June 8, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

INSIDE TODAY 2016 All-Area Softball Team

‘I do believe in the First Amendment rights.’

Sports, Page 12

Opinion, Page 4

Community Events

Inside, Page 2

THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898

Wetumpka, AL 36092

50¢

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 8, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 118, NO.20

Police video sparks backlash

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

WANT TO SEE THE VIDEO?

Recent actions of Wetumpka police are under scrutiny after a video was published online that appeared to show officers in an exchange with a local man who was filming the police department. Wetumpka police said on Tuesday the department had to

The video can be found at https:// youtu.be/a8B-OW4SoIM. Need more information? Contact Keith Golden at bamafootballfirst@ gmail.com

shut down its phone lines due to an overload of calls from across the country in response to the

video. It was posted online by a Coosada man who maintains a YouTube channel of videos in which he records mostly public agencies, such as police and corrections departments for what he calls “First Amendment Audits,” or tests. Submitted / The Herald In the video, a man, off camera, This grainy image taken from video shot by Keith Golden shows the conclusion of See VIDEO • Page 3 an incident that Golden said he captured as part of a “video audit” of the Wetumpka Police Department.

Three-vehicle wreck leaves multiple injured on Highway 231

Bait shop fate determined at city council meeting By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Several longstanding issues were voted through at the last city council meeting, but not without vocal opposition from council members, who themselves had been long-standing opponents of the issues throughout their time on the council. Out of the eight scheduled items on the agenda, half were dedicated to the Company Street closure and the city’s attempt to acquire the building of a local business, Stoddard’s Bait and Tackle, located in an area slated for repairs on the street. The council voted to move into executive session, and reconvened after roughly 15 to 20 minutes to vote on items 1 – 4 of the agenda. Ultimately the offer was See COUNCIL • Page 11

Today’s

Weather

89 62 High

Low

THURS: HIGH 92 LOW 66

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

A three-vehicle wreck on U.S. Highway 231 heading toward Wetumpka has resulted in multiple injuries and was said to have trapped two women in their vehicles, who had to be extracted by first responders. Northbound traffic was backed up as far could be seen while first responders from Montgomery County tended to the victims and appeared to take details from the drivers and passengers involved. On the southbound side of the highway traffic was rerouted altogether. A life flight helicopter was on standby in the middle of the roadway, and Haynes ambulance could be seen speeding in the direction of the scene. Someone was wheeled into an ambulance from a badly damaged black Honda Accord, which sat in the middle of the highway. On the opposite northbound side sat a large white pickup truck, what appeared to be a Chevrolet make, and also seemed badly damaged. See ACCIDENT • Page 11

William Carroll / The Herald

Above, retired Wetumpka High School teacher Joe Brown prepares to cut the ribbon on the garden center that now bears his name Monday morning. Below, Brown speaks to the assembled crowd at the school Monday for the dedication of the Joe Brown Garden Center.

A DEDICATED EDUCATOR

Wetumpka High dedicates Joe Brown Garden Center

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Former agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor Joe Brown was recognized for his 38 years of service to Wetumpka High School as the school named its garden center after the retired educator See FFA • Page 5

New Ivy Creek Cafe opens at Elmore Community Hospital

JAKES event promises fun activities for youth By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Saturday at Fort Toulouse State Park the Elmore County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host its annual JAKES event with registration for the event starting at 7 a.m. JAKES, which stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship is a program started by the NWTF in 1981

USPS 681-260

Submitted / The Herald

Kids learn to build bird houses at the 2015 Elmore County JAKES See JAKES • Page 5 event.

The Ivy Creek Café is now open to the public for lunch and the hope is it will eventually expand into breakfast and dinner options as well in the near future. The café inside the Elmore Community Hospital is now upgraded, with a new menu and new options for patients, families of patients and local diners. See CAFE • Page 5

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Page 2 • JUNE 8, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Area Calendar June

POOL OPENING DAY: Pool season for 2016 begins Wednesday June 1 at 1 p.m. and ends Saturday, July 30. Hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday 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 10-11

TALLASSEE NOW: Tallassee Now event is set for June 11 at Bell Park and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

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 register at Recreation Department until Thursday, May 26, and after May 26 please register at pool.

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

WOMEN’S CELEBRATION: Cain’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 “girls.” 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. TUESDAY’S WITH KELLY: Brown Bag “lunch and learn” event June 21 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. Drinks and desserts provided. Speaker is Donny Tomlin who will share his knowledge of Japanese Maples. Mary Wolfe will play her pocket violin. Layken Morgan will recite a poem. Door prize will be awarded.

Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt and snack. Participants must bring a sack lunch. For more information and to register contact Allyson Andrews at 334-799-2254 or call at allyson.andrews@ icloud.com

June 25

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 334-339-1202 or maggieantonie@charter.net.

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) 283-2187.

June 23

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BEEKEEPING CAMP: The Central Alabama Beekeepeers and Elmore County 4-H are hosting a beekeeping camp June 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 14. Take a look into the fascinating world of honey bees and see the role they play in our everyday lives.

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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. ONGOING EVENTS ART EXHIBITION: There is a free exhibit of sixty-five works of art by the late Priscilla Crommelin featuring vibrant still life and floral paintings, portraits and landscapes at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. TENNIS LESSONS: Grassroots Tennis Association will be offering (8) Weeks of Free Tennis Lessons this Summer throughout the rural and inner city underprivileged communities. A player can become a recipient of Free Tennis Lessons by contacting this organization before (May 27th, 2016) by calling (334-439-8198). SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Readers of all age will explore all thing sports and fitness this summer as Wetumpka Public Library presents “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read” during their summer library program. The 2016 Summer Library Program is open to young people, preschool, through young adult, with programs, prize drawings, story times and more. Preschool Story Time for infant through those entering kindergarten is on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. this is a year round program. Summer program for those entering first through sixth grade will meet Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center beginning June 14 – July 26. The Teen Program for those entering seventh and up will meet Thursday afternoons beginning June 16 – July 28 in the Library for movies. Registration begins May 2, 2016. You may download a registration form from our website: www.wetumpkalibrary.com or come in for a copy. For more information you may call 334-567-1308. Find us on Facebook. All programs are free.

