August 8, 2018 The Wetumpka Herald

More than Floors celebrates new location LOCAL, A6

Fall football practice begins for Elmore County teams SPORTS, PAGE B1

THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898

Wetumpka, AL 36092

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WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 8, 2018

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 120, NO. 32

Quail Walk offered to city for sale

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

The owner of the recently closed Quail Walk Country Club asked the city to consider purchasing the property during a regularly-scheduled Wetumpka city council work session on Aug. 6.

Two arrested in Millbrook robbery, one still at large

According to owner Earl Singleton, the Quail Walk Country Club was an asset to the city and its business community in the years it was open.

“A lot of people swam in the pool since they were children, and a lot of people played golf out there. I just think it would be such a sad thing to

There are 1,060 acres of river land out there,” Singleton said. “I feel like, if there’s any way, the city should at least look at this thing and see if there’s not a way that they could purchase Quail Walk and keep it open.”

Council member Kevin Robbins See QUAIL • Page A2

see Quail Walk closed and kept closed,” Singleton said.

Singleton said it would be beneficial for the city to purchase the property and open it as a public pool.

“I’ve heard talk of the city needing a pool, and there’s a pool already out there. There are tennis courts out there.

‘FORE THE ORSIS’

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Two of three suspects connected to a Millbrook robbery have recently been taken into custody by the Millbrook Police Department.

McLean Oshai Sharief McLean, 22, and Delano Gilcrest, 22, both of Montgomery, were arrested on Friday, Aug. 3, and Gilcrest each charged with robbery in the first degree and burglary in the first degree.

According to a press release from the MPD, officers arrived at the 900 block of Sweetwater Drive after they received a report of a robbery in progress.

The press release stated that a man was getting into his vehicle when he See ROBBERY • Page A3

What’s happening to the alley mural in downtown?

Amalia Kortright / The Herald

Jeff and the Johnsons perform a cover of the Alice in Chains song, ‘Rooster,’ at the ‘Fore the Orsis’ benefit concert.

Benefit concert raises $10K for local family

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

H

undreds of people gathered at Range 231 North in support of a family in need on Aug. 4.

According to co-owner Jessica Milton, 100 percent of the proceeds of the “Fore the Orsis” benefit concert went to the

three surviving sisters of a recent murdersuicide that devastated a Wetumpka family, claiming the lives of Cadence Orsi, 12, and her mother, Charley Orsi. Cadence’s triplet sisters were injured while their older sister escaped and ran to find help.

Milton and co-owner Brad Martin said the benefit came from a desire to rally the See CONCERT • Page A3

The mural in the alley between Hill Street and Company Street is currently being painted over and redone to ensure it is both aesthetically pleasing and historically accurate, according to Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Jenny Stubbs.

Stubbs said the mural will keep all of its original aspects, and more information will be added to it. Recently, she said the faces of notable historical figures have been completed.

Historical landmarks will be painted in the background, and a timeline will be added to tie it all together.

“We have not yet secured an artist for the background phase, but we like to keep it as local as possible,” Stubbs said. “As you can imagine, mural painting is a very specific type of art.”

Last year, Stubbs said Main Street Wetumpka received grant for two murals, a mural of a steamboat at the highest point of the downtown area and the mural in the alley.

Work began on the mural shortly after, but was not completed by the See MURAL • Page A2

ROD Center introduced at work session Local organization striving to unite communities, stop violence, educate and build youth, more

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Amalia Kortright / The Herald

Wanda, Ira and Saddia Walls discuss the purpose and plans of the recently-started Renew Outreach Development Center before the city council.

Today’s

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The Wetumpka City Council heard from representatives from the Renew Outreach Development Center at an Aug. 6 work session.

ROD Center representative Wanda Walls began addressing the council by saying they were running a little late because they had recently completed an

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event that offered free back-to-school haircuts to underprivileged students.

Walls’ daughter-in-law and fellow representative Saddia Walls said they were seeking the city’s recognition and support for the recently-established ROD Center. The ROD Center is based out of Wetumpka High School, has five staff members and operates from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

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THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Mural

continued from page A1

original artist with Blank Space of Birmingham. Stubbs said the artist who was hired to paint the mural also took some artistic liberties that were not consistent with the community’s history.

While the mural is being completed, Stubbs said Main Street Wetumpka is consulting with historians and archaeologists to make certain that “We’re being very careful to protect the historical integrity of the mural,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs said part of the project was completed by Wetumpka High School teacher Adriane Duvall and her students. Stubbs described their efforts as “wonderful,” and said it placed an emphasis on local history for the young people involved.

“We want them to see how great it once was and how great it can be,” Stubbs said.

The alley mural is one stop in Wetumpka’s Tulotoma Snail Trail, which highlights public spaces that were not being used and turns them into art projects.

“The whole story behind the Tulotoma Snail Trail was to get all sections of the community involved, so they feel some piece of ownership over downtown,” Stubbs said.

While a concrete date for the mural’s completion is currently unknown, Stubbs said it will be in September. Once it is finished, she said the space will be enhanced with greenery, seating and additional artwork, and an unveiling ceremony will be scheduled.

Amalia Kortright / The Herald

The mural in the alley between Company Street and Hill Street is being redone for both aesthetic reasons and to ensure historical accuracy. It is expected to be completed in the fall.

Herald wants to see your milestones STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

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Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald, The Tribune or The Observer.

We look forward to celebrating your milestones with you.

ROD

continued from page A1

“Our program is an education enhancement mentoring program that has multiple programs that go underneath it: education, mentorship, leadership, athletics and skill development training,” Saddia Walls said.

ROD Center leader Ira Walls, who is Saddia Walls’ husband and Wanda Walls’ son, said they were able to procure a facility from which to operate earlier this year. He said they have already successfully completed two programs, and are planning to start an after-school program this month.

Ira Walls said they have had to overcome many obstacles in order to implement these programs, and

said he believes moral support and financial participation from the city will help enhance them.

“This is a great opportunity to give back, bring communities together, stop the violence, educate the youth and build the youth so that we can have a safe place to continue providing our city’s youth with educational enhancement and mentorship so they can become productive, law-abiding citizens in our communities, and in our world,” Ira Walls said.

Mayor Jerry Willis said the city will be assisting the ROD Center by helping them apply for grants, and advised them to maintain an ongoing relationship with the city.

Quail

continued from page A1

inquired about the property’s asking price, to which Singleton responded with the price of $2 million.

Singleton said he has not had the property appraised, but can have that done if the city is interested.

“I have spent approximately $650,000 on improvements since I purchased it in 2008,” Singleton said. Singleton said he would ask $1 million less than he originally invested when he purchased the property. He said he did not turn much of a profit from owning the pool, but it did not cause him any financial strains, either.

“If it’s operated efficiently, it will pretty much pay for itself,” Singleton said. “It’s not like you’re going to have to come up with a lot of money.”

Robbins said much of the area where the property lies is in a flood zone, and asked if the pool and the tennis courts were in that zone. Singleton said the golf course is partially in the flood zone, and nothing else.

Mayor Jerry Willis said this is the first time the council has heard this proposition, and said the council has much to consider before deciding whether to move forward.

“We will let the council digest what they’ve heard tonight and make a decision on whether they’re interested,” Willis said.

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FFA Sentinel: When It’s Time to Retire My Blue Jacket ReÀections of Two Senior FFA Of¿cers

By Andy Chamness & Dr. Daniel Free

I hope you enjoy the contributions from two retiring chapter officers of the Tallassee FFA Chapter.

I would especially like to thank these members and their advisor, Dr. Daniel Free, for sharing these reflections with me. Occasionally, you read something and it makes you proud. This is one of those times.

It is a testament to an organization and a teacher’s positive effect on students. Enjoy!

Four years ago, I was a 14-year-old who would become physically sick and leave a room in tears when a teacher had me get up in front of a small crowd of peers. However, today I can stand and speak with confidence to a large crowd, teach those around me and serve in ways I would have not thought possible. I give FFA, along with my advisor, the credit for conquering that fear.

Among the numerous skills I have obtained in my FFA career, I have gained strong soft skills such as public speaking, leadership and how to work as an effective team member. All in all, I have become a better, stronger version of myself.

Furthermore, FFA has provided me with the opportunity to find my passion in greenhouse management.

Despite the rapidly approaching FFA banquet, at which I will officially retire my blue corduroy jacket and pass my duties on to the next secretary, I will forever have the memories and the family I have made over the past four years. ~ Emily Stillwell, retiring Tallassee FFA Chapter Secretary

FFA is an organization that has enabled me to grow into the young man I am today. Over the years, it has been a constant source of encouragement and has pushed me in every way to prepare myself for the next stage of life.

My FFA advisor and fellow officers are far more than a group of people with common interests; we are a team and we are friends … but, most important, we are a close family.

It is through FFA that I have gained the mindset to prevail, refusing to give up or give in. My advisor has pushed me through obstacles I previously thought were impossible to overcome.

FFA is not just an organization, it is an extended family with innumerable possibilities for each and every person.

