May 11, 2016 Wetumpka Herald

INSIDE TODAY Alabama: The new progressive Mecca?

Inside, Page 4

Edgewood wins a record 8th straight championship.

Wetumpka High honors art students.

Sports, Page 12

Inside, Page 11

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

Wetumpka, AL 36092

50¢

WEDNESDAY • MAY 11, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

ADOC official comments on prison protests, work stoppage

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

About 300 prisoners at Elmore Correctional Facility refused to work for over a week, prompting a prison lockdown during inmate protests

over living conditions and issues with payment for work, an official with the Alabama Department of Corrections said.

The work stoppage was held in a coordinated effort

with prisoners at William C. Holman Correctional Facility who also refused to work after their morning meal on Sunday, May 1.

About 80 percent of See STRIKE • Page 2

Corey Arwood / The Herald

VOL. 118, NO.16 Prisoners and guards can be seen Tuesday afternoon at the Elmore County Correctional Center. A recent work stoppage involving prisoners at the center is nearly over, but nearly 60 holdouts remain.

More than $500k investment anticipated

Officials seek answers in mill fire

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Commission approves franchise agreement

The Elmore County Commission made quick work of its work session agenda Monday night. On the agenda were a couple of new items including approving a franchise agreement with Troy Cable.

Jimmy Copeland and Pamela Parker represented Troy at the meeting. Copeland said that Troy had recently been awarded to bring a fiber network to Eclectic schools. Copeland explained to the commissioners that as part of the project to bring the fiber to the schools the company would also put in equipment for homes and businesses along the fiber line to connect them to the fiber network. Copeland said that the initial project with the schools will involve a $480,000 investment, while phase two will bring an additional investment of $160,000 to $172,000.

“This will ultimately provide up to 30 gigabits of connectivity,” Copeland said.

See COMMISSION • Page 2

CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284

USPS 681-260

this new style of learning. Their hope is to prepare young students for advanced placement computer science courses at the high school level or to render them ready to be computer science majors. The school system hopes this initiative will work in conjunction with the school’s overall vision.

Smoke once more poured from the rubble of Tallassee’s historic Mt. Vernon Mill on Monday in a short lived second blaze, reportedly caused by wind and smoldering embers buried under debris.

But lead investigators say nothing of any significance is known at this point in their search for clues to the cause of the fire, which erupted suddenly the night of May 4 around 11 p.m.

The Alabama Fire Marshals are asking for the public to submit anything which could be evidence, and Tallassee police have indicated it is still too early in an investigation that began in earnest only a few days ago.

The volatile state of the mill’s remains have so far thwarted on-scene searches by the combined efforts of local fire and law enforcement, State Fire Marshals and Bureau of Alcohol,

See CODING • Page 3

See MILL • Page 2

Liz Ely / The Herald

The fourth grade teachers of the Elmore County School System are being trained to code by University of Alabama Professor of Computer Science, Dr. Jeff Gray.

Beyond the alphabet Teachers train to teach new style of learning with coding

By LIZ ELY Staff Writer

Friday, all fourth-grade teachers in the Elmore County School System became certified to teach coding. Along with the certified fifth- and sixth-grade teachers, the system will be the only one in the River Region which has trained teachers to teach

Superintendent looks back on 2015-16 year

By LIZ ELY Staff Writer

Superintendent of Elmore County Schools, Dr. Andre’ L. Harrison, is proud of what has been achieved over the past year and has few regrets. He has high hopes for the future of the school system, and as he plans for next year, he is steadfast in his goal to ensure the success of his students.

“We’ve had a great school year. Students continue to do well at the secondary level and advanced placement courses, and we are very pleased,” Harrison said. “From

MEATa W&e3ek 7 Days

334.472.8200

an academic standpoint, our students are fully prepared to meet all standards. As an educator, I want to make sure the students obtain the necessary skills to stay successful through our school system.”

One of Harrison’s primary goals for his students is to thoroughly equip them for life after graduation, and he anticipates high ACT scores from those graduating seniors electing to attend college.

“I’m still trying to determine the number, but we’ve had a lot of success with students and the ACT. My main goal overall is to ensure that when a student leaves our system, that he or she will be ready for

college and be prepared,” Harrison said.

However dedicated Harrison is to preparing students for college, he is equally determined that students choosing to join the workforce have the skills they need to do so. For that, he has added more elective courses to ready the students with proper credentials. Harrison has added a culinary arts program, is restructuring the CareerTechnical Education facility to make room for an automotive shop, and most recently, has implemented a new arts program.

“We have now been able to employ See RECAP • Page 3

2534 AL 14 • Millbrook, AL

Located next to Dismukes Feed & Seed

Join us this Sunday for a Special Mother’s Day Menu!

HOURS: Mon. & Tues. 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wed. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

e Th

FREE ESTIMATES!

Hedging, Fall Cleanup, Leaf Removal, All Yard & Lawn Maintenance

(334) 309-4422 • (334) 580-7879

725 Kelly Fitzpatrick Drive • Wetumpka, AL Phone: 334-300-0270

Embroidery • Decal Vinyl • Heat Press Vinyl

Page 2 • MAY 11, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Commission During the commission’s regular meeting, the board approved the agreement unanimously.

The commission also voted to approve the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s domestic violence grant application.

Beverly Stone was on-hand from the district attorney’s office and indicated to the commissioners that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs had informed her office that the award amount for this year would be $140,000, which also requires county matching funds. Elmore County’s match would be $17,203.27 and the district attorney’s contribution would be $29,463.40, for a total of $186,666.67.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a budget amendment for the county’s drug task force.

County Administrator Grace McDuffie told the commissioners that the amendment was to decrease budget

continued from page 1

transfers in and out between the credit fund and the federal forfeiture fund. She also said that $7,000 of the federal forfeiture funds were being used for vehicle maintenance and that the board’s approval was necessary as these were non-budgeted expenditures.

The commission also approved: • A budget amendment for the Redland Road Corridor project. County Engineer Richie Breyer said that this was part of a reimbursable preliminary engineering project where the county would need to spend money prior to being reimbursed. Breyer said there were some technical discrepancies with the numbers and this amendment was meant to correct those.

• An Alabama Department of Transportation agreement for emergency repairs of county roads due to a flooding incident on December 23, 2015. Breyer explained that this was the federal highway portion of

Strike the inmates at Elmore Correctional Facility had returned to work as of May 9, said ADOC public information manager, Bob Horton, while he said the remaining 60 or so continue to hold out.

The Holman stoppage continues, shuttering its sewing industry operations, while production at the plate plant has recently commenced after prisoners from Mobile were brought in to work.

He said the inmates were communicating to media and coordinating their actions through the use of “illegal cell phones.”

Horton said they had not made their demands known to ADOC, however they had expressed their objectives to media sources.

“According to them they’re voicing an opinion of protest against the overcrowding, they also have a question about the U.S. Constitution in regard to the 13th amendment that abolished slavery and they have

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

the flood relief packages and amounted to a little less than $41,000 in relief.

• The consent docket, including a notification of the issuance of a liquor license to Lord Ganesh, LLC for the Friendship Package Store in Tallassee.

Emergency Management Director Eric Jones told commissioners that next Wednesday afternoon involving EMA employees plugging into the state’s hurricane exercises. He also said that his agency has been working with the board of education to update their safety plans.

Other matters before the commission: • The promotion of Corrections Officer Anna Smirnoff to sergeant.

• Termination of Corrections Officer Joshua Singleton.

• Resignation of Equipment Operator Samuel Poague.

continued from page 1

an issue, according to these inmates, they have an issue with the inmates having to work without being compensated,” said Horton.

It was reported that a group called the Free Alabama Movement has organized the actions taken by the inmates.

A description on a Free Alabama Movement, FAM, social media page states the group is dedicated to the “non-violent and peaceful protests” of Alabama prisoners for “civil and human rights” reforms to the ADOC system centered on issues of overcrowding, recidivism rates and “tough on crime” sentencing.

Horton said he did not know how much money had been disrupted by the work stoppage.

He said at the Elmore County Correction Facility, ADOC only made revenue from its recycling center, which he said served four vendors.

