Indians, Mustangs defend home field. Sports, Page 10. Wetumpka, AL 36092
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • MARCH 19-20, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 12
Conviction upheld in 2011 murder case STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the murder and first-degree assault convictions of Stalandus Z. Slaughter. Slaughter, 30, of Eclectic, was convicted in the Elmore County Circuit Court in September of 2014 for the murder of Kenyatta Kendrick and the assault of Darren Kendrick. Evidence presented at trial showed that at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2011, Bernard Nix and Aaron McDowell, both who were paid by Slaughter to partici-
pate in the attack, drove with him from an Alexander City apartment to fire up to 19 rounds from a .30 caliber rifle into the Kendrick’s Eclectic home. Six-year-old Kenyatta Kendrick was struck in the chest and died minutes later. Her uncle, Darren Kendrick, was struck in the left heel and thigh but survived. Evidence presented at trial indicated that the shooting stemmed a conflict between Slaughter and Kendrick’s uncle Demeko Kendrick. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin told The Herald at the time of the arrests that the issue began a few months earlier
when Slaughter “self-involved” himself in a family feud. The two shooters later surrendered. Under interrogation, they revealed that Slaughter directed them to shoot up the Kendricks’ house to kill another resident of the house, Darren’s brother and Kenyatta’s uncle, Demeco Kendrick. They stated that Slaughter provided them with the ammunition and assault weapon. Evidence also was presented that Slaughter admitted to an individual with whom he was incarcerated at the Elmore County jail that he paid two “guys a thousand dollars to shoot the house up.”
Slaughter also described the weapon used and the injuries sustained by the victims. The two shooters pleaded guilty to murder and first-degree assault and are currently incarcerated. McDowell, 22, admitted he was the triggerman and entered a plea bargain with the prosecution. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Nix, who also pleaded guilty to murder, entered a plea bargain in which he will serve up to 10 years in prison. See CONVICTION • Page 3
Sinkhole appears on Company Street
Clinic postpones seeing clients due to snakes By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Two snakes found their way into a Wetumpka medical clinic, prompting appointments to be rescheduled and the involvement of city animal control and trained professionals who, after removing the reptilian interloper, declared the building to be snake-free. After a nearly 4-hour search, the snakes were said to have originated from a drainage area separate from the building where signs of winter nesting were found. The visit turned into a literal snake hunt for an entomologist with the pest control company the clinic uses. “It was really a bizarre kind of thing,” said Amanda Hannon, office administrator of River Region Family Medicine. She said the clinic’s house cleaner had discovered one of the snakes early Wednesday morning. After turning on the lights, Hannon said the house-
Business owners scramble to work around sinkhole By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Corey Arwood / The Herald
The owner of Stoddard Bait and Tackle, Chris Carter, on the left, and Ronnie Windham, with Wetumpka Water Works, on the right, oversee the work done by city utility and water works employees on a newly-found sinkhole and broken sewer pipe. Left, Windham examines a sinkhole off Company Street in downtown Wetumpka, that was discovered Thursday afternoon by the owners of Coosa River Adventures and Stoddard Bait and Tackle.
See SNAKES • Page 3
A sinkhole appeared Thursday out of the asphalt on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka and local business owners say the road closure will hurt peak-season business while they recover from floods and closures of late last year. Company Street will be closed the duration of the repair process, however Chris and Therese Carter of Coosa River Adventures and Stoddard’s Bait and Tackle said their businesses would remain open. Wetumpka Water Works was first to the scene and worked to fit a temporary fix for a sanitary sewer pipe, which was discovered broken and possibly contributing to the erosion. “We got a call that a hole had opened up,” said Ronnie Windham, general manager with Wetumpka Water Works. “We came over and we thought at first it might be the water line.” Windham speculated recent flooding somehow started the process through a storm drain. He said it washed the soil out from under the water pipe, which was now sagging, and sewer pipe, which was broken entirely, and left both See SINKHOLE • Page 8
WHS’s Banker wins Rotary speech contest CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
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By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Rotary Club held the final round of its annual speech contest made up of a student from Wetumpka High School and one from Edgewood Academy and from which the winner was awarded a scholarship check for $1,000. The students, seniors, Zena Banker of WHS and Emilee Ellis of Edgewood Academy, presented their speeches on the topic of teenage bullying to a full Wind Creek Casino dining room. But it was WHS’ Banker who won the competition “It was a really close competition I had no idea how it was going to turn out,” said Banker. “It was a great experience.” See ROTARY • Page 3
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Deatsville man enters guilty plea STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Submitted / The Herald
The winner of the Wetumpka Rotary Club Speech Contest, Zena Banker a senior at Wetumpka High School, was given a check for $1,000 in scholarship money and the runnerup, Emilee Ellis a senior at Edgewood Academy, won $500.
pka m u t e W
A Deatsville man entered a guilty plea on charges relating to an Oct. 9., 2014 crash that claimed the life of one and injured three other occupants in the car he was driving. Miles Donovan Pepping, 21, plead guilty to manslaughter, third-degree assault, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing a governmental operation in Elmore County Circuit Court Thursday. Pepping was the driver of a 2000 Infiniti which left Caesarville Road near Flatwood Road, struck several trees and See PLEA • Page 3
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Page 2 • MARCH 19-20, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
WES students treated to a Bike Day demonstration
Submitted / The Herald
Students at Wetumpka Elementary School were treated to a show of two-wheeled skill as a a part of the school’s Positive Behavior Support program. The BMX Bike program featured aerial feats, ranmps and students even got envolves as they were props at the bikes jumped a number of them lying side-by-side on the ground.
