INSIDE TODAY
HSEC Pet of the Week
Inside, Page 2
The hamster wheel of justice goes round and round
Local players ready for North-South game Sports, Page 12
Opinion, Page 4
THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898
Wetumpka, AL 36092
50¢
WEDNESDAY • JULY 20, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 118, NO.26
Police chief halts meeting with local NAACP By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A meeting between the president and vice president of the Elmore County NAACP chapter was called off by the Wetumpka police chief abruptly and deferred to the mayor’s office after nearly a week of scheduling. And a request by a council member for open talks with police at the last city council meeting seemed to reveal contradictions in community outreach efforts. The president of the local NAACP chapter, Bobby
Mays, had been in talks with WPD Chief Danny Billingsley through email and had immediate success in his initial attempts to set up a meeting, according to email documents. The topic was loosely set on recent events both across the nation and at home involving police and the communities they patrol. The purpose of the discussion was described by Mays as an attempt to preempt and prevent such incidents occurring in Wetumpka, and Elmore County. The conversation was anticipated to revolve around
what could be done on the local level to better community relations and prevent instances of violence whether by police, as in recent shootings of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile of Minnesota, or acts, in their wake, directed toward police; such as the recent incidents at Dallas and Baton Rouge. But what was described by Mays and his vice president Michael Waters initially as an absolute openness to talks saw a sudden and marked shift in tone. See MEETING • Page 3
Council votes on two items, WPD officials speak
County board votes on raises again By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A bid for Company Street repairs by a local construction firm was approved by the city council and new radios were voted on for the Wetumpka police, at Monday’s city council meeting. In old business, permission was granted to buy 30 Motorola r765 handsets for $275 each at roughly $8,250 altogether for the WPD in ongoing radio systems upgrades. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, who said he was filling in for the absence of Public Works Director, Tex Grier, gave an update on Company Street. He said a 60-calendar-day project was set for construction to the road and drainage systems, which would allow the city to work around Stoddard’s Bait and Tackle. City clerk Candy Masters read the bidders and their bids. There were three total, one was See COUNCIL • Page 5
Today’s
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See FESTIVAL • Page 3
See SCHOOL • Page 5
Corey Arwood / The Herald
Some “homegrown reggae” was passed around by Montgomery band BPM.
River Fest growin’ like a gator tail By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Arts Festival packed downtown Wetumpka with crowds who braved the heat, and later the rain, for a spicy gumbo of eclectic tunes, tastes and trinkets. City officials involved in the planning of the event said there was an estimated 10-to-
Wetumpka Elementary School receives grant for new playground By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
THURSDAY: HIGH 98 LOW 75
12,000 who attended the festival Saturday. “I feel it was a complete success, everything ran smoothly, we didn’t have any issues arise besides a little bit of rain,” said Tiffany Robinson, who is one of the long-running main architects of the event. She said that still did not put “too much of a damper” on the night though.
The Elmore County School Board again revisited the issue of employee wages, previously discussed during the board’s June 27 meeting, Monday evening. Board member Joey Holley made a motion to rescind the 2016-2017 salary schedule approved at the June 27 meeting. The board then discussed the issue further before approving a recommendation submitted by Elmore County Schools Superintendent Andre Harrison. At the June 27 meeting, board members seemed confused about recently passed House Bill 121. Board Chair Larry Teel originally opposed a four percent across the board increase,
The recent grants from the Alabama Department of Education through the Department of Early Childhood education continue to pay dividends as Wetumpka Elementary school will be getting a new playground structure for Pre-K students. According to Elmore County Schools Interim Assistant
Superintendent for Elementary Education/Federal Programs Claire Moore, some $30,000 of the grant funds were specifically earmarked for new playground equipment for the new Pre-K program. Wetumpka Elementary School Principal Bonnie Sullivan said the school is seeking to build a “natural playground,” which will include a tricycle trail including a toll booth, a play area including a double slide, See PLAYGROUND • Page 3
William Carroll / The Herald
The recently completed tricycle track located at Wetumpka Elementary School. The track is part of a grant received from the Alabama Department of Education for the school’s new Pre-K program.
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THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Obituaries Alice “Aggie” Ayers AYERS, Alice “Aggie” a resident of Titus, Alabama was born on December 24, 1942 in Montgomery, AL and passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the age of 73. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. Funeral services are Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Gassett Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Danny Robbins officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee. Mrs. Ayers is survived by her husband, John Ayers; children, Johnny Jones, Jr. (Kelly), Donna Alexander (Stephen), Cindy Markham (Mike), John David Ayers (Jennifer), Christa Speigner (Chris), and Pene Pike (Arnold); 21 grandchildren; 5
great-grandchildren; siblings, Ann Nobles (Raymond), Carol Solomon (Eddie), Charlotte Walker (Snookie), Becky Fletcher, Sonny Clark (Laurie), Danny Clark (Linda); several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members and friends. Pallbearers will be Johnny “Bubba” Jones, Brandon Jones, Wendall Wood, T.J. Wood, Tyler Strock, Michael Markham, Jr. and C.J. Speigner. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to the Elmore County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 384, Wetumpka, AL 36092 or to Red Mountain Grace, P.O. Box 382562, Birmingham, AL 35238. Online Guest Book available at www. gassettfuneralhome.net
Ruby Clark Skelton
Our mother, Ruby Clark Skelton, 92,
a Montgomery native and long time resident of Alexandra, Va. and Wetumpka, Al., passed away comfortably in the home of her daughter, Linda Carol Skelton in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by her daughters, Adele Skelton Hughitt and Vicki Skelton Scott. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Purvis Skelton, her parents, Sadie Rudder Clark and Ernest Howard Clark Sr., her brothers, Ernest Jr., and Jack Clark, sisters, Marie Clark Ward and Joan Clark Nelson. She is survived by her daughters, five granddaughters, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Mom loved volunteering her time with People that Care and served many years as a Pink Lady at Elmore County Hospital. She was a longtime member of Eastern Star in both Virginia and Alabama.