Inmates from the Red Eagle Facility out of

Mill Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The previous owner of the property, Tim McCollum of Process Knowledge Corporation and KMAC Services, which provides recycling and salvage services, said he had numerous problems with vandalism and trespassing.

McCollum said he had owned the property since 2006 and also had issues with “scrappers,” who he said, would try to steel the materials from the building, such as scrap metal.

He said he still had equipment on the site, after his recent sell in late April to a company, which he called Mt. Vernon Pine.

Tallassee Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers said the current owner was a man out of Birmingham.

Montgomery were brought in to maintain operations at the recycling center, which Horton said had generated about $18,000 since last October.

“We depend on this revenue to make up the difference between the state funding and what it takes to actually operate the prison system, so nobody is making any money off of the internal operations because we have to reinvest it back into the department of corrections to maintain operations,” Horton said.

Most work done by the inmates is unpaid, however Horton said there are paid positions within the prison system at around 25 to 75 cents per hour.

Horton said some of the inmates concerns would have been addressed Governor Robert Bentley’s prison reform measures, and Senate Bill 67, which failed to pass during the last legislative session.

continued from page 1

McCollum said he still had equipment on the site at the time of the fire, and said he told fire marshals he thought the fire was started by someone either out of a “mean streak” or recreationally and got out of hand.

The building had “tremendous salvage value,” and McCollum said before the 2008-2009 economic downturn and housing crisis it was planned for conversion into, what he described as mixed-use residential center.

“The wood coming out of that thing was some of the best old growth long leaf pine,” said McCollum.

Earlier TPD Chief Rodgers said plans were to salvage what materials could be obtained from the mills, demolish some portions and develop the rest.

Need CPAP? BBQ FESTIVAL June 10-11, 2016 Present recepts(s) frolm any one retail business in the City Limits of Tallassee toaling $100.00 or more, dated between May 15, 2016-June 7,2016 and receive up to 6 BBQ plates from Tallassee Now BBQ Festival $1.00 Each!

Bring receipts to the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce to redeem. Chamber OfÀce is open Mon.,Tues., Thurs., and Fri. from 9 am to 12 pm.

334-514-6183 Serving Elmore County since 1990.

Located in Wetumpka at 6251 US Hwy 231 in the Triple C Plaza. www.qualityhomehealthcare.us

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 11, 2016 • Page 3

Coding

continued from page 1

“Coding is the new form of literacy,” said Elmore County School Board employee Jill Corbin. “We have to teach beyond the alphabet and find a new way of thinking. Our five-point vision is incorporating project-based learning initiatives, and this fits perfectly.

We’re not teaching them what to think, but we’re teaching them how to think.”

The training was led by Professor of Computer Science Dr. Jeff Gray from the University of Alabama, and the idea came to be through Elmore County’s Math Curriculum Specialist, Tracy Wright. Wright was encouraged by Superintendent Dr. Andre’ Harrison to provide a new way of learning to students as the demand for computer literacy grows in the digital age.

“In the next three years, there will be 2.3 jobs available for every one computer science professional,” Wright said. “From breaking down a real world math problem, to annotating a paper or book, coding drives lateral thinking and crosses all of our curriculums.

Because it’s so new, we’re really catching this on ground level.”

In total, the school system has trained over 400 teachers who will teach 20 hours worth of coding throughout the year. Code.org will be used as a resource to help facilitate learning for the students.

“This initially started with three to four schools that were going to take advanced placement courses in computer science, but I immediately figured out that we needed to start with code.org in a lower grade so that they can have a good foundation,” Wright said.

This cross-curricular approach to learning lends itself to an increasing demand for a special set of skills.

Corbin notes that as more students grow up in an online world, the need for teaching coding becomes especially important.

“By training all fourth through sixth grade teachers, it empowers them to use coding in everyday teaching.

They can use coding in any classroom,” said Corbin.

“The demand for computer science professionals is outpacing the supply. We decided to start at a lower level so they have the tools they need to graduate and immediately get a job or get an advanced degree.”

The training was held Thursday and Friday, and the teachers in attendance were pleased to learn something new. Wright is confident that the school’s planned trajectory for enhancing learning will be a success for both students and teachers alike.

“It was a successful two days,” Wright said. “The teachers were excited, and they were able to do the coding themselves. We’re using a new wave of coding, and the students will learn to code without necessarily know they are doing it. There are many things in the code.org program that they will accomplish, and we are preparing students for an ever-changing world.”

The Elmore County school district is currently the one school in the River Region providing advanced placement computer science courses at the high school level. As far as implementing coding, Wright is thrilled to see his plan come through and credits Dr. Harrison for allowing him to pursue his idea.

Recap

continued from page 1

music teachers to provide elementary students music education. That is such a highlight for me.

We’re getting so much feedback, and my goal is to connect the dots in music education from kindergarten through grade 12,” Harrison said.

Along with these new additions, one of the key ways that Harrison ensures his students’ success is through assuring that classroom environments are conducive for learning.

“We want to be innovative and keep academics at the forefront but make sure we have good facilities so that everything flows well,” he said. “For the upcoming year, I’m excited about facility upgrades. A good classroom makes a huge difference in the teaching and learning process.”

While Harrison praises the school’s success and looks forward to the future, he notes that his role as superintendent does not come without hiccups. One concern that continues to reign paramount is the school’s budget. While the budget may decrease, expectations tend to increase.

“As a state-funded school system, we operate mainly from state dollars,” Harrison said.

“That can be challenging compared to schools with local funding. We have to make tough decisions to reach every student’s needs. We have to perform at the same level or higher with fewer dollars.”

Despite potential budget problems, Harrison remains optimistic and positive regarding the school system’s status. In addition, he promises to

Many a

small

thingg

larg ge... hhas ass been beeen m made ade

continue to ask for help while maintaining a sense of accountability.

“I am very proud of where our school system is. In short, I think we use our money and resources well to do what we need to do for our students here in Elmore County,” Harrison said.

“I will continue to make sure that legislators and people making decisions know what our needs are, and at the same time, I’ll hold myself accountable.”

Holding himself accountable is important to Harrison who, along with maintaining operations, must be available to meet with parents and address their complaints.

For that, he keeps his cell phone handy in order to address the parents directly.

“I try to be available for the good, the bad, and the ugly. When parents have concerns, I tell them to message me, and they all have access to my cell phone. When there is a concern, I have a 24-hour rule that either a staff member or myself will reach out. We try to make

sure to handle any concern,” Harrison said.

From upgrading facilities and prepping students for the outside world, Harrison’s achievements as superintendent are hard to overlook.

However, he is adamant that credit for the success of the school system be given to his staff.

“It starts with our teachers, of course, and our support staff.

Everybody is part of the machine. I credit those at the local level, and then that reaches to the central office where we all work together,” Harrison said.

“I don’t credit myself for the success. It goes to me to make it happen, but we are the Elmore County

family.”

Harrison, who openly admits that his role brings him much joy, is determined for the school system to stay on a successful trajectory. As he continues his quest, he has bright plans for upcoming years.

“I really enjoy my job, and one thing I have done as superintendent is opened myself up to parents and the community,” Harrison said. “I’m going to continue to build partnerships with the community to support our students. I want to be the voice of Elmore County schools and tell the story of our success.”

Fish Day NOW IS THE TIME FOR STOCKING! • Channel Cat¿sh • Bluegill (Regular & Hybrid) • Redear • Largemouth Bass • Black Crappie (If Avail.)

• 6-11” Grass Carp • Fathead Minnows • Koi (If Avail.)

FARMERS FEED SERVICE IN WETUMPK A, AL FRIDAY, MAY 20•2:30- 3:30 PM TO PRE-ORDER CALL:

Arkansas Pondstockers•1- 870- 578- 9773 *Walk-Ups Welcome*

“I’m so pleased to have such a forward-thinking superintendent like Dr. Harrison. He understood the need and supported us all to make this happen.

Everyone is excited,” Wright said.

Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques •114

DEALERS •

25,000 Sq. Ft. Air Conditioned

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area

RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000.

TALLASSEE – McNEAL STREET, 2 bd/1 ba, close to national guard armory, $55,000.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS – Hwy. 229 in Red Hill (formerly Red Hill Cottage Restaurant), over 3000 sq. ft. on 3 ACRES, only $99,500.

RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining.

W. PATTON – Brick, 3 bd/1 ba, new heat pump, hardwood floors, 2 lots, REDUCED $65,000.

ECLECTIC – 5 acre lot on lake point road in eclectic, off highway 80 close to lake martin, modular home or double wides are ok if newer. Only $29000.

BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $310,000.

3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000.

8 ACRES KENT RD – REDUCED TO $45,000.

TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $110,000.

TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba , large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, heat pump, REDUCED FROM $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more acres also adjacent to it.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRES close to Walmart on Hwy 14, REDUCED $189,000.

548 PROSPECT ROAD ECLECTIC- Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Very modern and private, Very close to lake Martin. $279,000.

IF YOU HAVE COLLATERAL, WE HAVE YOUR LOAN. Business Loans for Central Alabama.

...with the right kind of advertising.

J. L Lane Lending, LLC. 334.272.4313

334.567.7811

WETUMPKA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME 8801 Hwy. 231 North, Wetumpka • 334-567-7880

Let us serve your family in time of need.

• Traditional Funeral Services & Cremation • Preneed Insurance • Monuments Brown Service & Liberty National Policies Honored Bill Barrett • Crystal Phelps • Donald Myrick - Funeral Director • Larry Dozier - Funeral Director • Bill Shaw - Apprentice Director

Family Owned & Operated

Please bear with us as we remodel & update our facilities in order to better serve you & your family.

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 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

OPINION

Page 4 • MAY 11, 2016

“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

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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.

National Stuttering Awareness week is upon us

M

ay 9-13 is National Stuttering Awareness Week. Even though I do my best to bring awareness year round, this week is particularly fun for me. I try to make people aware in a fun and humorous way. I feel that people are more likely to retain the knowledge when they become aware in an entertaining manner.

When I was a child, one of my favorite cartoon characters was Porky Pig. We had so much in common, with the two biggest common denominators being that we both stutter and neither one of us like to wear pants.

My style of comedy transitioned over the years as more and more people thanked me for telling stories of our daily struggles. Additionally, friends and family of people who stutter would come up and thank me, too, because they had no idea what their loved one was going through. Many of us keep our pain tucked away in a dark place.

Some of you are probably asking yourself, “What’s the big deal?” Like anything, it depends on its severity. If I’m the only person you know who stutters, then you know that it rarely bothers me, although my stutter has picked up as of late, which is just fine with me. I embraced my stutter when I was in the 8th grade and never looked back.

There are, however, some people who lack the confidence because they stutter on just about every word. I understand and can empathize with them. It’s important for them to know that they are not alone. Just imagine being super smart and highly capable but not landing a job, because you don’t interview well. Imagine not being able to order something from a menu, because you “couldn’t get it out.” Lastly, imagine not being

able to say your child’s name.

Stuttering is still one of the great unknowns.

There are many old wives tales as to the causes of stuttering and just as many cures.

Personally, Fuller I believe I was dropped on my mouth as a baby.

There are several outstanding organizations out there for those who are seeking help, whether it be the person who stutters, the parents, or speech-language pathologists.

The ones that stand out to me are The Stuttering Foundation, The American Institute for Stuttering, and The National Stuttering Association.

I’m most closely associated with the National Stuttering Association. Each year, there is an amazing conference with 800 of my closest stuttering friends. It’s a four-day conference, but for any other group, it would likely be 2 days. This year, it takes place in Atlanta from July 5-10. I always have a great time and come away from it feeling like a champ.

You see, it’s not a pity party. If it was, I wouldn’t be a part of it. It’s empowerment, encouragement, enrichment, and entertainment.

Personally, I’m glad I stutter. I’m glad I’m unique. I’m glad I embraced who I am, and I encourage you to do the same.

Until next time, “Th-Th-ThThat’s all, folks!”

Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

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 36092-0099. 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@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

Alabama: the new progressive Mecca?

L

ast week I had the opportunity to speak with the Young family and Alabama State Rep. Mike Ball R-Huntsville regarding the law named after Leni Young involving the use of cannabidiol oil. Without rehashing the entire story (you can read the piece in this past weekend’s Elmore County Weekend). Leni Young is a girl who has struggled with a variety of health issues since an in utero stroke caused significant damage to her brain, thus causing a litany of other problems including severe seizures.

Parents Wayne and Amy Young have spent years working with medical professionals and the legislative process here in Alabama to get Leni the help she needs. While I have not done my own study of the cannabidiol research conducted by the University of Alabama-Birmingham, it seems that the science supports the use of this drug to help combat the primary issue that Leni Young faces, seizures.

Alabama is not usually the state one thinks of regarding the legalization of any cannabis related substance, and yet the state has now passed at least two laws on the subject.

The first, Carly’s Law in 2014, allowed for those participating in the UAB study to get CBD. The second, Leni’s Law, opened up that framework to other families and individuals

WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

in need.

The fact that the state could look at the scientific evidence and pass these laws is actually quite impressive. Drug laws are some of the most politicized laws in existence, with both parties attempting to find some form of moral high ground (no pun intended) in the debate. Generally the Republican argument regarding drugs is that they are protecting families and our youth.

The Democrat argument tends to follow more personal freedom type issues, with many liberal Democrats supporting legalization. The reality is that neither of those arguments are specifically true, they are simply policy points. Politicians tend to look at which way the wind is blowing, especially with respect to constituents, and attempt to find common ground with voters that will ensure they get elected. Both Democrats and Republicans know whom they need to court if they are to insure they retain their seats.

This is especially true with respect to marijuana. While the cannabis plant can actually serve a variety of purposes, it is the hallucinogenic affect of its well-known compound

THC that actually creates the majority of the problem. The remainder of the plant has a number of other possible drugs, like CBD, which could actually serve a purpose if we look beyond our fear of the plant’s more negative issues.

The fact that both parties, virtually unanimously, could look at the evidence and actually make an informed decision on this issue gives hope that our state is not completely lost when it comes to common sense. This is what we actually want our legislature to do. We want them to look at actual facts and make decisions based upon those facts.

We do not want them acting out of ignorance or fear, which all too often is the prevailing concern.

When I interviewed Mike Ball, he said that initially other representatives and senators thought he was crazy, especially in 2014 when he first broached this issue. He would only be deemed crazy if the legislature runs under a business as usual approach, concerned more about their seats than the well-being of the citizens of the state. The reality is that we need more legislators to act and think outside of the box. Perhaps if they did, we might actually solve a few of our problems.

William Carroll is the managing editor of the Wetumpka Herald, the Eclectic Observer and the Tallassee Tribune.

State legislature inaction risks roadways, history preservation

F

or the past five or six years the legislature has pretty much cut state government to the bone.

One of the areas that legislators have taken an ax to are Alabama’s cultural heritage agencies. These organizations throughout the state have taken it on the chin.

There is an informal partnership of seven state agencies that have sought to educate Alabamians about the importance of our rich and dynamic history. The alliance is comprised of the Alabama Agricultural Museum in Dothan, Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park in Brierfield, Tannehill Ironworks State Park in McCalla, the Historic Blakely Authority in Spanish Fort, the historic Chattahoochee Commission in Eufaula, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile and the St. Stephens Historical Commission in St. Stephens.

This alliance’s membership of educational institutions represents nearly two centuries of combined service to Alabamians in promoting and preserving the state’s history. These institutions have played a significant role in the cultural life of our state by educating residents and visitors to the state about our past. Their work runs the gambit from Alabama’s rich Native American history to its formative years and the important role in the Civil War to the vital role of the agriculture and iron industries in Alabama’s development.

They preserve some of our state’s most special places and provide a crucial resource for educators. They are preserving Alabama’s heritage.

In fact, the tourism dollars generated annually by these agencies more than offset the modest appropriations they formally receive from the legislature. These agencies’ core functions are educational in nature.

These cultural history agen-

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers cies are small potatoes in state spending. However, our state roads are another story and they are falling apart. At least 15 percent of the state’s urban roads are in very poor condition and another 35 percent are rated as mediocre. This is according to a recent report from TRIP, a national transportation research group. The same study revealed that 25 percent of Alabama’s bridges are deemed structurally deficient.

