McKissick commits to Wallace State
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • JULY 30-31, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 29
Community questions MLK center progress By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
An issue that has been long simmering but never resolved and has appeared to remain largely untouched amid development of other city projects is set to be brought up again at the next city council meeting Monday. Those at the core of the renovations and construction to the Dr. Martin Luther King Recreation and Multicultural Center still differ greatly with city officials and their views on why more has not been done on the grounds of the facility. On Friday, the director of public works Tex Grier
said work is ongoing at the location and is focused on the football fields, which he said are being formed through a partnership between the city and the county. He said the council voted to make the football field the priority and is expecting the foundation to be ready within roughly three weeks, at which point construction on infrastructure projects at the site would begin such as a concession stand. There is roughly $625,000 left of the original amount designated for the work, of what was detailed in a council meeting in May to be roughly $6,000,000 set for the upgrades and construction to the projects at both locations. Grier also said a water line was in the works to be run through the property and he was working with the
city’s Water Works Department to develop it, which he estimated would take nearly a month and a half to complete. On Thursday, Council Member Percy Gill, of District 2, said he would bring the topic up again at the next meeting. The issue had been stressed on multiple occasions over a number of meetings by Gill earlier this year. Gill said he wanted clarity on why work had taken so long on the project and requested an explanation as to why the managing company, which he said was hired to oversee the completion of the project, and specifically the football field, seemed to have stopped work on the See CENTER • Page 3
Grant money allotted for 3-mile bridge trail
Paranormal investigators tackle local museum
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A city statement announced that a $175,000 grant for a pedestrian bridge had been awarded to the city, and was to be met by city funds for what was said to be a potential cost of $300,000. According to a press release, the grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help fund the construction of a 10-foot wide bridge, which will be the second phase of the “Wetumpka Riverwalk” project. In a Friday interview Tex Grier, the public works director with the city, said the bridge was part of a proposed trail, See BRIDGE • Page 7
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
William Carroll / The Herald
The Tyler family are part of the 45-50 volunteers who help out at the Elmore County Food Pantry each week. Here they are preparing recycled bags for use by the pantry. Pictured are Bennett, 8, Bailey, 10, Gabe, 2, Blakely, 6 and mother Lindsay. The pantry is now looking for a new director as current director Richard Deem was named as the CEO of the Montgomery Area Food Bank.
Deem to take over Montgomery Area Food Bank By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
Elmore County Food Pantry Director, Richard Deem, has recently been selected to serve as the CEO of the Montgomery Area Food Bank, located in Montgomery. This appointment is effective August 8.
During a recent retirement dinner for the retiring Executive Director Parke Hinman, remarked: “We had in excess of 130 applications for this job. The selection committee had the arduous task of reducing that list to the top five. I believe we have selected the best of the best.” See FOOD BANK • Page 2
New teachers receive supply donations By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
Starting a new school year for a new teacher can be daunting, not only because of the unfamiliar environment, but also due to the requirements of having the necessary supplies for your classroom. The Elmore County Farmers Federation Women’s Committee helped with the latter need Thursday by providing a bag filled with supplies for some 70 Elmore County teachers. William Carroll / The Herald Chairperson Betty Barrett said that the group has been providing for teachers and Teachers and representatives of the Elmore County Farmers Fedstudents for many years as part of their eration Women’s Committee pose with bags provided by ECFFSee TEACHERS • Page 7 WC Thursday morning in Wetumpka.
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The big screen might not be the only place you see ghosts this summer as area paranormal investigators are checking out area hot spots in search of paranormal activity. Thursday night Central Alabama Paranormal Investigations came to the Elmore County Museum in downtown Wetumpka to investigate the building for possible supernatural activity. Father and son team Johnny and Corey Rushing along with team member Mike Mock, Jamie Young with the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, Museum Curator Sharon Kilpatrick and Wetumpka Herald staff all descended on the building late Thursday evening. CAPI, which was founded June 6, 2005 by Johnny Rushing, is a nonprofit Christian organization which has performed over 200 investigations See GHOSTS • Page 3
City put on notice over ‘constitutional rights’ violation By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The city was served an affidavit by Lynnwood Keith Golden warning of potential legal action, and a notice that he is seeking damages exceeding $100,000 over claims resulting from the actions of the Wetumpka Police Department in the filming incident, which took place in June. An attorney with Golden’s legal team said they had filed a notice of claim against the city and See LAWSUIT • Page 7
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Food Bank
Obituaries
continued from page 1
Ozell Withers Ruttan Ruttan, Ozell Withers, born on October 17, 1922, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Gordon J. Ruttan, Jr.; her parents, Wesley and Arlean Withers; her broth- Ruttan ers, Wesley and Frances “Buck” Withers; her sisters, Mary Ringwalt, Lois Sanborn, and June Carbone: and grandson, Robert Paul “Bobby” Hines. She is survived by her children, Marion (Glenn) Harris, Sarah (Anthony) Eubanks, and Gordon J. “Butch” (Mikki) Ruttan Ill; her brother Bob (Barbara) Withers; her grandchildren, Arlean (Mel) Schaefers, Glenda (Rich) Reilly, Amanda “Mandi” (Ronnie) Davis, Skye (James) Bridgman, Brooke (Andy) Wellander, Caleb (Hannah) Hawk, Lauren (Keith) Harris; her great-grandchildren, Robert (Kelly) Schaefers, Kathryn (Richard) Neese, Tyler and Eli Davis, Liam Bridgman, and Lyla Harris; and her great-great-grandchildren, Amelia, Isabel, and Thomas Neese. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life next Saturday, August 6, 2016. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., with the service immediately following at Harmony United Methodist Church, located at 8000 Titus Road, Titus, AI. 36080. Dr. John M. Brannon will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Centerpoint Fellowship Church Missions Fund at 2050 Commerce Street, Millbrook, AI. 36054
Deem expressed how humbled he is to have been chosen to continue to move the MAFB forward. “This has been a very difficult decision for Marcia and me,” Deem said. “We’ve been blessed to spend a lot of time and energy here at the Elmore County Food Pantry over the last four plus years. Our volunteers and clients have become family to us. We believe with the continual leadership and support of our Board of Directors, this ministry will continue to grow. The board is blessed to have Larry Dozier serving as its president.” The MAFB is currently responsible for providing food to 35 of Alabama’s 67 counties, including Elmore County. Last year it distributed over 23,000,000 pounds of food to the needy. Presently, the ECFP is the second largest agency procuring food from the MAFB. “We are the model used by the food bank when other agencies are considering involvement with the MAFB,” Deem said. “It is my belief that we have yet to scratch the surface relative to hunger alleviation. We know that there are over 11,400 Elmore Countians who are currentMany a
been
small thing
ly defined as ‘food insecure.’ That simply means many of them don’t know where their next meal is coming from. We have a moral obligation to rise to the occasion.” Dozier said that the search is on for a new director and the food pantry already has a few feelers out in search of the right person for the position. “We would like to have a retired minister or a lay person with some form of ministry experience,” Dozier said. The new director will be in charge of a large-scale operation. Dozier said that the pantry has some 45 to 50 volunteers who perform a variety of duties including stocking shelves, working in the warehouse, serving customers and performing other duties. The food pantry is a 6,300square-foot facility that was acquired in February 2015. It serves between 480 and 520 families a month. Dozier said that the pantry provides approximately 300,000 pounds of food each year. The pantry, which serves every zip code in Elmore County, receives funding from individuals, companies, churches and grants. According to Dozier, the food pantry receives no public
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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.
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 334-567-4729 or visit our website www.calvarybaptistwetumpka.org CATHMAGBY BAPTIST CHURCH: The Cathmagby Baptist Church will be honoring the life of Pastor John W. Smoke, husband of Commissioner Stephanie Daniels Smoke at 10:00 am.
August 1-4
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funds. The organization is currently in the middle of a capital campaign to raise funds to pay off the pantry’s building so that more funds can be dedicated to provide food for those in need. Dozier said that contributions could be provided at the pantry’s office located at 575 W. Boundary Street
in Wetumpka or at P.O. Box 384, Wetumpka. As the food pantry is a non-profit entity, donations are tax deductible. The pantry is open Tuesday through Saturday the first three weeks of the month and Tuesday through Friday the last week of the month. The pantry can be reached at (334) 567-3232.
Area Calendar
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William Carroll / The Herald
Volunteers Tinniney Thomas (left) and David Roberts stock shelves at the Elmore County Food Pantry Friday morning.
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 4-7
SUMMER REVIVAL: Summer revival at 7 p.m. nightly August 7 11 a.m. only at First Missionary Baptist Church located at 5021 Airport Road Millbrook. Guest
speaker will be Bro. Cliff Stever pastor from Yarbrough Street Baptist Church in Montgomery. Special singing nightly: Thursday – Christopher Gregory, Friday – The Dennis Family, Saturday – Calvary’s Call. Congregational music will be led nightly by Micky Conway and also on Sunday morning. Everyone is welcome. For more info, contact: Rex Weldon 558-6349.
begins at 3 p.m. Fourth grade open house begins at 4:20 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
August 8
Open house for the 2016-2017 school year from 12:00 -7:00 p.m.
August 8
Freshman Orientation 6:00 p.m. at Tallassee High School.
August 7
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Wall Street AME Zion Church, 71 Zion Street of Tallassee, Alabama, will celebrate 136 years of ministry August 7. A homecoming program is being prepared to commemorate this joyous occasion. Members, former members, family, and friends are cordially invited to attend. The program will begin at 2:30 p.m. The speaker for the occasion will be LaBrian Stewart, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Keith Stewart. LaBrian is one of our own. He is an accomplished student athlete and professional educator and currently serves as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Northview High School, Dothan, Alabama. CONCERT: Lebanon Baptist Church in Titus will host Heartline in concert at 6 p.m.
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 1:00 p.m. Second grade open house begins at 1:40 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.. Third grade open house
August 13
TEACHER’S LUNCHEON: Beulah Baptist Church will hold the Annual Teachers Luncheon on August 13 at 1 p.m. In order to honor the Reeltown School Teachers and Aides and some other teachers from surrounding school systems.