Memorial services will be held Sat., July 23 at 1pm in the Chapel of Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home in Wetumpka Al., with Dr. James Troglen of First Baptist Church of Wetumpka officiating. She will be laid to rest with her family in Montgomery Memorial Cemetery, in Montgomery, Al. In lieu of flowers, fam- Skelton ily requests donations to: Optimum Hospice, 5859 Farino Dr., San Antonio Texas, 78349. Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home directing.
Pet owners should take extra steps to protect animals from the heat By REA CORD Executive Director HSEC
I
t should be blindingly obvious but please pet owners take extra measures to protect your pets and livestock during this heat! Fresh water and lots of it; shade and lots of it; protection from hot pavement/cement that can scorch a pet’s foot pads; perhaps fans to help move air in that shady spot; and best of all bring your pet inside with the family IN the air-conditioning if at all possible.
If you truly love your pet and like to take it with you everywhere, perhaps DON’T if that means subjecting it to scorching pavement or sand and the blistering sun – your pet might be a whole lot happier at home in the A/C while you go check out the local flea market or beach. And don’t even think of leaving your pet in your vehicle while you run some errand inside a store – just DON’T! If you need to make a stop while out and about, then
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please just leave your pet at home and give them an extra hug or treat when you get home. Only two weeks until our 11th annual Wags ‘N Whiskers Auction on Friday, July 29th, 2016 at the Wetumpka Civic Center, 212 S. Main Street, Wetumpka. Heads up - so that our Volunteers and Staff can get ready, the Tails End Thrift Store will close at 1 pm on the 29th and the Shelter will close at 4 pm (normally 5 pm). Both will be back open normal hours on Sat, 30th. You can see the items that will be in our auction (less any ‘too late to classify”) at our special auction website: www.
elmorehumane.auction. We truly have something for everyone – jewelry, art, collectibles, gift baskets, weekend getaways, pet items, outdoor items and so much more! Besides all the great auction items, be sure to also get your $1 ticket(s) for a chance to win either a huge Alabama or Auburn Football basket chalked full of items! This is both a silent and live auction so be prepared to keep an eye out on all those treasures you want to take home. The Civic Center will open at 6 pm on the 29th! Creek Casino Wetumpka will get everything started with a bounteous and yummy
hors d’oerves layout. DJ Ziggy from PowerSounds USA will be our Master of Ceremonies and from 7:15 – 8 pm, Scott & Michelle Williams, and the crew from High as the Sky Auction Company, will liven everything up during the fast paced live auction portion! Scott is an award winning auctioneer and we are just thrilled for his continuing support. For your planning this is a fun evening that could well last until 9pm bidding wise. Once bidding is over our many auction volunteers will then help everyone collect their items and complete final payment processing.
You can pre-purchase tickets ($25 couple/$15 single) at our shelter (255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka) or at the door. We also have ONE unsold table seating eight for $300 – come to the shelter or call us at 334567-3377 to pay for this last available table! What makes this evening fun is a packed house and spirited bidding. All of the proceeds raised help us care for the 300+ pets with us during this very busy time of year. Please share our Facebook Event if you are a Facebook friend and, if not, please tell and invite your friends to join all of us on the 29th!
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Pet of the Week – Holley
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with free ranging chickens. She can be a bit of fence escape artist to get at those chickens but if no chickens, really a wonderfully perfect dog. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www. elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-5673377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
JULY 20, 2016 • PAGE 3
Meeting
continued from page 1
Billingsley’s replies appeared to change after Mays mentioned potentially having a reporter present at the talks. Attempts were made to reach Billingsley, but at least two calls went unanswered, one of which was made early last week before the publication of last Saturday’s article referencing the ill-fated meeting. A series of emails that spanned from July 12 to 17, between Mays and Billingsley dealt solely with the details of the meeting. Until Sunday, July 17, the talks were on, but within a matter of hours after Mays asked about a reporter they were then off. And even after Mays said he would meet on Billingsley’s terms, without a reporter, they were still off. Mays was instructed to contact the mayor for further discussions, and that they might meet at a later date, due to “something beyond my control,” according to a message from Billingsley. But at a Monday city council meeting, and under circumstances said to be entirely unknown to council member Percy Gill of District 2 at the time, Billingsley agreed to have public discussions and meetings with area officials, and even to a public forum. All of which seemed to contradict the communications with the NAACP and their nearly week-long effort to set up a meeting. Gill, during the closing comments of the meeting, said he wanted to invite citizens to talk about their responsibilities in interactions with police and to have a preventative dialogue to keep tensions down. He even asked about hosting a forum to “have that type of dialogue in the city.” Billingsley said the WPD had been visiting church groups and at community meetings talked with different community leaders. “We will be willing to meet with anybody along those lines,” said Billingsley at the meeting. Waters, who was present at the council meeting, approached Gill and informed him about the scenario. Gill said he had only read what was in the paper about the meeting and was unaware of recent developments. After the meeting, Gill said he thought it might be just a breakdown in communication between the parties involved. “My concern is, of course, is to try ensure to the best of my ability that we don’t have that perception that it’s the police against everybody else or so we need to have
that dialogue because I wholeheartedly support law enforcement,” said Gill. Gill said he had wanted to have that communication for some time, and he spoke with Billingsley and Willis after the meeting. He later said he did not “want to play games” with these subjects. However, from how he described their discussion, the meeting with the NAACP broke down after Saturday’s article in The Herald about the meeting and a discussion between Willis and Billingsley. In an earlier phone call to City Hall Monday, Tiffany Robinson said they were just learning of the details of the proposed meeting and Willis had not been “brought up to speed.” However, she said she was sure there would be a meeting whether it was with the mayor or with a police official. During a Monday interview, the NAACP leaders spoke with The Herald about their efforts and intended goals in talking with Billingsley. Waters said he had spoken with Mays earlier to determine what the meeting with the chief would be about. “We need to be make sure this is not something that is confrontational, we’re not coming there (to) accuse, offend or confront, and we’re not coming there to pound on the table and say, hey you’ve got problems in your police department, with the community, you know, accuse anyone of anything, no,” said Waters. Their message he said was to “accent the positive” and build relationships. Mays said their questions remain unanswered however. Questions like what the WPD is doing, if anything, differently or what their protocols are in making stops and using force. In general, he said he wanted to know what lessons had been learned from recent events, and how had they been applied. “We’re concerned with whether they view members of all communities in a equal light, and we don’t believe they do, and one of the things that we were hopeful for is that this dialogue that we wanted to start with the police chief could be used hopefully as somewhat of an impetus to broaden that understanding on the city’s part so that all its citizens could feel as if they were viewed equally that they are important,” said Mays.
