Feb. 20, 2019 The Wetumpka Herald

Page 1

LOCAL, A9

SPORTS, B1

ARTS, A5

Concert raises more than $5K for tornado relief

3 Wetumpka wrestlers named state champs

Winners announced at guild reception

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

Wetumpka, AL 36092

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WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 20, 2019

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 121, NO. 9

First Baptist returns casino money By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

In a decision that brought out strong opinions on both sides, First Baptist Church of Wetumpka voted to return a $25,000 donation for tornado relief from Wind Creek Casino and the Poarch band of Creek Indians.

“We had never thought of receiving a donation like this before,” First Baptist Church senior pastor Dr. James Troglen said. Troglen said the church does not believe in legalized gambling, although it recognizes gambling as it exists at places such as Wind Creek is protected by federal law. While this made the

said. “They voted to ask the church to return it with thanks.” Troglen said the congregation’s discussion was civil and respectful, and approximately 280 of 300 members voted to give the money back. “Nobody left the meeting in anger,” Troglen said. “Everyone was respectful See CASINO • Page A2

donation somewhat controversial for the church, Troglen said the ultimate decision rested with church members and was brought up as an item at the church’s most recent business meeting. “Before the business meeting, we got it out (from a safe it had been stored in since the funds were donated) and showed it to our deacons,” Troglen

Purcell leaving Wetumpka chamber

County BOE increases superintendent’s salary By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Citing a desire to return to business, Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Gerry Purcell has announced his resignation effective March 5. “I took the executive director position three years ago as a nonprofit sabbatical to serve this wonderful community,” Purcell said in a press release. “It has been a privilege serving the business community and our citizens. Now Purcell it’s time for the next season and next challenge. Having been in business for so many years, the pull of the marketplace is strong and I look forward to diving back in to a new business venture.” Purcell added in a subsequent interview, “I feel I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish in this position.” Purcell said one thing that factored into the decision was damage his house suffered during the Jan. 19 tornado. Believing it will essentially be a full-time See PURCELL • Page A2

Donald Campbell / The Herald

Wetumpka Middle School Principal Tremeca Jackson observes a class of sixth-graders as they work on preparing for upcoming state testing.

‘IT’S REWARDING’ Jackson believes experiences have proven valuable Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series profiling principals in the Elmore County School System. By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer Middle school is a time of transition for students. During these years, students leave behind the structure of elementary school and begin to take a serious look at their futures, while preparing for the rigors

of high school and life after graduation. With her 21 years in education serving at virtually every level, Wetumpka Middle School Principal Tremeca Jackson believes her experiences have been highly beneficial to helping her better make the school the best it can be. “I know what it’s like at all levels,” Jackson said. “We have to understand the middle school child. This can be a See JACKSON • Page A3

When the next superintendent of the Elmore County Board of Education takes over in January 2021, he or she will receive an increased salary of $138,000 yearly, which is in line with other similar school systems across Alabama. The board took action on the increase at Monday night’s meeting. It had not reviewed the superintendent’s pay, which is currently $114,089, according to the school system, since 2007. “We want to entice qualified individuals to run for this position,” superintendent Richard Dennis said. Board member David Jones added, “This is something we have to do.” Board member Joey Holley said the Elmore County system, which is one of the few remaining school systems in the state to elect its superintendent, is behind other similar school systems with competitive salaries for their superintendents. With a window to approve any changes until the end of March, Holley recommended the superintendent’s salary increase to $138,000 annually. While the board approved the increase, Dennis and board chair Michael Morgan stressed it won’t See SALARY • Page A3 Edgewood players celebrate winning the AISA-AA state championship defeating Autauga Academy, 38-21, on Friday. Read more on Page B1.

Edgewood wins AISA hoops championship By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

E

dgewood defeated Autauga 38-21 on Friday night to claim the AISA-AA boys state championship. The Wildcats allowed just four points in the first half to knock off their rivals and earn the school’s first state title since 2016. “We knew we were going to come out and leave it all on the floor,” Edgewood coach Darryl Free said. “We knew if we were going win

this thing, it was going to be on the defensive end. In the first half, that was one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen in high school basketball.” The Wildcats got their offensive production from Robert Stewart and JC Bush, who each scored 14 points in the victory. Stewart was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Bush, along with Kaleb Varner, was named to the all-tournament team. To read more about the Wildcats winning the state championship, see sports on B1 today.

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