who would discover a new-found love for the ground upon take off. “And some of them don’t like it,” Tew said. “I had one little boy, I took off, about the time we got off the ground he said, ‘Mister can we go back now,’ but that’s unusual most of them really think it’s cool and they enjoy it.” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis lauded the event at a recent city council meeting, and spoke about how a surprise flight like those offered on Airport Appreciation Day affected him in his youth. “Folks this is a great event, and mark it on your calendar and go out there and just see what they do,” said Willis at the meeting.
According to the EAA, the non-profit volunteer-based organization, was founded in 1992, and has conducted an annual Young Eagle Day event for going on 25 years. For those that remain ground bound or are too young to fly there will be a free flight simulator, aircraft displays, face painting and barbecue. Tew said an application form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian, and will be available the day of the event.
continued from page 1
Clint Evans as Andrew Rally. Rounding out the cast are Janie Alred, Elizabeth Bowles, Lee Bridges and Kristy Meanor. The fight choreography by Parke Fech is a combination of swashbuckling duel infused with hilarious comedy. The play will be performed the following dates: May 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 7:30 p.m. and May 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are just $12 in advance and $15 at the door and online. Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or tickets may be reserved by calling the Depot at 334-868-1440 or by visiting the theatre’s website at www.wetumpkadepot.com
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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 30 - MAY 1, 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.
Your
Opinion Merrill off base at Confederate Memorial Day Program Dear Editor, I read with sheer disbelief a recent article quoting Alabama’s Secretary of State, John Merrill, as he bemoaned Governor Robert Bentley’s decision to remove the Confederate Battle Flag (CBF) from the State Capitol. Serving as the keynote speaker for the Confederate Memorial Day, Merrill is quoted as saying “…what’s the next thing you are going to do…take a bulldozer to the monument and forget what people fought for to preserve a way of life that makes us special and unique?” The Secretary of State was upset that other moves may be afoot to “tear down what we hold so dear.” If I didn’t know that I was reading the Montgomery Advertiser I could have sworn that I was reading directly from the “KKK Daily News.” Just who is the “we” in Merrill’s “…what we hold so dear” comment? As shameful as some of Alabama’s history is, I would think that the Secretary of State could better serve the people of Alabama by promoting views that are more inclusive of all Alabamians than continuing to carry forward symbols that serve to divide rather than unite. Mr. Merrill would do well to remember that, after more than 60 years of standing, the people of the Republic Georgia decided that a statue honoring Soviet dictator Josef Stalin should be removed. “A memorial to Stalin has no place in the Georgia of the 21st century,” said Georgia’s President Mikhail Saakashvili. Alabama’s own Gov. Bentley has rightly stated that the removal of the CBF was “the right thing to do”, adding later that “it had to come down.” Public officials, particularly of Merrill’s statue, do nothing but stoke the smoldering flames of a ‘bygone era’ that has no place in this day and age. Please, Mr. Secretary of State, stop carrying the baggage of bigotry and polarization and recognize that “defending Alabama values” doesn’t have to be code word for something negative. Bobby Mays Wetumpka
YOUR VIEW
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Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon
I
t’s been a year since my world was turned upside down. It’s not that I didn’t see it coming, yet it still hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s like going into the ring with Mike Tyson. You don’t stand a chance. It’s inevitable. You know he’s going to knock you out or at least bite off a piece of your ear, or in my case, my heart. Either way, it’s going to hurt. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, which includes nine straight Iron Bowl losses to Alabama, three tours in Iraq, and the final season of The Dukes of Hazzard. Most of us at some point in our lifetime will go through this sort of pain, and the source of our pain is irrelevant. I’ve always heard that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I always chalked it up as just another “feel good” cliché but now know that it’s much more than that; it’s the absolute truth for those of us who choose to see the cup as half full and not half empty. Although I still have my weak moments, I know
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
