June 25, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

Attorney accuses Edgewood of forcing out Carr Sports, Page 10 Wetumpka, AL 36092

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • JUNE 25-26, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 11, NO. 24

New developments in WPD filming case Authorities search Golden’s residence, attorneyss acquired and ACLU gets involved By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The residence of the Coosada man who filmed Wetumpka police and was arrested after an outpouring of calls came into the WPD from across the nation was searched earlier this week allegedly for electronic devices. Elmore County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an ECSO

representative was asked by WPD to assist in the search of the residence of Keith Golden, which fell outside of its jurisdiction. Sheriff Bill Franklin said he could not talk about the details of the operation since WPD was the lead agency involved. He said they were only there to assist on the service of the search warrant. WPD Police Chief Danny Billingsley said he had no comment on the operation that was ordered and executed by his department. The Elmore County Circuit Clerk’s office said it had not yet received a warrant filing, however, a represen-

tative explained that the issuing agency had 10 days to return the search warrant after it had been carried out. On Thursday, attorneys for Golden, a 43-yearold retired Army staff sergeant, filed an Entry of Appearance. There are three attorneys listed on the entry, two of which are from a from Dothan, and the third with the American Civil Liberties Union of Montgomery. The case name according to the document is State of Alabama v. Keith Golden. An attorney for Golden, Dustin Fowler, of Buntin, Etheredge and Fowler, LLC, said on Thursday he was See GOLDEN • Page 2

Scooter snatcher strikes in parking lot

2016 Elmore County Distinguished Young Women contestants named By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Tonight, 11 rising senior girls from across the county will compete for scholarships and the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Elmore County. The event will be held in the Elmore County High School auditorium in Eclectic beginning at 7 p.m. The program is sponsored by the Phi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an educator’s organization. Contestants will be evaluated on scholastic achievements, judges’ interview, talent performance, self-expression with an on-stage question and physical fitness. Scholarship and interview skills are the basis for 50 percent of the competition. The program awards scholarship money to the college chosen by the individual participants and offers opportunities for other college scholarships. Last year’s winner Reagan Law will be on hand to present the scholarship awards. Admission is $10 per person. Programs are $10 each. The winner will represent Elmore County at the

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer Corey Arwood / The Herald

Connor Keahey, 10, and Karis Moore, 10, learns about hives and try to identify “the queen” under the instruction of local master beekeeper Ken Moore.

Abuzz about bees Local kids learn from experts at camp

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Master beekeepers from across the state gathered at Wetumpka Elementary School for The Central Alabama Beekeepers Camp to teach their craft and the importance of honeybees to a new generation of local youths interested in the role of bees and bee-based products. It was part of a two-day event from which students from 9 to 14 could leave ready to expand upon their honeybee interest and turn it into a hobb, or even develop a business making cosmetics, or perform bee removal from properties. The director of CABA, Allyson Andrews, said it was the third year for the camp and its first year being held at WES, through the Elmore County

See DISTINGUISHED • Page 3

School Board. Andrews said she wanted it to turn into an annual event. “We just wanted to make sure that we’re teaching our younger kids about beekeeping, all of us that are master beekeepers that are here. It’s just we’ve got to start them out early for them to hopefully keep the desire,” said Andrews. A master beekeeper out of Millbrook, Ken Moore was an instructor during the “Open Hive” session, where the students wore the safety suits and closely examined the inside of exposed hives. His granddaughter also attended the camp. “My 12-year-old grandson, I sent this thing to them (parents) about this camp to see if he wanted to go. When my son read it to him to see if he wanted to See BEES • Page 5

According to a Central Alabama Crime Stoppers Report, Wetumpka police are looking for a scooter thief who packed up an entire moped from a parking lot into the back of a van and then drove away. Images from surveillance footage released with the report appear to show a burgundy colored van that parks near what was described in the report as a 2015 Honda Metropolitan Scooter. The report stated that the incident occurred on June 9 between 7:40 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. in a retail parking lot off of U.S. Highway 231. Investigators said the suspect was a white male wearing a black tank top and shorts. He was said to have loaded the scooter into the back of the vehicle and left on U.S. Highway 231 traveling north.

Submitted / The Herald

Officials are looking for a scooter thief who packed an entire moped from a parking lot into the back of a van, pictured above, then drove away.

Wetumpka officially kicks off Main Street program By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

The City of Wetumpka and Wetumpka Downtown in partnership with Main Street Alabama officially kicked off the Wetumpka Main Street program Thursday evening with a gathering that included well over 100 area political, business and civic leaders. The city received word earlier this month that the city had been designated by Main Street Alabama as one of four newly selected communities for the Main Street program.

