Aug 10, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

INSIDE TODAY

Area Calendar

Inside, Page 2

Two-way depth key to Wetumpka football

County should stick to its guns

Sports, Page 12

Opinion, Page 4

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

Wetumpka, AL 36092

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WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 10, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

TRIAL BY COUNCIL :

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

During the last council session last week, answers emerged about the progress of a city project after a council member submitted a list of questions to the agenda regarding the Martin Luther King Recreation and Multicultural Center. Three of the four points directed by District 2 Councilmember Percy Gill to the council were about the current status

of the MLK Center, more specifically why work had stopped and who was responsible. The list of items he wanted to address was not actually included on the agenda, however some were read aloud by Mayor Jerry Willis for discussion. City and county officials, along with the council, debated Gill almost point for point, at times in heated exchanges. Willis read the question Gill submitted regarding the scheduled completion date for the little league football field, which has been under development at

VOL. 118, NO.29

Councilman accuses city, city blames lack of funds for progress at MLK Center into details about the contract with the project’s overseer, the services it provided and who was legally responsible for the project itself. Throughout the meeting, Willis deferred to a number of city officials who had been involved to this point with the MLK Center and sports complex projects, the first of which was the public works director, Tex Grier. During the discussion, it was learned that the football field, along with the

the MLK Jr. Rec Center property. A copy of the document Gill sent to the city clerk was obtained after the meeting. According to the email, after one item concerning street paving sites was mentioned, Gill launched into his inquiry on the projects set for the MLK facilities. The first of which reads, “What is the scheduled completion date for the little league football field at the Dr. MLK Jr. Rec & Multicultural Center?” The question, however, included three sub-points that delved more specifically

See COUNCIL • Page 5

Elmore inmate recaptured in Kentucky

County Board takes no action on IDB request

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

The Elmore County Commission took no action on a request from the Tallassee Industrial Development Board Monday evening to allow the IDB to abate county ad valorem taxes, while nixing a request from the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce regarding a haunted history tour. Commissioners spent the majority of the work session portion of their meeting speaking with IDB Chairman Richard Dorley regarding IDB’s request to have the commission allow the entity to abate the non-educational portion of the county’s ad valorem taxes for the first 10 years. Dorley said that he was looking for a closer working relationship with the county and suggested at some point that a commissioner or commissioners be appointed to act as a liaison to the IDB. Commissioner Joe Faulk, while crediting the IDB and Dorley in particular, said that he felt it was a matter of equity and that it didn’t seem fair to allow the IDB board

William Carroll and Corey Arwood / The Herald

Above, students in Chera Davis’ 1st-grade class get excited about their first day back after summer vacation. Bottom right, Wetumpka Middle School students finish up their first lunch of the school year and file out of the dining hall on their way back to class. Below left, Students in Mrs. Deem’s 2nd-grade class enjoy snack time and coloring on the first day of school Monday for Elmore County school children at Wetumpka Elementary School.

WELCOME BACK Halls abuzz with activity on first day of school

After missing for roughly three days, a tattooed convict who allegedly escaped from Elmore Correctional Facility was found in Kentucky during what was described by a state press release as a “routine traffic stop” on Monday. State police stopped Justin Caldwell, 27, in Hardin County, Kentucky around 11 a.m., according to an email sent out by a Caldwell public information officer with the Alabama Department of Corrections. The document sent out by Bob Horton, PIO with AL DOC, states that Caldwell is awaiting extradition back to ECF after being placed in the Hardin County Jail and now faces additional charges for the escape. The statement said it was unknown whether Caldwell was

See COMMISSION • Page 3

See INMATE • Page 3

Planning commission votes to approve strategic plan as draft

State Auditor continues push for Bentley impeachment By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler spoke to the Wetumpka Rotary Club Tuesday at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino in Wetumpka about current investigations pending against Governor Robert Bentley and his hope that the House Judiciary Committee might move to act on articles of impeachment against Bentley. Monday, Zeigler sent a let-

Today’s

Weather

92 73 High

ter to Judiciary Committee chairman Mike Jones asking the committee to consider at least one article of impeachment against Bentley. Zeigler noted that if the House does not act during the special session, it would be unable to act until February of 2017. Zeigler said he was elected on a platform of turning the auditor’s office into a watchman or monitor for elected See AUDITOR • Page 3

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

William Carroll / The Herald

State Auditor Jim Zeigler speaks to the Wetukpka Rotary Club at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino Tuesday.

In a move described as a “next step” in their efforts to revamp the planning commission, the commission’s members discussed the approval of a strategic plan at their last meeting. The regular business on the agenda was handled quickly and the majority of the meeting was spent discussing ways to further develop the commission. Under “new business,” a section of land was See PLAN • Page 7

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Page 2 • AUGUST 10, 2016

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Area Calendar

Obituaries Diann Harris

Garner, Mrs. Diann Harris age 71, a resident of Millbrook, Al passed away at her residence on August 4, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Brookside Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Naylor officiating. The interment will follow at Brookside Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Garner is survived by her husband Paul Ray Garner, daughter Phyllis Cothron (fred), son Harris Garner (Cathy), grandchildren Cody Cothron (Jennifer), Will Cothron (Madison), Morgan Garner (Lynda), Gregg Garner (Rachel), Cadi Mills (Garner), Natalie Garner, great grandchildren Caylee, Carter, Liam, Lily, Elliott, Samantha, and Brooks, Brothers Woody Harris (Elaine), Tommy Harris (Donna), sister Martha Ann Starkey (Frank) and special care giver Donna Miles. Pallbearers will be Morgan Garner, Gregg Garner, Cody Cothron, Will Cothron, Garner Mills and Michael Harris, honorary pallbearers will be David Garner and Mary Frances Garner. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.at the funeral home. Brookside Funeral Home of Millbrook, AL directing.

Edwin Lewis

LEWIS, Edwin Glenn, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the age of 61. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Cain’s Chapel Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Susie Beeson officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing. Glenn was residing in Crestview Florida at the time of his death. He was working on the family home at the Big Spring in anticipation of an enjoyable retirement and return home. Glenn was born in the Holtville Community May 24, 1955. He was an outstanding student, attended Edgewood Academy and was an engineering graduate of The University of Alabama. He enjoyed a long and productive career designing antennas and radars for military applications for prominent engineering firms. His most recent work was for the Air Force at Eglin Field. He was a devoted husband to the one love of his life his wife Diane. He was a private man but those who knew him came to realize his word was his bond. He love target shooting and grilling. Glenn is preceded in death by his wife, Diane C. Lewis, his father, John E. “Pete” Lewis, mother, Dean Cardwell Lewis, and his brother, Dennis Keith Lewis. He is survived by his aunts, Betty Peavy of Soddy Daisy, TN., uncle & aunt, Carl & Diane Lewis of Holtville, AL; aunt, Billie Cardwell of Deacatur, AL and numerous cousins. His cousins Brian Lewis, Mike Sanders, Wade Lewis, Larry Lewis, Joe Cardwell, and Alan Cardwell will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Cain’s Chapel Methodist Church. Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

August 10

The Elmore County Family Resource Center is hosting a Lunch and Learn event August 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at El Patron Mexican Grill at 65 Lightwood Road in Deatsville. The topic will be stopping sexual assault and is a program of the Lighthouse Counseling Center. For more information please call 334-235-6091.

