By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There was never really a threat at Holtville Middle School Friday but a janitor was found with a
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 ple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the See SHOOTING, Page A3
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
Staff Report
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year. 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.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
“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 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 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 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
Florida man charged with rape, arson
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
A Florida man entered a Prattville business Friday night and allegedly committed numerous crimes.
The Prattville Police Department said in a statement police officers and the Prattville Fire Department responded to the 2,400 block of Pinnacle Lane to a trauma with injury call.
“Upon arrival officers located an adult female who stated she was
forced into a back room of the business and sexually assaulted,” the statement said. The suspect then robbed the business of an unknown amount of U.S. currency and attempted to set the business on fire before fleeing on foot. The suspect was located and detained near the business shortly after.
Law enforcement arrested Isaac Mathis, 29, of Pompano Beach, Florida, and charged him with first-degree rape, attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree arson. He was transported to the Elmore County Jail and is being held without bound until an Anianh’s Law hearing.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation. The case is still under investigation.
Wetumpka PD makes arrest in child sex abuse case
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
A 19-year-old man is in the Elmore County Jail following his arrest related to the sex abuse of a 12-year-old victim. Seth Barron, 19, of Bessemer, was taken into custody last week and charged with first-degree sodomy, electronic solicitation of a minor, enticing a child to enter a home for immoral purposes and second-degree sexual abuse.
the investigation was ongoing and involved a child victim, he could confirm only an investigation was ongoing. Charging documents included in court records state Barron and the victim first came into contact at a pool in Wetumpka. He contacted the victim later by phone to come to his residence.
fondled her, court records state.
“She did not say anything because didn’t know what to say,” the documents read. “(Barron) wanted to do more but said she was uncomfortable and left.”
A family member of the victim found messages from Barron on the child’s phone and blocked the number. But Barron continued to contact the child’s phone using other phone numbers. He finally left a note at the victim’s home.
Elmore County Jail records list Barron as a Bessemer resident but court records state he was living in Wetumpka. Court records state the mother and child reported alleged abuse to the Wetumpka Police Department earlier this month. Police chief Ed Reeves said because
The victim told an interviewer with Butterfly Child Advocacy Center she went to Barron’s residence to ride a skateboard but instead went inside at his urging because it was cooler. They sat on a couch where Barron kissed the victim, then moved her shorts to the side and
Barron was arrested Friday and taken to the Elmore County Jail. He has no bond available on the first-degree sodomy charge and has a $51,000 bond on the three remaining charges. Barron must go before a judge to determine if he will be eligible for bond on the sodomy charge.
New Ivy Creek doctor inspired by Holocaust survivor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Dr. Michael Kalter feels called to practice medicine. It’s a calling that came long before medical school. It all stems from a story Kalter’s father shared with
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him of the Holocaust.
“My father’s family was killed in the Holocaust,” Kalter said. “My father was a survivor. When I was little, he told me what happened. It was then I decided to be a doctor. It was my wish to do some good when he had
been exposed to so much bad.”
Kalter has been with Ivy Creek Healthcare since June and seeing patients primarily at Ivy Creek Family Care of Millbrook. Just because he is KALTER See DOCTOR, Page A3
• Harassment was reported on Chapel Lakes Drive.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
MATHIS
BARRON
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Make sure your pet is up to date on shots
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
and it is most important to keep pets up to date on their vaccinations. The greatest form of protection against the many illnesses your pet can get is by having your Veterinarian vaccinate them. Your Veterinarian will ensure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations based on your pet’s activities, where you live and new & emerging diseases they may be aware of. With our Shelter currently getting our dogs through an outbreak of Canine Influenza, your Veterinarian is likely to highly recommend vaccinating your dog for this disease – especially if it goes out in public, to boarding facilities, to groomers, to doggy day care, visiting other dogs, etc.
There are some vaccinations that are considered CORE Vaccinations and
absolutely should be done to provide protection from life threatening diseases. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends the following as core vaccines for dogs: rabies, parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus & parainfluenza. For cats they recommend rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus; feline herpesvirus-1 & feline leukemia. Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets is also a LAW in most states since rabies is a disease that can also kill humans. People here in the USA feel safe from rabies BECAUSE it is a requirement to vaccinate pets which has tremendously reduced the threat of rabies to humans. But rabies is here and found in many wildlife species so we must stress how important it is for your pet(s) to be kept current on their rabies vaccination. And, yes, there have been cats and dogs positive for rabies in Alabama. By law, Rabies vaccinations can only be
Pet of the Week — Montana
Montana is an almost 9-year old female brown & white tabby found as a stray. She came to us as a stray but we had no luck finding her owner. She is a very sweet cat, laid back and would love a spot to call her own in a loving home.
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,
DOCTOR
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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 Montana 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 334-5673377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.
new to town doesn’t mean he is new to medicine. Kalter started practicing in 1984. Prior to that he was a medic and was involved in rescue. Since practicing medicine he has been over emergency services as well.
Kalter helped manage an emergency room in south Florida when he left the hectic schedule for private practice.