Since 2012 the state has had a windfall in federal money to help with our road and bridge building in the state.

This joint federal state project known as ATRIP, an acronym for Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, has been a godsend for rural roads in the state. Many a county commissioner has praised the lord for this manna from heaven. This program has been a $1 billion boost to help counties repair and improve roads and bridges. However, ATRIP is coming to an end.

Our state road program and entire transportation budget is funded totally with revenue from gasoline taxes. In fact, they are separate from the General Fund and operate autonomously from the rest of the state agencies.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has been a good steward with its money.

It has put its resources into proper projects without regard to politics. In past years, governors used road projects to reward their friends and punish their enemies. The current Bentley administration has chosen a businessman to head the agency and the agency has

made the most important arteries and roadways a priority.

The current gasoline tax of 18 cents per gallon has been the same since 1993. As you know, things like equipment and materials have gone up significantly since then. In addition, more fuel-efficient cars have hit the road causing a decrease in revenue. Some legislators and mayors are seeking a gas tax increase in either this year or next year’s legislative session.

During legislative sessions a good many of you have asked why straightforward, no nonsense, good government legislation fails to pass even though it appears to have universal and overwhelming support.

You will remember old sayings you heard from your elders when you were young.

One of these sage adages, “It takes an act of congress” pertains to getting something accomplished. In politics, there is no clearer truism. It is hard to pass a piece of legislation through congress and it is as equally difficult to channel a bill through the labyrinth of legislative approval in Alabama.

Ask any successful lobbyist or legislator which side they would rather be on in legislative wars and they will tell you that they much prefer to be against a bill than trying to pass it. It is much harder to steer a bill through the legislative process than it is to kill a bill. The Senate rules are such that if a handful of the 35 Senators are adamantly opposed to something then they can easily kill the bill.

That is why nothing much happens in the legislature.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers. us.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Cruisin’ fer Critters raises more than $13,500 for pets HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS

By REA CORD Elmore County Humane Society

I

f you were in Millbrook, Wetumpka or Montgomery on Saturday we bet you saw the tremendous number of motorcycles and riders who showed up to support our shelter and ride in the 14th annual Cruisin’ fer Critters! It was another great year with a huge turnout of supporters that started out in Millbrook at The Thirsty Turtle, to Burnout Cycle also in Millbrook, to our Humane Shelter in Wetumpka, the Wetumpka VFW and ended at Déjà Vu Billiards in Montgomery.

So many people work together to make Cruisin’ a huge success so let’s start with our biggest round of applause for all the members and families of The Predators Riding Club for their dedicated support to our shelter! Déjà vu Billiards was the perfect place for ‘Cruisin’ and The Jones Social Club rocked the house out all afternoon. As with any fund-raising event there was a core group of sponsors so please thank all the following for their most generous support: Crain Rehab, Ronnie & Kathi Lee, Leisure Isle Buildings, Custom Drywall, Bumpers Texaco, Tallassee Tire, Sheri & Georgia Grace Kirkley, Tallassee Rehab, SWAT Exterminating Co., Herren Hill Pharmacy, Dr. Charles McCartha, A.E.S. Industries, Goodwin Animal Hospital, Adams Motorsports, The Thirsty Turtle, Dr. Harrison Long, John Yelverton, Scentsy by Pam, Déjà vu Billiards, David Absher,

MAY 11, 2016 • Page 5

Meet Katie - Pet of the Week

Industrial Specialty Co. Inc., Herring Chiropractic, Glenda Parrott and Rebecca Duhamel.

We are ever so grateful to everyone who came and supported this annual event and the initial estimate is that well over $13,500 was raised to help our shelter and the almost 300 pets in our care. We are indeed lucky to have the members and supporters of The Predators Riding Club in our corner – thank you ALL so very much!

Another great way to support our shelter and our pets is to donate always needed pet food and supplies during one of our Supply Drives.

We have just the opportunity for you this coming Friday, May 13, at the Millbrook Walmart from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. These supply drives truly help us as the donated supplies keep our always limited funds for our animals.

Our volunteers will be set up in front of the store with cards showing our needs list. Our needs right now are Pedigree Dry Dog Food, bleach, Evolve Ultra Concentrated bleach tablets, Fabuloso liquid detergent, kitty litter (clay, non-clumping), ammonia, paper towels, 40- 13-gallon plastic garbage bags and spray nozzles for hoses. To volunteer or for questions, please contact Charline at 334-202-1381 or popecharlie58@ yahoo.com.

This weekend is the PetSmart Charities National Adoption weekend. Our schedule is in a bit of a flux this year so please check our Shelter Facebook page for updates later this week. At a minimum we will be at the Montgomery PetSmart on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

We always need a lot of volunteers to help us at these events so if you can lend a hand for a couple of hours, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Charline Pope at 334202-1381 or email her at popecharlie58@yahoo.com.

Katie is a three-year-old female American Pit Bull Terrier, about 60 pounds. She loves children and is good with larger, male dogs. When you first meet her in the kennels she is a bit shy but lights up outside and is a very happy and loving girl.

She stays in a fence but would love to be in the house with her family and we are sure will pick up housetraining quickly.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.

We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.

Turn to our Classified Pages to find the latest garage, yard, moving and estate sales going on in your area. You never know what you might find!

CALL CLASSIFIEDS TODAY!

Find great deals!

The Herald Classifieds • (256) 277-4219

SUPER OFFER

SUPER SERVICE and

E N J OY

Standard TV Service and Lightning 35 Internet for only

89

$

per month for 12 months

plus taxes, equipment, governmental and other fees and surcharges including RSN Fee and Broadcast TV Fee

Call 1-855-222-0102 or visit brighthouse.com

Serviceable areas only. Some restrictions apply. Products and price of equipment and services subject to change. Monthly Regional Sports Network (RSN) Fee of $2.50 and Broadcast TV Fee of $4.00. Offer expires 6/11/2016.

FAITH

Phone 334-567-7811 Fax 334-567-3284 News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com TheWetumpkaHerald.com

PAGE 6 • MAY 11, 2016

F

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

‘Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit’

orty days after Easter, many denominations celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, commemorating and remembering that while Jesus has ascended into heaven and is no longer with us physically here on earth, God remains part of us and with us through the Holy Spirit.

On the Sunday following Ascension Day, we Episcopalians always pray this prayer: O God, the King of Glory You have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your Kingdom in heaven: do not leave us comfortless but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before . . .

The Feast of the Ascension makes it clear that Jesus is gone. Jesus is not here on earth, physically. And so, in this prayer, we recognize our human fear of being abandoned by praying: “Do not leave us comfortless.”

What a plaintive prayer that is – “do not leave us comfortless”; do not leave us alone now that Jesus has left us, do not abandon us, O God, in our misery, our fear, our sorrow.

But are the words of that prayer real?

Are they true? Can God really bring comfort, through the Holy Spirit, or are they just words?

The words of this prayer certainly aren’t words that take away pain. But, you know, nowhere in the Bible, are we promised a life without pain.

The fact is, we are promised just the opposite. We are promised pain as Adam and Eve leave the garden. We are promised pain by the

BOB HENDERSON Trinity Episcopal

prophets. We are promised pain by the example of Jesus on the cross. We are promised pain by the example of thousands of martyrs over the centuries.

Often, people begin hating God because they have suffered pain: illness, loss of loved ones, disappointment.

They haven’t listened accurately to the promise. Pain is part of life itself, and in particular, part of the Christian life.

Neither do the words of the prayer mean that we will never feel abandoned and alone. We will – most of us have.

Despite loving, caring people around us, we all sometime feel totally alone, as if nobody, absolutely nobody, cares, understands or will even listen to us in our pain. We feel as if we can’t talk to our friends, to our spouse, our children, our parents, not even our God. Even though we sometimes feel alone, the fact is, we are never alone, never abandoned. There is almost always somebody we could talk to, somebody that would take an interest in us, if we would or could just ask.

In those situations when we feel abandoned, the issue is not being alone – the issue is risk and trust. Can, will we risk asking people for help, even if it is just listening; and, can, will we trust them enough to share our pain with them. Often we’re too afraid to try.

