Police department to get two new cars

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said,

The Wetumpka City Council quickly approved the purchase of new police vehicles at its Monday meeting.

As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed

Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton had gotten a quote earlier in the day from the state the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to bid list and just a few hours later, the council approved the purchase totaling $99,116.88. The price includes outfitting the vehicles with lights, sirens and cage.

“I will also give up my Tahoe and put it in the patrol fleet,” Benton said. “It will get a wrap and such. I will drive a shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years. See PRINCIPAL, Page A3

Softball Field Maintenance

2008 Charger.”

The idea behind the quick purchase is because of supply chain issues. Benton said the Wetumpka Police Department would be up to full staff by February and this move would give the department one spare vehicle.

At least 60 cubic yards of dirt per field will be installed on five softball fields at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The council approved the $3,500 per field expenditure and no city labor will be used.