August 13

Beulah Baptist Church will hold the Annual Teachers Luncheon on August 13 at 1 p.m. In order to honor the Reeltown School Teachers and Aides and some other teachers from surrounding school systems.

August 16

What You See, Is What You Get at the next Tuesdays with Kelly meeting when Jason Powell of Petals from the Past will give a Container Gardening Demonstration. Come to this “lunch and learn” event at noon on the third Tuesday of each month at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 408 South Main Street in Wetumpka, Alabama Bring a sack lunch, drinks and desserts provided. Free, Open to the Public, Fun, Music and Door Prizes.

August 20

Holy Destiny and Justified will both be in concert at Holtville Riverside Baptist Church on Saturday night August 20th at 6 p.m. The church is located on Highway 111 in Slapout. For more information call 334 569 2421.

August 26-27

The Tallassee High School Class of 1981 is planning its class reunion, to be held August 26 and 27 in Tallassee. If you are a member of the class and have not been contacted by a classmate, please call Suzy Solomon Wilson at 334-283- 8172.

August 28

The Wetumpka church of Christ is having homecoming celebration and fellowship meal in the fellowship hall after worship services, Sunday the 28th. All are invited, especially those who have worshipped at the Wetumpka congregation in the past. Kenneth Randolph and Janice will be with us for the worship services and fellowship. Brother Randolph will speak at Bible study and at worship assembly. Kenneth was minister at Wetumpka for 16 years. Services begin at 8:30 a.m.

September 3

Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Labor Day Weekend BBQ Sale on September 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the EMVFD Fire Station at 1785 Old Ware Road in Wetumpka. Boston butts may be purchased for $30 and plates for $8. The plates will include BBQ pork or ½ chicken, potato salad, baked beans and bread. Cakes will also be available for purchase whole for $25 or $2 per slice. For information or tickets, please call 5676077 or 567-0405.

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CHILD FIND: The Tallassee City School System is launching its annual campaign to assist children—birth to age 21—who have disabilities and may need special services. The campaign urges parents, service providers, and concerned citizens to contact Child Find, a program to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities or children who are believed to have disabilities. The Tallassee City School System wishes to notify you of the availability of special education services in our public schools. If you have questions regarding our programs, or if you wish to refer a student, please contact Lynell Carr at (334) 283-5675 or Child Find (Alabama Department of Education) at 1-800-548-2547.” ART EXHIBITION: There is a free exhibit of 65 works of art by the late Priscilla Crommelin featuring vibrant still life and floral paintings, portraits and landscapes at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

to 4 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. 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 334991-4682 or 224-850-9804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET: First Saturday, MarchDecember, dawn to 2 p.m in the area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church. 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: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments welcome - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334-578-9485. SIT AND SEW: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. 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 334578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org. POTTERY CLASS: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka 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 334-313-1646. CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP: Saturdays, 11 a.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. For ages 12 and older. $32 for four classes. Taught every Saturday by Cliff Wayne. For info, call 334-300-9394. MASTER GARDENERS LUNCH AND LEARN: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka. Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free and open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/ Elmore/. NAACP MEETINGS: Elmore County Branch NAACP Executive Committee meeting every 3rd Tuesday 6:30 p.m. at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka Elmore County Branch NAACP regular monthly meeting every 4th Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka 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 334-5671335. ECLECTIC: The Eclectic Senior Center is open every weekday until noon. For more info, call Deborah Rowe at 334-541-3581 Tallassee Recreation Center Community Announcements Funtastic Fort reservations for the pavilion or gazebo are made by calling the Recreation Department office at 2834726. 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.

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Commission

continued from page 1

or anyone else to abate taxes when their associated municipalities do not have their own taxes to abate. Faulk pointed out that it was unfair to cities that did have ad valorem taxes to allow the IDB such power since Tallassee does not have ad valorem taxes. Commissioner Stephanie Daniels Smoke asked Dorley what issues he or the IDB board had with the commission that would prevent them from coming before the commission on a case by case basis to get the commission’s approval on abatements. Dorley said time was a significant factor in the process and could result in losing business opportunities as large industrial companies wanted answers quickly. Dorley pointed out that until recently, the IDB had the authority to abate county taxes. “We did have they authority, just recently that was overturned,” Dorley said. “It takes an advantage away from the industrial board of Tallassee, which does most of the recruitment in the county.” Dorley referred to his inability to abate taxes as “taking an arrow out of the quiver” in respect to the tools he has at his disposal. “I struggle with giving away the authority of the commission,” Smoke said specifically referring to signing away future potential general fund revenues. Dorley countered by pointing out that if businesses do not come to Elmore County there will be no additional general fund revenues to be gained. Faulk added that abatements are only one component of economic development. He suggested to Dorley that Dorley go before the Tallassee City Council and asking for an ad valorem tax. Commission Chair David Bowen agreed with Faulk on this issue. “The easiest method would be to have Tallassee have an ad valorem tax,” Bowen stated, noting that the city is always struggling with revenue issues. Bowen added that he too struggled with the idea of giving up the commission’s authority to abate taxes, especially to a non-elected entity like the IDB.

Ultimately, the commission took no action on the matter as it was not included as part of the business portion of the meeting. In other matters, the commission voted 3-1 to deny a request made by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce to allow access to the county courthouse to the chamber and Central Alabama Paranormal Investigators for paranormal investigation and inclusion in a haunted Wetumpka tour in October. Chamber Director Gerry Purcell had proposed that the commissioners allow the chamber access to the courthouse for a few hours to have CAPI conduct a paranormal investigation into the structure and to include it in a walking tour of downtown Wetumpka. Purcell said that the chamber has had a great response so far with over 125 people signing up for the tour. Purcell estimated that some 500 to 700 people may ultimately participate. The commission gave no reason for its rejection of the proposal. Bowen had asked Purcell if the chamber would reimburse the county for the cost of having a county employee present during the chamber’s use of the building. Purcell said that the chamber would be willing to compensate the county for any costs. In other matters: • The commission approved the cancellation of the STAR insurance policy and the approval of the Association of the County Commissions of Alabama liability self insurance fund. • The commissioners approved a petition for reimbursement of excess funds from the tax sale of real property from Stanley Dale Foster. • The commission approved a resolution to widen, level, resurface and traffic stripe Airport Road from Coosada Road north to AL 14. • During the comment portion, County Engineer Richie Beyer said that he had received several inquiries about putting in proposals on the old Board of Education building downtown. Initially, the Adullam House had put in a proposal on the building.

