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.
Today’s
Weather
71 46 High
Low
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
pka Flea Market m u t e W & 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
Page 2 • NOVEMBER 12-13, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Obituaries Issac Barrett
Mr. Issac C. “Nealy” Barrett, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016, at the age of 85. Funeral services will be Sunday, November 13, 2016, at 2:00PM from First Baptist Church, Wetumpka, with Dr. James Troglen officiating. Burial will follow in New Home Baptist Church Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mr. Barrett is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty Thomas Barrett; children, Melinda B. Sanford (Ricky), Jane B. Watkins (Edwin) and Dr. Nealy Barrett, Jr. (Jennie); grandchildren, Ricky Sanford, Jr. (April), Wes Sanford, Ashley Ward (Jeremy), Brian Watkins (Kelli), Justin Barrett (Jordan) and Whitney Barrett (Valerie); great grandchildren, Ty, Case and Sawyer Sanford, Emma and Ella Sanford, Barrett Ward, Caleb Watkins, Brantley and Nealy Barrett; brother, Curtis Barrett (Janet); sister, Lena Barrett Walker; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Issac Harvey and Susan Elena Harris Barrett and he was the youngest of ten children. Nealy Barrett served his family, community, state and country during his lifetime and celebrated many accomplishments. He was a Korean War Veteran and an Assistant Superintendent at Southern Natural Gas for 38 years. He was a lifetime cattleman and began Bar Neal Farms, in Wetumpka, which was named District winner for the Alabama Farm of Distinction by the Alabama Farmers’ Federation. Mr. Barrett served on the Board of Directors of the Elmore County Farmers’ Federation
Dennis
for many years. He served as Past President of Elmore County Cattlemen, Regional Vice President Barrett and Lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattlemen, and Past President of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. The Cattlewomen’s Association named him Elmore County and Alabama Father of the Year. He was inducted into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame by the Alabama Cattlemen. Mr. Barrett was a founder of the Wetumpka YMCA and is a member of the YMCA Hall of Fame. He, along with several others, established the Elmore County Horsemen’s Association in Elmore County. Nealy and Betty shared 63 wonderful years together and he doted on every member of his family. His memory will live on in our hearts forever. The family will receive friends Saturday, November 12, 2016, from 5:30PM until 7:30PM at First Baptist Church, Wetumpka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association, 459 Mehearg Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36092 or First Baptist Church, Wetumpka, Nursery Department, 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka, AL 36092. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
State parks offer free admission to vets this weekend STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
In honor of Veterans Day, Alabama State Parks will waive the entrance fee for veterans at all state parks on Nov. 11-13. Anyone who indicates they are a veteran will be admitted into the park day-use areas without charge. No identification will be required. Veterans have been leaders in the development of state parks and other public lands across the country. Several of Alabama’s state parks were developed with help from the Civilian Conservation Corps, which employed numerous veterans. “Our parks and public lands are places for reflection and serenity, and they stand as a tribute to those who have served our great nation,” said Greg Lein, State Parks Director. “It is important for us all to honor our veterans
and other partners who make our parks system possible.” Next year, Alabama State Parks plans to expand its Veterans Sponsorship Program. The program allows park patrons to sponsor free access for veterans to park sites that have an entrance fee. Currently, the program offers veterans free sightseeing, discounted fishing permits ($6 for veterans, normally $9) and other specials at the Gulf State Park Pier. In 2017, the parks system will begin offering veteran sponsorship opportunities at other state parks throughout Alabama. “Parks has run this as a pilot program at Gulf in recent years,” said Rob Grant, State Parks Assistant Director. “The test demonstrates that, within a user pay system, park visitors are willing to support a discount for certain other visitors – all through a voluntary program.” The Veterans Sponsorship
Program began on Memorial Day 2014. Since then, 8,922 daily pier fishing discounts and 11,007 daily pier sightseeing passes have been issued to veterans at the Gulf State Park Pier. To date, more than 3,000 donations totaling almost $11,000 have been made to the program. Those interested in making a donation can do so in person at the pier. For more information call 251-948-7275 extension 2105, email gulf.statepark@ dcnr.alabama.gov, or visit www. alapark.com/sponsor-veteran. Alabama’s state parks are conveniently located throughout the state. From the mountain ranges of the north, to the beaches of Gulf State Park, recreational options abound including lodges, camping, golfing, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, swimming and much more. For more information about Alabama State Parks, visit www.alapark. com.