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wide-ranging variety of styles. Starting off was a Montgomery band, BPM, described as “homegrown reggae.” And second in the set was another local, and out-there, band, the Low-Fi Loungers, who played jazzed-up bluesy rockabilly and country hits from decades past. And for the last two acts, “The last two acts were wonderful,” Robinson said, with Mississippi based R&B singer, J.J. Thames preceding Rockin Dopsie, Jr. “This festival’s all about music you can’t necessarily hear anywhere else in the area,” Robinson said.
Playground a large drum set, and a storage shed for tricycles and wagons. Sullivan said that the tricycle track covers over 7,000 square feet and the entire new play area will be fenced in and will be specifically for the children in the Pre-K program. “We are really excited about our new Pre-K program,” Sullivan said. “The program is going to do wonders for the students by getting them prepared for kindergarten.” Sullivan said the playground equipment is being provided by Playworld, the tricycle track by Sprayberry concrete and the fencing by Wetumpka Fence. Sullivan said that Lowe’s has also been very involved. “Craig Hill with Lowe’s has been a huge help to us and has been working very closely with us on the project,” Sullivan said. The project should be completed by mid-August, with the tricycle trail having already been completed. The next phase will include the new playground equipment, followed by moving the shed, which currently is in a separate location, and then the installation of the fence. Sullivan said that in keeping with the natural theme, the playground equipment will include natural colors such as green and brown, and the area near the slide
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will consist of a protective “fall zone” of natural materials. Sullivan said that as part of the grant, the school also needed to include a music and art piece. The music piece will consist of several large drums, which the
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Festival After the showers, she said “a lot of people” enjoyed the headliner, Rockin Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters. The attendance numbers were in line with previous years for the event, but the sponsors, Robinson said, seemed to be growing by the year with some already “expressing interest” in next year. There were Louisiana inspired food vendors at the festival, one of which offered gator-tails on a stick. “I like to get stuff like that out there, it goes in line with the New Orleans, Cajun theme,” Robinson said. There were two stages worth of music at the event. The music on the main stage covered a
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children can use. The art piece will consist of an art area where the children can create. The playground will also have six tricycles for use on the track and two wagons. These items will be stored in the new shed when not in use.
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OPINION
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.
Page 4 • JULY 20, 2016
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson
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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.
Second rare case for chances in Vegas The hamster wheel of justice goes round and round
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or the second straight year, I performed at the NonCommissioned Officers Association’s annual conference in Las Vegas with my pals The GI’s of Comedy. Our shows usually go pretty well, but last year was a stinker for me. I got really drunk before the show. If Forest Gump had something like 14 Dr. Peppers at the White House, then I must’ve had something like 14 beers before that show, and the first seven were high gravity beers. That was a lousy decision on my part. I was going through a difficult stretch last year and often chose to drown my sorrows in beer, but then I’d go three weeks without one. I didn’t drink all the time, but when I did, I made up for lost time. I wasn’t and I’m not an alcoholic, but one doesn’t have to be an alcoholic to have a problem. I’m not a gambler, but after the show, I gambled by going to have a beer with the guys. It was my first beer since Feb.8, although I did have one glass of wine after dinner a couple of weeks ago. That one beer could’ve turned into one more followed by one more followed by one too many. If that had happened, would anyone back home have ever known? After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The great thing is that I did stop at one and had no desire for another. There was no pressure to drink that beer, and there was no pressure to drink another, not from me or anyone else. Along the journey of keeping my alcohol intake in check and not drinking, I’ve always thrown in the disclaimer “not that I’ve quit.” I enjoy beer or a good glass of wine but honestly feel that it will never again become habit. I won’t let
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
it. I feel too good. There will never be any type of routine. I know guys that only drink on weekends, which is great compared to the alternative, but it’s still a routine. For all I know, it’ll be three months before I have another or it may be next week. It may be never. I don’t know. Last year, when I was leaving Las Vegas, I was feeling miserable. When I got to the airport, I tried to find somewhere to lie down but then had to go the restroom, because I was sick. My flight was to Portland for another gig. As soon as I landed, I got sick again. That’s just no way to live. I hadn’t seen my pals in a few months. In fact, I hadn’t seen one of them in three years. They all commented on how good I looked. They weren’t saying that last year. But, I do feel good. I’ve never felt this good in my life, and it’s 100% attributed to what I have and have not put into my body. We seldom get second chances at things, so we must make the best of those rare opportunities but have to make better decisions along the way. We can’t possibly expect to improve our situation if we continue to make the same lousy choices. By the way, the show this year went incredibly well. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com.
