INSIDE: Bryson Veterinary welcomes Dr. Lexi Smith, A5
Parents arrested as 3-year-old tests positive for meth
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Two Millbrook residents were charged with chemical endangerment of a child after their 3-year -old tested positive for methamphetamine, marijuana and amphetamine. The incident tugged on the heartstrings of Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson who has children and grandchildren himself.
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
“This infuriates me and breaks my heart at the same time,” Johnson said. “There is not a world that we live in that a 3-yearold should be exposed
Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.
to or test positive for these or any other illegal or legal narcotics. Children are to be both cherished and protected.”
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
The Millbrook Police Department was contacted on July 26 by the Elmore County Department of Human Resources after Hol -
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
lie Moen, 29, and Mitchell Harrison, 31, tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. Moen and Harrison were arrested Thursday, charged with chemical endangerment of a child and taken to the Elmore County Jail. They each posted a $15,000 bond Saturday and were released from jail. Johnson said law
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sher iff’s Office have the alleged vic tim’s phone. Authorities collect ed Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday. The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
A GREEN DAY
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
Publix celebrates grand opening in Wetumpka
See CHAMBER, Page A3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The new Publix in Wetumpka was in full bloom Wednesday for the grand opening. So much so that the first purchase a bouquet of flowers, most fittingly for the First Lady of Wetumpka.
“Well, they better be for my wife,” Wetumpka
Mayor Jerry Willis said with a smile as he was decked out in green for the ribbon cutting. He even autographed the first dollar bill for the store after making the sweet purchase.
“It’s a green day in Wetumpka,” Willis said. “We are so excited about this.”
More than 100 people lined up to be one of the
first customers in the new store. Although the official ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening took just a few moments, getting the store open in Wetumpka took a decade or more.
“It’s a dream,” Willis said. “A lot of people moved a lot of parts to make it happen. It takes a
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
enforcement officers often get to a point where things don’t affect them as much as the public.
“It’s not as true when the victims are children or the elderly,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
Raising awareness one rock at a time
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Scattered across Elmore County, across the country and even across the world are rocks in honor of Alec Tyndall.
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
From Eclectic to Wetumpka, Rhode Island to Arizona and Canada to New Zealand, these rocks celebrate the life of Tyndall while raising awareness about distracted driving.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI The first customers of the Wetumpka Publix fill into the new store Wednesday. More than 100 lined up to be the first in the store.
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Tyndall was 18 and just two months after graduating from Tallassee High School in 2016 when he died following a car wreck.
Alec’s father Randy Sewell started painting rocks and placing them wherever we went asking people to post a photo of the rock in our group and place it somewhere else for others to find and it wasn’t long before others joined him in doing the same.
Eight years later the page has more than 9,000 followers and on July 30, Alec’s birthday was celebrated by placing more painted rocks across the world.
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
“Soon after, the kindness rock project became popular,” Alec’s mother Michelle Sewell said in a Facebook post.
“Our mission is to raise awareness of distracted driving while telling the world how amazing our son was,” Michelle posted.
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
“We started Rocks For Alec in memory of him.
Alec’s favorite characters, such as the Minions, Pokemon and
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the vic-
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
Staff Report
Consistency key to discipline issues
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
While some teachers spent the summer on vacation, many school staff members were hard at work implementing new policies that’ll affect students throughout the year.
Tallassee now has a new school cell phone policy, similar to the one at Stanhope Elmore, and several other adjustments were made to comply with new legislation directed at protecting students and staff.
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
“They are always passing different things in the legislature that
the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
affect things in discipline but this year more so than ever,” Elmore County Schools director of compliance Steve McKenzie said. This year all school systems had to make sure their policies matched up with the new Teacher
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 per cent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
WILSON
This rock was created and placed in Rhode Island to honor Alec Tyndall. Rocks have been placed around the world in Alec’s honor and advocate against distracted driving.
HARRISON MOEN
See METH, Page A8
Traffic stop leads to drug trafficking arrest
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
An Elmore County deputy sheriff found drugs during a routine traffic stop early Thursday morning.
A deputy followed a vehicle into a Wetumpka parking deck to stop a driver for a traffic violation.
“In the process of a Terry Frisk (a stop and frisk), (the officer) found drugs,” Elmore
County Sheriff Bill Franklin said. “Some of it was found on the back seat.” Approximately 30 grams of cocaine and two bags of marijuana, totaling about 2 grams, was located during the search, Franklin said. Jonathan Smedley, 32, of Montgomery, was arrested and
charged with drug trafficking and first-degree possession of marijuana.
Smedley was transported to the Elmore County Jail and has a $1,510,000 bond available to him.
According to court records, at the time of his arrest, Smedley was out of jail on a $3,000 bond from a September 2021 arrest in Montgomery County for first-degree possession of marijuana.
ADOC officer charged with promoting prison contraband
BY TPI STAFF Staff Report
Another Alabama Department of Corrections officer has been arrested related to promoting prison contraband. According to an ADOC
release, law enforcement services division agents and K-9 officers responded to Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County to assist facility staff with the arrest of officer Annetta Smith, 59, of Montgomery. She was
transported to the Elmore County Jail and charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband and first-degree possession of marijuana. Smith also resigned from her position at the ADOC. SMITH
City seeking to rezone to clear up paperwork
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The City of Wetumpka is in the process of rezoning 5.92 acres off of Gossom Switch Road from B-2 (General Business District) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential).
The Margate Landing development currently contains duplexes and part of it was not zoned appropriately. Rezoning the development was a
topic of brief discussion at Monday’s Wetumpka City Council meeting.
“Whenever it was built, it was zoned B-2,” Wetumpka planning director Justin Barrett said. “We need to do this to clear up the paperwork so the owner can do some refinancing.”
Wetumpka’s B-2 zoning is a local business district allowing small-scale, convenience retail, office and service
uses and activities that cater to the surrounding neighborhood.
The council approved advertising the proposed rezoning, which will be voted on at a future meeting.
The council authorized the mayor to sign documents related to the release of the mortgage with RTJ Wetumpka LLC, which is the small corporation formed for the purpose of bringing Publix to Wetumpka. The mortgage allowed the city to recoup some of its efforts in economic development if Publix didn’t open in Wetumpka.
IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the July 15 meeting.
• Gave permission for
Main Street Wetumpka to host Oktoberfest in downtown Sept. 28.
• Gave permission to Prattville High School to use the Wetumpka Sports Complex for three practice dates.
• Approved a professional services contract not to exceed $15,000 for geotechnical testing at River Town Center Phase I.
• Approved a professional services contract not to exceed $25,000 to perform a traffic study and ALDOT permitting for River Town Center Phase I.
• Approved repairs to the Wetumpka Fire Department’s ladder truck elevated waterway. The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19.
SMEDLEY
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Shelter still battling canine flu
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is an update that our shelter is still working through Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2) in our dogs. The good news is our dogs are responding well to the antibiotics so not just a matter of getting them over their symptoms and past any contagious period. Our restrictions remain in place of no dog adoptions, limited intake to critical strays, and no public walk-through in our kennels to ensure visitors don’t take this home to their dogs. Cat intake and adoptions continue as normal as this does not affect our cats.
We greatly appreciate the community’s support as we work through this challenge. Your donations to help our pets and even our staff (lunch, snacks) has been most definitely appreciated. Our dogs are still getting exercised thanks to our intrepid
team of volunteer dog exercisers who adjusted to procedural changes as they help us look out for our dog’s physical & mental health. Your continued patience with our temporary changes for likely the next two, possibly three weeks, is most appreciated. As we look forward to putting Canine Influenza behind us by the end of the month, we can also look ahead to our 18th annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse on Sunday, Sept. 15 from noon to 4 p.m.
The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 22. As we look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon at Fort Toulouse time for area Vendors to jump on board! We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc to join us and our vendor fee is only $40. Vendors must bring your own tables/pop-up/ chairs and there is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator please let us know for
site planning. You can find our info and Vendor Application/ payment online. If you prefer us to email you the letter and forms in .pdf for printing, email us at hselco@bellsouth. net, or message us on our Shelter Facebook page. There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park – vendors, food, demonstrations, Microchip Clinic, Blessing of the Pets, Pet Parade, Bark in the Park T-Shirts and a great selection of pet & other great Silent Auction items! Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, and they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet
of the Week — Princess
Princess is a lovely calico lady. She is doing well at 12 years old with many years of love yet to give. She is an indoor kitty. She was surrendered by her owner who could no longer keep her. Princess is a very sweet lady. She had lived with another cat and a small dog but has not been around younger children.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Princess or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.
A4 • August 7, 2024
Our View Opinion
The power of the local media
Taking criminals off the streets is the most important thing when it comes to law enforcement.
Whether it’s a case from years ago or something more recent, police officers and sheriffs alike are always hoping for justice.
Recently, a grand jury indictment was able to be served thanks to an Alexander City Outlook Facebook post.
Last Wednesday, Caron Culberson, 46, of Roanoke, was arrested by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office on a grand jury indictment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
“She apparently saw the article (The Outlook) posted and she turned herself in,” Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force Sgt. Chad Jones said.
According to Jones, it was a routine traffic stop in 2019 and something as simple as a change of address could’ve led to her indictment never being served. But the county’s most wanted list, which was released July 15, was compiled of some of the oldest warrants the county had outstanding, one of which was Culberson’s indictment.
This more than ever shows the power of the local media.
Of course, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department had made its most wanted list available for the public on its newly launched app. And of course, people can download that for free and see the information available.
But The Outlook put that information at the forefront. The list had been released for a couple days before publication, but it wasn’t until Culberson saw the post on The Outlook’s Facebook page that she noticed herself on it.
While Culberson quickly bonded out for her alleged crimes, she now has an arraignment set for Aug. 29 and has been taken off the most wanted list. She is one step further in the justice system.
What’s your
Opinion?
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The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
Back in my day…
No, I’m kidding. I won’t go there.
But I will say this, the first day of football practice has changed over the course of my 15-year career covering high school football.
When I first started in Pennsylvania, there was so much excitement surrounding the first day of practice. It was what we all waited for As reporters, we spent hours upon hours at two-a-days, just waiting for the first day of school to start so we’d have only afternoon practices to deal with.
But now, it’s completely different.
In Alabama, I was introduced to spring football. That’s not a thing in Pennsylvania — at least not when I was there. Ten days of practice complete with a spring game — heck yes, I thought I was in heaven. And don’t get me wrong; I do love a good spring game. There’s just something about football under the lights that will always be exciting to me. But there’s a pretty clear
The Wetumpka Word
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
argument we’re over-professionalizing high school sports, especially football in Alabama. Even 7-on-7 tournaments and organized team activities are now taking over the summer. There’s summer workouts, weight lifting and Iron Man competitions.
All of these things have their place, to be sure, but are they the right fit for high school?
It’s something to consider. There have been advancements when it comes to twoa-days, which were grueling in their own right. Hours upon hours were spent in the summer heat with full pads, causing worries for parents and coaches for safety reasons. There have been regulations put on the number of hours kids can prac tice and what heat indexes have to be at for a safe day outside. However, there’s something lackluster about football prac -
tice the first couple of “official days.”
Monday — Tallassee, Dadeville and Reeltown — and I got to see a good mix of what all the teams in our tri-county area are doing. Of the three, only Tallassee was in shoulder pads because the Tigers didn’t play a spring game and got to start a few days early.
For Tiger coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal, there was some excitement in the air to be sure. about being back out on the football field.
