June 11, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

Stanhope Elmore’s Foshee resigns.

Sports, Page 8 Wetumpka, AL 36092

50¢

SATURDAY-SUNDAY • JUNE 11-12, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 11, NO. 23

Officials stand by arrest in video case

Chamber welcomes 3 summer interns By William Carroll Managing Editor

Three young students have recently started internships with the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce and they hope to use the experience to better the community. Wetumpka High School students Carson Turner, 17, and Sterling Jones, 16, along with Auburn University Montgomery student Michelle Rawls recently started at the Chamber as part of a newly created internship program to help continue to move the entity forward. Turner, who started Monday, said that she was excited to be a part of the program and looks at the opportunity as a way to get more involved in Wetumpka. “I think it will help me be more about what is going on in the community and help me to be more professional,” she said. Jones agreed that the Chamber gives him an See CHAMBER • Page 3

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

William Carroll / The Herald

The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce’s three new interns (front left to right) Carson Turner, Michelle Rawls, and Sterling Jones have been busy working with (back row) Chamber Director Gerry Purcell and Associate Director Jamie Young on ways to grow the Chamber’s footprint in the community.

Inmate escapes from Elmore County work release center

Civil liberties lawyer responds to city, warns of potential for future legal action

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Alabama Department of Corrections issued a report of an escaped inmate from Deatsville’s Frank Lee Work Release Center who was said to have run from the center wearing a Burger Myhand King uniform. According to the report, Jordan Devon Myhand, 23, escaped on Thursday around 1 a.m. . An ADOC public information manager, Bob Horton, said Myhand was in the work release program See ESCAPE • Page 7

City officials are maintaining their position that the arrest of a man who filmed police was warranted after calls from viewers were said to have negatively affected city services, and as of Friday police phone lines remain down. On Wednesday the city released an official statement and position in a lengthy press release, and the police have explained their reasoning behind their actions in the arrest of the video’s author, Lynwood Keith Golden, 43. However, some confusion has been expressed at what Golden was exactly charged with, who sent the orders and who signed off on them. Golden said he was initially picked up at his home on Tuesday by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. The original video was published on Sunday, June 5, to Golden’s YouTube channel Bama Camera. However, Wetumpka Police Chief Danny Billingsley said on Thursday the initial plan to act to arrest Golden had been in the works for over a week. The actual date of the filming incident was said to have been Thursday June, 2, which left a period of three days before the video made it online. See CITY • Page 3

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Submitted / The Herald

Police are searching for a vehicle of interest in regards to the massive blaze that destroyed the Tallassee Mill. This video image was gathered from surrounding businesses.

Search for possible suspects in mill fire By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

The Tallassee Police Department released photos and video of a vehicle they are calling a vehicle of interest in regards to the massive blaze that destroyed the historic mill in Tallassee on May 4, 2016. The video was gathered from surrounding businesses. According to Tallassee’s Police Chief, Jimmy Rodgers, the fire began around 11 p.m. at 1 Lower Tuskegee

ka p m u t We

Road in Tallassee. The building was vacant with no electricity running to it. Mount Vernon Pine LLC owned the mill. If the fire is deemed arson, a $5,000 cash reward is being offered through CrimeStoppers for any information that leads to an arrest regarding the fire. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Forearms and Explosives (ATF) is also offering up to a $2,500 reward See SUSPECT • Page 2

The city is doubling down on its claims it was justified in arresting a local man for filming police, not for the act of filming, but for the response it generated from viewers across the country that called to complain to local police. Outspoken critics of the treatment of the video’s author and his subsequent arrest have voiced concerns for first amendment rights violations, while others have sided and sympathized with the actions of the Wetumpka Police Department. The WPD’s non-emergency phone number was still unavailable Friday, and its social media pages, as well as the city’s, remain down. The city made its position clear in a press release on Tuesday, and Wetumpka police have explained their reasoning behind the arrest of Lynwood Keith Golden, 43, of Coosada. According to Wetumpka Police Chief Danny Billingsley, who said he ordered the warrant for his arrest, Golden was charged with interfering See LAWYER • Page 2

Flea Market & Antiques

25,000 Sq. Ft. • Air Conditioned

114 DEALERS FREE ESTIMATES!

Hedging, Fall Cleanup, Leaf Removal, All Yard & Lawn Maintenance

(334) 309-4422 • (334) 580-7879

334-567-2666

5266 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

GOT JUNK! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Sell your clutter in the Classifieds.