According to Alabama Main Street President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer, the organization immediately began providing Wetumpka with board development, training with work plans and goals, market analysis, which will include economic development strategies geared for downtown development, technical assistance and quarterly training. “When a community is ready for Main Street, our economic development program works,” Helmer said. “It brings jobs, dollars and people back to historic See MAIN STREET • Page 2

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Alabama Main Street President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer speaks tothe assembled crowd at the kickoff event for Wetumpka’s Main Street program.

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Page 2 • JUNE 25-26, 2016

Obituaries William Henry “Bill” Peterson

Mr. William Henry “Bill” Peterson, 97, of Eclectic, passed away June 23, 2016. He was born January 25, 1919. Visitation will be Friday, June 24, from 3-5 pm at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 25, at 11 am at Linville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Marty Dunlap and Rev. David Babson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Eclectic, Linville Memorial Funeral home directing. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Doler (Rickey); stepdaughter, Mary E. Hopper (Danny); stepsons, John Goodman (Debra) and Derrick Goodman (Denise); grandson, Kevin Doler (Tracie); step-grandchildren, Steven Goodman, Angela Cox, John Goodman, Jeanine Pitchford and Paige Armstrong and nine step-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wives, Sybil Askew Peterson and Evelyn Peterson. Bill was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War and retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He loved going to church and enjoyed gospel music. He never met a stranger and always had a story to share. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial. com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama

Michael “Beau” Ladley

Michael “Beau” Ladley, age 42 passed away Thursday morning (June 23, 2016) at his home. He was born at Carmi, Illinois on April 29, 1974 to Thomas Michael and Marsha (Scroggins) Ladley. He was a graduate of Wetumpka Alabama High School class of 1992 and attended Auburn University. He was working for Jasper Engines and Transmissions as a sales associate. He was an avid Auburn football fan. Surviving are Companion, Jodi Richardson, Jasper, IN; Mother and Step-father, Marsha Sullivan and Paul, Ladley Wetumpka, AL; Sister, Tiffany Singleton and husband Gary, Wetumpka, AL; Step-brother, Michael Paul Sullivan, Prattville, AL Also nieces and nephews. Visitation and celebration of life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday (June 30, 2016) in the Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, Alabama. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Foundation in Montgomery, Alabama or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Becher-Kluesner Funeral Homes is serving the family.

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Golden

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told by his client that a search had been made of his property. The case stems back to the beginning of June when the filming occurred. The video has stirred strong reactions from viewers concerned with First Amendment rights, while some, including city officials, said police safety was at issue. In the video, which appeared online June 5, an officer appeared to approach Golden, who was filming from across the street from the building. The officer could be heard questioning Golden, asking for identification. Golden could be seen producing what he said was a court case ruling on filming police, to which the officer could then be heard making a statement along the lines that he did not care about Golden’s First Amendment rights. Golden said the officer then proceeded to take his camera and turn it off. Ultimately, Golden’s camera was returned and he was allowed to leave, after, he said, being apprehended against a vehicle and further questioned, to which Golden said he produced a piece of paper with his name and address. Later, the story from the WPD was that hundreds of calls

tied up their phone lines which Billingsley said he then ordered to be shut down and redirected through the county’s 911 system. However, he said the idea to arrest Golden had been in the works essentially since he initially filmed the department, which he said was around the time he said the calls started. The filming, according to YouTube accounts dates, occurred Thursday, June 2, and the phone lines were unavailable Tuesday, June 7, and remained off for multiple days, but have since reopened. Social media pages of both the City of Wetumpka and the WPD have remained down during the duration of these events. It was said the city’s only dispatch call center for its various agencies was stationed at the police department, which resulted in the disruption to calls and , according to Billingsley, served as cause for the arrest. Golden has said that he did not direct anyone to make calls. A group Photography Is Not Crime!, or PINAC, which has covered the topic extensively, had at one time published an article with public city phone numbers and was shortly after made unavailable. And on the page with the

video Golden published, the WPD phone number can be found. However, those critical of the city and WPD’s actions maintain all of this information is public record and can be published anywhere. Golden maintains a YouTube page called Bama Camera, where he has a collection of videos, he calls “First Amendment Audits.” On June 7, Golden was arrested on a warrant, which Billingsley said he ordered, and was served by ECSO. The charge, he said in an earlier interview, was interfering with government services, which he said was a class C Felony. According to Alacourt records, he was charged with Interfering with Public Safety Communications, or Alabama Code 13A-010-016. At the time, Golden said he was released after paying his bond, which, according to the court document, was set at $15,000. The city has maintained its authority in the action, however, a civil liberties attorney in an earlier interview has called the city’s actions blunders and erosions of First Amendment rights.