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working with the administrators at all levels, specifically the principals, to convey my goals to them and how I would like to conduct business.” Dennis said the goal of this initial process will be to establish a system of order that the district will adhere to during his time as superintendent. “I want to look at all of the schools in the district,” he said. “Sit down with the teachers and principals and align the curriculum to the standards we need to meet. You can’t wait for the summer to plan for the next school year, you have to start planning in January and February.” Specifically, Dennis said he wanted to look at how the district can put more resources back into the schools. “We are going to look at what we are missing from a teacher standpoint, looking at what areas we need to recruit for,” he said. “Those are huge issues that need to be resolved.” Dennis said in his 28 years in education he has been fortunate to be able to build and find a positive direction for each school he has been responsible for. “The idea is to align our resources and goals to meet our objective,” he said. “Part of what I have to do as superintendent is to effectively communicate those expectations and have my people make those adjustments and prioritize accordingly he said.” Dennis said he likes employees who are strong and who speak their mind in a professional way, as well as people who are creative and bring a wealth of ideas to the table. Dennis said he will be attending a training next week for new superintendents and that he will be working with Elmore County School District officials on the transition process from his current position as principal at Prattville High School to superintendent. Dennis said he feels the transition will be a positive one for Elmore County. “Elmore County is a conservative county, I myself am a fairly conservative person,” he said. “I think my policies and procedures are going to be more in line with a conservative agenda that people in Elmore County are looking for. Dennis has quite a lot of experience in Elmore County, having grown up in the Holtville community where he also served as the principal of Holtville High School, later taking over the principal’s role at Wetumpka High School.
David Granger / The Herald
Local resident gets creative in election support Robert Moncrief of Wetumpka did his part to elect Donald Trump president on Tuesday, mowing “Trump 2016” into a field adjacent to Alabama Highway 9. The sign at the top of the hill urges the president-elect to “build that wall.”
Pet of the Week – Ted Ted is a Lab mix, ten months old as of early November, about 45 pounds so not getting much bigger. He is a very smart boy, trainable, active, great with other dogs, loves everyone. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over oneyear-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for
more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth. net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.
Operation Christmas Child
Shoebox Collection COLLECTION TIMES:
•Monday, November 14 • 6pm - 8pm •Tuesday, November 15 • 8:30am - 10:30am •Wednesday, November 16 • 5pm - 7pm •Thursday, November 17 • 6pm - 8pm •Friday, November 18 • 8:30am - 10:30 am •Saturday, November 19 • 9am - Noon •Sunday, November 20 • 2pm - 5pm Questions? Call Teresa Wheat 334-283-5818 • 334-386-3315
Collection Center: Tallassee First Assembly of God 185 Friendship Road • Tallassee, AL
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Cleanup
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volunteered their manpower and equipment to pick up the bagged trash and carry it to large dumpsters located at Wind Creek. Some of these companies and organizations include Wind Creek State Park, Alabama Power, TowboatUS, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and Eclecticbased Lake Martin Dock Company. “This is the first time Lake Martin Dock Company has partnered with us,” said Thompson. “The company is under new ownership, David McGirt. He’s really a great guy, and he’s making himself available. He’s out there working, the owner is. He has his men helping, and he’s furnishing boats. So he’s really making a huge difference, out of the kindness of his heart.” According to McGirt, he chose to participate as a way to give back to the community and to do his part to keep Lake Martin pristine and picturesque. “This is a beautiful lake and I want to see it remain that way,” he said. Together, these organizations and companies hauled in over 20 tons of trash and other debris. This year’s haul was even greater than the 2011 cleanup following the deadly late April tornado that struck Lake Martin and surrounding areas. This record-breaking amount of trash is, in part, due to the torrential amount of rainfall seen in the area
late last year. Many remember the local flooding and washed out roads that occurred late in December of 2015. Those heavy rains washed years of debris into streams, which washed into the rivers and settled in local lakes, such as Lake Martin. But not all of the trash collected from the shorelines of Lake Martin settled there due to heavy rain. Some was deliberately put there. “Over 100 tires were collected at Wind Creek,” Thompson said. The Alexander Chamber of Commerce will oversee proper disposal of the collected tires. “Steve Robinson is going to have the county come in and pick up the tires,” Thompson said. “They are going to take them to the county recycling program.” This cleanup was only the beginning. LMRA has created the “Lake Martin Treasured Mile Program,” a newly formed partnership with Alabama Power Co. and Russell Lands that will allow those interested to adopt a stretch of shoreline. The adoptive “parents” will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining that area of shoreline. To learn more about the Lake Martin Treasured Mile Program or to submit an application for a portion of shoreline go to http://www.russelllandsonlakemartin. com.
