May 28, 2016 Wetumpka Herald by Tallapoosa Publishers

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • MAY 28-29, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 11, NO. 21

County EMA prepares citizens for emergencies By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Submitted / The Herald

Students participate in a “safe room ready race” competition put on by the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency.

The Elmore County Emergency Management Agency is getting citizens ready to handle local emergency situations with their class titled “Are you ready Elmore County?” The course, which will be hosted on June 23 at the Emergency Operations Center Training Room located at 8917 US Highway 231, seeks to teach citizens how to prepare for all types of hazards including natural and man-made disasters.

EMA Program Coordinator Kim Trost said that Elmore County’s program is a Federal Emergency Management Agency ready program that covers all kinds of categorical hazards. “What the course focuses on is getting people prepared to handle all sorts of hazards,” she said noting that the course would not only discuss how to respond to natural disasters, but also manmade ones. “When people are asked about emergency situations they usually talk about the weather. While

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

See FOSTER • Page 2

See EMERGENCY • Page 3

Toddler catches winning bream in local contest

Camp Hope celebrates National Foster Care Awareness month

Camp Hope of Wetumpka recently held what its director Beverly Owings called a “summer fun day” to honor local children in foster care and their adoptive families in coordination with the month of May as National Foster Care Awareness Month. There were about 13 foster families and about 60 children at the event with games, music and food. Owings explained, the main focus of Camp Hope for adopted children and families. “We provide the weekend camp for the children that are in foster care that are placed separate from their siblings,” said Owings. “They come together for the weekend at Camp Hope and spend the weekend with their siblings just in a family like atmosphere.” She said it is relatively common that siblings were separated in the adoption process. “[It] happens more often then what we would like,” Owings said.

we definitely have our share of weather issues, the course isn’t just about that type of event,” she said. “We talk about things from an allhazards perspective.” Trost said the program also includes training in technical hazards, the failure of systems, such as infrastructure, and issues like a terrorist attack. Trost said that Elmore County has done quite a bit of research into area threats to better prepare citizens. “We are required on an annual

William Carroll / The Herald

Stacy VanDortrecht, of S&B Apiaries, stands with her “swarm,” and the multiple hives she, along with her husband Ben VanDortrecht, have at their Elmore residence.

SWARM SEASON Local couple saves county’s bees, sells honey By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

An Elmore couple work to save the county’s bees by offering an alternative to extermination through their apiary business and a service it performs in removing hives and swarms from properties. The removed bees are in turn relocated and used to produce honey products for their business. The husband and wife team have

worked “retrieval” operations in Wetumpka, Millbrook, Santuck, Prattville and Montgomery with their business, said Stacy VanDortrecht of S&B Apiaries. VanDortrecht recently prepared a statement on how the warmer spring months moving into summer are, what she called, “Swarm season.” She encouraged residents not to destroy a bee swarm, but instead to contact a local beekeeper, or the Central See BEES • Page 3

A father and son fishing team from Wetumpka won a local fishing contest after the 4-year-old caught a 15-ounce bream at a private pond in Macon County. Scott Haynes said his son, Hampton, did all of the work reeling in the winning bream, aided only, as Hampton said, by his “Paw Paw,” who was the “cricket man.” “He put up a pretty good fight,” said Haynes, a lifelong Wetumpka resident. Hampton is still too young for school, Haynes said, but he was able to answer a question about the catch. When asked whether it was easy, Hampton replied, “Hard to reel him in.” A local outdoors-based youth group, Venture Crew 380, held the contest. See FISHING • Page 8

Corey Arwood / The Herald

Scott Haynes said his 4-year-old son, Hampton, caught the winning fish at the recent Venture Crew 380 bream tournament, which is the first fishing contest the group has held.

Superintendent honors four area seniors By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

William Carroll / The Herald

Elmore County School Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison speaks during the award luncheon for the four Elmore County students who won the Superintendent’s Award for 2016.

Elmore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison gave four students a special treat, inviting them and their families to participate in a luncheon honoring the youth for winning the Superintendent’s Award for 2016. The award, which was initially established and awarded to seniors last year, was established to recognize one senior from each of the district’s high schools. Winning students are selected by a committee composed of the school’s principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, one teacher and one community representative. The suggested criteria include the following: • The student must be accepted to a two- or four-year college or technical school and/or earned a career and technical

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education credential. • The student must have a grade point average of C or better, • Have exhibited an extraordinary commitment to church, community, character, teamwork and leadership, • Have persevered to overcome obstacles to complete high school. The award is meant to be a surprise, and Harrison shocked the winning students with the announcement of the awards during the respective schools’ graduation ceremonies. During the luncheon, Harrison said that one student in particular, recent Holtville High School graduate Casey Hinson, was especially surprised at his award. “I always love to see the look on a students’ face when they win the award,” Harrison said. “But if you could have seen the look on Casey’s (Hinson) face when See SUPERINTENDENT • Page 7

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Police Briefs May 23

Submitted / The Herald

Camp Hope of Wetumpka reunites siblings separated in foster care for a weekend, and recently held an event for National Foster Care Awareness Month. Multiple foster families were present, along with a local children’s home. Shown in the picture are affiliate group members and foster families. Represented are: Bethel Worship Center, Church of Cahaba Bend in Helena, Lighthouse Ministries, Unplugged, Jeromy and Beverly Owings (Director), The Berkstressor Family,The Ballard Family, The Beasley Family, The Biediant Family, The Champion Family, The Hansen Family and Susan Forbes.

Foster

continued from page 1

However, she said the need for foster families was so great that the resources of the adoptive family were largely the determining factors regardless of sibling status. She said Camp Hope was an outreach of Bethel Worship Center and a nonprofit group called Kids to Love, out of Huntsville. “With every county and with Camp Hope we try to also promote the need for foster families,” Owings said. “Throughout the state right now Alabama has approximately 5,000 children in foster care, in our state, and some of the children are in foster homes, some of the children are in group homes.” She said her organization was fully supported by donors, sponsors and volunteers. Another group, Children’s Aid Society, was present at the event held earlier in the month. Jill Sexton said she was the regional and statewide clinical coordinator for Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection, a CAS service. “We just have a lot of supportive services for the families while they’re in the process of adopting while they’re waiting,” said Sexton. “We just kind of wrap our arms around them through their journey.” She said she felt the biggest need for foster care throughout the state was for foster families. However, there are ways to support the foster system, and its families, Sexton said, if someone did not feel fostering was for them. “I think the greatest need is fostering, getting more homes that are available and also mentoring. If you can’t foster, mentor,” said Sexton.