August 16
TUESDAYS WITH KELLY: What You See, Is What You Get at the next Tuesdays with Kelly meeting when Jason Powell of Petals from the Past will give a Container Gardening Demonstration. Come to this “lunch and learn” event at noon on the third Tuesday of each month at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 408 South Main Street in Wetumpka, Alabama Bring a sack lunch, drinks and desserts provided. Free, Open to the Public, Fun, Music and Door Prizes.
August 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 334283- 8172.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Center
continued from page 1
grounds, which he said began around 4 years ago. Gill said he had initially proposed a partnership with the county board of education to construct a track which could be used by local schools and that would double as a little league football field. Recently a summer program was held at the MLK Recreation Center and sponsored by the Wetumpka Police Department. At a recent city council meeting Wetumpka police official had inadvertently acknowledged the conditions of the center in talking about “the shape” the building was in. The WPD sergeant who directed the six-week program at the facility for local youth said the event went smoothly in the Rec Center and made no complaints. However, the leader of a local group which convenes at the center twice a month said it was well overdue for changes. “The city I believe is guilty of denial and neglect in terms of … doing what it should do to make that one complex if you will, with MLK maintaining its identity but upgrades need to be there,” said Bobby Mays, president of the Elmore County NAACP. He said the distinction between the work going
area. Gill said one of the parties in the contract had dishonored the terms, whether that was the city or the company it had signed with, CPM, or Capital Program Management out of Homewood. He said during the beginning phases of the project he had “walked them through” the needs at the MLK Center over a period of days. Initial plans were only set for expansions to baseball and softball fields at the sports complex, and reports from 2013 indicate Gill said he would only agree to the project if work were done simultaneously to the MLK Center grounds and facilities. Grier said work was coming along according to plan, however, and plans had been changed by the entities leasing the properties on the MLK grounds and by Gill in requests he had made regarding the football field and its specifications. He said initial demolition had begun on the property by removing basketball court areas in order to develop the plans which been drawn up for the area and laid out in a conceptual rendering. The football field, Grier said, was a secondary installment to the original plans for the changes to the
Ghosts since its inception. Rushing said that he has actually been involved in studying the paranormal since he was 8 years old based upon an incident in his childhood. Rushing said he formed his first paranormal team when he was 15 years old. Rushing, who has a masters degree in psychology said it is the little things in a paranormal investigation that interest him. “Investigations are nothing like what you see on TV,” he said. Rushing said when he first started he was using pretty primitive equipment by today’s standards. “I had one of those big video cameras you actually had to carry on your shoulders and I used a Polaroid camera to take pictures,” he said. Now his team sports modern technology including computers, video equipment cameras, voice recorders and an electromagnetic field meter known as a K2. Rushing said that the group does not pay anyone or charge for its services and that they were trying to spread awareness of paranormal activity. Thursday night was not the group’s first foray into Wetumpka. According to group members, CAPI has already investigated the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, which garnered a rare designation from Rushing. “I have been doing this for 32 years and it (the Chamber building) is the first place I’ve ever ruled as haunted,” he said. Son Corey Rushing said the chamber was the first place he has ever been in where there was instant evidence of a possible haunting. He noted that often it takes significant time and patience to turn up evidence. Corey Rushing said that when his team does an investigation he prefers not to know too many facts about the possible haunting. As a student of history, however, he said he likes to get a feel for the history of the place. During the preinvestigation period, Corey Rushing was asking quite a few questions of Kilpatrick and touring both the upstairs portion of the museum, which is open to the public, and the lower level of the museum, which is currently not open to the public. As the investigation progressed, the lower level of the structure provided the most interesting moments.
JULY 30-31, 2016 • Page 3
continued from page 1
CAPI team members use small hand-held flashlights as a way to attempt to communicate with potential spirits. Members ask questions and then request that spirits either make sounds or manipulate flashlights in some way in response to questions. Several times the flashlights appeared to turn on and off of their own accord in response to questions, William Carroll / The Herald specifically in the fallout shelter portion of the Central Alabama Paranormal Investigations team members and museum downstairs. guests discuss strategies for the investigation at the Elmore County CAPI team members Museum Thursday evening. then spent significant the month of October. “Now the hard part amounts of time Young said there may be begins,” Johnny Rushing documenting through additional investigations said. “We have to go audio and video recording back and analyze all of in other downtown the area. the data we collected and locations in the coming The investigation months. see what we find.” proceeded from around The investigation sunset until 10 p.m. Team is part of a project to members said that the ascertain sites around investigation though is Wetumpka for a potential not complete. Haunted History tour in
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into the sports complex versus the MLK Center was evident. “The place is in desperate need of painting. Where we hold our meeting looks like it’s been there for hundreds of years,” said Mays. “And now you’ve built this multimillion dollar project next door which is a beautiful product. I applaud the city.” He said he felt the city, and in particular the mayor, was looking for ways to stall or halt advance on the project to the MLK Center side of the properties, both owned by the city. Gill also made no attempt to hide what he thought was at the root of the projects indiscernible progress. He said the mayor finds ways, like funding, to get projects done, which he wanted to invest in, and Gill said it was based on demographics. Gill said he squarely lays the blame on the mayor, who he said finds “strategic” ways to avoid work on certain projects, while only giving lip service to the issues.
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 The Wetumpka Herald
Page 4 • JULY 30-31, 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
We are leaving behind traditional moral values The recent dialogue concerning the playing of “Amazing Grace” at Holtville High football games during halftime brings to the fore the waning support of religion in America. As a nation, we are on a slippery slope leaving behind traditional moral values. The Founding Fathers of our country would be appalled if they could see the condition of our country now. In fact, our grandparents would also be appalled because our decline has occurred so rapidly. God is being removed on all fronts. Thankfully, we at least still have reference to God on our currency. “Amazing Grace” is to be played by the school band, but not sung. As such, without words, it does not necessarily present a Christian message. The same music could be combined with a different set of words to produce a completely different song. Some recording artists, such as Johnny Cash, have used the same music for two different songs. The playing of “Amazing Grace” may be interpreted as evangelism by those who wish to receive it in this way, or it could be received by others as having no special significance. Dr. Andre Harrison first canceled the playing of this piece because one person, I believe, objected to it. Dr. Harrison then reversed his decision because he received many communications from people who wanted the piece played. He responded to the will of the vast majority. That is democracy. That is what we do in America. There has been mention of the possibility of a lawsuit brought against the school because some allege that playing the piece is contrary to the concept of separation of church and state. If a lawsuit were to be brought, someone from the community would need to be the plaintiff. I doubt that anyone in Holtville would be willing to become a social pariah by flying in the face of the majority of folks and attempting to cause financial hardship to the defendant. Hopefully, this matter is now settled. The music will be played, and all parties can accept Dr. Harrison’s decision.
T
If you are broke. . . start a lottery
he headline is a bit tongue-incheek, but it is an accurate portrayal of the current state of affairs here in Alabama. Recently, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley called a special session to discuss giving Alabama citizens the right to vote on a statewide lottery. In the initial press release, Bentley said “The State of Alabama has not and cannot, at this time, pay for the most basic services we must provide to our people.” Specifically referencing Medicaid and other state shortfalls, Bentley has called on legislators to approve a measure to put a lottery vote before the citizens. First, a lottery is generally a good idea. Most states already have some form of lottery and it is an effective way to tax a “vice” and allow the government to garner funds without raising taxes on those of us who will
WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
not participate in such activities. To those who espouse moral, religious or ethical reasons against such a measure, the reality is you cannot legislate morality, nor should you. If people want to spend their money on the very off chance they may become infinitely wealthy, who are you to tell them they cannot? Judgmental moralizing has always made for bad policy. If you don’t like lotteries don’t buy lottery tickets. Alabamians already buy lottery tickets in droves, especially when the jackpot increases significantly. The money spent on those tickets goes to fill other state’s coffers while
Alabama gets left with generally poorer residents. There really is no reason that the state should avoid a lottery when the state can raise funds for use in paying its bills. That being said, a lottery will not be the silver bullet to kill the budget deficit. The fact that the state is in dire financial straights is the fault of the governor and the legislature. The reality is that the poor fiscal management that created this problem must be solved prior to instituting any stopgap measures. The reason of course is simple. If the poor management isn’t corrected then these additional funds will eventually be wasted as well, meaning the state might have to legalize other vices in order to make ends meet. There are only so many vices under the sun and eventually we will run out of money taxing them all if a solution is not found.
I am always amazed at how state and local governmental leaders will complain about waste at the federal level when they can’t keep their own pocket books in line, especially when a state like Alabama, which is a net taking state, gets many more federal dollars than its taxpayers contribute. We perhaps should feel lucky that states like California and New York exist to give away more money to the feds than they receive in investments. If not for that Alabama would be deeper in the hole, if we had to rely solely on the taxes provided by state residents. The reality is our fiscal management is atrocious here in Alabama and probably will not get any better. But hey if you are broke, start a lottery. Carroll is the managing editor of The Herald.