As I retire my blue corduroy jacket, I am fully aware that I am forever in the FFA family. ~ Gage Simmons, retiring Tallassee FFA Chapter Vice President As retiring officers graduate and move to the next phase of their life, I hope they place the words of these two FFA members in their hearts, continue to support FFA and share the positive message with all they meet.

Andy Chamness is the executive secretary for the Alabama FFA Association and Dr. Daniel Free is the FFA advisor at Tallassee High School.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Concert

AUGUST 8, 2018 • Page A3

Indiana man indicted on attempted murder charge continued from page A1

community around the family during a difficult time. About $10,000 was raised through the event.

“There’s not a whole lot we can do, being a music-slashbar venue, but we do what we can,” Milton said. “Of course, everybody’s initial reaction was not understanding, lots of whys, lots of disbelief that it could even happen. You think it happens far away, but not close to home. “It’s just a really powerful thing. It’s southern hospitality at its finest,” Martin said. “This is a drop in the bucket. This is the least we can do for them.”

The concert’s lineup included Jeff and the Johnsons, Ella Langley, Jarod Foster, Brandon Self, Dalton Bush Band, Blackberry Breeze, Joe Wright, Ben Norris, Boyd Causey and Anthony Oliver. After information about the event was first posted on social media, Martin said about a dozen local musicians reached out and offered to volunteer.

“That’s $600-$700 dollars each out of their pockets,” Martin said.

Before the event started, Martin said the Orsis’ grandfather stopped by to express his appreciation. “He just wanted to stop by before everything got too crazy. He said, ‘son, I just wanted to tell you,’ and he stopped and we hugged for just a minute,” Martin said.

At the beginning of the event, the surviving members of the Orsi family, accompanied by their grandparents, briefly stopped by. Martin said they were invited so they could see how many people had come out in support of them.

“I just hope that they can understand that everybody that’s here is here because they’re on their side. They’re supporting them,” Martin said.

“In a community like this and a town like this, that’s what it’s all about.”

Several people who knew the

family said they were grateful for an event like this to honor their deceased loved ones.

“I think it’s a great benefit that the Wetumpka area has come together and is putting on to raise money for the family,” Charley Orsi’s best friend, Kitty Simpson, said. “You have her mom and dad from Sarasota (New York), and they’re all of a sudden parents now.”

Family friend Hayden Hudson said she was “more than impressed,” with the efforts of Range 231 North, as well as other members of the community, relatives and friends who stepped up to help.

“Our whole lives changed on (July) 7. It was an event that we can’t turn back, but it’s an event that we have to move on from, and we’re grateful for (grandparents) Veronica and Al to be here. We’re grateful for Kitty. We’re grateful for the surrounding of our community support. We’re grateful for (Charley’s childhood best friend) Audrey, who is in New York,” Hudson said. “This is amazing, the outpouring of love and support that we have seen.”

Simpson described Charley, a Redland Elementary School teacher, as “the strongest person you will ever meet,” and said she left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

“It was her calling to be a teacher, and she was the best teacher ever,” Simpson said.

“She took those kids under her wing like they were own. She was so compassionate towards them.”

Hudson said the road to recovery for the surviving sisters is ongoing, and she is confident that they will make it through.

“The girls are so strong. I have never seen strength out of most adults like I have out of these girls,” Hudson said.

“They’re incredible. I wish to God I knew more people like them. To see the strength that they have shown and to watch them pull through this together is amazing.”

stabbed a man in the back and neck with a knife with the intent to commit the crime of murder. Sheriff Bill Franklin said the incident took place in the Dexter community.

Cooper At the time of his arrest, Franklin said Cooper was out of prison on parole from the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer.

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

The Elmore County Grand Jury indicted a Gary, Indiana man on charges of attempted murder.

Teddy Silvan Cooper, 37, who lists an address on East 41st Place, was initially arrested by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office on March 15.

According to court documents, Cooper allegedly

Attempted murder is a Class A felony.

If convicted, Cooper could be sentenced to life in prison.

As of Aug. 2, Cooper remained in the Elmore County Jail on a bond of $25,000. Cooper’s case was assigned to Elmore County Circuit Court Judge Bill W. Lewis, and Cooper’s arraignment was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Robbery

continued from page A1

assigned to Elmore County District Court Judge James Glenn Goggans, and the dates for their preliminary hearings have not been scheduled.

While the victim sustained mild injuries after he was struck in the head with a gun, Johnson said all of the property that had been stolen from the man has been recovered.

A firearm from one of the suspects was also recovered in a vehicle that had been abandoned in the parking lot of the apartment complex.

“We are fortunate that no one was killed during this violent act,” Johnson said. “None of our officers were injured during this ordeal, and we don’t believe that the suspect at large was injured when our officer fired at the two individuals attempting to exit the window.”

Anyone with more information on the identity or location of the third suspect is encouraged to contact the MPD at 334285-6832 or the Secret Witness Line at 334-2858500.

This was the latest information as of Herald press time Tuesday.

offenders were armed,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the MPD was assisted by the Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 Unit and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office in searching for the men.

The K-9 Unit lost track of the third suspect in the Grandview Road Area, and is believed to have entered a vehicle and left.

The third suspect was last seen running towards Grandview Road, and a civilian reported an individual matching the third man’s description attempting to get into a vehicle near the area.

He has not been identified or arrested as of Aug. 3. He is described as a 20-year-old black male weighing 160 pounds, standing at five feet and 10 inches and wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt and gray pants.

First degree robbery and first degree burglary are both Class A felonies.

If convicted, McLean and Gilcrest could face a life sentence in prison.

McLean and Gilcrest were booked into the Elmore County Jail, each on a bond of $100,000.

Both of their cases were

was approached by two men. The victim was then forced back into his apartment at gunpoint, and the men demanded the keys to his vehicle, his money and his jewelry.

According to the MPD, the suspects were in the man’s apartment when police arrived. The MPS said the suspects kicked out one of the windows and attempted to flee, while one suspect pointed a firearm at an officer. The officer fired at the suspect, and they both went back into the apartment.

Shortly after, the two suspects jumped from the second story and fled toward Rose Hill Road. Meanwhile, a third suspect attempted to drive out of the apartment complex, but the area had been blocked by police vehicles. The third suspect then left his vehicle, and also fled toward Rose Hill Road.

One suspect was later apprehended at a residence on Rose Hill Road. The second suspect was apprehended near the entrance to the apartment complex.

“Our officers had to pursue using due caution due to the fact that the

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Page A4 • AUGUST 8, 2018

Opinion

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.”

—Thomas Jefferson

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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.

YOUR VIEW We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the area. It’s free, and it only takes a few moments of your time to submit a letter to the editor.

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The Clinton campaign sought dirt on Trump from Russian officials. Where’s the outrage?

A

ll of Washington is waiting with bated breath to find out whether the Mueller investigation will provide evidence proving that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. So far, “Exhibit A” against President Trump is the meeting Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort had with a group of Russians claiming to have dirt on Hillary Clinton. That meeting should never have happened.

When you get an email offering to provide “very high level and sensitive information” from the “Crown prosecutor of Russia” that could “incriminate Hillary” Clinton and is part of “Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump” you don’t reply by saying “I love it.” You call the FBI. The president claims he did not know about the meeting. His former lawyer, Michael Cohen, says he did. Whether he knew is beside the point. Senior officials of his campaign were willing to accept help from Vladimir Putin; they were saved only because the meeting was a bust.

The Russians didn’t end up providing any dirt.

But as bad as the Trump Tower meeting was, it took place at the request of the Russians. They were the ones who approached the Trump campaign, not the other way around.

By contrast, the Clinton campaign proactively sought dirt on Trump from Russian government sources. They did it through cutouts. In April 2016, Clinton campaign lawyer Marc Elias retained opposition research firm Fusion GPS to compile incriminating information on Trump. Fusion GPS in turn hired Christopher Steele, a former British MI6 operative with sources among Russian government officials.

The result was the salacious dossier, whose sources included “a senior Russian Foreign

MARC THIESSEN Columnist Ministry figure” and “a former top level intelligence officer still active in the Kremlin.”

Steele’s work was paid for by Clinton’s presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee. That means a paid agent of the Clinton campaign approached Russian officials for damaging material on Trump.

Clinton claims she did not know about Steele’s work.

It doesn’t matter. Imagine if Michael Cohen, or another lawyer paid by the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee, had hired a former British spy with campaign money to collect dirt on Clinton from Russian intelligence and foreign ministry officials. Do you think that everyone in Washington would be saying: “There’s no evidence Trump knew, so no big deal — nothing to see here?” Of course not.

Moreover, Clinton officials have defended Steele’s actions.

Brian Fallon, Clinton’s campaign spokesman, has said he “would have volunteered to go to Europe and try to help” Steele and would happily have spread dirt obtained from the Russians. “Opposition research happens on every campaign,” he told The Post. He also said: “I am damn glad [Elias] pursued this on behalf of our campaign and only regret more of this material was not verified in time for the voters to learn it before the election.”

In other words, “I love it.”

We also know the Democrats covered up their involvement.