Reeltown and Dadeville, it seemed like just another day. We are less than three weeks away from the first game of the season, and there should be that fervor and hype in the air. With how busy these teams are during the spring and summer, it’s just not there anymore.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoo sa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
Future looks good from here
If the youth in Elmore County is any indication, I am confident the future will be bright.
I’m so confident in fact I’m predicting there is a future president who has recently graduated or will soon graduate from a high school in the county. There are future leaders who have already led. Some were valedictorians of their respective classes such as Aysia Jackson, the Stanhope Elmore graduate who plans to be a nurse anesthetist.
I’m sure there is a good chance she will put me to sleep in the future as her classmate Lorin McElrath, who has been planning to be a dermatologist since she was 7, will remove skin cancer from my face or arms.
Other seniors led in other ways.
How many girls can say they choreographed a dance routine for their male classmates to perform on the stage?
Tallassee graduate Sarah Jane Patterson can. She is going to Troy to continue to study dance.
I’m confident Sarah Jane will be listed in the credits of a big Broadway production someday.
Others like Rutlege Rogers are still in high school but used the summer to better themselves. He visited with teenagers from across the country touring the area. He learned about his community from a different
viewpoint.
Other students are coaching up teammates for the football fields and basketball courts.
Others are helping introduce freshmen to the robotics and science teams at Wetumpka High School.
In many cases some of the students’ success and developing vision can be credited to parents. Some of the success can be credited to help from teachers such as Dr. Virginia Vilardi and Johanna Angelo.
In all cases the common thread among the students who succeed are parents, teachers and a circle who allow the students to become who they are. They are allowed to explore and learn for themselves. They are allowed to share what they have learned through projects and speeches.
It’s even outside their subject area. Just look at McElrath. She and two other students created the SuperKids prom. It didn’t fall into McElrath’s wheelhouse but she and two classmates pulled the event of a lifetime for their special classmates. The students are modeling
behaviors adults can learn from.
With the start of a new school year, it is time we allow our students to learn for themselves without the towering authority of adults. Yes structure is needed, but not a rigid system that is often archaic. Along the way the students will help us adults create a better world for everyone.
Despite what all the talking heads say about division and animosity in the world, if we follow the lead of our youth we will be just fine. It’s so many of those talking heads that have us believing our friends are enemies. Do kids on the playground see race or religion? No, they see someone to play with — a potential friend.
Let’s take the example of our youth and follow it. Let’s study our past and current events and actions, learn from them and be respectful as possible when discussing them. Our youth are watching how we handle the conversation.
Youngsters are our future and can create a better one if we adults get out of the way.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald. com.
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Insurance increases for county schools
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Costs are going up everywhere.
That includes insurance, and it’s an issue facing Elmore County Schools, which is spending more on insurance than previous years.
The Elmore County Board of Education heard from chief schools financial officer Jason Mann about increases for insurance for vehicles and facilities at its Tuesday meeting. Many governmental agencies use the State of Alabama Division of Risk Management, but for a variety of reasons, the Elmore County BOE does not.
“If anybody has looked at their homeowners insurance you can tell you are paying more,” Mann said. “We are no different with ours.”
Mann said the board actually gets better rates and coverage by not using risk management for insurance coverage on facilities and vehicles. For facilities the Elmore County BOE saves $662,000 per year to insure with another carrier.
The system will also get coverage of the new turf fields this way as well.
“Risk management will not cover the turf fields,” Mann said. “They will not insure those. There is no full coverage.”
The policy covers issues related to wind and terrorism as well as vehicles.
The system has 273 vehicles insured, about 200 of which are school buses.The policy is through Auto Owners Insurance and the carrier is Travelers.
Using risk management carries unnecessary burdens, according to Mann.
“It is either Auto Owners or get sued again,” Mann said. “Their lapse in time was getting us sued. This is a full coverage plan that provides us real time results like you or I.”
The insurance issues didn’t require board action, but the board did take action on several other issues.
Some school nurses will receive an increase in pay. As it stood, pay matrixes for nurses hired before 2019 did not give credit for prior nursing experience. The board approved giving school nurses credit for experience as a means of retention.
The board also approved the purchase of a 2024 Dodge Durango from state bid in the amount of $42,542,36 from Stivers in Prattville. The vehicle will be used by the school resource officer program between alternative program facilities.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:
• Approved personnel actions.
• Approved stipends for special education teachers.
• Approved changes to the student handbook and code of conduct.
• Approved an agreement with Phoenix Rehabilitation for athletic training services.
• Approved a facility use agreement for Airport Road Intermediate School.
• Approved an easement agreement at Airport Road Intermediate School.
The journey for Eagle Scout started much earlier. Unger began Cub Scouts at Pack 50 across the street at the First Baptist Church. He then crossed over to Troop 13 to begin the Scout journey.
Eagle project plants trees at Presbyterian Church
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s been five years since a tornado basically destroyed the First Presbyterian Church in Wetumpka. The church has been rebuilt and now new trees have been planted as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Ray Unger attends the Presbyterian Church and was a member of Troop 13 when the tornado struck. It was the church where Unger did his entire Scouting career. He saw the severe damage from the tornado, and it set the wheels in motion to plant trees.
“I was working on my Scout ranks at the time,” Unger said. “I thought it would be a cool thing to do when I get to the point of the Eagle project.”
First, Unger had to present his ideas to the church’s property committee.
“They suggested a playground or trees,” Unger said. “Logistically the trees were easier.
It was something that was able to benefit them.”
Unger had to plan the project, raise funds and recruit help. It helped that the site was also the meeting place for Troop 13.
“The troop was able to benefit from it too,” Unger said.
The journey for Eagle Scout started much earlier. Unger began Cub Scouts at Pack 50 across the street at the First Baptist Church. He then crossed over to Troop 13 to begin the Scout journey.
One of Unger’s favorite Scout experiences was traveling with members of his troop in the summer of 2022 to Flor-
ida Sea Base located in Key West. The Scouts spent the week deep-sea fishing, eating seafood and exploring the local sights.
Just because Unger has finished Scouting doesn’t mean he isn’t still involved. He has transitioned to a new Venturing Crew 122 at the Presbyterian Church.
“It is like a higher version of Boy Scouts,” Unger said. “It is just for older people.”
Unger is still involved with Scouts
helping at meetings and camps.
“I’m able to stay connected and help out where I can,” Unger said.
Unger is a recent graduate of Wetumpka High School and still studies two martial arts — taekwondo and jiu jitsu. He is balancing it all while studying at South University to be a physical therapy assistant with hopes of doing more.
“I hope to become a physical therapist at some point, but I have to be an assistant first,” Unger said.
Bryson Vet welcomes new veterinarian
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
There’s two things Dr. Lexi Smith has always been a huge fan of — animals and the South.
Growing up in Northeast Ohio, Smith didn’t love the cold but she did love growing up around horses. She also spent a lot of time involved in the 4-H programs in her hometown.
She also always loved school.
So when it came time to get an education, it only made sense for Smith to do something involving animals.
“I was always a big fan of school and wanted to go back to school,” Smith said. “I applied to an undergrad that had a really strong animal science prevet program, and that got me exactly where I needed to be. I had really good experiences in undergrad, and that just kind of fueled my fire for vet med and continuing my education.”
One experience she had in undergraduate schooling that always stuck with her was visit-
SUBMITTED TPI
Dr. Lexi Smith poses with her dog Poppy. She has been introduced as the new vet at Bryson Veterinary
ing other veterinary schools and seeing what they had to offer
The one that really stood out in her mind was Auburn University, which is well known for its vet medicine program.
“I got a chance to see Auburn my first year of undergrad, so three years before I had to apply, that’s where I knew I wanted to go,” Smith said.
But it wasn’t just her undergraduate degree that got her to the South; it was also her now-fiance, a Wetumpka native. So it was the natural perfect fit for her to be welcomed recently as the new veterinarian doctor at Bryson Vet in Wetumpka.
“It is such a small world, but I wouldn’t have asked for a better situation,” Smith said. “I
love exactly where I am.”
One of the things she’s most excited about coming to the Wetumpka animal community is building relationships with the people who bring their pets to her.
“It’s called the veterinary-client patient relationship, and it’s super, super important to me,” Smith said. “I love being able to make an impact in not only the pet’s life, but also the owner’s life and having that relationship with them.”
Smith has already started at Bryson and will be there full time starting Aug. 19.
With a community that is so pet-friendly, Smith said she thinks she will be the perfect fit.
“I think that I have a really easy going personality, and I like to listen,” Smith said. “I like to hear what people have to say and what their concerns are for their animals, and I think that I have a lot to learn. I’m excited to learn about the community and more about vet med in general. I just want to do my absolute best to be the best little doctor I can be.”
Preseason academics take off at Wetumpka High
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
High school athletes and marching bands practice over the summer. Why not high school scientists?
Dr. Virginia Vilardi has been successful at leading students to great high school academic careers and more. Much of that success comes from dedication — and not just from Vilardi. The students have to buy in. For almost two decades the acclaimed Wetumpka High School teacher has hosted what students have dubbed Vilardi’s Best Summer (VBS). Others call it “Bootcamp.” Vilardi has been leading the way when it comes to science at Wetumpka and beyond for more than two decades. The bootcamp is used as a way to introduce students to all the science activities Vilardi helps lead, including the science fair, paper reading, BEST and VEX Robotics and
See ACADEMICS, Page A6
Ray Unger holds a sea bass he caught while on a trip with Wetumpka Scout Troop 13 as they traveled
to Florida Sea Base in Key West last year.
in Wetumpka.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Wetumpka High School senior Wesley McCaslin tries to see how long he can make a straw and it still work in Dr.Virginia Vilardi’s summer bootcamp.
Students, teachers get ready for first day of school
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Summer is over and school is starting back.
A new school year starts today for Elmore County Schools and Thursday for Tallassee City Schools. But the preparation has been under way Volunteers and parents spent the last few weeks getting ready. At the Crenshaw Community Center Sunday, volunteers hosted a back-to-school bash where they gave time, money and services to make sure children were ready for the start of school. Three years ago, the event started with the help of county commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson.
“We do it to help set the kids up for a successful school year,” Jackson said. “They will go back to school in style. The main feature is they are able to get their hair done.”
In addition to a new haircut students left with a new backpack complete with school supplies. Resident Tyriae Benson, who brought her children to take advantage of the good will, is thankful for this kind of event.
“It’s good for the communi-
ty,” Benson said. “It’s a good way to end the summer before school starts.”
Meanwhile, at Tallassee Elementary School teachers were scurrying around Monday prepping for open house.
Second-grade teachers Jerri Brantley and Hannah Taylor
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have some experience tackling the first day of school.
No stranger to Tallassee Schools, Taylor became a Tiger in the fifth grade and graduated in 2010. She has taught for nine years, the last four at Tallassee Elementary. Brantley has been teaching for 39 years, all at Tallassee schools.
Both know what to expect.
“Most (second graders) are over the tears on the first day, but it depends on who they spent the summer with,” Brantley said. “It’s usually not like kindergarten.’
In Taylor’s experience, the first day can be hectic as some students are accustomed to the school and its routines.
“The tough part is getting them on the right bus,” Taylor said. “Some will try to get on the wrong bus on purpose because it takes them to their friends house.”
First day of school involves
more than just school personnel. Law enforcement is often there and in larger numbers on the first day of school. The traffic the first week is something all too familiar to Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson.
