April 5, 2017 Wetumpka Herald

INSIDE TODAY

Ward brought unmatched people skills to the job

Segrest takes over EA softball midseason

SPORTS, PAGE A8

244-7778

OPINION, PAGE A4

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

Wetumpka, AL 36092

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WEDNESDAY • APRIL 5, 2017

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 119, NO. 14

Council talks hotel, MLK, storm loan

a council member with a focus on the city’s Parks and Recreation and youth programs.

Little discussion was given, but votes City council members met to cast of approval were made for all four up votes on an agenda loaded with items of for vote items on the agenda’s old busiissues at the core of city projects, some ness. being signs of steady progress, while The first was a service agreement other items addressed ways forward on approved between Elmore County projects that have met delay.

Sheriff’s Office and Wetumpka Police The bulk of the debate arose from the Department for its dispatch relocation to seven items under new business, and the county facilities. rest occurred as three items proposed by

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Little discussion arose on a topic that had been a source of speculation among residents regarding the construction of a downtown hotel.

City Attorney Regina Edwards gave an economic development update on the development of Hampton Inn. “The hotel is private, being built by a private company and we have assurances from the owner of the property that it is going forward and they’re going to complete this construction,” said

By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

Today’s

Weather

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By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

File / The Herald

The crowd of visitors mingles among the exhibits at last year’s Elmore County Preparedness Fair.

FUN PREPARATION Fair will use fun, info to stress emergency preparedness

By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

The Elmore County Emergency Management Agency is joining forces with the Elmore County Board of Education and a host of others to present the 2017 Elmore County Preparedness Fair on Saturday, April 8, beginning at 10 a.m at Wetumpka High School.

“Really, we want to stress preparedness for any type of emergency-related event, whether it be some kind weather-related event like a tornado, flooding, extreme heat or cold or if it’s a man-made situation, like a rail or vehicle accident that causes a spill of some hazardous material or even an active-shooter,” said Eric Jones, director of the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency.

See FAIR • Page A2

Robert Terry Ward, a 40-year law enforcement veteran who most recently served as chief investigator and patrol captain for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, died Tuesday, March 28, just four days following heart-bypass surgery.

Ward was 60.

“I talked to him on Ward Friday after the surgery and he seemed to be doing fine,” said Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin. “You could tell he was in pain, but he was okay other than that. Then Tuesday morning he got short of breath and everything just got worse from there.

“It was just a single bypass, as far as I know.”

In addition to being with the county sheriff’s office since 2002, Ward also spent 17 years with the Montgomery See WARD • Page A2

Adullam grand opening rings in new facilities and services

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By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer

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A Wetumpka-based ministry with international reach relocated its thrift store used to raise funds for its purpose of tending to children of incarcerated parents and on top of its physical expansion came an expansion in its services.

Adullam House Thrift Store recently relocated from its U.S. 231 storefront, where it had been since its beginnings in the area, to its new location off State Route 14 and Firetower Road.

A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting were held Friday, where leaders from the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce and

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See COUNCIL • Page A2

Veteran law enforcement officer dies after heart surgery

County’s recent ADECA grants facing cuts from Trump administration The America First Budget proposals by President Donald Trump’s administration may put Elmore County last and hit hardest its most vulnerable, leaving the lowest income residents to feel the brunt of the effects from the cuts.

Funding for a number of public programs and federal agencies is scheduled to be drastically cut.

Included among the more talked-about items that face Trump’s budget are the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Health and the National Endowment for the Arts, but here at home programs administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will also be impacted.

Millions of dollars have See GRANTS • Page A3

Edwards. “The city doesn’t have any obligation for anything dealing with the hotel until it’s completed and actually in service and that’s when our incentives we agreed to several years ago would kick in, but until that’s done we don’t have any obligations with the contractor or with connection to that project.”

Council member Percy Gill of District Two said he was going to ask to go into executive session, but Edwards

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the City of Wetumpka gathered along with Adullam House administration and staff for the ceremony.

Children of Adullam House sat in their uniforms in pews with purple and green balloons.

The children’s choir performed songs and one boy sang the national anthem acapella, all in the parking lot in front of the store.

After the ceremony, store manager Josh Hamby spoke about the new services offered for area residents and the scope of the new facilities expansion.

“In Alabama, if you dial 211 for help and if you’re in Wetumpka, they send you to Adullam House See ADULLAM • Page A3

a k p m Wetu

Corey Arwood / The Herald

Adullam House Thrift Store held a grand opening ceremony for its relocation and exansion just off of Firetower Road.

Flea Market & Antiques 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 • Wetumpka, AL (Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC)

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PAGE A2 • APRIL 5, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Ward

continued from page 1

Police Department in its robbery and homicide division and had stints as chief of police in Millbrook and with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Franklin said that Ward had survived one serious illness earlier. “He had MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in his back about three years ago where he got a staph infection and we thought we were going to lose him then,� said Franklin. “He was very fortunate to make it through that. But it took a toll and slowed him down a bit. “But even though he had those kind of problems, we have our annual physical agility tests and he always took part in them. Did very well, too.�

Franklin said Ward started with sheriff’s office filling in for an officer that had shipped to Guantanamo Bay with a reserve unit. Eventually, the spot became permanent. “The thing that everyone needs to know about Terry, of all the guys that I’ve ever had, he had a demeanor where if anyone was irate or upset on a call, he was the one that could

soothe the savage beast, so to speak,�

Franklin said. “He was difficult to pull into an argument. Low-key, even tempered and hard to argue with. They might start out irate, but in a few minutes, they’d know that wasn’t going to work on Terry. “Terry was an excellent investigator and he worked the majority of our rapes, robberies and murders for about 15 years. He was proud that he solved those cases at a rate above the national average. At the same time, he was always the prankster, always cutting up with the guys he worked with. But he could flip that switch in an instant. We could go on a call and he might be cutting up in the car, but when we got on scene and opened that door, he was strictly professional. “Everybody loved Terry.�

A memorial service for Ward was held on Friday at Gassett Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; three children, Stephanie Louise House, Jason Michael Ward and Seth David Ponzer; two brothers and two grandchildren.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

Elmore man arrested after cutting through roof of grocery store, taking cash, smokes

By DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor

An Elmore man is in jail Friday on charges of third-degree burglary and first-degree theft of property after enter- Peebles ing Elmore Grocery on Highway 143 through the roof and stealing more than $9,000 in cash, cigarettes and “other miscellaneous items,� according to Elmore

County Sheriff Bill Franklin.