• A menacing act was reported on Pine Street between 9:20-9:45 p.m. The victim was listed as a 42-year-old black female, who appeared to have been in her vehicle at the time of the act. The time of the report was listed as 10:50 p.m. • A 12 pack of Bud Light Mang-O-Rita, and a cell phone accessory display case valued at $250 were reported stolen from a convenience store. According to the details of the report, the incident occurred May 22, at a Pacecar on U.S. Highway 231, around 11:35 p.m., according to the report which was listed as written at 1:30

May 24

• A report was made at 10:45 a.m. of criminal trespass in the 3rd degree at a residence on the 300 block of Government Street. A door was listed as the point of entry and no force was used, according to the report. The victim was listed as a 55-year-old white female, and the time of occurrence said to be between 10:40-10:45 a.m. • A report was made of domestic violence in the 3rd degree and harassment at a residence in the 300 block of Government Drive (Street). The victim was listed as a 22-year-old white female. The incident was said to have occurred at 10:41 a.m., and the time of the report was listed as 10:50 a.m. • A report was made of an identity theft at a residence on the 100 block of Jackson Street some time between the days of 5/01 to 5/24, within the hours of 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. The victim was

Obituaries listed as a white male, 31, and the time of the report was listed as 5:45 p.m. • A report of a theft of property in the 4th degree of $75.36 in U.S. currency was reported at a business, or supermarket, on 4538 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka Walmart Supercenter, some time between 5/08 and 5/24 and the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 12:56 p.m. A door was the point of entry and no force was used, according to the report. The time of the report was listed as 12:55 p.m.

May 25

• An act of criminal mischief in the second degree involving a power chair scooter, valued at about $1200 was reported as having occurred at 4538 U.S. Highway 231, or the Wetumpka Walmart Supercenter. The victim was listed as a business, and the incident was said to have occurred 3:33 p.m., while the time of the report was said to be 4:50 p.m.

Mrs. Tammy Shows, a resident of Central, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at the age of 49. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 28, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Woodall officiating. Mrs. Shows is survived by her son, Chris Shows (Jennifer); two sisters, Charley Adair and Tonya Shows and brother, Chaz Shows. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Franklin and Carolyn Genice Shows. Tammy was a great mother, sister and friend and one of the strongest fighters we know. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

May 26

• An arrest was made on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude law enforcement, both misdemeanors, on U.S. Highway 231 and Jasmine Hill Road, according to the report. The person was suspected of using alcohol and drugs, and a glass pipe and copper wire pad, supposedly used for a crack pipe, were found, according to the report. The vehicle involved was said to be a black, 1998, Nissan Sentra, and the time of the event was listed between 8:368:40p.m., with the time of the report listed 8:44 p.m.

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MAY 28-29, 2016 • Page 3

Emergency

continued from page 1

basis to do a threat analysis,” she said. “So we are regularly compiling data as part of what we normally do.” Trost said the EMA used that data to prepare this course as a way to get citizens ready. “The goal is simply to talk to folks and provide them with the tools to prepare themselves,” Trost said. “From the studies we have done we’ve discovered that if people feel their preparedness activities help, they are more willing to put together a plan of action.” Trost said the course will be a combination of lecture, videos and some hands on demonstrations. She said the course focuses on four simple steps. “Be informed, make a plan, build an emergency

supply kit and practice your plan,” she said. Trost said one of the things the class will focus on is how easy it is to make an emergency supply kit. “Some people mistakenly think that it is too expensive or that they can’t compile such a kit,” she said. “The reality is that almost everything you can get at Dollar General. It is actually very affordable to prepare.” Trost said that the program is open to adults and children, noting that Elmore County EMA has provided similar trainings to area schools. “We will go anywhere we can for this program,” she said. “The younger we can reach people the better off they will be. Kids are great because they will actually pressure their parents to get the things necessary for an

emergency.” Trost said one of the exercises they have done for area youth includes what is known as a “safe room ready race.” “We used this with high school students. The idea is to have them prepare an emergency kit and then get it to their safe room in under 30 seconds. The kids love it.” While the program on June 23 will not include a race, it will provide a lot of necessary information. “The idea is simply to give the information to the public so that they can do what they can to protect themselves,” she said. For more information, contact Elmore County EMA at (334) 567-6451.

Bees

continued from page 1

Alabama Beekeepers Association, of which she is a board member. She said the organization meets monthly at the County Extension office and offers “bee classes” every spring and fall, along with a summer youth bee class, scheduled this year for June 23 and 24 at Wetumpka Elementary School. S&B Apiary operates multiple hives at various locations throughout the county, VanDortrecht said. Some of the bees at those hives come from the removal projects she and her husband perform at private residences and businesses. “If somebody finds a swarm hanging off of a tree or a branch or something in their yard we’ll go and swoop them up, those are the swarms,” said VanDortrecht. “But if they end up getting into the house then we have to actually go in there and cut them out and get all the honey and the cone.” She described two main methods they use to remove swarms, hives and the hundreds to thousands of bees they consist of. “If they are housed in a tree then I do what you call a trap-out. I put a cone up there that makes it so they can find their way out, but not back in,” VanDortrecht said. A “trap-out” is a long process, she said, taking usually about eight weeks before all of the bees have exited their hive. The second method is what she called a “cut-out,” a more invasive procedure, performed in most cases if the bees have nested in a house or building. She gave examples of ongoing projects she had in Prattville and Elmore. One started as a “trap-out,” but turned into a “cutout” after multiple colonies were found at the home when only one was thought to be present. The known hive had been constructed in an air conditioning unit, but another was found in the basement area of the home. She said after she tried to “smoke them out,” the bees dug in further and entrenched themselves deeper in the home’s foundation. Problems arose with performing “trap-outs” in structures however, VanDortrecht said. Due to remaining hives and honey, which she said attracts a host of other insects, she discouraged using the “trap-out” in residences, recommending the more complete “cut-out” method instead. After the bees were contained in a box she said the method of transport was to “slap the lid down on it, put it in the car and leave.” From there she said she would set up a new hive box, which her husband builds. Afterward she said she dumped them in their new home, and the rest was up to the bees. “Once I get the queen in there, they’ll all just march in,” VanDortrecht said.