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THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 8, 2016 • Page 3

Video

continued from page 1

back. However, Keith Golden, a 43-year-old retired Army staff sergeant from Coosada, had a secondary camera, and was live streaming the incident to a website with his cell phone. Several exchanges are documented in the nearly eight-minute video taken by Golden. During one such instance in the video an officer could be heard telling Golden as a reason for questioning him, that he could possibly be a terrorist, and he could not be sure if Golden was not. In the officer’s initial exchange with Golden on the video he appeared dissatisfied with a response Golden gave and said “What you out here doing filming? OK. I’m asking why you’re filming, I don’t care about your First Amendment rights I’m asking why you’re filming.” Golden could be heard saying he was a journalist gathering information for a story. He was then asked to leave by another officer. Later, yet another officer appeared and seemed to take a different approach, asking Golden why he was filming, responding he did not have to tell him and asked whether he wanted to talk. Ultimately, Golden’s camera was returned, and he was allowed to leave. The video has spurred strong reactions from viewers, and was said by its author to have generated the highest number of views in a 24-hour period compared to his other projects. Wetumpka police have said there is no official comment at this time, while officials with the city have said they received numerous calls about the incident and were referring the callers to the city attorney. On Monday afternoon one of the WPD social media pages was taken offline, as well as the city’s page. As of Tuesday both were still down, and adding to the confusion the WPD phone lines were unavailable for some time Tuesday with a message that said technical difficulties were at fault. However, prior to the social media page being taken offline Monday, posts were made to the page of previous interactions Golden said he had after filming at the location. The comments, from Golden, appeared to show Golden thanking and praising the WPD for not interfering with his project previously. The date of the comment appeared to be Nov. 17, 2015. Golden said he felt some one was trying to whitewash the incident, and clear up bad publicity.

On Tuesday police officials said no comment would be made about the incident. However, Monday afternoon, Golden said he received a call from an anonymous caller who identified himself as a representative of one of the officers in the video. The caller, Golden said, asked if he would accept an apology from the officer, to which Golden said he would respond with an answer at a later time. He said he also had “tips” about potential suspensions and classes the officers were potentially going to have to take. However, Chief Danny Billingsley flatly denied those claims. Golden maintains a YouTube page called Bama Camera, where he has a collection of videos he calls “First Amendment Audits.” The description of the page says only, “Citizen Journalists and 1st Amendment Activists,” and the videos show numerous encounters of him filming various private and public entities. These audits or “tests” Golden says are about transparency. Golden discussed with The Herald his reason for conducting the tests, the results of local agencies, the good and the bad, and why picked up a camera roughly one year ago. “What it’s all about in a nutshell is about transparency and accountability that’s the whole thing,” said Golden. “That’s what it boils down to we have the right to film public officials while they’re doing their jobs in the scope of their duties, as you will. This is even referenced by a 11th circuit decision that is 16 years old now, 16 years old, called Smith versus Cumming” That court decision was what Golden said he handed the officers in the video. He said out of his roughly one-year making the videos he considered Montgomery police and corrections to be the gold standard. And he followed by saying of Elmore County law enforcement that he “can’t say enough good things about Elmore County.” He said his reasons behind this project came from instances in his youth, along with his experiences in the military during the high points of conflict in Afghanistan in 2006 to 2007, and later in Iraq in 2010 to 2011. “What my channel really is about is helping people understand their rights, not only you know civilians, but law enforcement as well,” Golden said.

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He said he understands that some people may think what he does could be considered “baiting,” but he said he calls it testing. And while he said he considers himself an activist, he assured us the act was legal, and not a type of civil disobedience. “A lot of people say I want a reaction, I do this for a reaction, my whole purpose when I started doing this was to prove everyone wrong, I wanted to prove in Alabama this doesn’t happen, they don’t violate rights here in Alabama,” Golden said.

Wetumpka

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334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

BBQ FESTIVAL & COOK-OFF June 10-11, 2016 June 10th Activities: 9am: BBQ Cook-Off Check-In at Bell Park 1pm-3pm: Quilt Show at Tallassee City Hall 4pm-7pm: Karaoke Contest at Bell Park 6pm-8pm: Tailgate Partners BBQ Bulk Meat Sales (Tallassee Stadium) 7:30pm: Tallassee Now Fun Run 5K (Registration 6:30pm) 7pm-until: Music at Bell Park featuring Kevin Adair Band

June 11th Activities: Shuttle Service Pick-up/drop-off (Stadium to Downtown & Tours) 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Mt. Vernon Theatre Farmers Mkt. / Theatre Tours 7:00 – 11:00 am 10:00 am – 2:00 pm tours Dovard Taunton Art/Authors’ Book Signing/Wine Tasting Trophy Room 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Tours of Lake Thurlow Power Plant Board Shuttle at Tallassee Stadium 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Entertainment/Live Music Tallassee Stadium 10:00 am – 2:30 pm KidZone Tallassee Stadium 10:00 am - 2:00 pm BBQ Plate Sales Tallassee Stadium 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Car Show Tallassee Stadium 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Antique Guitars Show Tallassee Stadium 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Confederate Armory Tours Board Shuttle at Tallassee Stadium 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Quilt Exhibition/Public View Tallassee City Hall 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Tallassee Falls Museum Museum 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Art Show Trustmark Lobby and Annex 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Cook-Off Continues -Judging /Presentation 11:30 am Taster’s Choice BBQ Sample Tasting & People’s Choice Vote Bell Park 1:00-2:00 pm Awards Presentation 2:00 pm