James Christopher Peebles, 26, of Zeigler Place in Elmore was apprehended after a brief invesigation pointed to him as a suspect and items were found outside his residence that were taken from the store, Franklin said.

Peebles, a white male, was arrested after he was found hiding in a shed off Sycamore Street in Millbrook. Peebles tried to flee, but was caught by two Elmore County deputies after a short chase. “The odd thing about

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had answered his question on the city’s obligations.

A first reading was heard of an ordinance on the relocation of overhead utilities on “certain streets� in the Central Business District as part of the city’s drive for downtown revitalization.

The item was listed on the agenda per the Wetumpka Planning Commission and asked that overhead power lines be relocated at no cost to the city and at expense of the provider on certain streets. Those streets amounted to the downtown Wetumpka business area and excepted the relocation of power lines over 15,000 volts.

Council members Kevin Robbins and Rebecca Thornton made motions on an item providing for Mayor Jerry Willis to acquire no more than $500,000 for emergency infrastructure repairs from recent flooding.

Gill asked what areas were impacted, and Willis said some of the areas included a location behind a Winn Dixie and a “washout� near Smokin’ S restaurant.

He said a “major problem� occurred at West Bridge and Autauga streets.

City Public Works Director Tex Grier said storm drain issues needed resolving behind the Civic Center and the estimate for that was included in the funds.

An approval was made of a work plan for a “public nuisance� on 114 Company St. County Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs was at the meeting, after recently acquiring the property. He said this was unrelated to the county, and his intention was to renovate the property. “Our intention was to rehabilitate the entire building, not just fix the issues that have been presented,� said Stubbs.

Council member Steve Gantt asked about the status of the building with the city. City Building Official Jason Baker said the original owner made contract with Stubbs and Realtor Jim Bailey to purchase nearing a 45-day deadline before the city’s involvement would be required.

“This is the best route for it because, the neighbors who had properties on both sides were suffering from damages from that building,� Willis said.

In New Business, Gill requested a comprehensive plan for the future of the developments to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Cultural Center.

It generated lengthy discussion between council members and Coach Ron Dickerson, who coordinates the city’s Parks and Recreation efforts.

Willis asked if Gill could wait and talk about it at their meeting agreed on earlier, Gill, however, said he would like a vote.

Dickerson said he had an initial plan at the outset of the proposed renovations to the park, but said this would be a good starting point to reinvest efforts into the MLK site’s development, which has been beleaguered with delays.

In an unusual display of agreement among the council members on the topic, Gill, Gantt and Jones cast three votes in favor of the plan.

However Willis, Robbins and Rebecca Thornton cast opposing votes, resulting in a tie that effectively quashed the proposal.

Gill also had three requests on the agenda pertaining to parks and youth programs: • that he serve as liaison for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. • a discussion of the city’s after-school and summer programs for 2017; and • an update on construction plans and improvements at the MLK Jr. site and the balance of funds available.

Willis and Wetumpka Police Chief Danny Billingsley, whose department runs a summer program for 3-18-year-olds, said they welcomed talks with Gill about the parks and programs.

City Public Works Director Tex Grier gave an update on the work at the site and indicated that developments would cost $384,565 with only $378,374 on hand.

Fair “Even public health emergencies like bird flu or other pandemics.

We want to stress being prepared for any kind of hazard and to cover them from all angles.�

While the day will feature all types of free information and activities

this was the point of entry (of the store),� said Franklin. “He cut through the roof.�

Franklin added that Peebles lived within “rock-throwing distance� of Elmore Grocery and was “known to frequent the store quite often.� “We talked to some people that were familiar with him and his whereabouts and habits and were able to arrest him pretty quickly,� Franklin said. “He is in Elmore County Jail as we speak.

Bond has not been set yet, but he will probably appear before the judge for that this evening.�

continued from page 1

for both children and adults, one effort that Jones believes is extra important is gathering donations that will be used to classroom emergency supply kits for the county schools. “We want to put some emphasis on this because these are our children in these classrooms and they need to be ready and have the materials to prepare them should anything occur,� Jones said. “We hope that people will see fit to bring their donations so that we can build these kits for our schools.�

Items that the EMA is asking that attendees bring to donate to the schools include large and small band aids, work and non-latex rubber gloves, gauze, cotton balls, baby wipes, paper towels, facial and toilet tissues, 2-3-gallon sealable storage bags, tape, index cards, pens, markers, small pre-bottled water, books and blankets.

Elmore County Schools personnel will be on hand to discuss emergency plans and to receive any donations.

Jones said 55 agencies

are participating in the Preparedness Fair and that kids will especially enjoy the day with more than 12 firetrucks on hand, plus appearances

by Ready Teddy, Elmore County’s preparedness mascot, and McGruff the Crime Dog plus potentially other costumed mascots.

Adults will have the opportunity to talk with the preparedness and emergency response experts, gather preparedness information and learn about programs that promote community preparedness, such as basic storm spotter training (a class of which will actually be taught at the fair from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.), community emergency response team (CERT) training, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (APR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) – all designed to help increases the county’s overall state of preparedness.

Other things going on that day will include: • A Preparedness Challenge scavenger hunt, where kids can search the fair for disas-

ter supply kit items); • LifeSouth Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations; • A Fire Safety Training Trailer; • BullEx fire extinguisher training system, teaching how to use fire extinguishers; • Prescription drug take-back program (no needles or liquids); • Kitchen/turkey fryer fire safety demonstration; • Inflatable bounce houses (wind conditions permitting); • Face painting; • Free food and drinks; • Safe-room ready race; • Fire department turnout Gear try-on exhibit (where kids can try on what the firemen wear); • Amateur radio operations demonstrations; and • Free balloons. “Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility,â€? said Jones. “We have to work together as a team to ensure that individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses and communities are ready when faced with emergencies and disasters in Elmore County.â€?

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

APRIL 5, 2017 • Page A3

Grants

continued from page 1

made their way into the county through those programs over the past three years, according to ADECA records.