John Hazel Deatsville
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 360920099. 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 steve.baker@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
On local, national levels we’re stronger together
I
n this state, particularly this time of year, we’re fond of our football analogies. With that in mind, let’s look at offensive line play. If there were no blocking scheme, if each lineman were left to do as he wished, the running game would find little success and the passer would be under constant duress. But with a scheme, with each man blocking in a fashion that is dependent and reliant on his teammate doing his part, the yards will pile up more steadily. In short, the offensive line is stronger together. The same is true in our government, regardless of the level. And there’s no better time than now for us to bear that in mind. Locally, we’ve seen the relationships of our civic officials become so strained that punches were infamously thrown. Our mayor and council were plastered in newspapers from coast to coast – for all the wrong reasons. And embarrassment is the least of the results of such public animus. We’ve heard from our president of the Chamber of Commerce how this makes his job more difficult. The same, I’m sure, is true with our Economic Development Alliance. And though both entities have worked hard and had success in bringing much-needed jobs to our area, we are not
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
fully recovered on the job front yet. But we can get there. And our efforts will be stronger, more convincing to potential employers, when our city officials work together to solve the city’s problems. It follows that our job-recruitment efforts will be stronger still when the city, the chamber and the EDA work together. Nationally, we have endured one of the most polarizing election seasons in recent memory, if not ever. It seems that our citizenry is being pulled apart at a time when – with ISIS at work in the world, with the growing strains of both police brutality and a disrespect for law enforcement – we should be coming together to forge plans to effectively fight both our enemies and our ills. We should realize that we are stronger together and that it serves only political parties to cultivate polarizing differences. Who you root for in this election is not important to me. Yes, I have my opinion and it’s a strong one. But, more than anything, I’d like to see Americans of all races, creeds, colors and
religions come together to bring pressure to bear on our elected officials to let them know that we are, indeed, stronger together – that we want to work together to solve our problems and that we’ve elected them to lead us. They should be statesmen who lead a conversation, not dividers who dictate it. Our political differences, unless we’re willing to work to solve them, only serve to divide us. And if ever there was a time when our division does us a disservice, it is now, at this crucial point in our history. Here’s what I would ask of you: Vote your conscience, both locally and nationally. But once your vote is cast, commit to working with those that are elected – regardless of political affiliation – and with your fellow Americans to help get the job of making America an even better place to live done. It may mean that you do things that you don’t want to do, but that are needed for our country to grow stronger. We did not want to go to war in December of 1941. But when we were drawn into it by those bombs that targeted our family members at Pearl Harbor, we committed to the job. Our men went to the battlefields and our women stayed behind building the instruments that would help us win that war. We worked together. And we were stronger that way.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Lawsuit were preparing to move forward. His case had also been picked up by the ACLU, from which a civil case could emerge after Golden was cleared of criminal charges when a grand jury found there to be no case to pursue earlier this month, and issued a no-bill verdict. Golden raises roughly seven allegations against the city in the WPD’s treatment of him, following the initial filming event and a subsequent arrest and property search. A line from the affidavit reads, “I (Golden) am putting the City of Wetumpka, Alabama on notice for my claims of conspiracy, negligence, wantonness, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, outrage, assault and battery.” An attorney with the Alabama chapter of the ACLU, Randall Marshall, signed the affidavit dated July 20. Marshall said he, and the ACLU, are part of the legal team representing Golden along with Dustin Fowler, of a Dothan based firm, Buntin, Etheredge & Fowler. In a phone call, Marshall spoke briefly about Alabama law and the reason for the affidavit. He said a claim against a municipality required a written notice six months prior to further legal action.
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
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Golden states in the affidavit that around June 2 he was recording the “exterior” of the WPD, when he was approached by officers and then produced information “as required by and in compliance with the applicable law,” when asked. However, the statement continues, that even when he complied an officer grabbed his arm, “twisted it,” and forced it behind his back, then confiscated his camera. It goes on to mention his arrest, and the seizure of his property from his father’s Coosada residence. “The actions complained of were in total disregard of my rights, were excessive, willful, reckless and/or negligent and undertaken for the purpose of harassment and intimidation,” Golden stated. According to the document Golden said he was “summarily arrested,” and deprived of his “liberty and property,” being “punished and harmed without due process of law.” He said he was also a victim of “deliberate indifference” on the part of the city its employees, and the WPD and its officers. Attempts were made to reach city attorney, Regina Edwards, at her Wetumpka office, however no contact had been made by the time of publishing this article.
JULY 30-31, 2016 • Page 7
Bridge
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which would connect the sports complex to Ft. Toulouse. The extension, the document reads, will create a roughly three-mile pathway from the complex to a bike path on Ft. Toulouse Road, and was necessary, it stated, to cross a ravine. A description of the bridge was given in the document, and said, “The bridge will be similar to those installed during Phase 1, behind the Wetumpka Civic Center.” It went on to say that the route, described as “meandering,” was chosen due to natural characteristics such as “steep slopes” and to retain natural “hardwood tree” in the area. A material description of the bridge was also given in the press release. “It will be surfaced with decomposed
granite, a material that has been billed as an ideal hardscape material for landscaping projects because it is natural, permeable and inexpensive,” the document stated. Mayor Jerry Willis was quoted as saying the project began around 10 years ago, and he anticipated it would aide in tourism efforts due to its location near the Piedmont Birding Trail. The City’s Planning and Program Director, David Robison, was listed as the primary contact for the project. According to release Robison said an environmental assessment would need to be conducted first, and might take “a couple of months” to complete.
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mission to help improve area schools. Barrett, along with Jennie Barrett prepared some 70 bags, which included a variety of supplies teachers could use in their classrooms. According to Jennie Barrett the bags include items such as: file folders, clip boards, pencils, staplers, sticky notes, paper clips, dry erase markers, tape, an alpha calendar and bookmarks. Betty Barrett said this is just part of the group’s school outreach. “We have also given coloring books to
each student in kindergarten, bookmarks to every student and five scholarships for Elmore County students,” Betty Barrett said. Jennie Barrett said the group has also ordered books for area school libraries and provided magazine subscriptions to area high schools. Both ladies said the focus is on providing information regarding agriculture and agriculture-related programs so that children are exposed to the importance of the field.
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TheWetumpkaHerald.com
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
McKissick commits to Wallace State By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Her first collegiate visit and workout equaled her first collegiate offer and commitment for Sydney McKissick. The Wetumpka rising senior outfielder gave Wallace State Community College-Hanceville her verbal pledge last Thursday, immediately after impressing the coaching staff during a workout. “Me and my mom were leaving campus, and the coach called and asked us to turn around so they could talk to me, and my heart began to race,” McKissick said in a phone interview Thursday. “I didn’t know what to do. We walked inside the Bailey Center, and the coach told me I was a great player and they thought I could be an asset to the team. They offered me a full-ride scholarship to Wallace State. I was just so happy that somebody wanted me to play softball for them.” During her workout, McKissick said she wasn’t completely sure she was performing well enough to get an offer. But once she got it, it was an easy decision athletically and academically. “I felt like I could’ve done a little
better with my hitting, but other then that, I felt good about how I played and practiced with the other 11 girls that were there,” McKissick, who expects to play center or left field for the Lions, said. “I really like the campus. The campus was close together, the dorms are really nice, and they’ve got a new softball coach who seems really good and knows what he’s doing. “I’m going into nursing, and they allow you to go into that program while you play softball.” This past season McKissick hit .415, earning first-team All-Area honors. Starting slow, the slapper worked on her offensive game and finished 2016 with 26 RBIs and scored 33 runs. “At the beginning of the season, we lost so many games and I just told myself I’m tired of losing and somebody needed to step up if we wanted to win. I worked on stuff I needed to work on, and we started winning,” she said. It’s that type of work ethic that McKissick hopes to bring to Wallace State. “I think I’ll bring good leadership skills, good offensive skills and a good glove in the outfield.”
Crunkilton takes over Wetumpka wrestling program
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka outfielder Sydney McKissick verbally committed to Wallace State Community Colege-Hanceville last Thursday.
NEW SEASON, NEW STYLE
By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Being a young head coach may be hard, but David Crunkilton refuses to look at it that way. Stepping into his first head coaching job, taking over the Wetumpka High wrestling program, the 24-year-old isn’t shying away and knows there’ll be challenges. “If you had told me I’d be a head coach by 24, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Crunkilton Crunkilton said Friday. “I’m very honored (Wetumpka athletic director Tim Perry) trusted me and believed in me enough to offer me the position. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to see how the season turns out. “I’m really looking forward to everything coming my way this year. A lot of people say being a young head coach is hard, but I look at it as a challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow and I can get more experienced as fast as possible.” A Jacksonville State University graduate this past December, Crunkilton wrestled at Weaver, a prominent Class 3A wrestling school, before suffering a career-ending injury. “(Wetumpka’s) had three state champions in the last three years. I’ve heard about the Wetumpka program, I’ve kept up with it,” Crunkilton said. “I coached at Oxford last year and we were in the same region. I’ve known coach T.J. Graham and have been in contact with him. Wetumpka’s a very prestigious program and I’m really looking forward to working with a great group of guys. “I’ve met a few of the wrestlers. They’re really excited about the upcoming season. They heard I was the wrestling coach and came up to me and started talking to me. Very friendly and approachable. It’s pretty awesome that students look up to you and you haven’t done anything yet really and they have already expressed interest.” With the team’s recent success, Crunkilton said his main initial plan is individual improvement of Indian wrestlers. “My whole plan is first of all, see what the wrestlers already know and what they can improve on. I’m big on technique, speed and power,” he said. “I’m looking to improve based on the wrestler’s need. I’m hoping to come in and get as many people qualified for sectionals and get a good amount to state. “I want to bring technique and conditioning. I don’t want us to lose because we get too tired.”
Cory Diaz / The Herald
When it opens the 2016 season Friday, Aug. 19, Victory Baptist School will roll out its new set of uniforms, made by Russell Athletics. Rising freshman lineman V’anthony Phillips and senior quarterback/wide receiver Brandon Hollon modeled the new jerseys Tuesday at football practice.
Edgewood earns AISA President’s Award STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Independent School Association is pleased to announce that Edgewood Academy is the recipient of the AISA President’s Award for the 2015-2016 school year. The President’s Award was established by the AISA for the specific purpose of recognizing member schools that achieve academic excellence during the school year and it is
awarded to only one school per academic classification, which are based on student enrollment. The criteria for winning the AISA President’s Award includes achievement in all areas of school excellence such as: academic achievement, professional development, extra-curricular involvement, school improvement and other activities that celebrate excellence in education. In addition, this award also serves as a symbol of recognition to the individuals who have given unselfishly of their time to serve as president to the Alabama
Independent School Association. The AISA has been steadfast in its efforts since 1970 to maintain an organization of independently operated non-public schools that are rich in diversity, committed to academic excellence and deeply concerned about the growth and development of students. The association’s goal is to provide quality educational services and programs that ultimately serve to enrich the educational experiences of the students within its member schools.