256.277.4219

COMPUTERS @ LESS Refurbished Computers 4043 US HWY 231 Village Town Center (Next door to Wetumpka Family Dentistry)

(334) 478-4560 Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm Saturday: 9am-4pm

Page 2 • JUNE 11-12, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Lawyer with government services, a Class C felony. However the legal director with the Alabama branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, Randall Marshall, said the city was making grave missteps, and warned of the potentiality for costs it could incur with legal suits as a result. Marshall said he had 34 years of experience in the practice of law in the fields of civil liberties and civil rights, and before he came to Alabama, worked for 13 years with the Florida ACLU. Marshall said this incident seemed to be a “clear violation” of Golden’s First Amendment rights. “The notion that he can be arrested based upon other people calling the police department to complain about the police department’s treatment of him while he was videotaping, just turns the criminal law on its head,” said Marshall. “He had a First Amendment right to be videotaping. I think the police ulti-

Obituaries continued from page 1

mately, begrudgingly, acknowledged that, but then to arrest him because of other people’s actions is really bordering on the absurd.” A court date was set for Golden on August 9. However Marshall said, with the added disclaimer that he does not practice criminal law, it would greatly surprise him if the charges were not tossed out. Marshall said the involvement of the city “could end poorly,” and ensuing lawsuits might cost the city “a lot of money.” “Frankly the arrest should never have been made, the charge shouldn’t have been filed and to prosecute this individual under this statute displays a lack of good sense by somebody in charge,” Marshall said. Billingsley spoke with The Herald multiple times to clarify details regarding this incident and the police response. However, Mayor Jerry Willis, despite appearances on local

television broadcasts about the matter, could not be reached after multiple attempts to contact him both at his office and by phone. And though the city did release a statement The Herald reached out to council members for their personal responses to the matter. Some were unavailable. Others said they did not know enough information to make a statement, while one sided squarely with the WPD saying it was a matter of police protection. Council member Greg Jones, of District 5, said the incident had nothing to do with First Amendment rights, and that the officers involved handled the matter in the most professional way they could at the time. Jones said he was a reserve deputy sheriff and had 25 years law enforcement experience with the State Troopers. Jones said WPD’s intention was not to violate anyone’s first amendment rights, but only a safety concern. He said anyone who

but only published public information. However, he said other advocacy and activist groups had taken up his cause. One such group, PINAC, or, Photography Is Not A Crime!, had a page with the numbers to several city departments listed along with Golden’s account, however the page has since been made unavailable. “I put the information out there, I’m just the messenger,” Golden said. Marshall talked about the potential of this incident setting a precedent for similar actions to be taken by cities and city departments. “It’s always hard to assess motivation, there is no doubt that this kind of action could have a serious chilling effect on people within the City of Wetumpka and to the extent that any other department tried to do this kind of thing, I think it is a serious erosion of the First Amendment,” Marshall said.

had an interest in the WPD only had to walk in the front door of the building to learn more about its operations. When asked whether the actions of the police represented a financial liability to the city, a concern raised by some readers, the ACLU director said that was “absolutely correct.” “I think the police in the video handled it poorly, and then to add insult to injury he’s arrested because he did nothing more than exercise his rights under the First Amendment and published public information. I mean you could go to the Wetumpka City website and find the exact same information,” said Marshall. He was referencing the phone number to the WPD, which was published along with the video, on a YouTube page Golden maintains called Bama Camera. Regarding the calls to the city or WPD, Golden said, he “did not go to anyone and say to do these things,”

The Company You Keep® www.newyorklife.com

Deanna W. Nelson agent

New York Life Insurance Company 562 Clay Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Bus. 334 263-4806 Res. 334 514-1581 Fax: 334 262-1872

Registered Representative for NYLIFE Securities, Inc. 4001 Carmichael Road, Suite 150 Montgomery, AL 36106 334 244-1696

Kathy Fitzgerald

FITZGERALD, Kathy Payton, 62, a resident of Daphne, AL, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. from Prattville Memorial Chapel with Brother Donny Barber and Brother Fitzgerald Adam Rackliffe officiating. Burial will follow in Prattville Memory Gardens with Prattville Memorial directing. Mrs. Fitzgerald was a loving wife, mother, Nana, daughter, and sister and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a graduate from Wetumpka High School and retired from a long career in banking. She loved sewing and gardening, and will always be remembered as an energetic, fun loving woman who had a very creative mind. She was preceded in death by her father, James Authur Payton; and a grandchild, Makenzie Lane Carter. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Al Fitzgerald; her mother, Frances Payton; two daughters, Heather Fitzgerald, Kristy Sangalang (Carlo); two sisters, Barbara Doughtery (Hank), Anita Barber (Donny); three brothers, Mickey Payton (Sara), Howard Payton (Carolyn), Randy Payton (LaDonna); three grandchildren, Madisyn, Mason, and Maiya Sangalang; and numerous extended family members and many friends. The family will receive friends at Prattville Memorial Chapel on Saturday one hour prior to the service. To express online condolences please visit prattvillememorial.com

Kenny Carter

Clay Boshell REALTOR®

Brandt Wright Realty, Inc. Cell:

334.657.6167

www.ClayBoshell.com

When you’re ready to buy or sell call Clay Boshell! Each Ofﬁce is Independently Owned and Operated

