INSIDE: CELEBRATING OUR BIGGEST HEALTH ADVOCATES LOCAL, PAGE 4
Indians charge through tourney unscathed. Page 11
‘It’s time to remove the stigmas attached to mental illness.’
INSIDE
THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898
Wetumpka, AL 36092
50¢
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 30, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 118, NO.10
Commissioner moves to change vote-counting process
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A majority of the business discussed at Monday’s Elmore County Commission meeting came out of the Highway Department, including updates on the countywide energy-efficiency renovations, as well as budget changes for roadside cleanup programs. However, news of different sort came
later in the meeting. A commissioner reported he had played a major part in bringing about new verification measures for local vote counting, after being involved as the incumbent candidate in the March 1 mishap that nearly resulted in a runoff for his District 4 seat. Joe Faulk said a commitment had been made to him that after the April 12 runoff elections the Probate Office
and the local branch of the Republican Party would compare voting tapes for reporting differences. He said that a number of city and party officials received copies of these paper records after elections; however the measure he proposed was not in place. “What I’ve advocated is, particularly in party elections, that the Republican Party and their leadership, in this case it
would be Vicki Ward who is the chairman, or her designee, would set down at the end of the election, for example on April 12, and compare their tapes with the tapes that the probate office has,” said Faulk. He said had that measure been in place, the error that nearly resulted in a runoff between himself and his opposition, Steve Livingston and Johnny See COMMISSIONER • Page 3
Elmore inmate stabbed to death
Elmore County Career Expo Thursday Local and regional employers expected to attend STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Elmore County Career Expo has been planned for both junior and senior students in the area as well as the general public. In the past when each school wanted to host its own career-based event, businesses could not participate in every one, so the decision was made to combine everything into one large event this year. During the morning hours, students from Elmore County High, Holtville High, Stanhope Elmore High, and Wetumpka High are scheduled to visit the expo. After lunch, local private schools and homeschool students have a window of time during which they can attend as well. Several local and regional employers are expected to attend including: • Hyundai • Alabama Power • Madix • Mercedes • Wind Creek Hospitality • Jackson Hospital
Corey Arwood / The Herald
While work has continued, Wetumpka Director of Public Works Tex Grier said a meeting with FEMA and the engineers his department is working with to repair Company Street is set to track progress and determine the next step in repairing the road. A large sinkhole that formed March 17 and has kept the road closed has had a negative impact on business owners along that street.
Company Street remains closed
See JOBS • Page 3
Officials say the deceased was injured in an altercation with another inmate STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A man serving life in prison in the Elmore Correctional Facility was stabbed and killed Friday and prison officials say a fellow inmate is responsible. The Alabama Department of Corrections said the deadly stabbing occurred at the Elmore Correctional Facility at about 3:30 p.m. Friday after a fight Spears broke out between two inmates. Prison officials report that Johnny Lee Spears, 31, was stabbed during the altercation. Spears succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by a corrections physician at 5:56 p.m. Latarian Martel Frison, 25, Frison See STABBING • Page 3
Wetumpka Craterfest approaches April 19 rock group Shades of Gray, country artist Bradley Roberson along with the Tyler Braden Band and southern rock artist Markus Fox. Those in attendance may also take part in the first-ever River Region Duck Dash. Participants are encouraged to adopt a rubber duck to race down the Coosa River from the Bibbs Grave Bridge to the Gold Star Park Boat Launch. Cash prizes are awarded to the winners and proceeds made from the adoptions go to the Wetumpka Rotary to benefit local non-profits. Adoptions can be made now or at the event. An arts and crafts station as well
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The fourth annual Wetumpka Craterfest is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, in Gold Star Park in downtown Wetumpka. The festival is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to attend. The event will feature Georgia native and award-winning singer and songwriter Colt Ford as its headlining act. Other artists scheduled to perform include gospel singer Andrew McCarter, the classic and southern
CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
USPS 681-260
Many a
been
small thing
as a free Kidzone will be available for children and attendees can take a Crater bus mini-tour, visit the Crater art exhibit and attend lectures. Donations to the event are encouraged to benefit the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors have already been confirmed, however, those interested in a booth may still make a request. The deadline for vendor applications and payments is due by Friday, April 1, at 4 p.m. To request an application or for more information about the event, go online to www.wetumpkachamber. com/Craterfest.
has
made
large... ...with the right kind of advertising.
256.234.4281
FREE ESTIMATES!
Hedging, Fall Cleanup, Leaf Removal, All Yard & Lawn Maintenance
(334) 309-4422 • (334) 580-7879
Mitch Sneed / The Herald
Tyler Braden and his band will be one of the featured acts at the Fourth Annual Craterfest in April.