Vault
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ribbon cuttings in awhile. To get to watch how this has all unfolded and to see this building come to life is tremendous.” Purcell also thanked property owner Bill Pemberton for giving Brooks the opportunity to use the space for her store. Brooks was also very thankful to Pemberton noting that while others showed interest in the building, but that Pemberton went with her and her store. Brooks also thanked numerous family and friends who were also present for the event. She also touted the new location’s open-air courtyard as a location for parties and gatherings of all types. Brooks said that the space is now available for rent for parties under 50 people and several of those in attendance could be overheard discussing possible plans to hold events at the facility. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis was also present at the event and spoke of his discussions with Pemberton about investing in downtown Wetumpka. Willis also thanked Brooks for her commitment in downtown Wetumpka and told those assembled that the downtown streetscape project is slated to start sometime in late January. Willis noted that the location of the Vault used to be a clothing store
William Carroll / The Herald
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis cuts the ribbon at the grand re-opening of the Vault Variety Store in downtown Wetumpka. Owner Sharon Brooks (center holding ribbon and wearing a coat) put in a lot of work in the weeks leading up to the opening turning a location that hadn’t been used in years to a bright spot on Bridge Street.
where many Wetumpkans bought their clothing in years past making Brooks’ relocation appropriate. The Vault Variety Shop is a onestop shopping place for a variety of needs. The store’s inventory includes costume items for a variety of themes and time periods, boutique type goods and gowns for a variety of needs. The store also includes a one-chair salon including a number of services and will soon
also offer a men’s line of clothing. Brooks has given her space and the courtyard area behind it a huge makeover. “It is amazing what she has been able to do in such a short time,” Purcell said. “It has been a lot of long hours and a lot of work,” Brooks said. “But thanks to everyone we got it done.”