March 19
RELAY FOR LIFE SINGING: The 11th Annual Relay for Life Singing for the American Cancer Society, Saturday March 19, 2016 at 6 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, Wetumpka. Corner of Chapel Rd. and Coosa River Pkwy! Featured singers will be the Dye Family from Alexander City and Forgiven Heart from Wetumpka. Pastor Gerald Wood will emcee! All proceeds go to the
Jessica’s Cancer Busters Relay for Life team. Please make checks payable to the American Cancer Society. For more information call Bubba Wood at 334-300-2134. OPENING DAY: Boys Dixie Youth baseball Jamboree will be March 19 and opening ceremonies will be March 26. CHICKEN RODEO: 2016 Thunder Chicken Rodeo is set for Saturday, March 19th at 2 p.m. at
Area Calendar
709 Mansion Street in Wetumpka. Registration is open to past year’s participants only. For more information contact: Brad Price at Price Paint and Body. 334-478-4975
March 20
SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON: First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka, will have their annual Relay for Life Spaghetti Luncheon following the 10:30 worship
service on March 20th, 2016 located in the Family Life Center. During lunch, coloring contest and face painting will be available. After the luncheon, children birth - 6th grade, will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Come out and join them on this special day, celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets and a friend! PALM SUNDAY: Church at the Brook is hosting Palm Sunday services from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 2890 Highway 14 in Millbrook. ROAD TO RESURRECTION: New Home Baptist Church will host “Road to Resurrection” on Sunday, March 20, from 3:30–6 p.m. This is a family event which takes participants down the road that Jesus walked beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with the Resurrection. Meet characters who take you inside the scriptures as you are part of the Triumphal Entry, participate in the Passover meal, visit the jail where Jesus was held, meet a Roman guard who was part of the crucifixion detail, and finally meet Cleopas who reveals who he encountered on the Joyous Road to the Resurrection. We will have on-site registration available the day of the event, but we are also accepting 10 spots for each tour time to be signed up for in advance. It is not necessary to have a reservation but you can reserve a spot for your entire family to
travel together. You can enter your name in any of the available time slots on the sign-up sheet: https:// docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JBNq08JsRgVU4VEwOfld_OqdXF698_POiyshc7pyJI/edit?usp=sharing. We ask that you please try to arrive around 10 minutes prior to the start of your selected tour time. And you can certainly come earlier than your tour time to enjoy the food and other fun that we have planned!
March 21
HISTORICAL SOCIETY: There will be a meeting of the historical society at the museum in downtown Tallassee March 21 at 6 p.m. Wetumpka City Council Meeting When: March 21, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka City Hall Details: A work session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. TEA PARTY MEETING: The Wetumpka Tea Party is hosting speaker J. Carl Smith March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria area of the Elmore County Hospital. For more information about the Wetumpka Tea Party go to www.wetumpkateaparty.com
March 24
BASEBALL: Babe Ruth registration will be held March 24th and April 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Football Field House.
Tryouts will be April 9th at 9 a.m. Cost - $125 GRAND OPENING: Martin Collision Center Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Thursday, March 24 at 2p.m. at 1280 Holtville Road in Wetumpka.
March 26
EGG HUNT: The city of Tallassee is having its Easter egg hunt at City Hall March 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
March 27
EASTER SERVICE: Church at the Brook will host an Easter service March 27 at 10:30 a.m.
March 28
COUNCIL MEETING: The Tallassee City Council will meet March 28 at 6 p.m. at City Hall
March 28- April 1
SPRING BREAK: Tallassee City School’s Spring Break will be March 28 - April 1.
March 30
ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP: There will be a free estate planning and asset protection workshop at the Archibald Senior Center. Education workshop presented by local attorney Raley Wiggins. Topics include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, long-term care, Medicaid qualification, and probate administration. Also, how to protect your assets from: divorce, remarriage, creditors, bankruptcy, and nursing homes. Registration is required. Call (334)-625-6774 or online at www.redoaklegalpc.com.
March 31
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AFTER HOURS: Wetumpka Depot Business After Hours, Thursday, March, 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at 300 S. Main Street, Wetumpka. CAREER EXPO: The Elmore County Technical Center will be hosting the Elmore County Career Expo at the Wetumpka Civic Center March 31. This event is for our local students during the morning and midday hours (8:00-1:30), and we have a portion of the day reserved for the general public in the afternoon (2:00-6:00).