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 8, 2016 • Page 3

Video

continued from page 1

appears to be approached and questioned by officers about his identity and reason for filming. According to the author, shortly after having his camera turned off and temporarily taken, he was detained against a van by an officer who held his arm behind his back. However, Keith Golden, a 43-year-old retired Army staff sergeant from Coosada, had a secondary camera, and was live streaming the incident to a website with his cell phone. Several exchanges are documented in the nearly eight-minute video taken by Golden. During one such instance in the video an officer could be heard telling Golden as a reason for questioning him, that he could possibly be a terrorist, and he could not be sure if Golden was not. In the officer’s initial exchange with Golden on the video he appeared dissatisfied with a response Golden gave and said “What you out here doing filming? OK. I’m asking why you’re filming, I don’t care about your First Amendment rights I’m asking why you’re filming.” Golden could be heard saying he was a journalist gathering information for a story. He was then asked to leave by another officer. Later, yet another officer appeared and seemed to take a different approach, asking Golden why he was filming, responding he did not have to tell him and asked whether he wanted to talk. Ultimately, Golden’s camera was returned, and he was allowed to leave. The video has spurred strong reactions from viewers, and was said by its author to have generated the highest number of views in a 24-hour period compared to his other projects. Wetumpka police have said there is no official comment at this time, while officials with the city have said they received numerous calls about the incident and were referring the callers to the city attorney. On Monday afternoon one of the WPD social media pages was taken offline, as well as the city’s page. As of Tuesday both were still down, and adding to the confusion the WPD phone lines were unavailable for some time Tuesday with a message that said technical difficulties were at fault. However, prior to the social media page being taken offline Monday, posts were made to the page of previous interactions Golden said he had after filming at the location. The comments, from Golden, appeared to show Golden thanking and praising the WPD for not inter-

fering with his project previously. The date of the comment appeared to be Nov. 17, 2015. Golden said he felt some one was trying to whitewash the incident, and clear up bad publicity. On Tuesday police officials said no comment would be made about the incident. However, Monday afternoon, Golden said he received a call from an anonymous caller who identified himself as a representative of one of the officers in the video. The caller, Golden said, asked if he would accept an apology from the officer, to which Golden said he would respond with an answer at a later time. He said he also had “tips” about potential suspensions and classes the officers were potentially going to have to take. However, Chief Danny Billingsley flatly denied those claims. Golden maintains a YouTube page called Bama Camera, where he has a collection of videos he calls “First Amendment Audits.” The description of the page says only, “Citizen Journalists and 1st Amendment Activists,” and the videos show numerous encounters of him filming various private and public entities. These audits or “tests” Golden says are about transparency. Golden discussed with The Herald his reason for conducting the tests, the results of local agencies, the good and the bad, and why picked up a camera roughly one year ago. “What it’s all about in a nutshell is about transparency and accountability that’s the whole thing,” said Golden. “That’s what it boils down to we have the right to film public officials while they’re doing their jobs in the scope of their duties, as you will. This is even referenced by a 11th circuit decision that is 16 years old now, 16 years old, called Smith versus Cumming” That court decision was what Golden said he handed the officers in the video. He said out of his roughly one-year making the videos he considered Montgomery police and corrections to be the gold standard. And he followed by saying of Elmore County law enforcement that he “can’t say enough good things about Elmore County.” He said his reasons behind this project came from instances in his youth, along with his experiences in the military during the high points of conflict in

DID YOU KNOW? According to a 2013 Pulse Survey, Tallapoosa Publishers reaches at least 86% of all Tallapoosa County.

Let Us Help Market Your Message! 256.234.4281

Afghanistan in 2006 to 2007, and later in Iraq in 2010 to 2011. “What my channel really is about is helping people understand their rights, not only you know civilians, but law enforcement as well,” Golden said. He said he understands that some people may think what he does could be considered “baiting,” but he said he calls it testing. And while he said he considers himself an activist, he assured us the act was legal, and not a type of civil disobedience.

Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques •114

DEALERS •

25,000 Sq. Ft. Air Conditioned

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

OPINION

Page 4 • JUNE 8, 2016

“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

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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.

A memorable Memorial Day

was so incredibly honored a few months ago when I was asked to be the speaker at Opelika’s Memorial Day services. I was even more hon- Fuller ored when I got behind the podium and looked out at the sea of veterans in the crowd, because I know Memorial Day is as sacred a day to them as it is to me. Most of us have brothers and sisters who never made it home. I’ve spoken to everyone from coroners at a convention in Orange Beach to troops on the Pakistani border in Afghanistan. I’ve spoken in 28 states and 14 countries. No sweat. It’s easy. Memorial Day was different. I was nervous and I choked up repeatedly. Although there is often a serious side, my routines are usually packed with humor. That can be done at Veterans Day events, which celebrate and honor living veterans; however, on Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I wanted to do justice to the fallen, many of whom I knew personally. My two soldiers were hit by a roadside bomb on April 4, 2004. One died instantly and the other died three days later. During my research, I discovered that Dusty Hiller, a young man from Opelika, was killed the same day. What are the chances of that happening? That brought everything full circle. It brought things home. I got very little sleep the night before. I was up at 4:45 a.m. as I attempted to craft the perfect speech. The festivities in Opelika didn’t kick off until 10 a.m., but I had other business to attend to beforehand. My friend and Medal of Honor recipient Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins was being recognized at Auburn’s Annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, so