“The first day of school always brings excitement for the students and faculty,” Johnson said. “It also brings a certain amount of aggravation to those who are trying to get to work during the increased traffic that comes with the start of school. Our goal is to make this transition as safe as we possibly can for our students, teachers and the motoring public.”
Crossing guards and extra police officers will be near all schools helping students cross the road and directing traffic. Johnson said one thing is required for everyone.
“Patience is the name of the game,” Johnson said.
Coosada hosts back-to-school giveaway
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
Leon Smith Jr. is following in his father’s footsteps.
In 2020, the former Coosada chief of police Leon Smith Sr. died, but his memory lives on through his son. Smith Jr., who is now the police chief, and the rest of the Coosada Police Department hosted a back-to-school giveaway and fun day on Saturday morning.
“It was always my father’s vision to give back to the kids when they’re getting ready to prepare to go back to school,” Smith said. “We always give out back-to-school supplies
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Greenpower Racing.
and have a fun day for the kids to come out and have fun and just enjoy themselves.”
The event hosted at Coosada Community Center was more than just bouncy houses and water slides though. It was all about community and giving back to those in need.
Not only were school supplies and backpacks given away, haircuts were also given for free.
Plus, the first responders got to build a relationship with the kids as a firetruck, police vehicle, ambulance and even helicopter was on scene.
“Community relations is the key especially involving the young kids
Hands-on activities are used to get students information about the various programs. It also allows returning team members to share their experiences and for everyone to build a new team.
All the programs take teamwork, Vilardi emphasized. While she made assignments for team, design and marketing leads, Vilardi told the students they wouldn’t be working alone. In fact, she wants the leads to share or mentor younger students.
“There will be a day you won’t be here,” Vilardi said. “It’s the reason we have to let the younger students work too. It is not going to be easy. There will be times when it’s fun. There will be times when it’s not so fun.”
Vilardi said many of the students in the program spend hours per day working on the projects and there was still a chance to change a student’s schedule if the workload became too much in the first few days.
But there are lifelong benefits of the science programs, Vilardi said. They also strengthen college applications and job resumes.
“If you have done science fair, you have done science research,” Vilardi said. “That is one of the things that put her over other resumes.”
because sometimes kids grow up being afraid of the police,” Smith said. “But what we do is we try to break that barrier. We let them know, ‘Hey, we are here to help you and your friends.’”
Smith spent time talking to the children and parents during Saturday’s event as well, encouraging them to be more open with law enforcement and other first responders.
“Don’t be afraid to contact law enforcement,” Smith said. “Let us step in and see what we can do to help. That way we’re also buying in. We’re buying in with the parents and we’re also buying in with the kids, and that’s the key.”
Vilardi encouraged students to think outside the box when it comes to science fair projects. One student even patented a design for a new ballet shoe using a carbon fiber shoe that outlasted the traditional pointe ones.
“It was all while she was in high school,” Vilardi said. “Anything you are interested in can be researched. Everything is a science project.”
In addition to the science fair, there are other programs that have value outside of just science.
Senior Wesley McCaslin worked with the robotics team last year and took Vilardi’s AP biology class.
“I picked up skills such as talking and interacting with people on a team,” he said.
This year McCaslin is heading up technology by being in charge of video productions, webpages, CAD and programming for the various programs under Vilardi.
“I’m looking forward to being the team lead in those areas,” McCaslin said. “I was reserved about being one last year. You are rearing up all the sophomores and juniors, freshman so they can do the same thing you do.”
McCaslin has plans to seek a degree in computer science and either work in programming for virtual reality or teach the next generation of coders.
It’s students like McCaslin who encourage Vilardi to believe this year’s programs will be the best ever at Wetumpka.
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | TPI
Fun was the name of the game for kids at the Coosada back-to-school event on Saturday.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Children took advantage of the playground equipment at the Crenshaw Community Center as they wait their turn for hair cuts.
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SpongeBob Square Pants, are some of Randy Sewell’s inspirations. Some rocks also carry a message and are painted with the words “Rocks for Alec.”
Randy isn’t the only person painting rocks in Alec’s memory. Even some Facebook followers across the country are doing the same..
Karen Lunde of Wetumpka (where is she from?) creates her own rocks and places them around. She also looks for others at the same time.
“This awareness is important to spread and it has saved my life and I am sure it has and will save others,” Lunde wrote on the Rocks For Alec Facebook page. “Alec will always be in my heart and I am honored to be a part of making people aware.”
That’s exactly what Randy Sewell was hoping for when he started the Facebook
page. He knew his son would rather see someone else smile and do whatever he could to make that happen.
“We started this group because I prom -
ised my son the day he passed away that no one would ever for get who Alec was as long as I was alive, and I meant every word,” Sewell wrote. “I love you, Alec. You will always be in the hearts of many.”
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joint effort to make it happen.”
The Trotman Company is the developer responsible for connecting Publix with Wetumpka. The process has been long from the developer’s side as well.
“Publix has been looking at Wetumpka for 10 or more years,” Charlie Trotman Jr. said. “They couldn’t find the right site. They have always wanted to be on 231, but always on a hard corner.”
The developer eventually brought a property owner to the table to help bring the Publix project to fruition.
“It is not easy,” Trotman said.
“There is a lot of behind-thescenes work that happens. It’s not an overnight thing. It takes years to pull it all together.”
Publix wanted to locate where it had entrances to U.S. Highway 231 and a side street such as Fort Toulouse Road. Publix also wanted a traffic light nearby. Access to the highway had to be approved by the Alabama Department of Transportation. The City of Wetumpka can help make the connections, but the decision lies on ALDOT.
“They already had plans for this road construction project and we were able to work our plans into theirs to make this come together,” Trotman said. “It’s a group effort.”
Trotman and his father are from Montgomery but know Elmore County as many friends and family live and travel through the area. They know Wetumpka and
Elmore County are special.
“We knew how much these citizens wanted a Publix and how long they wanted one,” Trotman said. “To do that is special. That is what we pride ourselves on is enhancing the community and bringing exceptional tenants to the community.”
The Trotman Company has worked with Publix in the past. They have also worked with Best Buy, TJ Maxx and Burlington in other communities. It worked because of connections and relationships developed over the years and by attending large retail trade shows where tenant representatives are.
“You find them and get to the right person that has this area is key,” Trotman said. “You start building a relationship and you never know what might happen.”
At the same time Trotman tries to see where a retailer might fit.
“You know where a tenant is not and where a tenant would do well,” Trotman said. “You have to find a good site for them. In this case, it was this corner.”
Landowners are part of the mix as well. Trotman approaches them to gauge their interest in projects and tries to work a deal to bring a retail development.
Looking at Wetumpka and Elmore County, Trotman believes there is more room to grow.
“Everything Elmore County has going on right now, we want to be a part of to add to the value of it,” Trotman said. “Elmore County has something special right now. It is in a boom not a lot of places are seeing currently because of the economy.”
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child is currently in a safe envi -
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Bill of Rights. Many of the issues aren’t common in local schools simply because policies and procedures are in place, according to McKenzie.
“In some systems, students are being really disruptive,” McKenzie said. “Teachers send them to the office and they do not deal with them. They get sent back to the class.”
However, Elmore County Schools uses its Code of Conduct to work through the issues. McKenzie said the protocol has been in place for years and is updated almost yearly with the new legislation.
This year, it was updated with legislation surrounding disturbing obscene images. It is dealt with in the court system, but the Alabama legislature passed a law requiring schools to report it when it is known.
The staff at the schools
ronment. He also encouraged anyone to speak up when they see a child possibly in danger “Speak up and report it to the authorities,” Johnson said.
are trying to prevent it from happening to begin with.
“It’s crazy with the phones,” McKenzie said. “We talk to the students and try to educate them that once those pictures are sent, they are out there.”
The Code of Conduct is broken up into multiple levels. Class I infractions are first dealt with by the teacher, with parents and the administration involved. Class II infractions are essentially sent directly to an assistant principal. The class includes behaviors such as fighting.
The Code of Conduct gives instructions on how teachers and administration should handle reporting the behavior, an investigation, collection of evidence and reporting to parents the findings and resulting discipline.
The first infraction of fighting carries a mandatory five days in alternative school. The second is 10 days.
“It can be the police or DHR. These things must be addressed to care for the welfare of those not in a position to defend themselves.”
“It goes up from there,” McKenzie said.
“In the event a safety concern happens, the teacher can unlock the pouch,” Nolin said. KEY
While the plan is established to improve student discipline, issues arise when students have individual educational plans (IEP), such as students in special education. McKenzie said there are even more federal and state regulations to follow in discipline issues regarding those students.
In addition to Elmore County’s new regulations, Tallassee City Schools are implementing the Yondr pouch to greatly limit cell phone use during the school day. It’s a policy approved by the Tallassee Board of Education earlier this summer. It supports a cell phone policy that was on the books for years not allowing their use.
“Our policy already states the phone is supposed to be off and put up during the school day,” Tallassee superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said this summer. “This is just a tool to help teachers and administrators with that policy.”
The Yondr pouch has seen success from neighboring schools, like Stanhope Elmore for the last few years. Students at
Stanhope lock the phones in the pouch when they enter the school building. It is unlocked at the end of the day.
The program has proven successful at Stanhope as scores are and discipline issues are down. It has created other improved behaviors.
Students have returned to habits before cell phones were prevalent among teenagers.
“The biggest thing we have seen and had to adapt to is the noise level,” Stanhope instructional coach Leslie Caylor said. “The students are actually talking to each other instead of sending messages. It is promoting socialization.”
Tallassee’s cellphone pouch program will have a “key” in each classroom. Teachers will lock the pouches in the morning during an administrative time and unlock them at the end of the day.
Students leaving campus in the middle of the day will go through the office to get their phones unlocked.
SUBMITTED | TPI
Randy Sewell straightened up the Free Little Library in Holtville and place two of his rocks there remembering his son Alec.
ROCK
What’s in a name?
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. I pray everyone reading this week’s column is doing well and managing the heat. I know we all hear it often, but please remember to check on those you know who are at risk for heat related illness.
My name is Jonathan Graham Yarboro. There was no such thing as sonogram gender identification in 1966. My parents discovered their second child was a boy and named me Jonathan. Graham is my mother’s maiden name and, obviously, Yarboro is my father’s last name.
One might assume a couple of things from my first name. First, I am likely Caucasian, mainly because of the spelling of my name. Second, my parents either read the Bible or
BETHLEHEM EAST
BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. There was nothing particularly significant about the name Jonathan at the time of my birth. They just liked the name.
My middle name carries a few implications. Graham is a surname of Irish / Scottish origin. If you have ever seen me wearing my kilt, then you know what Graham plaid looks like. My middle name landed me the middle school nickname Graham Cracker, but I digress.
My last name is slightly less specific. Yarboro as a surname originated somewhere in Europe. There are more varied spellings of it than you can shake a stick at, but they all came from the same place originally.
So, it can be said that anyone seeing my name in print or
hearing it spoken somewhere might be able to begin to know something about me. Whatever knowledge gained, however, would be speculative at best. We all know the wisdom regarding assumptions.
The simple fact is, no one could actually know anything about me from simply seeing or hearing my name. Knowing things about people only comes from encountering people. Sure, assumptions can be made on several levels, but nothing can be determined for certain without an actual encounter.
I have had long hair off and on since I was a teenager. I have kept it pony-tail length for the last thirty years. I keep it that way because I like the way it looks and it is the easiest hairstyle to maintain I have
ever had. I also save lots of money on trips to the barber shop!
