Former WHS star signs with New Orleans Saints
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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • AUGUST 6-7, 2016
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 11, NO. 29
Inmate escapes Elmore Correctional Facility By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
An inmate at Elmore Correctional Facility escaped during an early morning prison transfer and managed to out maneuver a K9 unit in the process an Alabama Department of Corrections official said. According to a document and mug shot issued by ADOC, a heavily tattooed inmate, Justin Caldwell, 27, escaped around 2 a.m. Friday. A public information officer, Bob Horton, with ADOC said Caldwell was still on the run as of Friday
afternoon. Caldwell was described as a white male around 143 pounds and approximately 5-foot, 7-inches tall. Horton said he was serving an 8-year sentence from a 2014 conviction on 1st degree theft of property. Caldwell was able to, as Horton said, “compromise” the area where he was being held. Horton said Caldwell managed to go undetected, and was only found to be missing during an inmate headcount performed after his escape. The K9 team lost track of Caldwell, and Horton said now federal, state, county and local law enforcement
are looking for him. From his photo numerous tattoos can be seen scrawled across Caldwell’s face, and neck, including one which reads “Ohio.” According to the media statement, he has others including “devil horns” and one that reads “Hwy 2 Hell.” Horton said there was no indication of any gang-related involvement, and Caldwell that Caldwell escaped wearing his state white uniform.
County roads show improvement over past decade
Wetumpka man stabbed to death in robbery By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
Elmore County Engineer Richie Beyer recently provided the Elmore County Commission with a spreadsheet which outlined the condition of county roads, specifically documenting the change from 2004 to 2016 and the results showed a significant improvement in area roads. According to the comparison spreadsheet in 2004, 143.8 miles of roadways, or 19 percent of the total roads the county is responsible for maintaining, rated below 70 on a scale that Beyer See ROADS • Page 3
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CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
Corey Arwood / The Herald
After a brief downpour, amid sweltering heat and humidity, a crew from Wetumpka Water Works returned to a site they had been working on for nearly a week and put in their last day replacing an old sewer line.
Downtown sewer line replaced by water works By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
Commuters who made their way through downtown Wetumpka last week might have noticed a gaping ditch running down Hill Street and a number of workers who were out
in the blistering heat doing repairs to pipes deep under the street. An official with Wetumpka Water Works said they were trying to get work done on a sewer line before next week with school starting, and upcoming renovations to downtown See SEWER• Page 3
A Wetumpka man was killed Tuesday, and a Montgomery man was arrested, charged by detectives with capital murder, and is being held without bond, according to an Montgomery Police Department press release. The document states Thomas Shaw Jr., 75, of Wetumpka was stabbed to death, and found by fire medics and police around 10:20 a.m. at the 2500 block of Highland Ave. An investigation indicated the stabbing occurred during an attempted robbery, according to the report. First responders were notified of a “subject down,” the report states, however Shaw’s injuries were said to have been fatal, and he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. The person accused in the stabbing was Corwin Walker, 21, of See ROBBERY • Page 3
Elmore County student learns about space exploration By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
Kaden Masters, 12, a rising 7th grade student at Holtville Middle School, recently attended Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Official Visitor Center in Huntsville. The week-long educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and math, while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem solving. Masters was part of the Space Academy program, which is specifically designed for trainees who have a particular interest in space exploration. Masters spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated space mission to the International Space Station. Once aboard the ISS, the crew participated in experiments and successfully
completed an extra-vehicular activity, or spacewalk. Masters and crew returned to earth in time to graduate with honors. Masters said he has long had an interest in space exploration and he’d like to work for NASA as an astronaut someday. “I want to do something worthy of the history books,” Masters said. “I want to be one of the first people who get to go to Mars.” Masters said that the space academy included a couple of hundred kids including students from all over the world. He noted that there were students from as far away as Japan and Australia in attendance. During the week, Masters said he completed several missions. During his first mission he had the honor of being the flight Submitted / The Herald director meaning he was in charge of the entire mission, a mock launch sequence, Kaden Masters, 12, of Holtville recently particwhich his team completed successfully. ipated in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s See SPACE • Page 3 Space Academy in Huntsville.