“When my son was born I realized I wasn’t watching him grow up, so I left,” Kalter said.
After taking a break to help care for a family member, a recruiter pointed Kalter to Elmore County. He made a phone call to Ivy Creek CEO Mike Bruce.
“We just kind of clicked,” Kalter said. “He had issues with my support of Florida State because he is a Florida man. We moved past it.”
The pair shared a love of rural settings. While Kalter has experience
done by licensed Veterinarians for very good reasons. These trained professionals will ensure the source of their vaccine is good, they will ensure the vaccine is stored properly and administered properly. That is why you get a certificate with a date, vaccine manufacturer, lot number and the Veterinarian’s signature, and why many counties will offer rabies clinics once or twice a year so as to protect both animals and humans. Be grateful we have a way to protect our pets and humans from this very ugly disease.
Other vaccinations might be necessary based on where you live geographically, if your pet is exposed to diseases based on activity, or if your pet is going to be boarded in a commercial facility around many other pets. In some parts of the United States, Lyme Disease is a greater threat than in other areas. Leptospirosis can be a bigger concern with hunting dogs or dogs that
roam woods and around bodies of water, and most all boarding facilities require Bordatella vaccination for dogs. Of course we have already discussed Canine Influenza – something that has become more known in the past few years. Puppies and kittens generally get their first vaccinations at 8 weeks old but your Veterinarian may alter this based on history of the mother dog and her vaccination status. ONE set of puppy vaccinations is also not enough and your Veterinarian will tell you when to bring them back for follow-up vaccinations. It is vital that puppies and kittens get all of the vaccinations according to your Veterinarian to fully protect them. Once they complete all their vaccinations as puppies and kittens, they then may be able to go to vaccinations just once/year or perhaps even every three years based on many factors like known vaccination
age,
in large metro hospitals, he has also practiced in rural settings in Wisconsin and around Lake Okeechobee in Florida.
Kalter has experience in internal medicine and wound care. He also was part of the first study using hyperbaric chambers to treat concussions.
At Ivy Creek, Kalter is a primary and urgent care provider. He is already seeing patients and getting referrals based on his love of veterans.
“My father was a veteran of two wars,” Kalter said.
It is those connections Kalter likes to form with patients. He compares his role as a doctor to others with close relationships.
“What I like about rural medicine is you are like the guy,” Kalter said.
“Other than a spouse or clergyman, medicine is probably about the most intimate relationship you have in life.
I’m kind of a dinosaur. I like talking with my patients and getting to know them.”
A4 • August 14, 2024
Welcome to Alabama — it’s hot
There is nothing quite like Alabama weather. The sweltering heat mixed with the regular thunderstorm and tornado threats makes it quite the adventure to live in Alabama most of the year.
We’re used to the everyday rain storms in April and May, but these last couple weeks with the endless rain, that’s not something we’re typically accustomed to.
But those thunderstorms have led to this ungodly heat, and we are not here for it.
We’ve tried our best to keep our readers updated on heat regulations and safety measures, but there’s only so many ways to say it’s hot when you can literally start sweating a mere seconds after walking outside.
It’s air you can wear, we like to call it.
We like to be encouraging in these editorials and give you something to look forward to, but all we’ve got to tell you is we luckily might not be under a heat advisory for the next two days. Don’t worry; that means the temperatures are supposed to reach only 97. Not 100. Phew, we can handle that. Or can we?
As always, we want to give you a gentle reminder about staying safe in this type of heat. Make sure you are drinking lots of water and taking plenty of breaks if you’re stuck out in the dog days of summer. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you to keep care of your dogs too. We know lots of people have outdoor dogs in Alabama, and they don’t want to be panting all day any more than you want to be drenched in your own sweat. Stay cool out there.
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals. Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include
We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.
The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Baily Terry or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
Almost an Olympian — not
There was a day too long ago I was frequently among Olympians.
I photographed many of them, especially as they competed in swimming in and around Auburn University
I remember photographing Michael Phelps as he came down from Baltimore to train in Auburn. It was before he racked up his 28 Olympic medals — he was seeking great competition for training.
I vividly remember three Auburn representatives medaling in about a half hour in the pool in Beijing in 2008. One was Kirsty Coventry swimming for her native Zimbabwe. She set a world record that year.
Another was Brazil’s Cesar Cielo, he would become the world’s fastest swimmer at the time in the 50m free.
For the 2012 Olympics, Auburn was well represented in Athens. It was a year that 12 current or former Auburn swimmers medaled.
Some even classified Auburn Swimming as a country at the time. I saw one report that if classified as a country, Auburn Swimming would have been fifth in the medal count.
All the while Rowdy Gaines was around. He is best known for his calls of swimming, mostly at the Olympics. Gaines was the Auburn swimmer who was the next Mark Spitz. He was denied a chance at being legendary in the pool when the US boycotted the Moscow Olympics. Who knows how many medals he would have won.
Most were training in the same pool in the late 2000s. Gaines stopped by on an occasion to get a work out in and talk shop with everyone.
