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INSIDE, PAGE A2: PASSARETTI NAMED ELMORE COUNTY LIVING EDITOR Inside the Statehouse with Steve Flowers

Check out Elmore County’s top 10 football games of the season

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SPORTS, B1

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

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WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 16, 2017

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 119, NO. 33

Bass pleads not guilty; victim’s husband speaks out set for former WPD officer Andrew Bass, according to court records. Retired State Trooper, Byron Merritt, husband of Elaine Merritt, who was killed in the October 2016 crash, responded to quotes in local media, reportedly made by Bass’ attorney Walter James Kendrick. In the comment, Kendrick was

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Wetumpka police officer indicted by a grand jury for manslaughter in the high-speed collision that resulted in the death of a local woman entered a notguilty plea and waived his arraignment hearing last week. A jury trial date of Sept. 18 has been

quoted as saying that the incident, though tragic, was not a criminal act. Merritt strongly disagrees, and in doing so raises concerns of substances allegedly found in Bass’ toxicology reports that he believes played a role in the crash. In a typed statement Merritt responded.

“I know Andrew Bass didn’t set out on Oct. 22, 2016 to kill my sweet wife, Elaine, but kill her he did with a Dodge Charger and a dose of an illegal controlled substance

See CASE • Page A3

Bass

ECSO projects ‘SO FAR, SO GOOD’ Moore, Strange head to runoff highlight Runoff Sept. 26 as commission Democrats pick Jones as US Senate nominee agenda By MITCH SNEED Editor

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

County commissioners approved several items for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, ranging from the construction of a fallen deputies monument at the jail to an agreement to house Tallassee’s inmates plus a public bid for a range house at the department’s firing range. However, items pertaining to the sheriff’s department were far from the only things they discussed and ultimately approved Monday, also approving employee policy changes, board and committee appointments, roadwork projects and even the recognition of the 130th anniversary of local church. They also heard several pitches from nonprofit organizations operating in the county See COMMISSION • Page A8

Submitted / The Herald

Elmore County Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis (white shirt) tours school facilities with State School Superintendent Michael Sentence and Assistant State Superintendent Jeff Langham, on the first day of school.

One week in, Superintendent Dennis says things are well By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Today marks the first full week school has been in session and Elmore County’s school superintendent says things have gone smoothly but for the usual hiccups of a new school year, like long traffic lines at elementary schools. But Elmore County Schools Superintendent

Richard Dennis said with the implementation of a new traffic pattern at Wetumpka Elementary School, for example, issues like those would soon be remedied. Those things were essentially par for the course of a new school year, Dennis said, and this new school year is also the first full See SCHOOL • Page A3

There will be a runoff to decide the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate after a crowded field meant no candidate was able to garner a majority of the votes. For the Republicans, Roy Moore and Luther Strange will square off on Sept. 26, after Moore finished with about 41 percent of the vote statewide, followed closely by Strange, who finished with an estimated 31 percent. Mo Brooks was a distant third with about 18 percent. Vote totals were not final at press time Tuesday evening. On the Democratic side, Doug Jones found strong statewide support and garnered about 62 percent of the vote to win the nomination. Robert Kennedy Jr. was running at about 20 percent at press time. In Tallapoosa County, Moore was the top vote getter with 45 See SENATE • Page A2

Local schools and work programs receive grant funding at ceremony By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

A local foundation has once again distributed thousands of dollars in grants to programs in Elmore County run by schools and organizations with an aim to assist residents through difficult times with a number of adult services. Last week the Central Alabama Community Foundation awarded $41,700 to a number of educational entities throughout the five counties that make up its area of reach: Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery. Elmore County was recipient of three

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grant awards, which were dispersed through the Elmore County Community Foundation, the local branch of the CACF. The ECCF designated nearly $4,000 of the original amount to three programs which altogether affect nearly every age group in Elmore County. The Elmore County Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) was awarded $1,000. Wetumpka High School Performing Arts Department through the Margaret and Auston Bridges Fund for Arts in Education received $700. A $2,000 donation was given to the See FUNDING • Page A2

Submitted / The Herald

Representing recipients of Central Alabama Community Foundation grants are, left to right, Juanita V. Pierce, Project Coordinator for the Louise O. Newman Center of Learning; Dr. Chasity Bradford, Assistant Professor at Tuskegee University in Biology Department and project volunteer at Louise O. Newman Center of Learning; Dr. Robbie Slater, Principal of Wetumpka High School; Alicia Gowan Schneider, Chief Development Officer of the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama; Rachel Pace, Director of Grants Administration at the McWane Science Center; and Cynthia Brown, Executive Director of the Heritage Training and Career Center.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Obituaries Blonnie D. Taylor Blonnie D. Taylor was born on February 19, 1927 and passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday, August 13, 2017 at the age of 90. Services will be held at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka, AL on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gerald Wood officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church in Wetumpka, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband James Clyde (J.C.) Taylor, her sister Dean Odom of Birmingham, AL, brothers David Ellis and Robert Ellis of Birmingham, AL. She is survived by her sons Don (Elaine) Taylor and Greg Taylor of Wetumpka, AL, granddaughters Donna (Chris) Jenkins of Birmingham, AL, Rachel Labencki, and Renee (Heath) Easterling of Wetumpka, AL, Great-Grandchildren Victoria (Andrew) Garza of Birmingham, AL, Cameron Woods, Carson Labencki, Hudson & Henley Easterling of Wetumpka, AL. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10 a.m. at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka. Pallbearers will be: Bruce Faust, Bobby Bowden, Mike Ellis, Heath Easterling. Online Guest Boos available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Nancy Ann Mulder MULDER, Mrs. Nancy Ann, 72, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017 at her home in Wetumpka. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, with Rev. Gerald Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Pine View Memorial Gardens with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka, and she will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday. Ann is survived by her husband of 54 years, Monroe Mulder; children, Paul (Lisa)

Mulder and Sherri (Andy) Markos; grandchildren, Candice, Jeremy, Summer, Christian, Blake, Katelyn, Mady, and Kaylee-Ann, along with 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael Mulder, her parents, Ellis David Williams and Thalia Harris Williams, and a sister, Mellie Jo Taylor. Active Pallbearers will be Jeremy Mulder, Blake Hilyer, Christian Markos, Troy Mulder, Keith Mulder and Christopher Evans. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ryan Evans, Kenneth Evans, Kenny Joe James and Drew Murchison. Special thanks to the staff of Amedyses Hospice for their loving care of Mrs. Mulder. Online Guest Book available at www. gassettfuneralhome.net

James Edwin Fuller FULLER, James Edwin, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama, was born on December 23, 1936, and passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the age of 80. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 10, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. Funeral services are Friday August 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Gassett Funeral Home Chapel in Wetumpka, AL, with Rev. Gerald Wood officiating. Interment will be at Coosa River Cemetery. Mr. Fuller is survived by two daughters; Marce (Lee de Ovies) Fuller, Tracy (Hank) Pitts, three sons; Travis (Anita) Fuller, Lance Fuller, and Brandon (April) Fuller, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents, James Oliver and Josie Wilson Fuller and the mother of his five children, Pat Brand. He was a retired 60 year member of IBEW Local Unions 443 and 136. He also served as Asst. Business Manager of 443. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve and a lifelong member of VFW Post #4572. He had a tremendous love for Alabama Football. He will be missed by his family and friends.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Passaretti named Elmore County Living editor STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Amy Passaretti has been named editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County Living. Originally from Vernon, New Jersey, Passaretti earned a bachelor’s degree in media arts & design with minors in political communication and Italian at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. There she served as both the copy editor and then news editor of the student publication, The Breeze, as well as executive editor of Madison 101, an incoming guide for freshmen. Passaretti went on to receive a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She worked in highend restaurants in Rhode Island and Puerto Rico and a James Beard award-winning restaurant in

brings a great skill set to the New York City. magazine team,” said Betsy She continued to write Iler, who continues to work during this time on her in the role of managing personal culinary blog. editor for TPI’s magazine “I have been in division. “As TPI expands Alabama a little over our product line in the a year now, and I have magazine division in the been welcomed with open coming months, I am excited arms,” Passaretti said. Passaretti to see how she helps to grow “I’ve lived in so many the value of our products for different places, but the our advertisers and showcases the hospitality and small-town feel of the Lake Martin area make it easy quality of life, work and play in to embrace this culture and I enjoy Elmore County.” “I’ve had the honor to work being a part of the community. with Betsy over the last six “I am extremely honored to be months and she has been and a part of the TPI team and look continues to be an extremely forward to both the challenges knowledgable, hard working and opportunities ahead. It’s example to follow,” said always been my dream to work Passaretti. “I’m proud of the work for a magazine, and I am proud we do at TPI, and I am excited to to be part of such a strong team, take this next step and help make who produces award-winning Elmore County Living the best it magazines.” can be.” “Amy is a talented writer and