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Page 2 •August 6-7, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
ECTC sees increase in enrollments and certifications
Obituaries Mary Hilliard
Mrs. Mary Pilgrim Hilliard, 91, of Eclectic, passed away August 3, 2016. She was born March 13, 1925. Visitation will be Saturday, August 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service Sunday, August 7, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Eclectic with Dr. Bob Williamson and Rev. Britt Green officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral Home directing. She is survived by her children, Cheryl DeBardelaben (Leon), Mike Hilliard (Nancy) and Jim Hilliard (Janie); grandchildren, Simone Curtis, Christy Kelly (Bill), Tyler DeBardelaben, Josh Hilliard, Lacey Hilliard and Blake Hilliard; great grandchildren, Cass Curtis, Bailee Curtis, Jillian Curtis, Quinn Kelly, Taunton Kelly and Will Hilliard-Starr. She is preceded in death by her husband, George Hilliard. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Elmore County Technical Center (ECTC), part of Elmore County Public Schools, is anticipating record enrollment in its programs for the 2016-2017 school year. The ECTC serves all four high schools in the Elmore County school system and provides students the unique opportunity to gain skills that will help them in the workforce or to pursue higher education. Last school year the ECTC had an enrollment of 370 students, while enrollment this year is 500 students, an increase of 51 percent. The program with the greatest demand is Medical Sciences. After completion of a technical program at ECTC students are trained and prepared to enter a professional field, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market. While some enter the workforce directly, others choose to further their study at a 2- or 4-year college, building on their technical certification from ECTC. Students are able to earn a CRI certification (Career Readiness Indicator) signifying that they are workforce ready. ECTC students this past year earned 311 CRI Certifications, compared to 40 the previous year, a 677 percent increase. Programs offered at ECTC include: medical sciences, welding technology, automotive technology, computer technology, pre-engineering and design, construction technology, public safety and law, hospitality and tourism, electrical technology, and industrial maintenance. For more information about the programs offered at ECTC the public is invited to an open house on Aug. 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
Submitted / The Herald
Elmore County Technical Center students work on an engine. ECTC is expecting a significant increase in enrollment for the upcoming school year.
WES teacher has ‘get comfortable and learn’ policy and on Thursday was only about $400 short of her goal to purchase “pedal desks,” Next week some third which she described as an grade students at Wetumpka exercise bike with a desktop. Elementary School will have “Kids have got to burn the chance to spend their days off energy, and they’re not learning in a “pedal desk,” allowed to in most traditional bouncing on an exercise ball, classrooms,” said Nobles. or relaxing in a hammock. About two years ago They can sit anywhere but Nobles said she began the a desk, because there are no switch from traditional seatdesks in Shay Nobles’ third ing to the exercise balls. grade classroom. At the time she said she She said she left those used it primarily as a behavbehind last year, and would ioral incentive. never return, after setting out She said her students toward her goal of having the “loved it” and she also Corey Arwood / The Herald state’s first fully kinesthetic noticed they seemed to pay classroom. more attention and remain A third-grade WES teacher, Shay Nobles, talked with a new pupil, Tramon Gunn, about her Nobles recently launched alert even despite the afteractive style of teaching, and instructed him in the “proper” way to sit on a yoga ball during an effort to raise funds online, lunch lull. class. “It kept them awake, and gave them the movement they needed,” she said. Movement is a big component of Nobles class. However she said being comfortable is just as important. She explained her café-class style policy toward seating. “Get to where you’re comfortable, whether you’re sitting on a ball, whether you’re sitting on the bicycle, as long as you are comfortable and paying attention, sit where you want,” Nobles said. And the third-graders have a number of options to choose from Tallapoosa Publishers is a multi-media news and sales organization that is located in Wetumpka and Alexander City, day-to-day. Alabama. The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune along with its sister publications have been the voice of There are armchairs, By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
JOBS available
couches and beanbags along with stools in her room, and the floor is even an option. This year she has hung a blue hammock in the far left corner of her room. She said she got the idea for the “reading corner” from a counselor at the school. “You can’t be structured, you’ve got to be laid back, you’ve got to be very open minded to it,” Nobles said. The response from parents has been great, and most were supportive of the idea. She spoke with The Herald during the school’s open house on Thursday. “I’ve had a few parents come in today, of boys, saying you know ‘man, my boy is 100 percent they need that movement,’” Nobles said. Her ultimate goal of a “fully kinesthetic room” would come with what she said was a nearly $30,000 price tag. But she said her recent fundraising efforts were only for the purchase of five additional pedal-desks at $1,300 altogether. “I know how hard it is for me and I know how hard I struggled in school and how hard I still struggle as an adult to pay attention, and I’ve got to move,” said Nobles. Anyone interested in making a donation to Nobles class can go to her “Awesome Alternative Seating” page on the website, www.donorschoose.org.
central Alabama since 1892. Wetumpka enjoys steady growth along with a list of many recreational opportunities.
