Feb 27, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

Edgewood puts win streak up against Bessemer. Sports, Page 12.

Wetumpka, AL 36092

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 27-28, 2016

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“We’ve had a lot of weird things happen over the years in Elmore County, but I can’t recall a home invasion where someone was sexually assaulted, at least not in this manner” — Sheriff Bill Franklin

HOME INVASION

VOL. 11, NO. 9

Are criminals getting off too lightly? Law enforcement officials say new prison reform slights victims By MITCH SNEED Editor

Prison reform has been an issue in Alabama for decades, with the population in some facilities at more than 200 percent. While the Alabama Legislature introduced a plan that will address many of the issues, many local officials said the plan may help overcrowding at the expense of public safety. In talking with the men elected by the citizens of Elmore and Tallapoosa counties, they see more problems than fixes with the new plan – especially for the victims. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said that in effort to ease jail overcrowding, the criminals See REFORM • Page 5

Corey Arwood / The Herald

Mark Walter Crow is led into the courtroom for a bond hearing where bond was set at $305,000 after being charged with nine counts.

Bond set at $305,000 for 19-year-old Prattville man arrested in home invasion, sexual assault in Crenshaw By MITCH SNEED and COREY ARWOOD Staff Writers

A man accused of nine counts after he allegedly invaded the home of a Crenshaw man where he robbed and sodomized the victim remains in jail with a bond totaling of $305,000, $200,000 of that cash. In a case that Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin called one of the most unusual he has ever encountered, a 19-year-old Mark Walter Crow, 19, of Mt. Airy Road in Prattville remained in jail following a Friday bond hearing after his arrest in the Wednesday night

attack. Bond was set by Judge Glenn Goggans after District Attorney Randall Houston asked for the enhanced bond due to the nature of the case. “This is a unique and unusual case,” Houston said. “He is a danger to himself and the community. Crowe told law enforcement when he does Xanax and marijuana he wants to hurt people. I believe he is a flight risk.” ECSO / Special to the Herald The judge agreed in setting the These mug shots of Mark Walter Crow bond. Crow was officially charged show the 19-year-old before and after See ASSAULT • Page 6 his arrest Thursday morning.

Lynch leaving post as Chamber’s executive director March 14 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

A woman who has been the face of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce and helped lead the organization through a time of growth and revitalization, is leaving to take a job with a local bank. The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce issued a release Thursday announcing that Executive Director Vanessa Lynch will be leaving her post and that a search will begin immediately for Lynch a replacement. Lynch said she was honored to have served. “It has been a sincere honor to have served See DIRECTOR • Page 5

Local group opposes minimum wage bill cosponsored by local reps By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Both members of the Alabama House of Representatives that represent Elmore County co-sponsored and voted to pass the bill that would restrict cities from raising wages or affecting job benefits, paid leave or union membership and in effect would establish

a state minimum wage law. The bill called the Alabama Uniform Minimum Wage and Right to Work Act, HB 174, recently passed through both the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate. A Montgomery- based legislative advocacy group for low-inSee WAGES • Page 6

USPS 681-260

ka p m u t We

Corey Arwood / The Herald

David T. King Jr., a geologist with the Auburn University Department of Geosciences, spoke at the Wetumpka Civic Center Thursday. King has been involved with the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission through his research at the site of the Wetumpka impact crater where he, along with his geology students, have made one unique find after another over many years. The commission is preparing for its annual one-day-only guided tour over the 3-to-4-mile area of crater dated to be around 85 million years old. King spoke about his most recent findings and presented a computer simulated model of the meteor striking the area.

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Area Calendar Millbrook Players present “Lil’ Abner” When: Feb. 25-28 Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: Based on the classic comic strip, Li’l Abner is packed with one show stopping dance after another - pure entertainment for the whole family! Tickets are $8 for children ages 6-12. Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up. Visit www.millbrooktheatre.com or call 334-782-7317 for more information. Titus VFD Camp Stew Sale When: Feb. 27 Where: Titus Volunteer Fire Department Details: Quarts of stew will be on sale for $10 each. Proceeds will benefit the fire department. Call Darrel Murchison at 334558-1507. Color in Motion 5K Montgomery When: Feb. 27, 9 a.m. Where: Montgomery MotorSports Park Details: Registration is $50 per person. You show up wearing white and we do the rest! As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely

stroll along the course you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow! Go to www.colorinmotion5k. com for more information. READ ACROSS AMERICA: It’s a special time at Wetumpka Elementary School as students celebrate Read Across America Week Feb. 29-Mar. 4

GOSPEL CONCERT: The Kempters will be in concert at Titus Baptist Church in Titus Al on Sunday Feb. 28, 2016 at 6 p.m.. There will be refreshments and fellowship following concert. For more info contact Henry Tucker at 334-300-5156. Love offering will be received. SCHOOL BOARD: Elmore County School Board Meeting will hold a special called board meeting on Thursday, March 3, at 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Elmore County Board of Education, Boardroom at 100 H. H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, AL for information call 334567-1200 or emailwww. elmoreco.com. The pur-

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Obituaries

pose of the meeting is to consider a personnel action and other board business. A work session will be held following the special called board meeting. LITERACY NIGHT: March 3rd is Literacy Night at WES Activity Center. The public is invited and are encouraged to dress up as your favorite book character!

March 5

PRAYER AND HEALING SUMMIT: Open Arms International Outreach Ministry is hosting a Prophetic Prayer and Healing Summit March 5 at 3 p.m. at the Jeanette Barrett Civic Room behind the Wetumpka Depot Players. Free and open to the public. Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 7, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. ORIENTATION: Wetumpka Elementary School’s Kindergarten Orientation is on Monday, March 14. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. and an Information Program is at 5:30 p.m.. Elmore County BOE Meeting When: March 14, 4:30 p.m. Where: Eclectic Elementary School Details: Anyone wishing to be placed on the regular board meeting agenda must make an official request to the superintendent’s office before 4 p.m. FISHING TOURNAMENT: The Eclectic Volunteer Fire Department is host a fish-

Robert Rex Logan

Dorothy Mae Hall Buck BUCK, Dorothy Mae Hall, 84, a resident of Greenville, AL, formerly of Mount Willing, AL passed away February 23, 2016. Visitation will be held at Southern Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery, AL, Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A Graveside service will be held at Mount Willing Cemetery on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM with Ricky Bagents officiating. She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer Eugene Buck. She is survived by her children, Deborah Owens (Lomax), Ann Smith (Kenneth), Jane Owens (Barry), Peggy Harris (Allen), Shannon Mohajerin (Shahnam), Del Buck (Saralyn), David Buck (Alice) and Tim Buck (Melynda); 20 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; siblings, George Hall, Luther Hall, Lucille McCormick, Mary Collins, Faye Ward, Elizabeth Jordan and Carol Simmons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Butler County Humane Shelter. The family would like to express their thanks to Crowne Health Care of Greenville and Comfort Care Hospice for their care and compassion.