We can also go to God. Asking God to hear us is a no-risk proposition. We

Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge Street

Jason Chesser Minister Sunday Prayer and Fellowship.......8:30 a.m.

Bible Study.............9 a.m.

Worship service...10 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study........7 p.m.

Visitors Welcome At All Services

can pray, talk to God, share our pain with God any time, any place, if we will. Most times, we just don’t.

God is always with us, always ready to listen. But, God does not always solve our problem in the way we want or expect it to be solved. Neither will God wipe away all the pain.

Finally the words of the prayer don’t mean that we won’t fear. Fear, to me, is the exact opposite of comfort. Fear is what I fear the most. I have a long history of fear.

When I was a child, about 5, I guess, we went to Florida and I learned about crabs. We walked on the beach, saw sand crabs; caught crabs off the dock.

They were scary. After we came home, I began making sure the sheets, blankets and bedspread were pulled up off the floor every night. I knew that if they were hanging down, just as soon as the lights were turned off, crabs would come out from under my bed, and crawl up those sheets into my bed, to do who knows what to me.

I’m afraid every day, every time I step into the church for a service; every time I step into the pulpit. Having had cancer, I’m afraid every time a new bump comes up on my arm or leg. Yes, I’m a mass of fears: fear of being late; fear of not being good enough; fear of not being loved.

Then, there is the fear for others.

Every time I hear about someone killed or another tragedy, fear. Saturday, two police cars raced pass us, blue lights and sirens on. I wondered what human tragedy were they going to. Daily, we see human tragedy on television. There is no comfort.

I try not to let those fears rule my life, at least not all the time. I try not to give in to the fear telling myself

8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.

100 W. Bridge St.

Sunday Services at 11 a.m.

Rev. Jonathan Yarboro

Minister Dr. John Brannon

Sunday School..9:45 am Morning Worship..11 am

There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!

567-8135 “In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”

Please join us.

Mountain View Baptist Baptist Church Church

11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro

Pastor Rickey Luster,

Rickey Luster, MusicDirector Director Music

SundaySchool..........10:45 School....10:45 a.m.

Sunday a.m.

Morning Worship....9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship........9:30 a.m.

Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m.

Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m.

Thur. Night Service....6:00 p.m.

Wed. Night Service.....6:30 p.m.

You will receive a warm You will receive a warm Welcome at this friendly, welcome at this friendly, Christ-centered Church.

Christ-centered Church.

NURSERY PROVIDED PROVIDED FOR NURSERY FOR ALL SERVICES SERVICES ALL

Rev. Bob Henderson is a rector at Trinity Episcopal Church.

First Presbyterian Church

Harmony United Methodist Church

Wallsboro United Wallsboro United Methodist Church Methodist Church Rev. Ryan Rev. Ryan Johnson Johnson Pastor

and struggling to believe that God will make everything all right no matter how bad it seems.

I think that is called trust, maybe faith, too – and I have it, sometimes, but not always.

Pain, abandonment, fear, these three take away comfort, but the greatest of these is fear.

How do we find God’s comfort, how do we let God comfort us?

I think we do it by accepting our circumstances, even when they are painful; by trusting, even when we feel abandoned; by loving even when we are afraid.

God’s promise is that He has sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us, strengthen us, exalt us.

That means, that in the midst of our pain, we can find comfort and strength because God is with us, God does not abandon us, God has not and will not leave us, even though Jesus has physically left this earth.

Unfortunately, the only way we will ever know if the words of this prayer are true is by believing God will not leave us comfortless, without evidence to prove it, or by experiencing it.

That’s not easy, because when we hurt, when we feel lost and abandoned; when we’re afraid, it’s really hard to believe that God could ever bring any comfort.

But, I do know this. I know that even though Jesus has ascended to God, God is still with us, right here, right now.

And, that’s enough for me.

I hope it’s good enough for you, too; at least, until you experience it.

567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd. 567-4458 1025 RiÀe Range Rd.

504 West West Osceola 504 OsceolaSt. St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729

Anthony B. Counts, Pastor InterimWorship Pastor Leader Angie Gallups, Billy of Students AngieReinhardt, Gallups, Min. Worship Leader

Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Rev. Anthony Rhodes Tammy Driver, Children’s Ministries Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries Tammy Student Driver:Ministries Derek Blankenship, Children's Director

Billy Reinhardt, Min. of Students SUNDAY Morning Worship... ....10:30 SUNDAY School.............9:15 Sunday Morning Worship............10:30 Youth Choir .............. ....5:00 Evening Worship..........6:00 Sunday School.................9:15 WEDNESDAY Evening Worship..............6:00 Fellowship Meal............5:45 WEDNESDAY Preschool/Children’s Choirs.........................6:00 House of Prayer................6:00 House of Prayer............6:30 Preschool/Children’s Preschool/Children’s Missions............................6:00 Missions........................6:30 Youth Bible Youth BibleStudy.............6:00 Study.........6:30

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

Sunday Worship.....10:30 School........9:30 a.m. a.m.

Morning MorningWorship.......6:00 Worship... 10:30p.m. a.m.

Evening Evening Worship..... 6:00 p.m.

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

Supper.....................5:30 p.m.

Choir PrayerRehearsal.........6:00 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m.

Calvary Youth.............6:00 p.m.

Choir Practice..........7:00 p.m.

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

CEDARWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 10286 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wallsboro 567-0476 www.worshipcedarwood.org

Roger Olsen, Pastor 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

Santuck Baptist Church

7250 Central Plank Road

“A Family of Families”

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Amy Pugh, Director of Children & Preschool Chad Middlebrooks, Students SUNDAY Sunday School............9 & 10:30 a.m.

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

Evening Celebration.................6 p.m.

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

Send your church news and happenings to: news@The Wetumpka Herald.com _________ Call JayneororShannon Molly Call Jayne at 567-7811 to advertise your church’s services in this space

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 11, 2016 • PAGE 7

ALL ABOUT NURSES

A Nurse is a person who has been trained to care for the sick. Some Nurses work in hospitals, VRPH ZRUN DW 'RFWRUVÂś RIÂżFHV ZKLOH RWKHUV DUH WUDLQHG WR GR VSHFLÂżF WKLQJV OLNH KHOS D 'RFWRU GXULQJ VXUJHU\ $ 1XUVH $QHVWKHWLVW KDV EHHQ WUDLQHG WR DGPLQLVWHU DQHVWKHVLD WR SDWLHQWV 2WKHU 1XUVH VSHFLDOWLHV LQFOXGH FDULQJ IRU EDELHV &HUWLÂżHG 1XUVH 0LGZLYHV ZKR GHOLYHU ED ELHV DQG 1XUVH 3UDFWLWLRQHUV 1XUVHV WUDLQHG WR GLDJQRVH LOOQHVVHV DQG SUHVFULEH WUHDWPHQWV PXFK OLNH D 'RFWRU 1XUVHV IROORZ WKH 'RFWRUÂś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

NURSE CROSSWORD

NURSE WORD FIND

Hidden Words: cation, Anesthetist, Diagnosis, Education, atal, Healthcare, Medicine, Neonatal, dwife, Nightingale, Nurse, Nurse-Midwife, ional, Orders, Practitioner, Professional, PHQW 6FLHQWLÂżF 6SHFLDOWLHV 7UHDWPHQW

NURSE COLOR IT

&URVVZRUG $QV $FURVV 2)Education 6) 6DQLWDU\ 3UDFWLWLRQHU &RPIRUW

0LGZLIH 1XUVH 'HPDQG 'RZQ 1) 9HQWLODWLRQ $QHVWKHWLVW 1LJKWLQJDOH

0HGLFLQH 2UGHUV &ULPHDQ &XOWXUHV

$ $FURVV &OXHV

1LJKWLQJDOH SURPRWHG ZKDW" )ORUHQFH 1LJKWLQJDOH PDGH KRVSLWDO

FRQGLWLRQV PRUH ZKDW"

1XUVH ZKR GLDJQRVHV

$ QXUVH SURYLGHV BBB WR SDWLHQWV

1XUVH ZKR GHOLYHUV EDELHV

0HGLFDO SURIHVVLRQDO WUDLQHG WR care for patients.