My choice of hairstyle is a personal choice. Everyone reading this column now knows the reason for my choice. If I had not explained that myself, a host of misinterpretations could potentially follow.
First, one might think I am a hippy holdover. I am, but that has nothing to do with my hair. Second, one might think I wear my hair long as some act of rebellion against societal norms. I don’t. Third, one might assume that, since I have long hair, I obviously smoke marijuana. Many people in the community are certain I do just because I have long hair.
My point is a simple one. Only people who actually
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
interact with me know anything about me. I only know things about people I interact with. I am not special. This is a universal of the human condition. It is something we all share.
Another thing we all share is the human temptation to think we know things about people that we actually do not. It happens all the time. Most of our human systems and structures rely on assumptions, but that doesn’t make it right. We are best served to rely first and foremost on the name given to all by God: child of God. Only interactions with others will reveal that name.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Church Briefs Worship With Us
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME!
Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants.
CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195.
FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Johnson set to lead Wetumpka offense
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tyler Johnson is no stranger to Wetumpka’s football team.
Three seasons ago, Johnson led Wetumpka to one of its most memorable wins in recent history when he threw a game-winning touchdown pass against rival Stanhope Elmore late
in the fourth quarter to secure a postseason berth for the Indians and eliminating the Mustangs in the process. After a two-year stint at Auburn and Opelika, Johnson has transferred back to Wetumpka to finish his high school career where he started.
“It’s been so great being back here,” Johnson said
at the River Region Media Day. “My dad always wanted to retire in Auburn, and we really enjoyed being over there the last two years. But I wanted to move back here with my boys and finish what we started a few years ago. So far, it’s been a great fit back.”
tle for the County 7-on-7 tournament this summer. Johnson, after spending the last two years in Auburn, has transferred back to Wetumpka for his senior season.
INDIANS CONFIDENT ENTERING FALL CAMP
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There are high expec-
tations surrounding Wetumpka’s football team entering fall camp.
Entering Year 3 of the Bear Woods’ era, the Wetumpka football squad hit the practice field for the first time this fall Monday morning.
The Indians hit the ground running in just shorts and helmets at 8 a.m., as they are not allowed to be in pads until Day 3 of fall camp. For Woods and his team, how -
ever, it didn’t matter if they were in full pads, a full suit or in t-shirts and shorts.
The Indians are ready for Friday Night Lights.
“This is the best time of the year,” Woods said.
“First day of the new season. It feels like football wise, we’ve really been out here since May 1, but this is different. The coaches are excited and the players are excited. That clock is a lot closer to Aug. 23 opening night.”
Monday morning, the Indians went straight from the weight room to the football field.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
As soon as their feet hit the practice field, the energy was high and players were running and yelling excited to get started.
The teams split into their position groups with each group running different drills.
Defensive backs worked on turning their bodies the correct way in coverage, quarterbacks and receivers worked on their connections and offensive linemen worked on their craft.
It was a hot morning, but Woods’ team didn’t waver.
Wetumpka runs through running back drills during Monday’s first practice of fall camp.
Coleman to stretch the field vertically
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There aren’t many players who can stretch the field quite like Jamari Coleman.
The Stanhope Elmore senior receiver has an ability that is tough to coach — speed.
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound star runs a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, and he showcased that during a junior season in 2023 when he made the All-Elmore County team.
Coleman had 750 total yards last year but made a big impact on offense with 17 catches for 438 yards and six touchdowns, an impressive 25.7 yards per catch.
“There’s just so much that Jamari can do,” SEHS coach Hunter Adams said. “A guy that runs a 4.39 is hard to cover 1-on-1, especially in specific situations. He can
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Holtville 8U All-Star baseball team received a community-wide celebration Friday night.
The team was honored at Smart-Collier Field by Holtville coach Scott Tubbs and members of the community. The 8U All-Stars recently wrapped up a successful summer in the USSSA World Series.
Holtville went 19-3-1 this summer and claimed the Region 7 Gold Bracket Championship with a win over Enterprise, then advanced to the state tournament and claimed the Gold Bracket Championship with a walkoff win over Alexandria.
“It was a great ride this summer,” coach Casey Wylie said after the World Series run.
In the USSSA World Series, Holtville went 10-2 and fell to Northport in the championship.
On Friday, team members Barrett Ward, Caleb Watkins, Easton Wylie, Ryder Hoots, Grady Grider, Lewis Smith, Zac Montgomery, Granger Strength, Asher Fullerton, Ryker Ingram, Fisher Allen and Cooper Smitherman were all given an All-Star shirt and a Holtville baseball hat by Tubbs and the Holtville RBI club.
Elmore County commissioner Henry Hines then presented the team with a $500 check on behalf of himself and commissioner Bart Mercer. Following the check presentation, the team was fed pizza in the varsity locker room.
“We spent a lot of time practicing and worked really hard to make sure they were ready. That regional championship game against Enterprise was one of the toughest games our guys had to play all summer. At that point, the boys really believed how good they were and how good they could be.”
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI Wetumpka quarterback Tyler Johnson throws in the Bat-
FILE TPI
Stanhope Elmore’s Jamari Coleman poses at Stanhope’s picture day. Coleman, a senior, scored six touchdowns and racked up 750 total yards for the Mustangs last season.
Holtville football begins fall camp
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Cory Lee era is officially underway in Slapout.
The Holtville football team hit the practice field for the first day of fall camp Monday morning. The Bulldogs had an early workout before team meetings then a full practice in shorts and helmets.
Despite not being in full pads, Lee’s squad brought energy he was pleased with and thought it was a good stepping stone for Wednesday when the Bulldogs are allowed to get in shoulder pads.
“This was really just an extension of summer practice today, but it’s good and it’s a little bit different,” Lee said. “We have three weeks until our first game so we’re preaching a sense of urgency to the guys. Everybody is back now, and there are no more vacations. We’re picking up the intensity and preparing ourselves for getting into pads on Wednesday.”
Holtville split into position groups that were led by its senior leaders. The offensive line got after it with the sled, then worked on technique and staying low throughout their blocks.
After that, the offensive line joined the skill players in working through RPOs and reads and blocks on specific runs. Holtville’s offensive line was one of the strongest parts of the team last season, and two starters return in center Clifford Edwards and right tackle Tyson Ratliff.
For Edwards, having only two starters back doesn’t matter. Not for the team he saw working this summer.
“This was such a great summer for us,” Edwards said. “We worked hard. Coach Lee is a no-nonsense kind of guy, so we put in the work all summer long. We’re looking good up front. We have to be a little more physical, but that’s part of starting the fall. But we’re excited and we’re close to the season beginning and being under the lights.”
For Lee entering Year 1, his summer had distractions such as fundraising and trying to connect with the players like a first-year coach has to.
But now those distractions are done, and it’s football season.
“It’s all football from here on out,” Lee said. “As far as summer, we did a lot of competition and saw some really good things from our squad. The things we didn’t like so much, well that’s what we’re working on this fall and trying to improve.”
Holtville opens the season at home on Aug. 23 against Trinity. The Bulldogs are coming off a season where they finished 7-4 and hosted a playoff game.
There are new faces, however, scattered throughout the team. Holtville will see new linebackers, linemen and even a new quarterback.
Lee knows Holtville isn’t winning a championship on Aug. 23, so he’s working on improving every day and wants to have the best team he can have by November.
“For me, we have just been trying to get better every single day,” Lee said. “I’ve seen a good progression. There’s been a difference from January to now. We’re comfortable and we’re going to get better as the season goes on.”
and
ABOVE:
Holtville’s Croskey playing both ways
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Holtville’s top defensive back will see an expanded role in 2024.
Senior Cedrick Croskey, who had a team-high three interceptions playing at corner last season, won’t be stepping off the field much this season. The First Team All-County star is going to start at both cornerback and receiver this year, and Croskey is ready for his new role.
“I’m doing both positions full speed right now,” Croskey said. “I get a few breaks, but it’s been pretty constant on both sides of the ball. I like both, but I really like playing defense. On offense, I get to be me. I enjoy running routes and catching the ball.”
Croskey intercepted a pass early in 2023 during an 18-0 loss to Alma Bryant, but he made the biggest impact on defense during region play late in the year.
In a win over Jemison and Marbury, Croskey combined for 11 tackles and had interceptions in both games. He also added a defended pass
in each game, and he helped lead Holtville to wins in both, securing the Bulldogs’ a No. 2 seed in the region and a home playoff game. Three of his four defended passes came in the final three games of the season. For Croskey, it was completely due to his preparation.
“I think I was finding myself in better positions at the end of the year,” Croskey
said. “I was watching a lot of film and studying a lot because I had a goal to try and make it past the first round. I’m keeping that same goal this year.”
The Bulldogs have high hopes going into 2024. Holtville finished 7-4 last season and hosted a playoff game. Now the Bulldogs return nearly their entire receiving corps, Hunter Chavis at running back and two offensive linemen
in Tyson Ratliff and Clifford Edwards.
In the receiving corps, Holtville returns more than 40 catches and five touchdowns to this year’s squad. That is headlined by 6-foot-5 Elijah Headley along with CJ Lee, but Croskey is confident there will be no nerves for himself and the inexperienced receivers. “Going into this year, I feel like we should have a high
mentality and a high motor,” Croskey said. “As soon as that first game starts, we should be full speed. We didn’t lose too much. We have some new guys, but I don’t expect us to be nervous. We’re going to come out and play our best.” Croskey did have playing time on offense last year, but it was mostly in the backfield. He recorded seven carries in 2023.
As Holtville starts practicing ahead of the season opener against Trinity on Aug. 23, Croskey will continue getting reps on offense at receiver. He is happy with his relationship with new quarterback Braylen Hunt, and he likes how much he’s improved on defense due to his increased reps on offense. “I think I’ve really improved as a defensive back and I’m seeing the field better,” Croskey said. “I’m understanding coverage better and understanding routes. Playing offense helps with that. I know what routes I would be running against specific coverages, and it helps me defend those players better.”
FILE TPI
Holtville defensive back Cedrick Croskey intercepts a pass against Marbury last season. Croskey returns to the Holtville secondary after intercepting three passes and knocking down four more.
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
TOP: Holtville assistant coach Luke Fussell explains a drill during Monday’s first practice.
Holtville running back Hunter Chavis runs through drills during Monday’s practice. Chavis rushed for 614 yards
four touchdowns last year. BELOW: Holtville’s Clifford Edwards, center, gets ready to snap the ball in Monday’s practice. Edwards is one of two returning starters on Holtville’s offensive line.
Whitt, Shaw to showcase size in Edgewood backfield
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There will not be a larger backfield in the AISA than there is in Elmore.
Edgewood Academy
quarterback Brock Whitt and running back Parker Shaw both return for the Wildcats in 2024, and both have grown even larger than they were last season.
At quarterback, Whitt now stands at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, while Shaw is 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds.
Whitt is both the tallest and heaviest player on the team, while Shaw is taller and heavier than every other skill player and nearly everyone on the roster outside of a few linemen.
The two will serve as a bulldozing backfield that’s not afraid to run the ball straight down the middle of opposing team’s defenses.
“It’s definitely nice having them two back there,” Edgewood coach Chad Michael said. “I was asked about our power package this sum -
mer, and I said ‘Power package? We spread our guys out and run quarterback ISO up the middle. We take our 210-pound back and have him block for our 230-pound back.’”