ing tournament on March 5 at Wind Creek State Park from safe daylight until 3 p.m. The entry fee for this tournament is $100 per boat and there is a $5 launch fee that is required by the state park. SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON: First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka, will have their annual Relay for Life Spaghetti Luncheon following the 10:30 worship service on March 20th, 2016 located in the Family Life Center. During lunch, coloring contest and face painting will be available. After the luncheon, children birth - 6th grade, will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Come out and join them on this special day, celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets

Logan, Robert Rex. Angels were dispatched Friday, February 19, 2016, to bring Robert Rex Logan to his final home in heaven. Mr. Logan was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph Logan, and his mother, Dorothy Fortner Logan. Mr. Logan is survived by his wife, Darleen Logan of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; son, Scott (Chrystal) Logan of Wetumpka, Alabama; three daughters, Jennifer (Bob) Park of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Jamie Logan of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Jessie Logan of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; one brother, Randy (Reba) Logan of Wetumpka, Alabama; six grandchildren, Timothy, Matthew, Lara, Christian, Hannah and Madison. Funeral services were held Sunday, February 21,2016 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home with interment in Pineview Memorial Gardens with Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home directing. Visitation was held from 2:00 p.m. until funeral time. Pallbearers were be Scott Logan, Britt Logan, Bob Park, Chris Edmonson, Timothy Park, Mathew Logan. There has been an account set up for anyone that would like to help assist Rex’s family. The Logan Family Account will be at First Community Bank of Central Alabama.

and a friend! Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 21, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Community Celebration BBQ Cookoff When: April 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Where: 7250 Central Plank Rd. Wetumpka, AL 36092 Details: Event is free. Come enjoy food, fun and fellowship and inflatables for the kids.

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. UNION ACADEMY REUNION: The Union Academy Senior Class of 1974 is hosting a school reunion and barbecue. When: May 24, 2 p.m. Where: University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. Details: All students, faculty, their famililies, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-257-3826, email hughesautoparts@ centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds,334-283-2233, email steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334319-3434, email auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, email gfuquaret@gmail. com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility prob-

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ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefiting Children’s Harbor. ONGOING EVENTS 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 334567-7400. 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 334313-1646. 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.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

FEBRUARY 27-28, 2016 • Page 3

Area escapes worst of storms that hit hard in South Alabama By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Elmore County EMA Director Eric Jones said except for a few trees falling, the county fared well from Wednesday night’s storms. Despite the relative calm from what was forecast to be a severe system he urged residents to remain vigilant in the future. Jones said that everyone seemed to take the forecast and warning messages for the weather seriously, and the area was fortunate to have sustained as little damage as it did from what was a serious storm. Several people went to “safer places,” listed in the county’s “Safer Places Program” directory. There was reports of high winds, localized flooding and about 4 inches of rain over a 48-hour period. On the Elmore County EMA website, there is a link to what they call “safer places” in the event that a person does not feel protected where they are. Under the “Preparedness” tab the “Safer Places Program” option can be found which leads to a map that has local buildings, businesses, churches, etc., designated as “safer places.” Jones said there was about one and a half inches of rain over the county, and it was dispersed enough that it did not disrupt soil still fragile from flash flooding earlier in the year. Sonia Taylor, EMS director with Eclectic Volunteer Fire Department, said she knew of a few downed trees in town, but Eclectic remained mostly unscathed. Before Wednesday’s weather Kim Trost, program

coordinator and public information officer with the Elmore County EMA, gave a rundown on what to do in the event of inclement weather. Trost said to have an emergency communications plan ready to implement in order to keep up with family and loved ones’ locations before, during and after the storm. She said to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch, she said, indicates the favorable conditions for the development of a tornado. A warning is issued after a Doppler radar, trained storm spotter or a city, county, or state authority has spotted a funnel cloud or tornado on the ground, she said. Trost also explained the siren system in the area is based on a polygon grid related to area, and not a general warning system in which all sirens sound at once. “When you hear sirens going off you need to act … don’t doubt it, don’t hesitate,” Trost said. A moderate risk, Trost said, indicated a percentage of probability of a tornado occurring within a 25 or 50-mile radius. To be better prepared she said to go to a “safe place,” which in a home would be the most interior and lowest level room, in order to put as many walls between one’s self and the outside as possible. She said head, neck and eye protection are also crucial and even a bicycle helmet increases individual chances of survival in tornado wind conditions and debris.

A Wetumpka Tea Party firebrand and a 30-year law enforcement veteran are trying to unseat incumbent Martha Roby in the Republican primary race for Alabama 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Roby, who Roby has held the seat since 2010 when she emerged victorious from a four-person primary battle then edged Democrat Bobby Bright by two percentage points in the general election, is being challenged by Becky Gerritson of Wetumpka and Bob Rogers of Montgomery as she seeks her third term. Roby sits on the House Committee

on Appropriations. The former Montgomery City Council member, 39, attended New York and Samford universities and is married to Riley Roby, an attorney with the Montgomery office of Balch & Bingham. They have two children, Margaret and George. Gerritson is a Colorado native Rogers who moved to Wetumpka with her Air Force husband, Eric, and has been in Elmore County since. In 2008, the couple founded the Wetumpka Tea Party and Gerritson has been an outspoken leader of the group since. Gerritson has a daughter, Shelley, who is married. In June 2013, Gerritson testified to Congress. “I’m a born free

American woman,” she told the group of lawmakers who gathered. “Wife,

mother, and citizen. And I’m telling my government that you’ve forgotten your place. It’s not your responsibility to look out for my well-being and to monitor my speech. It’s not your right to assert an agenda. Your post, the post that you occupy, exists to preserve Gerritson American liberty. You’ve sworn to perform that duty and you have faltered.” Rogers, of Montgomery, is a graduate of Ball State University and a 30-year veteran of Alabama law enforcement. He studied nursing at Troy Montgomery and is a long-standing member of the National Rifle Association.