Auditor officials. “I had no idea how badly we needed a monitor,” Zeigler said. “I knew they (officials) were problematic, I didn’t know they were this bad.” Zeigler said there are currently four investigations pending against Bentley: One being conducted by the FBI; a second by the Montgomery County Grand Jury; another by the state ethics commission and the final investigation by the judi-

Inmate traveling alone, or with an accomplice, and no information was released about the details of the vehicle he was travelling in. An earlier press release from AL DOC indicated that Caldwell escaped during an early morning prison transfer. In a phone call, Horton said Caldwell also managed to out maneuver a K9 unit that was pursuing him. Caldwell managed to go undetected, Horton said, and was only found to be missing during an inmate head-count performed after his escape. Horton said Caldwell was serving an 8-year sentence from a 2014 conviction on 1st degree theft of property. A mug shot provided by AL DOC showed Caldwell covered with tattoos with a crown on his forehead, and “Ohio,” among other images, scrawled across his neck.

continued from page 1

ciary committee. Zeigler said that while four investigations sounds like a good thing he would rather have one that is making progress as opposed to four that aren’t. “I’m sad to report that there isn’t much progress,” he said. “Impeachment is a slow boat on the Coosa River.” In his letter to Jones Zeigler states, “I do not buy the notion that impeachment proceedings at all deliberate speed is

not doing it right. Nor do I buy the notion that a slow process like the one now being done is a correct and deliberate process. Slowness does not mean doing it right and a speedy hearing does not mean doing it wrong.” Zeigler noted that the recent investigation of Mike Hubbard took over two and a half years to complete and noted that if Bentley’s investigation takes as long or longer, Bentley will be out of

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office. “We have a wounded duck governor,” Zeigler said. “We need a full strength governor.” Zeigler said the biggest problem he has seen in state government is the lack of a servant mentality among elected officials. He noted that many officials have forgotten the meaning of being a public servant and are simply in the business of politics for themselves.

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Webster de¿nes truth as, “conformity with fact or reality.” During the Unity Forum a paraphrased comment from my friend Jonathan Yarboro suggested that “It is only when opinions meet and can be discussed by those willing to listen that truth can be achieved.”

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AUGUST 10, 2016 • PAGE 3

LAKE TALLASSEE – 650-ft. waterfront, 3 lots, 3± acres, super panoramic view, good building site, $225,000. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, RED HILL – Formerly The Country Mile convenience store, gas station and restaurant. Will sell only gas station and convenience store or all. Call for details, $245,000. BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME on Little Rd., Tallassee – 1.5 acres, completely remodeled. Very nice, 5 bd/5.5 baths, $239,000. 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $299,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES – KENT ROAD – UNRESTRICTED, REDUCED TO $45,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ, zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $99,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre ﬁsh pond, 3 bd, 2 ba, large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, G heat pump, REDUCED FROM NDIN PEacres $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRESGclose to Walmart on Hwy. 14, PENDIN REDUCED $189,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bd/ 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $259,000. TALLASSEE 854 E. PATTON – 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 3 acres of land, $125,000.

I have often concluded that life is much like a puzzle and each of us have pieces of it that offers us a certain perspective about ourselves, our position, and our purpose. Appropriately, one piece of a puzzle is by no means a depiction of what the picture is supposed to look like, only a singular perspective of ourselves, our position and our purpose. Thus, if we are open to all truth, the opportunity arises for us to ¿nd other pieces of our puzzle in different people. As an educator, I have a greater understanding of what the future looks like for my students than they do for themselves. Subsequently, that truth doesn’t become a reality until we (the students and I) make a connection to bring the pieces of the puzzle together. When this happens, the student’s get a different perspective of themselves, their position, and their purpose as future citizens making decisions for themselves and in their community. To this end, my quali¿cation for Mayor of Wetumpka starts and ends with my ability to connect pieces of the puzzle together to produce an image reÀective of our diverse and growing community. PRIORITY; what should be ¿rst and what should be last? Every leader must address issues that create intimidating priority dilemmas. These questions arise when the dynamics of a plan change, or when there are competing priorities. Things, including plans, change and we must all adjust. Competing priorities occur when more than one thing is a necessity and leadership must make decisions for the good of those they serve. Wetumpka elects its Mayor and City Councilperson’s to of¿ce to share truth and prioritize the needs of the City to meet agreed upon objectives. I would love to say as a thirteen year resident that we are there as a City, but the truth is there is an obvious distrust between our residents and the elected of¿cials that prioritize objectives. The obvious question, why? I sincerely believe it’s because individually there are those that see their piece of the puzzle as a picture and not just a piece. When the people we serve misunderstand or don’t know what truth is for their districts or in the City, then leadership has ignored the essential pieces of the puzzle that depicts a whole picture. My truth is to be a City leader that’s fair, equitable and visible within and around the community. My priority is to be a City leader that’s connected to every segment of our community. How? First, every council person should have a suggested list of improvements needed for their districts. Those lists are consolidated at the city level to determine priority and published weekly as they change with explanations on the City’s website. Second, City leadership, along with the Mayor determines the priority of suggested improvements by considering health, welfare and the safety of each resident ¿rst; remembering that City leadership holds a better image of the City only because it has more pieces of the puzzle. Third, leadership considers its available resources and funds to complete prioritized district list. Finally, the Mayor, Council, and City leadership understand what truth is and collectively represent that truth to the citizens of Wetumpka. James Cash Penney said, “Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” If we “Work together” we “Grow together.” This is a portion of my truth and my priorities and I’d like your vote to become the next Mayor of Wetumpka.

Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

OPINION

Page 4 • AUGUST 10, 2016

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

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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

The county should stick There are few things as rewarding as service to others by its guns

uring Monday’s Elmore County Commission meeting it was apparent that the majority of the commissioners had significant issues with granting the Tallassee Industrial Development Board the authority to abate county ad valorem taxes. While they took no action, it goes without saying that if this issue comes before them again, especially in a situation requiring a vote, they should deny the IDB’s request for a number of reasons. First, county tax abatement should be handled by the officials elected to handle that issue, namely the county commission. Several of the commissioners brought up this issue and their concerns that they did not want to give this authority away to the IDB. That thought was the correct one. As county elected officials, it falls on them to handle this issue, especially in a situation, like the one in Tallassee, where the city does not have an ad valorem tax of its own. Commissioners Joe Faulk and David Bowen suggested that the solution might be for the city of Tallassee to get its own ad valorem tax to solve the issue. This might be one solution, but as it stands, Tallassee does not, and may not adopt such a tax so county officials will have to keep the tax setup the way it is. IDB Chairman Richard Dorley suggested that the IDB needed this tool in its “quiver” in order to attract businesses, but he is effectively asking for an unelected board to make decisions that affect taxpayer dollars. While this might have been the scenario previously, prior to a change in the law, it is not now. Dorley suggested that the

IDB doesn’t have the time to contact the commission and get approval, and yet this is how it is done in practically every William Carroll other state that handles economic development. Let me give you an example. In West Point, Mississippi, my previous journalistic stop, they were able to land a Yokohama Tire plant, worth hundreds of millions, possibly billions of dollars. The deal was arranged by an area economic development entity that actually spanned three counties known as the Golden Triangle Development Link. In order to get the project through they had to get votes from the city of West Point, the Clay County supervisors and the legislature of the state of Mississippi. The state even called a special session to approve tax breaks and other incentive packing for the company. No matter your opinion on these types of tax breaks, they can be arranged quickly and with all haste, contrary to what Dorley said before the commissioners. There is nothing that prevents the commission and the IDB from working together on projects, but there is absolutely no reason for the commission to give abatement authority to an unelected industrial development board. They should retain that authority and grant it only in cases where it is appropriate, or where the investment and job growth potential are so significant as to warrant it. Just doling out abatements for every business showing an interest is not good business or public policy.

“In America, any definition of a successful life must include serving others.” – President George H.W. Bush

hat a great week! My life sometimes parallels that of Forrest Gump in countless ways, although I never did anything remotely close to earning the Medal of Honor, and I sure as heck would never have played football for Alabama. But, like Mr. Gump, I agree that “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” I do a lot of speaking all around the country for all kinds of groups. I’ve performed for everyone from car clubs to college campuses. I’ve performed in some of the most dangerous places on earth from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the University of Alabama. I’m very blessed to do what I do. But, some are more special than others. Last Friday night, I performed in Auburn for the Southern Disability Foundation’s (SDF) 20th anniversa-

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 Steve Baker publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . .. .. Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305

Guest Columnist

ry. This group is comprised of individuals and organizations from all over the state who serve the needs of the disability community. Per their website, the foundation was incorporated on Aug. 6, 1996, to serve as a community-based organization to capitalize a low interest, extended-terms loan fund to enable Alabama’s citizens with disabilities to access and acquire assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and services. On Monday, I drove down to Luverne, pronounced “Loo-vern” for those of you not in the know, to speak at the teachers and faculty in-service for Crenshaw County Schools to help motivate them as they kick off the new school year. I was a bit nervous as it was my first day of school, too, but they were a wonderful crowd so the nerves dissipated upon my arrival. On Tuesday, I went to Dadeville to do the same for



is off to all who serve. On my second tour in Iraq, I received this sweet letter from a child. “Another reason I would like to thank you is because you are serving the nation. Without people like you who join the military, our country would be bad.” While I absolutely love and appreciate the sentiments of this young man, there should be a caveat to his statement and that is that one doesn’t have to wear a uniform or have an official title to serve. There are so many ways to serve and give back, whether it’s on the local or national level. Heck, even if it’s just helping your neighbor. There are few things as rewarding as serving others. If you don’t believe me, then you should give it a try. 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.

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Special Legislative Session called to fix Medicaid issue

A 334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com

JODY FULLER

Tallapoosa County Schools. Although I was born and raised in Opelika, my roots are in Tallapoosa County, so there were several cousins, friends, and acquaintances in the audience, making it all the more special. The fact that Superintendent Joe Windle is retired Army was just icing on the cake. I’ve done 11 of these over the last three years and hope to continue to do more for many years to come. On Wednesday, I was down on the Mississippi Gulf Coast entertaining at a conference for law enforcement officers. The attendees were graduates of the FBI National Academy. This was one of the best events I have ever been a part of and it was an honor to be a small part of their conference. At the SDF banquet, I picked up a gig for Thursday morning, so I departed Gulfport at 2:57 a.m. Once again, I had the privilege of speaking to teachers, this time at Glenwood School in Smiths Station. Whether it’s teachers, law enforcement, or anyone else, my hat

s anticipated, a special Legislative Session has been called by Gov. Robert Bentley. The Session is set to begin this Monday, Aug. 15. Dr. Bentley has bemoaned the fact that the legislature refused to grant Medicaid the $85 million they said they needed in the budget fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. In the Governor’s call he is requesting that the super majority Republican legislature reconsider their refusal to keep feeding Medicaid, which is a money-eating monster. It grows exponentially every year and is eating the state out of house and home. However, the Federal government matches our state dollars almost 3-to-1. Therefore, an $85 million cut in state funding results in almost $240 million less to Alabama Medicaid recipients. Fifty percent of the babies born in the state and 66 percent of the nursing home residents in our state are on Medicaid. Even with the dire threats of cuts to physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies, as well as possible deaths due to the loss of some dialysis care, these guys really do not want to raise new revenue. They are real Republicans. They believe that the least government is the best government. If truth were known they would probably do away with Medicaid, as well as state government, all together. The governor is proposing a state lottery to bolster Medicaid and the General Fund. The legislature cannot institute a state lottery by themselves. All they do is vote to allow you to vote on a lottery. The vote would be at the same time you vote

STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist

for president this Nov. 8. That is the most prudent date for the referendum. A special election would cost Alabamians $4 million. However, they cannot dilly-dally around. They have to get it on the ballot by Aug. 24. A lottery would bring in about $240 million. That is not a lot of money when you consider how much revenue is budgeted by the state each year, but it is not so much about the amount of money it brings in. It is the fairness factor to our state that is the issue. It is hard to understand how a legislator would refuse to allow their constituents the right to vote on this issue. If they have been listening to their folks at home at all, they have heard a hue and cry from their people that they would like the opportunity to vote on a lottery. Recent polls reveal that over 75 percent of all Alabamians would vote for a lottery if their legislators would allow them to vote on it. This includes Republicans, who would vote for it simply because they want their money to stay at home. We are one of six states in America who derive no revenue from this source. All of our surrounding states have a lottery, except Mississippi, which has full-fledged casino gambling from which they derive a good bit of their state revenue. Alabamians buy lottery tickets. They just have to drive to our neighboring states to get

them. The most tickets sold in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee are bought on their borders by Alabamians. If I were a Republican legislator running for reelection in 2018, I would hate to have to defend a record of casting my first vote of the quadrennium for Mike Hubbard for Speaker and then voting to refuse you the right to vote to keep your money home rather than sending it to our surrounding sister states. Speaking of electing a Speaker, the first order of business in the House of Representatives on Monday will be the election of a new Speaker to replace Mike Hubbard. Under the super Republican majority rules, the House GOP members must vote for the candidate selected in a caucus meeting. They held that meeting last week and selected Rep. Mac McCutcheon, a Republican from Monrovia near Huntsville, to be their choice for Speaker. McCutcheon has been in the House for 10 years and defeated five other candidates within the caucus. The 70 Republican members will vote unanimously for McCutcheon, the former Chairman of the Rules Committee. They will essentially lock the 33 Democrats out of the process for election of the Speaker. It should be an interesting session. I will keep you posted. 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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AUGUST 10, 2016 • Page 5

Council

continued from page 1

built-in soccer fields, would not be ready for the upcoming football season. Grier said he expected the work with the county and the ground preparations for the field to be finished within three weeks. After that he said a roughly 4-week bid process would begin for later facets of the work such as irrigation, sod and grading and from there a contract would dictate the length of any further work. City officials established that lack of money was the reason for the current state of the project, with an unfinished football field and little to show from what was supposed to be a major overhaul to the MLK grounds. Despite saying a lack in funds was the reason for it’s halt, several officials levied accusations at Gill saying that he and the entities that leased the buildings were to blame for the lack of progress. The questioning at times went in circles, from one city official and council member to the next. Ultimately the mayor’s answer to those invested in the progress of the MLK upgrades was to be patient until the city could obtain another bond agreement next year. “May of 17, when we get there and can go back to the market then bring $3 million back, we can finish the projects that we want to do throughout this city, we can finish these projects right here,” said Mayor Jerry Willis. “It’s like if you want that Cadillac or that Mercedes and you don’t have the money to pay for it you go to the bank and you get it financed, and that’s what we’re doing.” Early on Gill had established that he was not satisfied with money as a reason, saying it was known all along the MLK Center was to be included, and if it turned out there were not enough funds someone was negligent; deliberately or not. He cited the council sessions of years past noting that there was a unanimous vote to include the MLK upgrades in the initial project to develop more fields at the adjacent sports complex. Gill quoted from the contract, which detailed instructions that the roughly $6 million the city was borrowing was to also go to MLK updates and improvements. “That is the fundamental problem, let be me be very clear, when we pursued the warranty deal, when we pursued the bond for the project we had extensive conversations with the mayor and council about what was expected to be built at the MLK Center,” said Gill. Gill suggested that someone broke the contract whether it was the city, or the company hired to oversee the work

to the sites (Capital Program Management), and went back and forth with the city attorney at length to find which party that was. “Someone breached the contract, somewhere something happened whether it was here on the city’s part or on CPM’s that’s the crux of the matter that I want to address tonight,” Gill said. His evidence to the breach was the city and the county taking on the construction of the football and soccer fields, and the 13-month time frame CPM was to coordinate the completion of these projects. But Gill was also interested in determining who decided the priority of the different aspects of the project. Gill said he had walked CPM through several days worth of instruction about what was needed on the MLK grounds. “Which I thought we had a thorough understanding of what was going to be taking place however what got complete was some baseball fields,” Gill said. City Attorney Regina Edwards said CPM was only there to act in an administrative capacity, with oversight to the various legs of the project as a city representative. Another company, Goodwyn Mills and Caywood, out of Montgomery, was responsible for the design of the sports complex, she said. Gill wanted to know why designs could be drawn up for the baseball fields, but not the football field on the MLK side. “But how do you think the CPM was able to oversee the project with the baseball field and clearly the MLK center was included in this contract which was signed and initialed by Mayor Jerry Willis and Tim Coker (CPM president)?”, Gill asked. Edwards said there were delays at the sports complex as well, and she thought that the project management firm had plainly run out of time. The contract expired and was not renewed, she said. But Gill seemed unsatisfied with Edwards’ response and wanted to know who was directing CPM’s work. “Who’s responsible for this situation that we’re in right now, who’s responsible for this?” Gill asked. Edwards said she was not actively involved in any of the meetings between CPM or engineers of the project and the only thing she was aware of on the MLK side was a conceptual rendering for proposed work. “I have no clue who’s responsible for that,” said Edwards. “I don’t know that there was ever any design specifications or anything else done to move that forward with the MLK.” To which Gill immediately returned, “So was that inten-

tional?” Edwards said she did not think so and asked Gill who would do that while the city was, “trying to get this thing done,” she said. Gill however seemed to have someone in mind and read from the bond agreement. “So CPM certainly couldn’t just go out on their own and tell someone to do or not to do without some type of instruction from someone, and the only person authorized to give that instruction would be the mayor,” Gill said. Willis said in a number of different ways over the following exchange that the decisions came down to a council vote. He said the council had to approve of any “moneys” spent, and nothing could be built until it was designed.

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WHO WAS ELVIS PRESLEY?

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His mother, Gladys Presley, was carrying twins, but his brother Jessie was stillborn, making Elvis an only child. Just before high school, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Elvis attended Humes High School, graduating in 1953. He began his career as a recording artist with Sun Records in 1954, and by 1956 he was famous. His music was revROXWLRQDU\ DW WKH WLPH ZLWK LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV IURP ERWK JRVSHO PXVLF DQG WKH 5 % PXVLF KH HQMR\HG DV D WHHQDJHU Despite his career, Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and began a two-year term of service. While VWDWLRQHG LQ )ULHGEHUJ *HUPDQ\ LQ KH PHW KLV IXWXUH ZLIH 3ULVFLOOD %HDXOLHX 7KH\ PDUULHG RQ 0D\ 1967. After his return from the Army, Elvis continued his career as a musician and actor. He starred in over 30 ÂżOPV $V KLV FDUHHU SURJUHVVHG KH EHFDPH D SRSXODU /DV 9HJDV SHUIRUPHU NQRZQ IRU KLV HFFHQWULF IDVKLRQ VW\OH (OYLV KDV VROG MXVW RYHU D ELOOLRQ UHFRUGV DQG LV D PXOWL SODWLQXP DUWLVW ZLWK QXPEHUV VWLOO FOLPELQJ WRGD\ He won three Grammy Awards for his music and was nominated 14 times. He was awarded the Grammy /LIHWLPH $FKLHYHPHQW $ZDUG EHIRUH WKH DJH RI +H ZDV FDOOHG Âł7KH .LQJ RI 5RFN DQG 5ROO Â´ Âł7KH .LQJ Â´ RU VLPSO\ Âł(OYLV Â´ +H ZDV DOVR IDPRXV IRU VD\LQJ Âł7KDQN \RX WKDQN \RX YHU\ PXFKÂ´ LQ KLV WUDGHPDUN GHHS YRLFH Elvis Presley died at his home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. Today, Graceland is a museum open to the SXEOLF 3UHVOH\ UHPDLQV RQH RI WKH WK &HQWXU\ÂśV PRVW SUROLÂżF SRS FXOWXUH LFRQV