April 5
ID BOARD: The city of Tallassee ID Board will meet April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at 1 Twin Creek Drive.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
MARCH 19-20, 2016 • Page 3
Snakes
continued from page 1
cleaner noticed the snake wrapped around the back leg of a chair. She called city animal control and they removed the snake, but when they showed the baby copperhead, Hannon said the housecleaner told them it was not the snake she had seen in the building. After looking again and not seeing the possible second snake, Hannon said they called their pest control provider who brought in what she said was a snake specialist. It was then the hospital administrator made the call to evacuate the building and postpone appointments for the day. “We didn’t want to put our patients at risk, nor our staff members,” said Hannon. The specialist and pest control spent about threeand-a-half hours clearing the building, and examined every inch trying to find the snake, Hannon said. Hannon said the specialists speculated that the snake had entered the building through what she said was a crack under the door measuring an inch. Their maintenance team was called to install door sweeps to close the gap and then sprayed the grass surrounding the building with a pesticide, Hannon said, to deter snakes from nearing the building. “We got the all-clear that afternoon, and we opened for business as usual the following day,” Hannon said. Jeremy Fielder, an on-call supervisor and entomologist with Gregory Pest Solution, said after he assessed the situation, they went through the entire building to ensure there were no snakes hidden behind boxes trying to regulate their body temperatures. He said he then went on to look at why the snakes had chosen that building specifically. A dumpster area shared in common with nearby businesses might have attracted other animals the
snakes could prey upon. Coming out of hibernation snakes are ill tempered and hungry, Fielder said. In his search for their nest, and off-site, away from the clinic, he said he removed one more snake, a pygmy rattlesnake. Fielder said he then “dropped down” in a storm drain and pursued slither marks he saw through water settled a the bottom of the pipe. He said he followed the pipe and found molting, or old skin, proof he was getting closer to a nest. “It gets exciting every now and then,” said Fielder. “With a situation like that it was a little nerve racking.” Fielder said he is also a trained EMT and was assisted by another technician. The pipe exited into a drainage ditch where Fielder said they found the area where snakes had nested throughout the winter with the benefit of being insulated from the elements. Larry Motes, an entomologist and director of operations at Gregory Pest Solutions, said as spring warms up and brings rain snakes are on the hunt for three things: food, water and shelter. He said the best bet to avoid snakes at home or a business is by minimizing any opportunity snakes had to live around those structures. A number of sources could attract the prey that snakes feed on, Motes said, such as gardens, pet food, bird feeders and bodies of water that might attract frogs or toads. However, Motes clarified that not all snakes are bad. “All snakes are evil, that’s just not our philosophy,” said Motes He said it was important to determine whether it was appropriate to remove a snake at all and it is important to maintain a balance.
Rotary She said there had been a lot of time invested in the tournament by all involved, the student competitors and Rotary Club members alike. Banker said it was her first speech contest, but she had speaking experience from her involvement with the marketing side of WHS’ robotics team. She said she plans on attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham to work in biomedical engineering and the development of prosthetics. Both Banker and Ellis had won their way through preliminary rounds to compete Tuesday, March 15, and were introduced by the chairman of the contest and Rotary Club member, Bob Reneau. “We’ve had other good contests but this, this was exceptional, both of these young ladies are just fantastic,” said Reneau. Edgewood’s Ellis spoke first and opened with a strong statement and the motto of her presentation: “Speak up. Stand up. Stop teenage bullying,” said Ellis. She went on to talk about the different types of bullying and how they affect different student demographics, from younger and older, male or female and students of
Clay Boshell
continued from page 1
different socio-economic backgrounds. Ellis gave anecdotes and real life examples of instances in which bullying had gone too far and had devastating consequences. And she talked about the ways to prevent bullying and help those who have been affected by it. Baker spoke second and said there were difference between the popular conceptions of bullying from decades past to today. “I can confidently say, ‘it ain’t yo mama’s bullying,’” said Banker, before diving into statistics and information from interviews she had conducted with local school officials. She then spoke from experience and told of her personal accounts with bullying. “This is my bullying story,” Banker said before recounting her early childhood run-ins with bullies but clearly delineating that she did not consider herself a victim. Banker said no one is immune from bullying and spoke about what she saw as the role of social media. One of the biggest mistakes, Banker said she considered to be allowing adolescents to create a social media account
before meeting the age requirement. Banker closed with lyrics from “Imagine” by John Lennon. Renaut announced they would begin judging, lauded the speakers and said to the crowd, “Told you it was going to be good.” He then asked the various school officials and administrators in the audience to help look for
ways to make the contest better. “I love it. It’s current. It’s what all teens need to hear right now. We know it happens out there and everything they said I’m quite sure a student could echo being bullied in one of those instances,” said Harrison. “I think both the girls articulated their speech well and their cause well.”
Conviction
continued from page 1
The Slaughter case was prosecuted at trial by Elmore County District Attorney Randall Houston’s office. Slaughter was sentenced as a habitual offender to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the capital murder conviction, and to life imprisonment for the first-degree assault conviction. He subsequently sought to have his convictions reversed on appeal. The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Section handled the case during the appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm the conviction. The Court did so in a decision issued on Friday, March 11. Attorney General Luther Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Marc Starrett of the Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Section Division for his successful work in this case.