The bees would produce most of their honey between mid April to mid June, she said. She said along with the honey, she is beginning to make cosmetic products, like lip balm, and wants to make bee-based soaps and hand lotions. VanDortrecht said though the bees are generally docile, she does get stung on occasion. However she said after the pain there is a positive effect. “I know the stinging definitely helps my rheumatoid arthritis,” VanDortrecht said. And though she said she does not deliberately apply bee stings for any therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect, she knew of someone in the area who does administer the stings to clients. Her interest in bees goes beyond what they can produce for her business, however, and she talked about the drastic decline seen in bee populations across the nation that has prompted multiple studies by the USDA. She said the bee population numbers are not getting better, and even went up against the City of Millbrook with a petition for it to stop fogging operations. She said the spray does not just kill mosquitos. “We are losing our bees in America,” VanDortrecht said. “What people do not understand, that bees are our number one source of pollination, and anything that you name that you eat is one way or another pollinated by the bees all the way down to the hay that the cows eat and if they don’t have the food to eat then we don’t have the milk, we don’t have the meat, we don’t have the ice cream, we don’t have the candy.” Her advice for people that had to spray for insects was to spray as late in the evening as possible so the chemicals had all night to dry before bees became

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Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of The Wetumpka Herald

Page 4 • MAY 28-29, 2016

OPINION

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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.

Observations at the end of a month

Your

Opinion

Remembering the I heart of Memorial Day

or most of us, Memorial Day is a time to mark the beginning of the summer with fun, family and, more often than not, an outdoor feast. For all of us, it should be more. As you and yours gather around the grill this weekend, take time to reflect and, more than anything, time to appreciate those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free. From our battles for separation from the tyranny of British rule in the American Revolution to our current efforts in the Middle East, the bravest among us – and often men and women barely out of their teens – have given their lives so that we can maintain the greatest, most privileged lifestyle in the world. Our freedoms are many and paid for with the blood of those who loved them more than life itself. As we celebrate Memorial Day this year, let’s take time to remember the 50,000 lives lost in the American Revolution, the 750,000 lost in the Civil War, the more than 1.4 million killed in World Wars I and II and the almost 400,000 killed in various conflicts and wars since then. All those lives were lost for one reason: to maintain American life as the most free, most abundant, most enjoyable way of life on this planet. We should not take that heavy, heavy price that’s been paid by American family after American family for granted. We should remember. Always. Remember that we are free because hearts that once beat stronger than most have grown still, smiles that once shined so brightly have grown dim, warriors that once fought so valiantly have been felled, but their enemies – like all of our enemies – were unable to extinguish our flame of freedom. So, this weekend, let’s celebrate, but also remember. Those bravest among us who have given their lives to keep us free would want us to do exactly that. Happy Memorial Day!



started as the Managing Editor of the Wetumpka Herald, Tallassee Tribune and Eclectic Observer on May 2. After end of one month, I figured I would offer a few observations. The first and perhaps most interesting thing is that each community is very different from the others. Of course those of you who have lived here your entire lives already know that, but it is interesting to me the dichotomy between the three towns. In some respects they are your typical southern towns, in others they are vastly different. I remember when I was a kid, there was a sign in a little town called Puckett, Mississippi, which read, “Welcome to Puckett, 300 good friendly folks and a few old sore heads.” I would say that in most places I have lived in this country that concept holds true, there are a plethora of good friendly folks everywhere, with a few old sore heads to keep things interesting. While I will not name any names here in Elmore County… yet, I will say I think I’ve already figured out who quite a few of the old sore heads are. I will add that Elmore County is definitely a growing county as far as population, but some of its

WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

communities are a little behind the times. For instance, I applaud the Wetumpka Downtown group for seeking to get a Main Street program for Wetumpka, but I wonder what took them so long? In every other town I have lived in nationwide those communities had a Main Street program to help them upgrade and improve their downtown communities. That was even true in tiny Taylorsville, Kentucky, population around 1,200. Again though I would say the group fronting the effort now should be applauded, better late than never. As the population continues to grow in the county, and as demographics shift, this county continues to undergo at times drastic change, I think all of the communities are well positioned and well placed to adapt to these changes so long as voters elect intelligent stewards who can usher in a new age for the county. From what I have seen, both

area public and private schools are excellent. There are some issues here and there, but that is to be expected anywhere. The reality is no entity is perfect and the best each can do is to strive to improve every day. Having lived in a number of different communities I have seen excellent schools and very poor schools. Elmore County’s schools rate among the highest I have seen. From a political perspective, I have noticed all three towns we focus on have some interesting dynamics in their cities. My guess is that over the next several months we will be tackling a number of important issues at the city government level. I’ve already started forming some opinions as to how our local cities operate. Some of those opinions are positive, others of course are negative, but all entities definitely have room for improvement. We will get deeper into how in the next few months. All in all I would say Elmore County is like many places. There are a number of really good things going on, and a few bad things. My hope is that we can all work together for the continued improvement of our constituent communities.

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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 Steve Baker, publisher steve.baker@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . .. .. Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305

Songwriter Guy Clark missed already

ou don’t just listen to a Guy Clark album. You relish in it, considering every word and phrase, feeling the words as they course through you. But then Guy Clark, who died last Tuesday at the age of 74, didn’t just write songs. The tall Texan wrote poetry. Unfortunately, Clark was so dogged about the construction of his poems – and, yes, he considered his work poetry set to music – and so true to being a storyteller rather than just a lyricist, that many were not familiar with his work. But the man we lost to cancer on May 17 was a genius songwriter. Though tempted, I won’t call him a craftsman. “I should have put a stop to that craftsman (stuff) a long time ago,” Clark told Tamara Saviano, a Grammy and Americana Award-winning producer currently working on a biography and documentary film on Clark. “It makes my skin crawl. It’s nobody’s fault but mine because I didn’t step up and say, ‘No, that’s not right.’ I consider what I do poetry. I don’t need to prove I’m a poet in every line and I’m not afraid to speak plainly in my songs. Not everything needs to be a metaphor and I don’t need lofty words. But it is my obligation as a poet to be faithful to the verse. I write what I know. I write what I see.” And Guy saw and wrote plenty. Perhaps his best-known song – “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train” – is his most-often covered. It’s the story of Jack Prigg, “a drifter, a driller of oil wells,”

DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

and the time he spent with the much-younger Clark in taverns, pool halls and in an old kitchen. I’d play the Red River Valley And he’d sit in the kitchen and cry And run his fingers through seventy years of livin’ And wonder Lord has every well I drilled gone dry We was friends me and this old man We’re like desperados waiting for the train Like desperados waiting for the train The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson), Jerry Jeff Walker, David Allan Coe, Bobby Bare, and Mark Chesnutt all covered the biographic “Desperadoes.” But it’s the plaintive, knowing voice of Clark that does it better than any of those artists. But Clark’s favorite version? True to his thought of his work as poetry, he enjoyed a spoken-word version by Slim Pickens. In fact, it was his favorite version by anyone of any of his songs. But Clark’s tastes ran strange. His best songwriting buddy – not that they co-wrote, but they wrote together – was the enig-

matic Townes Van Zant, another Texan most famous for penning “Pancho and Lefty,” made famous by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. And the love of Clark’s life was definitely the beautiful Susanna, his wife, who died in 2012 and to whom Clark dedicated his 2013 “My Favorite Picture of You” album, which won a Grammy for best folk album and featured Clark on the cover holding a candid shot of his late wife flipping him off. My favorite Clark song was an inspirational piece that I’ve tried to live by called “The Cape,” co-written with his wife Susanna. I’ve tried to trust my cape ever since having first heard the tune. Eight years old with a flour sack cape Tied all around his neck He climbed up on the garage, He’s figurin’ what the heck Screwed his courage up so tight, That the whole thing come unwound He got a runnin start and bless his heart, He headed for the ground Well, he’s one of those who knows That life is just a leap of faith. Spread your arms and hold your breath And always trust your cape. We miss you already, Mr. Clark. Granger is a staff writer for The Herald.

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Superintendent he won. He got a standing ovation at the graduation. That is what makes this so special.” Hinson said he was definitely shocked by the honor. “I was very shocked,” he said. “I was very excited about it, and proud to be a part of this community.” Hinson is planning to study applied computer science at Troy University-Montgomery. Elmore County High School graduate Elissa Brown said she was shocked to learn she won the award as well. “He (Dr. Harrison) started by reading this long speech,” she said. “It wasn’t till the end until he said my name, in fact at first he said that the winner would be attending the University of Alabama, only two of us are going to Alabama and the other person was sitting right next to me.” Brown said she will be studying exercise science at the University of Alabama starting

MAY 28-29, 2016 • Page 7

continued from page 1

this fall. “I want to be an athletic trainer,” she said. “So this route will help me get there. I’ll also be playing softball.” Recent Stanhope Elmore graduate Casey Brumbeloe said he was truly humbled by the honor. “This is a great county full of great students and people,” he said. “I was absolutely surprised by the honor, honestly my heart was racing the whole time.” Brumbeloe will be attending Troy University as a contracted ROTC cadet. Brumbeloe will be studying nursing and said his hope is to be a flight nurse when he graduates and receives his commission as a second lieutenant. Recent Wetumpka High School graduate Jeremy Sanford was also a recipient of the honor but could not be reached for comment. Harrison said that the winning students represented the best each school had to offer.

“I am so proud of you all. We are all proud of you,” he said.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Corey Arwood / The Herald

Fishing

continued from page 1

The group’s lead advisor, Bucky Chalker, said it was a co-ed organization for ages 14-20 and is a Boy Scouts affiliate. “This is a kid-led thing, and whatever they want to do I’ll do with them as long as they raise the money to do it,” said Chalker. “We [are] teaching life skills mostly through outdoor stuff, but whatever they want to do, that’s what we do.” He said they regularly held fundraising activities, but this was their first fishing contest. They were raising money, Chalker said, for a shark-fishing trip in Port St. Joe, Florida. Chalker said the group took a trip last August and caught a 200-pound bull shark. The group’s president, Tori Jackson, said, “We just try to have fun outdoors. We’re trying to make our group grow, get more kids involved.”

Area Calendar May

MUSEUM EXHIBIT: During the months of April and May, the Elmore County Museum’s exhibit will feature the nationally known Elmore County Band - fondly called “The Big Blue”. The exhibit is filled with yearbooks, pictures of the band beginning in the 1950s and running through the 70s, plaques, scrapbooks, and a video of the 2003 Big Blue reunion! There are some funny, FUNNY stories told on the video! Come by Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. and take a step back in time!

May 28

BENEFIT CARWASH: The Elmore County High School’s Color Guard will have a benefit carwash at the Russell Do It Center from 8 a.m until 12 p.m.

May 28-29

ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefiting Children’s Harbor.

country has stood for. Let’s us do our part in remembering those who did not come back, and thanking those who did! Tallassee Post 5035 encourages all to attend the short ceremony and enjoy the light refreshments on Veteran’s Day, Monday, May 30. We look forward to seeing all of you there!

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: The Eclectic the Beautiful organization has planned its annual service for Memorial Day, May 30, 2016 at 10 a.m., in the Veterans Memorial Park in Eclectic. Chairs will be available for those who wish to be seated during the service, and chairs may be brought form home if you’d like to bring them. We invite everyone to attend in honor of those Veterans who died during or since the wars, and if you have a family member that you’d like to honor, please bring flowers to place on the monument. One of the members of Eclectic the Beautiful will be available to list the names and call them out at the end of the program. At that time either a family member (or an ETB member, if you’d prefer), will lay the flowers on the monument for the family in remembrance of the brave men and women who served our country, fought to protect our freedom and will always be remembered. MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: The Tallassee Memorial Day Ceremonies will be held again this year at the gazebo in Veteran’s Park on Barnett Blvd., at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30. The Mayor will address the crowd, there will be Veteran Recognition, the laying of the wreath, James Bush singing Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA and leading the audience in singing God Bless America. Our veterans risked their lives, and many lost them in defending the liberties this

Newly added granite slabs (left and right) to Elmore County’s 9-11 Monument were installed Friday morning at the grounds of the Elmore County Courthouse just in time for Memorial Day.

9-11 Memorial adds 175 names

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Workers with Farmer Memorial Company worked for several hours Friday to install two new granite slabs, one of which included 175 service members being added to the 9-11 Monument on the grounds of the Elmore County Courthouse in downtown Wetumpka. The memorial recognizes every Elmore County service member that has been deployed on behalf of the U.S. since September 11, 2001. The original monument was dedicated in May 2005. In June 2011 the county began requesting additional names to be added to the monument and continued taking names through December of 2015.

In January, additional monuments were approved by the County Board of Commissioners. The new monuments cost $7,990. The project also removed names from two existing benches and added them to the beginning of the new monument’s list of names. The names of the veterans that have been moved include: Desmond V Bailey LTC, Dean J Baskett MSGT, Mike Drake CWO, Charles R Hickman CW4, Cody R Hill MAJ, Joshua Lancaster SPC, Kenneth H Nixon, III SPC. According to representatives from Farmer, each new granite slab weighs approximately 1,600 pounds. With the base included the total weight of each addition is over 2,300 pounds.