Main Street downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.” Helmer said during the gathering that she has been waiting for several years for Wetumpka to be included in the Main Street program and that she was excited to finally welcome the city. “This is one of the best things to happen to Wetumpka, and not

continued from page 1

just downtown,” said Johnny Oats, owner of River Perk and one of the founders of the Wetumpka Downtown organization said recently. “It’s going to be great for the whole community.” With assistance from the City of Wetumpka, the Downtown group began a five month competitive process by

holding a public meeting in March to present the proposed program and to gauge interest. Currently, Wetumpka Downtown boasts over $40,000 in pledged memberships. “As a long-time downtown business owner, I couldn’t be more proud of my community,” said Jerry Willis, mayor of Wetumpka. “This application wouldn’t have been possible without close coordination between the public and private sectors and the support of people who love Wetumpka.” The next step for Wetumpka Downtown will be to file the articles of incorporation, according to Lynn Weldon, economic development director for the city. “Although the city is

an important sponsor of Wetumpka Downtown, this truly is an independent, community-wide effort,” she said. “We will be scheduling a meeting for members in the upcoming weeks to elect a board of directors to oversee the program. For all those who are interested in supporting the revitalization of downtown Wetumpka with time or treasure, now is the time to get involved.” According to Helmer, during a previous meeting discussing the enterprise and Main Street Alabama’s website, the state entity will invest significant resources during the first three years of Wetumpka’s involvement with the program.

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 25-26, 2016 • Page 3

Father-son team brings state of the art facility to Wetumpka By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

For the last six months, anyone traveling on Holtville Highway or along Highway 14 at the Holtville highway intersection might have noticed Martin Collision Center. Father and son team Tim and Jeff Martin brought the facility to Wetumpka six months ago after a couple of years working on the dream and business has been steadily picking up, according to Jeff Martin. Jeff Martin, who has been an auto technician for the last 30 years, said that the idea of starting his own business was not one he took lightly. “It was a very long process,” Jeff Martin said. “It was a two-year process from start to finish.” He added that initially they sought out a building around town to rent, but when nothing caught their eye, a decision was made to seek out property for the structure. The property they located could not be in a better spot according to both men. Located at the intersection of Holtville Road and Highway 14, the property

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has quite a bit of visibility. Martin Collision consists of a 6,000-square-foot work area, which includes several bays and a state of the art paint booth. It also includes a 1,500-squarefoot office area. The booth was a point of pride for both men. “When we say state of the art, we mean state of the art,” Tim Martin said. The booth includes a paint-mixing station, which is done entirely by computer. Spray nozzles in the booth apply paint to the vehicles while fumes go down below for safety purposes. Jeff Martin said the booth also has a heating element which speeds the paint drying process. According to both Martins, the facility handles all aspects of collision repair including ancillary work such as mechanical repairs. During a recent tour of the facility, work was being done to restripe an ambulance. “We handle all types of vehicles including fleet vehicles,” Jeff Martin said. “From striping to painting to body work, whatever is needed really.” The facility currently has six employees including Tim and Jeff.

Tyler

Norris

Bryant

Lee

Hill

Tessier

Duncan

Distinguished

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statewide competition in Montgomery in January 2017. The Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama will then advance to the Distinguished Young Woman of America contest. “This program has helped to build lasting friendships among area girls and is beneficial in helping these girls attend the college of their choice,” said Mel Reese, program chairman. This year’s Elmore County participants are Sumar Bath (Stanhope Elmore High School), Morgan Bryant (Wetumpka High School), Brianna Duncan (Holtville High Schoool), Madison Hill (Holtville), Madison Law (Holtville), Caity Jo Lee (Edgewood Academy), Lauren Norris (Prattville Christian Academy), Layne Phillips (Wetumpka), Sarah Ray (Wetumpka), Adele Tessier (Wetumpka) and Nicole Tyler (Holtville). Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun experience that highlights their accomplishments. The program encourages young women to develop self-confidence

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“He (Jeff) handles the technical aspect and I handle the business aspect,” Tim Martin said. Both men are happy to have their business in Wetumpka. “I think it is important that we are locally owned and operated,” Tim Martin said. “We think it is important to be involved in our community and we want to give our customers a true personal experience here.” Martin Collision is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can be reached at 334478-3333.