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David Granger / The Outlook

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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 • FEBRUARY 27-28, 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

Elmore County schools put student safety first

Reader: Bell the S right choice for state school board Dear Editor, You are not going to find a better State Board of Education member than Stephanie Bell. Bell’s strong conservative record speaks for itself. She has made a difference for Alabama school children by fighting to provide true, higher academic standards, voting against the failed Common Core, also known now as the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards, preventing the adoption of inaccurate textbooks, exposing corruption in Alabama’s two-year college system and opposing the collection of children’s psychological and personal information that will be handed over to the Federal government. Powerful political interests have put up a candidate against Mrs. Bell; this individual’s name is Justin Barkley. In the last three years he has run for Congress, for the state legislature and now for the school board. Barkley it seems, has unlimited money to snow the voters into believing he is conservative. His own literature reveals he is for the so-called College and Career Ready Standards, which is in substance, the infamous Common Core. The name change does not fool anybody. If you want to keep local control of our children’s education, instead of handing it over to those who want dumbed down standards, then Stephanie Bell will fight for you on the State Board of Ed. Her record proves it. Sally Brooker Homewood

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YOUR VIEW

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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

chool safety remains a topic of conversation among parents and educators in today’s society. I wanted to take this time to assure you that as the Superintendent, I am committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment for students so that they can excel in their academic and emotional growth. We have many tools and resources in place for emergency situations and I am proud of our teachers and schools for their commitment to ensuring your child’s safety through extensive training and planning. I wanted to share with you just a few of the systems in place to ensure your child’s safety and offer a few things parents can do to help. Every school and facility has a detailed emergency plan for any type of crisis ranging from a suspicious package, to an intruder, severe weather, or wild animals in the building. These plans are reviewed by the State Board of Education to ensure they meet all requirements. For safety reasons these plans aren’t made public, but all school personnel know how to implement these plans. Did you know that each month students and teachers conduct a drill for a different emergency, whether it is fire, severe weather or an intruder? Each drill allows us to put our plans into action and look for ways to improve.

DR. ANDRE HARRISON Guest Columnist

Also, we have equipped all schools with security cameras that are monitored at each campus and can be accessed by the board of education office. In the event that first responders are needed, they can access the camera system in order to monitor emergencies. This technology allows us to have active eyes in any situation. All teachers and administrators are trained and equipped with a “Crisis Go” app on their computers and mobile devices that allow them to initiate an emergency situation. This management tool notifies all first responders, administrators and other teachers so that they can immediately put their emergency plan into action, saving crucial minutes during a crisis. Equipped with maps, photos, class rosters and parent contact information, students can quickly be accounted for in their safe place. Recently, this app was used in a live situation and proved to be an invaluable communication tool that demonstrated how well our teachers are

trained. We are fortunate to have strong parental involvement in our schools. From PTO involvement to booster club support, Elmore County parents are the best. We know you want to do all you can to further ensure your child remains safe in an emergency situation. My promise to you is that I will personally keep you as informed as I can in any situation via social media and phone messages. School websites and social media sites will be updated constantly with accurate information, but we need your help in keeping any inaccurate information from spreading and causing unnecessary panic. In the event of a lockdown law enforcement and first responders WILL NOT allow students, parents or staff to enter or exit the facility until THEY deem it is safe. This truly is in the best interest of the safety of our students and we know you will join us in these safety precautions. Safety of OUR students is a top priority. Each day parents in Elmore County can send their children to school with the assurance that every measure is being put in place to ensure their emotional and physical safety. Thank you for entrusting your children to us to educate and mold into future leaders.

Court funding cuts threaten justice in Alabama

labama’s court system is facing a dire financial crisis. Forty-five years ago, Alabama courts faced a different kind of crisis. Up until then, Alabama’s judiciary was a hodgepodge. The types of courts and rules of court varied from county to county. Records were haphazardly kept. In some counties the judges had never even studied law. Even the rules that governed court procedures were often different in each county. Crime victims, small business owners, and individual citizens all felt the negative effects of Alabama’s ancient and bureaucratic court system. But in 1973, the people of Alabama went to the polls and approved a new Article to the State’s constitution that took our court system from one of the worst in the nation to one of the best. Gone were the mismatch of courts and rules, and in its place were a uniform structure of courts and uniform rules of court. The changes the people of Alabama implemented in 1973 to streamline our judiciary have allowed Alabama to make many advancements in its court system. In recent years Alabama has been a leader in the move to electronic filing and the establishment of specialty courts such as drug courts and veterans’ courts. The innovations that Alabama has made are today in danger, and those same crime victims, small business owners and individual citizens are on the verge of being impacted again. Over the past decade, Alabama’s courts have been woefully underfunded. This year, the budget for the entire court system currently makes up less than one percent of the entire State budget. The total appropriations for the trial and appellate courts have actually gone down for the past 8 years, with the 2016 budget being several million dollars less than it was even in 2009. The only way that the judiciary has been able to operate within the monies prescribed for it is by eliminating personnel, increasing efficiencies through technology, and extraordinary efforts by court personnel. Bailiffs who, among other duties, provide security during trials are essentially a thing of the past for many trial judges. Circuit clerks’ staffs are a mere shadow of what they once were.

JUDGE LILES BURKE Guest Columnist

The staffing levels are so low for many circuit clerks that they have been forced to close their office to the public one day a week just to work on clearing the backlog without disruption. The staffs of the appellate courts, too, have been drastically cut. For example, the Court of Criminal Appeals (which hears every death penalty case in the State) has been forced to eliminate almost one third of its staff in the past decade. Our Courts are now at a point where we have less than even the essential staff to maintain operations. But eliminating staff and closing clerks’ offices does nothing to reduce the workload and demands of the court system. Criminal trials, child custody proceedings, and disputes between businesses must be handled regardless of how many people are employed in a courthouse. The right to a speedy trial in front of a jury of one’s peers is a Constitutional right, not a line item in a budget. Underfunding the courts simply creates a backlog that will have to be dealt with at some point in the future. The people of Alabama are the individuals most harmed when Courts are not adequately funded. Backlogs in criminal dockets mean that those charged with crimes sit in our county jails longer, meaning that the counties have to pay more for their incarceration. Crime victims and their families agonize longer waiting for justice to be served. Small businesses suffer when they cannot timely resolve open accounts and other business conflicts, thus stifling job creation. Children and their parents suffer when custody issues languish on backlogged dockets. The lives of the victims of domestic violence are at risk when they are turned away at the courthouse by a “CLOSED” sign when they attempt to obtain a protection from abuse order. Innovations such as drug courts and veterans’ courts provide tremendous cost savings to

the taxpayers compared to incarceration. On average it costs $44 per day to house an inmate in an Alabama prison, so every person who graduates from drug court instead of going to prison saves the State over $16,000 per year. Moreover, those who complete drug court are much less likely to return to criminal activity than those who are incarcerated. These programs, however, are not free. Inadequate funding for the judiciary will lead to the reduction and possible elimination of such programs. The irony of all this is that Alabama’s courts generate almost the entire amount that the legislature appropriates them with fees, fines, and other court costs. According to a study by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, the State’s court system is putting as much money in to the State’s general fund as it takes out of it. That means if the court budget is cut any further, Alabama’s courts would be putting more money into the State general fund than they take out. Article VI, Section 149 of Alabama’s Constitution mandates that the courts be adequately funded, stating “Adequate and reasonable appropriations shall be made by the legislature for the entire unified judicial system...” Former Colorado Chief Justice Michael Bender has aptly noted, “No matter how capable our judges, they cannot be effective unless adequate resources are provided.” We are asking you, the citizens of Alabama, to champion the cause to ensure that the courts of this great state have the resources they need to provide the justice to which you are entitled. In 1973, the people of Alabama voted to bring a 19th century court system into the 20th century. Today, we are not asking for help to maintain the status quo, but instead to make sure that the proper investment is made to take our 20th century court system into the 21st century. The voice of the people of Alabama in this endeavor is just as crucial today as it was forty-five years ago. Judge Liles Burke serves on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and is the President of the Alabama Appellate Judges Association.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Reform