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION 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
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amsters are fascinating little creatures. They are fairly happy to live in their little cages, surrounded by goodies, including their own exercise mechanism. Anyone that has seen a hamster run on its wheel notices that the small creature seems to be expending quite a bit of energy, and yet is getting absolutely nowhere. A similar thing has been occurring with the Tallassee City Council recently. All of the little hamsters are just mightily spinning their wheels on this mayoral election issue and of course getting nowhere. Last week I pointed out various reasons why the city should stay out of this matter. Sadly, only councilman Rob Rygiel had the good sense to refuse to participate this time around. The funny thing is that I previously only gave a few reasons it would be a bad idea. Now that the council has voted to challenge two of the candidates I’ll add in a few more. This matter will have to be settled in court, meaning that it will not be a quick process. Anyone who has ever handled a civil case knows they can drag on. Also, in my experience in dealing with election contests in other states, judges loathe the idea of removing someone from the ballot prior to the election, especially if there is some doubt as to whether the candidate should be removed. Removing candidates prior to the election creates an interesting problem if that removal is later deemed by a higher court to have been improper. Do the candidates now have a cause of action against the judge who removed them, or against the city for improperly moving to remove them from the ballot? Also, what if
WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
the candidate sought to be removed loses the election? Is there then a point in removing them from the ballot? Oftentimes judges will wait to see if the issue becomes moot by allowing the election to play out, especially as it is now just over a month away. Last week, we discussed the elections manual produced by the Alabama League of Municipalities. In that document the League cites to an Alabama Supreme Court case of Harris v. McKenzie, 703 So. 2d 309 for the concept that courts must decide these issues. In that case Harris was the winner of a city council election and McKenzie finished second. McKenzie then challenged Harris’ qualifications, specifically where he lived. A court initially ruled against Harris, but Harris won on appeal to the Supreme Court. As I mentioned above, the civil process is a long one and could be overturned if the lower court makes the wrong decision. Why not wait until the election ends to see if there is a reason to challenge a candidate in the first place? Maybe neither of the candidates in question will obtain enough votes to win the election. Now the city council has effectively thrown its hat into the mayoral ring. Instead of the upcoming election being about the candidates and their positions, it will now be instead about who lives where. Sure this could have been a cam-
paign point for the candidates in any circumstance, but now the city leaders have effectively made it an issue by bringing it up during the election. By jumping into the ring they are effectively acting to try to frame the tone of the election, and this is something a governmental entity should never do. The fact that quite a lot of discussion has been had on this issue in closed session is also a bit unnerving. Last week I outlined the rules on executive sessions, my own opinion is that the city violated the meaning of the executive session law, but of course the city’s attorney will disagree since the attorney is the one who advised the council on having the discussion in closed session. Here is the main problem, even if the city did not have an illegal meeting they had what I would call a patently un-American meeting. Voting is one of the things that truly defines our American experiment. Our Founding Fathers railed against the abuses they saw coming from the English crown, specifically the colonists’ inability to have a say in their own governance. It is for these reasons, our desire to create a government where we could be represented, that we threw off the yoke of the British. Therefore, any discussion that seeks to limit candidates or seeks to limit our options to vote should be discussed in open session. Let the citizens hear the allegations and the defenses so that they may know who they should vote for. Secret back room meetings are nothing but an un-American exercise in futility and a slap in the face to our Founders. Carroll is the managing editor of The Tribune.
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Florida could decide presidency, U.S. Senate
S
ometimes when I observe national politics I am enthralled by the magnificent creation of our American government. When our forefathers founded our democracy it was grounded in British parliamentarian philosophy with a unique American blend, which of course omitted a monarchy. Now, 240 years later, it is a very representative democracy. As our founders designed, we have three very independent and equally important branches of government, executive, judicial and legislative. The executive branch is the most visible with the election of a U.S. President every four years. In earlier times, military men ascended to the presidency. George Washington was first and foremost a general. Our last military chief executive was Ike Eisenhower. Our first president, Washington, disdained political parties and warned that they were harmful to a functioning democracy. He had a lot of wisdom, as did many of our earlier presidents. Indeed, political partisanship has created a good amount of discord and disharmony among the American electorate. Party alliance, along with a cumbersome and archaic relic of a system of selecting our president within the confines of the electoral college, makes the presidential race completely undemocratic. Under the electoral college system only about 10 to 12 of the 50 states matter in a presidential race. It is almost a one-state presidential election with Florida having inordinate and almost omnipotent power. Demographic changes within the country favor a Democrat being elected president. However, the way the minority populations are concentrated into urban enclaves, the U.S. House of Representatives
STEVE FLOWERS Guest Columnist
favors the Republicans controlling that legislative chamber. The U.S. Senate is now the ultimate balance of power. Therefore, the U.S. Senate races around the country are probably more important, as well as more in doubt, than the presidential race. The Republicans took control of the Senate a few years ago with an anti-Obama sentiment. A good many of those GOP Senators are up for reelection. Republicans currently hold a 54-46 advantage in the Senate. In this current presidential election year Republicans are much more vulnerable to losing their majority simply because there are more GOP seats at risk. Of the 34 Senate seats up for election this year, 24 are held by Republicans and only 10 Democrats are up for election. The second major problem for Republicans is that many of those GOP seats are in states that voted for Obama in 2008 or 2012 and are considered blue or Democraticleaning states. There are nine states that are the battlegrounds for control of the Senate. In order for Democrats to take the Senate they must hold onto all their seats and win five seats from the GOP. In Illinois, Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, who won with only 48 percent of the vote in this blue state, is the most endangered GOP incumbent Senator. In Wisconsin, first term Republican Sen. Ron Johnson faces former Democratic Senator Russ Feingold in a rematch of their 2010 race. Colorado,