Both backs were efficient in the backfield last year while it was not either’s primary position. Shaw, mainly used as a linebacker with 100-plus tackles last year, rushed for 441 yards and three touchdowns.
Whitt mostly played defensive end until he was pushed into the quarterback role midway through the year, and he rushed for 257 yards and five touchdowns while passing for 491 yards and two more scores.
Both were used in primarily short down packages, mostly able to get the yards needed.
“If you need a yard or two, there’s two really big backs who will do whatever they can for each other to get it,” Michael said.
The Wildcats lost their best offensive threat in Gabe LeMaster but are set to return the major-
ity of its skill players. Alongside Whitt and Shaw, Ethan Evans and Landon Smith will play receiver alongside newcomers Grayson Jones and Avery Haskew.
Shaw knows the duo’s ability to run the ball will open the field and allow Edgewood’s playmakers some space for big plays on the outside.
Whitt will have to be the one to get the playmakers the ball, and he feels much more confident going into his first full season at quarterback than he did when he was thrusted into the starting spot midway through last year.
“I think just from over the summer to last year, I’ve gotten so much better at making my reads and seeing the defense,” Whitt said. “Now we’re returning a lot of weapons on offense and we have a really big backfield. I think if we can get in a groove, it’ll be rough on somebody.”
In Shaw’s high school career, the Wildcats have made it out of the first round of the playoffs only once – in 2022. The
other two seasons, Edgewood was knocked out in its first game.
As the Wildcats enter a new classification in Class AAA, Shaw’s only goal is to make it to the Cramton Bowl to play for the title.
“We’ve made it to the playoffs every single season I’ve been in high school,” Shaw said. “That’s been four years in a row. But it would be really nice to take that next step and play in the championship.”
FILE TPI
Edgewood Academy quarterback Brock Whitt carries the ball last season. At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Whitt is one of the largest quarterbacks in AISA. FILE TPI
Edgewood Academy senior running back Parker Shaw tries to break a tackle against Lowndes Academy. Shaw is 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, and should combine with Whitt as the largest backfield in AISA>
CAMP
Continued from B1
The Indians showed Woods exactly what he wanted to see.
“I know this team has really embodied the personal characteristics that I’ve tried to implement here,” Woods said. “Those things are respect, hard work, humility, mindfulness, accountability, toughness and the love of football and each other.
This is a ‘Wetumpka’ team, not a ‘Metumpka’ team and that’s going to show this year.”
Wetumpka returns a lot of production onto the field this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. All four defensive linemen return in Ethan Bailey, Elijah Peake, Javian Greene and JD Denmark.
At linebacker, Cleangelo Peake and Micah Bigelow while Kelby Walker patrols the sec -
ondary. The secondary also added an All-State player from Chilton County, defensive back Justin Godwin.
“We expect to win the region,” Woods said.
“We don’t run from that. It’s going to be
competitive but that’s what we expect to do.”
There’s a handful of players who are receiving Division I looks on the defense, including Bailey who recently committed to the University of Louisiana
COLEMAN
Continued from B1
Monroe. Both Cleangelo and Elijah Peake are getting looks, while Walker is in the secondary
Last year, Walker had 50 tackles with two passes defended and one interception, and
Adams’ squad returns four starting offensive linemen and a running back who rushed for 1,420 yards and 13 touchdowns in just seven games.
Stanhope is also breaking in an inexperienced quarterback in Zach Holcombe. So when team’s stack the box with extra players to stop the run, Coleman knows it’s his job to force teams back into space.
“Our running backs are putting in the work to get us down the field, and we know defenses are going to try to stop the run game,” Coleman said. “That’s where I come in, and that’s where our group comes in. We have to be able to punish teams for stacking the box against us.”
Coleman uses his quickness to his advantage, but he isn’t just a
OFFENSE
Continued from B1
The 6-foot-2, 210pound quarterback is replacing a three-year starter in Nate Rogers, who is now playing football at UAB. During the summer, Johnson has jumped right in and shown he can make all the throws needed to lead the Indians.
That was on full display in June at the second annual Battle For the County 7-on-7 tournament as Johnson threw touchdowns all night en route to Wetumpka’s championship win over Tallassee. Wetumpka coach Bear Woods was impressed with Johnson’s ability to throw the ball to all areas of the field, especially the
he’s confident Wetumpka’s defense will hold true this season.
“I’m ready for the season and ready for what we can do,” Walker said. “Coaches say it all the time and I believe it. We can
speedster. Coleman likes to hit people, and he has a year of varsity experience under his belt battling some of the best defensive backs and tacklers in Class 6A.
For him, just having that one year has been a complete change from where he was a year ago.
“There’s a massive difference between playing JV and varsity,” Coleman said. “I’ve improved a lot from that time and I’ve gotten much more physical. I’m a deep threat, but that’s not all I am. Anything you want me to be, I can be.”
Coleman caught six of starting quarterback Jacob Bryant’s 10 touchdowns last year, but now he has a new face throwing him passes.
Holcombe has been named Stanhope’s starting quarterback going into 2024, and the two have been working on their connection since the spring. They built chem -
deep ball. New offensive coordinator Quay Moncrief also likes the way Johnson plays the position.
“Tyler is complex,” Moncrief said. “He can do anything that you ask him to do, so I think it’s going to be a game plan to game plan, week to week type of thing. I do think he can do some things that Nate could do, and Nate maybe couldn’t do some things that Tyler can do. I think it’s very exciting to see him and how he operates.”
Wetumpka also has some talented skill players to showcase alongside Johnson and the offense. Evan Dillard, Andrew Voyles and John Hudson Wingard all return as starters, and they showcase very different skill sets and
sizes.
have the best defense in Class 6A. We have a lot of returning players who will go to college, and we have some underdogs out here. We have the ability to adapt and I think the capabilities are there.”
istry in the spring game then continued into 7-on-7s this summer.
“I think our connection has been going pretty well,” Coleman said. “There are still some moments that we need to improve on, but we’re doing well and getting better every day.”
Adams and Coleman both believe Holcombe will be the quarterback to lead Stanhope back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
He is a threat with his legs and will be part of that dynamic rushing attack with Arthur McQueen.
“From an attitude, growth and development standpoint, he’s been everything you can ask for,” Adams said of Holcombe. “He has stuff to learn in the passing game, but it’s mechanical not ability. As he continues to grow, he’s going to do big things. He’s very adept with his legs and he’s dangerous on the rollout and sprint out.”
Dillard is 5-foot-6, Voyles is 6-foot and Wingard stands the tallest at 6-foot-4. They offer a multitude of different options and styles for Johnson.
The Indians also have Jushon Fleming playing receiver at 6-foot-3 after his move from the defense this offseason. In the backfield is Jimmy King, a transfer running back from Sidney Lanier who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.
“We’ve been working really hard this summer,” Johnson said.
“We have a new coordinator in coach Moncrief and we’ve been working on getting all the plays this summer. We have high expectations for the offense. We have a couple of skill
players at running back and receiver who we’re hoping for big things from. We’re hoping for a great season.”
Up front are three returning offensive linemen in Lexton Hollenquest and Tyler Harris at left tackle and guard, respectively, and Tavon Grays at right tackle. The three combined for a powerful rushing attack last season, and everyone is confident entering the 2024 season.
“For our offensive line, we’ve been harmonizing and getting through the summer,” Hollenquest said.
“We lost some seniors, but this offensive line is really building like a brick wall together and we can hold on for Tyler and the rest of our weapons.”
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Wetumpka offensive linemen work through drills during Monday’s first practice. Lexton Hollenquest (72) returns to lead the Indians’ offense as a three-year starter on the line.
Public Notices
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Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Joyce McNeill F/K/A Joyce K. Skinner, a single woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, as nominee for Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., on August 21, 2006, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2006 Page 71725; the undersigned U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, as successor-in-interest to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Residential Asset Securities Corporation, Home Equity Mortgage Asset-Backedries 2006-KS9, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on July 24, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 7, Block 2, Pinebrook Subdivision, Plat No. 1, as shown by plat recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 5, at Page 114.. Property street address for informational purposes: 2861 Englenook Road , Millbrook, AL 36054. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from July 24, 2024 until August 28, 2024, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, as successor-in-interest to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Residential Asset Securities Corporation, Home Equity Mortgage Asset-Backed -
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
ries 2006-KS9, (“Transferee”)
Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www. tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-04926-PH-AL
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 2024 24-01089
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Desirae Ann Younger Single Woman to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns dated July 13, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on July 15, 2021, in Book 2021, Page 60212 in the of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2024, Page 36821
Probate of Elmore County, ALABAMA.
The undersigned, CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 3rd day of September, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 2, T18N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence North 312.74 to the SW R.O.W. of Highway No. 143, (80’ RightOf-Way); thence continue along said R.O.W., South 42 deg. 32 min. 00 sec. East, 502.5 feet to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning for the following described property; thence leaving said P.O.B. continue along said R-O-W, South 42 deg. 32 min. 00 sec. East, 89.95 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said R-O-W South 44 deg. 52 min. 39 sec. West, 494.67 feet to an iron pin; thence North 78 deg. 01 min. 04 sec. West, 109.68 feet to an iron said pin; thence North 45 deg. 07 min. 04 sec. East, 558.30 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel lying in the SE 1/4 of Section 2, T18N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama, and containing 1.087 acres, more or less. Said property is commonly known as 2211 Al Highway 143, Elmore, AL 36025. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage.
CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 505 20th Street North, Suite 1775 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205)216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 24-05762AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 24-05762AL
PUBLIC NOTICE
Cellco Partnership and its conas Verizon Wireless (Verizon a 220-foot monopole telecom-
this site on historic propertieslication to: Trileaf Corp, Tonya
88179
Public Notices
C&M Towing is having a auction @ 104 Caldwell St Tallassee Al 36078 August 27th @ 8:00 AM on a Silver 2004 F150 VIN # 1FTPX14504FA28289
Wetumpka Herald: July 31 and Aug. 7, 2024 AV/04 F150
PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR SEALED BIDS
The Elmore County Commission is seeking bids for site grading, drainage, excavation, concrete installation, and ath-tions.
Information, construction plans and bid book are available from Elmore County Richie Beyer at wrbechd@ elmoreco.org. Sealed bids are to be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024. Enclose bids in a sealed envelope. The bids must be marked with the word “BID” on the outside of the bid package along with Bid Proposal for Inquiry 2024-PW9 Quality of Life Phase II Field Replacement Projects for Eclectic, Holtville, and Tallassee, the bid date, name of the work, name of bidder, and the Alabama General Contractor’s License Number. Prepare bid proposal on form bound in Project Manual or copy thereof. No additions or deductions to bid proposal will be accepted if written on outside of sealed bid. Furnish two original copies of bid proposal. check or bid bond payable to Elmore County Commission in ancent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. Include one copy of General Contractor’s License Submit bid proposals to: Elmore County Chief Richie Beyer Elmore County Commission 100 E. Commerce Street, Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092
Bidders must direct all inquiries concerning construction plans and bid book in writing to Elmore County Chief Beyer at wrbechd@elmoreco. org. Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024
BID
PUBLIC NOTICE
Wiregrass Construction Co, Inc hereby gives notice of completion of contract with The Alabama Department of Transportation, for construction of Project No: Project No. STPAA-STPMN- 2621(251) &STPMN-2621(253) Elmore County, On Marion Spillway Road from the Intersection of CR-3 (Ingram Road) to the Intersection ofSR-143 in Deatsville (Site l); and the PlanStripe on 1’1 Avenue from the Junction of SR-143 to the Intersection of Baltzer Road Northeast of Elmore (Site 2); and On Baltzer Road from the Intersection of 1st Avenue to the Junction of Flatwood Road Northeast of Elmore (Site 3). This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on 07/24/2024 and ending 08/14/2024. All claims Construction Co, 1342 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 during this period.
Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Holley-Henley Builders, Inc. has completed the Contract for Construction of A New Facility For Wetumpka Fire Department, Architect’s Project No. AMGM210020, for City of Wetumpka Alabama; Owner, and have made requesttract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify GOODWYN, MILLS & CAWOOD, LLC, 2660 Eastchase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, Alabama 36117 Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held by the Wetumpka Planning Commission at City Hall, 212 South Main Street, August 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. concerning: • A petition by the Industrial Development Board of the City of Wetumpka to amend the Zoning Map of Wetumpka, Alabama by rezoning a parcel of land that is located on Hwy 14 W in Wetumpka, Alabama. The parcel consists of 92 acres +/- and is further described and recorded in RLPY 2004 pages 38636Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. The proposed rezoning request from M-2 to R-H is to allow the property to be used as farmland Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 2024 HEARING
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Nicholas Alton Phillips, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., as nominee for CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Financial, on September 10, 2021, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2021 Page 79271; the undersigned CMG Mortgage, Inc., as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA HARTFORD UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY V.TRIMMER UP TREE SERVICE, LLC CASE NO. CV-2023-900117
This cause of action is a civil lawsuit against Trimmer Up statement of account, open account, and breach of conof account, open account, and breach of contract claim has caused $77,803.00 in damages to the Plaintiff, plus cmui costs. In this case, it is made to appear c01msel for Plaintiff stating that Defendant is avoiding service and has concealed themselves so that the summons and complaint cannot be served upon them, and further, that said Defendant is over the age of twenty one (21) years. It is, therefore, ordered that publication be made in The Wetumpka Herald, a newspaper published in the County of Elmore and State of Alabama, for four (4) consecutive weeks, and the said Defendant is hereby summons and complaint, and to be and appear if they think proper to defend this action at the present term of this Court, and within thirty days after this notice by publication is completed. Witness in my hands this 13th day of June, 2024
Wetumpka Herald: July 31, Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 29-CV-23-900117
above
lies in the
Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of
22, Township 18 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama and contains 1.01 acres, more or less.. Property street address for informational purposes: 2343 Friendship Rd , Tallassee, AL 36078. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLD REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. CMG Mortgage, Inc., (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-05869-CE-AL Wetumpka Herald: 24-05869-CE-AL
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE PROBATE JUDGE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2024-197 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOYT ELWIN CALLOWAY, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LOYT ELWIN CALLOWAY, deceased, having been granted to KIMBERLY WHIGHAM on the 1st day of August , 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
KIMBERLY WHIGHAM PER-
SONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LOYT ELWIN CALLOWAY, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative:
JOSEPH K. BAMBURG ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-478-3196
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/CALLOWAY, L.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SIDNEY LOUIS CULVER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-189 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to DENICE MICHELLE BURLESON as Executrix on the 19 th day of July 2024, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
DENICE MICHELLE BURLESON EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF SIDNEY LOUIS CULVER, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq.
The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024 EST/CULVER S. PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notices yp same to the Court or the same will be barred.
DEBRA HENDERSON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN RANDOLPH HENDERSON, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JOHN B. BRADLEY VOGEL LAW FIRM, LLC 41 CAMBRIDGE COURT WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-409-0088
Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024
EST/HENDERSON, S.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRED MICHAEL HINSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-143 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of FRED MICHAEL HINSON, deceased, having been granted to CYNTHIA K. PAGE on July 16, 2024, by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OFMILTON SEWELL, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-196 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL AND PETITION FOR PROBATE
TO: JOSHUA SAMUEL SEWELL AND ANY OTHER HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF MILTON SEWELL, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 24 th day of July 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of MILTON SEWELL, deceased, and abate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, MARTHA ANN SEWELL WARREN, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Executor of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of MILTON SEWELL. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.
Public Notices
gg tate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
LOUIS BROUGHTON WHITFIELD, IV, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF VANDA MAUREEN WHITFIELD
Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. Attorney for Administrator 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334)514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/WHITFIELD, V.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated July 14, 2022, executed by Anita G. Jones, a single woman, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Rocket Mortgage, LLC FKA Quicken Loans, LLC, which mortgage was recorded on July 19, 2022, in RLPY Book 2022, Page 44594, of the mortgage Judge
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBTATE COURT OF TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAULINE H. CARLISLE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-0158
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration have been granted to Betty Carlisle Tapley, as Administratrix of the Estate of Pauline H. Carlisle, deceased, on the 11th day of August, 2023, by the Honorable Talmadge East, Probate Judge of Tallapoosa County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Betty Carlisle Tapley, Administratrix of the Estate of Pauline H.Carlisle, Deceased /s/Betty Carlisle Tapley Betty Carlisle Tapley Administrator of the Estate of Pauline H. Carlisle, Deceased PREPARED BY: Kim Clark, Legal Assistant CORY WATSON, P.C. 2131 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 200 Birmingham, Alabama 35205 205-328-2200
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/CARLISLE, P.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES T. COLE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-202 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CHARLES T. COLE, deceased, having been granted to KIMBERLY COLE MOSES on August 2nd, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
KIMBERLY COLE MOSES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES T. COLE, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE & BRITT, LLC
ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/COLE, C.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held by the Wetumpka Planning Commission at City Hall, 212 South Main Street, August 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. concerning: •A petition by Wynn Sanford to amend the Zoning Map of Wetumpka, Alabama by rezoning a parcel of land located at 109 Dozier St. Wetumpka, Alabama. Said parcel is further described and recorded in RLPY 2004Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. The proposed rezoning request from R-2.6 to B-4 is to allow retail sales.
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 2024 STANFORD
IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CONSERVATORSHIP OVER THE PROPERTY OF JOSEPH EPHRIAM ENSLEN, AN ALLEGED INCAPACITATED PERSON. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024-120 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: JOSEPH EPHRAIM ENSLEN, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND HAVING A LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF: 95 Wilkerson Street Wetumpka, Alabama 36092
Pursuant to the Alabama Uniform Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Act, you are hereby given notice that a Petition to establish a Conservatorship over the Property of JOSEPH EPHRAIM ENSLEN
Court of Elmore County, Alabama. A hearing of said Petilocated at 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, on the 22nd day of August, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. before John Thornton, Probate Judge. You have the right to appear at such hearing and the right to be heard regarding such Petition.
JOHN THORNTON
JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and address of Attorney for Petitioner: D.JASON BRITT STONE & BRITT, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 1 14 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024 EST/ENSLEN, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SAMUEL GRAVES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-182 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of SAMUEL GRAVES, who is also known as SAMUEL LEE GRAVES, deceased, having been granted to LYCRECIA VANTEAL GRAVES on July 15, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
LYCRECIA VANTEAL GRAVES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF SAMUEL GRAVES, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024
EST/GRAVES S. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN RANDOLPH HENDERSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-170 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration with Will Annexed over the Estate of STEVEN RANDOLPH HENDERSON, deceased, having been granted to DEBRA HENDERSON on the 16th day of July 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the
CYNTHIA K. PAGE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF FRED MICHAEL HINSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RONALD A. HOLTSFORD ATTORNEY AT LAW 7956 VAUGHN RD #124 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36116
334-220-3700
Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024
EST/HINSON F. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN GILBERT MARX, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-075 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to SUSAN MARIE MARX as Personal Representative on the 19 th day of July 2024, by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
SUSAN MARIE MARX PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN GILBERT MARX, DECEASED. Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024
EST/MARX, J. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD ERNEST SEAL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-144 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EDWARD ERNEST SEAL, deceased, having been granted to JOSEPH FRANKLIN DECKER, II on July 15, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JOSEPH FRANKLIN DECKER, II PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD ERNEST SEAL, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D.JASON BRITT STONE STONE & BRITT, LLC
ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: July 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 2024 EST/SEAL, E.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:
Pursuant to AL Self-Service Storage Facilities Act 2021 & to satisfy Owner’s lien Storage Sense Millbrook, will hold an online public auction of the personal property stored in units located at 4180 Al-14, Millbrook, Al 36054, 334-4729650 to satisfy Operator’s lien. Everything sold is purchased AS-IS for CASH ONLY. See & bid on all units 24/7, sale ending on August 19th and August 26th at 10:00 AM @ www. Storageauctions.com. Auctions subject to cancellation at any time for any reason until winning bidder takes possession of property. TERMS listed on auction website. Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 7, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334)514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 EST/SEWELL, M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY F. THOMPSON, CASE NO: 2024-146 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of PEGGY F. THOMPSON, deceased, having been granted to JOHN MILTON THOMPSON on July 24, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JOHN MILTON THOMPSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY F. THOMPSON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOHN E. “JED” CARTER CAPELL & HOWARD P. C. 150 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 PO BOX 2069 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 361022069 334-241-8014 Jed.Carter@chlaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 EST/THOMPSON, P. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HISAKO WASHAM, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-190 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of HISAKO WASHAM, deceased, having been granted to RICHARD ALAN MARTIN on July 23, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. RICHARD ALAN MARTIN PERSONAL REPRESENATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF HISAKO WASHAM, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RALEY L. WIGGINS CAPELL & HOWARD PO BOX 2069 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102 150 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-241-8029
Raley.Wiggins@chlaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 EST/WASHAM H. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VANDA MAUREEN WHITFIELD, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 201 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of VANDA MAUREEN WHITFIELD, deceased, having been granted to LOUIS BROUGHTON WHITFIELD, IV, on the 1st day of August 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said Es-
the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to condition, title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The successful bidder must tender full funds at the conclusion of the sale in the form of a or endorsed to Padgett Law Group. No personal checks will be accepted. To this end you outbid the lender and any other not be accepted. Amounts received in excess of the winning bid will be refunded. Padgett Law Group reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidders should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC Transferee Robert J. Wermuth/jmm Padgett Law Group 4245 Balmoral Drive SW, Suite 101 Huntsville, AL 35801 Attorney for Mortgagee Wetumpka Herald: July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 FC/JONES PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE. Southeast Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093 678:Jamie Ambrose. 630 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Contents: piano, chest, boxes, couch, books 714: Oscar Melghem. 469 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Contents: boxes, totes, clothes, books 817: Oscar Melghem. 469 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Contents: boxes, old stuff, dolly, bags 519: Oscar Melghem. 469 Rover Oaks Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Contents: totes, boxes, rugs, dresser Wetumpka Herald: July 31 and Aug.7, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION
Town of Eclectic seeking grant for sewer system upgrade
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Town of Eclectic is trying to stay ahead of growth.
Only six years ago a new package plant for wastewater treatment began operation.
Today town leaders are seeking funding to double the plant’s treatment capacity
“With the housing developments coming in we are getting ahead of the game,” Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said. “With the schools, homes and businesses we currently have, we are operating at about 75% capacity.”
When the new package plant was installed, it was done in such a way to be easily added onto.
“The reason we did that at that plant is we are good for the next 100 years,” Davenport said. “We can expand there to continue to serve the community.”
The older sewage lagoons were left usable to have a suitable backup in case of an emergency. They are still in place and will remain after
the capacity of the treatment facility has been increased as a backup to any additions to the system.
The town has applied for a grant to fund the upgrade; it is one of about 35 applications statewide.