A recent release states the budget proposal would eliminate seven programs the department manages.

The seven programs listed are: the Appalachian Regional Commission, Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Delta Regional Authority, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), State Energy Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

ADECA records of grants for Elmore County since 2014 show most of the funds coming from LIHEAP and CDBG grants.

For the county in fiscal year 2016 records show “1,554 services rendered totaling $508,899 in LIHEAP funds,” while in fiscal year 2015 there were “1,626 services rendered, totaling $522,712 in LIHEAP funds,” for a combined total of $1,031,611 for 3,180 services.

Those “services” as stated by the document equaled “one-time assistance in helping a low-income individual or family pay a high heating or cooling bill.”

ADECA was founded in 1983, acting as an entity to consolidate the management of various federally-funded programs the state administers.

“Our grants support economic development projects, infrastructure improvements, job training, energy conservation, law enforcement, traffic safety, recreation development and assistance to low-income families,” reads a brief history on the ADECA website. “We also work to monitor and protect Alabama’s water resources and we distribute state and federal surplus property to local governments and other qualified organizations.”

Wetumpka City Planner David Robison said the Community Development Block Grants the city has received have been vital in its downtown renovation project.

“But for us the big deal would be CDBG,” said Robison. “Since I’ve been here the only CDBG project was $450,000 in grant funding alone … if we had not

got that, this whole downtown thing would (not) be happening.”

He said the water and sewer pipes the funds helped replace downtown would not have been able to support modern requirements for bathrooms.

According to ADECA, CDBG was developed in 1982, “to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses.”

Robison also said an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant was open for the city’s pedestrian bridge, part of the Riverwalk extension project.

The funds through the ARC grant, Robison said, would provide 50-percent of the project.

“That project probably wouldn’t be happening if we didn’t get [that] grant money either,” Robison said. “It’s going to make it a lot harder on communities.”

But he said Wetumpka would not be hit hardest, because though it was small, it had reached a point to afford some projects over time.

“We are concerned about the ability to help citizens in rural communities with the eliminations of the cuts,” said Jennifer Ardis Elmore, ADECA director of communications and external affairs. “Every Alabamian has been touched by one or more (of) these programs, whether directly or indirectly … Every grant has the ability to really help local communities grow and be successful.”

Other funds Elmore County received in fiscal year 2016, whether by way of municipality or township, included a $450,000 CDBG to Tallassee for rehabilitation of the city’s “cracked and broken sewer lines … resulting in costly and hazardous leaks.”

In fiscal year 2015, Eclectic received a $350,000 CDBG for sewer system regulatory upgrades and expansions and a $230,000 CDBG for the 140,00-square-foot Madix Inc. expansion, which the document stated sup-

Adullam to get blankets to get an ac to get anything,” said Hamby. “We give over $1,000 a week out just in the community blankets.

We give out pots, pans on a daily basis.”

He said they did not have the capacity for these services at their old location and went from a 8,000-squarefoot facility to 25,000, with a 9,000-squarefoot store floor and a 16,000-square-foot warehouse.

“There’s just a lot that we do more than a thrift store. Also in this area we are a distribution center in case of a tornado, in case of a flood,” Hamby said. “We didn’t have room in the last location.

This location we can do so much more.”

He said they staff had also taken various preparedness-training courses with Elmore County Emergency Agency.

Adullam House Ministries founder Pete Spackman spoke first on the organization’s history.

He said in 1991 on the Sunday following the birth of their children, he and Angie took their children into Tutwiler Women’s Prison.

“While we were in Tutwiler prison the women decided while Angie sang that they were going to the baby and over 200 of their young women held our baby,” said Spackman.

He said at the time their 11-year-old daughter, now the principal of Adullam House School, asked what they were going to do about Alabama’s children with incarcerated parents.

That question was the impetus for the nonprofit which would begin shortly after the Spackmans traveled back to Europe, and in particular Russia.

plied 15 jobs.

In fiscal year 2014, the Elmore County Commission received a $350,000 CDBG for the Crenshaw Community, outside Wetumpka, to rehabilitate dilapidated housing and blight removal.

Finally, Millbrook received a $249,865 CDBG for the rehabilitation of the former Sandtown Community Center for youth and senior citizen programs.

Elmore County Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs said the county was watching the CDBG primarily out of the proposed program eliminations, and it was something talked about at the recent National Association of Counties Legislative Conference.

“The community block grants … is something that we would have some concern about,” said Stubbs, who also heads up the finance committee on the commission. “I think that it’s too early for us to tell how that might directly effect us, and it seems as though the federal government is trying to work through a balancing act right now, too, of trying to figure out what’s up and what’s down.”

Elmore of ADECA said their goal is to inform federal lawmakers and congressional delegates of the importance of their programs.

“Our role during this process is to educate and inform both federal lawmakers congressional delegates of the impact these programs have on local communities,” said Elmore. “We certainly know that they have in the past supported these programs.”

And as for who would be most affected by losing these programs, she said local governments would lose most by losing the CDBG, but through LIHEAP she said “its going to be families.”

However, she said even if it was a pothole that was paved, “There are a lot of citizens that drive over these streets every day … it’s a direct benefit.”

continued from page 1

Spackman said in 1993 he visited prisons in Siberia, where he stayed for about four years on a mission preaching in prisons.

“On one of the occasions I went into a ladies prison in Siberia. It was freezing cold and they took me into a wing where there were children with no teeth, up to five years of age never seen a doctor, nothing.

Totally neglected and it really bothered me,” Spackman said. “When I come home I said to my wife, “OK, let’s go for

it. Let’s do what we need to do.”

He said they looked into the Holtville area but were donated the land in Wetumpka they now call the base of their operations, with housing, schooling and church facilities.

“We didn’t have a clue how to do it, we just knew that it was a great, great need,” Spackman said. “We’ve been here 23 years, and as you can tell we’ve grown and grown and grown, not without pain and not without struggle, but it’s

the struggles that give you the character to be who you are and today we’ve got some beautiful children, we’ve got beautiful staff and Wetumpka has been amazingly good to us.”

Possibly the most public Adullam house co-founder, Angie Spackman was not at the event.

Pete Spackman said his wife in the hospital with illness likely from complications of a long fight with cancer.