“Snakes do help us,” Motes said. “They’re not always bad.” A wildlife biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Richard Tharp, said there are only six venomous snake species out of roughly 40 to 50 total in the state. Tharp said people should familiarize themselves to the types of snakes in their region. An indication that a snake is venomous, he said, is a thick body and a triangular or wedge-shaped head. He also said they provide a service in the reduction of rodents and other “pests.” Tharp said he commonly told people, “I don’t like snakes myself but I do recognize they perform a service in the kingdom of animals.” Some snakes can be relocated, Tharp said, but he discouraged anyone not versed in snake handling from doing so. Terry Hand, Wetumpka’s chief animal control officer, said it was not the first call he has had this year about snakes. “Yes they’re coming out of hibernation and they’re hungry,” said Hand. If you find a snake, Hand said to contact either animal control or the Wetumpka Police Department.
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RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000. COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000. ECLECTIC – NEW MOBILE HOME on 1.2 ACRE lot, 3 bd/ 2 ba, flat yard, lg. SOLDChurch. $69,000. deck, on Ga. Rd. close to Rushenville BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000. 27 ACRES CLAUDE RD. – $80,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000. MULLINS STREET– Eclectic, 1991 Doublewide mobile home on flat acre lot 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very private, $45,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin.$279,000.
Kenneth Boone, Publisher Mitch Sneed, Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of The Wetumpka Herald
Page 4 • MARCH 19-20, 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.
Our
Opinion
Jobless rates in the Lake and River Region a humbling sign of progress
J
obless rates in the Lakes and Rivers Region are looking good. Elmore and Lee counties share the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent for January. In Tallapoosa County, the January unemployment rate was 6.2 percent, which is the same as the average for all of Alabama. For the state as a whole, January saw 19,000 new jobs created, which is the strongest January since 2008, before the Great Recession. In other words, more people have more jobs in Alabama than in a very long time. “We remain committed to lowering Alabama’s unemployment rate, but we are even more committed to making sure that every Alabamian who wants a job has the opportunity to have one,” said Gov. Robert Bentley. “… This month’s jobs numbers are showing some of the best growth we have seen in years and we are encouraged by the momentum.” It’s been a long, hard slog to get to this point. Many people still have not fully recovered from the economic downturn of the last decade. But most have, and the trend is still heading in the right direction. That’s the kind of community-wide good news that should make us all feel grateful.
YOUR VIEW
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B
2016 Election will be Clinton vs. Trump
arring some unforeseen circumstance, it appears that the two major-party candidates in the November general election for the presidency have been decided. Hillary Clinton, after what appears to be a sweep of five primaries – Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio – on Tuesday, will be the Democratic Party’s 2016 presidential candidate. Donald Trump, after winning Republican primaries in all of the same five states except John Kasich’s home state of Ohio on Tuesday, will be the Republican Party’s 2016 presidential nominee. Supporters of Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz and John Kasich may manage weak arguments to the contrary, but let’s be real. All that remains necessary prior to November is the tapping of running mates by Clinton and Trump. For many, this writer included, the choice is not one that generates a lot of excitement about the coming election. Many will cast their vote for the “lesser of two evils,” which is a shame in what is – still, without doubt – the greatest country in the world. Regardless of the choice, there will be, one way or another, some historical significance to this year’s election. Clinton will become the first female nominee of a major party for president and could become the first woman to hold the office. Trump would become the first person to be elected president without holding prior public office since Dwight Eisenhower was elected in 1952. Of course, Eisenhower had just helped lead our troops to victory in
DAVID GRANGER Guest Columnist
World War II. Trump just stepped off the set of his own reality show. Just from the perspective of potentially making history in November – particularly with the election of the first woman as president – this, in any other year, would likely be an election filled with anticipation and excitement. But the partisan, um, dislike that exists for Clinton simply won’t allow such anticipation or excitement to materialize. Between her marriage to philanderer Bill, Benghazi, emails and the general polarization of the American electorate, Clinton will never be a beloved figure. Not even among American women. Trump, through the same rhetoric that endears him to his supporters, comes off as un-American, as a loose cannon with no real depth to others. He, too, should have kissed goodbye his chances to ever be beloved by all some months ago. Here are the facts: If you like Hillary Clinton, it is almost a leadpipe cinch you despise Donald Trump. And if you like Trump, you’re likely counting the days until Clinton is popped with an inevitable indictment over the email scandal. This might be called the oil and water election. The supporters of the respective candidates certainly don’t mix and can, in fact, become combustible, as we’ve seen at recent Trump
rallies where alleged Sanders supporters invaded the arenas in protest of Trump’s sometimes over-the-top rhetoric about immigration, race relations and other touchy topics. When a 78-year-old man is moved to “chicken-wing” a young black man who is walking by him posing no threat and paying the fightin’ old fogey no attention whatsoever, it’s likely that the rhetorical temperature in the room has risen to a dangerous level. But some like it hot. Trump and his supporters seem to be among them. Confession: I never thought back in June when Trump announced his candidacy that he would make it this far. In fact, I thought the prospect of Trump as president was a hoot. To be clear, I thought the prospect was laughable and wrote as much in this same space. I have since maligned the candidate and his candidacy on several occasions and continue to think that a Trump presidency will prove dangerous and that all should wake up and realize the same. Yet here we are. I have since come to realize the inevitability of Trump’s nomination. Not just today, but some weeks ago. And while I held out hope for some time for Bernie Sanders, I was largely resigned all along to Clinton’s inevitability as the Democratic nominee. So Trump surprised me. Clinton did not. And that’s not only proven true with the election overall, but also the day-to-day of this crazy 2016 campaign.