that I am a much stronger person. Not only that, I’m a better person. My faith is at an all-time high. I’m more caring and compassionate than before, and I truly understand the power of forgiveness. I don’t hate; I hurt. Sometimes. Furthermore, I don’t blame or point fingers. Perhaps I did early on but not anymore. That was the easy thing to do. One of my old bosses in the army used to say that when you point your finger at someone else, you have four more pointing right back at yourself. He was, however, only 75 percent correct, unless he was double jointed in his thumb. I know I made mistakes, but I was faithful, loving and loyal to the bitter end. That is something no one can deny. I sincerely wish all
parties involved nothing but the best. They know that, and I think they wish the same for me. Life is too precious and too short to harbor hate and resentment in our hearts. It gets you nowhere. It weighs you down. It puts you in a dark place, a hole. The very wise and practical Will Rogers said it best, “When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.” Instead of digging myself into deeper sorrow, I relied heavily on my faith, family, friends, and fur babies to get through those hard times. I also found myself writing more, as well as riding more out on the beautiful backroads of East Alabama and West Georgia. Speaking of digging, gardening has been therapeutic for me, too. Even during our darkest hours, there are so many good things for us to focus on. By no means was it all bad. As time goes by, I’m focusing more and more on the good memories that were made, and believe you me, they were plentiful. I will hold
some of them near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Most of those memories are of the sweetest little girl in the whole wide world. It’s often been said that life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon—oftentimes an uphill, shoeless marathon on a dirt road littered with rocks, rattlesnakes, and shards of glass. You’re going to bleed and you’re going to hurt, but you have to keep on moving forward. Your resilience, perseverance, and toughness will strengthen with each step, and as long as you never quit, you will undoubtedly reach the finish line and be a better person when the dust has settled. Trust me. I’ve been there. Don’t ever give up. 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.
Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.
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
State officials are on the heels of lottery vote
A
s the budget hearings began for the 2016 Legislative Session in January the largest Powerball lottery sweepstakes in American history was playing out. It was one of the biggest news stories of the year, thus far. Legislators were hearing the same song second verse that they heard last year. The General Fund is about $200 million short. If the money is not found, we will lose $500 million in Medicaid federal matching dollars, most state highways will be without state troopers, and most counties, not just in the Black Belt, will be unable to grant or renew driver’s licenses. In addition, the federal courts will take over our prisons and more than likely release hundreds of convicts on the streets and state employees will either be let go or have their take home pay cut again for the eighth straight year. At the same time that legislators were hearing that Alabama needs $200 million to make ends meet, most of their constituents were buying lottery tickets in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee and the rest were going to Biloxi to the casinos. Ironically, the amount of money that Alabama would receive from having their money stay in
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
state from a lottery is $200 million. Most Alabamians find it ludicrous that we allow our money to exit the state to our neighboring states. Alabama and Utah are the only two states in America who derive no state revenue from gambling. We are one of only five of the 50 states who have no lottery. Our neighboring state of Mississippi does not have a lottery because they get most of their state revenue from casino gambling. The largest number of lottery tickets sold in the recent Powerball in Tennessee, Florida and Georgia were in outlets on the border of Alabama and guess who was buying the tickets? You guessed right, Alabamians. They say the lines on the Florida border were so long that they backed up to Andalusia and Atmore. The last time that Alabamians were allowed to vote on a lottery was 1999. It lost on a narrow vote because of the large amount of pork and questionable spending
attached to the constitutional amendment. State Sen. Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair) has come with a clean lottery proposal. It is very simple. It succinctly calls for a yes or no vote on an Alabama-owned lottery. The proposal does not lay out any details for the operations of the program nor does it spell out how the money would be spent. If passed by the legislature it would go before voters in the November general election. The legislature would then establish a lottery in the 2017 Regular Session. Sen. McClendon in announcing his reason for offering the legislation said that he was simply trying to respond to demands of his constituents who have told him, “Let us vote. We want to vote.” He added, “I have heard it time and time again.” At least one legislator is listening to his people who sent him to Montgomery. The cry from throughout the state is deafening. People want to vote. Polling reveals that the lottery would pass by a two to one margin at this time if put on the ballot. My guess is that it would be more like three to one. Alabamians are sick and tired of their money funding the governments of Florida and