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OPINION

Page A4 • APRIL 5, 2017

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Ward brought unmatched people skills to the job T his newspaper has criticized some actions of law enforcement in the past and will likely do so again in the future. Just like those of us who cover the news at The Wetumpka Herald, the guy or woman who delivers your mail or the person that checks you out at the grocery store, they’re not perfect people.

But they do have a necessary and important function in our society – necessary and important to your safety and mine – and it is a dangerous one, one that requires that they literally risk their lives each and every day.

As such, they deserve our respect.

But some officers of the law perform their duties longer, better and with more gumption than others.

That’s what Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin says stood out about Capt. Robert Terry Ward – his people skills, gathered and honed over nearly 40 years of police work. Clearly, his long career was an asset to him and a blessing to those citizens he protected as well as those he dealt with on the wrong end of his job.

“I’ve never had anyone here that had better people skills,” said Franklin. “He just had a way of relating to people, letting them know by how he acted that even if they were irate, they weren’t going to make him that way. Within a few minutes, they would calm down.”

It wasn’t two months ago that I was on my way home one late

DAVID GRANGER

Managing Editor

evening from a long day here at work. As I turned north on Alabama Highway 9 toward my home in Equality, I remembered that I had failed to clock out. I have an app I can use to clock out on my phone. I hate to do that while driving, so I reached for my phone and pulled to the side of the road, but couldn’t connect. I drove on, checking my phone frequently until I finally connected and clocked out.

Needless to say, my driving grew a bit erratic while I signed into the app and punched out.

It wasn’t very long before I saw the blue lights. An Elmore County Sheriff’s SUV loomed large in my rear view and I pulled over at the first good place that I found.

The officer, who I now believe was Capt. Ward, walked around to my passenger’s side and I rolled down the window.

“You’re Mr. Granger, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I said, guessing he’d probably seen a column tease on the front of the newspaper and, being an officer and trained to be observant, recognized me.

“Are you okay?” he asked before going into the fact he’d stopped me because I was weaving on the road. I explained to him what I was doing and, while he examined my license

and my insurance card, he said, “Well, that makes perfect sense.

You should really be careful about using your phone when you’re driving.”

Again, he asked if I was sure that I was okay. When I said I was, he returned my license and insurance card and sent me on my way.

He never raised his voice. He never grew stern. Talking with him was like talking to a friend.

And he was genuinely concerned about me.

When you’ve faced the physical battles that Robert Terry Ward faced – the heart defect, the MRSA infection that almost took his life a few years ago – you become more inclined toward concern about the health of others. You’ve come faceto-face with your mortality and know life is short.

For Capt. Ward, who was only 60 on last Tuesday when his heart stopped beating four days after heart surgery, life was too short. Franklin said he misses the little things like speaking to Ward in the hall. I’m sure his wife, children and grandchildren miss so much more.

As for us, the citizens of the county, our hearts might not hurt to the degree that his coworkers’ or family members’ do, but we’ll miss him, too.

We’ll miss that skill and those unmatched people skills.

Rest in peace, Captain.

David Granger is the managing editor of the Elmore County newspapers for Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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.

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Pitt bulls are an often misunderstood breed

R

uby is the greatest dog to ever grace God’s green earth. She just is. Perhaps I am a bit biased, but it’s hard to argue otherwise. She’s a lab, and most level-headed people know that labs are simply the best. Pit bulls, on the other paw, are simply the worst. They are just useless creatures up there with ants and mosquitos and should be feared like rattle snakes and sharks.

Right? Wrong.

Lucy has a pit bull. She also has three other dogs, but we’ll focus on Sadie the pit for this article. I’d never been around this often-misunderstood breed of dog until Lucy and I reconnected.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous around her the first few times.

I’ve had two labs over the past 20 years. With labs, there is nothing to fear; however, their hyperactivity might freak you.

Both of my dogs were from a litter of pups here in town. I got Chyna at eight weeks and Ruby at seven weeks. Both were well trained and a delight to be around.

Sadie, too, is a delight to be around. She is a super sweet dog, but she didn’t have the luxury of growing up in a nice environment.

I don’t know her full story, but she was used in a puppy mill to give birth to other little pit bulls for no telling what all. She had many,

JODY FULLER Columnist

many litters of pups, and was just not in very good shape at all. She was covered with scars, scrapes, and hot spots. Apparently, she spent the first four to five years of her life on a chain. There are some bad people in this world.

Somehow, she wound up at the Lee County Humane Society. They took her in and nursed her back to health. Lucy, who has great affinity for pits, quickly adopted her and took her in. That was about nine months ago.

Sadie is a great dog, but one can often tell she comes from sad and humble beginnings. For such a ferocious breed of dog—that’s sarcasm, folks—I have never seen one so timid and afraid, although she is getting better. She is terrified of just about everything from popping open a trash bag prior to lining the can to the sound of folding a pillowcase. She’s also a bit protective of her food. I don’t know her whole story, but I feel for her.

One night recently, Ruby was left inside for 24 hours and didn’t

have an accident. Sadie has accidents often. She must be on a leash when we let her out. Ruby doesn’t need a leash at all. She does exactly what I tell her, most of the time anyway. She’s never run off. If Sadie runs off, there’s no telling where she’ll wind up. Does this mean Ruby is a better dog? Nope.

It just means that she had a better start and better opportunities early on.

The great news is that Sadie’s future is bright and will only get brighter. In just the few months I’ve been around her, I’ve seen vast improvement in all areas.

She’s gotten to the point where she’ll even give me a little sugar.

On top of that, she’s a great snuggler.

Pits get a bad rap simply because of many of their irresponsible and down-right criminal owners. I’m constantly learning.

I was wrong about pit bulls. They are great dogs and deserve a shot at a happy life just like any other, but Ruby is still the best dog in the world.

Jody Fuller is from Opelika.

He 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.

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

APRIL 5, 2017 • Page A5

Embrace the blessings of Holy Week

G

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I bring you greetings as the fifth week of Lent unfolds.

Holy Week is almost upon us.

How many Holy Weeks have you experienced in your lifetime? How many Easter egg hunts? How many Easter baskets? How many new pairs of shoes have you purchased for Easter?