FYI
2016-2017 FYI
2016
Your guide to all things Elmore County Annual publication of The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee Tribune and The Eclectic Observer
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District Attorney Randall Houston endorses George McCain for Mayor because of his pro-law enforcement and anti-crime record... And you should, too.
His accomplishments include: George McCain is a former reserve police officer with personal crime-fighting experience. Q George McCain replaced out-of-date police cars and put the Fire Department’s ladder truck back into use during his time as mayor. Q George McCain created the Police School Resource Officer position and the Drug Enforcement Department. Q George McCain secured grants for weather sirens and safe rooms in Tallassee. Q George McCain promises 100% support for law enforcement and firefighters so all citizens in our community may be protected and secure. Q
2016-2017 FYI
Welcome HOME
E
lmore County offers a warm “welcome home� to long-time residents and newcomers alike. Although the area is among the fastest-growing in the state, it retains its friendly, small town character – a trait treasured and nurtured by local citizens,organizations and officials.
The county is a mixture of larger cities, small towns, communities, rural areas, lakeside neighborhoods and more. Residents can enjoy atmospheres ranging from bustling venues packed with people to quiet retreats where nature reigns. These pages contain a wealth of information about the many facets of Elmore County. Readers can find interesting statistics about the area, learn where to go for a number of vital services and check on how to contact various government officials. In addition, there is information describing local attractions, annual events, restaurants,cultural offerings, parks, recreation possibilities and more. This publication is intended to be a useful guide readers can keep and use as a reference throughout the year.
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Your guide to all things Elmore County
Table of Contents On the cover: Coosa Whitewater Photo by Cory Diaz
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Staff
Welcome 3 Places of interest 6 Annual events 10 Area education 15
CHAIRMAN Kenneth Boone
Government 18 Industry 19 Emergency services 20 Making connections 21
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PUBLISHER Steve Baker EDITOR Mitch Sneed MANAGING EDITOR William Carroll
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CIRCULATION David Kendrick BOOKKEEPER Angela Mullins EDITORIAL STAFF Cory Diaz Corey Arwood COMPOSING STAFF Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Alethia Russell PRODUCTION MANAGER Lee Champion ADVERTISING STAFF Jayne Carr Molly Brethauer
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WORK HISTORY • Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy as administrator of continuing education programs. • Former Assistant Director of Leadership Development for the Alabama Association of School Boards EDUCATION HISTORY • Troy University graduate holding a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Political Science and Business Administration. • Will graduate Troy University in December with a Master’s
M
y promise to you, the voter, is to ensure Tallassee is both Àscally responsible and accountable; increase economic development
and Ànd ways to create additional jobs; create and utilize a strategic plan to allocate resource to where they are needed the most.
of Science degree in Management and Organizational Leadership
I also support: • Economic Growth and Development
PERSONAL HISTORY • Is married to Jake Hill, a
• Harnessing the strength of commuters
volunteer firefighter with the
• Growing a strong bottom line
Tallassee Fire Department. He is also a professional
• Creating an environment that fosters,
firefighter for the Department of Defense. • Two daughters, Meredith and Cadence, both attend Tallassee City Schools. Meredith is a freshman at THS. Cadence is a fourth-grader at TES.
• Smart marketing as a path to Lake Martin encourages and welcomes tourism • Making tough decisions that will beneÀt the town and its people. • Tallassee City Schools and giving our children access to the best facilities we can provide.
VOTE FOR SARAH AUGUST 23 334-415-3000 | sarahahill18@gmail.com Paid Political Advertisement by Sarah Hill for City Council Ward 2 103 Camellia Drive, Tallassee, AL 36078
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Places of INTEREST Gene Jones Antique Tractor Museum The museum, located at 3121 Park Court in Millbrook, houses more than 30 antique tractors of various makes and models along with tools, horse/mule pull plows and one of the largest collections in the Southeast of Indian artifacts from Alabama. Admission is free, but by appointment only. Call 334-285-1700 for an appointment.
Fort Toulouse/ Jackson Park Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park is the premiere tourist attraction not only in Wetumpka, but in Elmore County. Park events bring about 135,000 people to the city each year. The park site has been inhabited periodically since approximately 5000 B.C. when nomadic bands of Native American hunters traversed the area. In about 400 A.D., large hunting base camps were located there. Several mounds topped by ceremonial temples were built at the fort about 1000 A.D. The first European to explore the area was Hernando DeSoto. More than a century later – in 1717 – a French fort was constructed at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers and named Fort Toulouse. The fort was rebuilt by the French in 1751 – the cost accounting for half of France’s military budget for the entire Louisiana colony. After the French lost possession of the base in 1763 it fell into ruins. Andrew Jackson and the Tennessee Militia arrived in the area during the Creek Indian War. In April 1814 he visited the site and planned construction of a new fort. He returned in June to the completed fortification, by then named Fort Jackson. The fort became the first county seat of Montgomery County, and Jackson Town rose nearby. Residents later began to move downriver to Montgomery, and both the town and fort were abandoned by 1819. The Alabama Historical Commission gained possession of the park property in 1971, and archaeologists began excavations. More recently, 250 acres were purchased by the Forever Wild Program to be operated in conjunction with the park. The site of old Fort Jackson Town and Jackson Camp are within this acreage. Indications of prehistoric Indian mounds and village sites have also been discovered there. Today large portions of the forts have been reconstructed; and reenactments are held on a regular basis. Other features of the park include a campground with RV hook-ups, hiking trails, an arboretum, picnic areas, a boat ramp and a visitors center with museum and gift shop.
Jasmine Hill Gardens Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum is one of the oldest gardens in Alabama, and was originally the home of Ben and Mary Fitzpatrick. The couple transformed the Elmore County hillside with plantings and with Greek statuary they collected during their travels abroad. The more than 80-year-old gardens are home to an abundance of flowering trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants. A visitors center – in the guise of a full-scale replica of the Temple of Hera as it probably appeared during the first Olympic games in 776 B.C. – is also located on the grounds. In
addition, a reproduction of the temple’s ruins as they appear today is one of the site’s attractions. Jasmine Hill’s 20-acre gardens were closed to daily traffic in October 2002, but are now reopened to visitors for a limited period at the height of the blooming season each year.
Alabama Nature Center at Lanark Lanark Plantation in Millbrook is home to the Alabama Wildlife Federation. AWF’s Alabama Nature Center includes five miles of boardwalk hiking trails through the woods on the property. The trails are open to the public the third weekend of each month, and school groups can schedule special field trips to the site. Lanark was originally the home of Isabel and Wiley Hill. The couple moved there as newlyweds in 1948 and built a three-room house in a cornfield across a stream from the original antebellum home. They spent the next 50 years enlarging their house and creating the surrounding 30-acre garden. Wiley Hill died in 1995, and Isabel continued to care for their home and gardens until her death in 2001, when she left both houses, the gardens and the surrounding 300-plus acres to the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The original Lanark home began as a log cabin built by Peyton Bibb in 1827. The house passed to the Hill family, who continued to enlarge and expand the original building. In the late 1920s, Dr. Charles Thigpen, Wiley Hill’s grandfather, purchased the property. It was then passed down through the generations to Wiley and Isabel, who tended, improved and expanded Lanark, bringing it to its present state. The gardens represent a lifelong labor of love by the Hills. Centered on a formal lawn, Lanark’s gardens include wooded paths, streams, lakes, lawns and bridges. The gardens were designed as a year-round presentation, producing flowering fruit trees and daffodils in spring, the blooms of thousands of hydrangea bushes in summer, the colors of maples and sycamores in fall and a show of camellias and evergreens in winter. Some of the other plants at Lanark include narcissus, oak leaf hydrangeas, azaleas, redbuds, dogwoods, pansies, trillium, tulips, day lilies, French hydrangeas, tree hydrangeas, ginger lilies, wild azaleas, tall phlox, wood phlox, ornamental cherry and peach trees, forsythia, magnolias (including Japanese and big leaf), tea olives, crape myrtles, Stokes asters, black-eyed susans, Mexican sage, hyacinth bean vine, jasmines, snowball bushes, tuberoses and numerous wild flowers.
Movie Memories Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee all provided “on-location” filming sites for the 2003 major motion picture, “Big Fish.” Visitors to the area can easily recognize the Bibb Graves Bridge, the “Bloom house,” the historic First National Bank building, the Old Elmore County Courthouse and other locales appearing in “Big Fish.” Downtown Wetumpka was also the site for filming of two other modern movies – “The Rosa Parks Story,” a CBS made-for-TV movie shot in 2001 and “The Grass Harp,” filmed in late 1994 and early 1995. In addition, “Flames, The Red Robber” – an educational film commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation – was shot in and around Wetumpka in 1929. “The Elms,” an 1830’s-vintage home in Coosada, was the filming site for several scenes in the 2004 movie, “Heaven’s Fall.” The film concentrates on the 1933 retrial of the Scottsboro Boys.
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Wind Creek Wetumpka Wind Creek Wetumpka, operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, is located at 100 River Oaks Drive and offers electronic bingo (Class II gaming). The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and attracts more than a thousand customers per day. Work on the complex began in September 2001 when bulldozers moved in to clear tribal property located adjacent to River Oaks subdivision. Two months later (Nov. 24), the doors of the new video bingo hall opened to the public. Another modular unit was added soon after the bingo hall opened. In January 2002, several additional modular buildings were installed to house traditional table bingo, which was later discontinued. In early March 2005, a more permanent building was opened to house the operation. Half of a parking deck was also been completed that is intended to eventually be part of a full-scale casino complex (Class III gaming). A major expansion at the site was completed in October 2008, bringing the total number of electronic bingo machines to 900 in approximately 39,000 square feet. The addition also added a 252-seat buffet and a bandstand for live entertainment. Construction of a 20-story hotel tower and 90,000 square foot gaming area, several restaurants and expanded parking deck began in July 2012. All parts of the new facility are expected to be open by January 2014.