NAME THAT TUNE

/RRN DW WKH SLFWXUHV EHORZ DQG decide which famous Elvis song they represent. Use the hidden words from the word search for clues. 1. 1. __________

CRO RO ROSS

ELVIS HITS WORD FIND

2. __________ 3. __________ 4. __________ 2.

3. Across Clues: %UDQFK RI VHUYLFH WKDW (OYLV MRLQHG 3. How many Grammies did Elvis win? 4. Number of years served in the Army. 6. Country where Elvis was stationed. 8. Today his home is a what? 10. The name of his Memphis estate. 11. City he performed in later in life. 12. Presleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record sales have gone? Down Clues: :KDW ZDV KLV 0RWKHUÂśV ÂżUVW QDPH" 2. Elvisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; middle name was what? 4. A popular nickname for Elvis. 0RYHG KHUH MXVW EHIRUH KLJK VFKRRO 7. State in which Elvis was born. 9. Whom did Elvis marry?

All Shook Up, Always On My Mind, Blue Christmas, Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, If I Can Dream, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Now or Never, Jailhouse Rock, Kentucky Rain, King Creole, Love Me Tender, Return To Sender, Viva Las Vegas, Wooden Heart 7XQH $QV .LQJ &UHROH

+RXQG 'RJ %OXH 6XHGH Shoes 4)Heartbreak Hotel

THE KINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUITAR

Crossword Ans: Across- 2)Army 3)three 4)two 6) *HUPDQ\ PXVHXP *UDFHODQG /DV 9HJDV 12)Multiplatinum Down-1)Gladys 2)Aaron 4)The .LQJ 0HPSKLV 0LVVLVVLSSL 3ULVFLOOD

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Plan

Submitted / The Herald

Alabama Deparment of Corrections officials with RCCA President Charlotte Meadows. Jeff Williams, left, and Steve Brown, right, Chief of Staff.

Alabama Department of Corrections speak to Republican Club of Central Alabama STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

At the August meeting of the Republican Club of Central Alabama, Department of Corrections Chief of Staff, Stephen Brown, along with Jeff Williams, Deputy Commissioner, presented the current problematic situation in the Alabama prisons. “No other state in this nation has the overcrowding, the occupancy problem that we have in our prisons in Alabama,” said Chief Brown. “We have close to 25,000 inmates to confine, feed and try to rehabilitate with an extreme shortage of correctional officers. With our current hiring problem, just picture the situation of only one correctional officer in a unit of 200 inmates and a disturbance arises in the back of the room. That officer

might determine it’s too dangerous to check on the problem.” Chief Brown continued to explain that most correctional officers are working 56 hours a week instead of the normal 40 hour week. Staff fatigue quickly becomes a security issue for them. He further added, “The prisons throughout the state average 40 years and older. The oldest, Draper, is 76 years old. The cost to maintain these aged facilities is overwhelming. We need to replace many of these institutions with newly designed prisons that facilitate better population management so that we can appropriately house inmates according to their risk assessments. We want to get back in the business of rehabilitation because over 90% of offenders will return to their communities.”

AUGUST 10, 2016 • Page 7

continued from page 1

approved for annex at a subdivision, The Cove at Quail Run. One item of “old business,” however, was held over until the next meeting. It involved what was described as the “character and extent” set for the improvements to the “Company Street Streetscape.” David Robison, city planning and project director, said a response was pending from the attorney general’s office regarding the relocation of “certain utilities” on the street. The chairman, Katharine Lynn, asked that the adoption of the draft version of the Wetumpka Planning Commission Strategic Plan be held until the end of the meeting. The meeting ran over an hour as the members conferred with Robison, who drafted the strategic plan. Robison had been working with the commissioners to restructure the planning commission, making it both more effective and efficient in its role with the city. Only five of the nine commissioners were present at Monday’s meeting and it was suggested by Betsy Sheldon that the draft strategic plan be adopted gradually in segments. Lynn said since there were still changes to be made the group should adopt the plan as a draft “It would be better for us to adopt it cohesively than it would be for us to adopt it piece-by-piece, I think we can adopt this as a draft for discussion and that we can orchestrate some sort of opportunity for everybody to edit the document,” said Lynn. The tentative contents of the plan include such information as the commission’s “vision, mission, core values and principles” and would detail objectives for the year as well as the future.

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Titan – Pet of the Week Titan is a one-year-old male German Shorthaired Pointer/ Labrador mix that is just a fun loving, goofy guy with a great nose for treats. And if you want a 60-70-pound lap dog - Titan is your man. He will just crawl right up in your lap if you sit down on the ground. He is great with other dogs and is one big love bug! Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over oneyear-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central

Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at http://www.elmorehumane.org/ for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.

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The view from the fence

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I hope all is well with those reading this week’s column. I hope all is well with those not reading it, but they might not ever know it! For as long as I can remember, I have been known as a fence sitter. In my 50 years of life, there have been few times when I took a stand on an issue and made my position known. At times, I have been criticized and chastened by peers and colleagues for this. The label of “Fence Sitter” fits me, as it turns out, but I wear it well and I wear it with no shame. I have never seen my vantage point from the middle of the road as superior in any way. I do consider it a blessing and my own calling. Let me give you

an example. We have a mayoral race coming up in our city. Unlike the presidential elections coming up in November, we have two highly qualified candidates who have the best I have worked together with our present Mayor Jerry Willis, on several community projects. I have seen his passion for the city of Wetumpka and its citizens. My family counts his family as friends. Emmitt Johnson Jr. is the first clergy contact I made when I arrived here 10 years ago. I saw his integrity and passion for our city and the larger community immediately. We became fast friends and my family counts his family as friends. I have not publicly endorsed either candidate in the upcoming election nor

Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street

Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m. Bible Study.............9 a.m. Worship service...10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.