It might be fun and entertaining to consider your answer to one or more of these questions. Most people living in these United States have some experience with Holy Week and Easter, whether they identify as Christian or not. Easter is surrounded with traditions, especially in the South. Almost every person has at least one Easter story to share.

There is another exercise I would like to suggest to everyone during Holy Week and Easter this year. This exercise is not limited to Christians by any means, but it does require a little Bible reading. Don’t worry. Reading the Bible will not hurt you.

I suggest that everyone reading this column start with chapter twelve in the Gospel of John and read it until the end. The bulk of the material describes the events of Thursday and Friday, but reading a little each day will immerse any reader in the events of the last week of Jesus’ ministry in the flesh.

I am suggesting this exercise because it is a story every human being needs to hear. It is the story of how humanity responds to divine wisdom,

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO First Presbyterian

especially when that wisdom conflicts with our way of doing things. Most important of all, it is the story of God’s response to our way of doing things.

I need to state my motivation for making such a suggestion. I assure you I have the very best intentions for every human being in mind. I also promise I am not suggesting this exercise as a means for boosting attendance numbers at the church I serve or any other church in the community. My motive is much more important than that.

My motive is that I am fed up with the ways of our world. I am sick and tired of concern for self as the primary reason for living. I am weary of intolerance, violence, and hatred. I yearn for a better way.

I think most people feel the way I do.

Spend some time with the story of what is known as Holy Week. Consult the Gospel of John, because John provides the greatest detail of the events of the week. Open yourself to the story and let the story open you. Consult one of the other Gospels for a comparative view.

Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday is a compelling story. It runs the gamut from recognition and celebration of a better way for all to live to complete rejection and

destruction of that better way.

The story begins a new chapter at the empty tomb with God’s response.

The story is a conversion story, but not in the way we might think. Embracing the reality of Holy Week and Easter is not a tool for converting people to Christianity. It is a reminder to every living, breathing human being that we often reject God’s intentions for the earthly kingdom, but our rejection never diminishes the power and authority of the one who made it all in the first place.

May the blessing of Holy Week and Easter become real to us all.

Rev. Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka

Area Churches 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist

Wallsboro United Methodist Church 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsbooro

Rev. Ryan Johnson Pastor Rickey Luster, Music Director Sunday School....10:45 a.m.

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

Children’s Church.... 9:30 a.m.

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

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

NURSERY PROVIDED FOR ALL SERVICES

Wallsboro United Methodist Church 11066 U.S. 231, Wallsboro

5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic

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

large...

Pastor

NURSERY PROVIDED FOR ALL SERVICES

CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore

CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6786

...with the right kind of advertising.

• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune

256.234.4281

Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 569-2122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-9211

First

“And we know that Presbyterian allChurch things work 100 W. Bridge St. together for good to thoseJonathan who loveYarboro God, Rev. to those who are the Sunday School..9:45 am Morning called Worship..11 according toam His purpose.”

567-8135

Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Road Titus, Ala.

Sunday Services at 11 a.m.

Minister Dr. John Brannon There is Harmony at Harmony United Methodist Church!

– Romans 8:28

“In the name of the Lord Jesus – Welcome.”

Please join us.

Mountain View Baptist Church

has been made

Rickey Luster, Music Director

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

BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka

470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 5691510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561

Many a small thing

Rev. Ryan Johnson

Sunday School..........10:45 a.m.

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

Children’s Church.......9:30 a.m.

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

New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-5389415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 5670620

567-4458 1025 Rifle Range Rd.

504 Osceola Street 504West West Osceola St. 334-567-4729 334-567-4729 •••• Anthony Rhodes Rev.Rev. Anthony Rhodes, Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Sarah Swedenburg, Worship Ministries

Need your business to

STAND OUT

Derek Blankenship, Tammy Student Driver:Ministries

from the crowd?

Children's Director

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.........6:45 Meeting........6:15 p.m. p.m.

Student Worship........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

Call us, we can help!

334-567-7811

• • • • •

Santuck Baptist Church

7250 Central Plank Road 7250 Central C Plank Road “A Family of Families” “A Family of Families”

B.R. Johnson, Senior Pastor Larry Counseling Larry Gore, Adm. & Counseling Randy Godfrey, Education Education Chad Middlebrooks, Students Amy Pugh, Director of Matt Fallin, Worship Children & Preschool Amy Pugh, Children & Students Preschool Chad Middlebrooks,

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

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

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

EveningCelebration.................6 Celebration...........5 p.m.

Evening p.m.

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

6:15

Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record

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

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

PAGE A6 • APRIL 5, 2017

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD

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APRIL 5, 2017 • PAGE A7

Segrest takes over EA softball program midseason

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Plans accelerate when everything already fits.

Edgewood Academy headmaster Clint Welch didn’t want to delay getting Mark Segrest on board to take over the school’s softball program any longer, officially hiring him Sunday night for the position left vacant Saturday by the abrupt midseason departure of former softball coach and athletic director Chris George.

Already committed to helping the program out next year in some capacity, Segrest and the school’s mutual plans sped up last week with him accepting the job offer Sunday, holding his first team practice Monday, then coaching Edgewood in his first game Tuesday at home against No. 1 MaconEast. EA lost 7-3.

“Here at Edgewood, they’ve had some changes in some of the coaching staff,” Segrest said Tuesday after his first game. “I don’t really

know all the specifics about that. But I was talking about getting involved sometime next year because I have a middle daughter that will be starting at Edgewood.

I’ve coached travel ball for the last several years, so it was a matter of already committing to do it.

“Then, all this happened, the headmaster approached me about coming on midyear and trying to finish out the year. It’s certainly not ideal for anybody involved, but it worked out. We had our first practice last night and a fairly decent performance today. It’s a good group of girls and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Segrest, a Tallassee native, led his daughter’s Dixie Youth softball team and travel softball team to a couple of World Series championships and currently coaches the Hit Squad ’05. As part of the Tallassee baseball team, Segrest won three state titles as player under legendary coach Ronnie Baynes and two as an

assistant coach.

Despite the success at the younger level and while fundamentals stay the same, Segrest knows the Lady Wildcats have to work for everything they achieve as he hopes to bring more discipline and a refreshed attitude.