Georgia. Democrats in the House and Senate want the lottery to be similar to Georgia’s, which allows all the money to accrue only to education. The people of Alabama want the right to vote. It is hard to understand how a legislator could justify not voting to allow his or her constituents the right to vote on this issue. Alabamians gamble and Alabamians buy lottery tickets. They want their money to stay home. As Sen. McClendon said his people – who, by the way, are mostly Republican in a non-border suburban area of Jefferson County – are telling him, “Let us vote,” then most Alabamians are telling their representatives and senators the same thing. A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote of both chambers, 63 votes in the House and 21 votes in the Senate to allow a vote of the people on the lottery issue. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
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APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2016 • Page 7
City hosts National Day of Prayer event By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A “National Day of Prayer” event will be observed by The City of Wetumpka May 5 at noon. A city spokesperson, Valencia Smith, said each year the event has been held at Gold Star Park, and next Thursday three local pastors are scheduled to meet and speak at the event. She said they would say three prayers. One prayer would be directed toward the nation, the other the state and the last toward the city itself.
Smith said James Troglen of First Baptist Church would say the state prayer, Arthur Smith of St. James Family Worship the nation’s and Jonathan Yarboro of Wetumpka’s First Presbyterian Church would say the citycentered invocation. They would be followed with a benediction from Tom Gaylord of Centre Point Fellowship Church, Smith said. The pastor at St. James Family Worship, Arthur Smith, said in leading a prayer for the nation he would focus on the topic of unity, and a call to unite despite differences among a contentious
presidential campaign season. “Basically that God will continue to shine his graces on America even in this election cycle which is often divisive and separative and let America know that it is a nation that’s for all,” said Smith. He said regardless of the differences within the parties and their candidates and between the two parties and their prospective nominees his prayer would focus on a message of togetherness. “Hopefully we can all come together as the United States as one,” Smith said. The day itself is sponsored by the
National Day of Prayer Task Force which according to information from the organization’s website, claims its mission through the National Day of Prayer is to mobilize the Christian community “to intercede for America’s leaders and its families.” It cites the origin of the day and it’s modern observance as dating back to the peak of the Cold War on April 17, 1952, after hotel magnate Conrad Hilton teamed with a Kansas senator to introduce the bill which was passed under the presidency of Harry S. Truman.
Area Calendar 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 Latter-day 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 256-234-2186 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 1
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON: The Elmore County Bama Chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association will hold its annual scholarship luncheon on Sunday, May 1, at 1:00 p. m. at the Islamadora Fish Company, 2553 Rocky Mt. Road, Prattville, Alabama. The chapter will recognize this year’s recipients of Elmore County’s four endowed scholarships. Guest speaker will be Dr. Judith L. Bonner. Reservations are required for the luncheon and can be made on the chapter website at elcobama@gmail. com or by call 334-285-3558. Please indicate menu preferences when making reservations: tournament burger, Islamorada salad with/without grilled chicken, popcorn shrimp, or grilled or fried catfish. Cost is $20
MAY 1-2
Spring Show at THS
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
Church will be holding a camp stew sale from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 7. The church will also be holding an indoor yard sale with many unique items. Included are a wheel chair, walker, hospital bed, dvd’s video games and lots of other items. Cedarwood is located at 10286 Highway 231 in the Wallsboro Community. All proceeds help to support the ongoing community ministries of the church. For more information please call the church office at 334-567-0476.
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, 334257-3826, 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 28-29
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.