Tallassee Confederate Armory When the Confederacy feared for the security of Richmond, Va., a decision was made to relocate Richmond Carbine to the old 1844 cotton mill located in Tallassee. The site is the only Confederate armory to survive the Civil War intact. Tours of the armory can be arranged by appointment only. Every fall, reenactors stage the “Battles for the Armory” attracting numerous visitors.
The Trophy Room Located in Tallassee, The Trophy Room features animal dis-
plays from Africa. It provides an opportunity to study large cats, gazelles and other animals in a dramatic exhibit environment.
Wetumpka Impact Crater In 1999, after more than a century of speculation, the Wetumpka area was confirmed as the site of a meteor strike. The first information about the site was recorded by state geologist E.A. Smith in August 1891, who noted the chaotic nature of the rock protrusion now known as Bald Knob. Maps prepared in the 1950s by H.D. Earle, L.C. Conant, and C.W. Drennan described the area as “structurally disturbed.” In the 1970s, a hypothesis attributing the cause of the formation to a meteor strike was put forward by Tuscaloosa geologist Dr. Tony Neathery. In 1997, Auburn University geologist Dr. David T. King Jr. began investigating the area and collecting evidence to prove Wetumpka an impact crater site. His research led to confirmation that the 5-mile-wide, horseshoe-shaped ridge of hills is the result of a meteor that impacted the area more than 80 million years ago. It is one of only a handful of such formations in the world. Guided crater walks and an evening lecture are conducted yearly and sponsored by the Trail of Legends Association. The members of the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission have worked for about a dozen years toward a dream of bringing the crater to prominence. Now, partnered by the Elmore County Economic Development Authority and the City of Wetumpka, that vision is closer to becoming a reality. The proposed Alabama Impact Crater and Science Center is in its second phase of development. Phase one – a master plan created at the commission’s direction – was unveiled in January 2009. Funding for phase two has been underwritten by the Wetumpka City Council. The overall plan was created with the center located on city property on U.S. Highway 231 that once served as a state rest area. Featured in the master plan are: •An interpretative center to include a museum, research facility, gift shop, snack bar, cafe, theater and ballroom. •An elevated observatory. •An outdoor classroom, amphitheater, fragment garden, timeline, ocean and river features, dormitories, light show, interpretative play area, impact fountain, meteor sculpture, core cylinder feature, pavilions/ shelters, viewing platforms, walking trails, wayfinding and several parking areas.
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Re-Elect
Sandra
PATTERSON Tallassee School System Board of Education Ward 6
8 YEARS IN BUSINESS Bringing Unique Fashion & Beauty to Downtown Wetumpka • Hair & Skin Care • Now Offering Monogramming by Patty Hinton
334-478-3852 109 Company Street #120 Wetumpka, AL
Please consider Sandra Patterson for four more years as the Tallassee School System board member for Ward 6 As secretary at Tallassee High School for 13 years, Patterson has worked with superintendents, principals, teachers, parents and students. Patterson attended board meetings on a regular basis and voiced and voted for what was best for our school system. Patterson has been encouraged by citizens of Tallassee to run again. PAID FOR BY SANDRA PATTERSON 1565 N. ANNE AVENUE TALLASSEE, AL. 36078
IF YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING IN TALLASSEE, WETUMPKA OR ECLECTIC CALL RODNEY!
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BUSINESSES 1220 Café 3am Growers, Inc. AES Industries Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Gas Corp. - Alagasco Alabama Power Company Alabama Water Well Service, LLC Alfa Realty- Angel Miller AME Engineers, Inc. Amber Tucker - Mary Kay Director Ambience Massage & Wellness B & B Screenprint Boutique Talisi Brantley Signs Britt Veterinary Services Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Comfort Inn & Suites Community Hospital, Inc. Country Inn & Suites Cozumel Mexican Grill Days Inn Diamond Carmichael Gary Patterson & Duke P.A. E&I East Tallassee Pharmacy Factory Connection Faulkner University - Joey Wiginton First Community Bank of Central Alabama Fresenius Medical Care Tallassee Friendly Home Rentals, LLC Game Day Clips Gazette Publishing, LLC/ Tallassee Quarterly GKN Aerospace Godwin’s Flowers Guardian Credit Union Heart of Dance Herring Chiropractic Clinic Home Integrated Solutions Hornsby & Son Body Shop, LLC HR Management Solutions Hughey Communications, Inc. Humane Society of Elmore County J Alan Taunton & Company, LLC Jackson Thornton & Company, P.C. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Lee Staf¿ng, Inc. DBA Allegiance Staf¿ng Linda D. Benson Linville Memorial Funeral Home Mason Rentals Max Credit Union More Than Floors, LLC Nail’s, LLC Natural Resource Consulting Neptune Technology Group New Stone Realty, LLC Parker Tire & Service Parker Wholesale Cars Patterson Air, Inc. PrimeSouth Bank R&R Construction & Roo¿ng Co., LLC RSO presents Prime Time Athletics S & S Services, LLC
Scarborough & Griggs, LLC SCF Buildings, LLC Servpro of Montgomery Sizemore & Sizemore Steve Martin Engineering & Surveying Stinson Drafting Corp. Studio B Dance Center Subway of Tallassee SWAT Exterminating Co., Inc. Talisi Florist Talisi Historical Preservation Society Tallassee Armory Guards - SCV Camp 1952 Tallassee Automotive Tallassee Bonded Warehouse Tallassee Community Development Corporation Tallassee Family Dentistry Tallassee Health and Rehab, LLC Tallassee Jewelry & Gifts Tallassee Massage & Wellness Tallassee Power & Equipment Tallassee Recreation Department Tallassee Rehab Tallassee Septic Tank Service Tallassee Super Foods The Apothecary The Learning Tree, Inc. The Segrest Law Firm Three Lakes Dental, P.C. Truitt Insurance & Bonding, Inc. Trustmark Turf Tactics VIVA Medicare Plus Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. WTLS / Tallassee Times INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Lacey Brewer Elizabeth Britt Ann Christian Bill Godwin Jeanna W. Kervin George McCain Billy McKenzie Ron McDaniel Ann Noble Mary and Roy Parker Bobby & Mary Carrol Payne Rep. Mark M. Tuggle CHURCH / CLUBS First Baptist Church First United Methodist Church Tallassee Mt. Vernon Theatre, Inc. GOVERNMENT Central Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission Elmore County Economic Development Authority Tallassee City Board of Education Tallassee Industrial Development Board
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Come Worship With Us. Weekly activities & fellowship for all ages. Children • Youth • Pre-teen College/Career • Families Senior Adult
Child Development Center & Pre-K Classes Open 7:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday • 334-567-3319
Sunday Morning Schedule 8:30 am Contemporary Worship 9:45 am Small Group Bible Study 11:00 am Traditional Worship Find us on
www.fbcwetumpka.com • 334-567-5191 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka
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Annual EVENTS New Year’s Eve A special New Year’s Eve celebration has been held in Wetumpka since 1993. The program features fireworks, torchbearers, recognition of United States military personnel, luminaries and a countdown to the new year. The centerpiece of the event is an “asteroid drop,” commemorating the meteor strike at Wetumpka 83 million years ago. A lighted ball and a digital countdown clock are also part of the celebration. Activities are held on the square at the Old Elmore County Courthouse downtown. The event is geared toward families.
MLK Parade A parade is held every January in Wetumpka each year to honor legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Impact Crater Tours The Trail of Legends Association hosts a crater lecture and crater tours in Wetumpka during late winter each year. The lecture offers attendees an opportunity to learn about the five-mile wide crater resulting from a meteor impact about 83 million years ago. Participants in the tours have an opportunity to visit sites along the crater rim.
Mardi Gras Parades The Millbrook Revelers host a Mardi Gras parade each year, which travels along Main Street. Vendor booths are also open during the event. The group’s first Mardi Gras celebration was held in 2006. In Wetumpka, the Order of Cimarrón hosted its first Mardi Gras Parade in 2013. Next year’s event is set for February 28, 2017.
Arbor Day Arbor Day is recognized in Wetumpka each year with a formal tree planting and distribution of free seedlings. On Arbor Day, the city also celebrates its status as a Tree City USA. Tallassee, also a Tree City USA, celebrates Arbor Day in February and attendees receive free seedlings. The day is also recognized annually in Millbrook with a tree planting ceremony.
Annual Easter Egg Hunts
The celebration includes a glow-in-the-dark run, on-stage performances, arts and crafts, children’s activities, food vendors, raffles, giveaways and more.
Confederate Heritage Celebration The Elmore County Confederate History and Heritage Celebration is held in April each year. Highlights of the day include speakers, music, vendors, food, door prizes and participants in period dress. The event attracts about 500 participants annually.
Historic Tour of Wetumpka The Elmore County Historical Society and Museum hosts a tour of various historic homes, buildings and gardens in Wetumpka each spring with different locations featured every year.
Easter egg hunts are held in Eclectic, Elmore, Millbrook and Wetumpka each spring. Events are sponsored by various groups in the different communities.
Relay for Life
Craterfest
Relay for Life events are held annually in Millbrook, Tallassee and Wetumpka. The fundraiser attracts hundreds of people to Hohenberg Field in Wetumpka, Village Green Park in Millbrook and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium in Tallassee. Teams enjoy music, fellowship, entertainment and food while collecting money to aid in the battle against cancer.
The inaugural Craterfest was held in 2013 and is the successor to Riverfest, which ran from 2000 to 2011. Craterfest is hosted by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Com merce in spring, and activities and entertainment take place in and around Gold Star Park.
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Slapout Parade and Barbecue
Day each year. The local VFW organizes a parade in November on a date close to Veterans Day.
For approximately 50 years, a parade and barbecue have been held in the Slapout community in May, typically on Mothers Day weekend. The event offers a variety of barbecue items, vendors, a parade and more.
Farmers Markets
Attack on Swayback
Farmers markets are currently held in Tallassee, Wetumpka and Millbrook weekly. The markets offer a variety of locally grown produce, as well as other activities.