“It’s all about how you approach the game. The biggest difference is, at this level, you have to earn everything,” Segrest said. “Nothing’s given you.

“A disciplined program. I want them to know I care about them.

We want to be extremely fundamentally sound – my teams have been traditionally fundamentally sound. Really at this point, an overhaul of the overall attitude of the team and an expectation to win and be better every time we go out Cory Diaz / The Herald there.”

It’s a steep climb tak- New Edgewood Academy head softball coach Mark Segrest rallies the Lady Wildcats in the middle of ing over midseason, but an inning in his first game at the helm of the program against Macon-East Academy Tuesday at Rock Segrest hopes to acceler- Rayburn Field. ate the Edgewood softI like the attitude of the toughest part,” Segrest a new expectation in the ball team’s progress to said. “The goal here is to girls. Hopefully, we can middle of the year, and reach its goals. continue down that path, make it to the state tourthat’s tough. Not know“You’re trying to nament May 5 and 6. Got get to the state tournaing the players and their implement a new culture, strengths would be the about five weeks to do it. ment and give it a shot.”

Wetumpka to play Mary Montgomery in spring jamboree at JSU

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Wetumpka pumped more excitement into spring football drills, as it will close spring training playing at Jacksonville State University.

As part of the third annual Jacksonville State Gridiron Challenge, a three-day showcase featuring more than 20 schools, the Indians will face off against Class 7A Mary G. Montgomery High School May 13 at 5 p.m., WHS head football coach Tim Perry confirmed Monday.

Wetumpka opens spring football drills May 1 and while the coaching staff had debated myriad of options to conclude the team’s two-week training schedule, Perry said he liked the opportunity JSU provided his players.

“We looked at several opportunities, hosting someone to play at home, but we had difficulty confirming an opponent and working out the details to come here,” Perry said. “We couldn’t agree on a financial arrangement, so there were some obstacles.

“I thought this would be a great experience for our team to play on a college field. To play an opponent we don’t see during the regular season will be a great experience. Last year, 130 college coaches attended this event, so to have guys play in front of college coaches to help the ones that want to play at the next level and get that college exposure. We want part of the experience for the guys here playing football to experience something like that.

This gives us something to work toward in

Tribe wins opener, loses series to ‘Dogs

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Wetumpka rising senior running back Kavosiey Smoke (7) carries the ball around the edge last season. Smoke and the rest of the Indians will finish spring drills with a jamboree game against Mobile’s Mary Montgomery in Jacksoville.

spring and get excited about, look forward to and add a little motivation.”

Jacksonville State will provide each program with an allotment of tickets. All money made from presales will go to the schools. Neither the number of tickets allotted Wetumpka nor when they go on sale has been determined.

Last season, Mary Montgomery had its best season in 14 years – the last time it made the playoffs – going 5-5 in 7A Region 1.

The Indians are coming off the program’s best campaign in six seasons, winning eight games in the regular season before falling in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs for the third year in a row.

After a timely, extra-inning hit lifted Wetumpka in its Class 6A, Area 6 opener, its bats went cold, managing just three hits the next two games as Opelika won the series Friday, taking games two, 10-0, and three, 1-0.

Junior Hayden Shepherd’s tworun double in the top of the ninth in game one at Opelika last Tuesday provided the Indians enough room to grab a 1-0 series lead with the 3-1 victory. With a three-up, threedown bottom of the ninth, Tribe junior Jon Holbert saved junior James Duer’s masterful start, relinquishing one run on just three hits in eight innings.

“It was real big, (Duer) staying on the mound, keeping us in the game,” Wetumpka head baseball coach Mark Davis said. “He got a lot of groundballs, getting back to the plate on offense was key. He had a heck of a game. We had key situations when they had men in scoring position and he struck them out.”

Shepherd had two of the Indians’ five hits in the series opener. Senior leftfielder Hayden Pickens also had two hits and junior Max Champion got a hit.

Bulldog junior starter Jackson Reynolds gave up one WHS hit and struck out three in the five-inning, complete game 10-0 shutout Friday.

In the series finale, Holbert and OHS senior Kenneth Chase dueled for seven frames, allowing four and two hits, respectively. Opelika took a 1-0 lead in top of the first, turning a Wetumpka error into a run. But the Indians couldn’t get the run back.

“Our bats went dead a little bit.

We didn’t swing it well, didn’t play well at all (in game two),” Davis said. “In game three, we had a lot of ‘at them’ balls. We hit several where the outfielders didn’t have to move to catch the ball. We hit the pitcher twice with the ball and it’d bounce right to the shortstop or the second baseman for an easy out.

Every ball hit was hit well, we just couldn’t get one through for a base hit and score a run.

“Jon Holbert in game three, throwing 83 pitches and holding them to an unearned run in the first inning, he did an excellent job giving us a chance in that game. We had some good pitching in these games, we just got to score runs.”

WHS plays county rival Stanhope Elmore on the road at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and returns to area play, hosting Benjamin Russell next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

Teasley inks with Lady Hawks

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Even on Lauren Teasley’s off days, she’ll still give it 100 percent.

That’s the type of player Huntingdon College gained Thursday as the Holtville senior signed a national letter-of-intent to play college softball with the Lady Hawks at a ceremony in the HHS library.

A definitive role player and starter at multiple positions for the Lady Bulldogs throughout her high school career, Teasley said she was never certain she would play in college, with softball taking a backseat to her academics.

“I always wanted to, but my education was more important,” Teasley said. “If the opportunity presented itself, I’d go play.”

Huntingdon coaches offered Teasley after watching her play travel ball during the summer and reviewing a video of her fielding at shortstop and second base, where they’d like for her to play.

“I was very excited (to sign) and nervous also. I’m looking forward to what I have in store for my future,” she said. “I

just like that the coaches are very downto-earth. There’s not so much pressure or anything else and I just love the school and the program.

“They said they can’t promise me being a starter, can’t promise it to anyone, but that (the coaches) would work with me to be the best player that I could possibly be.

They have big expectations of me.”

While she has filled many roles during her time at Holtville, and regardless of what position is expected of her with the Hawks, Teasley knows how she’ll approach every day.