Funding Montgomery-based Heritage Training and Career Center, which services the Elmore County Department of Human Resources. The award ceremony was held in the Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University Montgomery on Wednesday morning. Wetumpka High School Principal Robbie Slater and Director of the Heritage Training and Career Center Cynthia Brown were pictured at the event ceremonially receiving the awards. Brown said they have been helping Elmore County residents for 10 years by providing job readiness training, computer skills and GED preparation by way of the

continued from page 1

county’s HR Department. “They get the opportunity to use our computer lab,” said Brown. The grant, she said, would go to their overall operating costs. “We are truly appreciative,” Brown said. Brown also appeared before the county commission on behalf of her organization. The $700 in grants for the WHS Performing Arts Department are scheduled, according to the CACF, “ to purchase video projections and auxiliary equipment needed to produce musicals and expose students to new technology available in collegiate and professional theatres.” The HIPPY program is an at-home service for

preschool age children aimed at preparing them for school through literacy and problem-solving and by better equipping their parents to help them be prepared and succeed. Recently Burton Ward, CACF president, said there were four different grant cycles every year, each cycle for a different category of nonprofit type. She explained the process CACF uses to source its funding it then distributes to charities within each of its regions. “We are an organization that works with individuals and nonprofits we kind of have the best of both worlds,” said Ward. “We work with individuals who may want to help the community but don’ t know

Senate

where to go.” She said they act as a kind of distributor so those who wish to donate to a local charity can specify their desire, and they, with extensive knowledge of the local nonprofit landscape, can help direct those funds to the appropriate charity. “Individuals donate to us any amount they want to,” Ward said, whether small or large. “Usually people that want to better their community but maybe don’t know exactly what the needs are ... want us for our expertise so that we can then direct the money to those nonprofits.” For more information visit, http://www.eccfinfo. org/ or call (334) 2646223.

continued from page 1

percent of the county’s GOP vote. Strange finished with 33 percent in Tallapoosa County. In Elmore County, Moore led with 48 percent, while Strange had an estimated 21 percent. On the Democratic side in Elmore County, Jones led with 58 percent over Kennedy’s 26 percent. The totals were not completely final at press time.

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In a race that featured a flood of negative ads on the GOP side, the turnout statewide was very light. Final turnout numbers were not complete, but was estimated at 13.7 percent by the office of Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. The winners of the runoffs will meet in a special election on Dec. 12. The primary was necessary to

fill the term of Jeff Sessions who was picked by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate to serve as United States Attorney General on Feb. 8. Former Alabama Governor Robert Bentley chose Strange, who had been serving as the state’s attorney general to succeed Sessions until a special election could be held.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 16, 2017 • Page A3

School

continued from page 1

school year for the current school board and Dennis as superintendent. Rearranged in elections late last year, the Elmore County Board of Education is entering the school year with a new chairman, Micheal Morgan, and new board member, Leisa Finley. Dennis is not new, however, to Elmore County Schools, having served in a number of administrative roles at different schools prior to his election as superintendent in what he said was a 22-year career. “This is my first (year) in a position other than principal and/ or teacher so, yeah, this has been a different start for me,” said Dennis. But, he said feedback from his administrators was that things had been going nicely so far, despite the incidences of “very heavy traffic flows” around the elementary schools. “Coosada and Wetumpka Elementary have very heavy traffic on the first few days of school,” Dennis said. “We hope to get that settled down. Wetumpka Elementary is probably going to be the one that settles down the most, because we got a new traffic pattern that we think will take care of the traffic there.”

Last week, state school officials visited Elmore County on the first day of school and Dennis accompanied them on their tour. He talked about the visit, and what was first on his agenda for the school year underway. Some things that came out of reports of the meeting related to population numbers, some said to be record numbers for the school system. Though he said there were more students at some schools than recent years, the numbers were not records yet, especially given they would not know totals until September when federal records for funding are taken. But right now he said there were roughly 11,000 students enrolled in the county’s schools, and a few schools have shown “significant increase” in student population. Among those, Dennis said, were Wetumpka High School at roughly 1,176 and Holtville Middle School. He said that essentially puts those schools at capacity, and he talked about what that increase might mean about the school’s community. “What our study has shown, is that the Wetumpka area – specifically the feeder pattern out of Redland – is growing or showing the greatest

Case in his bloodstream as weapons. ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’” Merritt wrote. “Much is given every young police officer, and much is expected. So it was with Bass, and he let down the people of Wetumpka, especially my wife and I. That this is a criminal matter will be decided by Judge Reynolds and a jury, not attorney James. And I respectfully call on Mr. James to litigate this in court and not in the media.” Kendrick, who Merritt is referring to as James, did not respond to phone calls or attempts to visit his office. The 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Randall Houston said the presence or absence of any substance was not of consequence in his office’s prosecution of Bass. “His charge is based solely on his driving,” said Houston. “We’re not basing this charge on the consumption of any substance.” He responded to the quotes attributed to Bass’ attorney, Kendrick. “Of course we take issue with that,” Houston said. “We say that it’s a violation of the law, if you’re driving 94 miles an hour down the center lane of 231 and kill somebody you would get charged with manslaughter no question about it. … it is an accident, and it is a terrible accident, but it also is a criminal matter because I think he would, in my opinion, he would’ve been protected had he had (on) his blue lights and sirens, if he’d had his blue lights and sirens on we wouldn’t be here. That’s the sole reason of the charge. There’s no substances that he’s being charged with, we’re not saying he was under the influence of anything. We’re just saying that he was very negligent.” Houston said his charge stemmed from a reckless act, and his charge does not encompass the hypothetical or real presence of any substance found in Bass’ toxicology reports. “There’s nothing that we can prove that would have affected, that he had anything in his system, that would have affected his driving,” Houston said. Bass was reportedly on duty and assisting on a call without the

move to a new form of standardized testing, new virtual schooling options and social media efforts the schools had underway. One pertaining to new discipline measures was the move away from suspensions. “Students are not going to be suspended for discipline purposes,” Dennis said. “Each school has an in-school suspension program and the alternative program has been changed to include a short-term placement from 3 to 5 to ten days.” However, he said they were trying to reach new levels of vigilance in what seemed like a never ending battle to monitor students use of social media. “The whole thing there, the social media drama that continues to unfold, I don’t think that’s going to go away,” Dennis said. “It could be a clown one year, it’s going to be something else this year. It’s an easy way to create and instigate panic with a large number of students or people in general in your community.” Because of that he said a revised set of policies was created and faculty had been trained on social media issues.

increase, Wetumpka itself is showing increase and then the Holtville area is showing an increase,” said Dennis. However, he said the inverse of that growth, the system not only growing least but actually contracting was in Eclectic. “Eclectic is actually declining number wise,” Dennis said. “It’s got a reduced, significantly lower number of students. The students they get stay with them the whole time but they’ve just got fewer and fewer entering into kindergarten and that program, that would be probably where we see the greatest decline.” He said it had been a slow reduction over the years, while he said the Millbrook system is maintaining its population, neither growing or reducing significantly in number. Dennis also talked about the new bus fleet. “Everybody’s excited about it and it is nice to have all of those features that are a part of those buses – voice amplification system for driver, more cameras than previous for documentation purposes and the newness reducing maintenance,” Dennis said. As for new policies and programs, he said there were a few like the

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use of his sirens and lights, when his vehicle struck Merritt’s at such high speeds it spun and changed direction. Earlier reports in The Herald from eyewitness accounts indicate that the radio in Bass’ squad car was playing loudly immediately after the collision. Alabama law Title 32 “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” chapter five “Regulation of Operation of Motor Vehicles, Etc., Generally” addresses what devices, like a siren and lights, emergency response vehicles are to be equipped with and, loosely, the conduct of the driver during that response. “Chapter 5A Rules of the Road” further defines the conduct of responders and the operation of their vehicles and warning apparatus. It states that in response to an emergency call the responder may operate their vehicle, in Bass’ case his squad car, under privileges it details, but under conditions, which it also defines. Of those privileges it states a responder may: “(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; (3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property; (4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.”

However it provides conditions, or limitations, to those privileges and gives disclaimers of warning in the event they are a violated. In this instance it directly addresses the use of lights and sirens, saying the privileges it grants do not apply if the those are not in use. “(c) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of an audible signal meeting the requirements of Section 32-5-213 and visual requirements of any laws of this state requiring visual signals on emergency vehicles.” And furthermore it states: “(d) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.” Bass is not currently a Wetumpka police officer, however Human Resources Director Kathy Ellis said he was still employed by the city. “He is not employed with the police department,” said Ellis. “Technically he hasn’t been unemployed with the city.” She said he had to be paid his vacation and compensation time, which kept him on the

city payroll. “He cannot be a police officer,” Ellis said, for sake of clarity. Bass was indicted, according to court records, in late July and arrested shortly after by turning himself in to the Elmore County Jail, Sheriff Bill Franklin said at the time. His bond was then set at $35,000 per court records, and Franklin said in the same day he was released. The not-guilty plea and waiver of arraignment appeared to have been submitted on August 2.