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 will be held at 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
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. CTE AWARDS BANQUET: The second annual Elmore County CTE Awards Banquet is Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Faculty, staff and student honorees and their families will have a seated dinner with a keynote speech from Bobby Jon Drinkard prior to the awards. 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 334-252-2969. TALLAWEKA BAPTIST CHURCH: May 5 marks the 65th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. Friends and neighbors from across Tallassee representing many area churches have gathered for prayer on the first Thursday in May for years. This year’s National Day of Prayer event in Tallassee will be hosted for the twelfth consecutive year by Tallaweka Baptist Church. A light lunch will be served, beginning at 11:30 AM. The program will begin at noon. The event will be held in the fellowship hall of the church, located at 1419 Gilmer Avenue in Tallassee. Everyone is welcome to attend this special time of prayer. “Wake Up America” is the theme this year’s National Day of Prayer. Area ministers, in cooperation with the Tallassee Ministerial Alliance, will conduct the observance in Tallassee. Since it is a work day and many will come during their lunch hour, the program will conclude before 1 p.m. For more information about the local National Day of Prayer observance, please contact Tallaweka Baptist Church, 332-283-2279, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m until noon.
May 7
CAMP STEW SALE: The Cedarwood Community
JUNE 10-11
TALLASSEE NOW: Tallassee Now event is set for June 11 at Bell Park and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. ONGOING EVENTS
SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Highway 231 Saturday Night Jamboree at the Alabama League of the South Cultural Center Building at 12814 Highway 231 North in Wetumpka. There will be country, gospel, and rock and roll music in a good atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be line dancing, no alcohol, no smoking and no charge. Donations accepted for upkeep of the building. Contact Ray Funderburk at R&R Music and things at 334-991-4682 or 224-850-9804 with questions. WETUMPKA CITY POPS: Wetumpka City Pops community band rehearses on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration building. Any woodwind, brass, and percussion players are encouraged to participate. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET When: First Saturday, March-December, dawn to 2 p.m. Where: Area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church Details: An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission to the public with free parking available. For info, call 334-567-7400. BLUEGRASS JAM When: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: All acoustic instruments welcome - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334578-9485. SIT AND SEW
When: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: All sewers and knitters welcome. Bring your own sewing machine or hand-sewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org. POTTERY CLASS When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: For age 16 and older. $80 for four classes or $20 per week. Taught every Saturday by Rick Bowman. Bring your own tools or use art center tools. Center provides other supplies. For info, call 334-3131646. CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP When: Saturdays, 11 a.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: For age 12 and older. $32 for four classes. Taught every Saturday by Cliff Wayne. For info, call 334-300-9394. Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn When: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. Where: Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka Details: Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free. Open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/. SENIOR ACTIVITIES: “Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, Noon to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. New Regularly Scheduled Activities DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball! Bridge - Wanted: Bridge players for afternoon Bridge Club. Meets Wednesday afternoons Noon to 3 p.m. NOTE: For info on any Prime Time event, call 334567-1335. ECLECTIC: The Eclectic Senior Center is open every weekday until noon. For more info, call Deborah Rowe at 334-541-3581.
TALLASSEE CALENDAR 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, 334257-3826, 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.
JUNE 11
TALLASSEE NOW: Tallassee Now event is set for June 11. Bell Park and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.
Tallassee Recreation Center Community Announcements
Funtastic Fort reservations for the pavilion or gazebo are made by calling the Recreation Department office at 283-4726. The fee for the pavilion is $40 for a two-hour period and the fee for the gazebo is $15 for a two-hour period, fees must be paid prior to the reservation date. SSI INFO: Social Security will no longer be coming to Tallassee; their website is www.socialsecurity.gov or 800-772-1213.