Call Classifieds! 256-277-4219

IF YOU HAVE COLLATERAL,

Mr. Kenny Carter, 64, of Tallassee, passed away June 9, 2016. He was born November 2, 1951. Visitation was held 6-8 p.m., Friday, at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service at 2 p.m, Saturday, June 11, at Faith Baptist Church in Wetumpka with Rev. Gerald Wood officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. He is survived by his wife, Mary Carter; daughter, Shelly Harris (David); sons, Ricky Davidson (Beth) and Bobby Davidson (Rita); brothers, Mike Carter, Warren Carter (Madeline) and Phillip Carter; grandchildren, Zach Davidson, Logan Davidson, Joel Davidson, Alex Davidson, Jason Epperson and Tonya Phillips (Nate) and great granddaughter, Addison Phillips. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Suspect

continued from page 1

for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of any person(s) involved. The video and the photos indicate a dark colored vehicle, possible unknown make/model SUV. The vehicle in question has a hood that is a different paint color than the body of the vehicle. Investigators advise that two male individuals may have occupied this vehicle on the night of the fire. The suspects are wanted for questioning only. If you witnessed this event or have any information regarding the vehicle or suspects, please call the police immediately or CrimeStoppers at 215STOP. Your tip may lead to a $5,000 cash reward.

WE HAVE YOUR LOAN. Business Loans for Central Alabama.

J. L Lane Lending, LLC. 334.272.4313

WETUMPKA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME 8801 Hwy. 231 North, Wetumpka • 334-567-7880

Let us serve your family in time of need. • Traditional Funeral Services & Cremation • Preneed Insurance • Monuments Brown Service & Liberty National Policies Honored Bill Barrett • Crystal Phelps • Donald Myrick - Funeral Director • Larry Dozier - Funeral Director • Bill Shaw - Apprentice Director

Family Owned & Operated

Please bear with us as we remodel & update our facilities in order to better serve you & your family.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 11-12, 2016 • Page 3

City

continued from page 1

It was not until the following Tuesday, June 7, that police phone lines were made unavailable, with a recording which said technical difficulties were at fault. Billingsley said on Thursday they had been dealing with phone calls and comments for an entire week. He said he was the one who made the call to voluntarily shut down access to the non-emergency phone lines of the police department. The reason, Billingsley said was so the WPD could still provide emergency services to the city. He said the calls were blocking incoming calls on their phone lines and consisted also of what he called “robocalls.” Billingsley said the city had only one dispatch center located at the police department, which also operated ambulance and fire services. After the phones were shut off, Billingsley said he moved to have the 911 calls rerouted through county dispatch services, resulting in what he said was a one-minute delay. He said he had talked with Wetumpka’s fire chief to discuss the affects the calls were having on police dispatch capabilities in connection with other first responder services. Wetumpka Fire Chief Greg Willis said his department was notified of a situation causing delays and complications with the dispatch center at the police

station. He said there were calls directly to the fire station from people who were trying to reach the police line, and even alarm companies who said they could not reach the WPD. Willis said it had the potential to impact fire, emergency, medical and anything which would be routed through the police department’s dispatch center. The center, Willis said, had capabilities based on the service population of the city. He said there was not enough staffing or phone line capacity to handle calls from across the country. The technology could be upgraded, Willis admitted, but he said there would have to be personnel increases. The same thing would have to happen at city hall, which also received complaints, Willis said. Multiple attempts were made throughout the week to reach Mayor Jerry Willis. However, both the mayor and Billingsley appeared on at least one television broadcast with a Montgomery broadcaster. There has also been debate as to what exactly Golden was charged with, the numerical code number and who signed off on the warrant. When asked to clarify these things, Billingsley said he ordered the arrest, and though he did not know the exact code at the time, he said it was called interfering

Chamber opportunity to give back to the community. “I want to help people,” Jones said. “This is a fantastic place to do that. I would love to be part of making Wetumpka a better place to live.” “This is perfect,” Rawls said. “This is a great opportunity. There are a lot of networking opportunities, which include meeting with local businesses and hearing their stories. I am not from here, but it makes me really want to help Wetumpka.” All three have been busy with projects already. Rawls, who has been with the Chamber for three weeks, now had nothing but praise for the Chamber’s senior staff. “I have a great boss,” she said referring to Chamber Director Gerry Purcell. “Jamie (Young) is fantastic, she is my go to on membership questions.” Rawls said since she came on board she has been working on a billboard for the Chamber. “I am working with a graphic designer,” she said. “We are hoping to put the whole package together by June 30. It will be a great asset to Wetumpka.” Rawls said that the goal is to add value to the Chamber. She said that one of her specific goals was to improve the Chambers social media footprint. “I would like to implement a social media plan,” she said. “That is how you reach millennials. I think it will help membership.” Jones specifically helped get the Chamber a YouTube channel and he created the framework to allow for easy inclusion of videos to the site. “I just created a Google Drive account,” he said. “From there you can import anything you want to YouTube.” “We did a video for one of our members,” Rawls said. “He (Jones) definitely came to our rescue.” Each of the students are hoping to use the experience to develop skills for future careers. Rawls, a marketing major, said she is definitely at home in the program. “As a marketing major this is the perfect thing for me,” she said. “I really want to help grow the Chamber and increase the number of members. Jones, who is looking at a career in politics, is hoping to use the opportunity

with government services, and was a Class C Felony. A tentative court date for Golden was set for the beginning of August.