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OPINION

Page A4 • AUGUST 16, 2017

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

The Herald strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Who says you can’t go home?

Letter to the Editor

You can’t sanitize history Dear Editor, I saw a phrase in my reading today – sanitize history. I am still trying to wrap my mind around this one. History is history. That’s like saying “yesterday did not happen.” So, if we are going to sanitize history, let’s not only remove statutes, erase plaques and unmark graveyards, but let’s rebuild another Titanic, because the first one did not happen. Let’s rebuild the Berlin Wall, reconstruct the gas furnaces in Germany and Poland and erase all the film on the unbelievable trips to space and to the moon and back. Let us also put all the new canals and flood pumps

back in their boxes, because Hurricane Katrina was only a myth. Interesting “history” of WWII-on average 6,600 American service men died per month, during WW2 (about 220 a day). People who were not around during WW2 have no understanding of the magnitude. This gives some insight on “sanitizing history. Even a very smart man once said: “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” The quote is most likely due to George Santayana. Sanitizing history is not like sanitizing one’s bathroom. Dale Bain Millbrook, AL

YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.? WRITE: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092 EMAIL: News@TheWetumpkaHerald. com Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.

334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published weekly on Wednesday 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, 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) 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@thewetumpkaherald.com David Granger, managing editor david.granger@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com SALES Marilyn Hawkins, marketing consultant marilyn.hawkins@TheWetumpkaHerald.com Ext. 305

ver the years, I’ve spoken to teachers and faculty at system wide in-service seminars for school systems all over the great state of Alabama. I’ve spoken in towns most have never heard of such as the minimetropolis of Vina, where I addressed the Franklin County School System. A day later, I drove east and had the pleasure of motivating an awesome crowd of professionals in Cherokee County. Their superintendent was a great guy named Mr. Guice. I’ve had great experiences in South Alabama, too, whether it was Mobile, Andalusia, or Crenshaw County. I won’t name every school system, but there have been quite a few. Teachers are teachers no matter where I go. Teachers do an amazing job, oftentimes with limited resources. As with any profession, there are exceptions to this rule, but they are truly the exception and not the rule. I have great admiration for educators. Administrators like bring me in to kick of the school year. It’s a break from the norm. I like to think my presentation is humorous and motivational. Some even call it inspiring. I simply appreciate the opportunity to get up and talk. I’m a stuttering guy who speaks for a living. If that’s not proof that America is the land of opportunity, then I don’t know what is. I tell my story and about how teachers impacted me during my school days and how they continue to impact me to this day. Mr. Young was my seventh grade Industrial Arts teacher. The year was 1985. He often said, “I don’t care what you think about me now. I care what you think about me in 20 years.” He retired after our class and was replaced by a young teacher fresh out of college. His name was Mr. Guice. Yep, the same

JODY FULLER Columnist

guy. Seventh grade was tough. I was picked on that year for stuttering more than any other era of my life. The eighth graders were just mean, and my fellow seventh graders tried to be cool and blend in with the older crowd. It sucked, but I survived. It also sucked because I vandalized my yearbook. It wasn’t done purposely. Many of my peers used highlighters to highlight names and pictures of friends and classmates. I reckon I didn’t know what a highlighter was, so I used a black magic marker. Half of the names in my yearbook are blacked out. I even drew sunglasses on some of the fellas. Who was that masked man anyway? Eighth grade was different. I came out of my shell. Mrs. Leonard, my Language Arts teacher, really got me going. She made me get up and talk during class. Until then, many teachers had coddled me in an effort to protect me from getting picked on. While I appreciate their kindness, that is not the real world. Mrs. Leonard held my feet to the fire, and I will always be grateful for that. To her credit, she takes no credit for it. In her mind, she was just doing her job and taking care of a student. Today, she is a dear friend. A couple of years ago, I had the honor of speaking to the faculty of Tallapoosa County Schools. While it wasn’t necessarily home, it was the next best thing. Both my mother and father are graduates of Dadeville High School, as were all my aunts and uncles. In fact, my Uncle Glenn went on to be the

school principal at Horseshoe Bend, one of the schools which makes up the system. I did Lanett’s school system, too. Their superintendent is Uncle Glenn’s former student. This year, I was asked to speak to the faculty of Opelika City Schools. I’ve done some cool things over the years, but this was at or near the top. I was finally coming home to speak to the school system that I called home for 12 years. For you math majors out there, I didn’t go to kindergarten. Some of my favorite teachers were in attendance. A few of them are still teaching, while others came out of retirement to listen to one of their former students who could never keep his mouth shut during class. It’s funny how things work out. It was an honor to have them there. Unfortunately, Mrs. Leonard was in California and couldn’t be there. Mr. Young was there, in his own way. He passed away last year, and I had the honor of being a pallbearer at his funeral. The day before I spoke to Opelika City Schools, Mr. Young’s grandson called me. His grandmother had something she wanted to give me. They had no idea who I was speaking to the next day. It was a 1985 yearbook, and it was in mint condition. There were no masked men. There were no marked out names. I’d even signed it. I’m thankful to Mrs. Young and continue to be thankful to Mr. Young as he continues to impact his students to this day. I had that yearbook with me on stage. I’m thankful to Opelika City Schools for letting me come home. I’ll never forget it. 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

Charlottesville incident sparks many questions about Trump

wish that I hadn’t written about Donald Trump last week. Believe it or not, I’d rather write about something or someone else. Last week’s comparison of his vacation to mine seemed appropriate. But, alas, this week a Trump piece feels even more as if it must be written. This may have been the worst week of the Trump presidency to date. It seemed like, perhaps, the Donald had made a rare good move when he named John Kelly to replace Reince Priebus as his chief of staff. Maybe, I thought, the gaffes and lapses in the president’s judgment would end. Maybe the tweets would grow fewer and Trump would make a turn toward presidential. Alas, judging from last week’s happenings, I was wrong. First, after promising North Korea “fire and fury,” Trump went even further down the road toward a nuclear confrontation by doubling down on his original statement, saying perhaps it “wasn’t tough enough.” But the real kicker came Saturday, when a group of white supremacists, led by former Ku Klux Klan grand dragon David Duke and infamous alt-right devotee Richard Spencer, marched on Charlottesville, Virginia, presumably to protect a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which was scheduled to be taken down. Duke, Spencer and his minions were met with formidable opposition from both protestors of the alt-right groups and law enforcement. At one point, a Dodge Challenger driven by James Alex Fields, 20, of Maumee,

DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

Ohio, plowed into a group of people at the protest, injuring at least 20 and killing Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal. A state of emergency was declared, the National Guard was called in to assist and two more were killed – state policemen monitoring the scene from a helicopter when it crashed a few miles from the protest. When Trump initially publicly addressed the death and unrest in the quintessentially Southern college town, did he mention the alt-right? No. Did he mention neo-Nazis? No. Did he mention white supremacists? Once again, he did not. His daughter, Ivanka, did, but not our president. Trump, who so roundly criticized Barack Obama for not using the phrase “radical Islamic terrorism,” would not call what happened in Charlottesville “domestic terrorism” or call those who perpetrated it by any of their appropriate names even though domestic terrorism has claimed almost as many lives in the U.S. as has radical Islamic terrorism. (Trump finally got around to calling the protestors in Charlottesville what they are on Monday, but many found his rush to save face a day late and a few dollars short. Plus, he buried the lead, beginning his remarks about the performance of the economy when he should have put his

emphasis more squarely on mourning the death of an American innocent to gangs of racist thugs). Hatred ruled the day on Saturday in Charlottesville. It was an ugly sight, as hatred always is. To believe one’s superiority to another due to skin color alone is hatred of the basest variety. It took Donald Trump almost two full days to call hate and domestic terrorism what they are. In contrast, it took him a matter of less than an hour to react – via Twitter, of course – to the resignation of Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier from his American Manufacturing Council in protest of Trump’s reticence on the Charlottesville affair. Coincidentally – or perhaps not – Frazier is AfricanAmerican. Why is our president so careful not to offend the altright in America? Why does he continue to employ in his administration people like Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller? These men are anathema to everything that is the America that I believe in. Yet they seem firmly entrenched in the Trump administration. No, Bannon and Miller aren’t as overt in their beliefs, but it’s men like them that can give cover within this administration to the David Dukes and Richard Spencers of the world. And it is men like Bannon and Miller who may give the next Charlottesville a wink and an approving nod. David Granger is the managing editor of the Elmore County newspapers for Tallapoosa Publishers.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 16, 2017 • Page A5