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Director in the role of Executive Director of this Chamber of Commerce,” Lynch wrote in a released statement. “I strongly believe the hard work and preparation of the last few years will yield tremendous long term benefits to the Chamber and greater Wetumpka community. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds. “On March 14th, I will begin a new role with River Bank and Trust, here in the Wetumpka office. This opportunity will allow me to pursue a career change that best supports my future goals while continuing to serve as an active volunteer for the WACC. I have always said, it is the volunteers and member engagement that have the most positive affect on the momentum and accomplishments of our organization. Rest assured, I am just as passionate and committed to the future initiatives of this Chamber as I have ever been.” The Chamber’s release indicated that information will be posted on Facebook and the Chamber website to promote the new Business Center and Chamber expansion to be opening soon. “I am confident this transition will breathe new life and energy into the future of our Chamber. It’s a new era and I’m so excited for the person who will pick up and carry the torch. It will be a rewarding and memorable time for

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in staying well above the state average in solving crimes,” Franklin said. “Your people work hard to do that and then you tell them that they aren’t going to be able to put anyone in jail for any length of time? That’s just a tough pill to swallow right there. “This is one that you can’t blame on investigators, law enforcement or prosecutors. The finger needs to be pointed directly back to Montgomery and the legislators responsible for making these decisions. They aren’t doing the people of this state any favors, instead it’s a slap in the face of victims.” Senator Cam Ward who headed up the committee that shaped the reform plan wrote that one of the concerns was federal takeover. “(Federal takeover) is no idle fear,” Ward wrote. “When California’s prisons reached massive over-capacity, a federal judge stepped in and forced the state to release thousands of inmates because of crowded conditions. Hitting that point would mean loss of control over spending, over sentencing and even over release dates of prisoners. In short, the federal government will decide who walks free and when.”

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sentence for that level of crime means that there would rarely be jail time upon conviction. Another issue is with repeat offenders, where someone on probation for one crime commits another. “It used to be that if a person commits another crime while they were on probation, they would be put back in jail to serve the full term of the original sentence,” Abbett said. “Under this, the maximum time in jail that a probation violation will bring is 45 days until after they violate for the third time. Before that it is two or three days. It takes the sting out of it. Some criminals will look at it like it is worth chancing it.” Franklin said that while it may be called reform, easing overcrowded prisons by letting criminals walk the street is not an answer that most citizens want. “I can respect the fact that the state of Alabama is in a financial crisis, but this is not the answer,” Franklin said. “The extra money that people would have to pay to build additional prisons and cells would only be a morsel of what they will spend compared to the amount they will see in insurance rates under this plan. I hear it every day, where people are already seeing rates skyrocket because of this. It’s only going to get worse as this reform goes into full effect. ” He said that investigators who work hard will find their jobs more difficult under the new plan. “We pride ourselves in the investigative division

and probation officers to supervise inmates on the outside. • Establishing less severe punishment for those who commit “technical” violations of probation and parole, such as missing an appointment with an officer. • Forcing the parole board to disclose the reasons they reject parole. Parole approval rates in Alabama dropped from 43 percent in 2008 to 30 percent in 2013. • Giving convicted felons greater opportunities to serve their sentences in their home communities rather than prison. In a community corrections program, adopted and run at the county level, the offender must attend counseling and treatment programs at a facility during the day, with the freedom in most cases to return home at night. Abbett and other law enforcement officials went through training last week on the new guidelines with Judge Tom Young. Randall Houston held a similar training in Millbrook Friday for Elmore and Autauga law enforcement officials. Abbett said what he learned is most of the changes add up to lighter sentences that will keep people who have committed crimes on the streets. One of Tallapoosa County’s biggest problems is residential burglaries, due to the high quantity of lake property that is not always occupied, Abbett said. Under the plan, those would now fall under the new classification of a Class D felony. The

are getting off with light sentences at the expense of citizens. “We have some grave concerns about the watering down of sentencing of criminals and by watering down, that is a mild description of what has been done,” said Franklin. “No matter how you look at this, there are going to be criminals put back on the street that should be doing significant jail time. All that does is put citizens at risk and make our jobs in law enforcement even tougher.” The plan will encompass many things, including the closure of several prisons and the building of new facilities. One of those slated for closure is Wetumpka’s Tutwiler Prison for Women. “I think it’s the victims who are being forgotten in all this,” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “Being a victim of a crime is a traumatic experience. Then once a suspect is caught, the legal process is long and that’s frustrating. Then throw into the process that even if they are convicted they may not get any jail time – that even makes it worse. I think it’s the victims who are being slighted in this change and I think that needs to be addressed.” But as far as addressing who gets to jail in the first place, the reforms include: • Creating a new category of felonies (Class D) meant to cover the least serious nonviolent crimes. Those sentenced under the new category rarely would go to prison. • Hiring more parole

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our community,” Lynch wrote. In a statement from Search Committee Chairman Joel Hunt, he said applicants are now being sought for the position. “The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) is excited to be seeking a seasoned, entrepreneurial, and community focused Executive Director to manage a committed staff and group of volunteers; and to achieve the goals and objectives set forth by the board of directors and the WACC Strategic Plan. “The executive director is the chief executive and administrative officer, serves as a member of the executive committee, and is responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of activities, including but not limited to, coordination of the program of work; organizational structure and procedures; motivation of volunteers; budgeting; training and supervision of staff; long range planning; and liaison among chamber board, staff, members, the city and community. Applicants are asked to submit cover letter, resume, salary history, references and authorization/waiver form to Joel Hunt, Search Committee Chair by Friday, March 11, 2016.” Information on job description and waiver form are located at the WACC website www.wetumpkachamber.com

