Wetumpka’s ready for Ward’s final game in home state Sports, Page 8 Wetumpka, AL 36092
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 12-13, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 43
Officials hope for early streetscape project
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
While there are several factors that keep Wetumpka Planning and Program Director David Robison from being able to say exactly when work on the streetscapes portion of Wetumpka’s Downtown & Riverfront Revitalization Plan will begin, he is hopeful it will begin early next year. “The best I can say is a few months, anywhere from three to five, it just depends on how long the right-of-
way acquisition takes,” Robison said Thursday. One of the first dominoes that must fall in the project’s process is the acquisition of four tiny pieces of property adjacent to what will eventually be a roundabout at Company and Orline streets. The city has almost completed the initial steps toward that acquisition with surveying of the parcels. “We have to have some surveys done and we’re just about done with that,” Robison said. “Because there’s federal aid money involved in this project, we
have to follow what is called the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Most people in the grant and property world just call it the Uniform Act, for short. So we have to go through exactly, follow the steps exactly, notify the property owners, give them 30 days to respond, make a decision, etc., and then negotiate with them to purchase the little slivers of land. So it could, theoretically, take several months to do that or it could just take 30 to 60 days. “Hopefully, it will just take 30 to 60
days. But because I don’t know, I can’t read people’s minds, I can’t tell you exactly how long it’s going to be.” The Uniform Act is designed to provide “important protections and assistance for people affected by federally funded projects.” The intent of the law was “to ensure that those people who whose real property is acquired or who move as a result of projects receiving federal funds will be treated fairly and equitably.” But that doesn’t mean that the law See STREETSCAPES • Page 3
Wetumpka graduate to return to roots via mission trip
Dennis has big plans for county school system
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
Elmore County School District Superintendent-elect Richard Dennis is excited about his opportunity to lead the district and has a number of plans he wants to put in place during his first 100 days on the job beginning January 1. After winning the election on Tuesday, Dennis spoke with us about his goals and plans for the district. “I have a 100 day plan starting out,” Dennis said. “I want to evaluate personnel and resources in every area of Elmore County Schools. That includes See DENNIS • Page 2 William Carroll / The Herald
VETERANS DAY Business recognizes nation’s biggest advocates
Submitted / The Herald
Newly elected Elmore County Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis (third from left) stands with a group of his supporters during a poll watch/ victory party for the candidate Tuesday evening.
Local businesses have been active in showing their support for our soldiers on Veterans Day. Here the guys at Zap Pest Control remember those who have served in our armed forces. Pictured from left to right: Robert Singleton, Frank Bertarelli, Dale Reese and Landon Bertarelli. Owner Frank Bertarelli said that the vehicle in the photo is a M-923 cargo truck and that Zap is looking for retired, disabled or active military veterans who wish to participate in the upcoming Christmas parade by riding on the vehicle as part of the parade. For those interested they may contact Bertarelli at 244-7778. “We just want to show our appreciation and have them recognized for their service,” Bertarelli said.
Lake Martin Cleanup produces a good day’s haul of debris By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Submitted / The Herald
LMRA president John Thompson, right, and Jackson Dozier look at a map of the area to help coordinate cleanup crews in the Renew Our Rivers cleanup event Saturday.
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CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
Friday was a great day to clean up. Lake Martin, that is. Several volunteers along with the Lake Martin Resource Association gathered Friday at Wind Creek State Park to continue the long process of cleaning the shorelines of the lake. “All of this (debris) is only coming off of a small area,” said John Thompson, president of Lake Martin Resource Association. “We’ll continue to work our way down, that’s our plan.” With perfect weather and lower than average water levels, the timing for this annual cleanup was optimal. Crews had been at work for weeks, walking the shorelines and bagging bottles, cans, plastic and other debris that had settled along the shores of Lake Martin. Together, local companies and organizations See CLEANUP • Page 3
Flea Market & Antiques
2016 Open House Sat. November 26 • 9AM - 6PM $200 Gift Certificates Every 2 Hours!
334-567-2666
5266 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka SUNDAY: HIGH 64 LOW 47
Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC
Emily Hamon has seen a lot of the world but now has a chance to effectively return to her roots when she visits Seattle for an 18-month mission trip to a Russian speaking community located there. Hamon, who was originally born in the Ukraine to parents who “couldn’t provide a good environment,” was placed by the Ukrainian government in an orphanage with her older brother in Luhansk, Ukraine. “I have very few memories of my time in the orphanage,” Hamon said. “I used to speak Russian, but I don’t remember it anymore. Mostly I remember my brother. We only had each other to talk to and rely on, so we hung out together. He was my best friend.” Life for Hamon changed when she was taken in by an American couple at the age of seven. Hamon said she was excited to come to the U.S. “Everything was new, but I never noticed any cultural differences-I was so young then,” she See MISSION • Page 3
Vault Variety Shop reopens in new location By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
The Vault Variety Shop officially cut the ribbon at its new location at 117 E. Bridge Street in Wetumpka Thursday night as dozens of supporters of the shop packed in to see owner Sharon Brooks’ new location. Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Director Gerry Purcell was on hand for the event and said this about the new location, “This is one of the best and most exciting See VAULT • Page 3