continued from page 1

to really help. “I want to be the reason that small business owners make it in our community,” he said. Turner said her interest

in social work isn’t leaving out the possibility of a marketing career. “This is a great learning experience,” she said. “I am interested in social

work but I am interested in looking at maybe being in marketing. I just want to grow the Chamber and help people realize we have a Chamber.”

Spring Sales Event!!! We Build Your Home, Your Way, On Your Budget CHEROKEE FARM HOUSE (334)290-4397 trinitycustom.com Montgomery, AL 36117

CHEYENNE

130+ CUSTOMIZABLE PLANS! QUALITY CUSTOM BUILT ON YOUR LAND! • Granite Countertops • 30 Yr. Shingles • 9’ Ceilings • R19 Ext. Wall Insulation • R38 Ceiling Insulation • 6” Gutters

• Custom Cabinets • ZIP Sytem • Double Hung Windows • Guaranteed Build Time • 2/10 Warranty • Crawl or Slab

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 • JUNE 11-12, 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



YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.?

 WRITE:

Your View The Wetumpka Herald P.O. Box 99 Wetumpka, AL 36092

 EMAIL:

News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.

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

It didn’t have to be this way As the City of Wetumpka and the Wetumpka Police Department continue to dig an even deeper hole for the taxpayers in the video case involving Lynwood Keith Golden, I can’t help but think, it didn’t have to be this way. Golden was recently charged with interference with public safety communications, a Class C Felony, which according to Alabama law carries a penalty up to possibly 10 years in prison. As an initial note, I will say that when I first watched Golden’s video it was admittedly quite cringe-worthy, especially as a former prosecutor. Golden had actually provided us with a link to his video via our Facebook page, and after watching it I immediately moved forward to get a story. The reasons are plentiful. As I mentioned, I cringed when the officers contacted Golden, knowing that Golden was well within his rights to film the police department. I cringed when one of the officers stated that he didn’t care about Golden’s First Amendment rights. I cringed when they confiscated and turned off his camera, and I cringed when they detained him like some common criminal. I effectively watched a how-not-to video on police work. I hoped the city would simply alleviate the situation by admitting the officers were in the wrong. I even wrote an editorial hoping to point out that escalating the situation on the part of the city and the police department would be a bad idea. There were a couple of reasons for this: (1) the officers did violate Golden’s First Amendment rights by detaining him and taking possession, if only temporarily, of his camera, and (2) the groups who conduct these types of audits are quite aggressive (I have dealt with similar groups in other communities) and escalation breeds escalation, as these groups are ardent defenders of First Amendment rights. I had a hope that any police chief worth his badge would realize that the officers did not conduct themselves properly, and that he would admit that and perhaps have a training session on the issue. No, the city and the police department made the bone-headed move of digging themselves a deeper hole to climb out of by charging Golden. Not with the production of the actual video, since they had nothing to charge him, but with an exceptionally creative and effectively trumped up charge of interference with public safety communications. Sadly this is because the city and the police department just don’t understand the law in this case. On June 8, the city issued a press release on the incident. It is one part an explanation for the charges and another part a grandiose letter of self-victimization. As a charge explanation, it is woefully inadequate. Generally, if the city is going to issue any kind of press

WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

release, it should be vetted by the city’s attorney, or other legal representative. If this document was so vetted it shows very few signs thereof. First, are citizens required to wear identification in plain view as the city asserts? Last I checked no one really wears their driver’s license around their neck. Second, the release effectively admits that officers approached Mr. Golden, even though the law is clear that he had every right to film the department. Pursuant to Alabama Code Section 15-5-30 officers may only stop someone they reasonably suspect is committing, has committed or is about to commit a felony or other public offense. Again video taping the department is not a crime at all, so they didn’t even have a right to stop him to ask him anything. He did provide his name and address, but actually wasn’t required to. The release says Golden was deemed not to be a threat and released, but it fails to mention his video camera was taken from him for a period of time. The city further asserts in its press release the calls effectively jammed their phone systems, blame Golden for this and claim that the activities of approximately 600 people caused the city to close down its Facebook pages and effectively crashed the city’s communications systems. This is direct contradiction to the statement made by Wetumpka Police Chief Danny Billingsley that he turned off the department’s administrative phone line. I will note that we at the Herald received numerous phone calls. Not the 600 that the city allegedly received, but several dozen, presumably from the some of the same people that called the city. Many wanted to know what we were going to do about the situation and they were very adamant that a story be done on the matter. Each time our staff handled the calls in a calm and professional matter, because that is what professional organizations do. They don’t hide. Apparently unable to handle criticism, the police department and the city effectively shut themselves off from the world, creating an Iron Curtain of Alabama. Then they have the audacity to blame their lack of professionalism on Golden when Billingsley admittedly shut down the phones. Further, Billingsley admits that a response to Golden’s actions was being planned from the initial video. Did the plan include trumped up charges against Golden to silence him?