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The circus, or election, is Wages in town REV. JAMES TROGLEN First Baptist Church

t’s election time again the annual nationwide circus we call democracy! Don’t get me wrong I appreciate our system and vote in every election even though at times I end up ashamed of my choice. Still, it is a responsibility I take seriously. It’s even fun. So, before I get too serious, let me share jokes from each side of the aisle. Sally applied for a job in a Florida lemon grove and seemed to be far too qualified for the job. She had a liberal arts degree from the University of Michigan and had worked as a social worker and a schoolteacher. The foreman frowned and said, “I have to ask you, have you had any actual experience in picking lemons?” “Well, as a matter of fact, I have,” she said “I’ve been divorced three times, owned 2 Chrysler’s and I voted twice for Obama.” Now for the other side; “If President Obama came out in favor of oxygen, Republicans would suffocate themselves.” Now, let me be serious for a moment or two. How do we deal with these men and women running for office? Seriously, surely no one really puts any stock in everything they say. I mean really, we are going to build a wall between Mexico and the USA and they’re going to pay for it? Give me a break. Oh, and equally absurd, everyone in America is going to be able to get a free college education. Sure, we can afford that, and we’re all going to drive Escalades as a second vehicle. No, we need to understand this is the season for elections not producing. The process, these next few months, is to get into office then they will worry about producing from these promises. And as in most cases there will be reasons they can’t produce. I know that sounds cynical, and it is, but I just want candidates to be serious and sober about what we need and what can be done. I think the candidates mean well and may even believe a lot of what they say, and that scares me even more than thinking they may be

lying or stretching the truth. It’s not just one party doing this they’re all guilty. I guess, in a way, we deserve it. After all we take a man, or woman and put them into office, in a nice big White House surrounded by “yes” men and separate them from the general public. Then we expect them to know our problems, how we feel or how difficult every day, normal life is. How can a man protected by personal bodyguards understand our anxiety and wanting to bear arms? How can a man who takes free multi-million dollar vacations understand how difficult it is for one of us to afford a week in Gulf Shores? How can a man with his own, free personal jumbo jet, who can go anywhere in the world at no charge, understand how difficult it is for us to afford a new car? They can’t. It is not that they are bad people or don’t want to, they just no longer share a frame of reference like the rest of us have. We take normal, well somewhat normal, people and put them into places where they can no longer understand the problems of those who put them there. Perhaps they should have to live in an average subdivision and take vacations like the rest of us and deal with their own grocery bill so they can keep in touch with us. Just a thought. One man asked me how I was going to decide my vote this year. I think I’ll go for character and try to decide on the real best man or woman and not what they promise to give me. I want a good person in the office not just a generous person. If he or she are good persons they will make the right decisions. Perhaps that is a bit naive, but it as good as any other reason for voting for a person. After all, given time they all seem to change to fit the blowing political winds. I once read a sign that may help you understand my feelings; “The fact that jellyfish have survived for 650 million years, despite not having brains, gives hope to many people.” Still having made my decision, whoever wins I will pray for and follow him or her. “For government is God’s servant to you for good” (Romans 13:4). Rev. James Troglen II is the minister at First Baptist Church of Wetumpka.

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come people, Alabama ARISE, told the Herald they had taken an official stance of opposition to the bill. Kimble Forrester, state coordinator of ARISE, said his group voted on what policies they would address in ongoing legislative sessions and focused on those that he said were a “real problem for low income people.” They called a special vote for HB 174 because of what Kimble said was the fast track the bill appeared to be on. When asked if he thought the bill was a detriment to low income workers, Forrester said, “I certainly do.” “Our members broadly believe that the minimum wage is one of our best tools to fight poverty,” Forrester said The author of the bill is Rep. David Faulkner, 46th District, of Mountain Brook, one of Alabama’s wealthiest districts. Elmore County Reps., Mike Holmes, R, 31st District, and Paul Beckman, R, 88th District, both voted for the bill and were cosponsors. Holmes said that Faulkner had reached out to them. At first, Holmes said, representatives did not take the bill seriously because they were focused on making a budget for the current legislative session. He said Faulkner re-introduced the bill and that was when he said he expressed interest and said he would like to be part of the bill’s writing. As he was announcing his bill for final approval on the House floor, Faulkner said it was not brought to hurt the poor. The bill, Faulkner said, would preempt local efforts to raise minimum wages or provide benefits. He said he believed it was a pro-business bill that would actually help those that made minimum wage. The bill would neither lower nor raise the minimum wage in the state but prevent what Faulkner said he foresaw as a “patchwork” of different minimum wages from forming. That idea is largely directed at the efforts of one Alabama city. Birmingham, within the last year began to try to gradually raise its minimum wage in stages over two years to $10.10 by 2017. Both Holmes and Beckman explained their “pro-business” views and their similarly shared beliefs on what they thought the purpose of the minimum wage itself to be. In general their thought was that the minimum wage served as a temporary stage of wages for an entry-level and was not intended to support any degree of family or an individual for that matter. It also seemed to be thought by the representatives the minimum wage was a wage that could readily be left for higher wages upon a few years’ work, experience and education. Beckman likened it to building equity in a house. Forrester disagreed. “I think for many people it is a stepping stone but it’s clearly not for many thousands of people,” Forrester said. He said it had a lot to do with the competitive nature of the job market, which depended heavily on the area, market and job itself and it was no fault of the individual.

Assault with first-degree sodomy, first-degree robbery, two counts of breaking and entering, first-degree burglary, first-degree theft of property and two counts of third-degree theft of property. Franklin said the victim, a man only identified as “a white male in his 30s,” deserves justice. “We’ve had a lot of weird things happen over the years in Elmore County. I can’t recall a home invasion where someone was sexually assaulted, at least not in this manner,” Franklin said. “That’s why we are glad to have this suspect in jail.” Franklin said that the victim heard a noise outside his mobile home at a park in the Crenshaw community just before midnight. He said as the victim went to check, Crow burst into the residence through the rear door. “As the suspect made entry through his back door, I believe they asked the gentleman to take his clothes off,” Franklin said. “He was wanting money, he was armed with a knife and our victim had every reason to believe that he had a gun. … “During the assailant’s time at the trailer he made the victim perform oral sex on him, he made the victim masturbate the assailant and at some point in time he actually sexually assaulted the victim.” According to Franklin, Crow continued to demand money from the victim and as he delayed, he told Crow that there could be money at his mother’s house and he could get it for Crow if they went there. “He remembered that his stepfather had a weapon and he thought if he could get there, maybe he could get away from him there,” Franklin said. Crow made the victim drive to his mother’s residence just a few miles away from his home and as he walked to the house Franklin said that the victim told his mother that he was being robbed and rushed her into the house. The stepfather heard the commotion and Franklin said that the mother called 9-1-1 as Crow fled in the victim’s pickup truck. A short time later Deputy Donald Foster, a veteran of 25 years, spotted the truck and tried to initiate a stop and eventually took Crow into custody after he got the truck stuck on some railroad ties.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