Mountain bike enthusiasts will converge on the area in summer for the Attack on Swayback mountain bike race. The challenging 12-plus mile course winds through dense forest and along the steep banks of Lake Jordan. The course consists mostly of well-groomed singletrack with fire road and power line sections. Terrain varies from rocky tight singletrack to all-out big ring portions. The event also includes a run and short-track race.
Earth Day The City of Wetumpka and the Wetumpka Pride organization host an Earth Day celebration each spring. Activities include an old-fashioned plant swap, a recycled art contest, door prizes, refreshments, free compost and more. Local master gardeners assist attendees with plant selection and identification, and answer gardening questions. Attendees are also encouraged to bring in recyclable materials during the event. Funds generated during Earth Day are used in support of local beautification projects. The celebration is held at the Wetumpka Recycling Center. Tallassee’s annual Earth Day event centers on “spring cleaning” and recycling. Volunteers participate on litter teams for general cleanup. Residents are encouraged to clean up around their homes and businesses and recycle various items. A variety of tree seedlings are also given away. To conclude the event, an outdoor movie is shown “on the green” at city hall. Families bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the film.
Spring Fly-In Each spring, Experimental Aircraft Association 822 hosts a fly-in at the Wetumpka Municipal Airport. The event includes a Young Eagles program that offers free airplane rides to youth ages eight to 17. Displays of antique aircraft, home-built aircraft and ex-military aircraft are also typically part of the day’s offerings.
Antique Tractor Show and Pull This event is sponsored by the Elmore Volunteer Fire Department and the Southern Antique Iron Association each May in Elmore. Antique tractors pull in 10 or more divisions. As part of the festivities, the Elmore VFD sponsors a non-sanctioned barbecue cookoff featuring ribs, Boston butts, briskets and chicken.
Patriotic Celebrations In addition to Independence Day, other patriotic holidays are recognized with Wetumpka observances – Memorial Day, Flag Day, POW/ MIA Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day. Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies are held at local cemeteries, and feature guest speakers, recognition of military personnel past and present and patriotic music. On Flag Day, two flag disposal ceremonies are held – one conducted by local Boy Scouts and the other by members of Smith-Leonard VFW Post 4572. Pearl Harbor Day is commemorated with the dropping of a wreath and flowers into the Coosa River, as well as remarks in keeping with the occasion. The Town of Eclectic holds its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Park on Highway 63. A guest speaker is featured, along with special music. Tallassee holds events in recognition of Memorial Day and Veterans
Tallassee NOW Barbecue In June, the Tallassee Community Development Corporation hosts a community barbecue sale that encourages shopping at local businesses and promotes families and business opportunities. Activities include a competitive barbecue cook-off, live entertainment, tours of local historic sites, a 5K run, tours of Thurlow Dam and an exhibition of paintings by local artist Dovard Taunton (1942-1998).
Independence Day Events The Fourth of July brings family fun to Wetumpka annually. A concert and dance and fireworks show are included in the celebration. Events center in downtown Wetumpka. A fireworks display is also held on Lake Jordan. In Emerald Mountain, a neighborhood Fourth of July parade is held each year, featuring decorated golf carts, bicycles, wagons and more, followed by a brunch at the clubhouse. Independence Day is celebrated in the Kowaliga area of Lake Martin with Russell Marine’s annual Fourth of July boat parade in the morning and Russell Lands’ Fourth of July Blast concert and fireworks display in the evening. In Millbrook, an annual barbecue and camp stew sale is held by the Millbrook Men’s Club with proceeds benefiting that community.
River and Blues The inaugural River and Blues Music and Arts Festival was held in Wetumpka in July 2012 and attracted about 5,000 attendees. Approximately 10,000 attended the second annual event. The free festival offers around a dozen bands on two stages, arts and crafts, food vendors, children’s activities and more.
Tallassee Summer Street Dance
The Talisi Historic Preservation Society sponsors a street dance held in downtown Tallassee each July. The concert is held in the Tallassee Historic District, near the Fitzpatrick Bridge. Proceeds from concert ticket sales benefit the Talisi Historic Preservation Society in its efforts to save the Confederate Armory and Old Mill.
Summerfest
Every fourth Friday of July the City of Millbrook hosts a special “thank you event” for residents — Summerfest. It features live music, concessions, inflatables for the children and a fireworks finale around 9 p.m. at The Pines Golf Course.
Wags and Whiskers Bone-a-fit
Each year in late July, the Humane Society of Elmore County hosts a reception and silent auction as a fundraiser to help support the society’s efforts on behalf of homeless animals.
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Business Expos
The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce and Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce each host a business expo each year to provide an opportunity for the general public to become better acquainted with the goods and services offered by their local business communities.
Lions Club Barbecue
Annually, on the Saturday prior to Labor Day, Wetumpka Lions Club members hold a barbecue sale. Proceeds are used to support Southeastern Guide Dogs and other Lions Club projects.
Rumbling Waters Bass Tournament Anglers set out from Crommelin Landing early on a Saturday morning every year in late August or early September to join in the annual Rumbling Waters Team Bass Tournament hosted by the Wetumpka Exchange Club. Competitors fish the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Alabama rivers hoping for a big catch and cash prizes.Proceeds from the event benefit club projects and help provide funding for the group’s donations to causes such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Special Olympics.
Taste of Eclectic
The Eclectic the Beautiful group sponsors the annual Taste of Eclectic each September. Restaurants and food vendors from the surrounding area set up their favorite food items in the Elmore County High School lunchroom for residents to sample.
Titus Bluegrass Festival This festival is held annually on the last Saturday of September at the Titus Community Center on Highway 29. The day offers several bluegrass bands, barbecue and drinks, children’s activities and many vendors.
Bark in the Park Each September, the Elmore County Humane Society invites dogs and their owners to Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park for doggie games, contests and fun. Adoptable pets and vendors are also part of the event.
Tallassee Trade Day Trade Day, sponsored by the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, is held each fall on historic King Street in Tallassee. More than 150 vendors participate, offering arts, crafts, clothing and food. Singers and dancers provide entertainment. There are also inflatables, pony rides, train rides, clowns and dunking booths.
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Los Mayas M E X I C A N R E S TA U R A N T
Specials Mon - All bottled beers are $1.99 Tue - Kids eat free (per adult meal purchased)
Wed - Buy 1 combo & 2 soft drinks, get your 2nd combo 99¢ Thur - Karaoke from 6-9 with Big Papa! Small lime house margaritas & 16 oz domestic drafts $1.99 S Sat - $5 Medium lime house margaritas & all 16oz draft beers $1.99
Hours: Mon - Thur 11am - 9:30pm Fri - Sat 11am - 10:30pm Sun 11am - 9pm
334-567-2662
4666 US Hwy 231, Wetumpka
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Coosa River Challenge Adventure Race In October, the Coosa River Challenge Adventure Race – a triathlon-style event – attracts hundreds of competitors. The route alternates between a mountain biking or foot face on the Swayback Bridge Trail near Lake Jordan. Participants then transition to canoes at Jordan Dam and paddle four miles to Corn Creek Park. The final leg of the race is a run ending at Gold Star Park in downtown Wetumpka. The race is sponsored by the City of Wetumpka, the Trail of Legends Association (TOLA) and the Coosa River Paddling Club.
Alabama Cotton Festival and Rook Tourney The Town of Eclectic holds its Cotton Festival annually. This year the event is scheduled for October. The festival is held in downtown and includes arts, crafts, entertainment and food. The Alabama Rook Tournament is held in conjunction with the Cotton Festival.
Halloween Hauntings
Every year several Halloween events are held in the county, including the Titus Maze of Terror, the Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival and the Tallassee Haunted Library Tour.
Wetumpka Cemetery Tours The Elmore County Historical Society hosts tours of the Wetumpka City Cemetery in the fall. Tours feature actors dressed in period clothing who share the stories of selected individuals who were laid to rest in the cemetery.
Historic Reenactments Reenactments are staged at Fort Toulouse/Jackson State Historic Site year-round. The largest annual undertaking at the park is Alabama Frontier Days, held in early November. Detailed reenactments recreate the past as participants portray Indians, soldiers, settlers and craftsmen. Thousands of school children from Alabama and other states attend the event. Every April, the forts are the site of the annual French and Indian War Encampment. During the two-day event, reenactors represent vari-
ous parties involved in the war – French, Spanish, British and Native Americans – as they prepared for and battled in the “War for Empire” in the mid-18th century (1755-1763). In Tallassee, reenactors stage the “Battles for the Armory” every fall. The Civil War era reenactment features set battles each of the two days of the event. Numerous visitors attend the historic portrayals. A period ball is also part of the weekend activities.
Christmas Parades and Tree Lightings Tree lighting ceremonies are held in Elmore, Millbrook, Tallassee and Wetumpka separate from other holiday events. The tree lightings feature music and concessions. Eclectic’s tree lighting is held in conjunction with the community’s annual Christmas parade. Millbrook, Tallassee and Wetumpka also hold yearly Christmas parades. Details of Wetumpka’s parade and related events are included in a separate listing.
An Eclectic Christmas Tours are held several evenings as about 150 adults and youth reenact the Christmas story, from the angels’ appearance to shepherds announcing Christ’s birth, through downtown Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth in a manger. This is an outdoor walk-through drama.
Christmas on the Coosa Wetumpka’s largest event of the year – Christmas on the Coosa – is held on the second Saturday of December each year. The event was first officially celebrated as Christmas on the Coosa in 1984; but a street parade was initially held in 1972, and the inaugural boat parade appeared on the river in 1980. Approximately 25,000 visitors gather in downtown Wetumpka each year for the day-long family event. Activities during the festival include a large arts and crafts show, concessions, entertainment, children’s activities, vintage car show and a quilt show. Highlights of the celebration are the street parade and a spectacular fireworks grand finale. Related activities include a tree lighting ceremony, Miss Christmas on the Coosa pageants, business and residential decorations contests and a dance.
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Area EDUCATION Elmore County School System The Elmore County School System has an enrollment of more than 11,000. The system is district accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Distance learning was introduced in 1993, making Elmore County the first in the state to use the system. Internet access is available in every school library, computer labs and classrooms. Accelerated Reader is used in all schools, and advanced placement and dual enrollment courses are available to high school students. Several schools participate in the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative. The system’s website is www.elmoreco.com.