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Page 4 • JUNE 25-26, 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.

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How to really fix our nation’s politics

s I watch the ongoing circus that is our nation’s presidential race I am reminded that by and large I really dislike politicians. In fact I think most of us dislike politicians and so we have created a number of ingenious ideas in the hopes of thwarting the baser natures of our elected officials. Some people think we need to curb campaign finances, others want to limit the power and control of lobbyists. Some would prefer that we simply institute term limits to “ensure” that our leaders listen to us. Honestly none of those ideas are really any good, they all have flaws of one form or another. So I am actually proposing a solution that would solve all of the problems. That solution is to make elected officials personally liable for any action they take while in office. I realize that this will probably never happen because the people we would need to vote in such a measure would never actually do so, but I like to dream big with my ideas. If elected officials were personally liable for their actions it would at least initially do two things, first, it would actually limit the number of people running for office, as the idea

WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

of being personally responsible for your actions is anathema to elected officials. It would also ensure that those who do actually get elected are on notice that any and everything they do could be subject to retribution. For instance, lets say that a state, county or local entity does something that knowingly brings retaliation in the form of a lawsuit that costs the entity millions of dollars. Why should the governmental entity’s insurance provider, or worse the taxpayers, have to foot the bill for that entire expense? Why can’t the officials who improperly approved the measure be responsible for providing funds to cover the cost? Think about the bad laws we could eliminate with just this simple measure. Now some will argue that this would stymie decision-making by elected officials because they would always be afraid of having to pay out of their own pocket, but this is part of the problem, without real skin in the game, how can we trust our

leaders to actually act like leaders? If they can simply make bad decisions and then move on to their lucrative lobbying or speaking jobs there is no incentive for them to do the right thing. In fact, there is more incentive for them to help their friends and future employers out than the regular citizens. In the business world every day decisions are fraught with risk. If a company’s CEO does something detrimental to the company he runs the risk of not only being terminated, but facing a suit from shareholders demanding compensation for decisions that cost the company. Even in the newspaper business, we make decisions on stories and opinion pieces every day that have consequences. We do not take those consequences lightly. If they were forced into this bubble our elected officials would really think before they act and make decisions that would not create unnecessary liability for the taxpayers. Again, I have no real hope that this will happen, but it is the only thing I think that would change the status quo and make elected officials responsible for their decisions. Carroll is the managing editor of The Herald.

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

Obama’s amnesty actions struck down

he U.S. Supreme Court has dealt the final blow to President Obama’s executive orders on immigration. As you may remember, President Obama attempted to bypass Congress in November 2014 and grant de facto amnesty to as many as five million illegal immigrants. A number of states, including Alabama, challenged the executive amnesty plans in federal court on the grounds that they violated the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers. Although there are not currently 9 serving justices, an equally divided Supreme Court affirms the ruling of the court below. By upholding lower courts’ rulings against the Administration, the Supreme Court has effectively blocked the President’s orders from being implemented and affirmed that they were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s decision represents an important victory for the separation of powers, a fundamental principle of our Constitution meant to preserve self-governance. The framers strategically divided governing authorities among the three branches and set up a system of checks and balances to

MARTHA ROBY U.S. Rep.

ensure no one branch became too powerful. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress, not the President, authority to “establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization.” Our laws have legitimacy because they are passed by representatives elected by and accountable to the people. That legitimacy has been undermined by expansions of executive authority over the past few decades. I believe this decision sends a strong message to President Obama and to future presidents that constitutional order and the rule of law must be followed. However, this issue isn’t going away. Our illegal immigration problem is very real. The President’s amnesty orders only exacerbated that problem by inviting even more illegal immigrants to cross the border and by poisoning any chance Congress could make progress

toward meaningful solutions on this issue while he was in office. They were also unfair to legal immigrants who played by the rules and to the working Americans whose wages are undercut by reckless immigration policy. Amnesty won’t solve our immigration problems. We have to secure the border and enact better polices that discourage illegal entry, punish lawbreakers and promote America’s economic interests. In the wake of this ruling, our work to strengthen the United States immigration laws should continue right away. Hopefully our next president will be more willing to work with Congress in that regard. Thanks to this Supreme Court ruling, they won’t be able to go around Congress and unilaterally enact their own policies. That’s important for the preservation of our constitutional republic, no matter who the next president is. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, Riley and their two children.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 25-26, 2016 • Page 5