1XUVHV DUH LQ KLJK BBBBBB ' 'RZQ &OXHV 1LJKWLQJDOH DOVR SURPRWHG WKH

SURSHU ZKDW RI KRVSLWDO ZDUGV"

3 3. Nurses who put people to sleep.

9HU\ IDPRXV SLRQHHU RI QXUVLQJ

1XUVHV DGPLQLVWHU ZKDW"

$ QXUVH FDUULHV RXW D SK\VLFLDQÂśV"

1LJKWLQJDOH ZDV LQ ZKLFK ZDU"

1XUVHV FRPH IURP PDQ\

GLIIHUHQW ZKDW"

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

ENE GJ ONES

Froggy Bottom Materials

LUTCF

INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Fountain Plaza 3347 Hwy. 14•Millbrook, AL (334) 285-1700

RANDALL V. HOUSTON DISTRICT ATTORNEY Clanton: (205)755-4242 • Prattville: (334)365-5715 Wetumpka: (334)567-2237

Like us on

1010 Cook Station • Montgomery, AL 334.215.3704

“Supporting Education!�

DRIVERS NEEDED

J&M

AMBULANCE 2530 East 5th Street Montgomery, AL

1533 GEORGIA ROAD•WETUMPKA, AL

567- 4 70 0

334-265-1208

TANK LINES, INC. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @ 256-245-3933

Elmore County Technical Center

5020 Georgia Road • Wetumpka, AL

334-669-2848 Main Number

334-478-3250 OfďŹ ce

800 Kelly Fitzpatrick Drive Wetumpka, AL (334) 567-1218 elmorecounty.ect.schoolinsites.com

ဣ ÂŚÂĄ Š˜“—­ Š¥“š‘ Â?ÂœÂĄ ÂœÂŚÂĄÂŁá€¤

WETUMPKA HEALTH AND REHABILITATION, LLC Offering Short Term Rehab and Long Term Care 1825 Holtville Road • Wetumpka, AL

334.567.5131 James Hamner 26 Cambridge Dr. Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 567-5156 jhamner@alfains.com

Auto•Home•Life

Alfa Insurance

ÂŽ

www.alfainsurance.com

Call Alfa.ÂŽ The best agents in the business.

BarďŹ eld’s Heating and Air BOBBY BARFIELD, Owner Residential, Light Commercial • Sales - Service Installation • Commercial & Industrial 105 Haggerty Circle • Wetumpka, AL (334) 514-9678

VERTON ROPERTIES “Leasing agent in the Wetumpka area for your rental & storage needs.�

HOLY CROSS

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Grades K4 through 6th

4400 Bell Road Montgomery, AL

334.395.8222

HCES@holycrossmontgomery.org

(334) 567-4582 Servicing the Village Centre, Towne Plaza, Rumbling Waters, Magnolia Commons & Wetumpka Self Storage LET US KNOW IF WE CAN BE OF SERVICE TO YOU!

J. Alan Taunton & Company, LLC CertiÂżed Public Accountants

200 Executive Park Drive Tallassee, AL 334.283.2567 alantaunton@tauntoncpa.com

AUTO | HOME | LIFE | BUSINESS | RETIREMENT

740 Memorial Drive • Prattville, AL

5268 U.S. Hwy. 231• Wetumpka

(334) 567-4567

334-567-5136

www.arrowpestcontrol.net

ALIGNMENTS

TIRES/BRAKES

Singleton’s Alignment And Mufer Service, LLC KEITH CANNON, Owner

of Anniston, AL 4004 US Hwy. 431

220 Company Street • Wetumpka, AL

256-280-8000

www.claytonhomesanniston.com

EXHAUST

334-567-6760 OIL CHANGES

New York Life Insurance Company 562 Clay Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-263-4806 dwnelson@ft.newyorklife.com “The Company You Keep�

334-567-0012

334-514-0455

“EVERYTHING ROTATES AROUND YOU� [ WWW.WETUMPKATIREPROS.COM

Hornsby & Son

Body Shop L.L.C.

We accept all deer claims & all insurance claims. Call us for great customer service & a quick turnaround.

(334) 567-2511

www.567-2511.com

102 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL

•Data Communications Equipment & Systems •Telecommunication Equipment Service & Repair •Security Systems •Cable Networking Installation AND MUCH MORE!

Sheri H. Dunn, Manager

CALL LOWELL AT

TRI-COUNTY DELIVERY www.jenilynscreations.com

“Local People Meeting Local Needs�

Elmore County Finance 1671 East Main Street • Prattville Mark Davis, Owner

334.730.0804

1745 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-283-3463 • 334-283-8024 fax 101-B Caldwell Street, Tallassee, AL 36078 bhornsbyandson@elmore.rr.com

Elmore Co. Farmer’s Co-Op 355 QUEEN ANN ROAD WETUMPKA, AL

(334) 567-4321

Thomas

Associate Broker

acarter@elemore.rr.com AngieCarter.remax-alabama.com

5376 U.S. Hwy. 231 Toulouse, AL

Communications, Inc.

ANGIE CARTER 334-850-1955 cell

Larry Ray

Larry.Ray@countryÂżnancial.com

Deanna W. Nelson Agent

Œ—— ÂŽÂĄÂŠÂ“ÂŒÂŽ Â—ÂœÂĄÂ“ÂŁÂ¤

334-567-3325

Wetumpka, AL (334) 567-3334

334-567-3020

334-799-6992

450 Hackel Drive Montgomery, AL 36121 www.brmwater.com Phone: 334.273.1119 • Toll Free: 800.253.6619

ClassiÄeds

Lake & River Phone (256) 277-4219 Fax (205) 669-4217 The Alexander City Outlook

Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties The Dadeville Record

classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com

The Eclectic Observer

The Tallassee Tribune

Alexander City (Lake Martin) www.russellmedcenter.com RN ICU/Step-Down (FT/PRN) LPN/Clinic (FT) RN Med/Surg (PRN) (FT) Athletic Trainer (ATC) RN OB/PEDS (FT/PRN) Medical Tech (MT)(PRN/FT) RN (FT) Student Loan Security Guard (PRN) Reimbursement Program Surgical Technologist (FT) ER Skilled Tech (FT) Director Environmental Servs.

Sleep Lab Tech (RPSGT)

Fax: 256/329-7335 or Phone: 256/329-7345 jsherman@russellmedcenter.com

The Wetumpka Herald

Page A10 • MAY 11, 2016

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

TALLASSEE’S

FIRST PORTABLE

INFORMATION

DEVICE The newspaper is the still the best and most trusted news source of our time. Start enjoying the most portable, easy-to-use information device available.

No charger required.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

SUBSCRIB E TODAY $21.99/ Y CALL 256- EAR 234-4281

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

MAY 11, 2016 • Page 11

Wetumpka High School presents awards in art contest

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Thursday night dozens of Wetumpka High School art students were honored in the school’s art contest. The contest covered various different art mediums and one student, Eric Thompson, was awarded the school’s best in show award.

Art teacher Fagale Grant led the presentation of awards ceremony, which included a packed house of onlookers.

“We had some really great pieces this year,” she said. “In some categories the judges spent hours deciding on the winners.”

The winners in each category: Black/white drawings: Marina Mola Katrina Vance Eric Thompson Honorable mention: Hayden Fabel Etchings: Breanna Swindall Madison Conley Emily Chapman Mixed Media:

Carson Campbell Alexis M. Edwards Breanna Swindall Paintings: Denis Paeschke Breanna Swindall Alexis M. Edwards Colored Drawings: Katrina Vance Annie Cobb Emily Foster Sculpture: Denis Paeschke Designs: Katrina Vance Nicholas Benjamin Reagan Tell Art 1: Marisa Strahan Gabrielle Joy Nova Mullin Art students of the year: Freshman: Marisa Strahan Sophomore:Eric Thompson Junior: Breanna Swindall Senior: Alexis M. Edwards

William Carroll / The Herald

Wetumpka High School student Breanna Swindall, 17, sits beneath one of several of her pieces that took home awards Thursday night as part of WHS’ Art Show. Right, Wetumpka High School student Hayden Fabel, 17, stands next to her drawing depicting a bird.