SPORTS
PAGE 8 • APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2016
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
EDGEWOOD ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
In the playoffs, coaches like to know their team can weather adversity and win in a multitude of ways. Edgewood Academy proved that to head baseball coach Bobby Carr Wednesday, sweeping postseason rival Marengo Academy in the AISA Class AA semifinal doubleheader, winning two very different ballgames. The No. 2-ranked Wildcats (33-7) downed the Longhorns, 10-0, in five innings in Game 1 around an hour-and-a-half rain delay, and persevered, 12-8, in the three-and-a-half hour long nightcap, advancing to its eighth straight state championship series and extending its playoff stranglehold on Marengo, who’s 0-19 versus Edgewood across all sports. Senior Michael Taylor helped lead Edgewood on the night, earning a victory on the mound in Game 1, outlasting a lengthy delay to pitch a one-hit shutout and strike out five. In the second game, Taylor went 2-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs that extended EA’s lategame advantage. “Pretty exhausted,” the senior said after the twinbill. “As you could tell, two great games. They did not give up. We had the rain delay, but it
shows how tough we are as a team and how we can overcome adversity. I think that if we play like this in the championship games, I think we’ll be alright.” Senior Christian Smith had two RBIs in the series opener, while junior Jackson Tate went 2-for-2 with two runs and an RBI. Noah Eller, Khalid Young, Janias Scott and DeMarvin Perry each added an RBI. The ‘Cats scored the first four runs in two innings, before the ‘Horns mounted their comeback in Game 2. In the bottom of the third, Marengo got two runs in from Weldon Aydelott and David Dunn and chased EA senior pitcher Caleb Sullivan. Edgewood got a run back in the fourth, but Marengo seized its first lead on the night in the bottom half. With two outs, Aydelott drove in Hayden Huckabee and Robert Tutt on a single and Cody Cobb, Daniel Pritchett and Brad Collins plated three straight runs off two errors, as MA went ahead, 7-5. But the Horns’ recorded just one out before Edgewood regained the lead, as Eller and Seth Dobbs scored off two errors in the fifth before an RBI single from Tate, a run scored by Tyson Tubbs on another error and an RBI double from Taylor, gave EA the advantage for good, 10-7. “I reminded them when
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Edgewood Academy junior third baseman DeMarvin Perry (55) awaits the call on a tag at third during Wednesday’s Class AA semifinal doubleheader versus Marengo Academy at Billy Skinner Field.
Marengo went up a couple of runs that champions always find a way to be the last ones standing,” Carr said. “It was a great opportunity to show what kind of character our kids had, and they’ve done it a few times
this year. They just have a never-say-die attitude. “Hats off to Marengo, too. With the way they lost the first game, and they battled back and fought like they did.” Smith threw the final 3.1
innings for the win, surrendering just one run on two hits. Edgewood meets Northside Methodist for the AA state title May 10 at Paterson Field in Montgomery.
Physicality main focus for SEHS this spring By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
Editor’s note: The Wetumpka Herald is examining each high school football team in its coverage area as spring practice kicks off. Stanhope Elmore won two games last season, its lowest season win total in program history. The Mustangs look to erase the bad taste from their mouth as they opened spring practice Wednesday, and they plan to do that by biting down and ramping up the physicality within the team, head coach Jeff Foshee said. While star running back and Troy University signee B.J. Smith is gone, most of Stanhope’s starters from 2015 are back and ready to lead the Mustangs back to the playoffs. SEHS closes spring May 13 hosting Auburn
at 6 p.m. Q: What’s the main focus for your team this spring? Foshee: We came off a bad season. They know it, we’re working our butts off to get back to Stanhope Elmore football. We want to try to be as physical as we can be. Simplify a few things and just get better at the simple things of the game. Blocking, tackling, that kind of thing. They’ve worked pretty hard the last two days. I’m pretty pleased. We’ll take tomorrow off and get back at it Monday. Q: B.J. Smith is gone. Who’s going to step in as the first-team running back? Foshee: And Kareem Jackson is out this spring; he’s got to have his wrist operated on. But we’ve got some other guys stepping up and doing pretty good. Stanley Knight, a
fullback that’s coming on pretty good. Malik Suttles is doing pretty good. Quashun Laprade had a really good two days and Cam Daniels, those guys have been doing pretty good with it. Q: Are you still going with a tandem quarterback system? Foshee: I don’t know, we’ll get to the fall and see. (Rising seniors Tanner Anderson and Tripper Warlick) are sharing right now because it’s spring training and we’re trying to get better. I’d like for one of them to step up and grab the bull by the horns. We’ll see. Right now, both of them are doing things pretty well. Q: What’s the position/unit battle to watch this spring? Foshee: We’ve got some work to do in the secondary. We’ve got to
get better there. Right now, these first few days, I like the work of our d-line and inside linebackers. Those have been pretty good bright spots. Trint Camp has really caught my eye at quarterback. He’s done some good things. Q: Defensively, the defensive line looks stout. Who’s going to be playing on the backend of the defense? Foshee: Deandre Meadows and Ty Pierce, Mike and Will linebackers, those two really look good behind that defensive front. They’re making plays all over the place. We’ve got a bunch of guys right now in the secondary. I’m not going to name anybody right now because I don’t know who to name to tell you the truth. I’ve got about eight guys back there and they’re battling. All of them are young bu,
Cory Diaz / The Herald
At Stanhope Elmore, the Mustangs have been looking to shore up fundamentals and coach Jeff Foshee said he hopes his team will show more physicality in preparation for the upcoming season.
