ECHS wins seventh straight area title
Superintendent debate was a clean affair
Area Calendar Inside!
Eclectic Observer Page 4
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The
THURSDAY • OCTOBER 20, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 42
Eclectic police chief reaches long-time goal
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Eclectic Police Chief Robert Head said he goes through yearly certifications to stay on top of operating his department, and this year he reached a mile-marker of 160 hours worth of training
in the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program. The program connects police chiefs from across the state through classes where he said they learn to deal with anything from the dayto-day affairs of operating a police department, to latest events from around the nation that affect police
and the communities they operate in. The Herald recently received a letter from the director of the University Partnership for Alabama Continuing Education Partner, Belinda Blackburn, commending Head on his recent awards. See CHIEF • Page 5
Corey Arwood / The Herald
Eclectic Police Chief Robert Head was recently recognized after completing 160 hours training in the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program.
Probate office cleared in jury probe
Cotton Festival slated for Oct. 29
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A long-running town tradition is only a week away, and Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport talked a little about the events and activities planned for the 24th annual Alabama Cotton Festival next Saturday. He said at this year’s festival there would once again be the perennial favorites of most festivalgoers. There will be music, vendors, an art show, dog show, classic and antique car show, he said, along with plenty of festival fare, he said. He said they had a confirmed 60 entries for the car show, which he said included vehicles from the 1940s and earlier up to the present. The “Kid Zone” he said would be twice the size of last year, with face painting, “bounce houses,” a bb-gun shooting arcade, a 10 a.m. puppet show and petting zoo. The festival grounds were focused around the stage of the Cotton Queen Pageant, set up in front of town hall, said Davenport Also, the winners of the See FESTIVAL • Page 5
William Carroll / The Herald
Elmore County Superintendent candidates Richard Dennis and Dr. Andre Harrison (standing) spoke during the debate between the two candidates Monday evening.
OPPOSING VIEWS Superintendent candidates duel in forum
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
The candidate debate between current Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison and his opponent Richard Dennis was a very civil affair Monday night, with both candidates discussing their qualifications and neither attacking their opponent. Both candidates were asked seven questions and given varying amounts of time to
answer depending on the question. Times allotted ranged from two to five minutes per question. After a brief opening statement by both candidates they were asked the first of a series of questions aimed to test their knowledge and skills. The first question pertained to whether the candidates supported or opposed legislative efforts to repeal Common Core and how they thought Common Core as it See DEBATE • Page 3
The Elmore County Probate Office was recently cleared by the grand jury of conduct alleged in a report on the office issued by the state’s Examiner of Public Accounts. The report, originally filed on June 10, 2016, asserts three “charges” with respect to the office. The first is against the office manager at the Millbrook satellite office in the amount of $523.99. The charge asserts: “On April 23, 2013, cash and checks totaling $10,317.59 were collected at the Millbrook Satellite Office, but were not deposited. The failure to deposit the moneys collected was not discovered until June 2013. Subsequently, replacement checks from taxpayers and a surety company totaling $9,793.60 were received and deposited. The remaining $523.99 was not deposited into the official bank account.” The second charge asserts that during the period of examination by the Examiner (Oct 1, 2010 See PROBE • Page 3
Dam Century Ride draws large crowd
David Stankard, with the Montgomery Bicycle Club, rode in the first annual Dam Century Ride with his wife Saturday morning. The two said they enjoyed the course and plan to return for next year’s Dam Century Ride.
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Carmen Rodgers / The Herald
More than 40 cyclists from around the state set their eyes on Tallassee Saturday morning for the inaugural Dam Century Ride. Registration began at 6 a.m. and courses opened at 7 a.m. Cyclist had three courses to choose from: 30-mile, 60-mile or 100-mile. The event was a community affair with local clubs, businesses and organization from around the area joining forces to make this first annual event a success.
“It was a tremendous success,” said Michone Roye. “I tried to speak to each and everyone as they returned and everyone I spoke to said they enjoyed it.” Many of the cyclist commented on the up and down hills they encountered along the course and how much they enjoyed them. They scenery was also complemented by many. “It was great,” said Richard Cooney, of Montgomery. “I really enjoyed this course.” Local clubs, businesses and organizations See DAM RIDE • Page 5
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