Fabel was one of several students who participated in the school’s art show.

Area Calendar May

MUSEUM EXHIBIT: During the months of April and May, the Elmore County Museum’s exhibit will feature the nationally known Elmore County Band - fondly called “The Big Blue”. The exhibit is filled with yearbooks, pictures of the band beginning in the 1950s and running through the 70s, plaques, scrapbooks, and a video of the 2003 Big Blue reunion! There are some funny, FUNNY stories told on the video!

Come by Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. and take a step back in time!

MAY 11

PICKLE BALL: If you are interested in Pickle Ball Summer League please call Recreation Department 283-4726.

MAY 11-12

TRYOUTS: Basketball tryouts in the Tallassee High School Gym 5 p.m.

MAY 11-UNTIL

RELAY PLANNING: Relayers, cancer survivors, community leaders, team captains and hard workers are all needed to help plan the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life – including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers – to join together in the fight against cancer. Volunteers from the Tallassee Community are needed. If you would like to join the Relay For Life of Tallassee as a volunteer or team participant, call Amber Voss with the American Cancer Society at 334-612-8174.

May 14

UNION REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ: On Saturday, May 14th from 2 p.m. until at University Station RV, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334-2573826, hughesautoparts@centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233,steven505@centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, auburnhood@aol. com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems.

LADIES NIGHT: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka Ladies Ministry invites all ladies to “Ladies Night At Calvary” on Saturday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. The event will consist of food, fellowship, and a movie. For more information contact the church office at 334-567-4729.

YARD SALE: Cain’s Chapel UMC huge yard sale is 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, 2016 (during the Slapout VFD parade and barbeque sale). There will be electronics, TVs, sports equipment, clothes, household items, sheets, pictures, etc.

The yard sale will be inside the air conditioned Family Life Center.

May 15

GRADUATE CELEBRATION: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka will have celebrate our graduates on Sunday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m. This is a time to say Congratulations to the Class of 2016.

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Homecoming will be observed at Darien Primitive Baptist Church on Sunday, May 15, beginning at 10:30 a.m. CST. Elder Jonathan Blakeley of Wetumpka, AL will be the guest minister. A covered dish lunch will follow the morning service.

All friends and descendants of former members are cordially invited to attend this service. Darien Church is located 5 miles west of Wadley, just off Hwy. 22 at Cotney’s old store.

May 16

STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

Family and Child Development is excited to be part of bringing this speaker Tajuan McCarty to Wetumpka. McCarty will be speaking at the Wetumpka Civic Center Monday, May 16th 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is a free event open to the public please see the attached flyer.

Content may not be appropriate for children under 12 years of age.

May 17

GRIEFSHARE: Calvary Baptist Wetumpka is once again offering GriefShare (A Ministry Helping Those Deal with Loss of Loved Ones). The next sessions will begin on Tuesday, May 17. The morning sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the evening sessions at 6:30 p.m. There is a small charge for the workbook and materials.

For more information please contact the church office 334-567-4729 or visit our website www.calvarybaptistwetumpka. org

1 Twin Creek Drive from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

JUNE 10-11

TALLASSEE NOW: Tallassee Now event is set for June 11 at Bell Park and J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

JUNE 13-JULY 8

SWIM LESSONS: First session of swim lessons for ages 4 and up (must be 4 by time of lesson) will be June 13-June 24, Second session will be June 27-July 8 (closed July 4) Third session will be July 11-22. Registration fee for Tiny Tots is $55 and Levels 1-6 will be $65. You may register at Recreation Department until Thursday, May 26, and after May 26 please register at pool.

JUNE 28-30

HOOPS CAMP: The Tallassee boy’s basketball team is hosting a summer camp June 28-30. The camp is for boys

and girls ages 8-14 and will be grouped in ages 8-11 and 12-14. The camp will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and will be run by the varsity coaches and players. There will be drills for shooting, ball handling and five-on-five drills. There will also be a contest for free throw shooting and a 3-point shooter contest. For more information call coach Cecil Hollinquest at (256) 404-2657 or call the high school (334) 283-2187.

ONGOING EVENTS TENNIS LESSONS: Grassroots Tennis Association will be offering (8) Weeks of Free Tennis Lessons this Summer throughout the rural and inner city underprivileged communities. A player can become a recipient of Free Tennis Lessons by contacting this organization before (May 27th, 2016) by calling (334-439-8198).

May 19

AFTER HOURS: Chamber Business After Hours, Sunset Reception is set for Thursday, May 19 at Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

SCHOOL ENDS: Final day of the 2015-2016 school year

MAY 20

GRADUATION: THS Graduation 8 p.m. at J.E “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

May 21

PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series.

Non-racers are welcome to watch.

GOSPEL CONCERT: The LeFevre Quartet will be in Concert Saturday, May 21 at Calvary Baptist Wetumpka.

The LeFevre Quartet is recognized as one of Southern Gospel Music’s top groups. The Concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. There is no charge for the concert. However, a Love Offering Will Be Received for the quartet. For more information please contact the church office 334-567-4729 or visit our website www.calvarybaptistwetumpka.org

May 22

This month The Tallassee Tribune will publish senior photos for the local graduating classes. We will include graduate photos and your special message on or near the graduation pages.

Tallassee High School and Reeltown High School - May 18th

FOURTH SUNDAY SINGING: The annual 4th Sunday Singing in May will be held on Sunday, May 22nd beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Balm of Gilead Church located at 5187 Balm Road. The quest singers will be the Master’s Touch from the Valley. Lunch will be served at noon.

Congrats!

We are so proud of you!

Always believe in yourself and dream big.

We Love You!!

Mom, Dad & Sissy

MAY 23

Tallassee City Council meeting at City Hall from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

May 28-29

ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefiting Children’s Harbor.

JUNE 1

POOL OPENING DAY: Pool season for 2016 begins Wednesday June 1 at 1 p.m. and ends Saturday, July 30. Hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Daily pass is $3 per day and individual pass is $45, family pass for up to four in same household is $60 and five or more $75 for season.

JUNE 7

Industrial Development Board meeting

Crystal Williams

2x2 Grad Tribute Ad:

$65

‘15

Benjamin Russell High School

You Made It! 2x4 Grad Tribute Ad:

$95 *other ad sizes available upon request.

We love you so much and couldn’t be more proud of your achievements! Aim for the stars!

Love, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Alex

‘15

Kaleb Johnson

Horseshoe Bend High School

Email, call or come by Tallapoosa Publishers. Payment, photos and message must be turned in by Noon on May 17th.

334-567-7811

SPORTS

PAGE 12 • MAY 11, 2016

Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

EDGEWOOD WINS RECORD 8TH STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald Big-time players answer when their number is called in big-time moments, and no moment was bigger for Michael Taylor and Edgewood Academy Tuesday.

With the Wildcats chasing an Alabama high school best eight consecutive state championships, Taylor turned in an MVP performance, winning Game 1 on the mound and batting in six runs offensively in the series, as EA swept Northside Methodist, 10-0 in five innings and 11-8, for the AISA Class AA state title at Paterson Field.

Taylor had the walk-off, 2-run hit in the opener in the fifth and the right-hander picked up the save in Game 2, recording the last out with a pick-off rundown after Northside closed within three runs after trailing, 11-4, coming in.

“No nerves,” Taylor said. “Best way to play the game is take the pressure off yourself and just go out there and play. Know the game and that’s what I did. (Edgewood head coach Bobby Carr) told me I might come in if we get into some trouble. I went out there, wanted to throw a good pitch and we called that pick-off play at the end, and I’m glad it worked to perfection.

“Coach was preaching all year that you have to step up in big moments and that big players step up when you’re needed. I was trying to come out here and just do my job and my guys back there defensively. And we hit the ball. I’m just glad we can get out of here with No. 8.”

In the series opener, Taylor gave up a hit in the top of the first to Matthew Williams, then proceeded to retire 11 straight batters before a 1-out walk in the fifth.

“It was a gutsy performance,” Carr said of Taylor. “It was the same thing in the semifinals, he

throws a one-hitter against Marengo. He’s the type of guy that wants to ball in his hands when the pressure’s on, and to me, that’s the sign of a great ball player, a great competitor.