Deatsville Holtville Elementary, K-4 287 Whatley Rd., Deatsville 334-569-2925 holtville.ece.schoolinsites.com Holtville Middle, 5-8 655 Bulldog Ln., Deatsville 334-569-1596 holtville.ecm.schoolinsites.com Holtville High, 9-12 10425 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 334-569-3034 holtville.ech.schoolinsites.com
Eclectic Eclectic Elementary, K-4 35 Harden St., Eclectic 334-541-2291 eclectic.ece.schoolinsites.com Eclectic Middle, 5-8 170 S. Ann St., Eclectic 334-541-2131 eclectic.ecm.schoolinsites.com Elmore County High, 9-12 155 N. College St., Eclectic 334-541-3662 elmorecounty.ech.schoolinsites.com
Millbrook Coosada Elementary, K-2 5260 Airport Road, Millbrook 334-285-0273
coosada.ece.schoolinsites.com Airport Road Intermediate, 3-4 384 Blackmon Dr., Coosada 334-285-2115 airportroad.eci.schoolinsites.com Millbrook Middle/Junior High, 5-8 4228 Chapman Rd., Millbrook 334-285-2100 millbrook.ecm.schoolinsites.com
Tallassee High 502 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 334-283-2187 tallassee.tch.schoolinsites.com
Private
Wetumpka Child Development Center 510 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1287
Adullam House Christian, Pre-K-8 7469 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 334-514-0003
Colleges
Stanhope Elmore High, 9-12 4300 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-4263 stanhope.ech.schoolinsites.com
Chapman Christian, Pre-K-12 4711 Chapman Rd., Millbrook 334-285-5354 chapmanchristianacademy.com
Wetumpka
Edgewood Academy, K-12 5475 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-5102 edgewoodacademy.org
Elmore County Technical Center 800 Kelly Fitzpatrick Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1218 elmorecounty.ect.schoolinsites.com Redland Elementary, K-6 495 Scholars Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1248 redland.ece.schoolinsites.com Wetumpka Elementary, K-4 510 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-4323 wetumpka.ecm.schoolinsites.com Wetumpka Intermediate, 5-8 1000 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1413 wetumpka.eci.schoolinsites.com Wetumpka High, 9-12 1251 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka 334-567-5158 wetumpka.ech.schoolinsites.com
Tallassee City School System The Tallassee City School System serves approximately 1,800 students. The system’s website is www.tcschools. com. Tallassee Elementary 850 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-5001 tallassee.tce.schoolinsites.com Southside Middle 901 E.B. Payne Sr. Dr., Tallassee 334-283-2151 southside.tcm.schoolinsites.com
Millbrook Child Development Program 5760 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-9450
Emerald Mtn. Christian, Pre-K-12 4125 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-0555 emeraldmountainchristianschool.org New Life Christian, K3-12 4230 Hwy. 14, Millbrook 334-285-5615 newlifechristianacademy.com Victory Baptist, Pre-K-12 3151 Hwy. 14, Millbrook 334-285-5082 Principal: Dan Todd victorybaptistschool.net
Alabama State University 915 S. Jackson St., Montgomery 334-229-4291 Auburn Montgomery 7300 University Dr., Montgomery 334-244-3611 Central Alabama Community College 1675 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City 256-234-6346 Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery 334-272-5820 Trenholm State Technical College 1225 Air Base Blvd., Montgomery 334-832-9000 Trenholm State Technical CollegePatterson 3920 Troy Hwy., Montgomery 334-288-1080
Other
Huntingdon College 1500 E. Fairview Ave., Montgomery 334-833-4497
Adult Learning Center 512 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1421
South University 5355 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery 334-263-1013
Eclectic Child Development Program 35 Harden St., Eclectic 334-541-4532
Troy University at Montgomery 231 Montgomery St., Montgomery 888-357-8843
Eclectic Head Start Center 334-541-3428
Virginia College 6200 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery 334-277-3390
Elmore County Alternative Program 800 Kelly Fitzpatrick Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1298 Holtville Child Development Program 287 Whatley Rd,. Deatsville 334-514-5858, Ext. 41222 Intensive Treatment Placement Center 124 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-1215
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Residential Commercial Recycling Call 866-252-0458
• ALIGNMENTS • TIRES/BRAKES • EXHAUST • OIL CHANGES
2016-2017 FYI
GASSETT Funeral Home and Crematory 204 East Charles Avenue - P.O.Box 54 Wetumpka, Alabama 36092
FUNERALS • CREMATIONS • PRE-ARRANGEMENTS • MONUMENTS Since 1978 Gassett Funeral Home has prided itself on offering the Ànest of services and facilities to the families of the River Region. Built upon the foundation of superior service; we’ve upheld that commitment for nearly 40 years as the areas only continuously family owned/ operated funeral home. And now, as Wetumpka’s only on-site crematory.
334-567-8433 www.gassettfuneralhome.net
Joe Allen Gassett
Founder 1942-2009
The Gassett F Funeral neral Home Famil Family
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Area GOVERNMENT Elmore County Commission The Elmore County Commission meets the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Old Elmore County Courthouse in Wetumpka. Work sessions are at 5 p.m. preceding meetings. Phone - 334-514-5841. District 1 - Mark Hragyil District 2 - James “Trey” Taylor District 3 - David Bowen District 4 - Joe Faulk, chairman District 5 - Stephanie Smoke
Other Officials 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney - Randall Houston Circuit Judges John B. Bush Benjamin A. Fuller Sibley G. Reynolds District Judges Glenn Goggans Patrick Pinkston
Phone number for the board’s central office 334-567-1200. Superintendent - Dr. Andre Harrison District 1 – Dale Bain District 2 - Patrycya Tucker District 3 - Mark Nelson District 4 - Michael Morgan District 5 - Larry Teel, chairman District 6 - Kitty Graham, vice chair District 7 - Joey Holley
Tallassee City Board of Education Superindendent – Wade Shipman Board Members District 1 – Danny Ingram District 2 – Chris Price District 3 – Damain Carr District 4 – Ruthanne McCaig District 5 – Rex Ledbetter District 6 – Sandra Patterson District 7 – Dr. Steven Burak
Coosada The Coosada Council meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Coosada Town Hall. Phone - 334-285-3700.
Probate Judge - John E. Enslen Revenue Commissioner - Lee Macon
Elmore County Board of Education
Inez Gates Gerrie Hayes Charles Powell Linda Thornton Reed
Circuit Clerk - Brian Justiss Sheriff - Bill Franklin
Deatsville The Deatsville Council meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Deatsville Fire Department. Phone - 334-285-9881.
Coroner – Brad Linville
Elmore Wetumpka The Wetumpka Council meets the first and third Monday monthly at Wetumpka City Hall. A work session begins at 6 p.m., followed by the business meeting. Phone - 334-567-5147. Mayor - Jerry Willis District 1 - Kevin Robbins District 2 - Percy Gill District 3 - Rebecca Thornton District 4 - Steve Gantt District 5 - Greg Jones City Clerk - Janice Whorton
Tallassee The Tallassee Council meets the second and fourth Monday of every month at Tallassee City Hall. Phone - 334-283-2361. Mayor - Bobby Payne Ward 1 - Robert Rygiel Ward 2 - Heather Johnson Ward 3 - Charles C. Blalock Ward 4 - Darrell Wilson Ward 5 - Terrel Brown Ward 6 - Bill Godwin Ward 7 - David Stough
Eclectic The Eclectic Council meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Eclectic Town Hall. Phone - 334-541-2148. Mayor – Gary Davenport Town Council Wanda Estes
The Elmore Council meets the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Carmichael-Mercer Community Center. Phone - 334-514-5988. Mayor - Margaret White Town Council Harold Wilson Debra German Jamie Snider John Glasscock David Foster
Millbrook The Millbrook Council meets the second or fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Millbrook Judicial Building. Work session begins at 5:30 p.m. Phone - 334-285-6428. Mayor - Al Kelley Ward 1 - Joyce Loyd Ward 2 - Joseph Lott Ward 3 - Earle Monroe Ward 4 - Sam Rayburn Ward 5 - Fred Watts
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Local INDUSTRY Elmore County Economic Development Authority
Organized economic development efforts are important to communities across the country. Elmore County began working to capitalize on local resources with the 2003 formation of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority and subsequent development of ECEDA’s Tourism Council. Such an entity must have “something to sell” to businesses and industries that consider moving to an area. The list of items such prospects look for in a location include a diverse and stable workforce; good educational facilities; recreation opportunities; and plant sites that are convenient for transportation of both supplies and finished goods. Locations must also be adequately served by electricity, gas, telephone, sewer and water.
Wetumpka Industrial Parks The city’s original industrial park – located on Highway 170 near its intersection with Highway 14 – is at capacity and boasts a variety of manufacturing concerns. With the purchase of a 93-acre tract on Highway14, Wetumpka’s second industrial park offers new sites. Wetumpka’s Westside Technology Park has access to all necessary utilities and is centrally located with convenient access to U.S. Highway 231, I-65 and the Wetumpka Municipal Airport.
Wetumpka Municipal Airport The Wetumpka Municipal Airport – located on Highway 14 between the City of Wetumpka and I-65 – is one of the state’s busiest general aviation
airports with an average of 110 flights daily. The facility has a 3,000 foot runway – long enough to accommodate small jets. More than 100 aircraft are based at the airport. A new terminal is located on the site. A “J” taxiway offers seven spaces on which multi-craft hangars may be built by lessees. An additional taxiway with 14 spaces for large hangars is part of the airport’s long-range plan. The Wetumpka Municipal Airport is centrally located six miles from I-65 and five miles from the city’s new Westside Technology Park. It is also convenient to the Alabama River Parkway, which provides access via toll bridge to north Montgomery.