“Every game and every practice, I try to give it 100 percent – even on my bad days where I felt like I couldn’t catch anything or hit anything to save my life. It’s been a lot of ups-and-downs for the last six years playing softball here,” she said. “I just want to finish out strong and give it everything I have. I want to continue that going into Huntingdon and give them everything I have.

“They’re going to get someone that’s works their butt off and even tries on their off days.”

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Holtville senior Lauren Teasley signed a national letter-of-intent Thursday to play college softball at Huntingdon College.

PAGE A8 • APRIL 5, 2017

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Tigers edge Tide in Capital City Classic

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Behind its bullpen, Auburn edged Alabama, 4-3, for its eighth win over its rival in the ninth annual MAX Capital City Classic last Tuesday at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery.

Relievers threw the final 5.2 innings with Corey Herndon earning his first win on the season for the Tigers (23-7) after relieving freshman starter Christian Camacho in the fourth inning. The Crimson Tide (13-15) scored one unearned run off Herndon in the bottom of the fifth, tying the game, 3-3.

Auburn freshman Ryan Watson and redshirt junior Andrew Mitchell allowed just one Tide hit the rest of the way, with the latter picking up the save.

“I just look at the first three guys that got in the ballgame, I’ve got a freshman, I’ve got a first-year junior, his first time playing in this game, then another freshman in Watson that gets us all the way to that point,” Tigers head baseball coach Butch Thompson said. “I was wanting Andrew to throw the ninth, but we brought him in there to finish the eighth.

“Just to see those guys and how much they’re going to grow from

that it’s what is neat for us to see.

You can’t put new players on our team in a better environment than what we had tonight.”

Auburn opened up the scoring in the top of the third with Josh Anthony coming home on an error

by Alabama third baseman Connor Short. Three batters later, Daniel Robert ripped a two-run single to center off starter Garrett Rukes, bringing in Blake Logan and Will Holland, and putting the Tigers ahead, 3-0. “(Playing from behind) that’s what we do all the time, and that’s no fun,” first-year Crimson Tide head baseball coach Greg Goff said.

“It would be nice to get out front for once and get after it. That’s just who we are and that’s just the way it is.

“Our pitchers again, we talk about it, get ahead of guys, finish guys off. Again, the base on balls cost us again tonight. When you play good teams, you’ve got to minimize the freebies. You can’t make errors, we made an error on the bunt and you can’t walk them. We did those two things.”

In the sixth, Anthony collected the eventual game-winning RBI single with two outs off Tide reliever Sam Finnerty (1-2), who took the loss.

Submitted / The Herald

Auburn University freshman second baseman Will Holland (17) scores a run versus in-state rival Alabama while catcher Blake Logan (1) celebrates, as the Tiger won the 9th annual MAX Capital City Classic, 4-3, last week at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery.

Mustangs sweep Selma, secure postseason spot

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Stanhope Elmore swept its Class 6A, Area 5 opening opponent Selma to clinch a playoff spot Friday, but by the lack of a celebration, the team didn’t show it.

To the Mustangs (17-11, 2-0), booking a postseason berth is just part of the goal.

“When we started the season, we wanted to host the first round of the playoffs and win the area,” first-year SEHS baseball coach Wes Dunsieth said. “Sweeping Selma, they really

didn’t see it as a big deal. They saw it as a step in the process to accomplish our goal. We were excited about it, but the focus now is on the three games with Chilton County and focus on what we need to do.”

Stanhope will play Chilton County next week, Tuesday at home and a doubleheader Friday on the road, with the area title on the line.

Pitching set up the area championship showdown, with Mustang senior pitchers and Southern Union State Community College signees Zach Mozingo and Mark McGowin shutting down Selma. In game one, Mozingo

gave up one run on two hits while striking out eight in the five-inning, 12-2, run-rule. McGowin fanned 13 batters in five scoreless frames, as sophomore Trey Dunn completed the shutout, pitching two hitless innings in the 9-0 victory for SEHS. Stanhope won game three, 13-5.

“Our pitching was key to our success against them. Our pitchers did a great job of keeping them off bases,” Dunsieth said. “We were scrappy enough that we bunted the ball, stole bases and put together hits. It seemed like everybody we brought in was on, but our pitching was really key.”

Amongst the bevy of runs, Jacksonville State University commit and senior second baseman Tanner Anderson, along with fellow senior and SUSCC signee Parker Head and senior Tripper Warlick offensively paved the way for the Mustangs.

“Right now, the biggest thing is staying mentally within ourselves, not think too much out front and focus on what we can control. Focus on the same things we’ve been doing,” Dunsieth said.

SEHS plays rival Wetumpka Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Bazemore Field.

Too much going on this weekend

I

Submitted / The Herald

Wetumpka resident Ken Homan hit a hole-in-one on Emerald Mountain Golf Club’s Hole 17 (Par 3, 135 yards) March 27.

Homan hits hole-in-one at Emerald Mountain

By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Ken Homan bounced in his first hole-in-one last Monday on Emerald Mountain Golf Club’s Hole 17.

Standing over the shot from the white tees into the wind with a 7 iron from 135 yards out, the 69-year-old retiree and Wetumpka resident thought for sure the shot was short after he struck it.

“When I hit it, I thought it was short,” Homan, who turns 70 next month, said. “It hit the edge of the green, hopped up there, made two hops, hit the flagstick and fell in the hole. It wasn’t anything pretty, it just hopped up there.”

Normally, Homan said he can carry an 8 iron 135 yards, but hitting into the wind, he opted to go a club up, a decision that proved fruitful.

“One of my friends, Steve Campbell had a hole-in-one on the same hole before. So I was encouraged by that,” he said. “I got out my range finder, teed it up, the wind was blowing a little bit.

Usually it would be an 8-iron shot, but with the wind, I thought I’d try my 7. I walked up to the tee, took a deep breath, hit it, it flew high into the wind and that’s why I thought it was short. But it bounced up there and went in.

“I try to keep my head down as much as possible, so I didn’t watch it until that last bounce.”

A marshall at the course, Homan only picked up the game of golf seven years ago and never thought he’d hit an ace.

“I’ve been close several times. I never thought I’d ever get a hole-in-one.

It just something you don’t think about until it happens and then you go, ‘Did I just hit a hole-in-one?’”

t’s gone and happened again. The sports world has delivered an overwhelming number of column worthy topics and here I am with a limited amount of space.