We currently are seeking one outside and one inside advertising account executive.
As an Advertising account executive you will be expected to develop new business and maintain an existing account base of clients by selling a variety of advertising products and services. Some of our advertising products include print, online and mobile editions of the newspaper, magazines, inserts, direct mail and email marketing. This role is critical to supporting the over all revenue objectives at out organization. Our Account Executives use a consultative sales approach to identify the marketing and advertising needs of their clients in order to make effective recommendations. At the close of sale, this position requires you to complete detailed paperwork to fulfill orders that include placement of ads, the creative message, and reports to communicate campaign performance.
Qualifications Ideal candidates will have 2 plus years of outside sales experience. Most importantly, the candidate will have a demonstrated track record of achievement and be able to work in a fast paced and deadline oriented environment. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Candidates must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including basic computer skills for Microsoft office suite including Google for email, scheduling, and documents. Our outside sales positions require you to have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Please email resume to marketing @alexcityoutlook.com
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Roads
continued from page 1
said originated with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Beyer said the county now uses a slightly different version of the rating parameters and he said the state has adopted some of the local modifications in its own grading system. In 2004, 123.8 miles rated between 71 and 75; 146.9 miles rated 76-79; 203.3 miles rated at 80-89 and 133.5 miles rated at 90 or above for a total of 751.3 miles of county roads. In 2016, Beyer said those numbers completely reversed themselves due to years of improving and maintaining roads. Now only 81.75 miles rate at 70 or below, 37.54 miles rated between 71 and 75; 53.74 between 76 and 79, 190.88 miles between 80 and 89 and 446.53 miles rating at 90 or above. That totals out to 810.44 miles. Beyer said the additional miles include subdivisions, where the county has assumed maintenance, as well as additional roads the county has assumed. Beyer explained that the inventory project began back in 2003 when he first became the county engineer. At that time the county was shifting to a county-wide system where the county engineer made the decisions instead of work being done district by district. Beyer said this included collecting an inventory of all of the roads the county was responsible for maintaining. “They (the commission) didn’t know how many miles of road they had,” Beyer said. “So a survey was conducted to make sure we were maintaining the right roads.” This survey began in earnest on 2003 and Beyer said as a result his department got a pretty good handle on the roads in the county. As part of the streamlining process, the commission wanted the county engineer to present them with a plan outlining work to be completed in the future. He said starting in 2004, the commission would set certain funds aside for road projects. Recommendations would then be made to the commission. Beyer said these recommendations were normally to repair roads
that were rated at 75 or less. “Generally the commission would stick with the recommendations we made,” he said. The improvement though has come at a huge disadvantage. Beyer said that the county had to be very creative because Elmore County does not actually have sufficient revenue to maintain its roads. Citing a 2011 study prepared by the Association of County Engineers entitled “A Silent Crisis,” he noted that Elmore County is operating with funding far below the recommended amounts. The 2011 study states that Alabama’s network of county-maintained roads and bridges is in critical condition urging immediate action. According to the report, the annual cost to resurface paved county roads in Elmore County on a 15-year cycle is $8,140,885. Beyer said Elmore County had been averaging expenditures of just $500,000 to $750,000 per year. One of the ways Elmore County has been able to keep and improve roadways is by creative measures, Beyer said, adding that the county has learned what works in other communities. “The commission has allowed us to go and find ways to save the taxpayers money,” he said. One of those ways is by focusing more on maintaining roads from the outset. “It is much cheaper to keep our roads maintained than to let them get bad and have to replace them,” he said. Elmore County is disadvantaged due to its tax structure, one of the lowest burdens in the state. “We have no local gas or local county sales tax,” Beyer said, noting that much of the revenue for road repairs comes from state and federal dollars. Still, the county has put significant resources into repair of area roads. Beyer referenced the county’s Blueprint 2020 plan as an example of resources being dedicated to county roads as part of an overarching infrastructure improvement project.
