SPORTS, B1: History Made: Holtville girls break program’s single-season win record
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022 | VOL. 123, NO. 4 | $1.00
No arrests or updates in Wetumpka homicide By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer A shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot last Thursday night has claimed the life of one man. Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting. “This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.” This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in
the city took place in 2018. “It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton. Benton didn’t want to speculate on the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Winston’s family was upset Friday morning and wanted answers. His family reached out to The Herald shortly before a press release from Crimestoppers showed photos of a person wanted for questioning. Darryl Collier, Winston’s oldest brother, said that Wetumpka police had not informed the family on the progress of the investigation as of Friday morning. “Officers came and informed our mother, that’s it. We haven’t heard from them again,” said Collier.
They believed race played a role in the lack of an arrest and indicated they would investigate the murder themselves if police wouldn’t. “If it was a little white kid there would be someone arrested already,” said Collier. “If police aren’t going to do something, we are going to investigate it.” Friday afternoon, Benton said the investigators were “working on the case as we speak” and that they already had some leads. “We have some leads, I feel good about it,” said Benton. The Wetumpka Police Department released video frames from gas station security footage of a white Ford Crown
SUBMITTED / THE HERALD
The Wetumpka Police Department released video frames from gas station security footage of a white Ford Crown Victoria and a black Ford Ranger. They also released two photos of a white man wanted for questioning.
See HOMICIDE, Page A3
WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE: JAN. 20-26 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
SAWDUST
&RUST KAITLIN FLEMING / THE HERALD
The Kelly, located in downtown Wetumpka, recently held a reception for the newest exhibit on display — Sawdust and Rust. The exhibit inspired by metal and wood features art pieces carved, forged, sewn and painted. Several local artists submitted artwork for the installation of Sawdust and Rust and artists not from the area also submitted works. Dale Lewis, Charlie Lucas, David Foote, Michael Young, Joanne Staley, Beth Phillips, Xander Booker, Carole Jean Singleton, Kathy Atchison, Libby Christensan, Nick Nyberg and Marty Woodall all have artwork on display.The exhibit will be on display until April 13. The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery is open for viewing Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Millbrook Revelers announce Mardi Gras Festival STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Downtown Millbrook will soon be filled with beads, moonpies, candy and the shouts of thousands of revelers shouting, “Throw me something mister!” The Millbrook Revelers announced last week that their annual Mardi Gras Festival will be held February 19 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. with the parade through downtown beginning at noon. “For nearly two decades, the Mill-
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brook Krewe has brought the fun and pageantry of Mardi Gras to Millbrook,” said Krewe President John Drew in a press release. “Our members work hard all year to bring the spirit of laissez le bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) to the River Region and visitors from far and wide.” This year’s King, Charles Oden, and Queen, Glenda Yarborough, will reign over the festivities at the Village Green Park which include a variety of food See FESTIVAL, Page A3
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H e r e ’s t h e l a t e s t o n COVID-19 in the Lake Martin area, updated every week:
ELMORE COUNTY
Positivity rate — 48.6 percent Seven-day caseload — 956 new cases (through Friday) Average daily caseload — 137 new cases per day Current one-day record — 251 new cases on Aug. 11, 2021
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
Positivity rate — 29.9 percent Seven-day caseload — 708 new cases (through Friday) Average daily caseload — 101 new cases per day Current one-day record — 166 new cases on Jan. 18, 2022
COOSA COUNTY
Positivity rate — 44.1 percent Seven-day caseload — 185 new cases (through Friday) Average daily caseload — 26 new cases per day Current one-day record — 51 new cases on Jan. 4, 2022
ALABAMA
Positivity rate — 44.4 percent Hospitalizations — 2,710 as of Jan. 23
DONALD CAMPBELL / THE HERALD
The Millbrook Revelers made sure the good times rolled at the 2019 annual Mardi Gras parade.
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Sources: Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Flea Market & Antiques 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 • Wetumpka, AL (Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC)
OVER 100 BOOTHS Booth space available starting at $118 per month for 6’ x 10’
334-567-2666