which is a swing state in this year’s presidential contest, will also be a crucial part of the senate puzzle. Democratic Sen. Michael Bennett won reelection to a second term with just 48 percent of the vote, which makes him vulnerable to a GOP challenge. The retirement of veteran Democratic leader, Harry Reid, has left his Senate seat in play for each party in Nevada. This state is also a swing state in the presidential contest. GOP Sen. Pat Toomey won a very close election in the blue state of Pennsylvania in 2010. This could be a Democratic pickup. The two ultimate swing states in the presidential race will also be pivotal in control of the U.S. Senate. In Ohio, Republican Sen. Rob Portman will have a tough challenge from former Democratic Gov.Ted Strickland. This will be a key race. Sen. Marco Rubio originally abandoned his Florida Senate seat to run for president. However, in a last minute dramatic move in June, he backpedaled and decided to seek reelection to his Senate seat. In Rubio’s statement he said, “Control of the Senate may very well come down to the race in Florida.” National political experts tend to agree with him. Although he lost to Trump in his home state in the GOP presidential race earlier this year, polling indicates that Rubio is the only GOP candidate who can beat either of the two Democrats in the Sunshine State. Florida could be the deciding factor in both the presidential contest as well as for control of the U.S. Senate. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
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School
JULY 20, 2016 • Page 5
continued from page 1
initially saying that the “letter of the law mandated a two-percent increase. He also stated at the earlier meeting that he felt it was totally inappropriate to give employees additional raises. House Bill 121 set minimum raises at four percent for those making less than $75,000 and two percent for those making more than $75,000. Ultimately, at the June 27 meeting the board voted for a four percent pay raise across the board, with the exception of the Superintendent who would receive a two percent raise. After the previous vote was rescinded by Holley’s motion Monday, the board then considered Harrison’s recommendation to accept a four percent raise for all employees except himself. Teel suggested that the board actually give employees making under $75,000 an additional two percent raise, which would bring their total up to a six percent increase. Teel suggested that lower paid employees should be entitled to a little more as an across the board raise would not be fair to all employees, especially those making below $75,000. Chief School Financial Officer Jeffrey Middleton said such an increase would cost the district in excess of $1 million dollars and voiced his support for the recommendation submitted by Harrison. Middleton said that two percent increase for those making over $75,000 to bring the figure to four percent total would only cost an additional $30,000. After the discussion, the board voted 5-1 to
approve the four percent across the board raise with Teel voting against the measure. The board then took up additional discussion regarding Harrison’s salary although no resolution on the matter was reached. Members were concerned about several factors, specifically Board Member Mark Nelson wanted legal clarification in writing on the issue and other members were concerned as to the effective date of any such salary increase. In other matters before the board: • Amber Anderson, director of business and operations with the Alabama Association of School Boards made a presentation regarding the district’s search for a new chief school financial officer to replace Jeffrey Middleton. Anderson suggested that the board utilize the services of AASB to conduct their search for a replacement. Harrison told the board members that the district had already received 12 applications for the position and board members, while not voting definitely on the issue, were in favor of conducting the selection process themselves and not going through the AASB. • The board voted to accept the June 2016 payroll in the amount of $6,015,130.97 scholastic and $955,045.46 calendar. • The members also voted to accept the resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $1,500,000 Capital Outlay School Warrant of the board.
Council
continued from page 1
from A&C Construction Company of Montgomery at $384,555, the second was by Alexander Seal Coating and Stripping at $420,641 and the low-bidder was Stiff Contractors out of Wetumpka for $337,322. As it was the first reading of the proposal, a “motion to suspend rules” was made and the Wetumpka based contractor with the low bid was chosen. The first reading regarding payments to the Main Street Alabama Program was made, which meant no action would be taken. It was said the payments would be $15,000. Council member Percy Gill, of District 2, asked if the $15,000 was an annual payment, or how long payments would be made, the answer he received was a 5-year initial agreement and $15,000 annually. After the meeting, the director of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce spoke about a River Region Women In Business reception set for Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. “Its an opportunity to sort of recast a group that used to be very active within the chamber years ago, we are bringing that group back to life,” said Gerry Purcell. From there, Willis gave Wetumpka Police
Chief Danny Billingsley the floor to speak. Billingsley talked about recent events of police shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, and mentioned the Dallas police chief, who he quoted as saying that one of the major problems in Dallas, was that the cops did not know they were supported. “Well the City of Wetumpka knows they’ve been supported, they have covered us up with cookies and cakes and pizza and cards and letters, they just covered the whole department up the last two weeks,” said Billingsley. He said the WPD wanted to publicly thank those who donated goods, showed their appreciation for local police. He said there was no media or outlet for them to thank the public, and wanted to make sure the public was aware their gifts were appreciated. Billingsley then talked about a summer program, the WPD was sponsoring at the MLK Recreation Center. He said the program was directed by Sgt. Ella Roberts who approached him last year and said she wanted to help local youth. “We went to MLK and took care of some 2,700 kids in the summer last year at no cost to the city this year she said she wanted to do the same
thing,” Billingsley said. He said they had a little difficulty with “the shape” of the MLK building, but Roberts set up the program entirely. Billingsley said Roberts takes care of roughly 75 to 90 kids a day and that he wanted to publicly thank her as well. Gill asked Billingsley if he would be open for community discussion and the possibility of a forum to discuss police-community relations, citizen responsibilities and dialogue in a preventative measure. Billingsley said he would be willing to meet with anybody along those lines. Willis then asked Billingsley about a “crisis plan” and said they receive questions about whether there is a crisis plan for the city. It was later said there was a “very well put together” plan, and sparing the specifics, mentioned local agencies were in on the plan. “We never know when something is going to happen, we hope it never happens, but we never know, so we have to be prepared, his people (Billingsley) when they leave their shift and go home they have to make sure when something breaks loose, something happens, they can come back, so they have to be careful what they do in
their off time, and this is all ready in place with our officers,” said Willis. He then mentioned a safe place, and shelter for the homeless maintained by the WPD through which he said though which “hundreds and hundreds” of people are fed at no cost to the city. “There’s a lot going on in this community that meets the needs of the community, and there’s a lot going on to keep this community safe,” Willis said. Lastly in response to Gill’s idea Willis said, “Great idea over here, if I can work with you in any way, instruction or something, for a meeting I will certainly do that.”