“He’s a right-handed pitcher that pitches like a lefty. He doesn’t throw very hard, but he understands how to pitch. He throws all three pitches for strikes at anytime or count.”

Edgewood grabbed the lead in the first frame in both contests. Taylor plated the first run on a sacrifice, before seniors Noah Eller and Seth Dobbs drove in two more to give Taylor all the run support he needed.

Junior Jackson Tate went 2-for-2 and scored three runs in Game 1, and finished the day 5-for-7 with four runs and two RBIs. In Game 2, senior starter Caleb Sullivan kept Northside off the board for the first two frames as EA built a 5-0 lead. With one out in the bottom of the third, catcher Hunter Lunsford broke the Knight’s scoreless championship series outing, blasting a three-run home run to pull his team within, 5-3.

Janias Scott drove in Dobbs in the top of the fifth and two more runs in the sixth, as the Wildcats piled their lead back up, 10-3.

Northside chased Sullivan, who still earned the win, three batters into the seventh, and eventually plated four runs off three hits and four walks in an inning that saw senior left-hander Christian Smith come in to face three batters before Taylor closed the door.

Recording the final out, Taylor clinched a third state title for himself this school year, winning in football, basketball and baseball, with the latter meaning the most.

“Nothing compares to this. I couldn’t play in the football championship because I was injured and basketball was a bit of a blowout,” he said. “And

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Edgewood Academy baseball team holds up the AISA Class AA state championship Tuesday at Paterson Field in Montgomery, after sweeping Northside Methodist, 10-0 and 11-8. baseball, just coming in here competing with these guys, I love every one of them. This is my last high school game in any sport, especially the one I’m most passionate about, to get out with a win means a lot.”

With a younger team than in past years, Edgewood set the Alabama high school record with eight consecutive state championship, surpassing Vestavia Hills (1994-2000) with strong pitching and the offense scoring 21 runs on 24 hits.

“Awfully proud of our kids. We were very

young, lost a lot of good seniors off last year’s team,” Carr said. “We only have three seniors on this team. Half our team can’t even drive yet, so the well is definitely not dry.

“It’s not about me, it’s about our guys. Our motto every day, it’s about us. I’ve got a tremendous coaching staff. With our football program being where it is, coach (Scott) Tubbs and coach (Chad) Ceman, there’s no way our baseball program wouldn’t be where it is. The players and the coaches all believe in each other. Edgewood is a great place to be.”

Holtville downs Dadeville, repeats as Area 5 champs

By CORY DIAZ The Wetumpka Herald Every time Dadeville tried, Holtville squashed its momentum, subduing its energy before eventually smothering it Friday at HHS. Scoring all of their runs with two outs, three coming in the top of the seventh as the Lady Bulldogs mashed the Lady Tigers’ spirit, 6-2, to repeat as Class 4A, Area 5 tournament champions and seal the race’s top regional spot.

“It’s a big deal,” Holtville senior third baseman Courtney Twiggs said of twoout offense. “When they’re at two outs, the other team is like ‘oh, just one more out.’ You just have to grind it out. They’re getting excited because they have two outs.

“You just have to take their excitement and put it in yourself and take off with it. All you got to do is drive it to the

gaps.”

Freshman pitcher Kaylyn Dismukes gave the Dawgs (29-19) the early 1-0 lead with an RBI sacrifice fly in the first, scoring leadoff Haley Mann. In the circle, Dismukes forced Dadeville to strand a runner on third base in each of the first three innings.

Twiggs extended the lead in the fourth and sixth frames with RBI hits, putting Holtville ahead 3-1 midway through the sixth. She ended the game going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. “Mostly it was just everybody got up, everyone gets that first at-bat and they’re really nervous and shaking.

They’re shaken up by the crowd and you just have to get up there and have confidence, watch the first few pitches and see what she’s pitching,” Twiggs said. “Once you see what she’s pitching, just take it wherever it goes

and wherever it comes across the plate, take it to a gap somewhere and just drive them in.”

The Tigers tried to get back in it with an RBI single from Quanesha Presley, pulling her team within 3-2 heading into the final frame.

After a groundout from Julia Porter, a single from Mann and a pop out from Reagan Law, Dismukes, eighth-grade first baseman Brooke Cooper and freshman designated hitter Cyndi Thornton hit three consecutive RBI doubles off Dadeville pitcher Kristen Tolbert, stretching HHS’s lead to 6-2.

Cooper ended up 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored and Thornton scored a run.

Holtville reached the area title game, blowing out county rival Elmore County 11-1 Thursday. Twiggs, Dismukes and Thornton led the way, with two hits and two RBIs

Cory Diaz / The Herald

The Holtville softball team celebrates with their trophy after defeating Dadeville, 6-2, for the Class 4A, Area 5 championship Friday at HHS. each for the Dawgs.

Dismukes won both games, giving up three runs off seven hits and struck out 18 in 12 innings.

Twiggs said Holtville

worked harder this season and as it returns to regionals as area champs, it’ll look to advance further than its last trip.

“It feels pretty great. We worked really hard this sea-

son and I think we worked harder than we did last year,” Twiggs said. “We’ve taken a thousand more groundballs than we did last year, and we just grinded it out all the way until the end.”

Lady ‘Cats sputter on day 2 of state tourney, come in third

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor Young teams fight themselves to keep small errors from turning into big ones.

And that struggle morphed into an eliminating problem Saturday for Edgewood Academy as it fell to eventual state champion Macon-East, 8-5, and Pickens Academy, 10-0, in five innings to settle for third at the AISA Class AA state softball tournament at Lagoon Park.

After winning their first two games of the state tourney Friday, 4-1 over South Choctaw and 10-0 over Northside Methodist, the Lady Wildcats (26-14) combined for 11 errors Saturday, and couldn’t find the big hit offensively, dooming EA. “You got to make the small plays to make the big plays,” Edgewood softball coach Britt Wilkerson said.

“That’s what we’re missing today, we missed that one big play to kind of jumpstart us like we had yesterday.

And the key hits, when we have people on base, we’ve got to find a way to get them in.

“Those were the two things I think improvement-wise for next year we’re going to work toward and keep in the back of our minds to get better.”

Early in both games, the ‘Cats loaded the bases, but failed to score any runs as Macon-East and Pickens both offensively broke through first and never trailed. In total, Edgewood stranded 16 on base, nine in scoring position in the two losses.

“I’d say Macon-East, Pickens and ourselves are the three best teams in AA. I think we got disheartened after Macon-East and we had a hard time picking ourselves back up after that,” Wilkerson said. “We’re a team that needs to have runs to win.”

Against Macon-East, freshman C.J. Weldon had an RBI single in the top of the second, pulling EA within 3-1, but that’d be the closest they’d get as the Lady Knights scored

two runs in third and fourth innings.

Seventh-grader Haylee Brown had an RBI single scoring senior Christina Bush before junior second baseman Caity Jo Lee ripped a two-run double in the bottom of the fourth.

Junior catcher Kevi Hansen plated EA’s final run versus Macon-East in the seventh on a sacrifice fly.

Freshman Avery Roberts took the loss versus Macon-East and junior Morgan Brown earned the defeat in the elimination game against Pickens.

Against Pickens, sophomore rightfielder Kallie Johnson paced the Wildcats offensively, going 2-for-2, while Lee, Bush and senior Emilee Ellis each had a hit.

Wilkerson lauded the leadership and season-long performance of her seniors Bush, Ellis and Katie Mack, and expects a collectively older team to do even better next year.

“All three seniors have done a great job with leadership at practice, the way they handle things. It’s

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Edgewood Academy junior second baseman Caity Jo Lee (9) looks to turn a double play against Macon-East Academy during the AISA Class AA state tournament Saturday at Lagoon Park. definitely going to be hard shoes to them,” the coach said. “I have no fill, but the younger girls we have doubt they’ll come in and do what are going to follow up right behind they’re supposed to do.”

WE OFFER

743 Kelly Fitzpatrick Drive•Wetumpka (Across from Elementary School)

567-9246

PAINT & BODY REPAIR