Political party affiliations don’t determine your love for God

ast week, I got a post which said: “I would like your take on a statement I’ve just been told: ‘You can’t be a Christian if you are a (here insert Democrat or Republican, your choice), therefore, you have no God!’ Is this true? Is God a (insert party name again)? I was told it’s in the Bible. Can you tell me where?” My friend: Please know that I have tried never to influence anyone’s political choices and will not here. That is never the job of the clergy. In fact, using God, religion or Christianity for personal gain, power, influence or political success is what the Old Testament would call “an abomination” and what I would characterize as “despicable.” This includes those who bill themselves as “Christian Restaurants,” “Christian lawyers,” “Christian car dealers,” etc., and especially those who seek votes saying that they are more Christian than their opponents. You may remember that “The Religious Right” tried that several years ago and we have seen it in many state and

AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143

F rst © UNITED METHODIST

federal campaigns since. So what does the Bible say? It probably sounds silly, but I did do a Bible word search on the words “republican” and “democrat” in three different English translations and two Greek lexicons. Of course, neither of those words nor any words with the same meaning are found in the Bible. So when your “friend” says “You can’t be a Christian if you are a (party name) … You have no God … it’s in the Bible,” she is taking some Bible verse(s) and interpreting/twisting them for her own purpose or agenda. That’s nothing new. When the Bible does not address a particular subject, Bible “interpretations” have often been used to prove a point or control someone else: e.g., don’t ordain women because Paul says women should not speak in church, don’t drink because the Bible says the body is a temple, slavery is ordained by God because Paul tells slaves to be obedient to their masters, God is all powerful because Jesus says “with God, anything is possible,” when in fact, that statement was the answer to the specific question: “Who, then, can be

REV. BOB HENDERSON Trinity Episcopal

saved?” By necessity, we interpret the Bible all the time. Every sermon preached is an interpretation. However, when an interpretation is “selectively” applied, as it was to you, alarm bells go off in my head and I begin questioning the validity and the motive behind the “interpretation.” In addition to the Bible’s silence on the specific accusation your friend made, there are theological reasons to question what she has said. The first is this: if (insert name of party) are, in fact, Godless, what does that say about who God is and God’s relationship with us? The only thing I can think it says is that God does not love humans who believe certain things, in this case what the (insert party name) stands for and has stood for in the past. That condemns an awful lot of people.

This, of course, contradicts the many Bible verses which say God loves us all and will continue to love every human, unconditionally, no matter what (Romans 8:28-29, for example) as well as our belief that God is Love. The second is Matt. 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” “You aren’t Christian, you have no God” is the rankest kind of judgment, especially since it goes further than simply disagreeing with another person’s opinion or belief. There are always people with whom we disagree, but when we say that they are “Godless,” we substitute ourselves and our judgment for God’s. That, I believe, is what Matthew is warning us about. That kind of judgment is also an example of spiritual pride. It says “What I believe about God is the only true belief,” something about which Jesus constantly lambasted the Pharisees and Sadducees. It follows, then, that telling someone else that they are Godless because they don’t agree

Area Churches ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825

BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5674325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist

504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore

with you isn’t an example of God’s love. It is an attempt to use God to control that person. We humans have called on “God” to control people for centuries. In fact, many of the “interpretations” discussed above are exactly that – an attempt to control. Finally, the overall theme of the Bible, especially the New Testament, is as (a Trinity parishioner) pointed out in a comment to your post: “God is. God is love. It is up to Republican or Democrat to accept God, not the other way around.” I would go even a step further and say that God’s love calls us to love our enemies, including those in an opposing political party, pray for them, and try, as best we are able, to show or reflect God’s unconditional love to them and to those who are observing us. I will try not to condemn, ridicule or judge your “friend” as best I can, despite my typical human urge to do so. I will only say that I do not find that the Bible or my understanding of Biblical or Christian theology supports her statements.

Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486

First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka

WETUMPKA

306 W. Tuskeena Street • 334-567-7865 www.firstwetumpka.com

Worship: 8:15 AM Chapel • 10:30 AM Sanctuary Wednesday Bible Study • 6:15 PM Summer Schedule: Please Call the Church Office for Children and Youth Activities

ARMONY H United Methodist Church

Wallsboro United Methodist Church 11066 U.S. 231 • Wallsboro Rev. Ryan Johnson, Pastor

8000 Titus Road Titus, AL

R Rickey Luster, M Music Director

Sunday Services at 11a.m. ___

Sunday School.........10:45 a.m. Morning Worship........9:30 a.m. Children’s Church......9:30 a.m. Thurs. Night Service...6:00 p.m.

Minister Dr. John Brannon

There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!

You Will Receive a Warm Welcome at This Friendly, Christ-centered Church. NURSERY PROVIDED FOR ALL SERVICES

*Please Join Us*

205 W. Bridge Street • Wetumpka, AL (334) 567-5191 SUNDAY WEDNESDAY Sunday School...................9:00 am Fellowship Meal...............5:00 pm Kids’ Activities.................6:00 pm Worship Service..............10:00 am Youth Worship..................6:00 pm Evening Worship..............5:00 pm Prayer & Bible Study.......6:15 pm Visit us at fbcwetumpka.com

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Many a small thing

has been made

large..

408 West Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

...with the right kind of advertising.

Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer & Fellowship...............8:30 a.m. Bible Study..............9:00 a.m. Worship Service....10:00 a.m.

• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

Wednesday Bible Study..............7:00 p.m. Visitors Welcome At All Services

256.234.4281

1025 RiÀe Range Road • Wetumpka 334.567.4458

504 West Osceola Street 334-567-4729

www.mvbaptistchurch.info

••••

Dr. Tim Thompson - Pastor Angie Gallups - Worship Leader

Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries Derek Blankenship, Student Ministries

Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Sunday School..................9:15 Evening Worship..............6:00 AWANA (Aug.-May).......5:25

SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m. Morning Worship.....10:30 a.m. Small Group...............5:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m. Student Worship........6:00 p.m. Calvary Kids...............6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Activities 6:00 Adults......Prayer and Message Youth/College......Bible Study Children’s..........GA’s & RA’s

www.centeringlives.com

Cedarwood Community Church 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro, AL (334) 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org

Sunday Bible Study...9:00 AM Sunday Worship......10:00 AM

SANTUCK BAPTIST CHURCH 7250 Central Plank Road “A Family of Families” B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Chad Middlebrooks, Students Matt Fallin, Worship Amy Pugh, Children & Preschool

We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us.

SUNDAY Sunday School........9 & 10:30 a.m. Worship...................9 & 10:30 a.m. Evening Celebration...........5 p.m.

Nursery ____

WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.

Check out our Facebook page

Spring & Fall Soccer Seasons K4-6th Grade

Send your church news and happenings to: news@TheWetumpkaHerald.com ____________

Call Marilyn 334.567.7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 16, 2017 • PAGE A7

Fitzpatrick to be honored at Veteran’s Day tribute By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor John Kelly Fitzpatrick, Wetumpka native and noted artist, will be among those honored in the Gallery of Honor at Elmore County’s ninth annual Tribute to Veterans, set for Saturday, Nov. 11 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. “Every year we pick somebody who was a local veteran that served usually during wartime and honor them,” said Mark Harris, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the president of the Dixie Art Colony Foundation. “We haven’t honored him previously and it just seemed like a natural choice. I’m a member at Trinity and I’m on the committee for the Veterans Day event and I just mentioned his name when we were discussing possibilities and everybody seemed to think he would be a good choice. “The main reason that we chose to announce this event so early this year is because there may be people out there that have works by Fitzgerald that would be appropriate for the exhibit,” Harris said. “We encourage them to let us know if they do.” Harris can be reached by phone at 334-328-0730 or via email at M.Harris@ DixieArtColony.org. Fitzpatrick was born in Wetumpka on Aug. 15, 1888, the son of Jane Lovedy Kelly and Dr. Phillips Fitzpatrick and the grandson of Benjamin Fitzpatrick, who served as governor of Alabama from 1841 to 1845. Fitzpatrick grew up on Wetumpka’s west side in a comfortable home located on Autauga Street. By the age of four, he became interested in painting. He cultivated that interest as a young adult during a brief period of study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1912 and much later at the age of 37 at the Académie Julian in Paris. Fitzpatrick is considered one of the South’s most prominent artists and art promoters of the 1930s and 40s. He is best known for his paintings of rural central Alabama. His work can be found in the permanent collections of numerous art museums and selective private collections. During his travels in Europe, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters such as Cezanne, Matisse, and Van Gogh greatly influenced his style. In March of 1918 Fitzpatrick enlisted