I can’t bring myself to focus on one story and leave out all the other newsworthy events. Well, either that or I didn’t get enough sleep last night and my brain is seriously fried.

Six of one, I suppose.

I thought the Auburn softball team had broken every previous record and conquered every “first” in program history during Clint Myers three years on the Plains. Apparently not. Auburn went into Athens, Ga., this past weekend and swept the No. 16 Bulldogs for the first time in school history. That brings the No. 7 Tigers record to 31-5 overall and 6-3 in conference.

Auburn has already faced the No. 2 (Florida), No. 8 (Washington), No. 10 (LSU), No. 11 (James Madison), No. 12 (Oklahoma) and No. 16 (Georgia) teams in the country.

The competition has been exceptional, but the Tigers have risen to the challenge. What’s even more impressive is they’re doing it while their best player (Kasey Cooper) is in the worst slump of her career only hitting .265. Cooper hit .422 last season with 21 homeruns and 83 RBI. If she can find her way at the plate, this team could definitely be a contender.

It was just another ho-hum weekend at Plainsman Park as freshman Conor Davis hit a three-run homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday to defeat No. 6 South Carolina 6-5 and take the series two games to three.

Butch Thompson’s gritty club continues to play with a lot of confidence and never goes down without a fight. I had heart palpitations this morning seeing the

Tigers ranked No. 7 by Baseball America. Usually, that would be ANDY in the SEC, but GRAHAM that’s actually in Sports the whole counColumnist try!

Again, what’s even more impressive is Auburn got the better of the Gamecocks this weekend without its best pitcher. Keegan Thompson was held out of action with shoulder tendinitis. I think it’s fair to say the Tigers might be playing a little bit above their heads right now, but they’re 23-7 overall and 7-2 in the SEC. They won a total of 23 games in 2016.

Sports has an uncanny way of balancing itself out. Here’s a pretty incredible stat from my pal Jason Caldwell at AUTigers.com.

Auburn was 1-11 last season in one run games. They’re 8-2 this season.

Finally, I guess congratulations are in order to North Carolina for winning the NCAA Tournament on Monday night. Truth be told, I was pulling for Gonzaga, but the Tar Heels are certainly a worthy champion. After getting their heart ripped out by Villanova in the championship game last season, I suppose it was fitting to crown them this year.

The game itself definitely didn’t live up to last year’s contest. At times, it seemed more like a masonry convention. You know, with all the brick-laying.

The Zags made it to the first Final Four in school history.

Their first national championship will have to wait for another time. I would imagine getting that close and coming up short will be difficult to live with for a long time. However, they have an excellent coach and are building a great tradition. They’ll be back.

Andy Graham writes a regular sports column for Tallapoosa Publishers.

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Please keep your pets on monthly heartworm prevention

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Many thanks to everyone who came out Friday night for a wonderful music filled evening at My Place Uptown at Atlanta Crossing to support our shelter. And huge thanks to the members Bama JammersBand, Outside the Inside, Britt Johnson and Abby Katherine Douglas for their incredible musical talent. It was a wonderful treat for the crowd and our staff to enjoy this evening of all original music, which raised well over $700 for our shelter! But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fret if you missed out as they will be doing a second evening for us on June 30, also at My Place, so make sure to mark your calendar!

The 15th annual Cruisin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fer Critters is coming up on Saturday, April 29, at DĂŠjĂ Vu, located at 121 N. Burbank Drive in Montgomery.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. with last bike out by 1 p.m. Each â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is $15 for which you get an event patch, goodie bag, food, door prize ticket and more, such as live music,

bike/car wash, fun live auction and just a great day of fun. Best hand wins $250, 2nd best wins $100 and worst hand wins $50 (must be present to win). There is a $5 minimum if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to play a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hand.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sponsorships are available, so please contact Joey â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shaggyâ&#x20AC;? Keithahn at 334-558-1423 or Sherri ClowerKirkley at 334-207-3773.For more info contact Joey â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shaggyâ&#x20AC;? Keithahn at 334-558-1423 or Sherri ClowerKirkley at 334-207-3773.

Heartworms are something we sadly deal with quite a bit in our shelter as pets are susceptible to heartworms all year round in Alabama. Heartworms are transferred through mosquito bites and result in actual worms living in the heart of an affected dog (or many other mammals). These worms cause damage to the heart and also many other organs, so affected pets often die far too young from resultant complications such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito for your pet to get heartworms.

The key is preventing heartworms

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in the first place. Not only is this easy to do, it is exceedingly cheap when compared to the cost (and danger) of having to treat your dog for heartworms. Dogs newly infected with heartworms may not exhibit any symptoms, which is why an annual blood test by your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veterinarian is necessary. Once your veterinarian determines your dog does not have the adult heartworms, they can then prescribe a monthly prevention that you can give your pet at home. The drugs to prevent heartworms are completely different than the drug necessary to treat a dog with heartworms, so it is very important to never give your pet heartworm medicine until they have been tested by your veterinarian.

The good news is heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive.

There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six-month injectable product (available only for dogs), all available from your veterinarian.

These products are not available for

you to purchase at a pet supply store, your local feed store or on-line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you must get these from a licensed veterinarian. These preventatives are extremely effective and, when administered properly, will prevent heartworm infection by interrupting the life cycle so they cannot become adult heartworms. An added benefit from keeping your pet on heartworm preventative is that many of them also prevent other parasites like roundworms, whipworms and hookworms (a few also prevent tapeworms) and some products also prevent fleas and ticks.

In the long run keeping your dog (and cat) on monthly heartworm prevention will not only keep your pet healthy it will save you a lot of money and heartache for a very expensive, lengthy and risky adult heartworm treatment. Since we certainly have our share of mosquitos here in Alabama, heartworm disease is prevalent so please keep your pets on monthly heartworm prevention.

Meet Everett and Tobias - Humane Society Pets of the Week

Everett and Tobias are two four-month-old Lab mix boys wondering why everyone is passing them by.

They are very playful and happy pups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just perfect for a family with children wanting a pup to grow up with. They should be in the 50-pound range when fully grown.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one 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) and a free health exam from your participating veterinarian.

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

We are open for adoptions Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m..

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