Sewer
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streets. The general manager of Wetumpka Water Works and Sewer Board said it was “nothing big,” just improvements to an old sewer line he said needed to be replaced and upgraded. During the operation the crew installed a new manhole at the site, Ronnie Windham said. He said it was part of a project set for a later date on the sewer lines coming out of the “old fire department” and the residential building which sits adjacent to it. However, due to recurring issues with the area, he said they decided to do the work sooner rather than later. In a few weeks, he said, they would patch the road with asphalt at the site. “All for the betterment of downtown,” said Windham.
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Space
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Another mission consisted of Masters actually getting to wear a space suit and he and another participant worked together on a life-sized replica of the international space station. He said he was put in a harness and lifted up to perform his work, similar to the work astronauts would be required to perform in space. Masters said this was his favorite part of the week-long class. The third activity consisted of students being placed in a dive tank activity, which required the youngsters to assemble a variety of pipes within certain time limitations. Masters said the entire experience was worth the trip and he looks forward to going back when he is 15 and participating in the Advanced Space Academy program. “It was so fun to go there and to see all the things an astronaut has to do to train,” he said. Mother Hollie Masters said the program was definitely worth it for Kaden. “He is always doing experiments,” she said. “He has been talking about it (Space Academy) for a while. We felt like this is something he needed to do.” Masters said that he specifically wanted to thank his grandparents, Mike and Virginia Masters, who were
Robbery
AUGUST 6-7, 2016 • Page 3
responsible for sending him to the program. More than 750,000 trainees have graduated from Space Camp since its inception in Huntsville, Alabama in 1982, including STS-131 astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, and Kate Rubins, who launched to the ISS this summer. Last year, children and teachers from all 50 states and 69 international locations attended Space Camp.
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Montgomery, who is being held in Montgomery County Detention Facility. There was no further information available at the time due to a continuing investigation. The release included a “note” stating, “A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
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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 • AUGUST 6-7, 2016
OPINION
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
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.
Either lucky or extremely unlucky
Your
Opinion
The American mosaic and the road ahead Dear Editor, Last week provided us a firsthand view of the beautiful mosaic that is America. As the cameras panned the crowd attending the Democratic National Convention, we saw vividly on display the America President Obama referred to in his speech when he spoke of traveling across this country. He said: “Most of all, I see Americans of every party, every background, every faith who believe that we are stronger together – black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; young and old; gay, straight, men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance, under the same proud flag, to this big, bold country that we love.” That America was clearly on display in Philadelphia. It was a great convention but it is over and for those of us who want to see Hillary Clinton become the 45th President of the United States, the real work begins right now. President Obama asked us to help her when he said: “Time and again, you’ve picked me up. Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me.” We must reinvigorate the Obama coalition of people of color, progressive whites, and young voters in support of Hillary and we must immediately begin executing the ground game and providing the logistic support to make it happen. Using the power of the pen, I plan to continue writing and engage in voter education and registration. I encourage everyone to contribute in your own way. The need will be there as I anticipate that, as in 2012, states with Republican-led legislatures will do their best to disenfranchise certain voters. During the 2012 election attempts at voter suppression came in many forms. In addition to new photo ID requirements, early voting was targeted in some states because it tends to benefit low-income workers while at the same time polling places in low-income or minority areas were intentionally reduced. And in some states students were no longer allowed to register using their school address or student IDs were no longer accepted. As Republicans move to suppress the vote, all targeted groups need to respond with the fervor African Americans did in 2012. In response to their tactics black voters got motivated, endured long lines and wait times and voted at a higher rate than other minority groups. Now is the time to get moving as our church, campus, community and political organizations need to motivate, educate and help voters meet any new requirements and rock the vote in November. Democracy is not a spectator sport folks. We need to get off the sidelines and get in the game. During my military career I learned that nothing motivated the troops more than a clear and present danger. Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to the safety, security, and future of our country. Are you ready to get to work? Michael E. Waters Elmore, AL 36025
F
or the fourth consecutive year I am acting as the editor of a paper in a community holding local elections. I seem to have a knack for finding communities that happen to be holding local elections during the time I have worked there. Elmore County’s local elections in area municipalities are set for Aug. 23, just over a couple of weeks away. We have been working on setting up interviews with candidates in Wetumpka and Tallassee and will soon add Eclectic to the mix. Our goal is to attempt to get all of the candidates in for an interview to have them answer some questions about themselves and their goals if elected. An educated electorate is a skilled electorate and we want to give voters the tools they need to make an educat-
WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
ed decision. As I have stated previously, local elections are truly the lifeblood of our country. People spend a lot of time worrying about those folks in Washington without realizing that local officials actually have more control over citizen’s day-to-day rights than do national officials. Sure, hot button issues seem to be decided at the national level, but the more important dayto-day stuff, like roads and bridges, property taxes, sales taxes, local infrastructure, police and fire coverage, are all decided locally. Sometimes those things that bother citizens most are actually not
the fault of Washington politicians or even state politicians but county and city politicians. Thus why it is so important for people to vote in local elections. I have had several people ask whether the newspaper will be endorsing candidates, I have discussed that issue in other columns, but let me reiterate: No, generally we will not endorse candidates. The only endorsing will be what I like to call anti-endorsing, meaning that we may tell you who to definitely not vote for, but we will not necessarily tell you who to vote for. The reason for this is simple, in small communities it is better if the newspaper remains as neutral as possible. Larger papers can and will issue endorsements, but it doesn’t do us a lot of good to do so. At this point our goal is
simply to provide voters with as much information as possible so that they can make the best decision possible. What they do with that information is entirely up to them. So if you are a candidate or a representative of a candidate, please feel free to contact me at 334-567-7811. We would like to give you the opportunity to speak through our pages to the voters. Also if you are a voter and have a suggestion for a question to ask the candidates, please feel free to submit it to william.carroll@alexcityoutlook. com. I may use your question during candidate interviews or we may use it to tell other voters what citizens are thinking. Remember this is your community. You need to make the decisions that will move it forward.
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 Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . Ext. 305
Legislators should remember ‘the least of these’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:40
T
here are doctors throughout Alabama who do the majority of their work for “the least of these” – children, the elderly and the disabled, the patients for whom our Medicaid program is designed. One of them is Dr. Eric Tyler of Pediatric Associates of Alexander City. Tyler said Tuesday that the percentage of children he treats who are Medicaid patients has risen steadily over the last 17 years. It’s now 75 percent. Tyler was speaking – along with Kim Owens, a family practitioner from Valley, and Greg Nichols, senior vice president at East Alabama Medical Center – as part of an effort called IamMedicaid. com, which is urging the Alabama Legislature to fix Medicaid in Alabama by addressing the current $85 million shortfall as soon as possible potentially in the Aug.
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
15 special session - and working toward a longterm, sustainable funding solution. On Monday, the Alabama Medicaid Agency began to react to the current funding shortfall, slashing by an average of 30 percent its reimbursements to Medicaid providers, doctors like Tyler. It is the first move toward several changes in doctors’ approach to Medicaid patients that Tyler envisions, such as doctors ceasing to see new Medicaid patients, cramming more patients into less time, ending peripheral programs aimed at quality assurance and, eventually, the closing of providers’ doors. Our legislators will tell us the reason for the cuts is the money isn’t there. And that’s true. What is distressing is the money also isn’t there for needed new prisons, properly staffing and equipping our state police, roads and bridges
and a number of other needs for which the state must foot the bill. Tough choices lie ahead. But, if pressed, shouldn’t we always choose our future, our children? Shouldn’t we always choose “the least of these”? Unfortunately, Gov. Robert Bentley, because of his dogged opposition to President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, has stood steadfast beside a decision not to expand Medicaid in the state even though the federal government would have paid all of the costs of the expansion in the first three years and 90 percent of the costs after that, even though Republican governors like Jan Brewer of Arizona, Chris Christie of New Jersey and John Kasich of Ohio chose expansion. In the short term, the expansion covers many additional Americans who need the program most. The jury is still out on the long-term benefits of the expansion, but reason would tell us a more healthy American public would be beneficial to our healthcare system. It’s cheaper to maintain a healthy citizenry than
to address the ills of an unhealthy one. So while others are covering additional citizens largely with federal money, we struggle to find the money to take care of our smaller pool of recipients. With the other funding needs we face, additional revenue sources will soon be necessary. One that has long been anathema to the legislature has been an increase in the state’s ridiculously low property taxes. It may be time for even the most sacred of cows to become a part of the conversation. Fortunately for them, our legislators’ children don’t depend on Medicaid. But that may be unfortunate for those whose do. There is no teacher like experience. We can only hope that our lawmakers heed the words from the Book of Matthew and are moved to help “the least of these,” whatever it might take. To urge them to do so, please go to IamMedicaid.com and contact your legislator with a single click in support of fixing the funding issues facing Alabama’s Medicaid system.