The dossier was published by BuzzFeed in January, but it was not until Oct. 24, 2017 — more than nine months later

— Americans learned it was the DNC and the Clinton campaign that paid for it. If it did nothing wrong, why did Team Clinton leave Americans in the dark about its involvement for so long?

Let’s be clear: None of this excuses the Trump campaign’s reprehensible behavior in accepting a meeting with Russians claiming to be government agents offering dirt on Clinton. Mueller’s investigation is not a witchhunt.

If Mueller finds that anyone on the Trump campaign entered into a criminal conspiracy with Russia, they should go to jail.

Furthermore, none of this calls into question the intelligence community’s assessment that the Russians wanted Trump to win — something Putin publicly confirmed in his Helsinki news conference with Trump. But the intelligence community assessment also found that the Kremlin expected Clinton to win. The Russians are not stupid. They were preparing for the prospect of a Clinton presidency, and they played both sides. That’s why millions of dollars in Russian cash were sloshing around Clinton World — including $500,000 Bill Clinton received for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin.

Russia continues to pose a threat. Their goal, according to our intelligence community, was not just to help Trump but also to “undermine public faith in the US democratic process.”

They are playing a long game.

If we are to counter the Russian threat, we need to understand its complexities — and that means we have to look beyond Trump.

Marc A. Thiessen’s column is provided by The Washington Post News Service & Syndicate.

He can be reached on Twitter @ marcthiessen.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday) 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, president and publisher publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Amalia Kortright, bureau chief & staff writer amalia.kortright@thewetumpkaherald.com Santana Wood, design editor santana.wood@thewetumpkaherald.com SPORTS Lizi Arbogast, sports editor lizi.arbogast@thewetumpkaherald.com Caleb Turrentine, sports writer caleb.turrentine@thewetumpkaherald.com

Letter to the Editor

Reader: Viewers can control fake media reports Dear Editor,

SALES Marilyn Hawkins, marketing consultant marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com OFFICE Donna Parker, office clerk donna.parker@thewetumpkaherald.com

There is a solution to the dishonest media problem and you, the consumer, controls it.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past couple years, you are fully aware the majority of Americans distrust the mainstream media. Specifically, The Washington Post reports a study by the Pew Research Center documents 77 percent of Americans feel the media is biased toward a political viewpoint or party. This compares to just 53 percent in 1985.

Furthermore, Gallup and Rasmussen polls both confirm

more than 60 percent think the major media outright lies or embellishes major news stories to the extent of creating “fake” news.

Until Donald Trump was elected President, no one dared to address the issue. Not only has Trump confronted the media head on, he is making it a political issue — and apparently winning.

Do you think our major broadcast media is trustworthy and believable?

The time has come for we the consumer to assert ourselves and take control of what we see in daily news coverage. Personally, I have decided to act proactively by deleting CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and HLN

from the channel lineup on all our TVs. By doing this we are making it impossible for any family member to even accidentally be exposed to this “fake” garbage. The sad fact of the matter is during the “pre cable TV,” we trusted and listened to Cronkite, Huntley & Brinkley or Peter Jennings.

Please seriously consider making a decisive choice on what you family is exposed to in daily news.

Sources: The Washington Post; Washington Examiner; Pew Research Center Report; Gallup Poll, Rasmussen Poll.

James W. Anderson Talladega

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 8, 2018 • Page A5

BOE approves bid for safety fence project

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Elmore County Board of Education voted to award a bid for security fencing around certain schools during a special meeting Aug. 2.

ECS Superintendent Richard Dennis said the sixfoot fences will be erected around the rear perimeter of each of the county’s elementary and middle schools for safety reasons.

According to ECS Maintenance Supervisor Gary Gregory, a $203,504.58 bid was awarded to Wetumpka Fencing Company.

Construction is expected to begin this month and be completed by the end of the year.

“We think we can probably get it done before then, but we’re looking at weather days and things like that,� Gregory said.

Dennis said the board is currently looking to cut costs on the project by purchasing its own building materials.

In the future, Dennis said the board will be looking to start a similar project at some of the system’s high schools in order to ensure all entrances are secure.

The board also voted to accept a bid of $39,182.00 from Terrell Enterprises of Greenville, for the ECS Child Nutrition Program for cafeteria signage at Millbrook Middle School. The signage is part of a current renovation process at MMS.

Council members discuss purchases

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Wetumpka city officials unanimously approved several purchases during a regularly-scheduled city council meeting on Aug. 6.

The first purchase involved a $13,239.26 Kubota Zero Turn Mower to be used by the Public Works Department.

The city also authorized the purchase of a lift at a cost of $9,929.72. Mayor Jerry Willis made a motion to suspend the rules to allow the ordinance to be voted on during its first reading, which was passed.

The city held a first reading on an ordinance that would allow the purchase of a cutting deck for use at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The ordinance will be further discussed during the next city council meeting.

Lastly, the city voted in favor of authorizing the Wetumpka Police Department to purchase a new SUV on a state bid. WPD Chief Greg Benton said the SUV will be used as an animal control vehicle, and will replace a vehicle that was “totaled� in the parking lot of the sports complex.

According to Benton, the officer driving the vehicle hit a pole while trying to locate the owner of a runaway cat. Benton said the accident is currently under administrative investigation, and disciplinary action may be taken. Mayor Jerry Willis said the insurance money the city receives will go toward the purchase.

Amalia Kortright / The Herald

Superintendent Richard Dennis discusses the construction of safety fences around ECS elementary schools, as well as a similar future project for local high schools.

Who qualifies for reduced-price or free meals at ECS?

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

On Aug. 1, Elmore County Schools announced its policies on free and reduced-price meals for the 2018-2019 academic year.

According to a press release from ECS, the policies are in accordance with the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Meals sold to students by the Elmore County Child Nutrition Program typically cost $1.50 for breakfast and $2.50 for lunch.

Under the reduced lunch program, meals will cost 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.

Children in households that receive benefits from the Alabama Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or the Alabama Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program are eligible for free meals. Children in households receiving WIC benefits may also be eligible for free or reduced meals.

Children under the legal responsibility of a foster care

agency or court, children who participate in their school’s Head Start program, children who are directly certified and children from households with incomes under Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines also qualify for free or reduced meals.

More information about Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines can be found online at Federalregister. com.

According to ECS, children in households with no permanent address, that live in a temporary housing arrangement, that relocate on a seasonal basis and have children that have elected to leave their prior family or household meet the definition of homeless, runaway or migrant, and are eligible for free meals.

Guardians who believe their children meet these definitions, but have not been notified that their children will receive free meals are encouraged to contact ECBOE Homeless Liaison Sherry Spigener at 334-514-2810 or sherry.spigener@elmoreco.com.

Households are required to re-apply for each school year, and applications can be submitted at any time during the school

year. Information listed in the application will be verified in accordance with the program, and some households will be asked to provide income documentation.

Household members do not have to be United States citizens to apply.

Guardians are not required to fill out an application for each child in their household, and can list them all on one form. They are also not required to apply if they have been previously notified by ECS that their child or children qualify.

Completed applications can be accepted in person at the CNP Office at 100 H.H. Robison Drive in Wetumpka, via mail to P.O. Box 817 in Wetumpka or online at Myschoolapps.com.

Anyone who disagrees with the ECBOE’s decision regarding their application is encouraged to contact ECBOE Human Resources Director Susanne Goodin by writing to P.O. Box 817, calling 334-567-1210 or emailing susanne.goodin@elmoreco.com.

For more information about free and reduced lunches, or about the application process, call the ECS CNP Office at 334-567-1222.

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PAGE A6 • AUGUST 8, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Property ordinances discussed at city council meeting

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

The Wetumpka City Council made several decisions regarding city and personal property during a regularly-scheduled Aug. 6 meeting.

During the first and second items of business, the city voted in favor of rezoning property located on Tallassee Highway and owned by Daniel Gilbert, as well as lots three through eight in the Industrial Park Subdivision, from light industrial properties to small businesses.

The city also unanimously agreed to amend sections of the city’s zoning ordinance concerning billboards.

Billboards within city limits are now prohibited from standing within 1,000 feet of each other and within 500 feet of a residential property.

Electronic billboards are prohibited within 1,000 feet of a residential property.

Billboards are now restricted to “arterial streets,” including U.S. 231 and Alabama 14, 111 and 9, and all signs are required to be maintained to meet the

Amalia Kortright / The Herald

Council member Lewis E. Washington Sr. discusses amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance concerning billboards with city planner David Robison.

standards of the International Building Code.

Council member Greg Jones made a request to have an additional reading of the ordinance, which was denied.

Jones abstained from voting, and the rest of the council

members voted in its favor.

The city held a first reading to amend the city’s zoning ordinance. A request to amend it was brought to the city through a petition from Brandon Glenn to allow the use of kennels under the

city’s general business zoning district and allow them under certain conditions in the city’s local business zoning district.

The first reading was followed by a public hearing.

City Planning and Program

Director David Robison said the ordinance was recommended for approval by the planning commission. No one voiced any opposition.