Eclectic police get 4-wheeler donation By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Eclectic Police Department recently received an all terrain vehicle donated by a local business owner who said he wanted to return the favor of his success to the town and support law enforcement through his contribution. The owner of Eclectic Pawn, Wade Jones, said he was talking with EPD Chief Robert Head about the needs of the town when he learned that among the list was an ATV, or 4 wheeler, for the police department. He said had heard that the EPD requested one of the vehicles for the town and on learning that he donated what he said was one of his hunting ATVs. Jones, who was the 2012 season 2 winner of a CMT reality show, Redneck Island, said with his winnings he had purchased a new “side-by-side” model ATV. Jones said the other was “sitting there with brand new tires on it.” He said contributing to the town in some way had been a goal of his when he first moved his business into Eclectic. “When I came into Eclectic I was

taking a chance, as well as Eclectic was taking a chance on me,” said Jones. Jones said he was born in Eclectic but had lived nearly 40 years in Alexander City. Jones gave another reason for donating the vehicle to local law enforcement, to clear up stigmas surrounding pawnshops as what he called a place where “thieves” congregate. He said in his previous businesses and work experience, he had worked with police. “We always worked well to try to get the criminals off the street,” Jones said. Chief Robert Head said the department would use the addition mainly for special events like parades and during football season to patrol parking lots. He said it could also be of use in search and rescue operations and would have been a benefit to first responders during the heavy storming of late 2015, and early January. And, he added, it would also be shared with other local agencies, which might need it. “Yes, we’re really happy about having that contribution,” said Head. He said they were now looking into a

Submitted / The Herald

Eclectic Police Chief Robert Head, and Eclectic Pawn owner Wade Jones stand beside the recently donated ATV Jones gave to the EPD in an effort to contribute to the community.

new EPD paint job for the vehicle.

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Elementary and middle school students, ages 9-14, learned about the importance of honeybees, and also how to make cosmetic products, like lip balm, from honey and other bee products at the Central Alabama Beekeeping Association’s 2016 Beekeeping Camp.

Bee

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go, she heard it, she said, ‘Why come I can’t go?”, said Moore. The youths at the camp had a scientific introduction to nearly all aspects of bees in their environment from bee biology, society, pollination, and even the chemistry of honey. However, they were

also taught how to make lip balm and construct the wooden hives as well as create bee-inspired art. “We want it to be a desire placed in there heart early in life, so that

they will help them get a hive keep the hive and work the hive, and we will be able to come alongside them mentoring them,” Andrews said.

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

ALEA announces two holiday safety programs Troopers to participate in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Operation Dry Water STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

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Across Alabama, families and friends will gather to celebrate Independence Day with parades, parties and fireworks. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds Alabamians safety is important when traveling Alabama roadways or waterways, and when celebrations involve fireworks. “Safety is always a priority, particularly as Independence Day weekend festivities may involve alcohol and may result in traffic or boating crashes, injuries and fatalities,” Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler said. “By all means, have fun. Just designate a driver to get you home safely, whether on the water or roadway.” To spread this safety message, ALEA is participating in two national campaigns: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Operation Dry Water (ODW). ODW is a boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. ALEA’s Director of Public Safety John Richardson said, “Troopers assigned to Marine Patrol will work to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.” Operation Dry Water’s heightened enforcement three-day weekend is annual and takes place the weekend prior to the weekend of the Fourth, a holiday known for drinking and boating – and deadly crashes. This year, the weekend is Friday, June 24, through Sunday, June 26. Additionally, State Troopers will

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bolster enforcement on Alabama roadways efforts beginning Friday, July 1, and running through midnight Monday, July 4. During the previous year, the Fourth holiday travel period was from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, through midnight Sunday, July 5. Troopers investigated five fatalities on roadways and two boating fatalities. “We look forward to joining our county and municipal law enforcement partners to reduce injuries and deaths during this holiday period by enforcing traffic, boating and alcoholic beverage laws,” Stabler said. In addition, Stabler offered the following safety tips: • Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Buckle up on the road or on the water -- no matter how short your trip. Occupants of all ages should use seat belts or child restraints when traveling by motor vehicles. On waterways, all occupants of water vessels should use U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jackets. • Focus on driving or boating, and avoid such distractions as texting and using cell phones. • Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages. • Take care while traveling through construction zones as drivers pose the greatest danger in these areas by speeding, not paying attention and driving while impaired or distracted. Troopers will work additional patrol shifts with grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Department of Transportation.