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Religion Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany On Sunday, July 24 a Morning Prayer worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m., with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http:// epiphanytallassee.org/ • Rock Springs Baptist Church Will celebrate its 101st Birthday/ Homecoming on Sunday, July 24, 2016, beginning at 10:45 a.m. with a worship program followed at noon with a fellowship luncheon. We invite everyone interested to attend. Dr. Jim Jackson will be our featured speaker, Travis Shaw will lead our music with special music by Travis and the musical duo Emily Urquhart & John Adcock. A $500 scholarship award will be presented to a deserving student during our program. Also a special donation will be made to ACTS for its food pantry. Revival services will follow on MondayWednesday, July 25-27 at 7 p.m. with a light supper at 6:15 each night. We are honored that special Mrs. Louise Jackson, Kenneth Loomis, Emily Urquhart and John Adcock will provide music during our revival. Dr. Jim Jackson will be our revival speaker. Mrs. Carol Garnett will serve as pianist for all services. We thank everyone who will join us for these services--your presence will bless us. If you have questions or need a ride, please call 334-5146821.
• St. Vincent de Paul OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8:00-8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www. wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale. July 24 - Marriage and the Eucharist part 1 July 31 - Marriage and the Eucharist part 2 August 7 - Making Catholic Moral Decisions (Jim Toner) August 14 - Making Catholic Moral Decisions (Jim Toner) August 21 - By Faith Alone part 1 August 28 - By Faith Alone part 2 September 4 - Which Came First part 1 September 11 - Which Came First part 2 • Westside Baptist Church Will celebrate it’s 54th anniversary on July 24. Dr. Robert Keeton, missionary with Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, will be preaching in the morning service. Lunch will be served afterwards. There will also be special music. There will be no evening service on the 24th. • Mount Olive Baptist Church Glory be to God! Mt. Olive Baptist Church will be celebrating their 18th pastoral anniversary of Rev. L.D Holstick and First Lady Minister, Twinita Holstick. The celebration will be on July 24 at 2:30 p.m.
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
Mt. Olive members, family and friends come join us as we celebrate this glorious anniversary for our pastor. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Jerry Humpry, pastor of Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Wetumpka, AL. Liberty Hill Baptist Church congregation will also accompany him. We would like for everyone to come worship with joy, love and giving thanks for the man chosen by God to be our shepherd. We are looking forward to seeing all of our brothers and sisters of Christ here to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and also give thanks to our pastor. • Oak Valley Station United Methodist Homecoming celebration on Sunday July 24 at 11am. Steve MacInnis will bring the morning message. There will be a covered dish luncheon immediately following the morning worship service. Revival will begin Sunday night, July 24 at 6 p.m. Revival will continue through Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m. each evening. There will be a covered dish supper each evening at 6:15 p.m.. Browning Wood, Youth Minister, St. James United Methodist Church in Montgomery, will bring the Revival messages. Oak Valley Station United Methodist Church is located at 161 Parsonage Road, Tallassee. Please make plans to come and worship with us! • Carrville Baptist Church Community Join us for our Blessing of the Backpack on Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. and then
8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.
Pastor Rickey Luster,
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.
NURSERY PROVIDED PROVIDED FOR NURSERY FOR ALL SERVICES SERVICES ALL
• East Tallassee United Methodist Church The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.
100 W. Bridge St.
Sunday Services at 11 a.m.
Rev. Jonathan Jonathan Yarboro Rev. Yarboro
Minister Dr. John Brannon
Sunday am Morning School..9:45 Worship..9:00am Morning Worship..11 am Fellowship.........10:00am Sunday School.....10:15am
There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!
567-8135 567-8135
“In“In thethe name of the Lord name of the LordJesus Jesus – Welcome.” - Welcome. ”
Please join us.
Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church
11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro
Rickey Luster, MusicDirector Director Music
• Faith Foundation Holiness Church Monday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. each night. Climaxing on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at 3 p.m. Pastor: Bishop Marvin Freeman and Overseer: Apostle Quentin Freeman. For more information contact Mot. Gloria Freeman at 334-991-4026 or Sis. Shannetta Daniels at 334-415-5019.
First Presbyterian Presbyterian Church Church
Harmony United Methodist Church
Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor
our 5th Sunday Outreach Dinner at 6:00 p.m. On Tuesday, Aug., 6-9 a.m., we will be hosting a FREE community drive-thru breakfast. So please come by on your way to work and pickup a sausage, bacon or butter biscuit to enjoy. Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday School 9:15 a.m., morning worship 10:30 a.m. and all Sunday evening activities are at 6 p.m. Our Wednesday night activities are at 6:30 p.m.
567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.
504 West West Osceola 504 OsceolaSt. St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729
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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JULY 20, 2016 • Page 7
Area Calendar JULY 20
Please contact Recreation Department if you are interested in a Self Defense Class 283-4726. Class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. This is NOT a mixed martial class. Class would meet one-week night approx. 2 hours and Saturday approximately 8 hours. Cost is $45.
July 30
BENEFIT SINGING: An evening of music a benefit concert for the Old Red Hill School Saturday, July 30, 2016 in the Red Hill School Auditorium on Alabama Highway 229 in Red Hill. Acts include Cecil Malone & Montgomery Junction at 3 p.m., Cowboy Bill and Company at 5 p.m., and The Kevin Adair Band at 7 p.m. Donations will be welcomed at the door to help replace the roof the old school building. Food, soft drinks, coffee and a family atmosphere will be offered.
August 1-4
iPad Distribution Days 5:30 p.m. at Southside Middle School Aug 1st- 5th grade Aug 2nd- 6th grade Aug 3rd- 7th grade Aug 4th- 8th grade $50 technology fee per student/yr.
August 8
Southside Middle School Open House
August 8
Tallassee Elementary will hold open house for Kindergarten beginning at 11 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. First grade Open House will be at 12:20 p.m. and 1 p.m. Second grade open house begins at 1:40 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.. Third grade open house begins at 3 p.m. Fourth grade open house begins at 4:20 p.m. and 5 p.m.