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“But some folks are in a small town or field where it’s not as competitive,” Forrester said, “That doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be paid enough to support their families.” When asked whether Beckman thought that someone should be able to live on a full-time job at the minimum wage, regardless of the work, Beckman said, “No.” “The minimum wage is basically there where somebody is breathing and has no trade or has no background or has no experience. This idea that we’re hiring somebody to support a family on minimum wage is absurd,” Beckman said. Beckman acknowledged that he was a partner in a law firm, Capouano, Beckman, Russell, and Burnett, L.L.C., and was not the best-equipped authority to determine exactly what a minimum wage should be. He said that should be left up to economists. “I don’t even know what the minimum wage is, I run a law office up here and I don’t pay the minimum wage so I don’t even know what the minimum wage is,” Beckman said. Most low-income families Beckman said he dealt with worked at least two jobs to survive. “So many families in order to make ends meet have to have two jobs. The question is is because they can walk and breathe that should we now raise them (wages) so they can live? I don’t think society has an obligation to that,” Beckman said. “Society has an obligation to give everybody the same opportunity to make something of themselves.” Holmes’ thoughts on the minimum wage were for the most part in line with Beckman’s, in that he believed it to be designated for those with no experience or skills. He said that the roughly 45,000 people he represented in Wetumpka, the heart of his district, are generally pro-business pro-economic-development kinds of folks and that the average wage of Elmore County was quite a bit higher than the minimum wage. However, Forrester said for decades “from Eisenhower to Reagan” the minimum wage used to support a mom with two kids at the poverty line, but as the cost of living continued to grow the wage fell flat. “I can agree that society doesn’t guarantee that one job doesn’t support a family of 10, but nevertheless I would say that it’s been sort of a social contract when I was growing up that a full time minimum wage job could support a family of three. Not a family of four but a family of 3,” Forrester said. “And that ought to be true of any full-time job if you work a full-time job a small family should not be in poverty.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Alabama is currently one of only five states without a minimum wage law. The majority of states, about 29, have minimum wage rates set higher than the federal standard, 14 states are set to the federal standard and only Georgia and Wyoming have rates set lower than that. The U.S. Department of Labor states that given inflation the minimum wage would need to be over $11 an hour to be equivalent to the buying power of the 1960s and more the $8 an hour to equal the buying power of the minimum wage in the 1980s.

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Officials said they found evidence that linked Crow to a break in at a local church as well as breaking and entering into two vehicles that were at the church. Franklin said they found credit cards and some sound equipment that connected Crow to those incidents. In interviews, Crow told Franklin that he has a problem with Xanax and marijuana. “He admitted everything up to a point and said he remembers going to ‘a lady’s house,’” Franklin said. “He told us that he recalled everything right up until the sexual assault.” Franklin said Crow told officials that he was on probation for burglary and theft charges in Autauga County. Franklin presented the new evidence at Friday’s hearing that he received from the chief investigator on the case, Chris Ogden. Franklin said that he had learned that the medical examiners had determined that the accounts of the victim were substantiated. Franklin said the examiners confirmed the victim’s account relating to the sodomy. Information about Crowe’s prior record and what was called his record as a “serious juvenile offender” were brought to Goggans as reasons to raise the bond. Goggans said the D.A. brought information to his attention that he was not aware of. Goggans said that given the information presented from the sheriff’s department and the D.A, Crowe was a flight risk and a danger to the public. “Right now I want to protect the public and I want to make sure that you are not a flight risk,” Goggans said at the bond hearing. Houston said Thursday that the Class A felony charges are the ones the prosecution will push. “The sodomy charge is one that we will made the lead offense, because that is what has had the most impact on the victim,” Houston said. “That’s why the sodomy charge, which is a Class A felony, is the one we will use. I’m sure that is the one that the victim is most concerned about. And under the new sentencing guidelines, that’s the one that we will have the best chance to get significant jail time for him should he be convicted.” In Alabama, a Class A elony carries a sentence of between 10 and 99 years in prison.

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Eclectic’s volunteer firefighters utilize controlled burns to practice for real life situations. The EFD handled a controlled burn Thursday on Weldon Road in Eclectic.

Practice makes perfect for Eclectic firefighters By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Eclectic Volunteer Fire Department held a control burn on Thursday, Feb 18, at an empty house located on Weldon Road. The volunteer fire fighters gathered at the fire station at 6 p.m. From there the men suited up and started the fire engines. Once on location, Josh Dorminey, Eclectic fire chief, set up the scene and went inside to start the control burn, using clothing and old furniture inside the house. Once the blaze was set, crews went inside two by two to “hit” the fire with water. This control burn offered real life training to the volunteer fire fighters. “We get training that we wouldn’t be able to get under any other circumstances. That’s the most realistic training that we can possibly have when it comes to house fires,” Dorminey said. These control burns are perfect for training purposes and the Eclectic Fire Department conducts these as often as possible. “We usually have about 2 or 3 a year,” he said. Due to the double insulated protective gear the firefighters must wear, temperatures can become extremely dangerous. “In the summertime it can get exceptionally hot,” Dorminey said. “The control burns we

do are just that, they’re controlled and the heat doesn’t get nearly as hot as it would inside of an actual house fire but it gets close enough that we know what to expect when we go into a real one. “I really appreciate the guys who showed up and the job they do. They train multiple hours a week. They leave their families behind. They answer a call at the drop of a hat. They’ll work all night long and turn around and go to work the next morning. I really want to say thank you to the guys. I really appreciate the work they put into the control burn. It went as well as it could possibly go. Dorminey said it was the most realistic control burn the Eclectic group had ever done. “It burned just like a regular house fire,” Dorminey said. “It was setup just like a real fire. A lot of times we can’t reproduce the exact environment. Once we were done training, we let it go and it burned for about another hour, at the most. Older houses made of nothing but pine can go up extremely quickly. Dorminey said others interested in burning older structures should contact the fire department. “Whoever owns the property can request us to burn it,” he said. “We’ll have them fill out a release form and we burn it.”