being there was a no-brainer. I was also able to take along two friends: WWII veteran Earl Sumners and Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan. After a few words with CSM Adkins after the event, Earl and I slipped out so we could get back to Opelika. I kind of needed to be there. Mallory went to the lake with some friends. We made it to city hall with just a few minutes to spare, which is really the story of my life—just in time. I started out with just a little humor, including a couple of sweet notes I got from children while I was deployed. In addition to the wonderful veterans and their families, it was great to see many friends in the crowd, as well. I never did craft the perfect speech, but I did have bullet points on a cheat sheet. The funny thing is that I seldom looked at it. I just talked. The only time I really did was when I quoted John 15-13. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. I will never forget the fallen and am so thankful for all who serve. I’m also thankful for both Mayor Gary Fuller of Opelika and Mayor Bill Ham of Auburn for their commitment to and support of local veterans. I am fortunate in many ways to call Opelika-Auburn home. Many people see Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer, a long weekend, or a day at the lake. It’s not. It’s so much more than that, but that’s ok. There were a few empty tables in Auburn. Up until last week, it bothered me that more people didn’t show up for such patriotic events. However, after preparing for this speech my outlook has changed. Men and women have died to give these folks the right to spend this most sacred of patriotic holidays any way in which they please. That’s what freedom is all about. With that being said, Miss America proved that both can be done. Honor the fallen. Never forget. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com.

I do care about First Amendment rights T he Wetumpka Police Department and the City of Wetumpka have been feeling a little heat this week, ever since a video created by Keith Golden went viral regarding his interaction with three Wetumpka Police Officers. The story of course is detailed on the front page of today’s Wetumpka Herald, so I will not go into all of the details here, but a few facts are pertinent to our discussion. Golden operates a YouTube page he calls Bama Camera. The site consists of a number of videos depicting what Golden calls “First Amendment Audits.” These audits are primarily videos taken of police and other governmental employees. In some respect these videos do have a tendency to “bait” officers or other employees into questioning Golden as to his activities. Of course Golden states that baiting officials is not his intention, but it is oftentimes a consequence of these actions. Many will argue that this is all Golden is doing, simply setting up a situation that makes officers more likely to ask him questions, and more likely to potentially accost him. This is true to a degree, but the real point is that Golden is doing absolutely nothing wrong or illegal by videotaping police stations or police officers. As a former prosecutor, I can tell you that officers are trained in how to deal with all sorts of people, from regular everyday citizens, to drunks, drug addicts, the mentally ill, violent, suicidal and a whole host of other types. The reality is that officers should be able to handle citizens exercising their constitutional rights without resulting to force or by taking away property belonging to citizens. Anyone who watches the video can see that the officer takes Golden’s camera from him during the incident, unbeknownst to the officer though, Golden continues to record the

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incident. The real issue is not so much what the officers do, but what one of them says. During the discussion, prior to the taking of Golden’s camera, one of the officers is clearly heard to say, “I’m asking why you’re filming, I don’t care about your First Amendment rights I’m asking why you’re filming.” When I was prosecuting criminal cases I can tell you if I would have ever heard a police officer utter these words to anyone for any reason, especially on a videotape I would have had it out with the officer and his supervisor. Some might argue that the officer didn’t really mean what he said, but that is something an officer should never say, and especially when he knows he is being videotaped. It is not only unconscionable, it is just plain dumb. This country is built on a number of precepts, but the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stands as one of the highest. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Freedom of religion, speech, the press, to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances, these are sacred and important rights to our way of life. Where our government, both federal and state, are constantly whittling away at our rights, we need our local governments to honor and respect the rights we

Lunch with the governor and a Buick on the stairs

W 334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com

WILLIAM CARROLL

hold most dear. We can’t have officers of the law not caring about the Constitution and effectively illegally contacting someone exercising their rights. The police department is already taking quite a bit of abuse from this incident with phone lines being tied up by people who are either associates of Golden, or who have watched the video calling to complain or otherwise press the department into some kind of action. The thing is, Golden isn’t just doing this on his own, his site is tied to a number of other similar sites, all of which consist of people who either share his interests or who have their own agendas. In reviewing some of the comments posted on our own site, there are those who question police conduct to those who are openly hostile to the Wetumpka Police Department. Some of them are going so far as to berate the officers involved and the department itself. The thing is the WPD is not a horrible department, there are a number of good officers there, and also like a lot of places, there are probably a few bad apples as well. This incident doesn’t necessarily speak to the whole department, but it is a wake-up call. The one thing the city and PD cannot do is ignore the situation. My guess is that the groups that are currently hounding the department and the city will only grow more vocal as the department continues to issue “no comment” statements about the incident. I’m not necessarily saying that the officers should be publicly flogged in front of the courthouse, but the department should acknowledge that the situation was unfortunate and inappropriate and act accordingly. If we look at nationwide trends, issues like this get worse because officials chose not to meet it head on and deal with the problem. That is always the best course of action.

hile observing the legislature the other day, I fondly remembered a very eventful day as a youth. As a teenager, I grew up working at the Capitol as a page in the House and Senate. Albert Brewer had been elected to the House from Morgan County in his late 20s and became Speaker in only his second term. He would eventually let me sit beside him in the Speaker’s box and tell me why certain bills were assigned to the proper committee and the probable fate of the proposed legislation. Brewer ran for lieutenant governor and won in 1966. At that time, the lieutenant governor not only presided over the Senate, he controlled it with help from Gov. George Wallace. Brewer took me with him over to the Senate and made me head of the senate pages. Brewer confided in me and made me somewhat of an aide de camp at age 15. I had also become acquainted with our young, fiery, dynamic governor, George Wallace, who will go down in history as probably Alabama’s greatest politician. Wallace had a remarkable ability for remembering people’s names. On this particular day, I was roaming around the Capitol with one of my page buddies from Anniston when Wallace bounced out of his office and asked if I and my friend wanted to have lunch with him. He was swarmed by people as he ate his lunch in the old cafeteria in the basement of the Capitol. Wallace’s practice was to campaign in barber shops and beauty

Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers parlors all over the state. He asked me about every barber in Pike County by name and then turned to my friend and asked him about every barber in Anniston by name. It was amazing. He also had a habit of eating a hamburger steak every meal. It is not uncommon for folks to put ketchup on hamburger steak, but I watched in amazement when he poured ketchup all over his black-eyed peas, turnip greens and cornbread too. He put ketchup on everything he ate. Heinz missed a good chance by not using him in a commercial. I was on cloud nine after getting to have lunch with the Governor of Alabama. I bragged to every state senator and then meandered out to the rotunda where the legendary Miss Mittie sat on her bench knitting. She knew where every state senator and representative was at all times. We had become friends and she trusted me. As the lieutenant governor’s aide and head senate page, I needed to ask her where senators were from time to time. I proudly told Miss Mittie that I had eaten lunch with the governor. Without missing a beat she said, “I guess that little sawed off so and so put ketchup on every-

thing he ate.” The old lady not only knew where everybody was, she knew how the governor ate his food. This also told me she did not like Wallace. The Senate was debating a bill that was important to Gov. Brewer and Wallace. A decision had to be made whether to break for supper. I had gotten to know the Senators pretty well. One was the most powerful member of the Senate, Joe Goodwyn from Montgomery. Old Joe had a serious drinking problem. Most nights he headed to his favorite spot, the Sahara Restaurant, for dinner and libations. Gov. Brewer called the restaurant and old Joe headed back to the Capitol. Since Joe had been told his vote was urgent, he drove his Buick up the Capitol steps and made it almost to the Jefferson Davis star. His car’s transmission was on the second step. Minutes before we heard the news of old Joe’s spectacular arrival, I ambled out to ask Miss Mittie if she knew where Sen. Goodwyn was. She said, “Somebody parked in his parking place and he had to park on the Capitol steps.” It was obvious to me that she did not like Wallace, but she liked old Joe Goodwyn. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

JAKES to provide outdoor opportunities for youth. The Elmore County Chapter has been in existence for 19 years and according to former Chapter President Phil Savage, the group has offered a JAKES program for several years. “People around here support the NWTF really well. We wanted to have something for the kids in the area to be able to do,” Chapter President Gene Calhoun said. The event is free to all youth ages 17 and under. Participating youngsters will receive a one-year membership in the NWTF and a JAKES T-shirt. According to Calhoun the event will consist of several stations with activities for kids including: archery, sling slot, tomahawk throwing, air rifle marksmanship, muzzle loader and shotgun shooting, how to build bird houses, face painting and more.

FFA Monday. Dozens of current and former students and faculty were on hand Monday morning to pay tribute to the longtime WHS educator. Several took a moment to remember Brown and what he meant to them and the school. Recent WHS graduate and former school FFA President William Pierce said that Brown was instrumental in helping him to transition to the school when he first transferred to Wetumpka in 2012. “I grew really close to the Brown family,” he said. “I got to where I relied on them for everything. He (Brown) helped me to adjust to a new school. I am honored to be speaking about him today.” Wetumpka High School Principal Dr. Robert Slater recognized Brown’s importance to the school’s FFA program. “I think this is a wonderful opportunity to recognize you,” Slater said speaking to Brown. “He built this program into a state and nationally recognized program and we are thankful for that.” Elmore County School Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison said Brown helped him early in his career. “When I first met Joe I was a wet- behind -the -ears teacher,” Harrison said noting that Brown was a man of impeccable character. “He has always been a man of character, he has always focused on family. He loved Wetumpka High School, he cared about growing the program.” Harrison noted that upon his retirement, Brown had the same fire for the job that he always had. Elmore County Career and Technical Center Director Jimmy Hull said he felt it was important to recognize individuals who helped build programs in the community. Hull noted that Brown was the consummate professional noting that Brown was always the first to turn in his mandated paperwork, which was always meticulously done. Brown himself remembered his mentor C.S Bazemore, who he said was instrumental in Brown’s teaching career. “I learned more working under Bazemore in two years than I learned in six years at Auburn getting my master’s degree,” Brown said. Brown then talked about the greenhouse that will now bear his name

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

continued from page 1

“We have a lot of stuff that is very interesting for the kids,” Calhoun said. “We know a guy who is a helicopter pilot and he brings his helicopter down, the kids really get a kick out of it,” Savage said. Calhoun said that the event is expected to draw around 175 to 225 kids. “Our event has grown to be one of the largest JAKES events in the state of Alabama,” Savage said. Calhoun added that kids come not only from Elmore County, but all around the area for a chance to participate. Kids will also get a chance to enjoy lunch at the event. “Everything is totally free for the kids,” Calhoun said. “The money for the event is donated by local businesses so that we can offer this to the kids.”

continued from page 1

noting that WHS was the first school in the state to have its own greenhouse. “I have so many wonderful memories here,” he said. “I love the school, I love the faculty and students. I am not through yet. I consider this a wonderful honor, it really means a lot.” Brown said he would continue to support the FFA program and the greenhouse into the future.

JUNE 8, 2016 • Page 5

Cafe

continued from page 1

Hospital Administrator Michael Ritzus said that the new restaurant was part of an ongoing improvement plan for the hospital. Ritzus stated that having a top notch cafeteria is an important component of a community hospital. “We are not looking to compete with other restaurants in the area,” Ritzus said. “Our goal is to have an impact on overall patient satisfaction.” Ritzus said that the first step in improving the café was to hire a top class chef, which Ritzus was able to do in the form of current head chef Gary Garner, who has over 20 years experience in fine dining. “We offer country dishes with a spin,” Ritzsus said, noting that Garner takes traditional southern favorites and varies them slightly to provide a new experience. “My favorite is honestly the fried green tomato BLT,” he said.