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AUGUST 6-7, 2016 • Page 7
Commission reviews board appointments policy STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Appointing citizens to serve on a board of directors is one of the most important responsibilities of a county commissioner. The Elmore County Commission is the appointing authority for a variety of agencies, authorities, utilities and districts which provide community services in the areas of economic development, water and sewer, recreation, mental and physical health, safety and human resources. When the Commission receives written notification for the need of a board appointment, the request is placed on the next Commission Work Session Agenda. The Commission does not make the appointment until 30 days after the request first appears on a Commission Meeting Agenda. By policy, the Commission may by unanimous vote, take an additional 30 days to fill an appointment. The thirty day notice policy allows Commissioners time to review the position to which they will be appointing and give careful consideration to the qualifications needed for the position. Personal qualities such as integrity, competence, leadership, and discretion must be considered. Skills such as strategic thinking, vision, and ability to understand financial statements are crucial. Typically, candidates for an appointment have shown an interest in the organization for which they may serve. The Elmore County Commission appreciates the dedication of those citizens currently serving on a board of directors who lend their time and expertise to effectively guide and direct many agencies and organizations in our community. The board of directors list including upcoming appointments is available for review on the county website at www.elmoreco.org under the Elmore County Commission tab. Any citizen desiring to serve on a board of directors should contact the Commission Office at (334) 514-5841.
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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND
WHS star Golden signs with Saints By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Jamal Golden’s NFL dream gained new life Wednesday as the defensive back signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints, the team announced. The former Wetumpka High star participated in the Saints’ preseason training camp practice Wednesday at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. Attempts to reach Golden for comment wereunsuccessful. A free agent, Golden joined the New Orleans’ 90-man roster more than two months after a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons in May during rookie minicamp after going undrafted in the NFL Draft in April. Golden, 6-foot, 195, finished up a five-year career at Georgia Tech, recording 169 tackles in 54 games, along with eight interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 11 pass breakups. The free safety started all 12 games for the Yellow Jackets during his senior season and had a secondary-best 64 tackles. Golden also had two kickoff returns for touchdowns and a 24.5-yard average. As a high school senior, Golden earned Alabama’s Mr. Football in 2010 and was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. The quarterback passed for 2,351 yards, ran for 1,148 yard and accounted for 37 touchdowns en route to garnering Class 6A Player of the Year and Back of the Year honors and helping guide the Indians to the quarterfinals where it fell to eventual state champion Daphne.
Photo Courtesy of The New Orleans Saints
Former Wetumpka star Jamal Golden tackles New Orleans Saints teammate C.J. Spiller during the team’s training camp practice Wednesday at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Smith factors into Troy’s offense as freshman By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Cory Diaz / The Herald
Former Stanhope Elmore standout running back B.J. Smith will compete for playing time during his freshman season with Troy.