Mission said. “Mostly, I knew I was very lucky to be adopted with my brother and stay with him.” Hamon is a 2016 graduate of Wetumpka High School and said she has lived in Alabama for about two years now. “When I was originally adopted, we lived in Michigan,” she said. Hamon said that she had no idea initially where she would be sent. “I have to fill out paperwork and I send in the paperwork and they (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) send a report telling me where I am assigned.” Hamon said that based upon the information she put on form, the church knew she was born in the Ukraine. “I had this feeling I would be going somewhere where people spoke a foreign language,” she said, noting that in the
NOVEMBER 12-13, 2016 • Page 3
Streetscapes
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and other requirements the streetscapes project must meet aren’t cumbersome, particularly for a small city like Wetumpka. Robison admits that some surprises as to everything that is involved have resulted in delays. “We were hoping to start this summer,” Robison said. “And this is my bad, I suppose, but it’s been a little bit of a learning experience for me. Anyway, in a meeting in the spring they were like, ‘Oh, you’ve got to call the Alabama Historical Commission because it’s in a historic district and they’ve got to write you a letter saying that they’re okay with it.’ That’s when we had the public-involvement meeting back in April. Then we had 30 days for the public to respond and then 30 days for the historical commission to write their report. So that’s what held us up over the summer. “You can’t start the right-of-way acquisition under (the Uniform Act) until you’ve got all your environmental clearances and that includes the historical, the cultural impact stuff,” Robison said. Once the small pieces of right-of-way are acquired by the city, documents outlining exactly what the city plans to do will be submitted to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for its approval. Robison is hoping that the recent reorganization of ALDOT does not hamper the speed of that process. The state highway agency recently reduced its number of division offices to fewer region offices without adding more people, Robison said. “ALDOT will have to give their final stamp of approval to the actual civil drawings, which is what the contractors are going to build, and that has to go to their central office,” Robison said. “Then the state will actually bid this project, not the city, because the state is fulfilling the duties of the Secretary of Transportation in Washington in terms of administering these projects. They have all these things to do make sure the project is compliant with federal law.” The bid for a contractor for the project must comply with Alabama’s competitive bid laws, Robison added. Asked about what might happen first once a contractor is selected for the project, Robison said, “I’ll know more about that once we approach construction time. Our consulting engineer (Goodwyn Mills Cawood) will work the contractor to set the work schedule.” Work includes construction of the roundabout, sidewalks, landscaping of the downtown area and resurfacing of streets, including Company, Orline, Court, Commerce and Bridge. Robison said the streetscapes project is being paid for with 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent matching funds. Wetumpka received a $460,000 Surface Transportation Block Grant and a $377,000 Transportation Alternatives Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, he said. The city’s match is $100,000 for the larger grant and $94,000 for the smaller.
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past there had been some talk about the possibili-
Submitted / The Herald
2016 Wetumpka High School Graduate Emily Hamon is on her way to Seattle, Washington as part of an 18 month mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
ty of her traveling to the land of her birth. “I was surprised that I was going somewhere inside the states, but where I would
be speaking a different language.” Hamon, who originally spoke Russian, said that since she has been in the states for so many years she “has forgotten everything” when it comes to speaking the language. She will have nine weeks of intensive training to relearn Russian after which she plans on working directly with the new immigrants. Hamon said there are possibly as many as 100,000 people that are part of this community. “There are a bunch of Russians in Seattle now,” she said. “Some are trying to get away from war.” Hamon said she is excited to spread the word through her mission. “When you are sent on
a mission, you are there to serve other people,” she said. “Also the mission helps you to figure out who you are. To learn things you might not have known before. I get the opportunity to help those around me. To show them that Christ lives and Christ loves them. “My favorite verse of the New Testament is Revelation 3:20. ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’ I guess the main thing is to always remember that God is with me at all times, and He does the real teaching. I’ll try my hardest to show His love for them no matter what.”
RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area
RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net 2 NEW HOUSES – Tallassee River Hills Subdivision, 1500 sq. ft., 3 bd/2 baths, large open den & kitchen, fireplace, tile floors, granite counters, great location, $149,900. HOUSE IN RED HILL ON 229, 2 largeLD SO bd/1 bath, nice den and kitchen, 32x20 shop, 2.6 acres, $115,000. BEAUTIFUL WILLIAMSBURG HOME in Tallassee on Indian Trails on veery private 10 acres. 7000 Sq Feet, 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, great kitchen and den, Super nice home. $575,000. LAKE TALLASSEE – 650-ft. waterfront, 3 lots, 3± acres, super panoramic view, good building site, $225,000. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, RED HILL – Formerly The Country Mile convenience store, gas station and restaurant. Will sell only gas station and convenience store or all. Call for details, $245,000. BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME on Little Rd., Tallassee – 1.5 acres, completely remodeled. Very nice, 5 bd/5.5 baths, REDUCED TO $229,000. 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 23 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 13 SOLD – NOW 10 REMAINING. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $299,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES – KENT ROAD – UNRESTRICTED, SOLD REDUCED TO $45,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ, zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $89,900. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bd/ 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $259,000.
Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of The Wetumpka Herald
Page 4 • NOVEMBER 12-13, 2016
OPINION TheWetumpkaHerald.com
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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.
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How will the Obamacare cookie crumble? W ith the election of Donald Trump as president and a Republican House and Senate, talk has quickly turned to dismantling the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. While I personally am in favor of such a provision, no one appears to have a very good plan yet on how to accomplish the feat. As an initial note, I have been against the ACA from the start, not like some because it was an idea pushed by Obama (The concept in its base form was originally an idea pushed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank), but because I hate the idea of the government mandating that people purchase anything (I am also against the government mandated purchase of car insurance).
WILLIAM CARROLL
Managing Editor
When the ACA initially went into effect I was working in Louisiana and I interviewed a number of insurance providers who said it would be great for them personally, but bad in general for purchasers. As prices continue to soar it appears as though that prediction was accurate. On a positive front, the program has allowed 20 million more people to have health insurance than did so prior to the ACA. The idea that more people are covered is a good thing, but it creates significant issues in how to address those folks if
the system is dismantled. Do they simply return to not having insurance or can some accommodation be made to allow them to retain coverage? Also, what will be done about those who refused to participate in the exchanges who were forced to pay tax penalties to the IRS? Will they be able to recoup those funds? Or will they simply be forced to accept that those funds are now the property of the federal government? Seems to me that if the program is scrapped, especially by a party that didn’t want the program in the first place, then citizens should be able to get their money returned. I of course am not holding out any hope for this happening. Once the system is torn down do we simply go back to the system as it existed before?
Both parties seem to agree that the prior system was broken, so how do we fix it? As the issue has been presented on national media in the last several days, several Republican congressmen have expressed their deep desire to eliminate the ACA as soon as possible, upon questioning though none has offered a solution to any of the questions presented here. As we will be in a government transition phase for the next couple of months it will give them ample time to come up with a solution. Here’s hoping they come up with a legitimate plan that solves our current health care issues. William Carroll is the managing editor for the Elmore County newspapers of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 360920099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Steve Baker, publisher steve.baker@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . Ext. 313 Stacy Adams, marketing consultant stady.adams@thewetumpkaherald.com . . . . . . . Ext. 305
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The tales of my amazing family
o my dad’s brother, Herbert Lee from Alex City, turned 80 last month, and we met up in Warm Springs, Georgia for a birthday bash. This past Friday, my mama’s brother, Wayne, turned 80, and we met up in Franklin, Tennessee, for a birthday bash. In each case, I did a turn and burn and was back home that night. Both uncles grew up just a few miles apart in Elder, a suburb of Dadeville. They are amazing men who have lived amazing lives. Both uncles have amazing wives, amazing kids and amazing grandkids. They have an amazing nephew, too, from what I hear. On Friday, I drove to Dadeville to meet up with my mother. She lives up there. She doesn’t like to drive very much. Her car is 10 years old and barely has 40,000 miles on it. I drive that much in a month and a half. The only issue with her car is the Alabama tag that she proudly displays. I wasn’t sure I would be able to drive such a vehicle, but I adapted,
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
overcame and made it happen, while wearing my Auburn hat, of course. She hadn’t been through Birmingham since the Vulcan was a baby. The last time she was in heavy traffic was on the four-lane in Opelika when the mill let out at three o’clock. I’ve been in a lot of traffic in my life, but there’s something especially dreadful about the traffic up there. We made it to Franklin in record time. I drive quite fast as it is, but when I drive in the same car with my mother, I tend to drive just a little bit faster. I love my mama; I just don’t want to be in the same car with her any more than I have. It’s really not her; it’s me. I’m used to driving everywhere by myself or with my Ruby, my dog. That’s just how I roll. It was so wonder-
ful being with family. There’s nothing better. In addition to the birthday boy, my mother’s other brother, for whom I’m named after, was there along with aunts, cousins, cousins once removed and even cousins twice removed. In other words, there were lots of babies there, and it was beautiful. In a perfect world, I would have had a 22-monthold playing alongside the toddlers, but we do not live in a perfect world, so we just have to do the best we can. Being with so many loved ones that night was pretty darn perfect. We left around 10 p.m. for the trek back to East Alabama. Everyone was shocked that we were driving back that night, but when I have a chance to sleep in my own bed, I take full advantage of that opportunity. This week, I’ll be sleeping in Maine. Next week, I may or may not be sleeping in an undisclosed location on the other side of the world. I dropped mama off around 2:30 a.m. and was back in my garage just a half hour later.