Visitors Welcome At All Services

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian

have I ever publicly endorsed any candidate for any office since becoming a Pastor. My main reason is that since I am called to serve a congregation of varying political opinion, I believe it would be unethical for me to endorse one over the other. The other reason has to do with what I feel called to as a moderate, or middle of the road, person. What I fully support is an educated electorate. The right to vote is the greatest right any of us has, but it is often exercised in ways that do more harm

than good. The city of Wetumpka has two strong candidates for its upcoming mayoral election. Both have tremendous passion for our city and its residents. Both want to see healthy growth in our city. Both have ideas on how to help make that happen. Their ideas differ somewhat. If you are going to vote, you need to know what those ideas are, plain and simple. You do not need to hear it from me or anyone else. You need to go to the source. If you want to know what Jerry Willis brings to the table if elected for a third term, talk to people involved in what has been happening over the last eight years. Contact his campaign. Contact him yourself. He will talk with you. If you want to know what

8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.

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SundaySchool..........10:45 School....10:45 a.m. Sunday a.m. MorningWorship........9:30 Worship....9:30 a.m. Morning a.m. Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m. Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m. Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m. You will receive a warm You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church. Christ-centered Church.

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Rev. Yarboro is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Wetumpka.

First Presbyterian Presbyterian Church Church

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Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor

Emmitt Johnson, Jr. brings to the table if elected to serve as mayor, contact his campaign. Ask people who have worked with him. Contact him yourself. He will talk with you. As an unashamed fence sitter, I can assure you of a few things. First, I will tell you to register and vote. Second, I will not tell you who to vote for. Third, I will educate myself on the issues and plans at stake, prayerfully consider my own vote, and vote my conscience clearly. Finally, I will work to support whoever is elected. I encourage everyone to do the same.

567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.

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Anthony B. Counts, Pastor InterimWorship Pastor Leader Angie Gallups, Billy of Students AngieReinhardt, Gallups, Min. Worship Leader

Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Rev. Anthony Rhodes Tammy Driver, Children’s Ministries Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries Tammy Student Driver:Ministries Derek Blankenship, Children's Director

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

SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m. Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship... 10:30p.m. a.m. Evening Evening Worship..... 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m. Supper.....................5:30 p.m. Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:00 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m. Calvary Youth.............6:00 p.m. Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m. Calvary Kids.............6:00 p.m.

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

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

Santuck Baptist Church

7250 Central Plank Road

“A Family of Families”

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Amy Pugh, Director of Children & Preschool Chad Middlebrooks, Students SUNDAY Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m. Worship........................9 & 10:30 a.m. Evening Celebration.................6 p.m. WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.

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The Wetumpka Herald

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AUGUST 10, 2016 PAGE 11

Humane Society couldn’t operate without generous donations STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

emember Cruisin’ fer Critters held by the Predator’s Riding Club back in May to raise money for our shelter? Well, they brought us the big check last Sunday and it was for a whopping $15, 050! This is the largest amount raised from Cruisin’ yet and we just cannot thank each and every PMA member and supporter enough! This is one of those events that may be only one day for those attending, but it is a year-round effort by all the Predator’s and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and hard work. As next year is the 15th anniversary of Cruisin’ fer Critters, look for some BIG news on what Cruisin 2017 is going to look like! Why do we need fundraisers like Cruisin’ or our Wags ‘n Whiskers Auction? Because in July we took in

HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS 417 pets (198 dogs; 218 cats) and from Jan-Jul we took in a total of 2440 pets! It takes a lot of labor, supplies sand space to care for this many animals and on any given day we are caring for 250-300 pets in our shelter and foster homes. It looks like June will have been our peak intake month this year (479) and our numbers should start a gradual decline as we move through summer and into fall and winter. Why this spike in the spring/summer? Short answer – kittens! So far this year (through July) we have taken in a total

of 1114 cats – 62 percent of those cats, however, came in just in May, June & July. AND – of the 694 cats received in those three months, 76 percent were KITTENS (under six months old)! These percentages are not unique to our shelter and are played out every day in our area shelters. Is there an answer to these staggering numbers? YES – spaying and neutering pets BEFORE they have that first ‘oops’ litter would go a long way to reducing shelter intake and truly IS the answer to the crisis of so many unwanted pets. Please, if you got a kitten or puppy this spring/summer from out in the community – get its spay or neuter appointment made by the time it is six months old so it don’t contribute to the problem. Looking ahead, Sunday, 18 September will be another ‘don’t miss’ day and we hope you are planning to join us at Bark in the Park 2016, Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka. We will have

a Microchip Clinic and ‘Ask the Vet’ at Bark in the Park thanks to Tuskegee University Veterinary School! From 2-3:30 pm, and for a cost of $25, you can get your pet microchipped and that will also include the registration with 24 PetWatch. Remember though – all dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, AND they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park. We do still have Vendor spots available at Bark in the Park for $35. This is a great way to get the word out about your business/club/group in a relaxed and fun atmosphere while also supporting our shelter. Bring your own table/ pop-up and it is a park so there is no electricity. To get a Vendor Application please email hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.

Local ALS Hero issues ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in Tallassee STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Local hero, James Denning, issues 2016 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in Tallassee to help raise funds for his 2016 Walk to Defeat ALS team, Team Treetrunks Roots and to support the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with a donation to The ALS Association Alabama Chapter. The Ice Bucket Challenge will take place Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Tallassee Fire Department, 123 N Ann Ave, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the challenge taking place at 11a.m. James Denning was born and raised in Tallassee. He attended school and graduated from Tallassee High School in 1984. After graduation, James jumped right into working in the air conditioning business, which he stayed in for 30 years. In 1995, James moved to Montgomery and married Jennifer Huntley in 1997. In August of 2003 they were blessed with the birth of their twin boys Connor and Zackary. In May of 2014, James suffered an on the job injury to his foot. Infection set in leading the doctors to have a PICC line inserted in James' arm so that antibiotics would get into his system quicker. A few months after the PICC line was removed Denning and his wife noticed that something wasn't right. James' right forearm seemed to be having spasms. Initially, they wrote it off thinking that the PICC line had hit a nerve during insertion.