in the US Army. On July 19, 1918, he and his unit came upon a German machine gun nest and almost the entire unit was killed. Fitzpatrick survived, but suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his face, neck, and chest. The offensive, in which 30,000 were killed and wounded, marked the turning of the tide in World War I. It began with the last German offensive of the conflict and was quickly followed by the first allied offensive victory of 1918. The American Expeditionary Force, with over 250,000 men fighting under overall French command, played key roles both in the initial defense and in later advances. After the battle, Fitzpatrick received the “Presidential Wound Certificate” – the precursor to the Purple Heart – first awarded in 1932. Fitzpatrick’s combat experience affected his outlook on life and he later he wrote his physical suffering caused him to lose interest in the material world and focus instead on the beautiful and spiritual aspects of life. In a February 2017 interview with the DAC Foundation, Norma Forbes, a 98-year-old native of Birmingham and longtime close friend of Fitzpatrick, described in vivid detail how Fitzpatrick’s life profoundly changed as a result of his military service in World War I. “Kelly was a very remarkable person,” said Forbes. “He told me that the war was so horrible that when he got back he decided that life was so uncertain that he was going to focus on doing the things that he really loved to do for the rest of his life. And of course that was painting. He told me also that after he came home, he had to keep the curtains drawn at night, because if the moon suddenly shined in his room he would think that it was ‘Big Bertha,’ the large canon that the Germans used. The light would cause him to wake up screaming because he had such dread and fear of that gun.” “He also told me that he got a pass to got to Paris and he said, ‘I can’t go to Paris. I don’t have any clean clothes and his friends began to say, ‘Kelly I’ve got a clean shirt, I’ve got some clean underwear, I’ve got some clean socks.’ So his friends dressed him in their clothes and sent him off to Paris.” After returning to his hometown of Wetumpka, Fitzgerald was one of the founders of the Dixie Art Colony, the

Submitted / The Herald

A landscape painted by Kelly Fitzpatrick dated 1918, most of which he spent as a World War I doughboy in Europe. Alabama Art League, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and was the first director and co-founder of the Montgomery Museum of Art School. During The Great Depression, a particularly tough time for artists, he participated in the US Treasury Department’s Public Works of Art Project, also known as the New Deal Art Project, which was a part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal economic recovery program. While working on a series of murals

for the Bank of Tallassee, Fitzpatrick suffered a massive heart attack and died on April 18, 1953. Based on the numerous newspaper articles that appeared after his death, it was very clear that he was one of the area’s most beloved and respected citizens. This Fitzgerald exhibit will be part of the annual Gallery of Honor,” open on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 5375 US Highway 231 in Wetumpka, AL.

Don’t get schooled, get smart about Social Security The Kelly seeking

our summer job might be ending soon. You might even hold a part time job while you’re in school. You can easily jump to the head of the class and secure your future with a few simple steps. As a young worker, you’re in the best position for planning, investing and saving for your retirement, growing that nest egg as large as it can be. The sooner you start, the more money you’ll have. There are two easy ways to get started in preparing for retirement. Open a free online my Social Security account with Social Security. Having a personal and secure account is easy, but better yet, it empowers you. You can access the services you need in the convenience of your own home or on the go without traveling to a Social Security office. To open or access your account, go to www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Many of our resources are

learn more about that plan’s potential matching contributions or other benefits. It’s never too early and the more you save now, the more you’ll have later. Did you know that a 20-yearold has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching full retirement age? Social Security will be there for you if you become disabled and cannot work. Accessing your online account can also help you determine your estimated future disability benefits. To learn more about disability and to apply, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ disabilityssi/apply.html. The earlier you start preparing for the future, the more comfortable that future will be. Like a good friend, Social Security has your back when it comes to retirement planning or in the unfortunate event of disability. Learn more at www.socialsecurity. gov.

KYLLE’ D. MCKINNEY Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

available online and my Social Security is one of the best places to access vital information about your retirement. We are constantly adding new features to make your experience with us faster and more convenient. You can even replace your lost or misplaced Social Security card online in certain areas. You could also start a myRA account. myRA is designed for people who don’t have a retirement savings plan through their employer or are limited from other savings options. Check it out at www.myra.gov. If your employer provides a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k),

Your Future DĂƩĞƌƐ ƚŽ hƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ ůĂďĂŵĂ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘

Recommended Vaccines Child Care Centers (by 12 Months of Age)

Kindergarten through 5th Grade

6th through 12th Grade

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Prior to entering any Alabama school or child care center, an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization must be submitted for each child. *Code of Alabama §16-30-4 **1 dose for <13 years of age or 2 doses for >13 years of age

For more information, visit adph.org/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo

‘Originally from Alabama’ entries

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Kelly is looking for entries in its upcoming competition for adult and student artists. “Originally From Alabama” seeks art about unique or fascinating places, people, culture, events, traditions, technology, flora, fauna work, inventions or stories that have taken place in Alabama over the last two centuries. The exhibition will focus on artistic impression of the theme and work may range from realism to abstraction. All media will be accepted. In the adult category, CDs or thumb-drive

digital images are due by Aug. 25 with accepted art due Sept. 11. Adult artists may submit up to five images. Accepted art will be included in an online catalog and gallery at thekelly.org. Previous catalogs may be viewed at the website. Entry fee for up to three entries is $35 for each work. Additional images may be submitted for $10 each. In the student category, open to artists in grades K-12, CDs or thumb-drive digital images are due Oct. 27. There is no limit to the number of images per student and no entry fee. For more information or to download a prospectus, please go to thekelly.org.

PAGE A8 • AUGUST 16, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Shelby has surpassed state’s senatorial legends

ou know the results of Tuesday’s primaries for our U.S. Senate seat. I had to go to press before the vote. However, the assumption was that there would be a runoff in the Republican primary. It is safe to say that the winner of that runoff on Sept. 26 will be elected as our next junior U.S. Senator. We are such a reliably Republican state that winning the GOP Primary will be tantamount to election in December. It may surprise you for me to say that it really makes very little difference as to who ultimately wins this seat. Whichever Republican prevails will vote no differently than the other. Despite all the money spent, name calling, and campaigning, whoever the Republican primary victor is will vote conservatively right down the line. They will have the identical conservative voting record as Jeff Sessions. They all would vote right on the litmus-test, hot-button GOP issues like abortion, immigration, balanced

budget, pro military, pro gun and pro agriculture. Whoever wins will support President Donald Trump and the most conservative Supreme Court nominee available. Therefore, your choice is Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum. Your only choice is which personality you like best. It is like whether you like right-wing vanilla or right-wing strawberry ice cream. Whichever Republican you choose out of this batch of ice cream you will still have an ice cream sandwich who will vote for the right-wing conservative agenda. Therefore, will one be able to be more efficient? Probably not. Seniority is what dictates power in the Washington Congressional pecking order and guess what - our new Junior U.S. Senator will rank 100 th in seniority in the 100-member U.S. Senate. Their path to power is also limited by their age. If the ultimate victor is one of the projected frontrunners, they are getting to the Senate at too old of an age

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

to be a player or make a difference. Roy Moore is 70, Luther Strange is 64 and Mo Brooks is 63. Whoever becomes the Senator will be finished before anybody in Washington knows who they are and none of them will ever chair a committee. Therefore, it really doesn’t matter which Republican ultimately wins. However, do not be dismayed, we have a senior U.S. Senator who can pick up any slack. Folks, our senior Senator is Richard Shelby. We do not even need a second senator when we have Shelby. Richard Shelby, because of his seniority and senatorial prowess and prestige, is easily one of the three most powerful members of the United States Senate. Senator Shelby is the

chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. Folks, what that means is that before any law, any budget, or any Supreme Court nominee gets to the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Shelby has to approve it. This makes him about as powerful as the president. I am not saying that Shelby trumps Trump in power. However, I am saying that there are about 95 Senators who need the president. There are about five Senators that Trump needs more than they need him. Shelby is one of them. Most special interest groups and really anybody or any entity like the NRA who want anything done in Washington would rather have Richard Shelby on their side than Donald Trump. Richard Shelby has reached a pinnacle of power never before seen in Alabama’s rich political lore of U.S. Senators. We have had some great Senators. The names of John H. Bankhead, Lister Hill and John Sparkman are legendary. However, Richard

Commission seeking funding support and for-profit tech businesses seeking use of county rights-of-way. On the memorial, “We would like to put a small monument, that’s approximately 22 inches in length by 88 inches wide. It would pretty much signify the three fallen deputies that were buried in 1906, 1917 and 2014,” said Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin. He said it had taken about two years in the making to get to this point. The county commissioners were overwhelmingly positive about the proposal and later approved it. They also approved the agreement struck up between the sheriff’s office and the City of Tallassee to house its police department’s inmates, that, if approved by the Tallassee City