August 8
Open house for the 2016-2017 school year from 12 -7 p.m.
August 8
Freshman Orientation 6 p.m. at Tallassee High School.
July 31
BACK TO SCHOOL: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka will be hosting our Annual “Back -2- School Bash on July 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on this event, please contact the church office 334-5674729 or visit our website www.calvarybaptistwetumpka.org
August 13
Beulah Baptist Church will hold the Annual Teachers Luncheon on Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. In order to honor the Reeltown School Teachers and Aides and some other teachers from surrounding school systems.
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.
ONGOING EVENTS POOL SEASON: The Tallassee Pool season for 2016 will end Saturday, July 30. Hours of operation will be MondaySaturday from 1pm-5pm. Daily pass is $3 per day and individual pass is $45, family pass for up to 4 in same household is $60 and 5 or more $75 for season. First session of swim lessons for ages 4 and up (must be 4 by time of lesson) will begin June 13-June 24, Second session will be June 27 –July 8 (closed July 4) Third session will be July 11-22. Registration fee for Tiny Tots is $55 and Levels 1-6 will be $65. You may register at Recreation Department until Thursday, May 26 and after May 26 please register at pool. WATER AEROBICS: Water Aerobics classes will go thru July 28th. Classes will be each Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:00 pm at the City Pool. No need to register...just pay $3 each day you exercise. Lap swimming will also be available during that time if you do not want to participate in the aerobic class. SWIM LESSONS: First session of swim lessons for ages 4 and up (must be 4 by time of lesson) will run through June 24. Second session will be June 27 –July 8 (closed July 4) Third session will be July 11-22. Registration fee for Tiny Tots is $55 and Levels 1-6 will be $65. You may register at Recreation Department until Thursday, May 26 and after May 26 please register at pool. 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 sixty-five 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. TENNIS LESSONS: Grassroots Tennis Association will be offering (8) Weeks of Free Tennis Lessons this Summer throughout the rural and inner city underprivileged communities. A player can become a recipient of Free Tennis Lessons by contacting this organization before (May 27th, 2016) by calling (334-439-8198). SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Readers of all age will explore all thing sports and fitness this summer as Wetumpka Public Library presents “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read” during their summer library program. The 2016 Summer Library Program is open to young people, preschool, through young adult, with programs, prize drawings, story times and more. Preschool Story Time for infant through those entering kindergarten is on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. this is a year round program. Summer program for those entering first through sixth grade will meet Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center beginning June 14 – July 26. The Teen Program for those entering seventh and up will meet Thursday afternoons beginning June 16 – July 28 in the Library for movies. Registration begins May 2, 2016. You may download a registration form from our website: www.wetumpkalibrary.com or come in for a copy. For more information you may call 334-567-1308. Find us on Facebook. All programs are free. SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Highway 231 Saturday Night Jamboree at the Alabama League of the South Cultural Center Building at 12814 Highway 231 North in Wetumpka. There will be country, gospel, and rock and roll music in a good atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be line dancing, no alcohol, no smoking and no charge. Donations accepted for upkeep of the building. Contact Ray Funderburk at R&R Music and things at 334-991-4682 or 224-8509804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET: First Saturday, March-December, 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.
We are READY to BUY your
Merchandise (P r o d u c t ) If you have any product (listed at right) you want to sell retailers or dealer company contact us now!
Email: promopromosale@gmail.com or murayhard100@gmail.com
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 334-578-9485 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 334313-1646. 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/. 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.
Pets Electronic Agriculture Equipment Horses/Tack Livestock Exotic Animals Equipment Furniture Miscellaneous Antiques/Collectibles Automotive Parts & Accessories Clothing Bicycles Children/Toys Gold Coins/Hobbies Exercise Equipment Musical Instruments Air Conditioning/Heating Jewelry Motorcycle Parts & Accessories Crafts Firewood Food Gifts Plumber Equipment Fishing Equipment Fitness Equipment Building Materials Clothes Washer/Dryers Appliances Farm Equipment Caterpillar Parts
PAGE 8 • JULY 20, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
ALL ABOUT HORSES
HORSE WORD FIND
For centuries, horses have been an important part of human society. They have been used for work purposes, transportation, sports, and for show. Until the automobile became available to all people, horses were a major source of transportation. Today, the power of an automobile is still referred to as its “horsepower.” There are many different breeds of horses, but they are divided into three main categories: ponies, light horses, and heavy horses. A pony is a small horse with shorter legs and a stout body. Ponies are very strong for their size and are good horses for riding training. A light horse is a horse that is typically fast and nimble. Thoroughbreds, the elite racing horses, are light horses. A heavy horse, also known as a draft horse, is a larger horse, mostly used for work, such as the large Clydesdale. Perhaps the most famous horse is the white Lipizzaner. These horses are known for their graceful movements, and when trained well, they almost appear to be dancing. Many of them are white in color, although they can dark as well. The largest horses in the world today are draft horses, such as the Clydesdales, Belgians, and the Shires. The smallest horse known today is the Falabella from Argentina. Horses are popular among children. The rocking horse is a very old toy still enjoyed today. Ornate and colorful replicas of horses are made for carousels and for some children the ultimate pet would be a pony. Horses have also been at the center of many works of literature, such as The Black Stallion and Black Beauty. A horse represents the Knight piece on a chessboard.