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 25-26, 2016 • Page 9

Area Calendar June 25

SILENT AUCTION: Central Alabama Comprehensive Health, Inc will hold the Annual Recognition and Silent Auction and Roast of the Honorable Deborah H. Biggers, District Court Judge. Supporting Honorees: The Honorable Miles D. Robinson, commissioner district 1, Macon County Commission. Dr. Fazel Martine, CEO of Prime Care Medical. This event will be held Saturday, June 25 at 2p.m. at the Tuskegee Municipal Complex in Tuskegee, AL. Donations are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Maggie Antoine at 334339-1202 or maggieantonie@charter.net.

June 26

MENS BREAKFAST: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka Men’s Ministry will be having their monthly Men’s Breakfast on Sunday, June 26 at 7:30 a.m. All men and boys of all ages are welcome to attend.

June 27

BASKETBALL CAMP: Auburn University Chuck Person Shooting Camp For more information call coach Hollinquest at (256) 404-2657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187.

June 28

OPENING RECEPTION: Rebecca Gregory and Phyllis Kennedy chair a reception June 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery in conjunction with the exhibition: Priscilla Cooper Scott Crommelin Life and Work. The exhibit features 65 vibrant still life and floral paintings, portraits and landscapes and is sponsored by the City of Wetumpka, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ball, Dr. & Mrs. Spencer Coleman, Lt. Col. Quentin Crommelin, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Fain, and Mr. & Mrs. Donald McConnell.

June 28-30

HOOPS CAMP: The Tallassee boy’s basketball team is hosting a summer camp June 28-30. The camp is for boys and girls ages 8-14 and will be grouped in ages 8-11 and 12-14. The camp will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and will be run by the varsity coaches and players. There will be drills for shooting, ball handling and five-on-five drills. There will also be a contest for free throw shooting and a 3-point shooter contest. For more information call coach Cecil Hollinquest at (256) 404-2657 or call the high school (334) 2832187.

June 30

MOURNING TO MORNING: Mourning to Morning, a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, will meet Thursday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka. Linda Darnell will have a devotional message and Alice Scarborough will have the program. A light meal will be served. For more information call 334-567-8754 or email us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook, Mourning to Morning Group.

July 4

CELEBRATION PARTY: Living Word Wetumpka will be hosting a free Community Celebration Party on July 4 from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. There will be live music, bouncy house for the kids, games and activities for young and old, and Christian karaoke. Food & drinks will be served. Everyone is invited! This event is free to the public! Come join us for an afternoon of fun. We are located at 500 Hwy 170 Wetumpka. Call (334)3991486 for more info.

July 8

WOODCARVING SCHOOL: The 31st Annual Southeastern Woodcarving School and Competition will be July 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. For more information or to register go to www.centralalwoodcarving.com.

July 11 - 15

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Grace Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible school July 11-15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. each night. For more information or to pre-register, call 334-567-3255 or email at wetumpkagrace@ gmail.com Grace Baptist Church is located at 304 Old Montgomery Highway behind the Wetumpka McDonalds and Gassett Funeral Home. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka will be offering

Vacation Bible School to children age 3 through 6th grade. The dates are July 11 – July 15 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The theme this year is “Submerged” – Finding Truth Below the Surface, Psalm 139: 23-24. For more information please contact the church office 334-567-4729 or visit our website www.calvarybaptistwetumpka.org

July 12

ARCHERY: Archery Class Registration for boys and girls ages 10-18 will be 6/20 - 7/8. Classes will begin 7/12 thru 7/28. It will meet each Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 am at the recreation center. Cost is $40 for new shooters and $25 for returning shooters

July 13

GIRLS CLUB: The Eclectic Girls Club will meet July 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kountry Kitchen in Eclectic. If you live in Eclectic or surrounding area, you are invited to make new friends, meet old acquaintances, enjoy food and fellowship. Lunch is $10.

July 31

BACK TO SCHOOL: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka will be hosting our Annual “Back -2- School Bash on July 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on this event, please contact the church office 334-567-4729 or visit our website www.calvarybaptistwetumpka.org

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PAGE 10 • JUNE 25-26, 2016

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Edgewood accused of forcing out Carr By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