“It is a true grant,” Davenport said. “I got confirmation the other day We are currently ranked in the top 10.”
The grant requires just a 10% match from the town.
The estimate for the project is $440,000. If awarded the grant, the town would supply $40,000.
“We are not replacing the current plant,” Davenport said. “We are just wanting to put in another tank so that when flow comes in over our current maximum, it doubles our capacity without us having to file with the government.”
If funded by the grant, sewage treatment capacity won’t be the only project.
“It will allow us to do the infrastructure to get ready for a second spray field,” Davenport said. “The spray field will likely be done by our-
selves. The estimate is about $75,000. We can do that almost any time. Right now, our spray fields are fantastic due to the new sewer plant.” It is better to go ahead and get ready for the anticipated growth in the area, according to Davenport.
“We are set for the future,”
he said. “All we have to do is be sure our infrastructure keeps up with it.”
Davenport estimates about 100 new homes will be serviced by town utilities in the next 10 years.
“We have two developments that are projected over the next 10 years to construct
about 75 rooftops,” Davenport said. “There is another development that is projected over the next five years to construct 12 to 15 rooftops. An additional 200 rooftops could come in just about a decade. It depends on how they sell and everything else.”
Knighton taking leadership role at center
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County football coach Kyle Caldwell needed a leader to step up on the offensive line.
Senior Drew Knight was the perfect candidate.
Knight, who played fullback for the Panthers last season, happily made the move and is now playing center for an offensive line that is replacing four starters.
He has some of the most experience of any offensive starter. He played center during his sophomore season in 2022, and playing fullback last season wasn’t
much different than the offensive line in his eyes.
“Fullback was basically just me playing as a lineman while wearing a skill position number,” Knighton said. “It’s really nothing new to me. I imagine I’ll probably stick to the center spot all year and try to be a leader for the rest of the offensive line and underclassmen.” Elmore County had four senior offensive linemen last season in Jonathan Thames, Myles Eyerly, Trevor Brown
and Hunter Collins. All four have graduated, and junior Colby Blackwell is the only returner from that starting group.
For Knighton, however, it doesn’t matter if the team lost four starters or 40. He is confident in the group Elmore County runs out there in 2024.
“I know personally that we have the guys,” Knighton said. “I can sit here and say we do, but we’re going to have to go out there and show you. We have new guys ready to work every day up front. We’re coming to work and our goal is to get a little bit better every day at practice. If we can achieve that, we’ll be fine.”
Knighton doesn’t look like the prototypical high school center. He stands at 6-foot-2, but he weighs only 170 pounds. He is much lighter than most players on the offensive line, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in intelligence.
“Drew is special and he’s super smart,” Caldwell said. “He knows what everyone is doing on the field. He even knows what the quarterback is supposed to do. He’s able to tell everybody up front what’s going on, and he can make checks from center. He’s basically a second quarterback on the field.”
For Knighton, it
didn’t matter what position he played at in 2024. His only goal for his senior season is to win a playoff game.
In Knighton's first year in high school, the Panthers went 0-10. The last two years, however, Elmore County has gone 7-4 and 8-3, respectively, and made the playoffs both seasons. Both seasons, however, ended on the road in the playoffs.
Even despite an abundance of new faces in the starting lineup, Knighton knows this team has what it takes to win a playoff game for the first time since 2011.
“We just have to come to work every sin -
gle day and get a little bit better,” Knighton said. “That’s going to take us there. The last two years have been disappointing because we’ve been better than that. We’re better than that this year. We just have to come to work everyday and have folks buy in.”
While Knighton and his senior teammates try to reach that goal, he will also try to set a standard for the younger players going forward.
“You have to realize every day that the younger kids are watching you,” Knighton said. “If I take a play off, what does that look like for them? I have to work hard and be a
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
TOP: The current waste water treatment plant in Eclectic could be expanded if the town receives a $400,000 grant.
ABOVE: The Town of Eclectic still maintains its old sewage treatment lagoons in case of an emergency. The town is currently using a package plant system installed in 2017 and is being used at 75% of capacity.
Arts & Entertainment
KEY’S Spice expands into Lake Martin area
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
At 8 years old Kari Yarbrough was messing around in the kitchen, grabbing some spices, blending together a seasoning. Little did she know this seasoning would soon become an all-Alabama made product sold across the state.
KEY’S Southern Spice, which is a registered trademark,
is a seasoning that’s all natural, has no preservatives, MSG or artificial fillers and is gluten free. Kari’s dad, Chad, said it’s key is the simplicity of the product, which also makes it so versatile. Kari said it’s good on all types of meats, seafood and vegetables. Some people have replaced it with their salad dressings and others use it as popcorn seasoning. Kari also
recently made it with a roasted pecan pie for a sweet and savory dessert.
When Kari first jotted down her recipe, her family started by testing it out on some friends. Her sister played softball at the time, and Kari used the seasoning for cookouts at the field.
“They started asking, ‘Where can we get this?’ And we
THOUSANDS FLOCK TO THE LAKE MARTIN
SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival is making a name for itself.
This five-day free music festival took over Lake Martin with 30 songwriters playing at 15 venues from July 24-28. Committee member Vivian Autry said this year’s festival went well after making a couple of adjustments based on the songwriters’ feedback from previous years. Rather than stay with host families, the songwriters all stayed at Creekside Lodge, which gave time for the songwriters to meet one another and collaborate — some more songwriting even came out of their stay. Another change was the committee adjusted the showtimes, so songwrit -
ers had time to see others perform. For some of the lunches, the committee gave the songwriters gift cards to local restaurants allowing for more flexibility.
“I’d say a downer was the rain,” Autry said.
“There’s nothing we can do about that, but people were out there watching Jeffrey Steele and Buddy Cannon and all those guys on Saturday night at Prime Steakhouse. It wasn’t ideal conditions, and we felt like if there had been no rain, it would have been so packed, you wouldn’t be able to move. But it still was a nice turnout.”
As far as feedback from attendees, Autry said she has heard only good things, especially for those coming from out of town. Some said they are amazed it’s free. She said she met one group of people that had been planning
their regular trips to Lake Martin around the festival’s dates.
And the buzz around the festival continues to grow each year. In the first year of the festival the com
mittee worked hard to get at least 20 songwriters. This year, the committee had about 200 applications from songwriters, eventually narrowing it down to 30. Meanwhile, on the attendees’ side, the committee’s estimate is between 3,500 to 4,000 people attended throughout the five-day event.
Autry said she is excited about going into the festival’s fifth year in 2025 and the committee is continuing to take baby steps.
“We’re not going to go from, say, 4,000 to 20,000 overnight,” she said. “That’s just never
Williams
Spice can be found at multiple grocery stores including Lake Martin Grocery in Tallapoosa County.
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
Filling time with a hobby you love is worth more than a million dollars.
Jimmy Williams discovered his love for woodworking when he wanted to make a turkey call of his own. Now, he has been creating custom wooden art pieces for five years. He got his start in August 2019 after doing some research into woodworking. He purchased a lathe and began teaching himself how to create wood art by watching YouTube videos. He said he had utilized YouTube videos for maintenance in other areas of his life, so he used it for woodworking.
“First thing is you have to have equipment,” Williams said.
“You also need to have basic knowledge of what
to do with tools, how to use a lathe. Basically, after that point if you get all that covered, you just have to decide on what wood you want to use.”
After creating his first turkey call, he realized he enjoyed the process of making calls out of wood. After word got out he could create custom calls, many approached him to make custom calls for them. Following his new talent, he created JDW WoodWorks.
“I like to do custom game calls more than anything else,” Williams said.
For custom calls, customers can request the type of wood they want, the type of surface they want or any personalizations added to the call. Williams has even placed pictures on pieces.
Not your grandmother’s quilt
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
If anyone says the Big Fish House or a castle can’t be made into a quilt, they haven’t met Libby Christensen.
Completing her first quilt at the age of 5, Christensen really started to get into the craft about two decades ago. Now, her quilts are hanging at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts Fiction and Fantasy show. Christensen completed her first quilt at the age of five, but didn’t really get into the craft
until two decades ago. While she can create the traditional quilts grandmothers are known to make, it’s not what she necessarily likes to do.
“I do a lot of art quilts,” Christensen said. “I do some traditional quilts, but they are kind of boring.”
The Big Fish House quilt is featured in the children’s area at The Kelly, and it’s an art piece worthy of hanging in anyone’s home. Another one of her masterpieces is large enough to fit on a twin size bed. But instead of a traditional pattern, it’s a
fairytale castle complete with a working drawbridge. For the opening reception of Fiction and Fantasy, Christensen dressed the part in a princess dress she made herself. Everything is made in Christensen’s “queendom” — two rooms of her home containing multiple sewing machines and more than 4,000 yards of fabric.
“You don’t come into my queendom without a passport,” Christensen said. “Food and drink also works.”
It’s an area even mostly off
ABIGAIL MURPHY | TPI Songwriters from around the Southeast made their way to Lake Martin for the fourth annual Lake Martin Songwriters Festival, which was hosted in late July.
See SPICE, Page E4
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
This art quilt was made by Libby Christensen using The Big Fish House as inspiration. The quilt measures 16 inches by 20 and
constructed of pieces
fabric silimar to stained glass.
FESTVAL
Continued from E1
going to happen, right?
But we’re going to continue each year. We feel like it’s growing, and each year we’re getting better at it.”
With people already asking about next year’s festival, the committee announced the dates to be July 23-27, 2025. Autry said sponsorships are available for next year as well. For more information, call the Lake Martin Tallapoosa County Tourism office at 256-2153067.
“I just want to say thank you to our fan base and the people that are coming to the festival,” Autry said. “They are kind of like me; they love to hear the stories behind these songs. We couldn’t be more grateful for the fact that people are so appreciative, and that makes it worth it because it’s a lot of work, but it makes it worth it.”
Keel shares love for music with community
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
A talent does not have to be discovered early in life for it to become one’s passion.
Five years ago, Dadeville native Luke Keel found his love for singing while participating in the Dadeville High School choir Although it started out as a fun activity, he began practicing on his own time. He then realized he had an affinity for singing.
“I’ve always loved music,” Keel said. “I love listening to all kinds of music, and I think it’s shaped the way I sing.”
His wide variety of musical preferences is evident when he performs. His setlist ranges from well-known country songs to classic rock hits.
During the week, Keel works at his family’s company in Dadeville, Sunshine Heating and Air. When he’s not working, he’s either working on improving his vocal talents, or preparing for his next gig. Most recently, Keel has played at Prime Steakhouse, the Funky Goat and other venues around Lake Martin. Although he is native to the area, performing around the lake has given
him a new perspective of the community.
“My favorite thing about singing at local venues is meeting new people,” Keel said. “I also love the engagement of people I do know who come to my events.”
Earlier in the year, he put his talents to the test as he participated in Kowaliga Idol where he made it to the competition’s final round. Even at the start of the competition, Keel felt confident in his skills and stage presence; however, it wasn’t until the end he learned a lot through the competition.
“I wasn’t really worried about winning after the fact,” Keel said. “In general, I got so much better as a performer and singer from the experience.”
Now that he has become more comfortable on stage, he is looking to take his talents one step further by writing and creating his own songs. He has not yet developed any original songs; however, writing new songs is something he wants to pursue as he progresses in his music career, he said.
Keel’s next live performance will be Aug. 30 at the Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe in Dadeville.