HORSE CROSSWORD Across Clues:
5. Horse replicas go around on this. 8. Largest horses in the World. 7KRURXJKEUHGV DUH FODVVL¿HG DV" Down Clues: 1. What are the most prized horses in WKH :RUOG" 2. A classic novel written about a horse. $ VPDOO VL]HG KRUVH LV FDOOHG D ZKDW" 4. Large work horses are in which FODVVL¿FDWLRQ RI KRUVH"
6. A horse represents this piece on a chess board. $Q HQJLQH¶V SRZHU LV UDWHG LQ ZKDW" 9. The smallest horse breed in the World. Crossword Ans: Across-5)carousel 8) Belgian Draft 10)Light Down- 1)Lipizzaner 2)Black Beauty 3)Pony 4)Heavy 6)Knight 7)Horsepower 9)Falabella
Andalusian, Appaloosa, Arabian, Boer Pony, Brandenburger, Buckskin, Clydesdale, Finnhorse, Lipizzaner, Minature, Mustang, Paint, Palomino, Pinto Horse, Quarter Horse, Saddlebred, Thoroughbred, Welsh Pony, White Horse 1.
CONNECT THE DOTS
2.
HORSE WORD SCRAMBLE
1. LEYLDACES __________ 2. ARPILZEPIN __________ 3. OBDTHOHRUEGR ___________
Answers: 1)Clydesdale 2)Lipizzaner 3) Thoroughbred
3.
Unscramble the letters WR ¿QG ZKDW type of horse is shown.
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Edgewood tries out for All-Star squad
Chief Justice Roy Moore speaks to Republican Club of Central Alabama STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
At the July RCCA meeting at the Bass Pro Shop in Prattville, the crowd enthusiastically welcomed former Chief Justice Moore. He began speaking with “The most important part of our government is the Legislature. Why? Because they make laws. Judges do not make laws.” “But today we have judges who are making laws. I am not afraid to speak the truth against those who are declaring themselves the Law of the Land,” continued Justice Moore. “ I have a copy of the Constitution for each one of you. On page 62, Article 6 says that The Constitution shall be the supreme Law of the Land. Yet, the 11th Circuit or any Federal Judge today can overturn an
Submitted / The Herald
Edgewood Academy cheerleaders perform a stunt while rising senior captains Avery Johnson (bottom left) and Caity Jo Lee (bottom right) try out for the Alabama Independent School Association All-Star Squad during the AISA East Cheer Camp Monday at Huntingdon College. The Wildcat cheerleaders battled 10 other AISA schools in the Home Pom Competition earlier in the day. Final competitions and awards presentation will be Thursday at Huntingdon.
JULY 20, 2016 • Page 11
Alabama Supreme Court ruling thereby declaring themselves the law of the land.” “The Declaration of Independence is designated as one of the Organic Laws of the United States of America and serves as our Charter of Incorporation, declaring our right to exist by the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” RCCA members questioned Justice Moore about the status of the case involving the Court of the Judiciary that has temporarily suspended him. He explained that the Judicial Inquiry Commission is trying to spin his January 2016 administrative order as defying the federal courts. But that order simply stated that the Alabama Supreme Court’s orders from March 2015 were still in effect and the Court is still deliberating on the case.
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LOCAL PLAYERS GEAR UP FOR NORTH-SOUTH ALL-STAR GAME
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Left, Wetumpka running back Rod Thrasher, playing at defensive back with the South All-Star team, works through cornerback drills at South practice Monday at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery. Right, Wetumpka defensive back Ty Humphrey sights in a pass during the South team’s practice.
By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
One more time to have fun. One more time to find that Friday night feeling. That’s what a trio of local players have found this week, practicing with the 37-person South squad in preparation for the 57th annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game, kicking off Thursday at 7 p.m. at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. Elmore County star running back Kell Floyda and Wetumpka cornerback Ty Humphrey reported for the showcase Sunday, hitting the football field for the first time in eight months, while Wetumpka’s Rod Thrasher was an AllStar game late addition on Monday. Stanhope Elmore standout and Troy University signee B.J. Smith was
selected to the North-South Game, but elected not to participate. Voted by his teammates as a team captain, Humphrey guided a young Indian secondary – the unit’s lone upperclassmen – in 2015 before suffering a season-ending knee injury midway through the season. “It’s been a minute for me because I tore my MCL and PCL during the season,” Humphrey, who plans to walkon at Troy, said Monday at practice. “It feels good to be back on here, have fun, to have at least one more time to be on the field. “Watching (my teammates) on the field on Friday nights wasn’t the same. This gives me one more opportunity to have fun, be a part of a team. It’ll be great to have the decal back on (my helmet), hadn’t had one in a while. Represent Wetumpka and do the best we can. We’ve got to that ‘W’ on
Thursday.” Floyd amassed 1,636 yards on offense and scored 18 total touchdowns for his senior campaign. At the free safety position on defense, the 5-foot10, 160-pound athlete paced the Panthers with 61 tackles and had one interception, two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Garnering First-Team All-Area honors at running back this season, Floyd said Monday he was happy to be able to showcase his talents with some of the state’s best. “They’re good, I’m good,” Floyd, the Lenoir Rhyne (Hickory, N.C.) signee who leaves Aug. 9, said. “I just hope the South get the ‘W.’ I just got to get my legs back under me, get back used to it, and keep on moving because there’s a lot of talent out here. I just need to showcase my talents. It’s just fun. To be with the other greats, just
being able to be out here, have fun. “It was great for me to get back used to running. I think I’m going to be ready for the college level.” Initially not on the roster, Thrasher fielded a call from Wetumpka head football coach Tim Perry Monday morning with an offer to join the South team. Thrasher, who will play defensive back for the first time since eighthgrade in the showcase game, didn’t hesitate. “I was just happy. I didn’t think I’d get to play at first; I really wanted to play,” Thrasher, who plans to attend Alabama A&M before joining the military, said. “It’s fun meeting new people and playing with them. Getting a different experience with a bunch of other people. “I’m excited. Anything to make me feel like I’m back on Friday nights I’ll get excited.”
BORN SWIMMERS The Wetumpka Water Moccasins Swim Team hosted a meet with fellow local YMCA teams Saturday morning at the Wetumpka YMCA. Photos by Cory Diaz / The Herald
Submitted / The Herald
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