The city voted to declare a plotter used by the planning commission as surplus.

Robison said a plotter is a piece of equipment used to print large maps. It was originally given to the city by the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, and has fallen into disrepair. Robison said it is not worth repairing.

The council discussed paving various areas of Otter Track Road, Pauline Circle, James Street, H.H. Robison Drive and Cotton Lakes Boulevard. The project would cost the city $53,650, and will be up for discussion at the next meeting.

Before the meeting adjourned, an additional item to discuss repairs to Brookside Drive was added to the agenda. According to Mayor Jerry Willis, the repairs would combat a water issue that has been plaguing Brookside Drive. Willis said the cost of the repairs will not exceed $9,000. The ordinance passed unanimously.

‘It was a God thing:’ More Than Floors celebrates new location

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Business owners Melissa and Dave Byrd celebrated the move of More Than Floors from Tallassee to Wetumpka during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 2. More Than Floors specializes in installing tile, carpet, laminate, vinyl and other types of flooring.

“If a surface can be put on the floor, we can cover it,” Melissa Byrd said.

According to Byrd, More Than Floors officially opened in May. Since then, Byrd said business has been better than expected.

“We’ve had more exposure than we know what to do with,” Byrd said. “People just walk in off the streets. They’ll drive by and see the signs in the window and just pull in.

It’s just been amazing.”

Byrd described the decision to move their business to Wetumpka as “the best decision we’ve ever made.”

While they had been looking to move to Wetumpka for a

Marilyn Hawkins / The Herald

Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis cuts the ribbon on the city’s new More Than Floors location at the business’ official celebration.

while, Byrd said her parents initially found their location at 102-C South Main Street by

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to contact,” Byrd said. “We came down on a Saturday, and I spoke with Paula (Sargent) next door at the Gab (Salon).

She gave me the owner’s name for the building. He met us here within an hour, and within 72 hours, we were signing the lease on the building.”

Byrd said they were attracted to Wetumpka because they had heard about its growing business community.

“We had considered Wetumpka, because we heard that the city was growing and there were a lot of changes coming to Wetumpka,” Byrd said. “We were looking for quite a while, and just had not been able to find a property.

It was just a God thing. Right place, right time.”

Byrd credited the city of Wetumpka and its residents for making their transition to a new location a smooth one.

“The city has been so open, so friendly and welcoming, and we just really appreciate the kindness and the love that the city has shown us,” Byrd said. “We’re just very pleased and very honored to be here.”

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TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 8, 2018 • PAGE A7

CAEC opens online broadband survey

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

The Central Alabama Electric Cooperative recently opened an online survey in an effort to determine if there is a need or an interest in broadband from Elmore County residents, particularly those who live in rural areas.

As a not-for-profit organization, CAEC President and CEO Tom Stackhouse said the company’s consideration to install broadband is part of their mission to provide service in low-density areas that forprofit companies could not. “This project only looks to cover our costs and enough margins to

satisfy our lending organizations while providing a much-needed valuable service,� Stackhouse said.

Stackhouse referred to broadband as an important “technological resource,� and said it will grant multiple opportunities for residents in rural areas. “High-speed internet is something necessary in today’s world,�

Stackhouse said. “From economic development, education, medical services or simply enjoying the many conveniences it offers in everyday life, if it is something our members want and need, we are willing to do what we can to make that a reality.�

Because of the high cost of installing broadband, those who

complete the survey are asked to provide a $25 commitment to help ensure that participants are truly interested in receiving broadband.

If the CAEC makes the decision to install broadband, the $25 will stand in place of a “much higher� connection fee. If the project is not implemented, the $25 will be refunded.

CAEC Director of Information Systems Scott Lee said the broadband system they are looking to install will have speeds that exceed the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission. “Most average speeds would be 100 (to) 200 megabits per second, with up to one gigabit per second available at a

higher cost,� Lee said.

Vice president Julie Young said the survey is geared toward CAEC members, but everyone is welcome to participate. So far, Young said they have gathered over 1,200 results from the survey, which is expected to last until the end of the year. A decision on whether the broadband project will be approved will also be made at the end of the year.

To take the survey online, visit caecaccess.coop. For members who do not have Internet access, Young said survey instructions are included with billing information and the CAEC’s magazine. Customer service representatives can also assist anyone who calls the CAEC at 334-567-8855.

EDGE program starts with Elmore County schools

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Elmore County’s Diverse Gateway to Education, also known as EDGE, recently began its first year as part of the Elmore County School system.

EDGE registrar Debbie Clark said the program is open to students between the 6th and 12th grades who attend school in Elmore, Autauga and Montgomery Counties.

Clark said the program offers students the opportunity to take classes from home and on their own schedule. “The goal is to provide all students with the tools they need. We may have students that have chronic illnesses or things that make it really difficult that make it difficult to come

to a brick-and-mortar school,� Clark said.

Clark said ECS recognizes that there may be extenuating circumstances that stand in between a student and his or her education, which is what EDGE was intended to help with. “Some of them may be younger girls that are expecting a baby or have had a baby that cannot keep up with it, sometimes they’ll drop out of school. Or, if we have a student that has a chronic illness, and they miss a lot of school, which in turn makes them lose instruction and they don’t do as well, here they’ll have a program where that instruction is available any time of the day,�

Clark said. “Or, if we had a student that was interested in ballet, and

wanted to make a career out of that and it took a lot of practice, if the parent couldn’t afford a private tutor, that student may not be able to pursue that.�

Clark said EDGE also gives students the option to take some electives at the school and participate in extracurricular activities. “If the school they’re zoned for has an opening in an elective that they’re interested in, like drama, then we can check with the school and the principal to see if that’s available, and they can attend that. They can attend the career tech school, which is great, because then they can get that certification,� Clark said. “They also can

take dual enrollment classes, advanced placement classes.�

For many students involved with EDGE, Clark said the program can be used as a path to early graduation. “We have some students that want to advance, maybe a junior that wants to graduate early to get a head start on college, they can do that,� Clark said.

So far, Clark said dozens of students have applied, and they are currently working through those applications. Clark said registration is currently open, and will remain open until the end of 2018. Clark said those who have decided that EDGE is the best opportunity for them can

apply and transfer at any point until then. “Each student is considered individually because it is a program that takes a lot of dedication and parental support or guardianship support,� Clark said.

For more information about EDGE or registration, visit Elmoreco.com or contact Clark by calling 334514-3931 ext. 27002 or sending an email to debbie.clark@elmoreco. com.

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PAGE A8 • AUGUST 8, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Avoid quarreling

R

emind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

(Titus 3:1-2) I don’t mind being reminded.

Well, most of the time I don’t mind. I like to blame it on being busy, but the truth is sometimes I just forget. A timely, friendly reminder helps me avoid embarrassing myself and hurting other people.

Paul’s list of reminders he wanted Titus to pass along is quite challenging, isn’t it? These are basic principles of Christian behavior. I need to be reminded of them, quite often, really.

How about you? Please read the list again. Have you behaved or spoken in the last week as if you forgot about some of these

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things? I’m not accusing; I’m just checking (and admitting).

Since the whole list may be a little overwhelming to us, and I’ve only got room for a few hundred words here, let’s focus on one reminder from the list: “Avoid quarreling.” Remember when Abraham told Lot they shouldn’t quarrel because they were family (Genesis 13:8)?

We all know how much sweeter life is at home and in the church when we’re not quarreling. We know God’s will is best. This may be a YBH? Moment. (Yes, But How?) So here are some practical strategies to avoid quarreling.

Talk to people, not about them. Jesus said, “tell him his fault, between you and him alone” (Matthew 18:15). Telling the person with whom you have the problem first will minimize the negative effects of conflict.

If your goal is repairing the

MIKE MCELROY East Tallasee Church of Christ relationship instead of reporting the offender, this is a logical first step.

Put yourself aside. As far as I know, none of us live at Burger King. That means you can’t always “Have It Your Way.” Paul said, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Don’t live in the past. We’re too much like the clans up in the hills who’ve feuded so long that no one can remember what the original fuss was all about.

When we get mad and stay that way, nursing decades-old

grudges, we “let the sun go down” on our anger over and over again (Ephesians 4:26).

Jesus said, “Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34, NLT). That’s good advice, not only about future worries, but also past quarrels.

Remember your own need of mercy. The story of the forgiven but unforgiving servant in Matthew 18 may be the most frightening of all Jesus’ parables. Our prayers for forgiveness are hindered by our unforgiving spirit (Matthew 6:14-15). I need mercy from others. I must be willing to show it myself. James warned, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Practice the Golden Rule.

Do you want to be treated with courtesy and consideration?

Do you want people to be kind

Area Churches

5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist

504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 5674729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 5412556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 5674178 Good Hope Baptist

1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist 1554 Hwy. 143, Millbrook 285-0094 Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist 346 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook 2855125 Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-

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SANTUCK BAPTIST CHURCH

504 West Osceola Street 334-567-4729

7250 Central Plank Road “A Family of Families”

••••

Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Matt Fallin, Worship

Derek Blankenship, Student Ministries

SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School...........9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship.....10:30 a.m.