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334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Kenneth Boone, publisher kenneth.boone@thewetumpkaherald.com Mitch Sneed, editor mitch.sneed@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
Forever grateful for God’s plan
W
hen I left active duty army 10 years ago, I planned on being a standup comedian and nothing else. I had it all figured out. Those were my plans. Fortunately for me, God had other plans. The last 10 days paint a great picture of where He has led me. The first gig took place in Albany, Ga., or “All-benny” for those of you in the know. The event, a fundraiser called “Laugh for Literacy,” is the brainchild of the Family Literacy Connection. Before making the trip to South Georgia, I stopped at my bank and told the tellers over and over that I was going to speak at a literacy event. I continued telling them about the event as I pulled on the door three times to exit the building. The sign on the door clearly read “PUSH.” It was ironic to say the least. The next event took place in Tampa. It, too, was a fundraiser. This one was for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides college scholarships for the surviving children of fallen Special Operations Forces. It’s not very often that I work a comedy club, but this was indeed a special event with my brothers born to international mothers, The GIs of Comedy. My friend Joe flew me down to the show, because I had to be
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
back the very next morning to speak at a conference at Auburn University. In the army, we call this a “turn and burn.” The best part of the whole day is that my mother flew with me. At 66 years old, she had vowed to never fly. Initially, she may have been a little nervous, but she conquered her fears and even has most of her fingers left. She’s a Bama fan, so my next objective is to get her to pull for Auburn. If I can get her to fly, I can get her to do anything. The conference was the Alabama Transition Conference, which was hosted by the Auburn Transition Leadership Institute (ATLI.) The mission of ATLI is to help youth and young adults with disabilities achieve successful integration into community life by providing continuous improvement resources to the systems, practitioners, and citizens who assist these young people with their transition to adulthood. There were educators and specialists from all over the state in attendance, not to mention speakers from all over the country. I gave the opening keynote to
a full house on Monday morning, which went well. I then gave a short talk to close out the conference on Tuesday. I think it went well for those who stayed around, but many of those in attendance left early. The only thing standing between them and the highway was a stuttering guy, so I don’t reckon I can blame them. Finally, on Saturday night, I performed in Lafayette at Lafayette Heights Baptist Church, which is where my cousins worship. I had a great time sharing my stories and got lots of laughs. The food and fellowship were second to none. I met some really wonderful people. When I was in basic training, my drill sergeant would often say, “You don’t run nothing but the two mile run and the buffer.” While that may not exactly be true today, I am glad that God is running things for me. If my plans had come to fruition, I might have had a good run in comedy, but I don’t think my life would be nearly as rewarding as it is now, and for that, I am forever grateful. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
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Page 8 • MARCH 12-13, 2016
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
Help Humane Society with this Saturday’s supply drive By REA CORD Executive Director
Our first Supply Drive of the year is this Saturday, March 19 at the Wetumpka Walmart, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. We are still looking for a few volunteers to help out so please contact Charline Pope at 334-202-1381 or popecharlie58@yahoo.com if you can assist. Donated pet food, cleaning supplies and other items are truly put to good use and help us use donated dollars for direct animal care costs, so thank you ahead of time for all donations we receive on Saturday. Also this Saturday, we will be joining other shelters and rescues at the 3rd Annual Hotel Pit Bull Adoption Event at Cooter’s Pond Park in Prattville, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be many great dogs looking for their forever homes as well as vendors, demos, food and more so hope to see a park full of pet lovers
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS on Saturday and please thank Hotel Pit Bull members for inviting us all to join in on the fun! From the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) National Poison Prevention Awareness Week is March 20-26, 2016 and the ALVMA wants to remind pet owners that pets are also in danger. This is a great time for pet owners to do a little spring cleaning and check their homes for any toxins which their pets may have access to. Some of the top poisons pets are most susceptible to are:
Foods (chocolate, xylitol and grapes/ raisins); Insecticides (sprays, bait, and spot-on flea/tick treatments); Mouse and rat poison (rodenticides); Human and pet medications; Household cleaners (sprays, detergents, polishes); Fertilizers (bone meal, blood meal and iron based products). Other poisons that are extremely dangerous include antifreeze and acetaminophen. Veterinarians have also seen numerous cases of xylitol poisoning (xylitol is found in many sugarless gums, candies and mints), human medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants and flowers. Symptoms can range from digestive upset and neurological signs, to liver and/or kidney failure. Poisons are fast-acting and can be fatal so do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you see any indications of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling/hypersalivating, inappetance,
nausea, coughing or vomiting blood, weakness, lethargy or collapse. • Be familiar with poisonous items by checking the list at www.petpoisonhelpline.com • Do not leave medicine bottles within reach of pets (dogs can quickly chew through a pill bottle) • Create a pet poison first aid kit • Know the signs of poisoning in your pet • Be especially careful during holidays with candy • As spring approaches, be aware of all of the harmful plants and gardening items that could cause your pet harm • Last, but not least - always keep the number for your veterinarian in a handy location (like in your cell phone contact list) For more information, visit the ALVMA website at www.alvma.com to learn more on how to protect your pets from toxins.