Shelby has surpassed those giants in power and what he has done for Alabama. Richard Shelby is in his 31 st year of representing us in the U.S. Senate. He has chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Senate Banking Committee, and now the Senate Rules Committee. Within two years, he will break John Sparkman’s 32-year Senate tenure record. Shelby will probably make a lateral move to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee. If you think he has brought home the bacon the past three decades, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Do not fret about who our junior U.S. Senator is going to be. It really does not matter when you have Richard Shelby. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

continued from page 1

Council, would take effect Sept. 1. Franklin said the contract was just like those between it and Coosada, Eclectic, Millbrook and Wetumpka to use the Elmore County Jail for apprehended men and women. A change to county employee leave policies was carried over from the last meeting and approved. It was approved with the stipulation it would be posted in county offices. The changes affected section 11.9.6 of the employee procedure manual. It reads, “Any and all general leaves without pay as described in paragraph 11.9.2.1 must be approved by the applicable appointing authority prior to the usage of the same. The County reserves the right to grant such retroactively for emergency situations that affect a serious health condition of a family member as

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defined by these policies and procedures, and/or any other emergency situation deemed to be appropriate by the County. In no event shall any leave without pay be utilized in instances wherein an employee has not yet exhausted any and all accrued sick and/or annual leave.” The changes to the policy were largely supported by Commissioner Earle Reeves, who is head of the sub-committee on personnel matters. The Commission appointed Bart Mercer to the Association of County Commissions of Alabama Legislative Committee. Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs said he felt Mercer’s involvement in recent legislative sessions qualified him for the appointment. The commissioners heard from a representative with what was

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described as a coast-to-coast company that expands cellular data signals used by an ever-growing array of products from smart cars to smart phones. Richard Frier, with Mobilitie, said they were listed as a utilities provider and wanted to access the county’s rights-of-way to install utility polls with transmitting devices that would strengthen data signals for those in their roughly one-to-two mile radius. With an established interest in matters relating to Internet access throughout the county, the commissioners heavily questioned Frier about the project. Mercer directed Frier to speak with Leisa Finley of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. The project, if authorized, was slated to begin in the Kowaliga area.

SPORTS THE WETUMPKA HERALD

EVAN DUDLEY Sports Editor

Sunday Funday

ith our fall sports previews coming out next week, I thought I’d take a step back from actual sports and tell a story. But with the emphasis on lessons that can be learned through sports. It’s a tale of overcoming adversity, staying poised in the face of uncertainty and not giving up on the task at hand. And it started Sunday morning in Greenville, South Carolina. It may have been a week before I accepted this position that I committed to playing a wedding gig in North Carolina. I drove to Asheville Friday evening and stayed with my long-time writing partner at his home amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia. We awoke Saturday morning and rehearsed before hitting the road to a tiny green cove near Mars Hill. The rain kept at a steady drizzle as we set up for the reception and took advantage of the wine and curry. The rain eventually subsided leaving a shallow mist to envelop the surrounding peaks that echoed our raucous bluegrass stylings of the evening. Following the reception, we packed up our gear – I grabbed an unopened bottle of Spanish wine sitting lonely on a side table away from all the festivities – and headed back to my friend’s house. But not before grabbing an All-Star Special at the Waffle House. It was clutch. I bedded down, left the next morning and made it down the mountain into South Carolina when I discovered what would lead to a 12-hour journey home to Alabama. My radiator sprung a leak. But I wasn’t certain of that just yet. I found my way to a parts store and bought some hose tape to cover what I thought to be leaks in my upper radiator and reservoir hoses. And it seemed to work. At least until I fought my way through Greenville and 30 miles down Interstate 85. The temperature gauge shot up and I pulled to the side of the highway. It was at this point I was uncertain of what might happen and began to panic before resolving myself and putting a plan into action. I allowed the engine to cool down before topping it off with fluids and I made it to the next exit and six miles down the road to another parts store. I managed to replace my hoses and resumed my journey. I made it within eyesight of the 285 interchange in Atlanta before having to take the exit to monitor the situation again. I suppose that it may have been the hour spent in stop-and-start traffic just outside the metro area. I once again refilled the fluids and made it my goal to reach the state line by six o’clock – a full nine hours from when I left North Carolina. I arrived at the welcome center, topped off on fluids once more and rested for a few minutes before making the final push back home. And, unfortunately, I’m still fighting it as I’ve discovered the problem is an actual leak in the radiator. It’ll be Saturday before I’m able to get the new radiator and install it – with my sage-like father helping me. But I’m not deterred. The stakes were high and I was nervous. But I knew if I kept my cool and focused on what I needed to do, I would achieve my goal of getting home. It was hairy but I did just that. And so, it is with sports. Athletes, and really all of us, are presented with challenges and adversity. But it’s not the end result that defines the character and success of an athlete but how they respond to difficult situations in the face of relentless pressure. I’ve always taken those lessons to heart and I believe – with a little help from the Good Lord – that I made it home and back to serving all of y’all because of the ideas and philosophies learned from athletics. I’m just waiting until the end of the week when the preview guides are finished and my radiator is fixed. And then I’m going to open that bottle of wine and celebrate a real Sunday Funday. Evan Dudley is the sports editor of The Herald.

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 16, 2017 • PAGE B1

TOP 10 Elmore County games to watch

By EVAN DUDLEY Sports Editor

As the preseason slowly creeps into the last couple of weeks of August – and we’re only a week away from our annual Gridiron Guide – I thought we might take a look at the Top 10 games in Elmore County for the 2017 football season. There are two weeks in particular – weeks three and nine – that will see a lot of action with three key area games during those weeks. 10. Holtville vs. Tallassee (Week 7) Holtville looks to make vast improvements in Jason Franklin’s first year leading the Bulldogs and the Tigers look to return to the playoffs behind an experienced team that made it into the third round of the playoffs in 2016. This game will act as measuring stick for both teams as they push for a playoff spot midway through the season. 9. Elmore County vs. Handley (Week 4) The Panthers have a massive test when defending Class 4A state champion Handley visits Eclectic for an early season region game. Elmore County could be sitting at 2-1 or 3-0 when the Tigers – ranked number one in the ASWA preseason poll – arrive Sept. 15. 8. Elmore County vs. Holtville

File / The Herald

Some traditions never die as Wetumpka and Stanhope Elmore will do battle Sept. 15 in Wetumpka.

(Week 9) This matchup will pit county and Class 4A Region 3 rivals against one another in an Oct. 13 Thursday night game that will see the attention of Elmore County drawn to Eclectic. The Panthers are a solid program with little coaching turnover since Norman Dean arrived in Eclectic. The Bulldogs will be hoping to see promise in Franklin’s first year. 7. Tallassee vs. Elmore County (Week 11) Another Class 4A Region 3 game that may very well decide third place in the top-heavy region that includes Handley and Leeds. Tallassee made the

playoffs last year and marched into the third round but the Panthers are looking to take that coveted playoff spot back from the Tigers. 6. Stanhope Elmore vs. Park Crossing (Week 3) Stanhope Elmore is looking for confidence in Brian Bradford’s first year leading the Mustangs and will have a good chance to find it against Park Crossing, the 10th-ranked team in Class 6A. The Mustangs face county rival Wetumpka the next week, so Bradford and his boys will look to solidify themselves before making the trip down Highway 14. See GAMES • Page B2

Evan Dudley / The Herald

The 2017 Edgewood Academy volleyball team is; bottom row, from left, Gracie Johnson, CJ Weldon and Avery Roberts and, top row, from left, assistant coach Kim Brown, Faith Wheat, Haylee Brown, Sydney Johnson, Katie Roberts, Kenzie Johnston, Sara Grace Ellis, Madison Maddox, Kelley Green, Peyton Rodie, Sydney Brown, Madison White and head coach Sellers Dubberley.

Edgewood celebrates 2016 title team, improves to 2-0 on the season By EVAN DUDLEY Sports Editor

It was a night for celebration as Edgewood Academy honored their 2016 AISA championship volleyball team and added yet another banner to the rafters, all while posting another dominant victory in the early season for the Lady Cats. “We want to be the best team that

we can be,” said head coach Sellers Dubberley. “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and get complacent, but our goal is to be better than last year’s team.” The Lady Cats received some wellearned confidence before the regular season began with an invitation to the Macon East Tournament. The tournament invites the top eight teams from the previous year and Edgewood

took home the tournament title with a win over Glenwood Academy. Edgewood opened the season Thursday against Evangel Christian Academy and walked away with a sweep by scores of 25-2, 25-6 and 25-7. “Our team is more comfortable than last year and our leaders are stepping into their roles,” said Dubberley. “It’s still early in the season and there’s a See VOLLEYBALL • Page B2

Edgewood dons pads for scrimmage against Hooper By EVAN DUDLEY Sports Editor

Evan Dudley / The Herald

Junior linebacker Tyler Abernathy (24) sets up for a tackle in Friday’s scrimmage against Hooper Academy.