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Submitted / The Herald

VBS goes to competition Victory Baptist School attended ACEA State Academic, Bible, Jr/Sr High Art Competition, Elementary, and Jr/Sr High Spelling Bee on January 28th and 29th at Tabernacle Christian School in Gardendale, Alabama. Individual students brought home nine first place ribbons, seven second -place ribbons, four third- place ribbons. Congratulations to our first- place ribbon winners Wyatt Bowman in math, Megan Fondren in Sr. High biology, Jody Hanson in Jr High Topical Preaching, Sam Groff in Jr High Evangelical Preaching, Tyler Rigby in Jr. High Expository Preaching, Carter Byrd in Sr. High Evangelical Preaching, Cole Monger in Jr. High Digital Media, and Noah Yarroch in Jr. High Woodworking. Kennedy Davidson took first in Elementary Spelling. The elementary spelling competition was a nail biter. For the first time in the history of the competition, the judges exhausted their list of words and went to the dictionary for more words. Congratulations to our second- place ribbon winners, Mike Haynes in Sr. High Music Theory, Carlyn Rawls in Jr. High Spelling, Jacob Fausnight with his Jr. High Biological Science Project, Riley Palermo with her Jr. High Physical Science Project, Jay Brown in Jr. High Evangelical Preaching, Cole Monger in Sr. High Expository Preaching, and Micah Smith in Sr. High Evangelical Preaching. Congratulations to our third place ribbon winners, Kennedy Davidson in English, Luke Bowman in history, V 窶連nthony Phillips in Jr. High Topical Preaching, and James Johnson in Sr. High Topical Preaching. Sparkle Fausnight received an excellent rating for her photograph. In addition to the individual awards, VBS won the Bible Cup for the second year in a row.

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Bubba Wood and his Relay For Life fundraiser shirt.

FEBRUARY 27-28, 2016 • Page 11

Contributed / The Herald

Local philanthropist raises the bar in Relay for Life fundraising By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Bubba Wood of Titus has been involved with Relay for Life for more than 25 years. Wood is a 10-year cancer survivor. However, he has been raising money for Relay for Life long before he was diagnosed with cancer. Over the years, Wood has raised close to $80,000 for Relay for Life. This year, Wood has set a goal of $3,000, which would put him over the $80,000 mark. It wasn’t tragedy or the loss of a loved one that moved Wood to action. It was his church. After going to his first Relay for Life event with his church, he knew he wanted to do more for the cause. “I went the first year and just fell in love with it,” Wood said. “I’ll be doing my 27th relay this year and I do it for the love of helping people.” It was about 10 years later that Wood was diagnosed with cancer and he would face his own battle. “It was about 10 years ago, I

was diagnosed with melanoma,” he said. “I had a birthmark on my head since birth and someone noticed that it had changed colors and was growing.” Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and Wood accredits early detection to his success in overcoming the disease. “I didn’t have to have treatments or anything, it was skin deep,” he said. “That’s why my push is for early detection.” It wasn’t until after his diagnosis that Wood learned just how much Relay for Life does for those who are affected by the disease. “If I needed anything, they would help. They would bring it all the way out to Titus, if they needed to,” Wood said. Wood will go back to the doctor in March for a final screening and if everything comes back clear, he will be deemed cancer-free. While he still has another screen to go through, Wood is not at all discouraged. In fact, he has already raised more than $1,000 for the 2016 Relay for Life campaign.

“With what I have, I’m half to my goal already. I’ve raised $1,500. I’m halfway there,” he said. Once Wood reaches his $80,000 goal, he plans to raise the bar even higher. “After I hit $80,000 I will go up to $85,000 and once I reach that I will go on up to $90,000,” Wood said. “Most of the money that we raise stays in Elmore County to help with services, and a small amount goes to research.” This year Wood and his family are working as a team to raise the money. “My daughter is the team captain. Our team is Jessica’s Cancer Busters, which I think is a catchy name,” he said. Wood has a shirt that, for a $3 donation, people can sign. The shirt will be in several shops in and around the Wetumpka area. For more information on where to go to sign the shirt call Bubba Wood at 334-300-2134.

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SPORTS

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EA puts win streak up against Bessemer, no ‘cupcake teams’ By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

For the second straight season, Edgewood Academy will face the Class AAA state champion in 2016. This time, the circumstances are different. The Wildcats, six-time defending AISA state champions and the owners of the nation’s longest active high school win streak at 71, and reigning AAA champs Bessemer Academy will play next year after both schools were placed in AAA, Region 1 in the 2016-17 reclassification approved Wednesday by the AISA. A date for the highly anticipated matchup has not yet been set. “That’s where you want to be with Bessemer and Edgewood,” EA head football coach Bobby Carr said. “At Bessemer, they’ve got history there and a tradition like Edgewood. The last few times they’ve played us, they’ve gotten the best of us. I know Bessemer is tired of hearing about Edgewood and the win streak. But there’s a mutual respect there between Edgewood and Bessemer. “They’re going to be a very good ballclub, it’s going to be a good game. (Bessemer head coach Josh Wright) and I have talked about playing on Thursday night because everybody wants to see

it.” Edgewood defeated Escambia Academy, the 2014 AAA state champions, to open last season at Faulkner University. Bessemer hasn’t played the ‘Cats during their winning streak, but currently rides a five-game winning mark over EA, with the last game coming in 2007. The Rebels are the last team to shut out Edgewood, earning a 33-0 victory at EA in 2006. While everyone across the state will set their eyes to the Edgewood-Bessemer showdown, Carr said his team will enter the toughest region it’s been in in a while with Glenwood, Lee-Scott, Tuscaloosa and Springwood, a recent AA region foe who moved up with EA, filing out the Region 1 slate. “We have five legit teams in our region. Our side (of AAA) has pretty tough competition and the biggest thing is all of the teams will be well-coached and very well prepared,” Carr said. “We won’t have any cupcake teams on our schedule, no ‘bye’ weeks, that’s for sure.” Several out-of-state schools, along with two-time state runner-up to Edgewood, Marengo Academy, have contacted Carr asking for a game. At least one team from Mississippi,

Cory Diaz / The Observer

Edgewood Academy junior wide receiver Maurice Young (4) gets pulled down during the AISA Class AA state championship game versus Marengo Academy this past season.

Texas and Florida each have interest in squaring off against the 71-game win mark. “We’ve talked to Cathedral (Natchez,

Mississippi), a couple of teams out of Florida – a team from West Palm Beach wants to play us. It’s going to be tough.”