Tallassee Industrial Development
The Tallassee Industrial Development Board offers affordable space in its Entrepreneur Center for startup or expanding industries, as well as
property in three industrial parks. Tallassee Industrial Park South is a 234-acre site located about two miles from I-85. The Tallassee Industrial Park is a 79.5-acre site with approximately 20 acres still available and is six miles from I-85. The Donald Reeves Airport Park is located approximately eight miles from I-85 and has about 100 acres available for purchase.
Tallassee Municipal Airport Tallassee’s Donald Reeves Airport is a general aviation airport located between I-85 and the city’s central business district. It covers 425 acres. It is owned by the City of Tallassee and began operation in 1996. Its runway is 3,207 feet.
George McCain for Mayor - Put Tallassee Back on Track His accomplishments include:
During his administration the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority and the Community Development Corporation were formed, and they are very productive today. Q He applied for more bonding capacity. Accomplished raising our bond rating from a “C” to a “AAA” rating. The bonds were sold and we received a low Ànance rate for sewer, water and gas improvements. We had the ability for matching from bonds. Q He updated the Fire Department and created plans on Fire Department water system with water improvements we did, the ISO rating dropped from a “5” to a “3” which saves on Àre insurance rates for citizens. Q The city received a grant for the walking trail off Knox Street and had an agreement with the Community Development Corporation to raise the matching funds. The match and construction of the trail was completed after he left ofÀce. Q The city received grants for Industrial Access Lanes on Hwy 229 for AES, Inc. and the packaging plant on the other side of the road. They were completed and it included paving the road to the boat ramp behind AES. We also repaved the entry into the Industrial Park. Q During his term, he brought Louie’s Chicken Fingers and 1220 Cafe to Tallassee. Worked with Jack’s, Dollar Tree, the two (2) Dollar Generals and Auto Zone to agree to build here and establish their businesses. A new grocery store was built on the east side, as well. Q He allowed the Senior Center to take bus trips for their seniors by budgeting money for that purpose. Q The Theater Restoration momentum and fund raising was started during my term, of which I was a part. Q Hired a consultant from UAB to speculate what fund raising results would be in order to build a Recreation Complex. Q Worked with the Fire Department in obtaining grants for the weather sirens and safe rooms that were completed after he left ofÀce. Q Earned the designations of “CertiÀed Municipal OfÀcial” and “CertiÀed Planning and Zoning OfÀcial” while in ofÀce. Q
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Emergency SERVICES Law Enforcement Elmore County Sheriff 8955 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka 334-567-5546 Coosada Police 5800 Coosada Rd. Millbrook 334-285-3700 Eclectic Police 145 Main St. Eclectic 334-541-2148 Millbrook Police 3900 Grandview Rd. Millbrook 334-285-6475 Prattville Police 101 W. Main St. 334-595-0208 Tallassee Police 214 Barnett Blvd. Tallassee 334-283-6586 Wetumpka Police 208 Marshall St. Wetumpka 334-567-5321
Fire Departments Buyck VFD 125 Laurel Creek Rd. Titus 334-514-0410 Coosada VFD 5830 Coosada Rd. Coosada 334-285-6200 Deatsville VFD 6930 Hwy. 143 Deatsville 334-285-1821 Eclectic VFD 140 First Ave. Eclectic 334-541-4425 Elmore VFD
15 Fire Station Rd. Elmore 334-567-3480 Emerald Mountain VFD 1785 Old Ware Rd. Wetumpka 334-514-4357 Friendship VFD 4544 Friendship Rd. Tallassee 334-283-6463 Holtville/Slapout Fire & Rescue, Inc. 5615 Ceasarville Rd. Wetumpka 334-569-2461 Lightwood VFD 6250 Lightwood Rd. Deatsville 334-569-1818 Kowaliga VFD 1240 Prospect Rd. Eclectic 334-857-3648 Millbrook Fire Department 3820 Grandview Rd. Millbrook 334-285-6707 Prattville Fire Department 942 E. Main St. 334-595-0300 Real Island VFD 1495 Real Island Rd. Equality 334-857-3233 Red Hill VFD 5529 Chana Creek Rd. Tallassee 334-541-3855 Redland VFD 4367 Redland Rd. Wetumpka 334-567-6814 Santuck VFD 7645 Central Plank Rd. Wetumpka 334-567-5144
Seman VFD 15860 Central Plank Rd. Equality 334-541-4600 Tallassee Fire Department 123 N. Ann Ave. Tallassee 334-283-5660 Titus VFD 5879 Titus Rd. Titus 334-514-1070 Wetumpka Fire Department Stations on S. Main, W. Coosa, U.S. Hwy. 231 S. and U.S. Hwy. 231 N. 334-567-1333 Windermere VFD 3050 Crosswinds
Tallassee Family Care 115 Herren Hill Rd. Tallassee 334-283-3477 Wetumpka Urgent Care 11 Cambridge Dr. Wetumpka 334-567-8633
Other Emergency Personnel E-911 is used in the county. Dispatchers route 911 calls to the appropriate authority. Emergency Management Agency 100 E. Commerce St. Wetumpka 334-567-6451
Alexander City 256-329-0906
Care Ambulance 334-567-9455 334-252-0088
Hospitals
Elmore County Firefighters Association 334-514-9247
Elmore Community Hospital 500 Hospital Dr. Wetumpka 334-567-4311 Community Hospital 805 Friendship Rd. Tallassee 334-283-6541
Medical Clinics Community Medical Arts 875 Friendship Rd. Tallassee 334-283-3111 PriMed Physicians Inc. 4452 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka 334-567-8400
Haynes Ambulance 510 Hospital Dr. Wetumpka 334-514-7911 Search and Rescue of Elmore County 334-567-5227 Alabama Marine Police District III Headquarters 126 Marina Rd. Alexander City 256-329-2268 1-800-432-7389
2016-2017 FYI
Making CONNECTIONS 1-800-481-6909 Alabama Power 400 S. Main St. Wetumpka 1-800-245-2244 303 Gilmer Ave. Tallassee 1-800-245-2244 Central Alabama Electric Coop 637 Coosa River Pkwy. Wetumpka 1-800-545-5735, 334-5678855
DirecTV 1-888-795-9489 Dish Network 1-888-825-2557 EarthLink 1-800-859-5017 Hiwaay Internet Services 1-888-231-6852
Water
Cable and telephone AT&T 1-888-321-2375 Bright House Networks 3996 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka 334-567-4344 Direct Digital TV
Central Elmore Water and Sewer 133 Lake Point Rd. Eclectic 334-541-3480 716 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka 334-567-6814 Eclectic Water Works
507 Main St. Eclectic 334-541-2840
3 Freeman Ave. Tallassee 334-283-4298
Elmore Water Authority 1633 Ala. Hwy. 14 Elmore 334-285-6109
Tri Community Water System 2630 Main St. Millbrook 334-285-4267
Cooperative Propane 824 Gilmer Ave. Tallassee 334-283-4042
Wetumpka Water Works 2909 Elmore Rd. Wetumpka 334-567-8404
L&P Propane 8768 Holtville Rd. Wetumpka 334-569-4277
Wall Street Water 5059 Notasulga Rd. Tallassee 334-283-5002
Southern Natural Gas 5070 Coosada Pkwy. Elmore 334-285-6464
Gas and Propane
Superior Gas Inc. 8561 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka 334-567-5421
Friendship Water Works 4540 Friendship Rd. Tallassee 334-283-6463 Holtville Water System 10048 Holtville Rd. Holtville 334-569-2105 Millbrook Water and Sewer Department 3861 Grandview Rd. Millbrook 334-285-3001 Tallassee Gas and Water Department
Acme Propane Gas 9945 Holtville Rd. Wetumpka 334-569-3325
Apex Gas and Appliance 7616 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka 334-567-8833
Dr. Ware is a native of Montgomery and graduated from Saint James School. After high school, Dr. Ware attended the University of Mississippi where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and graduated with honors. She also received the Contact Lens Practice Achievement Award. This prestigious award is voted on by fellow attendees. She completed an externship at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Hospital in Montgomery, as well as clinical externships in private practice settings. These externships developed her experience in primary care, emergency care, and contact lenses. Her expertise lies in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases of which she has more than four years’ experience. Dr. Ware is licensed by the Alabama Board of Optometry and holds a certificate with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. She has memberships with the American Optometric Association, Southern Council of Optometrist, Alabama Optometric Association and the East Central Alabama Optometric Society. Dr. Ware is married to Christian Ware and they have been back in Montgomery since 2012. They have one son, Charlie, who is two years old.
VISIT US AT 8007 US HIGHWAY 231, WETUMPKA, AL • 334-567-9111 OR 4255 CARMICHAEL COURT NORTH, MONTGOMERY, AL • 334-277-9111
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2016-2017 FYI
Put the
Power of Print to work for you!
Print advertising is a relevant, effective way to reach consumers. It offers greater awareness & recall, strong branding and a highly engaged audience.
85.8% When combined 85.8% of households read one of our products each month.
67.8% Of households report using The Outlook or Record in the past 30 days to find information about local sales.
36%
Of households read one of our print products each month.
2.5x
Pass-along readership Doubles the reach of your ad.?
For more information, call us today. 334-567-7811
2016-2017 FYI
VOTE
EMMIT T JOHNSON
Mayor of Wetumpka PERSONAL STATEMENT:
PLATFORM:
•Economic Development •Education •Law Enforcement and Safety •Community Stability
“Wetumpka is a resource rich City with a diverse population that do great exploits when given the opportunity to work together. These opportunities shouldn’t just exist when we’re celebrating but also as we are planning the growth of our City. A vote for Emmitt Johnson is a vote to “Work together and Grow together.”
9Local Business Owner 9Educator 9Veteran 9Pastor 9Husband 9Father 9Student
I want to be your advocate and drum major for growth. On August 23, 2016 give me the opportunity to lead our City for the next four years.
For speaking engagements or inverviews contact: Kenya Dillard (334) 954-8469 Susan Ezelle (334) 451-5058 Contact us at: EmmittJohnsonforMayor@gmail.com
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2016-2017 FYI