If there were threatening or abusive calls, the department should have done their jobs and investigated those people for possible criminal action, but retaliation against Golden was easier. This case started as a violation of First Amendment rights and because the department didn’t like fielding calls from people exercising their freedoms, they chose to double down on their constitutional violations. In looking at the statute though, they have massively overstepped and effectively created what could be conditions for an expensive civil lawsuit for the city. For a community that is already having financial difficulties, they may have effectively put the final nail in their coffin and ensured that we the taxpayers foot the bill. A review of the statute reveals that Golden’s alleged actions do not fit into any of the subsections. Technically, Billingsley can’t even remember the charge correctly, but says it is a Class C Felony. Only Alabama Code section 13A-10-16 fits the Class C designation. If we are stretching credulity significantly, only section (b)(3) of the above statute is even remotely close, but the problem the city has with this statute is two-fold. First, a clear reading of this statute is that it was intended to protect communications from terrorist-type activities. The other subsections specifically talk about rendering certain communications equipment as inoperable, or using equipment to intercept communications. It is a technical statute that deals with technical physical acts to cause harm to communications systems. The fact that the Wetumpka Police Department is unwilling or unable to deal with 600 phone calls in one day (lets hope we don’t have a catastrophe in the community; we clearly don’t have the infrastructure to resolve it) is not what the language of the statute envisions. The funny thing is this isn’t the first time a viral video has shown the department in a bad light. Back in December of 2015, a video, depicting several Wetumpka PD officers holding a man down and one officer appearing to punch the subject went viral to the tune of tens of thousands of views. That came shortly after a period where the previous police chief and her top assistant were forced out after allegations of illegal taping and surveillance were among several claims against them. Step up and end this circus. Drop the charges and use this ordeal as a training opportunity and make sure this fiasco never has a chance to happen again. Billingsley and the city have done nothing but make mistakes on this ordeal from day one. He should seriously consider corrective action. Surely by now, they have all realized that the handling of this episode was wrong and they have realized it didn’t have to be this way.

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record

DIESEL TECHNICIAN NEEDED! Full-time. Must have experience. Great Pay with Beneﬁts.

Please Contact Patterson Truck Parts

256-234-3981

classiﬁeds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classiﬁeds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

The Wetumpka Herald

LAKE MARTIN: $449,000 Near CHIMNEY ROCK with Boat & Swimming Dock

•5 Bedroom •3.5 Bath •3,000 sq. ft. •87 ft. water frontage

CALL VICKIE TODAY! 334-272-6133

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Overnight single-vehicle wreck kills two local men

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported a single-vehicle crash killed the driver, a Wetumpka man, and passenger, an Eclectic man, around midnight on Holtville Road, about two miles outside of Wetumpka. According to the report, Dillon Scott Self and Benjamin Temple were around the 3.2-mile marker on Alabama 111, north of Wetumpka, when the wreck occurred. The report stated that Self, 24, was driving a 2009 Ford Mustang, which struck a tree after leaving the road. The crash was said to have occurred around 12:15 a.m., and both Self and Temple, 25, were pronounced dead at the scene. The report stated no further information was available due to an ongoing investigation by the ALEA.

Escape

continued from page 1

on good behavior, with a parole date coming up in a little less than a year on March 2017. He said local law enforcement along with the Elmore County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office were working to capture Myhand. Horton said Myhand was being transported back to the center from his place of employment when he fled. The report stated Myhand ran from the back gate area of the center. Horton said there were correctional officers in the area when he fled who attempted to capture Myhand but he eluded them. The K9 unit was immediately deployed as well, he said, but at some point they lost the scent. Horton said Myhand was sentenced in 2010 charged with a first-degree robbery charge.

GOT NEWS? We have nine publications covering the lake & river region.

334.567.7811

JUNE 11-12, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7

Commission updates phone menu options Several phone numbers have been removed and replaced with internal extensions to reduce costs. The listing below includes main numbers for county offices and state offices that the Commission is required to provide phone service for by law. Additional resources, including information about county departments, are available on the county website at www.elmoreco.org. To contact a particular party, call the main number at (334) 5671156 and enter the appropriate extension at any time. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Elmore County Government Offices from 8:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Citizens may notice changes to the phone menu options when calling the Elmore County Government Offices. As of February, county offices have a new phone system in place. The new system is a digital network using voice over IP (VoIP) which provides faster and more reliable service. With the old analog system, repairs may have required days, but the new VoIP can be repaired within minutes. The new system not only saves money by reducing phone services and repair costs, but it also saves citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valuable time by reducing outages.