Ritzsus notes that the hospital spent quite a lot of time working on the menu which will allow customers a meat plus two sides option to include a bread option, desert and a drink all for under $10. “We wanted the flexibility to control the menu,” Ritzsus said. “A lot of times people say they hate hospital food. I don’t want anyone saying that about our hospital. The plan, according to Ritzsus, is to eventually expand the lunch options into breakfast and dinner as the café expands. The hospital also wants to provide meals on the weekend. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new café, said he was excited to see the restaurant open again. “This a good day for Wetumpka and Elmore County,” he said.

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Religion Briefs •St. Vincent de Paul

OUR LIFE'S JOURNEY is a service of St. Vincent de Paul Church and airs weekly from 8:00-8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ and FM 101.1 in Tallassee. Listen Live on www.wacqradio.com or the TuneIn app on your smartphone. The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul is Monsignor Charles Troncale. June 12 - Sola Scriptura part 1 June 19 - Sola Scriptura part 2 June 26 - One Church part 1 July 3 - One Church part 2 July 10 - Once Saved Always Saved July 17 - Apostolic Authority and the Pope July 24 - Marriage and the Eucharist part 1 July 31 - Marriage and the Eucharist part 2 August 7 - Making Catholic Moral Decisions (Jim Toner) August 14 - Making Catholic Moral Decisions (Jim Toner) August 21 - By Faith Alone part 1 August 28 - By Faith Alone part 2 September 4 - Which Came First part 1 September 11 - Which Came First part 2

• Carrville Baptist Church Community News

Join us for our Submerged Vacation Bible School, Monday, June 6 through the 10 , from 9 a.m.-12 a.m. For children ages Kindergarten-6th Grade. Family night will be Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday School 9:15 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. and all Sunday Evening Activities are at 6 p.m. Our Wednesday Night Activities are at 6:30 pm.

Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street

Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m. Bible Study.............9 a.m. Worship service...10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.

Visitors Welcome At All Services

•St. Paul United Methodist Church

Fish Fry will be Saturday, June 11 starting at 10:30a.m.

•St. Paul United Methodist Church

Homecoming service will be June 26 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rev. Hazell Stoudmire, speaker of the hour Rev. Houston Martin from JACOM Church in Tallassee

•Bethlehem East Baptist Church

You’re invited to Vacation Bible School “Submerged”. Dive in and join us! June 6 -10 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Family night is June 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

•Salem Macon Baptist church

is having VBS June 12 - 15. The title is " Submerged," diving into God's Word. Hours are Sunday 4:00 - 7:30; Monday & Tuesday 5:30 - 7:30; And Wednesday, Family Night 6:00. All children invited. Come, bring someone with you and plan to have fun learning about God's word, playing games, and eating good food.

•Elam Baptist Church

Located at 4686 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, Alabama, Hwy 14 will have “SUBMERGED” Vacation Bible School 2016 June 19 – 23, Sunday thru Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each evening through 6th grade . The kids will experience an adventure like no other, deep within the mysterious seas. As they submerge themselves in God’s Word and discover that Jesus didn’t just see what’s on the outside of people but looked deep down on the inside. So grab your goggles, step into your flippers, and dive in to find truth below the surface with us at “SUBMERGED”! Everyone is invited and welcome. Join us!

•St. Paul United Methodist Church

Revival service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church June 27-29 at 7 p.m. Speaker Rev. John Jackson from Oak Grove #4 Baptist Church in Fitzpatrick, AL

• East Tallassee United Methodist Church

The “River’s Edge Flea Market” is open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. All vendors are welcome: new items, old items, crafts, youth groups, ball teams, baked goods, produce and food. The flea market is sponsored by the East Tallassee UMC and is located across from City Hall. We will offer various priced booths. To reserve a space call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913. All proceeds raised by ETUMC will be used for church-sponsored programs.

•St. John All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church

3495 Hwy 14 Notasulga, AL 36866. Minister Alma Purter, Pastor. Welcome, welcome, welcome! We look forward to your presence. Program committee: Sis. Brenda Moss 334-401-0706, Sis. Linda Pullium 334209-3208 and Sis. Judy Moss.

First Presbyterian Presbyterian Church Church

Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.

100 W. Bridge St.

Sunday Services at 11 a.m.

Rev. Jonathan Jonathan Yarboro Rev. Yarboro

Minister Dr. John Brannon

Sunday am Morning School..9:45 Worship..9:00am Morning Worship..11 am Fellowship.........10:00am Sunday School.....10:15am

There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!

567-8135 567-8135

“In“In thethe name of the Lord name of the LordJesus Jesus – Welcome.” - Welcome. ”

Please join us.

Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church

Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church

11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro

Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor

Pastor Rickey Luster, Rickey Luster, Music Director Music Director

SundaySchool..........10:45 School....10:45 a.m. Sunday a.m. Morning Worship....9:30 a.m. Morning Worship........9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m. Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m. Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m. You will receive a warm You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church. Christ-centered Church.

NURSERY PROVIDED PROVIDED FOR NURSERY FOR ALL SERVICES SERVICES ALL

567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.

504 West West Osceola 504 OsceolaSt. St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729

Anthony B. Counts, Pastor InterimWorship Pastor Leader Angie Gallups, Billy of Students AngieReinhardt, Gallups, Min. Worship Leader

Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Rev. Anthony Rhodes Tammy Driver, Children’s Ministries Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries Tammy Student Driver:Ministries Derek Blankenship, Children's Director

Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students SUNDAY Morning Worship... ....10:30 SUNDAY School.............9:15 Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Youth Choir .............. ....5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 Sunday School.................9:15 WEDNESDAY Evening Worship..............6:00 Fellowship Meal............5:45 WEDNESDAY Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Preschool/Children’s Missions............................6:00 Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Youth BibleStudy.............6:00 Study.........6:30

SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m. Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship... 10:30p.m. a.m. Evening Evening Worship..... 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m. Supper.....................5:30 p.m. Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:00 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m. Calvary Youth.............6:00 p.m. Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m. Calvary Kids.............6:00 p.m.

CEDARWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org

Roger Olsen, Pastor Sunday Bible Study..........9:00 AM Sunday Worship.............10:00 AM We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us. Nursery Check out our Facebook page

Santuck Baptist Church

7250 Central Plank Road

“A Family of Families”

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Amy Pugh, Director of Children & Preschool Chad Middlebrooks, Students SUNDAY Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m. Worship........................9 & 10:30 a.m. Evening Celebration.................6 p.m. WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW?

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JUNE 8, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 7

Learning About Hurricanes

A hurricane is a large storm that forms in the ocean and turns in a counter-clockwise motion around an eye. Inside the eye of the storm, there is no storm activity. It is around the eye that the high winds and rains occur. SpeFLDOL]HG ZHDWKHU VHUYLFH DLUSODQHV DUH DEOH WR Ă&#x20AC;\ LQWR WKH H\H RI WKH VWRUP DQG measure the hurricaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pressure. The pressure, which is measured in millibars, is a key component of the stormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength. Knowing this information helps meteorologists to predict the stormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path and the possible time and place of landfall. The lower the pressure of a storm, the more severe it will be at landfall. 7KH VHYHULW\ RI D KXUULFDQH LV PHDVXUHG E\ WKH 6DIÂżU 6LPSVRQ VFDOH $ WURSLFDO storm becomes a hurricane when the winds reach 74 miles per hour; the scale UDQJHV IURP FDWHJRULHV RQH WR ÂżYH ZLWK RQH EHLQJ WKH ZHDNHVW +XUULFDQHV QR matter what category on the scale, are dangerous because of the wind speeds, but they are also dangerous because of the surge of water brought to land by WKH VWRUP 7KH $WODQWLF +XUULFDQH 6HDVRQ EHJLQV HDFK \HDU RQ -XQH DQG ODVWV until November 30. This is the period of the year that we are most likely to see an Atlantic hurricane. In other parts of the World, these storms are called typhoons. 7URSLFDO VWRUPV DQG KXUULFDQHV DUH JLYHQ SHRSOH QDPHV 7KH ÂżUVW VWRUP RI WKH \HDU VWDUWV ZLWK WKH OHWWHU Âł$Â´ DQG JRHV WKURXJK WKH DOSKDEHW LQ RUGHU +XUULFDQH Katrina in 2005 was considered to be the worst modern hurricane on record because of the severity of strength, damage, and storm surge.

Hurricane Crossword

Across Clues: 2. The pressure is measured in what? 3. Aside from winds, what is also dangerous in a hurricane? 5. Before 75 mph winds form, what is the storm called? 7. What does a person do when they must leave an area? 7KLV RULJLQDWHV in the Indian Ocean. 5DWLQJ VFDOH is called the 6DÂżU BBBB VFDOH

Help Find The Way To The Eye Of The Storm

Hurricane Word Find

Agnes, A A Andrew, d C Camille, ill D Dennis, i Fl Floyd, d Down Clues: Fran, Georges, Gilbert, Hazel, Hugo, 7KLV RULJLQDWHV Iniki, Isabel, Ivan, Juan, Katrina, Mitch, in the North AtlanOpal, Rita, Stan N W G F T O G A A H N J Q M W I W W T P

V F X J G P D F N K A F G X U K V A Z L

D P Z A G O P A L D F Z H A Q T J C Z I

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PAGE 8 • JUNE 8, 2016

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THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

JUNE 8, 2016 • Page 11

Council

continued from page 1

approved to acquire the shop. A resolution was approved to declare an emergency for repairs to be made to Company Street, and public works director, Tex Grier was authorized to begin taking bids on the proposed construction of a storm drainage system. Legal condemnation proceedings were also authorized if the owners, Chris and Therese Carter, refused the city’s offer. Neither co-owner appeared to be present at the meeting. At the meeting, City Attorney Regina Edwards read the resolution, which she said authorized the need to go ahead and make the offer in the amount of the appraised value and initial litigation costs. The appraised cost of the property was $58,000, but including legal costs the city’s offer totaled $73,500. Edwards said it was a settlement offer, and a compromise, which if condemnation court proceedings were entered, would not be available. There were two much debated old-business items on the agenda up for vote as well. The council voted to approve a yearly contract of $70,000 for a legal team, which was said in earlier meetings to be a lobbyist group, which had reach into Alabama’s capitol as well as Washington, D.C. Permission was granted to extend the contract of the team, Adams & Reese, for another 12 months, however, there were two votes in opposition to the deal. Council member Percy Gill of District 2 and Steve Gantt of District 4 opposed the extension

and voted no. Gill said he wanted his opposition to be on record, aside from his vote. “I just don’t see the return for this amount of money for a lobbying group, I still don’t see even on the information that was provided, I don’t see the dollar variance to the city for $70,000 worth of fees to pay this lobbying group. I am not supportive of it,” said Gill. To that Willis said “Thank you sir,” and took the vote, which passed. The second item involved the renewal of a professional service agreement, at $32,000, for what was called a recreation and leisure services administrator, filled by Coach Ron Dickerson. It was another item Gill took issue with, and along with Gantt voted to oppose. Council member Kevin Robbins of District 1 said he wanted to thank coach Ron Dickerson for agreeing to sign another year contract. And Gill quickly followed with a comment to the mayor. “We appreciate the services that Coach Dickerson has offered to the city, but my concern is more long term, in terms of parks and recreation is making sure that we have someone in place from a long term perspective that can help us grow our parks and rec department, versus doing one year extensions,” Gill said. Dickerson’s contract was ultimately approved. Other items approved by the council included a matching grant application to the Alabama Department of Transportation for elderly and disabled transportation, described as a bus.

