LOCAL, PAGE A6
SPORTS, PAGE B1
Ghostly activity investigated at chamber, hotel
Wetumpka uses short week to prep for neutral site showdown
ALABAMA’S BIGGEST WEEKLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EDITION INSIDE
THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898
Wetumpka, AL 36092
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WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 120, NO. 38
Trial begins for manslaughter suspect
By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
The trial of a former Wetumpka police officer who is accused of recklessly causing the death of the wife of a former state trooper began Tuesday. Andrew Bass, 30, who lists an address on Lakeview Court in Wetumpka, was arrested in July 2017 and charged with manslaughter. Wetumpka resident Elaine Merritt, 52, was killed on Oct. 22, 2016 after her Honda Pilot was struck by Bass’ police cruiser near the
Deatsville man sentenced to 20 years for sex crimes
intersection of Cambridge Drive on Highway 231. According to court documents, Bass had been driving at an “excessive speed,” and did not initiate the cruiser’s lights or sirens. Jury selection concluded Monday and testimony began Tuesday under presiding Circuit Court Judge Sibley Reynolds. Reynolds said about 25 witnesses are scheduled to testify. On the day she died, Elmore County Assistant District Attorney Josh Cochran said Merritt was working on a home improvement See BASS • Page A5
Witness testimony during the trial of former WPD officer Andrew Bass, who was accused of causing the death of a 52-year old woman while on duty, began Tuesday morning. Amalia Kortright / The Herald
Council votes on WPD roof repairs
The remaining six contenders announce their decision to evenly split the $4,650 prize. Each winner received $775. Amalia Kortright / The Herald
By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
A Deatsville man will serve time in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony sex crimes. Keith Christopher Barnes, 39, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Sept. 12 by Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Greg Barnes Griffin. Additionally, Barnes was also ordered to pay court costs, $150 in attorney’s fees, $50 to the Victim’s Compensation Fund for each charge he pleaded guilty to and a bail bond fee of $750 as part of his sentence. Barnes was initially See BARNES • Page A2
The Wetumpka City Council Monday night authorized the expenditures for the immediate repair of a leak in the roof of the Wetumpka Police Department. Last week, Mayor Jerry Willis said a “tremendous” amount of water leaked into the station’s investigative and evidence departments during a heavy rain. According to Director of Public Works Tex Grier, the city received proposals from three different construction companies, which covers the repair of the station’s roof and the addition of storm gutters on the back of the building. See COUNCIL • Page A3
Six winners named at annual drawdown By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual Drawdown and Silent Auction at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino Entertainment Center on Sept. 11. Executive director Gerry Purcell said the drawdown portion of the event gave guests a chance to win thousands of dollars, while
the silent auction provided guests with the opportunity to find great deals on quality merchandise. “It’s a good event to raise money and have fun at the same time, and somebody’s going to win about $4,000 to 5,000 tonight,” Purcell said at the beginning of the event. Associate director Jamie Young said 117 See DRAWDOWN • Page A3
Main Street and downtown branding unveiled at meeting
Main Street Wetumpka
New board members elected By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
Main Street Wetumpka announced the results of its Board of Directors elections at its annual meeting Thursday. According to president Dennis Fain, two existing terms on the board expired, and the board decided to add two new positions. “We’ve operated since our inception with seven (members), but our bylaws allowed us nine,” Fain said. According to Fain, Main Street Wetumpka requires elections have at least 25 percent participation to be considered legitimate. In this See BOARD • Page A2
Today’s
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Amalia Kortright / The Herald
Outgoing Main Street Wetumpka board member Natacha Graham and executive director Jenny Stubbs hug after Graham was honored for her work during her term.
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Main Street Wetumpka unveiled the brand for the organization, as well as for the city’s downtown area during Thursday’s meeting. Typically, Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Jenny Stubbs said organizations associated with Main Street Alabama wait until they’re about three years old to establish a brand. A presentation on the new logos and slogans for the organization and downtown See BRANDING • Page A3
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