The Edgewood Academy Wildcats strapped on their helmets and pads Friday and delivered some punishment to someone other than themselves in a preseason scrimmage against Hooper Academy. The program is ready to reset after the departure of its former head coach and a multitude of players after the 2015 season and the team struggled with a very young team in 2016. Head coach Eric Folmar added some key transfers at the skill positions and looks to bring Edgewood back to their rightful place atop the AISA. “We had a very inexperienced team last year amidst a lot of turnover,” he said. “But we’ve gone through the worst of it and the program is heading the right direction.”

PAGE B2 • AUGUST 16, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

AYSO soccer enters its 12th year in Elmore County By EVAN DUDLEY Sports Editor

In Alabama, football is king. But futbol has been making its presence known in the state for more than 20 years since Birmingham hosted soccer matches at Legion Field for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. The fascination has been growing locally, too, with the American Youth Soccer Organization’s program in Elmore County entering its 12th year of existence this Fall. The program – with players from the ages of 3-18 – hosts from 250 to 300 children each year in Elmore County. “It’s a great program for kids as well as their parents and families,” said Ken Sanders, an assistant commissioner for the Elmore County AYSO chapter. “And it continues to grow each year due to the positive experience it provides for these kids and their families. It’s amazing to see how large this has grown over the last 12 years.” The AYSO is the first national youth soccer program in the U.S. and operated solely by volunteers. AYSO was established with only nine teams in 1964 out of a garage in Torrance, California. The model was to make sure American kids were introduced to the game of soccer and five decades later AYSO has flourishing programs in nearly 900

Submitted / The Herald

More than 250 children participate annually in the Elmore County AYSO soccer program. The Elmore County AYSO soccer program has plans to upgrade its fields in the future due to rising participation in the program.

communities across the nation and more than six million alumni from their ranks. The program has six philosophies it follows: Everyone plays, balanced teams, open registration, positive coaching, good sportsmanship and player development. The Elmore county program has hosted prominent members of the soccer world as well. Members of the United States Women’s National Team in November 2016 and a few camps this summer hosted

coaches from Brazil, Ireland and England. They worked with players on basic to more advanced skills. Registration for the Fall season is currently open from now until the Aug. 23 deadline. There is an in-person registration this Saturday, Aug. 19, at the First Baptist Church in Wetumpka from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who are interested may also register online by visiting the Elmore County AYSO program’s Facebook page.

Volleyball

continued from page B1

lot to work on and get better at going forward.” Following the championship celebration Monday night – which honored the 2016 team that went 23-3 and outscored opponents by 846 points – the Lady Cats took to the court for their second contest of the season and swept Chambers Academy, 25-14, 25-4 and 25-7. Edgewood battled early in the first set but pulled away before dominating the second set and cruising to victory in the third set off a 15-3 run late in the match. The Edgewood Lady Cats (2-0) travel to Macon-East Academy Thursday and compete in the Glenwood Academy Tournament this weekend before Evan Dudley / The Herald hosting Ezekiel The 2016 AISA volleyball Champions are; bottom row, from left, CJ Weldon and Peyton Rodie. Top row, assistant coach Kim Brown, Anna Barnes, Sara Grace Ellis, Academy Monday. Kenzie Johnston, Avery Roberts, Kevi Hansen, Madison Maddox, Katie Roberts, Morgan Brown, Sydney Brown and head coach Sellers Dubberley.

Games 3)

5. Wetumpka vs. Chelsea (Week

Although it could be an inconsequential game by the time the season is said and done, it acts as a revenge game for the Indians who fell to Chelsea last year and prevented them from securing the second seed in Class 6A Region 3. Instead, Wetumpka settled for third place and met McAdory in the first round of the playoffs before being eliminated. 4. Tallassee vs. Leeds (Week 9) This will be the second-place game in Class 4A Region 3, pitting the next best two teams behind Handley. Both teams should be ranked at this point in the season

Many a small thing

continued from page B1

and provide a quality matchup with playoff implications and rivalry fun. 3. Wetumpka vs. Stanhope Elmore (Week 4) THE county rivalry returns to Wetumpka in an early season matchup against the former area rivals who continue to keep their annual traditional alive. Wetumpka could be ranked by the time this game rolls around and the Mustangs look to upset the Indians and take control of Elmore County back from Wetumpka. 2. Tallassee vs. Handley (Week 3) If Tallassee can pull off the upset early in the season, it could give the Tigers enough momentum to run the table and enter the playoffs as

winners of Class 4A Region 3. It’ll be a tough game for Tallassee with the defending champions hosting but the Tigers knocked off Handley last year before the Tigers ran the table themselves on their way to a title. 1. Wetumpka vs. Opelika (Week 9) The matchup of the year will be a rematch of epic proportions. The Indians lost to Opelika by one point last year and that relegated Wetumpka to a third-place finish in Class 6A Region 3. Should Wetumpka take care of business against Chelsea, the Indians will have a chance for the region championship a week before ending their season against Ben Russell.

has been made

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CommunityCalendar NOW-Sept. 11

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Presents “A Heritage of Art and Design” featuring the Troy University Department of Art and Design. The exhibition is open daily Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. A reception will be held Tuesday, June 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 22

The Troy Montgomery Metro Alumni Chapter has teamed up with The Kelly for an evening of Troy Art, hor d’oeuvres and entertainment. This event is to help raise more scholarship money for area students to attend Troy University. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by contacting Chapter President Christy Cooper at 334-3222332 or at luckiegirl269@ gmail.com.

Aug. 26

En Fuego is a free Christian music festival, which takes place every year in a beautiful natural amphitheater in central Alabama located at 2701 County Road 23 in Verbena from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. You will hear some of the best bands in the industry for free. Did you catch that? For free! If you have any questions, please call us at (205) 516-0467.

Aug. 27

Ridge Church is moving! We will begin meeting at Wetumpka High School to expand and better accommodate our community. Services begin at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Sept. 30

The Titus Bluegrass Festival will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Titus

Community Center. There will be live bluegrass music, arts & crafts vendors, food, inflatables for kids, and more.

Oct. 5

Adullam House will host its 3rd annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville. Registration begins at 8 a.m., tee-off will be at 9 a.m., followed by lunch. Proceeds from this tournament will fund the much needed expansion at Adullam House Christian Academy. There are a variety of sponsorship levels, or you may simply put together and team and play. Fees are $150 per player and $600 for a foursome. This will include golf, contests, lunch, and a chance and many great door prizes. For more information please visit our website at www. adullamhouse.org/golf.

Oct. 7

Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Alabama chapter for the annual “Out of the Darkness” walk at the Buddy Watson Baseball Park in Montgomery. Participation allows you to join the effort with hundreds of thousands across the nation to raise awareness and funds for new research, educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Check-in and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. For more information please call FeLishia Franklin at (334) 435- 5802 or email felishiafranklin@ gmail.com.

AUGUST 16, 2017 • Page B7

Submit calendar items:

Participate in your Herald and Observer by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-2346550, sending your event to the.editor@thewetumpkaherald.com or logging on to http://www.thewetumpkaherald.com/.

ONGOING EVENTS

• The Elmore County Branch #5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (the executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center located at 200 N. Lancaster Street in Wetumpka. • The DAC Foundation exhibit located at 219 Hill Street in downtown Wetumpka will be open each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Our first exhibit at this location, features work by Dixie Art Colony artists Arthur Stewart, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Shiney Moon, Lousie Everton, Karl Wolfe, Billy Wilson and Genevieve Sutherland. Some of the work has never been publicly shown. For information visit DixieArtColony.org or follow us on Facebook. • Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church, located at 78223 Tallassee Highway, every Tuesday night at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits, and hang-ups! For more information visit gracepoint.info. • Celebrate Recovery meets at Journey Church, located at 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road every Monday at 5:30 p.m. There is a meal and childcare provided. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Call Larry at (334) 832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com for more

Today is

August 16, 2017

Corey Arwood / The Herald

Local Alabama Power offices donated 21 boxes of copy paper to Elmore County schools on the start of the new school year. “We have visions of doing things bigger and better in the future for the school system,” said Paul Blake, far right, business office manager of Alabama Power’s Wetumpka Business Office. Elmore County Schools CFO Jason Mann, far left, said the paper would be distributed by need to the schools. Wendy Barnes, also with Alabama Power, raised the money for the paper by organizing a community cookout through the Alabama Power Service Organization. information. • Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church, located at 7250 Central Plank Road. This is a Christ centered 12 step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call (334) 567-2364 for more information. • Fresh Start Recovery meets every Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church

Wetumpka located at 306 W Tuskeena Street. Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For information contact ministry leader Paul Henderson at (334) 2015428. • Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m.

at Cedarwood Community Church, located at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community. Call (334) 567-0476 for more information. • Griefshare Ministry meets on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. This ministry helps assist those who have lost loved ones and struggling how to deal with their grief. Contact the church office for more information 334-567-4729 or visit www. calvarybaptistwetumpka.org.