Quinaz Turner is the guy coming back that’s holding it down in the secondary. He’s the leader back there, so hopefully we can get some other guys to go with him. Q: Who’s ready to lead the team this spring?
Foshee: Offensively, I think Zech Byrd, Kareem Jackson and both of those quarterbacks are two really good leaders. Defensively, you’ve got the Meadows kid, Turner, Jake Andrews, you got K.J. Stokes; those are pretty good leaders as well.
Indians’ Holloway inks with Jegos By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
By his sophomore year, Courtland Holloway thought playing basketball in college wasn’t going to happen. Unhappy with his progression up to that point, Holloway worked to improve every facet of his game. After pushing himself for two years, the Wetumpka small forward held 10 collegiate offers and on Wednesday, the senior finally flipped his fortune, signing with Tohono O’odham Community College out of Tucson, Arizona. “My whole game, I mean I couldn’t lay the ball up at all,” Holloway said of his game as a sophomore. “I couldn’t lay it up, I couldn’t shoot, I was playing JV. I didn’t move up to varsity until my 11th-grade year. My 10th-grade year, I played like an 8th-grader. “I wasn’t planning on going to college because when I was in the 10th-grade, I wasn’t good enough. But I just kept
working hard. And honestly this feels way better than it should because it just feels like I worked so hard to make it. This is probably No. 1 out of all my top 10s.” Holloway secured a starting spot for the Indians during his junior year, honed his skills as a senior and earned a fourstar rating as a shooting guard from the recruiting service, My Recruit Board. The 6-foot-5, 180-pounder said the Jegos like his hustle, ball-handling with his size along with the ability to play the low post. But the most important lesson from WHS coach Ed Rogers he’ll take with him will be the approach to the game. “It’s got to be heart. He taught me a lot about that, I think heart would be no. 1,” Holloway said. And what he’s learned has Holloway confident. “They’re getting the No. 1 player in Alabama, that’s what they’re getting. I
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka senior small forward Courtland Holloway, center, signs a national letter-of-intent Thursday to play college basketball at Tohono O’odham Community College in Tucson, Arizona.
should’ve been ranked,” he said. “They’re getting a good player, I know when I go down there, from now until July, I’m going to be a better player because I’m working hard right now. By the time I graduate in two years, I should be at a big, D-I school.”
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Local team runs Ragnar Trail Relay The Wetumpka Warriors women’s team ran in the Ragnar Trail Relay race at the Georgia International Horse Park just outside of Atlanta April 16-17, and had a great showing. In the 24-hour, overnight 120-mile trail run that featured more than 200 teams overall, the women’s team placed eighth in the Women’s Open division with a time of 27:22:03. The women’s team was: (Bottom, L to R) Jeannie McLaughlin, Jenny Stubbs, Angie Keele, Ashley Brooks and (Top, L to R) Laura Bailey, Dawn Eves, Shelley Bailey and Julie Oakes (Not pictured: team volunteer Royce Eves).