Meet Dolly, pet of the week
Sinkhole
Dolly is about two years old and a big Lab gal indeed, about 80 pounds. Dolly would be the perfect dog for a family that has no other pets. She will get along with a male dog her size but is just not good with small dogs or cats at all. She loves children and is a very attentive, sweet dog. Dolly came to us with an old hip injury that has healed and at worst case she might get a bit arthritic as she gets older. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over 1 year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.
exposed and unsupported. Tex Grier, director of public works with the city, said he did not know enough then to make a guess at a cause or a timeframe for the project’s completion. He said the immediate task was the temporary sewer pipe replacement, which appeared to be at least partially complete by Friday afternoon. Chris Carter said he first noticed the area while he was driving an all-terrain cart from Coosa River Adventure to Stoddard’s. “It was a hole in the ground and it was slowly getting bigger,” said Carter. Stoddard’s manager Craig Ellis said after 10 minutes the area had collapsed to 10 feet in depth and 15 feet in diameter. Carter said regardless of the initial cause, he felt the culvert system that ran along the road was faulty and had a role in the collapse. He said with crappie, bass and fishing season
Alabama Nature Center plans Eggstravaganza STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Easter bunny is back on March 19th at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Bring the family and join us for our Nature Eggstravaganza & Egg Hunt. Activities include three different age group egg hunts, egg bocce ball, egg race, bunny pictures, and more! Hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. This year is going to be bigger than ever as kids have an opportunity to search for over 1200 “hidden” candy and prize eggs, says Matt Vines, ANC Camps & Community Programs Coordinator. The hunt is for kids ages 1-12 and NaturePlex General Admission applies: (kids 3 & under FREE; $5/ person with a $20 maximum per family). Price includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome Eggstravaganza event!
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Schedule: 9 a.m. - Egg Olympics until 11:00 am 9 a.m - Animal “peep show” 9 a.m - Movie Showing at the NaturePlex 9 a.m - Bunny photos by Chrietzberg Photography until noon (4x6 photo for $5) 10 a.m. - Egg Hunt (ages 3 & Under) 10:30 a.m. - Egg Hunt (ages 4-6) 11 a.m. - Egg Hunt (ages 7 & Up) 12 p.m. - Movie Showing at the NaturePlex 1 p.m. - Animal Encounter at Discovery Hall 2 p.m. - Movie Showing at the NaturePlex
continued from page 1
at large starting it was a huge financial loss to the bait shop and recalled when a similar instance occurred due to a major flooding event around Christmas 2015. “Whole month of January we were without revenue because of that side of the street,” said Carter, referencing the riverside, opposite the location of the sinkhole where his other business was located. He spoke about the unintended effect the resulting lull would have on taxes from their sales. “This is lost tax revenue for the city every day that this business is down,” Carter said. Therese emphasized that customers could park and walk the short distance to their location from neighboring parking lots, and said that both were more accessible from the U.S. Highway 231 entrance to Company Street.
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Chambliss talks medicaid, officer funding at Chamber luncheon
Abrams earns prestigous scholarship
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
ECHS Senior Wes Abrams was recently awarded $22,000 through the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program. With over 67,000 applicants nation wide, Wes was only one of three Alabamians to receive this award. This scholarship recognizes outstanding students, who, in the face of great adversity, have exhibited an admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities. Wes will receive $22,000 to apply toward the educational cost of the college or university of his choice. In addition to the scholarship, he will also receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference and participate in college-preparedness and other educational sessions. Submitted / The Herald
Tallassee police search for missing 14-year-old girl By CARMEN RODGERS Tallassee Tribune
The Tallassee Police Department is searching for information on the whereabouts of a missing 14-yearold girl who has not been seen since March 9. Kiara Nicole Neal, 14, is described as black female, about 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds. Police officials say Neal was last seen leaving Tallassee High School, on March 9 at around 3:30 p.m. Video surveillance in the
area shows her voluntarily entering a gold Ford Expedition with Montgomery County license plates on the vehicle. “Our agency has been working closely with Montgomery Police Department in attempts to locate missing child or vehicle identified in video,” Tallassee Police Department Chief Jimmy Rodgers said. Any information related to this case, please contact the Tallassee Police Department 334-283-6586 or secret witness line 334-2831089.