Mustangs stumble in 2nd half against ACA By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Stanhope Elmore unraveled in the second half as Alabama Christian Academy pulled away for a 5-1 victory Thursday at ACA. Trailing by two at halftime, the Mustangs (2-2-1) gave up a goal to Eagles senior midfielder Jerome Williams, who supplied the offense all night for ACA tallying four goals, five minutes into the second 40 and couldn’t duplicate the deep runs they pieced together in the first half. “We really didn’t recover from when they scored in the first five minutes of the second half,” Stanhope boys soccer interim coach Rick Cahalane said. “We never recovered, we didn’t pick it back up and it was almost like we were just going through the motions. “We got down inside and we didn’t convert (in the first half). It was almost like when we got down to the goal, we ran out of options. But we don’t convert if we don’t have opportunities, so ACA did a really good job.” Williams’s goal in the 45th was the fourth straight the senior scored off a play-in ball. The 6-foot-3 midfielder put ACA on the board first in the 31st, heading in a throw-in from senior centerback Walker Davis. After both teams traded offensive runs for the first 30 minutes, they traded goals to open the scoring. Down 1-0, Mustang sophomore Nathan Warlick ran down the

left side and crossed in a ball to the middle that sophomore Marcos Cortes finished with a header to tie the game back up, 1-1, in the 34th. “Nathan, he’s new to us this year and has done a really good job. He crossed it in there, and Marcos, he’s a really good player and he was in the right place at the right time,” Cahalane said. “It was a really great play on both of their parts.” The game being knotted up didn’t last long, as on the ensuing kickoff Williams capitalized on the SEHS back line playing up and outraced the Mustangs to the ball, lifting it over the keeper regaining the lead for ACA, 2-1, 10 seconds later. With less than a minute before halftime, Williams scored on a free kick, extending the Eagles advantage to 3-1. Stanhope mustered just two shots on goal in the second half. ACA notched the match’s final goal in the 75th, when Davis converted a penalty kick after Mustang senior midfielder Brayan Torres got called for pulling Williams down in the 18-yard box on a corner kick. “ACA’s got a really good team. Their players are outstanding players and they played well,” Cahalane said. “And we didn’t. We didn’t play very well. We’ll talk about a few things and get things corrected and get ready to play Elmore County next week.” SEHS will host Elmore County March 3.

Stanhope Elmore sophomore midfielder Nathan Warlick battles Alabama Christian Academy’s Alden Stroud for ball position during Thursday’s match at ACA. Cory Diaz / The Observer

Holtville sophomore midfielder Colton Autrey rips a shot between three defenders during Thursday’s match versus Autaugaville at Boykin Field. Cory Diaz / The Observer

Dawgs clamp down on Eagles, win 10-0 By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Holtville routed Autaugaville, 10-0, Thursday at Boykin Field. The Bulldogs (1-1-0) scored nine goals in the first half and left no doubt from the opening kick. Junior forward Jack Broom and sophomore left winger Kenneth Segarra led the charge with two goals apiece, scoring all four in the first 12 minutes of the match. HHS coach Robby Broom said he liked the way his team finished against a team it knew it should beat. “That was very important. We’ve been working on some of our combinations,” Broom said. “We used to try to end up inside the (6-yard box), now we’re playing back more through the spot. I saw 12 balls through the spot and we put seven of those in (the net) in the first half. That’s what I want.” After five scoreless minutes, Jack Broom and Segarra scored their first goals, putting the Dawgs up, 2-0, in the 6th. Holtville challenged Autaugaville keeper Rodriquez Harriel all night, sending five shots on goal in the first nine minutes, and by the 12th Segarra and Broom traded two more goals. Sophomore midfielder Colton Autrey converted a penalty kick after a handball call in the box, as HHS led, 5-0, in the 15th. Senior Maddux Rucker ripped a shot from

30 yards out, and two minutes later, senior Carter Sheppard cashed in an Autaugaville turnover right outside the 18-yard box, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 advantage in the 30th. Goalie, Shane Chambers, got his first action of the game in the 31st, digging up the first shot the Eagles sent his direction, then HHS tacked on two more goals in the final four minutes, one from freshman Daniel Lewis and one from freshman Tucker Jones. “The intensity is higher than I can get at practice. We worked on our passing, we worked on some shape and formation,” Robby Broom said. “And we worked on our communication. So, we got better and that’s the main thin I want to so this time of year is get better. I’m not worried about the wins and losses.” Sophomore defender Benjamin Jackson tallied the walk-off goal for Holtville, ending the game nine minutes after the start of the second half. While the Bulldogs got some necessary work and the result it wanted, Broom said as area matches approach, there’s still more work to do. “My biggest thing with this group is still getting them to verbally communicate with each other because they know where the other guy’s supposed to be, and they expect him to be there. But I still want them to talk about it,” he said. “Because down the road, we’re going to need to be able to talk about it.” HHS played Wetumpka at home Friday and host Park Crossing Monday at 7:30 p.m.

WRESTLING ROUNDUP: 6 area grapplers place By COREY DIAZ Staff Writer Six local wrestlers placed at the AHSAA State Wrestling Championships last weekend in Huntsville at the Von Braun Center. Out of 21 grapplers that advanced to the state tournament, Stanhope Elmore senior Ty Naquin captured the state championship for his weight class, while three others finished runner-up and two more took home fourth place. In Class 6A at 106, Naquin worked to a 5-0 decision over Athens’ Cristian Lagunas in the state title bout. Stanhope led the local teams with three state placers, as sophomore heavyweight

Jake Andrews lost by 7-2 decision to Benjamin Russell’s Daniel Bland, his third loss to him this season, and Tobias Garrison (160-pounder) came in fourth, winning four consecutive matches after dropping his tournament opener. Andrews’ only two other losses on the season came to state champions, Tallassee’ Jake Baker and Thompson’s T.J. Rayam. “Jake had some tough matches leading up to the finals,” Mustang wrestling coach Tony Nelson said. “The kid from Oxford, just a ninth-grader, he’s a beast. He made a mistake and Jake took advantage of it and got to the finals. “Daniel’s a very patient wrestler, and Jake was more

aggressive, took shots and Daniel is a three-time state champ for a reason. I told him after the match, ‘I know you’re hurting because you lost, but man, you lost to three state champions.’ And all three of those are graduating. I think he’s got a great shot next year and the following year.” For Wetumpka, senior Vershone Graham, who won the 6A, 126-pound state championship in 2015, navigated his way to the 138-pound title contest this year, facing off with Muscle Shoals’ Joseph Green. After battling to a 2-2 tie after three period, Green earned a sudden victory over Graham in extra time, preventing the Indian standout from captur-

ing his second state title. Junior Trent Holley advanced to the 6A, 220pound final after outlasting Arab’s Ian Scott by 2-1 decision in the semifinal. Benjamin Russell’s Justavious Robinson edged Holley by 5-3 decision in the championship, giving Wetumpka two state runners-up. While Holtville brought the most wrestlers to the state tourney in program history, sophomore Brady Richardson was the lone Bulldog to place, finishing third in the 1A-5A, 138-pound bracket. Winning his first two bouts by fall, Mortimer Jordan’s Braxton Worthington defeated Richardson by major decision, 10-2, in the championship semifinal, sending the

Cory Diaz / The Observer

Wetumpka junior 220-pound wrestler Trent Holley rolls Holtville’s Jacon Stodgehill over for a pin earlier this season. sophomore to the consolation bracket. Richardson rallied, beat-

ing New Hope’s Brian Smith and Saks’ Andrew Kilgore by decision to seal third-place.