Accident

Lighting for an area of roadway near Trinity Episcopal Church was approved at $307.35 with Alabama Power. And added special to the agenda, a water connection to a city maintenance building was approved at $1750 for installation and an expected cost of $135 per month.

continued from page 1

Out of sight on the embankment to the southbound side of the roadway was another vehicle, the driver of which was also said to have needed the extraction efforts of first responders. Wetumpka Police Chief Danny Billingsley said he was among the first responders to the scene and helped direct traffic until others arrived. Billingsley said he was not entirely sure how the wreck happened but it appeared that the truck “t-boned” the side of the black Accord and somehow the other vehicle was deflected in the fray. He said those injured appeared to have suffered from head and shoulder injuries. Multiple bystanders at the scene said they saw the truck pull out of a local car dealer and strike one of the vehicles, presumably the black Accord.

Corey Arwood / The Herald

A badly damaged black Honda Accord after an accident on U.S. Highway 231 that resulted in multiple injuries.

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SPORTS PAGE 12 • JUNE 8, 2016

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

2016 All-Area Softball Team First Team: Pitchers

Morgan Brown, Jr.

Kaylyn Dismukes, Fr.

Edgewood Academy

Record: 13-4 ERA: 2.28 Strikeouts: 57 Most improved pitcher in area, helped guide ‘Cats to third place in state tourney

Holtville

Mary Beth Slater, Jr.

Julianna Thames, 8th

Record: 17-11 ERA: 3.47 Strikeouts: 112 Second-best mark on this team in wins, strikeouts and threw a no-hitter

Record: 13-4 ERA: 2.48 Strikeouts: 58 Paced Lady Indians in ERA, threw two no-hitters along with 14 complete games

Wetumpka

Record: 25-11 ERA: 1.65 Strikeouts: 271 Posted best pitching stats including school record 11 shutouts, 3 no-hitters

Wetumpka

First Team: Infield

Katelyn Carswell, Sr. Wetumpka

Caity Jo Lee, Jr. Edgewood Academy

Elissa Brown, Sr.

First Base Batting Average: .369 RBIs: 34, Runs: 37 Scored the second-most runs for Tribe, had 52 hits to only 10 strikeouts on year

Second Base Batting Average: .450 RBIs: 53, Runs: 43 Topped the area in RBIs, reached base 60 percent of at-bats, hit two home runs

Shortstop Batting Average: .640 RBIs: 18, Runs: 60 Alabama signee set state record for batting average, only struck out 4 times

First Team: Catcher

Holtville

Third Base Batting Average: .310 RBIs: 23, Runs: 17 Led all third basemen in RBIs, doubles (eight), on-base percentage (.407)

First Team: Outfield

Kelsie Cornelius, Jr.

Emilee Ellis, Sr. Edgewood Academy

Wetumpka

Batting Average: .438 RBIs: 41, Runs: 19 Collected an area-best 64 hits, 10 home runs, led all catchers in every statistic

Courtney Twiggs, Sr.

Elmore County

Haley Mann, Jr.

Sydney McKissick, Jr.

Holtville

Batting Average: .345 RBIs: 13, Runs: 45 Topped area outfielder list in runs scored, on-base percentage (.662)

Wetumpka

Batting Average: .349 RBIs: 13, Runs: 41 Racked up 53 hits, including 14 doubles, in breakout year for Lady Bulldogs

Batting Average: .415 RBIs: 26, Runs: 33 Finished with a .430 on-base percentage, had position-best batting average,

First Team: Utility

Christina Bush, Sr. Edgewood Academy

Batting Average: .348 RBIs: 14, Runs: 18 Named to AISA state All-Tourney team, ended with .574 on-base percentage

Brooke Cooper, 8th

Riley Greene, Sr.

Batting Average: .282 RBIs: 19, Runs: 21 Ranked second among first basemen in hits (37), runs (21), pitched in 4 games

Batting Average: .267 RBIs: 21, Runs: 21 Went 4-2 with a save, 23 strikeouts, ended with five double, triple on season

Holtville

Wetumpka

Second-Team & Honorable Mentions PITCHERS / Nicole Ferpes, So., Elmore County; D’Maria Matthews, Sr., Stanhope Elmore; Sherrell Matthews, Fr., Stanhope Elmore; Avery Roberts, Fr., Edgewood Academy; Honorable Mentions: Alyssa Beam, Fr., Elmore County; Haylee Brown, 7th, Edgewood Academy; Savana Culpepper, Jr. Holtville; Kierra Harden, 8th, Elmore County FIRST BASE / Marissa Campbell, Sr., Wetumpka; Honorable Mention: CJ Weldon, Fr., Edgewood Academy; SECOND BASE / MiKayla Holt, Jr., Wetumpka; Honorable Mention: Julia Porter, Jr., Holtville; SHORTSTOP / Alexis Austin, So., Wetumpka; Honorable Mention: Reagan Law, Sr., Holtville; THIRD BASE / Peyton Rodie, So., Edgewood Academy; Honorable Mention: Stephanie Eckstein, Jr., Elmore County; CATCHER / Braiden Denman, So., Stanhope Elmore; Honorable Mention: Kevi Hansen, Jr., Edgewood Academy OUTFIELD / Kallie Johnson, So., Edgewood Academy; Maris Stinchcomb, So., Stanhope Elmore; Cyndi Thornton, Fr., Holtville; Honorable Mentions: Morgan Cleveland, Sr., Holtville; Juaneka Patterson, So., Elmore County; Laken Watson, Sr., Wetumpka UTILITY / Katie Gilder, So., Stanhope Elmore; Madison McKee, So., Wetumpka; Kerstie Reynolds, Sr., Stanhope Elmore; Honorable Mentions: Katelyn Cole, Jr., Wetumpka; Cheyenne Davis, Sr., Stanhope Elmore; Kenzie Johnston, Fr., Edgewood Academy