ELMORE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES District Judge Pinkston 512-9677 Veterans Service Office 567-1175 Drivers License Office 315-5849 Emergency Management Agency 567-6451 Highway Department 567-1162

Board of Registrars 567-1150 Probation - Adult 567-4367 Circuit Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office 514-3116 Probation - Juvenile 567-1151 Circuit Judges Bush, Fuller, Reynolds 567-1148 Revenue Commission 567-1184 County Commission 514-5841 Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department 567-5546 District Attorney - Administrative 567-2237 Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret Witness 567-5227 District Attorney - Child Enforcement 567-6116 Tag and Title 567-1166 District Judge Goggans 512-0829 Tag and Title - Tallassee 252-1804

Other Frequently Requested Offices Jail 567-5441 Dept. of Human Resources 514-3200 Jury Hot Line 567-2202 Drivers License Examiners 567-8871 Mental Health 478-3832 Extension Office 567-6301 Probate Office 567-1140 Health Department 567-1171

Area Calendar June

POOL OPENING DAY: Pool season runs through Saturday, July 30. Hours of operation will be MondaySaturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Daily pass is $3 per day and individual pass is $45, family pass for up to four in same household is $60 and five or more $75 for season. SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM: Free summer meals for kids and teens will be served in Tallassee. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Call 283-6864 for location and other information. SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Summer Reading program at Tallassee City Library begins. For more information, call 283-2732.

June 13-July 8

SWIM LESSONS: First session of swim lessons for ages 4 and up (must be 4 by time of lesson) will be June 13-June 24, Second session will be June 27-July 8 (closed July 4) Third session will be July 11-22. Registration fee for Tiny Tots is $55 and Levels 1-6 will be $65. You may

HUGE MATTRESS SALE

JUNE 13

6 p.m. City Council Meeting at City Hall

JUNE 14

6 p.m. Tallassee Planning Commission meeting at City Hall

June 14-16

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The Wall Street AME ZION Church at 71 Zion Street in Tallassee is hosting vacation Bible School June 14-16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rev. Edwrin Sutton is the host pastor. Preschool children to adults and ministers are invited to take part in this fun-filled Bible program. For more information contact Mrs. Jeannetta Brooks at 334-283-2594.

June 17

CONCERT: Jessica Meuse will perform a concert June17 at 7 p.m on the Wetumpka Depot Players Depot Stage. Local children will have the opportunity to have a private jam session with Jessica prior to the concert and will perform a song or two with her at the end of her performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling 334-868-1440 or online at wetumpkadepot.com. To sign children up for your activities including the opportuinity to sing with Jess, contact Kristy Meanor Depot Executive Director.

June 17-18

BASKETBALL CAMP: Birmingham Southern Basketball Camp begins. For more information call Coach Hollinquest at (256) 404-2657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187.

June 18

Unbelievably Priced @

$1,099

Queen Sealy Posturepedic mattress with power base to adjust your head and feet with a wireless remote.

FREE SETUP & REMOVAL OF EXISTING BEDDING 3490 Wetumpka Hwy, Montgomery, Al 36110 â&#x20AC;˘ 334.279.3101

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELEBRATION: Cainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel UMC is hosting a celebration of women June 18 at 5 p.m. in Deatsville. There will be a meal. The guest speaker will be Kim Hendrix. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other â&#x20AC;&#x153;girls.â&#x20AC;? Tickets are $15 and only available before June 14.

June 21

SILENT AUCTION: Get a number and bid on a variety of items featuring the 11 artists from the Do You See What I See? event between June 21 and June 28 at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. The artists are Kathy Atchison, Hope Brannon, Bobby Carr, Toska Courbon, Mary Ann Goodhue, Rebecca Grice, Carol Hickman, Manjula Kumar, Tara Sartorius, Angela Sullivan, and Melissa Tubbs. Besides art, gift baskets arranged by Judy Ruffer, Sandra Logan and Mary Alice Spear will be offered. All money raised goes to the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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p%7 -7 ;,)6) -7q &%7-7 79&.)'8 83 %2= )%7)1)287 )2'91&6%2')7 %2( )< ')48-327 6)*0)'8)( -2 8,) 1368 +%+) %2( 8,37) '328%-2)( -2 8,) 6)'36(7 3* 8,) 3**-') 3* 8,) .9(+) 3* 463&%8) 3* 8,) '3928= ;,)6) 8,) %&3:) ()7'6-&)( 4634 )68= -7 7-89%8)( 8,-7 4634)68= ;-00 &) 730( ;-8,398 ;%66%28= 36 6)'3967) )<46)77)( 36 -140-)( %7 83 8-80) 97) %2( 36 )2.3=1)28 %2( ;-00 &) 730( 79&.)'8 83 8,) 6-+,8 3* 6)()148-32 3* %00 4%68-)7 )2 8-80)( 8,)6)83 %PEFEQE PE[ KMZIW WSQI TIVWSRW [LS LEZI ER MRXIVIWX MR TVSTIVX] XLI VMKLX XS VIHIIQ XLI TVSTIVX] YRHIV GIVXEMR GMV GYQWXERGIW 4VSKVEQW QE] EPWS I\MWX XLEX