June 1

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.

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JUNE 3

Relay for Life Paint the Town Purple at J.E “HOT” O’Brien Stadium

June 5

May 30

William Carroll / The Herald

GOSPEL MUSIC: Lebanon Baptist Church in Titus is hosting Justified in concert Sunday, June 5 at 6 p.m. Come visit for an evening of great gospel music.

June 7

Industrial Development Board meeting 1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

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 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.

JOBS available

Tallapoosa Publishers is a multi-media news and sales organization that is located in Wetumpka and Alexander City, Alabama. The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune along with its sister publications have been the voice of central Alabama since 1892. Wetumpka enjoys steady growth along with a list of many recreational opportunities.

We currently are seeking one outside and one inside advertising account executive.

As an Advertising account executive you will be expected to develop new business and maintain an existing account base of clients by selling a variety of advertising products and services. Some of our advertising

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 28-29, 2016 • Page 9

LOCAL NEWS THAT’S REALLY LOCAL. Really. 2015 Wetumpka Herald Offensive Player of the Year: Nathan Rourke. See Sports, pg. 8.

50¢

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Contributed / The

Herald

iage licenses es to issue any marr Judge Ensley refus Probate Oƛice. County from the Elmore

By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor ama Supreme A day after Alab Moore ce Roy Court Chief Justi order for all issued an executive state to stop the probate judges in iage licenses, marr issuing same-sex ate Judge Prob Elmore County issuing any ped John Enslen stop marriage licenses.

es on the Moore’s order com district state heels of different h holes in the punc courts trying to ll v. Hodges landmark Obergefe for same-sex ed case, which allow marriages. re ordered On Wednesday Moosion by deci that “until further Court, the eme the Alabama Supr the Alabama existing orders of

Wesley charged with having sex with a student

Probate Court Court Judge John Enslen, in his official official capacity capacity as the the Chief Elections Officer of Elmore County, has petitioned petitioned the Circuit Circuit Co Court of Elmore County County for an emerg emergency declarationn judgment and fin declaratio finding on whether Andre’ L. Harris Harrison, current superintende su perintendentnt of ed superintendent education Enslen

began working on -grade students anne Barrett’s sixth e. It was the top app among 1,200 ksgiving break, Chey Challeng each of the students Just before the Than r in the Verizon Innovative App as new tablets for to ente well app as t an g gran 0 lopin deve ol a $5,00 earning the scho entries in the state ed. who participat

By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor A Marbury High School teacher wasand arrested Thursday t coun charged with one e loye of a school emp al act engaging in a sexu rding acco ent, with a stud to Millbrook Police Their idea was an the top Challenge. was Chief P.K. Innovative App e up award-winner. It es in 0 entri Johnson. The students cam app among 1,20 school a By KEVIN TAYLOR ney Brian state to earn the new with the app “Mo and the Copy Editor t as well as ent For Me gran J. Wesley, agem 00 Man $5,0 ville n Holt stuA group of seve is You.” 30, of ts for each of the ents -tracker, table Middle School studadditionMillbrook “We have a goal tion dents who participated. to hoping to raise an school games, a holiday func was “I was on my way Wesley and Mrs. got I n al $15,000 for their ning a to offer tips for saving whe arrested ol scho desig issues I was almost after collectively in the avoiding money holiBarrett’s email. it,” team app. circuit the Elmore County sday in new smartphone before and after a jingle in tears when I read said. on Just before the clerk’s office Thur days. We also have stu- member Hope Nels is in k brea HMS ving a. said ” app ksgi mpk Than Wetu Now their idea national for the app, sixthas a ico. “We the Wesley is listed at Cheyanne Barrett’s n dent Brooke Carr kid and contention to win • Page 2 er bega teach look ents ies to VILLE e stud app social stud See HOLT rding grad ing on developing an made the .” ndly work Marbury High, accosite. Verizon adult-frie app to enter in the to the school’s web 2 See ARREST • Page

ant Student innovators win grlenge Verizon app chal Holtvil e students excel in

for Elmore County, can be placed on the ballot as an independent in the upcoming March 1 primary. Harrison, who was previously disqualified as a Republican candidate due to missing a certificate of administration from the Alabama State Department of Education, sent a letter of intent to Enslen Jan. 4 indicating he would run as an independent candidate, the petition alleges. In his petition, Enslen seeks the answers to four basic questions: Whether Harrison can appear on any subsequent ballot for an election after being disqual-

Nashville meets Eclectic By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

A small restaurant restaurant opened opened in Eclectic Eclectic this week week run by a farming family family with a vision to turn local local food into into a loca local movement ofof farm to table dining. For now, Farm Farm Boyz Eatery Eate Eate serves lunch, lunch, breakfast breakfast and Contributed / The Observer primarily Good Hope Baptist Church brought Gospel and Art to The Warehouse. The event was held Jan. 17 and brought for fun for operates asas children of all ages. The Warehouse is known for hosting community-oriented events a bakery and and café from 6:30 a.m.-2 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday Monday through Friday. But if the plans of Farm Boyz’ Whitehill owner, Kevin Kevin operates The Warehouse in downtown Eclectic. Whitehill, pan out itit would By CARMEN RODGERS The Warehouse often hosts events specifically eventually serve, what what he Staff Writer for the community. In October The Warehouse called, farm farm to table table dinners dinners. For years, The Warehouse in downtown Eclectic hosted the Auburn/Alabama Dance for the chilLocated in the corner corner sho shop dren of the town. Many of the local churches of has been used to bring people together. The facility just down from Trustmark Trustmark was once a cotton warehouse where farmers would all denominations use the facility for community Bank on Kowaliga Kowaliga Road Road in bring their bounty to be sold. However, it was gatherings. downtown Eclectic, Eclectic, Farm Farm “I think there’s a tradition of The Warehouse more than that. At the cotton warehouse people Boyz operates operates as a working working would come together to trade products and goods. partnering with local churches for several years kitchen and and a base ofof operToday, The Warehouse is once again bringing peo- now,” Hornsby said. “Its cross is at the center of ations for projects Whitehill town. We love to work with the local churches.” ple together, in more ways than one. has in mind mind for the commuNot only does The Warehouse bring hearts When the town of Eclectic decided to adopt a nity. together in marriage, it has become the heart of strategic plan last year, the goal was to envision His restaurant restaurant is focused focused the town 30 years into the future. In the developed the community. mostly on baked goods. goods. “Our marriage to the community has been the plan The Warehouse is the center of town. Whitehill said he tries tries to use best union,” said Aubrey Hornsby, who owns and See WAREHOUSE • Page 2 Page 2 See RESTAURANT Pag

THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

The Warehouse in Eclectic finds ways to be a staple in the community

We live, work and play right here. We know what’s important to Elmore County. Rely on us. TToday’s Today’ oday’ss

ers constantly evaluated School bus routes, numb

Elmore County Public Schools Transportation Department constantly monitors transportation routes and the numbers of students that ride the buses and make any adjustments that may need to be made.

at 7:30 a.m., he

ER By JOHN W. PEEL Managing Editor any amount on the To a 10-year-old, like a long time, but seem school bus may ic Schools Transportation Publ uating Elmore County Mullino, said eval Coordinator, Ray capacity of every bus is a bus routes and the ing process to make sure ongo and e tant hom cons school and back students arrive at under safely. longest routes are be on the said lino Mul rs may though the drive two hours, even 6 a.m. Drivers must have as the road as early respective schools no later the students at their

334-567-3284 334-567-7811 • Fax:

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bell rings than when the tardy don’t said. Redland drivers “For instance, the until 6:20 (a.m.),” kids start picking up if you go to Redland, then Mullino said. “So, Redland School. If you to you go (straight) eighth and up, then … they are in seventh and go to the middle school and are picked up and high school.” ity is a growing Redland commun and has buses committed community, he said, entary School students Elem only for Redland s are checked out at the and after those buse See BUS • Page 2

John

Peeler / The Herald

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ified for that year; whether Harrison may legally be an independent candidate; whether Harrison’s name should appear on the election ballot in the event he supplies the requisite independent-candidate petition and whether any votes cast for him if his name is placed on the general-election ballot, should be counted. Should Harrison be required to present an independent-candidate petition, the petition would have to contain not less that 625 valid signatures of registered See COURTS Page 2

By COREY ARWOOD ARWOOD Staff Writer

years, but now It has been nine ard Wayne of Rich family members e. peac Adams can be at Sheriff Bill Franklin Elmore County nt of forensic rtme said the state depa his office earlier in sciences contacted y identify Adams, tivel the week to posi body and skeletal sed mpo deco whose d near Possum Trot remains were foun e community svill Road in the Deat Feb. 25, 2009. n Adams’ remains whe At the time t 40 yards from were found abou Jordan, forensic the banks of Lake identify the sciences could not remains. ms’ skull was Franklin said Ada University and State sent to Louisiana y of North Texas. ersit later to the Univ and put into the DNA was retrieved x System. Inde Combined DNA and were able “They got a hit the remains,” tify to positively iden then contacted his “We said. klin Fran relatives.” the Verbena from was ms Ada ton County, community in Chil See REMAINS • Page 2

WWeather Weat Wea eeather atthe hererr

Aubrey Hornsby is no stranger to the entertainment business. He spent many years in Nashville, which is the hub of the country music industry. Today, Hornsby hopes to bring a little bit of Nashville right here to Eclectic. Hornsby said he hopes the newly formed group will offer a creative outlet for women that will allow various perspectives to shine through. “I’d like it to be uplifting, but you have to tell the truth and not every bit of the truth is uplifting,” he said. “Sometimes you have to sing the blues.” Currently, the group hopes to meet on a regular basis at the Warehouse on Main Street in Eclectic. “I want to inspire an ongoing women songwriters night. We call it Songs of Love and Life,” Hornsby said. The group is in its beginning stages and Hornsby is searching for a professional female performer that will offer knowledge and experience to the amateurs See SINGERS • Page 2

Legislators representing Autauga a Elmore counties, along with and A Autauga County Engineer John Mark D and Elmore County Engineer Davis Richie R Beyer toured the two counties recently for a sampling of the road r a bridge issues facing the two counand t The tour is part of the DRIVE ties. Alabama campaign. A Beyer said he and the Davis collaborated together to highlight the l positive things the counties have done p through the Alabama Transportation t Rehabilitation and Improvement R Program. P “This was to show some of our legislators some of our needs,” he l said. “Just to drive home the point to them t we are doing everything we can with w our resources, but we really are ini need of some more road and bridge

funding. We want to take what we’ve done good in ATRIP and leverage some of that money on routes that are eligible for federal funds … which is in our case about 75 percent of our paved road system.” Beyer said only about 200 miles of Elmore County’s 800-mile system is eligible for federal aid money to them. “We’ve got a problem in Elmore County where we are doing anywhere from on an annual basis of 10 to 15 miles of road work and our problem is in the 200 mile range,” he said. “We’re not really making too big a dent in it. As soon as we do 10 to 15 miles a year, we have 10 to 15 miles that fall in that same condition, so we’re not really making that much headway on it.” Contributed / The Observer Beyer said there are 800 miles of paved roadways in the county in addi- Senator Clyde Chambliss and Representative Mike Holmes listen to tion to the 200 miles of dirt roadways. Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer brief the two during the Autauga and Elmore counties road tour. The tour was part of the DRIVE Alabama See TOUR • Page 2 campaign.

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OPINION

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conditions. Whether it Alabama wa and bridge was flooding, road gories and of those con recent severe s hit hard by clo downed pow sures, soil erosion, four were in good con sidered, nearly any weather and in diti giv al wells and er lines or individu- ranged from mediocre on, six seemed tha en county it to poor septic sys and one t seen from thesome effect could be was little left entirel tems, there mation lacked enough infory unaffected for a grade conditions damaging storm by the storms. to be min detered. tha And that me through the t made their way ant mo The stat sou tthe last two thern states over was put on infrastr re strain rating e received a “good” ucture of a “B” in we tems, which the categories And Alabam eks. earlier in sysof aviatio aalong with a’s infrastructure, had been given a stat December rail, wh n, energy, ports and tha ile it receiv ewide overall grade of aaffected com t of any given ed me a report card “C-” in the latest to poor grades ranging diocre hhit hard by munity, was also from the from a “C+” the holiday weather Society of Civil Eng American water, to a “D-” in drinking bridges, wa ineers. The report water, inland ste and storm covered 11 catewaterways and See INFRASTRU CTURE • Pag e2

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plete Thurlow Dam with the Àood gates open afte recent Àooding r in the Tallassee area. The dam was one of man included in the y infrastructure report card.