Ruby was happy to see me. I’m so fortunate to have friends that are ready, willing and able to take care of her at a moment’s notice. I don’t know where I’d be without my friends, and I certainly don’t know where I’d be without my family. Being with my extended family at the last couple of birthday bashes was something special. All too often in the past we only came together for funerals, but many of us have made a concerted effort to get better at that and that’s just what we’ve done. I have an amazing family, and I’m sure you do, too, so don’t miss out on any opportunities to spend time with them. Don’t make excuses. Just make it happen. 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.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
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Humane Society was a big winner at the Alabama National fair STAFF REPORT HSEC Staff
HUGE Shout out to all the wonderful folks at the Alabama National Fair, the Montgomery Kiwanis Club members and everyone who came to the Fair last Tuesday night and donated food, blankets and more to the three area shelters. With everyone’s help each shelter got about 2,000 pounds of donated food and supplies! Isn’t that simply awesome! Donations like this mean the world to those of us in shelters and we are ever so grateful for the support of so many! Thank you! On Oct. 21st, Riverside Chevrolet sponsored the Anna Wood Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by and at Quail Walk Country Club in honor of Anna’s passing earlier this summer and her love for pets. Anna had been a wonderful supporter of our shelter and we were incredibly humbled that her family, the great folks at Riverside Chevrolet and so many of her friends honored her by making this golf tournament a huge success. Because of so many kind & generous donors our shelter has received over $4600 in donations to honor Anna’s memory! We are sure Anna would be thrilled and we promise to use this money to help us save even more lives. A donation of this magnitude is a testament to the many lives that Anna touched – we cannot thank her husband, her children and all of her co-workers and friends enough for honoring her in this way – thank you so very much. This weekend is the PetSmart Charities National Adoption weekend. Look for our staff, volunteers and pets to be on site at the Montgomery PetSmarts on Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm. We will also try to be at the Prattville PetSmart the same times on Sat if we can rustle up the manpower. We always need volunteers to help us at these events so if you can lend a hand for a couple of hours on Saturday, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Charline Pope at 334-202-1381 or email her at popecharlie58@yahoo.com.
GOT JUNK! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Sell your clutter in the Classifieds.
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NOVEMBER 12-13, 2016 • PAGE 7
Area Calendar November 12
The Wetumpka Elementary School PTO will be hosting a rummage/yard sale at the school parking lot. Bus spaces can be reserved for those who wish to have a booth. Whole bus spaces are $35 and half bus spaces are $20. All proceeds from booth rentals will go back into the school for teachers. The gates will open at 5 a.m. for those with reserved spaces and from 6 a.m. to noon for shoppers. If you are interested in reserving a space, which must be done in advance, please contact Amber Richardson at 334-306-8937.
November 15
TV star, cookbook author and motivational speaker: Leslie Bailey will speak at the next Tuesdays with Kelly. Bring a sack lunch. Dessert and drinks provided. Come and find out “What’s Cooking” at noon in the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery located at 408 South Main Street. Free and opened to the public.
November 15, January 10, February 4 and March 14
The Wetumpka Public Library, along with the Elmore County Museum, invites veterans and family members to sign up and participate in a free monthly reading discussion program on the experience of war, beginning September and ending in March. Discussions will be held in the Elmore County Museum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: November 15th, January 10th, February 14th, and March 14th. All books and films will be provided for each participant in advance of each discussion. Recent veterans of the global war on terror are particularly encouraged to participate.
November 14-21
Eclectic United Methodist Church will serve as a drop-off location for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. During National Collection Week, Nov. 14 – 21, Eclectic residents will donate shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball—for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. This year, Eclectic residents hope to contribute several hundred shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children.