An attorney for families attempting to withdraw their children from Edgewood Academy accused the school’s board of trustees Friday of “road-blocking” students trying to transfer and “institutional racism.” Mickey McDermott, who represents 14 families as of Friday afternoon, told The Wetumpka Herald that his clients believe the board waited until after the enrollment contract period to “force out” former EA head football and baseball coach and athletic director Bobby Carr on June 14, subjecting those wanting to transfer to pay $1,300 to pull their transcript. Carr stepped down, citing he wanted a new challenge. Efforts to reach Carr for comment were unsuccessful. “The roadblock and hurdles that have been placed in front of them, by primarily the enforcement of the full contract terms and conditions, for payment of school fees – all of these students trying to transfer and come up with the money to pay out their contract, some students can’t transfer to other private schools because they can’t afford to pay twice,” McDermott said. “A lot of these kids will end up in public school when they don’t want to. Transferring so late, some don’t stand much of a chance to play sports this year. “Coming on top of all of that, many families came to Edgewood following coach Carr because of his record and personal recruitment. Unfortunately for them, the coach they wanted to play for left, so now they’re stuck and don’t have anybody to play for. We’re asking the board to be a good Christian school like they say they are and let these kids go without financial penalties and let them move on.” McDermott added some of his clients’ children were exposed to “institution racism,” saying that they “never felt welcomed” at Edgewood. “These parents are concerned and adamant that

File / The Herald

Bobby Carr resigned as Edgewood head football and baseball coach and athletic director June 14.

coach Carr was forced out because he recruited too many minorities to the school, which disrupted the historical identity of the school. We believe the board of trustees made a calculated decision to wait until these students signed, then forced out the coach and left financial burdens on these families,” the attorney said. “We’re talking institutional racism brought on campus. They don’t believe they were welcomed there; the atmosphere was not welcoming. They believe this coach was forced out because he recruited too many blacks.” Friday afternoon, Edgewood headmaster Clint Welch would not answer any questions, but sent a statement to The Herald, denying McDermott’s claims. “Over the past few days, the Edgewood Academy

family has been subject to false and destructive claims that we have acted with a racist intent towards certain students of color,” the statement read. “While our natural human instinct is to defend ourselves and respond in kind, we have chosen to use this as a teachable moment for ourselves and our students, even though doing so has been difficult. We decline to engage in a messy, public spat that will do nothing more than generate clicks and contempt. We release this statement only to assure our EA family that the claims made in the news media and on social media are untrue and inconsistent with our values. We thank our EA family and the community for their continued support. We ask that you hold your heads high in the assurance that EA is a welcoming place for all who believe that we will ultimately be judged by how we treat one another.” Taking over six days after Carr resigned, new EA head football coach Eric Folmar said he expected to walk into a tough situation and he had no plans to leave. “It’s a tough situation,” Folmar said. “I can’t say a lot. I knew it was going to be tough coming in; I heard all the rumors and everything. I think everything will turn out just fine.” McDermott accused Edgewood’s Board of Trustees of altering the environment and, by result, breaching the families’ contracts with the school. “They already signed for next year and committed themselves, then the board took to fire the coach, waiting until after the contract signing period. These parents are having to borrow and beg for money so they can pay out the conditions of their contracts so the school will release their transcripts,” he said. “We want our clients to get their children out so they can register in others schools – public or private. We’re focusing on that issue, and in a few weeks, it’ll shift to we want our money back for this. And that day will come.”

Wetumpka native qualifies for National MX championship By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Tears flow when you secure a place in the biggest race in the world. Last week in Henderson, North Carolina, Michael McLing raced his way into the largest amateur motocross race, the 35th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship to be held Aug. 1-6 at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. The 11-year-old Wetumpka native and Edgewood Academy sixth-grader beat out more than 500 youth riders at the Southeast Regional competition to accomplish his goal of reaching Nationals after entering the sport three years ago. Needing to place sixth to earn a slot in the

championship after racking up points the last four months, he finished second overall in the 85cc class and fifth in the 65cc class. “When I came off the track, I had lumps in my throat and tears in my eyes,” McLing said Thursday. “I was very excited and very happy. I did (think I’d qualify for Nationals), but I never thought I’d make it at 85cc. My mom had tears in her eyes and then I started crying after that.” The top finishers in area qualifiers and regional championships earn a gate position in the national championship race at Loretta Lynn Ranch. McLing will compete in the highly competitive 42-person gate in the 65cc 10-11 and 85cc 9-11 classes. “It’s going to be 42 of the

fastest people in the world on the starting gate. Many champions and pros have sat there in some of their first races,” McLing said. “There have been a lot of big events that happened off that starting gate. (To become a pro), I have to start eating healthy, start working out and riding a lot to get fit.” Top professional motocross racers, including James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Travis Pastrana and Ryan Dungey, have won AMA Amateur National titles at Loretta Lynn. With the help of sponsors such as Mac’s Tree Service, Powersports Supply, M&M Construction, Information Transport Solutions LLC, Alabama Precision Transmission, Izzi Mafia, Chad Parish, Sullivan