Community band tot gether, forms s neighborhood watch

Carmen Rodg ers / The Tribune

Rec offers self defense classes Director Go

By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer Recent e ly, and Rickey James Martin, Wanda Jones Jones in Tallass las ee and decided to be proact have forme surrounding areas. ive d the Tal They Watch Gro G up. The lassee Neighborhood gro up ular meetin will hold reg et gs By COREY ARW communinity where members of the are welcome Staff Writer OOD three said to join. The said they hop e Rick Golde spread and and the say the initiative will ing “see som instructor and n, self-defense course eth See NEIGHBORH ing, department director of the recrea , tion OOD • Page 2 could use thesaid he thought anyone By COREY ARW he developed easy-to-learn technique Staff Writer OOD s for the self-de Blalock, alo fense classng with Pol A number of Jimmy Ro ice Chief es set to have once aga Tallassee churches the Tallassdgers and members of ee Police De begin in the organize the in combined efforts partment to are expect next week or King Jr. Da annual Martin Luther well. ed to be in attendance y , as so. prominent citycelebration and both “It’s jus With a local religio officials as well as al march t strictly a memorius leaders are in cho me p to the mo ry of Dr. Kin to speak and expected and the con g atte throat, a trib The ceremony nd. to mankind. ution that he made gou It’s ge in the a celebratio march at 10 will begin with a across the n all a.m cou eye . Jan. 18 tha ntry so we s and a to start at here in t is dec Carm What wil be a knee in the covered bus en Rodgers / The Tribune Churc First United Methodis set wo the city of Tallassee ided h in Tal shelter uld com that of Jones Mob t groin to a Mobiile Hom H e Park, for the children one mile dow lassee and span about Blalock, e together,” said Ch we Ricky Jones. arles city counci n Gilmer Par “body-oppoes. Jonese had was the brainchild of end l me kw also at mb ay 48 thi er ma s and Log and built for ster of hood and enc nent bag,” Cir encooura uragges Mayor Bo cle. g others to the neighborMLK Day ceremonies for the played one Golden dis follow suit. event. me speak and coubby Payne is slated to This will be would-be atta thod to incapacitate ncil member about the sev any cke Charles enth Registration r. is now ope classes that See MLK • Pag are scheduled n for the e2 to meet for an See DEFENS E • Page 2 By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer CO

lden teaches participants easy-t o-learn techniques

REMEMB City celebrates MLK ERING MLK Day with a m

arch and ceremony

In Print & Online!

Legislators sample road and bridge issues in Elmore and Autauga

By JOHN PEELER Managing Editor

REPLACING A LEGEND

Grapplers move to 20-1, defeat Stanhope Elmore.

Vol. 27, No. 4

Restauran Restaurant Restau rantt aims aims high highg withh farm wit farmtoto plate concept plate con concep cep

By KEVIN TAYLOR Copy Editor Herald

THURSDAY • JANUARY 28, 2016

Probatate judgdge seeks clarification from Circuit Court on eligibility of independent candidates Prob

ered Remains originally discov near Possum Trot Road

Kevin Taylor / The

The

By JOHN PEELER PEELER Managing Edi Editor

that Alabama Supreme Court a ministerial probate judges have marriage any duty not to issue the Alabama to rary license cont Amendment Sanctity of Marriageriage Protection Mar or the Alabama force and effect.” Act remain in full probate judges e With that, som order, but not re’s have ignored Moo 2 See MARRIAGE • Page

Human remains identified from 2009 discovery

Marbury teacher arrested on sex charges

SPORTS PAGE 12

Page 11

Willll ccur Wi current ur superintendent be on ballot?

ERALD.COM THEWETUMPKAH

No marri

Page 12

TheWetumpkaHeral TheWetumpk aHerald.com .com

ged by Moore n e ll a h c w la e g ia rr Same-sex ma age licenses to be issued out of Elmore County

Wetumpka, AL 36092

Pet of the Week: Sally

Ecclectic Observer Page 4 Pag

VOL. 11, NO. 2

Y • JANUARY 9-10, SATURDAY-SUNDA

Sports: Lady Panthers trounce Tigers

Opinion: State Opinion: State general gen surface fund woes will surf new session. sessi sessi in new

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SPORTS

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

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MAY 28-29, 2016 • PAGE 9

STUBBS STEPPING DOWN Taking on new small business, county commission duties

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Troy Stubbs resigned from his mathematics teaching spot at Wetumpka High School and stepped down as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach with the Indians football team, effective Thursday. When the four-year teacher and coach, now small business owner and newly elected county commission member, came to the decision with his family, he knew his was making the right decision but that didn’t make it any easier. “I’m not leaving Wetumpka High for another teaching and coaching job, but I needed to put myself in a better situation in serving my community,” Stubbs said Thursday. “After being elected in March, our family knew we had a big decision to make. We’re committed to living here, raising our children here, but we knew there was a potential for me having more responsibility than I could handle.

“We knew my responsibilities to the community and being elected as a county commissioner; in November, I’ll be sworn in and I’ve made a commitment to thousands of people in our county to serve them faithfully. The time demand of coaching and teaching at a high level, fearfully I was not sure I would do anything very well.” During his four years as offensive coordinator, the Indians averaged 23.8 points per game and have made it to the Class 6A playoffs the last three seasons. Stubbs and his family arrived at the decision at the end of spring camp, and kept Wetumpka head football coach and athletic director Tim Perry aware of their intentions the whole time. “We’re extremely grateful for Coach Stubbs for his four years of hard work, dedication to our program. He made a difference,” Perry said. “And he’ll make a difference in his next venture. He’s a talented man with a great

deal of options. He’s going to be extremely missed.” Perry said the football program and the administration have started the beginning stages of finding a replacement for Stubbs, as well as the safeties coach spot, left open by the resignation of Jon Randolph. “We have qualified individuals here, so we’ll start within the staff and if we’re unable to select from there, we’ll branch out. From my perspective, it’s not within my philosophy to bring in a person to revamp or change the offense,” Perry said. “The advantage goes to the coaches that have been here. I’m not interested in making wholesale changes.” Stubbs wasn’t sure if he would coach again, but said at where he’s at, it was the right move. “Sometimes, the difficult decisions in life are between right and right. The potential outcomes were reasonable, acceptable and honorable,” Stubbs said. “It’s difficult to make those decisions.”