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

49&0-' 238-')

SJ 4VSFEXI SJ )PQSVI 'SYRX] %PEFEQE MR 4PEX &SSO 4EKI 4VSTIVX] WXVIIX EH HVIWW JSV MRJSVQEXMSREP TYVTSWIW 3ZIV PERH 6H 1MPPFVSSO %0 8,-7 4634 )68= ;-00 &) 730( 32 %2 p%7 -7 ;,)6) -7q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

49&0-' 238-')

1MPPFVSSO %0 8,-7 4634)68= ;-00 &) 730( 32 %2 p%7 -7 ;,)6) -7q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

%RH] 7EEK 7-638) 4)61988 4 ' 4 3 &S\ &MVQMRKLEQ %0 %XXSVRI] JSV 1SVXKEKII 8VERWJIVII [[[ WMVSXI GSQ JSVIGPSWYVIW ;IXYQTOE ,IVEPH .YRI ERH *' Put your ad here call 256.277.4219

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

6IFIGGE 6IHQSRH 7-638) 4)61988 4 ' 4 3 &S\ &MVQMRKLEQ %0 %XXSVRI] JSV 1SVXKEKII 8VERW JIVII [[[ WMVSXI GSQ JSVIGPSWYVIW ;IXYQTOE ,IVEPH 1E] .YRI ERH *' Put your ad here call 256.277.4219

PAGE 8 • JUNE 11-12, 2016

Chrietzberg hired as Huntington softball coach By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald

Her heart called. After three years at Emory University as an assistant, Casey Chrietzberg returned to where her coaching career began Friday as the Huntingdon College alum was hired as the Lady Hawks head coach. Before her stint with Emory, the former Edgewood Academy standout player and Wetumpka native finished out the last two Chrietzberg years of her collegiate playing career and joined the coaching ranks as an assistant at Huntingdon. “I’ve always had a spot in my heart for Huntingdon after I graduated and was an assistant coach here,” Chrietzberg said Wednesday. “When I left and went to another university, I had that spot still in my heart for Huntingdon. The timing was right and it happened to work out. “I was excited about the position and the opportunity. Coach Mike Turk has been amazing every step of the way and I appreciate this opportunity he has allowed me.” During Chrietzberg’s pitching coach stint at Emory (2014-16), the team made the Division III Super Regionals all three seasons and reached the National Tournament in 2016. “Realizing what all it takes and the team aspect of things. We had some injuries we could overcome and some we couldn’t and had people step in,” she said. “I got to see how important the team aspect is. “I got to see the best of the best in the country. I feel like I have a better grasp of the process of how to build a program, to get the best out of them and make it back there again as a head coach.” Chrietzberg helped produce three Great South Athletic Conference Pitchers of the Year the last three of her four seasons as Huntingdon’s pitching coach from 201013. As a player after two years at Bevill State Community College (Sumiton, Alabama), she earned an All-Conference distinction, hitting .321 with 43 RBIs, 38 runs and seven home runs for her career. Getting back to Montgomery, Chrietzberg said it’s a whirlwind start, but she looks forward to getting to know the players – a couple she helped recruit to the Hawks – and returning to her alma mater. “How can I help prepare them for their career? It’s like in the short term, I’m their first boss,” she said. “How can I help them not only be good athletes, but good citizens and helping each of them be a better person when we’re done and better athletes as well. “It’s awesome (being back at Huntingdon). The atmosphere here, there’s no students right now, but it’s already amazing. It’s been a great welcome. It’s reassured to me I’ve made the right decision, being surrounded by good people and true Hawks fans.”

SPORTS

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Stanhope’s Foshee resigns School names interim head coach, athletic director By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Stanhope Elmore’s Jeff Foshee resigned Thursday from his position as athletic director and head football coach effective immediately. The Elmore County Board of Education approved the resignation of the longtime Mustangs football coach during an emergency-called meeting at 7 p.m. Citing wanting to spend more time with his family and health issues, Foshee said it was time for him to step down. “I am retiring,” Foshee told The Wetumpka Herald Friday morning. “I’m tired. You know, I had that spell a couple of years ago. I’m not 100 percent; I love what I do, but I can’t give it my all. And I need to spend more time with my kids than everybody else’s kids. It’s time to kick back and relax.”