Small Group...............5:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY SERVICES Prayer Meeting...........6:00 p.m.

Student Worship........6:00 p.m.

Calvary Kids...............6:00 p.m.

F rst

Cedarwood Community Church 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro, AL (334) 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org

© UNITED METHODIST

Matt Albritton, Pastor

www.firstwetumpka.com

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

8:15 AM..........................Chapel 9:20 AM.............Sunday School

3:00 PM............Children/Youth Program (Bus Pickup) 5:15 PM.........................Supper 5:45 PM........Youth Bible Study 6:00 PM....Adult Choir Practice 6:15 PM.........Adult Bible Study

10:30 AM..................Sanctuary 12 Noon.........Hispanic Service 5:30-7:00 PM....Youth Program

8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Titus 514-7304 Millbrook Baptist 3431 Browns Road, Millbrook 2854731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 5691952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458

ARMONY H United Methodist Church

Wallsboro United Methodist Church

WETUMPKA

to you? Do you enjoy harsh criticism? “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Resist getting even. Our flesh wants vengeance. That’s wanting others to suffer as we suffered. That’s not very attractive, is it? Instead, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, For it is written, “‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:19). You can’t really pay back the people who offend you. Too many quarrels are fueled by a desire to retaliate.

Resist the urge to strike back.

When we seek vengeance, we only spread the misery.

I need to remember these anti-quarreling strategies today.

How about you? May God grant us grace to avoid quarreling.

306 W. Tuskeena Street •(334) 567-7865

Sunday Bible Study...9:00 AM Sunday Worship......10:00 AM We are a Congregational Christian Church which, in the name of Jesus, invites all to worship with us.

Nursery ____

Check out our Facebook page

SUNDAY Sunday School........9 & 10:30 a.m.

Worship...................9 & 10:30 a.m.

Evening Celebration...........5 p.m.

www.centeringlives.com

WEDNESDAY/FAMILY NIGHT Programs for every age 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.

1025 RiÀe Range Road • Wetumpka 334.567.4458 www.mvbaptistchurch.info

Dr. Tim Thompson - Pastor Angie Gallups - Worship Leader Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Sunday School..................9:15 Evening Worship..............6:00 AWANA (Aug.-May).......5:25 Wednesday Activities 6:00 Adults......Prayer and Message Youth/College......Bible Study Children’s..........GA’s & RA’s

Spring & Fall Soccer Seasons K4-6th Grade

Send your church news and happenings to: news@TheWetumpkaHerald.com ____________

Call Marilyn Hawkins 334.567.7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

AUGUST 8, 2018 • Page A9

Magicians and Magic Tricks!

A magician, or illusionist, is someone who performs magic tricks. A magic trick is an illusion (somet thing that appears to be real but is not) which is created by a magician in order to entertain and amaze other people. A magic trick can be very simple, like a card trick, or very complex, like a disappearing o act. Magicians use many strategies to create their illusions. Special props which appear to be normal a items are often used in creating illusions. Mirrors, smoke, and methods of distracting the viewer, like f fancy costumes and loud music, help to keep the audience distracted from seeing how the trick is performed. It takes magicians years to learn tricks and many hours of practice to perfect their skills.

Some S magicians perform for a living, but most just learn for the fun of it. Some of the most famous magicians include Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, Harry Houdini, Carl Ballantine, Max Holden, and DaY YLG &RSSHUÂżHOG 2QH UXOH WKDW DOO PDJLFLDQV KDYH LV WKDW WKH\ QHYHU UHYHDO WKHLU VHFUHWV :KDW PDJLF tricks do you know how to do? t

Abracadabra Word Find

Optical Illusions

Connect The Dots

2SWLFDO LOOXVLRQV DUH ZKHQ things appear to be one way, but they are actually another. Magicians use these to trick us. Below is a drawing of a queen. Flip it upside down, and you may see an old man instead. See if it still appears that way to you when colored in.

Magician’s Maze Abracadabra, Act, Ballantine, Cards, &RSSHU¿HOG 'LVDSSHDU +DW +ROGHQ +RXGLQL ,OOXVLRQ 0DJLFLDQV 0LUURU 3UDFWLFH 5DEELW 5REHUW +RXGLQ 6PRNH 7ULFN

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PAGE A10 • AUGUST 8, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Tech center adds aviation, HVAC programs

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

The Elmore County Technical Center is recently added two new programs, aviation and HVAC, during the 2018-19 academic year.

According to Elmore County Schools Career Tech Director Jimmy Hull, ECS decided to add the two programs to the ECTC curriculum after recognizing the high demand for young workers in both fields.

“We look at certain industries, and if

we see a need, especially in the River Region, that’s a program we want to provide,” Hull said. “We don’t want to prepare them for something that’s not there.”

Hull said ECS chose to add aviation as the result of a conversation between the Elmore County Board of Education and Auburn University.

“We began to realize that a retirement boom is going to leave open positions in the aviation industry,” Hull said.

Aviation classes will be presided by instructor James Stough.

“We’re excited to have him,” Hull said. “He’s a first-year teacher in the program.”

While ECS is equally excited to have the HVAC program, Hull said they have been working to get it started for years.

“We were waiting to get the teacher unit to be able to do it,” he said.

As with aviation, Hull said there is also a high demand for employees in the HVAC field.

“There’s a big need for HVAC technicians in the private sector and in government jobs,” Hull said.

Through the ECTC HVAC program, Hull said students will be able to learn a little bit about construction, plumbing and electrical work.

“It gives them a wide scope of skills,” he said.

While he did not say the exact number of students currently enrolled in the aviation and HVAC programs, Hull said he is expecting enrollment to increase at ECTC this year, and they are already working to grow each program to have between 60-80 students per year.

Sister Hazel playing at Lake Martin Amp

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

A

platinum-recording band is set to take the stage at the Lake Martin Amphitheater, located at Russell Lands on Lake Martin on Labor Day weekend.

Sister Hazel will be performing at the amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2.

The gates will open to the public at 5 p.m. and Sister Hazel will be opened by the Bank Walkers at 7 p.m.

“Fans can expect a high-energy show with some brand new Sister Hazel songs like ‘Small Town Living’ and ‘You Won’t See Me Again,’ as well as popular fan favorites like, ‘All For You,’” read a press release from Kaylor Girl Promotions.

According Russell Lands Director of Events Robert Gunn, Sister Hazel’s top hit, “All For You,” was recently ranked No. 9 in Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time Adult Pop Songs.” He said Sister Hazel was invited to play because of the quality of their music and the wide variety of people they appeal to.

“Their demographic is very diverse. They appeal to everyone from the youngest to the oldest,” Gunn said. “Their music is still clean, and they put on a good show.”

Gunn said this is the sixth time that Sister Hazel has played at Lake Martin, and they have been positively received for the most part each time.

“They always draw a crowd, they’re great to work with and they do a lot of good when they

Submitted / The Herald

Sister Hazel is performing in Eclectic as part of its 2018 tour. The band will take the Lake Martin Amphitheater stage at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 2.

come here,” Gunn said.

Gunn said the concert is part of the amphitheater’s annual Labor Day concert.

“It’s just kind of a basic, end-of-the-season event at the amphitheater,” Gunn said.

Tickets cost $20 per person. Kids six and under will be admitted free. A limited number of VIP tickets are also currently available, and include access

to a pre-show event with Sister Hazel, an extensive Q-and-A session with the band and limited-edition merchandise.

“It’s very reasonable, as far as concert tickets go these days,” Gunn said.

For more information about the Sister Hazel concert, visit Theamponlakemartin.com. For information about VIP tickets, visit Sisterhazelvip.com.

Elmore County Sheriff’s Office app available for download

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office recently launched a new, multi-purpose smart phone app for civilian use. ECSO IT Director Cory Shaw said the app officially became available on July 27, and can be found on Elmoreso.com, iTunes and the Google Play store.

Shaw said the app and the ECSO’s website were built in conjunction by Brooks Jeffrey Marketing.

According to Shaw, the app provides the ECSO’s general contact information, allows users to submit crime tips with the option of staying anonymous or leaving a return email address, sends out updates and press releases and includes a “Most Wanted” list.

Shaw said the ECSO decided to develop the app as a way reach as many people as possible in a timely manner.

“We had some incidents occur and we had people who, via social media, were asking for information. We really didn’t have what we thought at the time would be the best way to reach them, a website, an app or a Facebook,” Shaw said.

ECSO Maj. Jeremy Amerson said the app will also help to maintain accuracy, and dispel rumors that may start circulating after an incident.

“They know it’s coming from the Sheriff’s Office, and not what John or so-and-so’s saying at the corner store,” Amerson said.

In the future, Shaw said they are planning to have the Elmore County Jail’s roster available for public viewing on the app. He expected the app will help cut down on non-emergency calls made by civilians to the ECSO’s dispatch center.

Because messages sent through the app are sent to an ECSO email address, Shaw emphasized that the app is not intended for emergency purposes as the ECSO’s primary point of contact.

“It’s not monitored 24/7,” Shaw said.