Pallets Solution, Alabama Better Built Homes, Ride 100%, Crossbones MX, Todd Hill Plumbing, Parish Air, Zap Pest Control and Twin Air who helped pay his way to the races, McLing has had been able to win numerous races in the last three years across the country. At Nationals, McLing and his family will be camping onsite for the week-long event and will participate in many non-racing evening activities, including swimming, a talent show, concerts and live entertainment. McLing said he aims to finish inside the top five in each class he’s racing and recapture that feeling of reaching his goals again. “It was emotional because I was guaranteed a spot in the big-

Submitted / The Herald

Michael McLing poses with qualifiying passes to the largest amateur motorcross race.

gest race in the world.” The race action will be broadcast live daily at www.RacerTV.com Aug. 1-6, for a total of 40 hours

of live coverage. In addition, two highlight shows featuring the event will air on NBC Sports Network in the fall.

Community members meet to talk SEHS football coaching job McGowin says vacancy could be filled next week By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Nearly 30 people from the Millbrook community gathered to discuss the state of Stanhope Elmore’s athletics program, mainly the now vacant head football coach position, Thursday night at Mill Creek Park. Former longtime Mustangs football coach Jeff Foshee suddenly stepped down June 9, citing health reasons and wanting to spend more time with his family. Kelly Baird, who has two children, one an incoming freshman at SEHS who doesn’t play football and another in middle school, spoke to the group about an hourlong conversation she had earlier in the day with principal Jamey McGowin regarding the school’s hiring process and what SEHS is looking for in its next athletic director and football coach. “If the parents don’t do anything, the program is not going to change,” Baird said. “If you are concerned about the program and the school, then you need to volunteer when the program needs help. I don’t want to see a new coach come in, and it’s not who people want, and we end up with a bigger rift. Our football program

can be better for our school and our community.” Elmore County Public School Superintendent Andre Harrison was invited to the meeting, but was advised by legal counsel to not be in attendance, he said Friday. “I was advised not to go,” Harrison said. “I was extended an invitation by one parent. I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails from a lot of parents and private messages on Facebook, and I’ve been responding. Parents have the option to e-mail me or contact me if they have questions they need answered. We gave them the option.” Friday morning, McGowin, who did not attend the gathering Thursday, told The Wetumpka Herald that he’s looking for a head football coach and athletic director in one hire due to competitive salary purposes – lumping the two positions together adds $28,000 in supplements on top of their teaching salary. He said he’ll use a four-person panel, including two Millbrook community figures, during the interview stage, which will begin next week. McGowin said the panel will search for the most qualified applicant and the best option for

the student-athletes and ideally he hopes to have that person identified by the end of next week, unless they don’t find the right candidate. “This is an extremely important decision. I don’t want anybody leading our student-athletes who I don’t feel is a good person,” the principal said. “We’re going as fast as we can go, but we’re still doing our due diligence. This is a very important hire and I’m definitely not taking it lightly. “I’ll make a recommendation to (Elmore County Public School Superintendent Andre Harrison) and he decides if he will present my recommendation to the board. The board ultimately decides to accept my recommendation or not. If not, then we go back to work.” Harrison confirmed to the Herald that he would call a special board meeting at the end of next week if he accepts McGowin’s recommendation. McGowin said the reason he included two community members on the interview panel was because he wants the community’s insight during the process and said that he has heard from one parent regarding the coaching search.

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Kelly Baird, front left, addresses the group Thursday at Mill Creek Park regarding the vacant head football coach and athletic director position at Stanhope Elmore.

“To be quite honest with you, there’s been a lot of people talking to people, but I have not been one of those people,” McGowin said. “I haven’t heard much about what they’d like for me to consider. “I’ve been open to listen to whoever has input. I maybe have gotten one or two e-mails. I’ve been surprised that very few have taken the initiative and time to contact me and talk about it.” Amongst the group Thursday, former Edgewood Academy head football coach and athletic director and Stanhope alum Bobby Carr, who stepped down five days after Foshee, came up. To fill the athletic director, head football and baseball roles at Edgewood, Carr

didn’t need a teaching certificate, something he would be required to have to be considered for the Mustangs job, McGowin said. “I’ve been doing this a long time, but I haven’t seen any exception to that rule,” McGowin said. Harrison said he couldn’t recall during his time in school administration a non-certified employee coaching a sport in the Elmore County school system. “That doesn’t mean it’s never happened. But as far as what we’re looking for, we’re looking for a head coach and an athletic director,” Harrison said. “And I can’t recall in all my years in school administration that that happened.”