November 15, December 13
Calvary Baptist Church Wetumpka will be offering Grief Share “Surviving the Holidays” from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. They will be meeting in the fellowship hall. Please contact the church office at 567-4729 or visit our website at www.calvarybaptistwetumpka.org for any questions concerning this matter.
ONGOING EVENTS
CHILD FIND: The Tallassee City School System is launching its annual campaign to assist children—birth to age 21—who have disabilities and may need special services. The campaign urges parents, service providers, and concerned citizens to contact Child Find, a program to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities or children who are believed to have disabilities. The Tallassee City School System wishes to notify you of the availability of special education services in our public schools. If you have questions regarding our programs, or if you wish to refer a student, please contact Lynell Carr at (334) 283-5675 or Child Find (Alabama Department of Education) at 1-800-548-2547.” AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: A Photographic Celebration of Places, Faces and Activities is the new exhibit featuring Libby Christensen, John Jacobs, Wayne Atchison, Mit Fontaine, Kay Brummal, Sue Mehearg and Barbara Bryan. The gallery is opened from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 408 South Main Street in Wetumpka. The exhibit will close on January 20, 2017. SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Highway 231 Saturday Night Jamboree at the Alabama League of the South Cultural Center Building at 12814 Highway 231 North in Wetumpka. There will be country, gospel, and rock and roll music in a good atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be line dancing, no alcohol, no smoking and no charge. Donations accepted for upkeep of the building. Contact Ray Funderburk at R&R Music and things at 334-991-4682 or 224-850-9804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET: First Saturday, March-December, dawn to 2 p.m. in the area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church. An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission to the public with free parking available. For info, call 334-567-7400. BLUEGRASS JAM: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments welcome - guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334-578-9485. SIT AND SEW: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All sewers and knitters welcome. Bring your own sewing machine or hand-sewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.
arrac.org. ART CLASS/ DRAWING AND PAINTING WORKSHOP: Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka For age 11 and older. $32 for four classes or $10 per week. Taught every Saturday by Theresa Wayne. Bring your own tools or use art center tools. Center provides other supplies. For info, call 334-300-9394. MASTER GARDENERS LUNCH AND LEARN: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka. Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free and open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/ Elmore/. NAACP MEETINGS: Elmore County Branch NAACP Executive Committee meeting every 3rd Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka Elmore County Branch NAACP regular monthly meeting every 4th Tuesday 6:30pm at MLK Center 200 Lancaster St, Wetumpka. HHS 50’s AND 60’s CLASS REUNION: Several members of Holtville High School Alumni are planning a reunion that will span two decades - the 1950’s and 1960’s. This first-time reunion will be held on November 11, 2016 at the Holtville Gymnasium beginning at 1:00 in the afternoon. Each class that has a reunion planning committee is asked to contact their classmates to relay this information so that “HHS 50’s and 60’s Reunion” will be a great success. SENIOR ACTIVITIES: “Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club - Wednesdays, Noon to 3 p.m. Audio Book Club- second and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. NEW REGULARLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno.