Anyone who is in need of immediate assistance should dial 911 or contact the ECSO by calling 554-567-5441.

Amalia Kortright / The Herald

Georgeo’s Grill was recently established by Annie and Greg Williams in downtown Wetumpka as a take-out, soul food restaurant

Georgeo’s Grill sees successful first months

By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Staff Writer

Georgeo’s Grill, located on 201 Company Street in Wetumpka, recently opened its doors to the public.

For Annie Williams, who owns Georgeo’s Grill with her husband, Greg, opening a restaurant has been a long-time dream of hers.

“We love to eat, so we love good food. That’s why we opened this restaurant,” Williams said.

In the two months they have been in business, Williams said they have fed many people who have walked through their doors. “It’s going pretty good,” Williams said.

Williams described Georgeo’s Grill as a take-out soul food restaurant that she was inspired

to establish by her love of cooking. Because she is a long-time Wetumpka resident, Williams said the city is familiar territory for her and her husband.

“We were born in raised in Wetumpka,” Williams said. “We wanted to find a place that was not too big, but something that we could start in. This (space) came available, and this is pretty much why we’re here.”

Williams said she chose to open a soul food restaurant because that’s the type of food that she knows best.

“In my family, my husband’s family, everybody cooks soul food. We were brought up like that,” Williams said. “We like good greens and all of that good stuff.”

Williams said visitors typically

enjoy their chicken, and their signature burger, which comes with a fried egg on it.

While they have not invested in any form of paid advertisement, Williams said Georgeo’s Grill has established its reputation on social media.

For the most part, Williams said the feedback has been positive.

“We’ve gotten good reviews,” Williams said. “(People have said) the food was good, the food was tasty, ‘keep it coming.’”

While she does plan for Georgeo’s Grill to stay at its downtown Wetumpka location for a while, she hopes to grow the business in the future.

“I’m going to stay here for a while, but I do plan to expand the business to a sit-in restaurant,” Williams said.

15

DAYS UNTIL FOOTBALL TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Sports

H

ow long will it take for people to figure this out?

Headlines of domestic abuse have once again dominated the sports world for the last two weeks. Coach Urban Meyer is dealing with it at Ohio State during his offseason while the former World Series champion Houston Astros are dealing with it in the middle of their season.

While the details of the Ohio State scandal are not fully known, it seems clear Meyer knew exactly the kind of man former assistant coach Zach Smith was. Smith has had a history working with Meyer that dates back to 2007.

Smith also has a long history of reported domestic abuse against his now ex-wife that dates back to 2009, possibly earlier.

Meyer is just one of many head coaches to know the wrongdoings of his assistants but did not do anything about it. Whether the Ohio State head coach reported it to the right people or not, he continued to put this man on his coaching staffs year after year. While many people do not know the perfect way to handle a situation, doing nothing is pretty far down the list on what you should do.

The longtime college football head coach is likely still on his way to the College Football Hall of Fame and his results hold up. However, with this situation arising, it is clear Meyer always cared more about the results than anything else.

Because in sports, if you’re good enough to win, nothing else matters.

And that’s why Smith was on so many coaching staffs with Meyer. He was the coach for the team’s wide receivers and the Buckeyes have had six wide receivers drafted to the NFL since Smith was hired.

He knew how to coach and he was a part of one of the winningest programs in college football.

It’s no different across most of the sports world. That’s why the front office of the Houston Astros decided their “zero tolerance” policy against domestic violence went out the window when they had the opportunity to make an upgrade to the team’s bullpen.

Roberto Osuna was an all-star in 2017 and was likely on his way to being named one again before he was suspended 75 games for violating the league’s domestic violence policy. Meanwhile, Houston closer Ken Giles was struggling to perform this season, allowing more runs in 2018 than he did in twice as many innings last season.

The Astros traded the underperforming pitcher for the “better” pitcher. The management said the domestic violence did not happen while he was a member of the Houston organization so the circumstances were different.

OK, sure.

Smith was fired from his job this summer but after almost a decade of abuse reports. Osuna will complete his suspension shortly and will likely find himself playing a major role in the playoffs for the Astros this season.

Why is it so difficult for people to hold each other accountable in the sports world?

If results matter more than character, we will continue seeing these violent acts among athletes and coaches.

It should not have to be repeated but here we are once again, having to state the obvious about something everyone should learn at a young age.

Value character over results.

If we can, the sports world will be a much better place.

Caleb Turrentine is a sports writer for The Herald.

AUGUST 8, 2018 • PAGE B1

The

Herald

INNING EXPECTED

CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

We should value character over results in sports

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

Indians ranked No. 2 in ASWA preseason poll

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Football season is quickly approaching and the most recent sign of that is the annual releasing of the preseason poll by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. There were not any major surprises in the rankings and two Elmore County teams are pretty close to where they left off last season.

Wetumpka was ranked second in Class 6A by the voting panel. Out of 31 total voters, the Indians received 19 second-place votes and were left off of just one ballot.

Tim Perry’s team is ranked just behind Pinson Valley, who defeated the Wetumpka in the state championship game last season. Pinson Valley was one of two unanimous number one teams across all eight classifications in this week’s poll.

“It means a great deal to the program,” Perry said.

“It’s good for these players to get recognized for what they have accomplished but in reality, it’s not going to win us any games on the field.”

File / The Herald

Wetumpka football coach Tim Perry directs his offense during practice last season. The Indians were Class 6A state runners-up last year and were slotted at No. 2 in the ASWA preseason poll.

This marks the highest ranking for the Indians since 1996 and the highest preseason ranking the school has ever achieved. Wetumpka finished at No. 6 in last season’s final poll before making a run in the playoffs, ultimately finishing with a 13-2 record.

Across the river, Tallassee

also made an impression on the voters. The Tigers are ranked eighth in the preseason poll despite making the jump from Class 4A to Class 5A this season. It is the first time Tallassee has been ranked in a preseason poll since 2010, a year in which the school was also 5A.

“It just means paying attention but all that is based on teams we’ve had before,” Tiger coach Mike Battles said. “As coaches, we can use it but you can enjoy the fact that people are taking note and recognizing Tallassee High School football.”

The Tigers finished second See POLL • Page B2

OLD GYM TO NEW GEM: Holtville upgrades practice facility

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

Caleb Turrentine / The Herald

The Bulldogs doubled the amount of weight racks after outgrowing the old facilities.

The Holtville football team has been a little behind the curve in recent years because of the size and age of its workout room. However, the Bulldogs made a significant improvement over the last four months thanks to a little extra effort from the administration and coaching staff.

Last season, the team was using an old weight room that couldn’t hold the entire team.

Coach Jason Franklin had to make a change so he asked to allow his staff to renovate an old gym on the school’s campus, which had been used for only physical education classes in recent years.

“We figured we could turn it into an indoor practice facility,” Franklin said. “We would put turf down and paint the walls.”

The second-year Holtville head coach got the go-ahead and finished the renovation

before spring practice began.

They moved what they had already to the gym and used the open space to do agility drills.

Franklin said the toughest part of the project was removing all the old bleachers from the gym.

Once that was done, it took almost four days to put the turf down.

And if the gym was not already enough, the team got another surprise in July.

“We were able to add eight new racks to the weight room,” Franklin said. “We added them to the eight racks we already had so we have a lot more space now.”

Each new rack came with a new bench, a new bar and a new set of weights. Of course, this much new equipment did not come for free.

Franklin said he and his staff kept all of the fundraising and renovation in-house. He wanted to teach his players what hard work could do.

See HOLTVILLE • Page B2

Edgewood holds first week of practice under new coach

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

After an eventful summer, the Edgewood Academy football team took to the field for the first week of practice for the 2018 season. Edgewood athletic director Darryl Free is now in charge of the program, which has seen three head coaches since the beginning of last season.

“It’s business as usual,” Free said. “Nothing has changed. We expect to have success and the kids still have high expectations for the season.”

The Wildcats got in four days of practice before school began Friday. While weather was an issue with

Caleb Turrentine / The Herald

Alex Johnson, left, and Tyler Abernathy run backfield drills during Edgewood Academy’s opening week of practice.

most of the county, Free said they have not had to deal with any problems due to rain.

“We have been lucky

with the weather,” he said.

“The rain has just missed our practice times and it’s making it cool at night.”

The interim head coach

said the field had been wet but was not holding too much water. The players certainly have not had a problem with the circumstances either.

“We have been able to be productive, even with the weather,” Tyler Abernathy said during Friday’s practice.

Abernathy is one of just two seniors on the team this season, joined by Hunter Bowdoin. The two players are taking the role seriously and are making sure everyone stays in check. Abernathy said the role makes them “feel like kings.”

Both players have been at Edgewood for multiple See EDGEWOOD • Page B8

PAGE B2 • AUGUST 8, 2018

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Rivals using different tactics to prep for season

LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

With the 2018 high school volleyball season just around the corner, many coaches are preparing their teams to be ready for the first matches.

However, each team’s summer workouts have varied just a bit.