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Months later at a regular check up, James showed his doctor the spasms in his arm. After looking at it and hearing his wife say, "when he walks through a doorway, he ping pongs off the threshold,” James was referred to a Montgomery neurologist. Denning underwent several test, every so often being asked, "Does anyone in your family have ALS?" The answer each time being an emphatic but puzzled “no.” Two weeks later, James noticed that he couldn't grip his fork, hold his toothbrush or use fingernail clippers. After consulting the neurologist with this sudden change, Denning was referred to a Tuscaloosa to a neurologist who "specializes in this". What was "this?” The Denning's soon found out when Dr. Gwen Claussen, MD of Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine informed them at their initial visit they were there to confirm the suspicion of ALS. After several trips to Tuscaloosa and what seemed like an arsenal of tests, on Dec. 31, 2015 James Denning was officially diagnosed with ALS. Since his diagnosis, Denning has lost almost

complete use of his right arm, and has had considerable muscle loss in his legs and left arm, and is now wheelchair dependent. In February of this year, James moved back home to Tallassee to be with family and friends while he fights this disease. So why has Denning decided to issue this Ice Bucket Challenge to his community? His answer is clear, "because this is a disease with no cure and without funding, research and awareness, people who have it have no hope.” Since the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, one thing has become clear: August is about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the last two years, significant progress has been made. But it can cost up to $2 billion to find one new drug so help is still urgently needed to find treatments and a cure. The Tallassee Ice Bucket Challenge is proof that every act adds up - no matter how big or small - and brings us closer to a better understanding of and a cure for ALS. Visit EveryDropAddsUp.org to learn more about how your support is making an impact in the fight against ALS.

SPORTS

Page 12 • AUGUST 10, 2016

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Stanhope’s Byrd commits to Gators By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Early Byrd catches the Gators. Three-star tight end prospect Zech Byrd followed his gut and made a verbal commitment to Florida Saturday. He didn’t plan on making his collegiate choice before his senior season at Stanhope Elmore kicked off, but Byrd felt it was the right time. “I feel like I shouldn’t put it off any longer,” the 6-foot-6, 235-pound tight end said Monday. “I went ahead and made the decision so that I wouldn’t have to worry about it. “I actually just thought about it like last weekend. Then I made the decision, me and my parents.” Holding 10 offers, Byrd picked the Gators over in-state Alabama, Ole Miss, Michigan, Southern Miss and Troy, among others. “Florida, they showed me the most love. That’s why I made the decision,” he said. “And it’s a good school for my position.” Longtime presumed favorite for the Millbrook product, Alabama landed a com-

mitment from Waco, Texas tight end Kedrick James last week. Already feeling like part of the team and how the Gators coaching staff plan to utilize his size and skills was the main selling points, Byrd said. “They told me they want to put me everywhere because I’m a mismatch problem. How the staff is, how they say they’re going to use me,” Byrd said. “How often my family will be able to come down there because my mom said she’s going to move down there when I get down there any way. “(Visits are) fun. I feel like I’m part of the brotherhood now. Well, I’ve been feeling like that, but it’s like for sure now.” Last season for the Mustangs, the tight end caught 15 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. With the decision out of way, Byrd hopes to improve his all-around game as his senior year progresses. “It’s a good feeling. I feel like I’m at home when I’m at Florida, so that’s why I made the decision,” he said. “As of right now, just being a leader; I want to work on being a better leader.”

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Mustang rising senior tight end Zech Byrd catches a ball.

Two-way depth key for Wetumpka football this season By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Seldom do football coaches at the Class 6A level want to or plan to have two-way players. For head coach Tim Perry and Wetumpka this season, utilization will determine the calls and decisions on Friday nights. “We could have up to seven, eight, possibly; that’s not to say those seven, eight guys are going both ways,” Perry said. “But what that is saying is you could see that many playing on both sides depending on the situation. “That’s what our plan is to make sure that this group of athletes that we have that have skills to where they can contribute on either side of the ball are getting reps. So when we need them, we can call on them, they can go out and contribute and make plays.” Not just any players could be called on, but standout Indians that play key positions could hold the two-way answer, headlined by star junior running back Kavosiey Smoke, who could line up at linebacker on defense. Stud senior defensive tackles Trent Holley and Jay McDonald have been included in the Tribe’s “heavy” package as blockers on offense the past two sea-

sons. Junior Nick Turner, an All-Area First-Team safety in 2015, has gotten reps at wide receiver during preseason camp. Locked in a quarterback battle, sophomore Jadarious Martin could get time at cornerback, while fellow quarterback junior DeAndre Ezell will play receiver in situations this year. Juniors Robert Laprade and Trey McCreary also have worked on both sides of the line of scrimmage this preseason. “It’s nice to have players that have multiple skills where we can utilize the abilities of these guys. We’re trying to build depth at as many positions as we can by doing that,” Perry said. “It’s not always every year where you have that many players that have the potential. I think it speaks very highly of them.” Perry looks for his players’ comfort at positions. Against rivals Prattville, in the season opener Aug. 19, and Stanhope Elmore, along with a tough slate of region contests, comfort will go a long way. And for Wetumpka, playing key contributors both ways, is just that. Cory Diaz / The Herald “We could do this and feel good about Wetumpka junior running back Kavosiey Smoke gets in some work at linebacker during the team’s first it. We could have five, six, seven guys fall practice Aug. 1. start and go both ways,” he said. “And to do, because we want to be able to play could feel confident as coaches.” we would feel comfortable with that. as many guys one way as we can, but we The Indians kickoff the 2016 season That’s not necessarily what we’re going do have the ability to do that. And we Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. at Prattville.

Holtville volleyball set to surprise in 2016 By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Holtville volleyball coach Libby Collier buys into her team’s shock value. Two years removed from advancing to its first regional appearance in quite a while, the Bulldogs want to surprise doubters again. “Returning to the playoffs, that is strictly mental,” Collier said Tuesday. “They have the ability, it is a matter of staying focused and determined. “They are the underdogs right now, so they have that surprise factor.” A healthy mix of mature, inexperienced players with proven and tested underclassmen, Holtville has a more cohesive team heading into the 2016 campaign. Sophomore hitter and second-year starter Kaylyn Dismukes and returning junior middle Ta’Maria Merritt will lead the way for what the Dawgs hope is a more effective and aggressive offensive attack. “I think this team will be more aggressive on the net. Kaylyn

Dismukes is returning for her second season on varsity and she will be the difference maker,” Collier said. “Her confidence has improved. After last year, she now realizes what it will take to get the job done. “Ta’Maria Merritt is also starting her second season and working towards being more consistent with attacks and being conscious of her placement. She will be a surprise this year to many, as she is improving everyday as a hitter.” Throw in older and greener teammates Haley Mann, Monica Henline, Lauren Teasley, Emily Roberts and new setter Beth Meachem, Collier said she likes the make up of her squad as it hunts a postseason berth. “Don’t count the underclassmen out. They have a lot of scrappiness,” she said. “They might not get a lot of the glory, but they work hard everyday in practice and encourage their teammates. Many have stepped up and taken leadership roles on the team by being vocal on the court.” Holtville opens the season at Isabella on Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Holtville junior middle Ta’Maria Merritt strikes a set piece during the team’s practice Monday.

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