With the backfield marred with inexperience, Troy University running back B.J. Smith will contend for playing time as a freshman. The Trojans opened fall camp Tuesday without graduated 1,000-yard rusher Brandon Burks, leaving the position up for grabs this preseason. Smith and fellow incoming freshman back Jabir Frye, a Pensacola, Florida native, will receive their fair share of reps as Troy prepares to kickoff the 2016 season hosting Austin Peay Sept. 3. “Two student-athletes that are freshmen that are going to contend right away are B.J. Smith, a guy that had a great high school career at Stanhope Elmore,” Trojan head
Seniors to lead Edgewood volleyball in 2016 By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
Age matters for the Edgewood Academy volleyball team. The Wildcats will field one of the oldest teams they’ve had in the last couple of years when it tips the season off next Thursday, and new coach Sellers Dubberley thinks that’ll make all the difference. “It is hard to judge after three weeks -- you don’t want to judge a team or put a stamp on a team until they play a meaningful game,” Dubberley said. “But this team seems to have all the pieces. We’ve got size, mobility, senior leadership. We’ve got all the pieces, it’s just a matter of catching on the new system because I’m throwing a lot at them, and see how they perform under pressure. We’ll know a lot more next week after we play a meaningful volleyball (match).” Seniors Anna Barnes, Morgan Brown, Kaylee Glenn and Kevi Hansen all return from last year’s quarterfinal squad to lead a group that’s molding to a
new coach for the fourth straight season. In that transition, each senior has moved to new roles with Hansen now playing middle hitter, Brown sliding out to right side hitter, while Glenn and Barnes take on more leadership. “That’s four seniors who will start. That’s big; not a lot of coaches have that many seniors that contribute that much,” Dubberley said. “I recognize how crucial that is.” Having those upperclassmen, Dubberley said, has been important as preseason practice has been outlined with numerous changes. But the challenges will pay off in the long run. “I’ve had to shuffle things around a little bit. We had one of our setters go out with a knee Cory Diaz / The Herald injury; your setter is Edgewood Academy senior middle hitter Kevi Hansen works the quarterback of through net hitting drills Friday at the team’s practice. your team,” he said. “We’ve got a small thrown at them, so toughness. The main team, numbers-wise, we’ll see how fast we challenge just has but that helps me can adapt, learn and been learning. It’s a fit people in certain very different style of grow.” spots. I’ve got all the Edgewood opens volleyball, it’s much pieces, now it’s about more demanding and the 2016 season how they perform. Thursday at home intricate. But once “If nothing else, against Evangel they learn it, it’ll pay (having four seniors) Christian. off. They’re having helps with mental the kitchen sink
football coach Neal Brown told reports at Sun Belt Conference Media Days last week in New Orleans. “He’s an all-purpose back. And then Jabir Frye. “They’re going to compete right away. We’ve got to figure out early in fall camp, those first two weeks, what their strengths are and how they’re going to be able to help us offensively because they’re definitely going to play.” A three-year starter for the Mustangs, Smith finished his high school career running for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 186-pound running back rated as the 21st best allpurpose back in the country last season. He rushed for 1,012 yards and 10 scores on 123 carries, earning First-Team All-Area honors for his senior campaign.
Alabama Nature Center hosting two events this weekend in Millbrook STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Alabama Nature Center is hosting two events this Saturday at the Lanark Pavilion in Millbrook. Starting that morning, the 14th annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Youth Fishing Rodeo will take place from 7 to 11 a.m., and later that day, the 2016 Wild Game CookOff State Finals will get cooking at 5:30 p.m. For the Youth Rodeo, admission is free, however, participants are asked to pre-register as space is limited and all youth must be accompanied by an adult. Each young angler will receive a t-shirt and will be eligible for door prizes. Snacks and drinks will also be available. In addition, each participant may take home five catfish each, but may catch and release all they would like. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, though a limited number of loaner rods and reels and some bait will be available on site. Competition for the state’s best wild game cooking team is going to be fierce. Winning Wild Game Cook Teams from thirteen competitions across the state will battle it out for a $1000 first prize and bragging rights to the title Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off State Champion. Cook teams competing are: WC Cookers - Birmingham
Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Distressed Doe - Morgan County Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner ITAC Solutions Gulf Coast - Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Trailer Park Gourmets - West Central Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Team Advantage Covington County Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Chonita’s Cookers Talladega Wild Game CookOff Best Overall Winner Leavellwood - Tuscaloosa Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner The Lumbee Smokers Quad Cities Wild Game CookOff Best Overall Winner Cabela’s Campchefs Madison County Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Alabama Blackbelt Adventures - Tri-County Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Spices Smokehouse Guntersville Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner Johnson Crew - Lake Martin Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner KBeeQue - Limestone Wild Game Cook-Off Best Overall Winner For ticket information or to purchase your tickets, contact the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822WILD.