Coosa River Whitewater festival set for next weekend By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

An estimated 60 whitewater kayakers are expected to take turns tearing up the rapids at Moccasin Gap for the 31st annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival next weekend. The competition, launching at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, featuring varying categories, is just one part of the threeday long festival. Registration for competitors will begin Friday at 10 a.m. at the Coosa Outdoor Center at 172 River Road in Wetumpka. Practice times for registered competitors are scheduled for Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re not worried about a flood and we’re not worried about a drought,” Coosa Outdoor Center owner Lonnie Carden said. “We’re hopeful the weather is good and that people show up. We’ll have fun anyway.” The schedule of competition events is as follows: junior freestyle (10 a.m.), women’s freestyle (11 a.m.), men’s freestyle (noon), women’s and men’s pro freestyle (1 p.m.), Boater X, sit-ontop kayak race (2 p.m.), King of the Wave (2:15 p.m.) , Kayak Jousting (2:30 p.m.), Classic Ender (3 p.m.). The awards ceremony will be at 8 p.m. at the Festival

site. With some prize money available for the competing professionals, Carden said all other monies raised through the Coosa River Whitewater Festival would go toward Corn Creek Park. “We’ve already given the county $15,000 to help with the new road back in. But we haven’t been allowed back in there in three years. We’re going to go back in there and refurbish barbecue grills and picnic tables, just refurbish and clean the place up and see what’s needed.” In order to participate in all festival activities you must be registered or a registered guest and

wearing the armband that you will receive at registration check-in. Since the Coosa River is a public waterway you do not need to be registered while on the river or to be a spectator during competitions. You will need to be registered for all scheduled events (entertainment, meals, camping, etc.) at the festival grounds held at the Coosa Outdoor Center and for the shuttles provided by Coosa River Adventures, Coosa Outdoor Center and Outside World Outfitters on Saturday. The Signals will provide live music Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. and Charley C. & Cuzamatics

File photo / The Herald

A competitor paddles through the rapids during last year’s Coosa River Whitewater Festival at Moccasin Gap.

will play after the awards ceremony Saturday at 9 p.m., along with raffles and door prizes. The festival will close with a Hometown Throwdown

and a lazy day paddle Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com.

Gator season registration to open June 3 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will open online registration for the state’s 11th annual regulated alligator hunts June 3 at 8 a.m. Registration must be completed by 8 a.m. July 12. A total of 260 Alligator Possession Tags will be spread among four hunting zones. The administrative fee to apply for an Alligator Possession Tag is $22 and individuals may register one time per zone. While the tag is free, the selected hunters and their assistants are required to have valid hunting licenses in their possession while hunting. Only Alabama residents and Alabama lifetime license holders ages 16 years or older may apply for tags. Alabama lifetime license holders may apply for an Alligator Possession Tag even if they have moved out of the state. To register for the 2016 alligator hunts, visit www.outdooralabama. com/registration-instructions during the registration period. Hunters will be randomly chosen by computer to receive one Alligator Possession Tag each, and the tags are non-transferable. The random selection process will utilize a preference point system. Applicants should check their selection status at www.outdooralabama.com after the drawing takes place July 12. Those selected to receive a tag must confirm their acceptance online by 8 a.m. July 19. After that date, alternates will be notified to fill any vacancies.

Submitted / The Herald

If selected for an Alligator Possession Tag at two or more locations, hunters must choose which location they would like to hunt. The slot for locations not chosen will be filled from a list of randomly selected alternates. Hunting zones, total tags issued per zone and hunt dates are as follows: Southwest Alabama Zone – 150 Tags Locations: Private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile counties, and private and public waters in Washington, Clarke and Monroe counties that lie east of U.S. Highway 43 and south of U.S. Highway 84. 2016 Dates: 8 p.m. Aug. 11 until 6 a.m. Aug. 14; and from 8 p.m. Aug. 18 until 6 a.m. Aug. 21. Southeast Alabama Zone – 40 Tags Locations: Private and public waters in Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Russell counties (excluding public Alabama state waters in Walter F. George Reservoir/Lake Eufaula and its navigable tributaries).2016

Dates: 8 p.m. Aug. 13 until 6 a.m. Sept. 5. We s t Central Alabama Zone – 50 Tags Locations: Private and public waters in Monroe (north of U.S. Highway 84), Wilcox and Dallas counties. 2016 Dates: 8 p.m. Aug. 11 until 6 a.m. Aug. 14; and from 8 p.m. Aug. 18 until 6 a.m. Aug. 21. Lake Eufaula Zone – 20 Tags Location: Public state waters only in the Walter F. George Reservoir/ Lake Eufaula and its navigable tributaries, south of Alabama Highway 208 at Omaha Bridge (excludes Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge). 2016 Dates: From sunset Aug. 19 until sunrise Oct. 3. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www. outdooralabama.com.

The Alabama Baseball Coaches Association (ALABCA) honored four 2015-16 scholarship recipients during the second game of the AHSAA Class 6A baseball finals Saturday, May 21, at Riverwalk Stadium at Montgomery. Pictured, front row, left to right: Jacob Rogers, Benjamin Russell High School - ALABCA Student-Athlete of the Year/$2,000 Joe Mason Scholarship Recipient; Ryan Crockett, Wetumpka High School, $1,500 Scholarship Recipient; Riley Shaw, Alexandria High School, $1,500 Scholarship Recipient; Barry Dean, ALABCA Executive Director/ Scholarship Committee. (Back row): Committee members Clark Bruner, Tony Harris, Joe Mason and Dr. Ed Pappanastos. This the 11th year the ALABCA has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors. Not pictured was scholarship recipient Garrett Bryant, Hazel Green High School, who was unable to attend.

Sports Briefs

• BASEBALL CAMP: The 14th annual Elmore County Baseball Camp is set to take place Monday, June 6 through Thursday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day at the Edgewood Academy Sports Complex. Edgewood head baseball coach Bobby Carr, plus various collegiate players and former state championships players and coaches will help instruct the 5- to 13-year-old attendees in all phases of baseball. The cost is $100 for the week and lunch will be provided each day. A camp T-shirt and a team photo are included in the cost. To pre-register, contact

Carr at bobbyc1234@ hotmail.com or by phone, (334) 657-1038 or (334) 567-5102 ext. 205. • WETUMPKA FOOTBALL SPIRIT NIGHT: Coaches Corner will host Wetumpka Football Spirit Night Tuesday, June 7 beginning at 4:30 p.m. A percentage of the proceeds from food sold will support the Indians football program. “We encourage people to come out, enjoy some dinner and support Wetumpka Indians football program,” WHS head football coach Tim Perry said.