Wetumpka coach Margo Thomas lost eight seniors from last season’s team. The Indians won the Class 6A Area 5 championship with that team but need some extra experience for the current squad.

Wetumpka hosted five other teams, including 2017 playoff teams Carver-Montgomery and Elmore County, for a summer play date during the last week of July.

“It was good experience for the girls to get before the season,” Thomas said. “We have a young team and any experience helps.”

Wetumpka will have two freshmen play on the varsity side this season but Thomas said they have been working hard to earn a spot. The two girls have gained some additional experience with the help of summer clinics and travel ball play. While gaining experience is important, Thomas said she will be expecting equal effort from everyone.

“We have the same

Caleb Turrentine joins TPI team

Y

Caleb Turrentine / The Herald

Wetumpka volleyball coach Margo Thomas talks to her team during the opening practice of the 2018 season.

expectations for freshmen as we do for the seniors,” she said. “We have a high standard for all of our players.”

While Wetumpka has put the focus on gaining experience this summer, crosscounty rivals Stanhope Elmore have been working hard to stay healthy. Coach Virginia Barber said the team does not do any of the summer matches but her team is still working hard to prepare for the season.

“We’ve been working out

at River Region CrossFit four days a week,” she said. “So, we definitely stay in shape.”

The Mustangs finished just behind Wetumpka in the area last season but are hoping to switch spots this season.

Barber’s group is led by five seniors but is rounded out by eight sophomore players so many of the players have not played together at the varsity level.

“We just met and talked about some of our goals for this season,” Barber said.

“The biggest thing we talked about is our teamwork.”

While staying fit is helpful, Barber said the team is working on building that sense of togetherness with the help of swimming parties and other get-togethers.

The players began practice Monday and the first matches for both teams are at the end of the month. The Mustangs and the Indians will have their first 2018 meeting Sept. 11 in Wetumpka. The return trip to Millbrook will be Oct. 2.

Fall practice begins for area football teams

By CALEB TURRENTINE Sports Writer

The start of August always comes with a sense of the return of Friday night lights but now it is official. It’s football season.

The Alabama High School Sports Association marked Monday as the first day of practice for the 2018 season and the schools around Elmore County were ready to go.

“The guys have been ready to transition into fall practice pretty much since last season ended,” Wetumpka coach Tim Perry said. “We expect some excitement

and energy because this is what all that hard work in the offseason was all about.”

The Indians are coming off a 13-2 season and were ranked second in the ASWA preseason poll. The team was welcomed back to the field with scorching weather Monday. The heat index reached 109 degrees when the players hit the field.

“Our staff is prepared for the heat,” Perry said. “We’ll keep an eye on (the players) but heat is just something you have to deal with because Friday nights are going to be hot here.”

Wetumpka trainer Cody Arant was in charge of keeping the players hydrated on

the first day. The team took frequent water breaks while the student trainers carried around bottles constantly filled with cold water.

While hydration is nothing new, Tallassee had their own way of dealing with the heat. The Tigers got on the field at 12:01 a.m. Monday morning and ran through a full practice before many teams even woke up. Coach Mike Battles and the team got back to work later that day with another practice at 5 p.m.

While a first practice is sure to have mistakes, expectations are still high for See FOOTBALL • Page B8

ou may have noticed a new name gracing the pages of the sports section recently. Caleb Turrentine, a native of Pelham, has joined Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. as the sports writer for our Elmore County papers, The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee Tribune and The Eclectic Observer.

Turrentine graduated from Pelham in 2012; he then attended the University of Alabama for two years before entering the workforce. He has covered high school sports for AL.com and was also the managing editor of BamaHoopsHype.com, a website dedicated to the Alabama men’s basketball team.

After getting a pacemaker put in when he was 14, Turrentine was forced to stop playing sports and decided instead to write about them. He has had numerous heart surgeries but said that doesn’t stop his passion for sports.

“I am just excited to discover another community in Alabama that loves its high school sports,” Turrentine said. “I have been covering preps over the last five years in Tuscaloosa and it is always fun to see an entire town rally around a team. So coming to a place that I do not know a lot about, I’m ready to discover all the ins and outs of the program here.”

Turrentine is a New York Yankees and Philadelphia 76ers fan, and he’s also a huge soccer fan.

He can be reached at 334-567-7811, ext. 306, via email at caleb.turrentine@ thewetumpkaherald.com or on Twitter @CalebTurrentine.

Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Herald.

Holtville

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Caleb Turrentine / The Herald

Holtville’s new indoor facility has turf floors which allows players to run agility drills.

“We wanted to show them that we were willing to put in the work for them,” Franklin said. “They were excited to have someone go to bat for them.”

The Holtville football team has won a total of just seven games since 2011 but Franklin is hoping this could be a strong turning point for the program. And the players responded well to

the big changes.

The renovations may not be done with the “New Weight Room,” as the team simply refers to it.

Franklin said he has already been in talks to bring more technology to the gym.

That would include four televisions and a projector screen which would allow the team to watch film together.

“Our kids were just excited,” Franklin said. “We haven’t had anything like this before at Holtville.”

The Bulldogs start the 2018 season one week later than many teams so the team will get to spend extra time in the new facilities before being under the stadium light. Holtville begins the regular season with a game at Coosa Central on Aug. 31.

Poll in their region last season but rose as high as fourth in the ASWA rankings. The team finished the season 10-2, falling at Bibb County in the second round of the playoffs.

“I don’t look at the rankings,” senior Kalvin Levett said.

“It’s just about how we perform. We’ve just got to keep our game up and keep winning.”

Across the rest of the state, Hoover received 27 firstplace votes to earn the top spot in Class 7A. Briarwood, the state runner-up from last season, was unanimously ranked first in Class 5A. UMS-Wright and Hillcrest-Evergreen, who each won a state championship last season, split the firstplace votes in 4A with UMS-Wright getting the nod for the leading spot.

Rounding out the rest of the state’s top-ranked teams are Randolph County (3A), Leroy (2A), Lanett (1A) and Autauga Academy (AISA).

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ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION PRESEASON RANKINGS The Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason high school football rankings with first-place votes, last year’s record and total poll points: CLASS 7A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Hoover (27); 11-3; 358 2. Thompson (3); 12-1; 258 3. Central-Phenix City (1); 11-1; 241 4. McGill-Toolen; 13-1; 219 5. Hewitt-Trussville; 11-1; 214 6. Bob Jones; 7-4; 124 7. Auburn; 10-2; 123 8. Spain Park; 6-5; 60 9. Austin*; 12-1; 57 10. James Clemens; 3-7; 53 Others receiving votes: LeeMontgomery (7-4) 27, Jeff Davis (5-6) 17, Sparkman (7-4) 6, Enterprise (2-8) 4, Fairhope (8-3) 2, Gadsden City (3-7) 2, Mountain Brook (8-4) 1, Theodore (6-5) 1. *--Austin played in 6A last season.

CLASS 6A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Pinson Valley (31); 15-0; 372 2. Wetumpka; 13-2; 246 3. Spanish Fort; 11-2; 224 4. Oxford; 12-1; 173 5. Clay-Chalkville; 11-3; 172 6. Opelika; 9-4; 104 7. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa; 10-4; 94 8. Saraland; 8-4; 71 9. Eufaula*; 9-3; 49 10. Homewood; 10-2; 48 Others receiving votes: Muscle Shoals (9-3) 46, St. Paul’s* (14-1) 46, Hueytown (5-6) 36, Daphne (8-3) 27, Park Crossing (10-2) 18, Calera* (7-5) 17, Jackson-Olin (6-4) 17, Pelham (5-6) 6, Benjamin Russell (7-4) 1.

*--Eufaula, St. Paul’s and Calera played in 5A last season.

Clarke Co. and West Morgan played in 3A.

CLASS 5A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Briarwood (31); 14-1; 372 2. Etowah; 11-2; 256 3. Vigor; 9-4; 231 4. Carroll-Ozark; 11-1; 158 5. Demopolis; 11-3; 154 6. St. Clair Co.; 10-4; 152 7. Wenonah; 10-2; 138 8. Tallassee*; 10-2; 91 9. Jackson; 5-5; 48 10. Beauregard; 10-2; 41 Others receiving votes: Dora* (9-3) 39, Alexandria (8-3) 26, Madison Academy* (7-4) 26, Ramsay* (7-5) 16, Charles Henderson (6-5) 10, Munford* (9-2) 5, Bibb Co.* (11-2) 2, Central-Clay Co. (8-4) 2. *--Ramsay played in 6A last season.

Tallassee, Dora, Madison Academy, Munford and Bibb Co. played in 4A.

CLASS 3A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Randolph Co. (15); 13-2; 295 2. Mobile Christian (10); 9-4; 289 3. Gordo (2); 10-2; 214 4. Fultondale (3); 11-1; 194 5. Piedmont; 12-2; 171 6. Saks* (1); 13-1; 155 7. Thomasville*; 7-4; 134 8. Pike Co.; 8-3; 87 9. Wicksburg; 10-2; 57 10. St. James*; 8-4; 52 Others receiving votes: Oakman (8-4) 51, Sylvania (11-2) 21, T.R. Miller (5-5) 20, Lauderdale Co. (6-5) 8, Westminster-Huntsville* (6-5) 8, Weaver (7-5) 7, Prattville Christian (3-8) 3, Plainview (9-2) 1. *--Saks, Thomasville, St. James and Westminster-Huntsville played in 4A last season.