Connections through a dating app coming to the stage
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Wetumpka Depot Players have found a way to make dating fun through its latest production Ten Minutes on a Bench.
The Kenneth Jones’ romantic comedy matches singles who meet for the first time on a bench. There isn’t much else to carry the show. There is very little set decoration. It all relies on the skill of the actors to carry the show. The Depot’s version is directed by award winning actor Tony Davison who is also the new theater teacher at Benjamin Russell.
The lack of props and scenes doesn’t scare Davison.
“It’s an intimate show,” Davison said. “It’s nice to have a chance with a show to really dive into the acting part and not have to worry too much about other moving parts.”
The Depot premiered another of Jones’ plays Hollywood, Nebraska last year
Ten Minutes is a series of vignettes into the first meetings of couples from a dating app of the same name.
“The main theme about it is connection,” Davison said. “They are not allowed physical contact, so they have to talk to each other for 10 minutes. It can be challenging for people in this day and age.”
Davison said the show has hilarious moments, sweet touching moments and cringing moments. The lack of scenery and props means the audience is looking in one place.
“The action is with the actors,”
Davison said. “There are not a lot of bells and whistles. It’s not necessarily small because it includes a decent size cast.”
The cast includes Sydney Burdette, Isaac Garrison, Renee Lewis, Seth Maggard, Todd Tasseff, Jean Webb, James Ward and Laura Smith.
Davison himself is an award-winning actor. Most recently he earned the Outstanding Achievement in Acting award at the American Association of Community Theatre Festival (AACTFest) in Louisville, Kentucky last summer for his role of Rufus in A Storm Came Up.
Davison said he likes to both act and direct as one skill supports the other.
“I think for all of us actors turned directors, we are just an amalgamation of all the directors that we have loved in the past,” Davison said.
He approached Wetumpka Depot Players’ artistic director Kristy Meanor at the beginning of the summer looking to help out again.
“I asked about audition opportunities, but everything was already cast,” Davison said. “But there was an opportunity to direct.”
Davison majored in theater and went on to get his master’s degree in theater as well. Before Benjamin Russell he was the theater teacher at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.
Ten Minutes on a Bench is on the stage at the Wetumpka Depot Plays Aug. 8-16. Tickets can be purchased at wetumpkadepot.com, Company Street Mercantile or at the door.
SHOWCASED AT ARTI GRAS
The cast of Ten Minutes on a Bench includes Sydney Burdette, Isaac Garrison, Renee Lewis, Seth Maggard, Todd Tasseff, Jean Webb, James Ward and Laura Smith. It will be on the stage at The Wetumpka Depot Players Aug. 8-16.
The annual Arti Gras held at Russell Crossroads gives artists from all over the state the opportunity to showcase their artwork in Alexander City. The event kicked off shortly after the July 4 festivities around the lake. Friday morning, local artists along with creators from Auburn, Huntsville and other cities set up booths displaying their unique artwork. From realistic portraits, to jewelry made from real flowers, to Biblical scenes hand-carved from wood, there was no shortage of creativity at the Crossroads. Artists showcased
creations
realized they wanted to buy it,” she said. “We hadn’t even thought about people actually wanting to buy it and that is where we began to think, ‘OK, how can we do this and make it a business?’”
Once production got too big for their house, Chad got in contact with a high school friend who worked at a co-packing company, and it went from there. Now, Kari is 18 years old and going into nursing school, but she is still keeping KEY’S Southern Spice alive. Chad added they are looking to one day branch out into other seasonings, BBQ sauces and seasoning packets with recipes on it for dips or marinade. Currently KEY’S Southern Spice is also sold in bulk with 5-pound bags so restaurants or delis can use it as well.
Her mother Melissa noted it was important to Kari that KEY’S Southern Spice support organizations that align with her values. As such, KEY’S is a sponsor for Culinary Fight Club’s Fight2Feed, which works alongside local restaurants and chefs to supply food to those who are hungry. The company also sponsors Huntin The Truth Ministries’ show, whose mission is restoring people’s “relationship with Jesus through hunting and the outdoors,” according to the website. KEY’S Southern Spice has sponsored the Oklahoma City Gun Club Archery state tournament.
“It’s important to Kari and has been since day one that we are promoting wellbeing, our faith and then of course patriotism,” Melissa said.
While KEY’S started in Troy and the Yarbourghs now live in the Fairhope area, Chad’s family has ties to Tallapoosa County. And KEY’S Southern Spice can be found locally at Lake Martin Grocery Store, and are currently looking for a carrier around Alexander City.
To learn more about KEY’S Southern Spice, visit the website at mykeysllc.com.
CUSTOM
Continued from E1
Along with turkey calls, Williams specializes in creating owl, deer, doe and duck calls as well. Depending on the desired sound, he will input a different type of technology within the call itself.
“You have to make what we call a peg or a striker,” he said. “It’s a wooden tool you use on the surface to drag the peg across and create the friction that will make a sound similar to a turkey.”
Hunting calls may be his specialty, but he is becoming skilled in other areas of woodworking as well. He’s began creating dining pieces like charcuterie boards, bowls and more. His wide-ranged skills developed over a period of time of trial and error.
“My wife wanted me to make a bowl, and I found out I could do it,” Williams said. “It wasn’t that hard. If I ever made a mistake, she just threw it back on the wood pile and burned it in the fireplace. Nothing goes to waste.”
Much of the wood he uses is sourced from friends he has in surrounding states; however, he has used his own wood in the past despite its more tedious process. He said some wood takes two to three years to completely air dry. For wood to successfully turn into artwork, it must have less than 12 percent moisture.
“Even a dead tree is a living thing,” Williams said. “It changes with the atmosphere. You can make a nice bowl, and as it dries, it’s either going to crack or it’s going to warp.”
In his work, Williams uses wood species such as Maple, Black Cherry and other woods native to Tallapoosa County. Depending on the type of wood customers request, he will find a way to source their requested wood through either the internet or connections he’s made in the wood industry.
Although he creates customized pieces and has brought some work to local art shows, woodworking is primarily a hobby for him. Ultimately, he appreciates the connection he makes with his clients.
“It’s a hobby for me,” he said. “I do have a fee I charge for this, but it just covers the cost of materials. I’m retired, so it takes up a lot of my time. I just go out in my shop and get lost in my own mind.”
QUILT
Continued from E1
limits to her husband Doc. “This passport process is quite a pain,” Doc said. “When I feed her majesty, I’m permitted in.” The “queendom” is Chris-
Copper House Deli
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
For this month’s Food Spotlight, I made the short walk from The Wetumpka Herald office down to my favorite food spot in town – Copper House Deli.
I used to make my way through the menu, ordering different stuff every time I went in there. I don’t do that anymore. I found my sandwich and I’ve stuck to it since.
I got the Big River Dipper, which is actually labeled “Most Recommended” on Copper House’s menu. It is described as marinated top round roast beef covered in melted American, Provolone and Swiss cheese then topped with bacon.
The cost is $9.99, but I made it a combo with the potato salad and a drink for an extra $3.69. Then I added a banana pudding for $3.25. All in all, my cost was $18.46 after tax.
For me, this is the perfect hot sandwich. Copper House loads the sandwich down with roast beef – so much actually that there’s meat falling off the sandwich in nearly every bite. The different cheeses are a good combination, and the bacon on top is a nice touch. It’s served with Au jus, which just makes it even better. Ask the French. There’s a reason why they use it so much. I usually get the chips but went with potato salad for this spotlight. It was good, but not my
favorite kind of potato salad. Copper House’s was more of a pickle based potato salad, which is not what I prefer. It was very strong, but still good. I’d eat it again, but I wouldn’t pick it over my bag of chips.
The banana pudding, on the other hand, stole the show. I was told when ordering that it was made that day and it tasted like it. If you can think back on what the best banana pudding you’ve had is
like, that’s what I ate during my meal. It’s a must-have no matter what kind of sandwich you’re getting at Copper House. Copper House also has a Pay It Forward wall for people who may not be able to afford their meal. They can enter the store and take a pre-paid receipt off the wall and have a free meal. During my trip, there were eight receipts up on the wall for BLTs and Turkey sandwiches.
The free meals are limited to one ticket per visit as Copper House is trying to help the donations reach as many people as possible.
It’s hard to find a place in Wetumpka better than Copper House for a meal, and my latest visit reaffirms that for me. Go check them out and try for yourself. Order whatever you want, but make sure you get some banana pudding.
Fermenter’s serves up more than just beer
By SAMUEL HIGGS
Sports
Editor,
Tallapoosa County
To celebrate my second full week in Alexander City as the sports editor, I’ve had to do my fair share of exploring the town. Where I eventually ended up sitting down was Fermenter ’s Market on the Green.
Once I walked in, I was greeted with a cozy environment right before karaoke night began. I walked around because curiosity got the better of me and was met with a wall of everything I could have possibly imagined. From beers to seltzers to canned cocktails, the world was at my disposal.
However, I decided to go with a different approach and got myself a simple mixed drink to start the night. I scanned over the cocktail list and laid my eyes upon a blueberry lemonade. For me, anything lemonade is right up my alley. The drink was simple, just Western Son blueberry-flavored vodka mixed with lemonade. It was the perfect drink for me –not too strong, not overly sweet and the flavors mixed well. If I was not
tensen’s area to create, but it’s certainly not a palace. “It is always a mess,” Christensen said. “I have so many things going on. I figure that if I work at it really hard, I should be able to finish in about 297 years.” Doc is confident his wife will accomplish the goal.
careful, I could have easily seen myself finishing a couple without thinking of the consequences.
Although I was a big fan of the blueberry lemonade I had, I went up to the bartenders for round two with a challenge in mind: Make me something fun.
My challenge was met in the form of a pickle margarita. I’ll admit it, I had never had a pickle drink while at a bar before but I was not going to shy away from it. So I took the bartend
er's offer and waited for my drink.
Now, if you are not a fan of pickles I’d recommend you choose a regular margarita because the pickle flavor was strong. For me on the other hand, I had no problem whatsoever with my drink. I found it very tasty and was quite frankly surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. Like the lemonade, it was not on the strong side of things which made the experience much more enjoyable.
After I had some small talk with the patrons of Fermenter’s I closed my tab that came out just a little over $14. That’s
“She can’t pass away until she has used up all her fabric,” Doc said. “She will outlive us all.”
The “queendom” came to be as Christensen retired from teaching about seven years ago and got back into quilting about 20 years ago. Along the way she has racked up plenty
A pickle margarita is what was on the menu at Fermenter’s Market on the
very affordable in my book and will play a part in the reason I make a second visit.
I do wish I could have enjoyed some of the karaoke that was about to take place, but the sched -
of awards. “I have more than 65 blue ribbons from the Alabama National Fair,” Christensen said. “It was everything to do with sewing, knitting and crochet and photography. I have a whole variety of things that I do.” Christensen is sharing her
ule for the bar is always posted on their Facebook. So maybe sometime in the near future, I will come back to test the wall of drinks and poorly sing some songs for everyone to hear
wealth of knowledge in art quilts and more on her website sewgocreate.com. She also has a blog and sells some of her own patterns. “I have over 100 patterns,” Christensen said. “I’m always coming up with something new. I’m thinking about a mermaid and a unicorn next.”
FOOD SPOTLIGHT
DRINK SPOTLIGHT
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Copper House Deli’s Big River Dipper, described as marinated top round roast beef covered in melted American, Provolone and Swiss cheese then topped with bacon on the menu. Alongside the sandwich is potato salad and banana pudding.