MARCH 19-20, 2016 • Page 9
Neal
While long-term legislative plans to shift Medicaid services to managed care at regional care facilities might help to control costs, State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Dist. 30) this week told members of the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce that he does not think the eventual shift would drastically affect jobs. “I don’t see it being so efficient that it would substantially cut jobs,” said Chambliss, the keynote speaker at the chamber’s annual luncheon Thursday. Medicaid costs, Chambliss said, make up 40 percent of the state’s budget and controlling expenditures for the program is one of the state’s biggest problems. “Medicaid has been taking money away from other departments since 2008, including the courts. I want to preserve Medicaid for those who need it that are in circumstances beyond their control, but we’ve got to figure out how to get a handle on the spending,” he said. Chambliss touched briefly on several other subjects during his luncheon address, including a Medicare fraud bill, juvenile probation funding and the proposed consolidation of correctional facilities. “The Medicare fraud
bill has been passed in two other states, and in both of those cases, they found thousands of people who were collecting from the system but lived in other states and more thousands who started collecting after the date when they had deceased,” he said. Chambliss vowed to continue to push for full officer funding of the local juvenile probation department, which was licensed for five officers but cut to three in 2008 after they had managed to handle the workload with just four officers. “They were penalized for being efficient,” Chambliss said. “We fought for that, and they were able to keep their four. We will continue to work for that next time around, too.” The governor’s plan to consolidate prisons into four mega-prisons includes a stipulation that the locations will not be determined until the measure passes, but Chambliss said he would vote for the plan only if the criteria for the locations is released prior to the vote. “I want to see criteria for site selection before I vote, or I will not support it,” he said. He also said he thinks there is no merit to rumors that prison workers from Elmore County would have to commute to Birmingham or lose their jobs.
SPORTS
Page 10 • MARCH 19-20, 2016
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THE WETUMPKA HERALD
Indians, Mustangs defend home field By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
Big early offensive innings paved the way for rivals Wetumpka and Stanhope Elmore to split the first two games of Class 6A, Area 5 opening series. The Indians scored seven runs in the third en route to taking the series opener, 9-6, at Bazemore Field Tuesday. Bouncing back, the Mustangs plated six runs in the first two frames of game 2 as they pulled away, 11-5, at Furlow Field Thursday. The county rivals started the crucial area tiebreak game, with Wetumpka already leading 2-0 in the top of the first, but rain postponed it to Friday at 4:30 p.m. Junior second baseman Dylan Norton notched Wetumpka’s first run in the second inning in the series opener, coming around to score on three wild pitches from Stanhope pitcher Brody Feith, who took the loss for the Mustangs. SEHS took a brief lead in the top of the third, pushing three runs across after loading the bases with one out. WHS ace Cody Herring walked in the tying run, then Tripper Warlick and Ty Naquin drove in a run each, giving the Mustangs a 3-1 advantage. The Tribe answered in a big way with their bats, stroking six straight hits and seven straight batters reaching base as they went on top for good, 8-3. Sophomore Hayden Shepherd led Wetumpka, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run. Norton collected two RBIs, while senior Ryan Crockett went 2-for-3 and sophomore Jon Holbert had three hits with an RBI and a run scored. After giving up three runs, Herring settled down and allowed just to two more the rest of the way, earning the win in the complete game, striking out eight. “They were excited to get the first game and play Stanhope,” Indian head baseball coach Mark Davis said. “As far as for us, it
Lockdown defense provided Holtville ample opportunities in a comefrom-behind victory over area foe Tallassee, 3-2, at Boykin Field Tuesday. After giving up two goals in first seven minutes, a switch to senior Maddux Rucker and freshman Tucker Edwards at midfield strengthened the Bulldogs’ defense as they allowed just one shot-ongoal and controlled possession in the remaining 73 minutes. “With Maddux and Tucker playing center midfield, they helped us keep possession, increased our ability to pass, and we just kept the ball away from them,” HHS boys soccer Robby Broom said. “Switching to that, it takes people’s opportuni-
SOFTBALL CLASS 6A 1. Southside-Gadsden (7-3) 2. Gardendale (19-3-1) 3. Chelsea (13-3) 4. Oxford (10-3) 5. Pell City (18-3) 6. Florence (9-1) 7. Athens (8-5-1) 8. Daphne (7-5) 9. Hartselle (5-6) 10. Arab (8-6) Others nominated: Cullman (5-6), HillcrestTuscaloosa (6-9-1), Hueytown (7-10), Scottsboro (9-7), Walker (8-5), Wetumpka (1312).
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka senior third baseman Ryan Crockett (23) races home to score a run against rival Stanhope Elmore during Tuesday’s Class 6A, Area 5 series opener at Bazemore Field.
means something to play a rivalry game like that. It’s exciting for them to get to that point. It’s a new season for us as coaches and for them to start over and regroup. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, they can just go out and play.” In game 2, Stanhope seized the lead in the bottom first with two runs. Wetumpka rebounded with three runs of their own in top of the second, but the Mustangs got those back and more after loading the bases in the bottom half, driving in four runs to go up 6-3. “We were able to have the bottom of our lineup get on base through walks and errors and let the top of the lineup be the run producers,” Stanhope baseball coach Josey
Shannon said. “It’s kind of the luck of the draw, there’s no strategy behind it other than trying to eliminate the 1-2-3 innings, extend and get back to the top of the lineup sooner.” Senior first baseman Caleb Stinchcomb led SEHS with five RBIs on two hits, and Parker Head had a game-high three hits and junior Tanner Anderson added two. Trey McCreary and Holbert paced the Tribe with two RBIs. McGowin picked up the win, throwing a complete game giving up five runs on six hits and fanning six. Holbert took the loss in six frames, allowing 11 hits and striking out three.