Foshee collapsed while cutting the grass at FosheeHenderson Stadium the morning of Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, causing him to miss the region game versus Dothan that night. Elmore County Public Schools Superintendent Andre Harrison declined to comment Friday morning on when and why Foshee approached the Board to resign. “I can’t tell you anything other than I can’t comment on personnel, but I can confirm that the Board accepted coach Foshee’s resignation last night,” Harrison said. “The challenging thing to think about it, it’ll be interesting to see and watching the timing. Most head coaches are hired late spring. So it’ll be interesting to see what’s out there.” Stanhope Elmore principal Jamey McGowin named current football assistants Scott Johnson interim athletic director and Rick Cahalane interim

head football coach Friday. “We’re fortunate, we’ve got a lot of guys with a lot of head coaching experience,” McGowin said. “We will be fine going forward with these guys running the program for the time period it takes to make sure we conduct a thorough search to make the right decision. There’s no doubt we’ll be fine, the players will be fine and the program will be run the right way however long this interim period takes. I don’t think this is something to rush on and make a poor decision.” The longtime coach won 105 games in 16 seasons with Stanhope where he played football in high school under his father, Jimmy, who he took over for as head coach in 2000. The Mustangs made the playoffs 12 times, going 8-12 and reaching the Class 5A semifinals in 2004. Foshee said he had been thinking about retiring for a

Foshee while, but it was still a tough decision. “It finally hit me hard, and I wanted to do it this summer like this. It’ll give them time to find a replacement to take my spot,” Foshee said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and did a lot of good things. But I’m burned out. “It was a hard decision. I’ve been here 19 years, it’s time for a change. I feel like I need to get out of the way and back off, take care of myself and spend more time with my kids.”

Brown grabs 4A Hitter of the Year, leads area trio on All-State team By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Elissa Brown headlined the local contingency on the 2016 All-State Softball Team, released by the Alabama Sports Writers Association this morning. The Elmore County High leadoff batter and University of Alabama signee hit .640 and amassed a .730 on-base percentage en route to being named Class 4A Hitter of the Year, leading a trio of area players selected. Brown led the state in average, on-base percentage and triples (12) as the shortstop earned the area’s lone first-team spot in 4A, and in 86 at-bats only struck out four times all season. She paced the Lady Panthers in every offensive category, scoring 60 runs, collecting 55 hits, 18 RBIs and stealing 43 bases as she also earned All-Area first-team honors. Holtville freshman Kaylyn Dismukes picked up second-team distinction at pitcher, joining Brown, her county rival, on the Class 4A All-State team. The freshman phenom, an All-Area first-team choice, went 25-11 with a 1.65 ERA and 271 strikeouts and three no-hitters on the year, while setting her school mark for shutouts with 11. Junior catcher Kelsie Cornelius was the lone representative from Wetumpka, selected as a secondteam designated hitter on the 6A All-State team. The All-Area FirstTeam catcher, Cornelius had an areabest 10 home runs, 64 hits and led the Lady Indians in batting average (.438) and RBIs (41) while racking up 13 doubles and had a .497 on-base percentage.

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Left, Elmore County senior shortstop and University of Alabama signee Elissa Brown (22) swings through a pitch against Dadeville Friday during the Class 4A, Area 5 tournament at Holtville. Bottom left, Wetumpka junior catcher Kelsie Cornelius (9) catches a throw during a rundown with a Rehobeth runner earlier this season. Bottom right, Holtville freshman Kaylyn Dismukes throws a pitch earlier this season.

Kayakers win crowns at Coosa Whitewater Fest By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Walt Lynch paddles through the rapids at Moccasin Gap Saturday during the 31st annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival.

About 100 men and women boaters took to the Class III rapids at Moccasin Gap for supremacy in freestyle, Classic Ender, Boater X and King of the Wave, Saturday at the 31st annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival, hosted by Coosa Outdoor Center. Walt Lynch captured the wave and became King in the last man standing event. “There’s only one king,” Coosa Outdoor Center owner Lonnie Carden said. In the Men’s Freestyle division, Matt Thornton won the top prize, edging Lynch and Aaron LoCascio. Thornton also finished first in the Classic Ender, where competitors sink the bows and holds their boat up vertically in the water, while Eric Olds placed second. Chris McDonald came in first in the Boater X, which is a kayak race through the rapids. Amanda LoCascio ended up second. In the sit-on-top division of Boater X, Grayson Lang

took first and Robert Smith was the runner-up. While the competition was fierce, Carden said collective mood of the participants and spectators was relaxed. “Everybody was kind of laid back. But everyone had a good time and the weather change between the morning and by the start of the festival made things better,” Carden said. All monies raised by the festival, an amount Carden estimated to be between $4,000 and $5,000, went toward the refurbishment and clean up of Corn Creek Park. With the help of Elmore County officials, the Coosa River Paddling Club aims to repair and replace barbecue grills, picnic tables and other amenities at the park that’s been closed for the last three years. “We did alright. I was hoping it would come out a little greater and have more people register and come out, but with the weather saying there was a 60 percent of storms, I thought ‘this is not good. Give me a break.’ But we did OK.”