CLASS 4A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. UMS-Wright (30); 13-2; 369 2. Hillcrest-Evergreen* (1); 14-1; 246 3. Fayette Co.; 12-3; 234 4. Andalusia; 12-2; 197 5. Hokes Bluff; 10-3; 155 6. Catholic-Montgomery; 10-2; 125 7. Brooks*; 8-3; 107 8. W.S. Neal; 6-6; 91 9. Clarke Co.*; 11-3; 61 10. Dale Co.; 7-4; 56 Others receiving votes: Leeds (7-4) 52, Deshler (7-4) 36, Alabama Christian (10-3) 13, North Jackson (2-8) 13, West Morgan* (10-2) 6, Williamson* (7-4) 3, Jacksonville (8-4) 2, Handley (2-8) 1. *--Brooks and Williamson played in 5A last season. Hillcrest-Evergreen,

CLASS 2A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Leroy (18); 12-3; 333 2. Fyffe (13); 12-1; 313 3. Luverne; 10-3; 220 4. Ariton; 10-2; 148 5. LaFayette; 9-3; 126 6. Reeltown; 7-5; 125 7. Ohatchee*; 8-3; 119 8. Goshen; 12-2; 118 9. Sulligent; 12-2; 60 10. Aliceville; 7-5; 48 Others receiving votes: Thorsby (8-3) 33, Abbeville (9-3) 26, Addison* (103) 23, North Sand Mountain* (8-3) 21, Cedar Bluff* (8-4) 18, Daleville* (6-5) 11, Vincent (5-5) 10, New Brockton (5-6) 6, Collinsville (4-6) 4, Houston Co.* (8-3) 4, J.U. Blacksher (6-5) 1.

*--Ohatchee, North Sand Mountain and Daleville played in 3A last season. Addison, Cedar Bluff and Houston Co. played in 1A. CLASS 1A Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Lanett* (30); 15-0; 369 2. Sweet Water (1); 13-1; 260 3 (tie). Pickens Co.; 12-3; 199 3 (tie). St. Luke’s*; 10-2; 199 5. Linden; 7-4; 140 6. Maplesville; 11-1; 135 7. Brantley; 8-4; 118 8. South Lamar; 10-4; 95 9. Elba*; 8-3; 75 10. Marengo; 9-4; 47 Others receiving votes: Millry (5-6) 24, Falkville* (7-4) 18, Hackleburg (10-2) 16, Lynn (11-1) 16, Mars Hill Bible* (7-4) 15, Isabella (10-2) 12, Spring Garden (8-4) 11, Georgiana (11-1) 8, Decatur Heritage (8-3) 4, Florala (3-6) 4, Wadley (12-1) 2. *--Lanett, St. Luke’s, Elba, Falkville and Mars Hill Bible played in 2A last season.

AISA Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts 1. Autauga Academy (28); 12-1; 362 2. Tuscaloosa Academy (2); 8-2; 281 3. Escambia Academy; 12-1; 244 4. Monroe Academy (1); 13-0; 213 5. Bessemer Academy; 8-6; 184 6. Glenwood; 7-5; 152 7. Patrician; 9-4; 99 8. Chambers Academy; 12-1; 96 9. Pike Liberal Arts; 7-5; 82 10. Lakeside; 7-4; 29 Others receiving votes: CornerstoneColumbiana (6-5) 10, Coosa Valley (3-8) 8, Pickens Academy (6-4) 4, Abbeville Christian (5-8) 2, Success Unlimited (new team) 1.

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Jalen or Tua? That is the question

I

GONE FISHING Photos by Marla Ruskin / Alabama Wildlife Federation

The Alabama Wildlife Federation hosted its annual fishing rodeo in Millbrook on Saturday. It was a good opportunity for parents to expose their kids to the outdoors. More than 100 people attended this year’s event, where kids were allowed to catch and release as many catfish as they wanted and take home up to five.

Edgewood coaching transitions but they were looked at to be the head of the team. Neither of the seniors felt the pressure, citing the work done by Free during the change.

“Coach Free has done a great job of keeping everyone on track,” Abernathy said.

“He just made sure to keep us levelheaded so we could still have a good season.”

Bowdoin said he has never worked harder in practice than he did in this season’s opening week. He attributed that to Free as well but the coach said the credit should go to the players.

“They are the ones that go out on

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the field,” Free said.

“It’s up to them to set themselves up for success.”

After winning just one game in the last three seasons, the Wildcats know outside expectations may not be very high for the team. However, that does not seem derailing the team’s attitude at all.

“We’re just ready to get out on to the field,” Bowdoin said.

“We want to show what we’re capable of and get a chance to disprove a lot of people.”

The Wildcats will begin their season at home against Northside Methodist on Friday, Aug. 17.

Clemson coach and t’s been the Alabama native debate heard Dabo Swinney ’round the world was quoted as lately. saying in an ESPN. Alabama’s com article on the starting quarterback subject. decision has been Saban continues thrust into the to say he’ll go spotlight as the through fall camp weeks before LIZI let the play football season are ARBOGAST and of both Hurts and weaning down.

Will Nick Saban Sports Editor Tagovailoa dictate his decision. But start Jalen Hurts I’m telling you right or will he ride the now, Hurts will be momentum of Tua Alabama’s starter this year.

Tagovailoa?

Here’s why.

Saban has been very Although Hurts hasn’t quiet about the upcoming show much improvement decision, saying he won’t since winning SEC have a starter until the Tide Offensive Player of the Year go through fall camp. as a true freshman in 2016 “It’s better to have two — some would even argue quarterbacks than none,” he’s been on a downslide Saban said recently on since then — he’s still a ESPN’s “First Take.” proven quarterback. It’s like Sure, having two a high school team who has quarterbacks is a good problem to have. That being an incredibly talented ninth grader coming up the pike said, eventually a coach has but he’s competing against to choose, and that decision a returning senior who’s could make or break the started the last two seasons. team. It’s extremely rare at even the high school level to You just don’t change things up until completely see a team running a dualnecessary. quarterback system, and There was a lot of talk even rarer in college or the all of last season about pros. So eventually Saban Hurts’ starting position will have to pick. being in jeopardy, but it Hurts is a proven guy; wasn’t until absolutely he’s been on the front lines necessary — halftime of and has a 26-2 record at the National Championship Alabama. But, from my when Alabama seemed on vantage point, he seems to struggle in big games. Hurts the brink of disaster — that Saban made a change. looked like a lost puppy I’m not saying Tagovailoa dog against Auburn during doesn’t deserve a shot, and the 2018 Iron Bowl and I’m not saying he won’t had to be benched during get that shot. Let’s face it, the National Championship Alabama does have The against Georgia.

Citadel on the schedule; it’ll Enter Tagovailoa. have plenty of opportunities Everyone who regularly to take some risks. chants “Roll Tide” got a But that very first game, new hero during last year’s title game. Tagovailoa threw when the Crimson Tide a beauty of a pass to score a get suited up to take on game-winning touchdown in Louisville in Orlando, Saban’s gonna want overtime, helping the Tide someone who’s been there beat the Bulldogs, 26-23. before. Alabama can’t But let’s not forget afford to lose its first game Tagovailoa also scrambled around, doing his best puppy of the year, and that’s too big of a risk to take for a dog impression, just a play kid who played one great prior, taking an unthinkable half of football and had a 16-yard sack just one play prior. Yes, he made up for it play that’ll be seared into with his 41-yard touchdown Alabama fans’ minds for eternity. throw, but does one throw Jalen Hurts is your guy mean you deserve to be this year, Tide fans. At least the starting quarterback for to start. the best team in college football?

Lizi Arbogast is the sports “A great moment doesn’t editor of The Herald. make a great season,”

Football teams to perform in the opening week.

“I’m looking for hard work,” Elmore County senior DJ Patrick said. “Just looking for everyone to be running, busting their tail from station to station and everybody going full speed.”

Patrick was not the only person from Elmore County looking forward to the first day. First-year coach Jordan Cantrell said Monday felt like a big step in the season.

“We’re super excited,” Cantrell said. “I know I didn’t get to sleep much last night but everybody is ready to get started.”

While the excitement of the first practice is on everyone’s mind, the main focus for the coaches is still preparing for the first game. With just three weeks of practice before Week Zero, players will need to make sure to stay focused but keep their level of energy high.

“Can they bring the same level of excitement on Day 12 as they did

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Caleb Turrentine / The Herald

Tyquan Rawls, left, and Terrance Thomas work on backfield drills during Wetumpka’s first practice of the season.

on Day 1?” Holtville coach Jason Franklin said. “If they do that, then as a team, you’re in good shape.”

The AHSAA season will kick off

Aug. 23 with teams playing in Week Zero; Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore and Tallassee all open their seasons Aug. 24.