ties away. Their passing is accurate and they work well together.” As the defense started to click, Holtville (2-5, 1-1) mounted its comeback, tallying its first score in the 32nd off a header from junior forward Jack Broom on a corner kick, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 2-1, where the score sat at the half. Broom tied the match with his second goal, extending his school record to 38, in the 50th minute. Over the next 20 minutes, the Dawgs maintained possession and ripped 12 shots-ongoal, before sophomore forward Kenneth Segarra finished the eventual game-winning goal in the 70th. “Their keeper was doing a good job, but we were also kicking it
CLASS 4A 1. Curry (11-0) 2. Westminster Christian (19-4) 3. Northside (21-2) 4. LAMP (18-2) 5. Cleburne County (15-2) 6. Clarke County (6-3) 7. Handley (16-8) 8. Cordova (7-3) 9. West Blocton (10-6) 10. Headland (10-10) Others nominated: Elmore County (7-9), Holtville (8-9), North Jackson (9-9), Oneonta (5-4), Rogers (10-4), Thomasville (9-7), UMS-Wright (12-6). AISA 1. Glenwood (22-3) 2. Macon-East (20-4) 3. Edgewood (14-6) 4. Pickens Academy (9-1) 5. Patrician Academy (9-3) 6. Clarke Prep (8-3) 7. Marengo Academy (7-3) 8. Pike Liberal Arts NA 9. Abbeville Christian (1711) 10. Bessemer Academy (10-8)
ASWA BASEBALL RANKINGS
Dawgs bite down on Tallassee for area win By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
ASWA RANKINGS
CLASS 6A 1. Florence (17-4) 2. Hartselle (15-7) 3. Decatur (19-4) 4. Cullman (15-4) 5. Muscle Shoals (13-1) 6. Spanish Fort (9-5) 7. Opelika (11-9) 8. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (12-4) 9. Northview (15-4) 10. Oxford (12-3)
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Holtville senior midfielder Carter Sheppard (12) winds up to strike a ball in mid-air versus Marbury earlier this season.
right at him. He had six or seven saves where he didn’t have to move,” Broom said. “There was a stretch of from about the (65 to 70 minute) mark where I don’t think (Tallassee) got the ball out of their 18-yard box before we scored.” The Dawgs improved
to 1-1 in Class 4A-5A, Area 5, despite a recent rash of injuries and illness. “We’ve been so injured and sick that our starters haven’t played enough minutes together yet for everything to be consistent. As the game went on, our passing got
more accurate and our communication got better,” Broom said. “As the minutes piled up, we got better and better. That’s something that should get better by now.” HHS will return to the pitch after Spring Break where it’ll travel to Wetumpka on March 29.
CLASS 4A 1. UMS-Wright (9-5) 2. St. James (9-3) 3. Deshler (10-2) 4. Trinity (8-6) 5. Brooks (4-7) 6. Oneonta (7-4) 7. Jacksonville (8-2) 8. Headland (9-6) 9. Hokes Bluff (10-2) 10. Haleyville (7-4) Others nominated: Holtville (10-5), North Jackson (7-5), Sardis (11-5), Sipsey Valley (4-3). AISA 1. Glenwood (16-0) 2. Edgewood (18-3) 3. Autauga Academy (16-5) 4. Monroe Academy (16-4) 5. Marengo Academy (9-1) 6. Abbeville Christian (19-7) 7. Northside Methodist (16-6) 8. Tuscaloosa Academy (8-10) 9. Clarke Prep (7-4-1) 10. Macon-East (14-6)
WHS coasts past Carver in area tilt By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald
Wetumpka jumped up early and coasted to a 5-2 victory over CarverMontgomery Thursday at Hohenberg Field. Senior forward Andrew Mantell scored two first half goals to lead the Indians, who controlled the match 3-0 at halftime as they improved to 2-2 in Class 6A, Area 5 play with the win. “My guys went out and played one of the best games they’ve played all year,” WHS boys soccer coach Drew Glass said. “We still had some glitches where we were a little selfish, but they competed and each of them played like they needed to play for us to win the game. “Andrew Mantell, he has stepped up to be a true leader, ever since the Park Crossing game. And Colton Hughes has stepped up, too, even though he’s out for the next two weeks with a shoulder injury. And Triston Edwards has stepped up big to be a leader of the
team. We’ve finally found the missing pieces.” Sophomore forward Marlon Taite tallied the game’s opening goal in the 6th minute on a breakaway goal and added another in the second half. Edwards scored Wetumpka’s other goal. The Indians led 4-0 before Carver scored its first goal after Glass had pulled most of his starting defensive backline. The teams traded two more goals. “My defense in the first half, that was their best game all year. The two goals that they did give up, I had a 10th-grader in on defense and my keeper wasn’t used to having that 10th-grader in there. “Carver, just in their second year, they have improved tremendously from year one to year two. Actually being able to play a competitive game, it made it more fun for my guys. From top to bottom, I was proud of every one one of them. They played unselfish.” Wetumpka returns to the pitch March 29, hosting Holtville.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka senior forward Andrew Mantell (15) jumps up to control a pass with his knee during Thursday’s Class 6A, Area 5 match versus Carver-Montgomery at Hohenberg Field.