Rabies is a real, dangerous disease By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Many might have seen the signs for rabies clinics ongoing in the county right now and one reason that shelters exist is because of Alabama’s rabies laws so that there is a place for stray and unwanted pets to go. The county and cities provide for the animal control officers who are then able to bring any stray animals they pick up to us for the required seven-day hold to allow owners a chance to retrieve their lost pet(s). We provide a safe and humane shelter for the animals in our care and then work to find responsible homes for as many as we can. While our shelter is a private, not-for-profit organization, we have contracts with the county and cities in accordance with Alabama law to provide an animal sheltering facility for Elmore County residents. One part of Alabama law that causes some consternation and confusion is in regards to pets that have bitten a person. The bottom line is that we (shelter) cannot take in a dog, cat or ferret that has bitten (or exposed) a person in the preceding ten days as we are not a qualified quarantine facility under state law. Alabama Code Section 3-7A requires that a dog, cat or ferret that has bitten a person be either quarantined

under the direct supervision of a licensed Alabama veterinarian or the animal must be humanely euthanized and sent for rabies testing at one of the state laboratories. As we do not have a veterinarian on our staff, we cannot take in animals that have bitten (or exposed – exposure as determined by a public health officer, rabies officer and/ or veterinarian) a person and we make no exceptions to this law, ever. Please understand it does not matter if the pet has a current vaccination, is ten years old or a week old, the law is very clear and we must deny entry to that pet. So what do you do? If the pet that has bitten a person is owned, it is the owner’s responsibility to have the pet legally quarantined or sent for testing and all of that is at the owner’s expense. The owner of said animal has other legal issues and, to quote Alabama Code Section 3-7A9(d), “It shall be a violation of this chapter for the owner of such animal to refuse to comply with the lawful order of the health officer in any particular case. It is unlawful for the owner to sell, give away, transfer to another location or otherwise dispose of any such animal that is known to have bitten or exposed a human being until it is released from quarantine by the rabies officer, duly licensed veterinarian

or by the appropriate health officer. Violations of this law are punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.” If the animal that has bitten is a stray, then this is when the city/county animal control officers will come into play. Once that bite is reported to the Health Department (often via a doctor or the emergency room) or directly to law enforcement, the animal control officer will do their best to catch/trap the animal. Once caught, and identified as the animal that has bitten, the ACO will take the animal to a licensed veterinarian for testing – in almost all instances those animals will not be quarantined but immediately sent for testing. Rabies is still a very real and very dangerous disease. It is a preventable disease, which is why it is so important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations current. If your pet does not regularly visit a veterinarian, please make sure it goes to one of the area rabies clinics to ensure its rabies vaccination is up to date. Please do not ignore bites either – rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated. If you (or any person) is bitten, please seek immediate medical treatment to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect human life – don’t take a chance with your life or that of your children under the guise of “it won’t happen to me!”

Pet of the Week — Alice Alice is a heeler mix-looking girl who is about seven months old and 40 pounds. She is good with dogs, cats and children. Alice is bouncy and fun and loves to play. She is also a very smart girl who is fast to learn manners and commands. Who can resist that little speckled face? Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neu-

ter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination (if old enough) 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. For more information, go to our website at www. elmorehumane.org, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m-3 p.m.

PAGE B8 • AUGUST 16, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Chamber luncheon, BBQ lunch and a business insider look at local economy By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

The Wetumpka business community showed up en masse to a chamber of commerce summer luncheon, where longtime business owners and those new to the game talked shop and ate barbecue. It was one of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly luncheons, one which Director Gerry Purcell said before the event had garnered a surprising amount of interest. What he said was normally one the lesser attended events, he said this time they were looking at a high attendance by chamber members and his projections proved correct. Nearly every table at the Wetumpka Civic Center was full with area business representatives chatting it up between mouthfuls of barbecue, beans and hashbrown casserole and waiting for the main event – a panel of four business owners prepared to talk about their unique experiences, the ups-and-downs of an Elmore County market. But before they could hear about the financial triumphs and travails of their peers, they heard Mayor Jerry Willis talk about the delays of city projects and projects that, though not undertaken by the city, are highly visible, i.e. “the hotel.” “I get a lot of questions, main question I get nowadays is ‘When they gonna finish the hotel?’” said Willis to laughs. “Folks, I tell you we know

how to start a project we just don’t know how to finish it. We started the downtown project, we put the infrastructure in the ground and then we hit a wall. We’ll be back. We’ll be back. We’re coming back It’s just a matter of time.” He talked about recent road paving in downtown and about sports complex project updates. “We’re making a lot of progress,” Willis said. “It’s been a tough year on us. A tough year for cutting the grass. We had more rain than we’ve ever had throughout the year and we’ve been behind on grass cutting all year. But it’s been a tough financial year for us. We’ve had to really make some adjustments in our financing, and we hope we’re on the right track now...” Afterward, he mentioned further Corey Arwood / The Herald plans for the civic center and the Katie Russell, left, and Pam Martin, owners of Wetumpka’s The Market Shoppes, were among building next to it which he said the four local business owners who participated in a panel about their experiences in Elmore city owned with plans to develop it “to County. tie to the civic center to give us more breakout room and more space.” marketing tool. Products. Up next, Purcell spoke about Medi-Rides Transport owner Purcell acted as moderator of the what was new at the chamber, like talked about being overbooked and event, posing several questions to the the increased usage of their newly understaffed as a sole service provider panel members and covering a wide renovated facilities and business in a high-demand area and plans to range of business-related topics. incubator, plus upcoming events and increase his fleet and workforce in the Each panel member spoke about what was said to be their biggest near future. distinctly different experiences both fundraising event of the year – a silent Worthy Promotional Products story on starting their business and in its auction. was one of longevity, sustaining a operation, each dealing in different He introduced the panel of business business long-term, meeting payroll industries. owners: Jim Martin of Medi-Rides and the obstacles of cash flow or The owners of Market Shoppes Transport, Pam Martin and Katie moving around large sums of money in spoke about small-town retail and Russell of downtown Wetumpka’s transactions to and from banks in what extending outside to a larger audience Market Shoppes and Bo Worthy of the Worthy called the “biggest challenge.” through heavy use of social media as a Eclectic-based Worthy Promotional

ADPH warns of increased ‘whooping cough’ cases in state STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Immunization Division is warning citizens that pertussis cases are significantly higher in Alabama and continue to be on the rise. Immunization data reveals an increase from 113 reported cases in 2016, to 151 reported cases thus far in 2017. Pertussis cases have occurred statewide in 2017, including multiple outbreaks in Calhoun and Chambers counties. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory notifiable disease in Alabama. Pertussis begins with symptoms such as a runny nose,

low grade fever, and cough. After a week or two of the illness, pertussis progresses to violent coughing, making it difficult for those infected to breathe. After fits of many coughs, people with the illness often need to take deep breaths which result in a “whooping” sound. “Alabama is not alone in the growth of pertussis cases,” said Dr. Karen Landers, assistant state health officer. “Nationwide we have seen an increase in pertussis cases, and while there are several factors that could contribute to this, one generally accepted reason from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is that, although the pertussis vaccine is effective, it tends to decrease in immunity over time. That’s why

it’s so important that we educate Alabamians on this disease and let them know how they can prevent and treat it.” During an outbreak of pertussis, Immunization Division staff collect specimens for testing, assess vaccine status, contact persons via phone who have been in places where exposure has occurred, and provide information for entities to share with those who may have been exposed. Those who are concerned that they may have been exposed to the disease, or feel that they are exhibiting symptoms, should consult their primary physician to be evaluated. “Patients should be aware that this is a serious disease that can affect people of all ages,” said Landers.

“It can even be deadly for babies less than a year old. That’s why it’s especially important for parents and grandparents who are in close contact with infants to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.” According to CDC, the best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Pregnant women should also be vaccinated with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) during each pregnancy as a way to protect infants. For more information on signs and symptoms of pertussis, or vaccination please visit http:// www.alabamapublichealth.gov/ immunization and the division’s Facebook page Alabama Immunization Info at www.facebook. com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo.

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