PAGE 8 • NOVEMBER 12-13, 2016
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
HOME STATE FINALE
Ward gears up for final game in home state at Alabama By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
DeAndre Ward lives in the moment. From when took a chance and walked on to Mississippi State’s football team back in the summer of 2013, earning a full athletic scholarship just a year later, to last Saturday when the Bulldogs held on to beat No. 4 Texas A&M, 35-28, Ward lines up one snap at a time. Ahead of playing the game he loves one last time in his home state when MSU visits Bryant-Denny Stadium and No. 1-ranked Alabama Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the former Wetumpka High standout remains focused. “I really haven’t thought about it,” Ward said Thursday night after practice. “A lot of times, I just live in the moment. I know I’ll look back on it one day, playing in Bryant-Denny Stadium, growing up an Alabama fan and playing in the game. I haven’t thought it, but I will cherish the moment.” He has already stockpiled moments he’ll treasure from his senior season, including the win over the Aggies. One moment he’ll remember was getting his first collegiate start Sept. 24 at UMass. “It was just one of those things. I came in my freshman year and I had to find a way and make a name for myself to earn a spot on the team,” Ward said. “I knew I had to work hard to get (Mississippi State head football coach Dan Mullen) to notice me. That next year, I wasn’t thinking about a scholarship, I was thinking about playing. But he awarded me a scholarship, and after that, it was about getting better each year. “Getting that first start, it was one of those things, it was unbelievable. I worked so hard for it, to walk out there for the first snap.” Lining up at linebacker on the first play of the game, Ward ended up tying his career total for tackles at the time with seven, including a sack assist. He recorded eight stops against Kentucky on Oct. 22. Ward wouldn’t tip his hand whether or not he would get the start in his final regular season game
Kelly Price / MSU Athletic Media Relations
Mississippi State University senior linebacker and former Wetumpka High standout DeAndre Ward (28) wraps up a University of Massachusetts ball carrier during a game earlier this season.
in his home state, but said coming off a monumental win last week, the Dawgs look forward to matching up with the Crimson Tide, led by true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts and a myriad of offensive weapons. “It was a big-time win. We’ve had a lot of close losses this season -- we’ve lost three games on the last play, so our record should be better,” Ward said. “It’s a great feeling around here right now. We have a lot of young guys on our team that now have played in
big time games and have come out victorious. Now they understand we do the work for a reason and if we work hard at a high level, we can come out victorious in every game. “Jalen is a great athlete, a great player. We have to play sound defense, come out and play hard and fast. They have other guys, but we have to contain him because he’s a great athlete.” Mississippi State and Alabama kickoff at 11 a.m. on ESPN.
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Wetumpka junior guard Kavosiey Smoke, middle, jumps between two defenders for a layup during the Indians practice Thursday.
Wetumpka boys basketball speeds up attack this season By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
To counter losing his top two players from last season, Ed Rogers plans to step out of his comfort zone as a coach. Not only its top scorers and rebounders, Wetumpka lost some height in the departure of Antonio George (6-foot-4) and Courtland Holloway (6-foot-5). With a different makeup on this year’s squad, Rogers and the Indians will alter their attack. “We want to get up and down the court,” the WHS head boys basketball coach said Thursday at practice. “This is going to be the first year that we’re going to be this small. So we’re going to use that quickness to our advantage. This is going to be a challenge for me because I’m always, get the ball down the court, run a
set, score the ball, play defense. This year, I’m coming out of the proverbial box and will let the kids play.” All of the Tribe’s experience resides in the backcourt with seniors Jacorey Anthony, who’ll miss the first two weeks with an ankle sprain, Cody Jones and junior Keedrick Adams guiding the team. The development of sophomores Jadarious Martin and E.J. Rogers and the addition of transfers Alex Tunnell from Gardendale and Maurice Young from Edgewood Academy speeds up the game for Wetumpka. While the guard heavy Indians will look to push the ball in transition, Rogers said the focus on defense will remain the ignition. “(Anthony’s) going to be the defensive captain, and Cody Jones. Those two guys are really going to put a lot of effort into defense,” Rogers said. “And they’ll be followed by (senior) Akwasi Bryant. Their quickness, speed, communication, all my seniors, they should be
able to sustain. Their leadership should get us to the point where we just follow them. “I think we’re going to score by committee this year. But I’m looking to be a more defensive team this year. Last year, we were a little bit more offensive minded, but I’m looking to try to be good in all three phases of the game.” Senior DeAndre Williams and juniors DeAndre Ezell and Nick Turner step in to defend the post. Moving to Class 6A, Area 6 with Benjamin Russell and Opelika, Rogers hopes the change in philosophy will provide some comfort. “I think the area we were in last year prepared us for this area. It’s kind of strange that Stanhope’s not in our area for the first time in six, eight years, but it’s going to be a new challenge.” WHS opens the 2016-17 season at Marbury Tuesday.