Then there was me. I wasn’t there
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
to work. I wasn’t there to photograph anyone.
I was there to train.
A few years earlier I had gotten into really great shape. I could run 10Ks at an 8-minute mile pace and turn around and do it again, and again.
I could bike too.
My times were not great but being in mid-30s at the time they weren’t too shabby.
I thought maybe I would do OK in my age bracket for mini-triathlons.
But there was one hiccup — swimming. Yes I could float and doggie paddle, maybe even get my arms over for a few strokes of freestyle. But what about several hundred yards?
No fear. I knew Auburn had a program for adults. I talked briefly with the coaches I had been photographing and I would have to join the masters program.
It was my appointed hour to be at the pool. I was thinking it would be a few retirees. I thought everyone would be wearing long shorts and a few bellies like I currently have. It would be a great, low-key way to get comfortable swimming distances more than across a residential pool.
But I knew I was in trouble when I walked up and the waves in the Olympic sized pool sounded more like the ocean than the still water of a pool.
I quickly found out the Masters swim program at Auburn was where the Olympians trained. Some names I heard in Auburn were names I heard Gaines call out on Olympic broadcasts were Cielo and Coventry and more.
The coaches quickly guided me to a lane at the edge of the pool and instructed me to get in a few warm-up laps.
We all quickly realized I needed help. They gave me a float to aid in paddling the 50M pool. Down and back. Down and back. That is all I would get that first day. In the next lane Cielo would swim nine laps to my one all as a warmup. The Olympians were great. We all had a good laugh. They all praised me as I was 10 to 15 years their senior. They encouraged me. I kept trying for a few weeks but could never get the hang of distance swimming.
All the memories came back the past two weeks as I watched Phelps celebrate one of his records falling. I smiled as Gaines called Katie Ledecky’s gold medal swim. In some ways it was as if I was there back on the pool deck with the Olympians. It was a time when I was almost an Olympian — not. I was never close but their friendliness and willingness to share made me realize they are like me — human a sport we can all be Olympians at.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff.williams@thewetumpkaherald. com.
Little store on the prairie
Fourteen years ago this week, the long-dreamed possibility of a grocery store on the east side of Tallassee was realized with the grand opening of Super Foods East on Notasulga Road in August 2010.
At the time, I had been working at the original Super Foods on Gilmer Avenue for a few years, and had not been informed if I would be making the transition to the new store. However, as opening day approached, I found myself scheduled to work alongside the team that was setting up the new store for business at the old Dillard’s Country Store. The Lawrence family had taken every step to realize the potential of the east side store as the grand opening neared. It was a very rewarding experience to be there at the beginning. I was working at the original store that day but Mr. Gene came and picked me up – he told me that I would be the first “closer” at the new store, which was an honor. The original management team included Gene and David Lawrence, Paul Gaither, Jonathan Neuber, Deborah Pelham, and Jill Marshall. Neuber and Pelham came with David from the Lifeway bookstore business in Montgomery but had no prior grocery knowledge. Marshall had been a cashier at the old store so she was more familiar with the business. Longtime butcher Bobby Gresham set up the meat department, but otherwise the
employees were all new. Same with produce and dairy/frozen food. The cashiers and stockers were all new, as well. Paul Gaither passed away within that first year, and then Craig Webster came on board in July 2011. Mr. Webster’s vast knowledge of the grocery business brought tremendous excitement to our team. Mr. Gaither and Mr. Webster are “old school” grocery men, both of whom demonstrated an unparalleled mastery of marketing and retail. I have learned so much from these men. In fact, Craig Webster might be the best manager of people I’ve ever worked for in any operation. He knows the store so well, he can tell you everything that is going on now as well as what happened yesterday and what will happen tomorrow!
David Lawrence, a man I’ve known most of my life (our birthdays are just days apart and we were roommates in college), is our owner. He truly cares for his workers and puts his faith into action. Time and again, as my co-workers have faced various
setbacks or crises, David has set aside time to make personal home visits, lead Bible studies, and in all ways show his great character. I consider it a privilege to work for such a fine man.
Julie Morrison began as the assistant produce manager but was elevated to manager within a couple of years and, as of now, is the only member of that original team to still be working there fourteen years later. Other managers through the years have included Jon Parsons, Jason Achord, Roger Treadwell, Wesley Webster (Craig’s son), Chris Bird (my father), and Jamie Moore, among others. It is fair to say that the senior Webster has put such a personal stamp on this particular store and its operations that many customers think of Super Foods East as “Craig’s store.” Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” It was the vision – and determination – of Gene Lawrence, who made it all happen. He has done so much for the Tallassee community, much of which sometimes goes unrecognized. I hope you will take the opportunity this week to drive out to the east side Super Foods to tell the gang, “happy anniversary –and many more.”
Michael Bird is a retired music teacher with Tallassee City Schools.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Snail Trail signs being replaced
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Like the Tulotoma snail, downtown Wetumpka proves with work almost anything can be revived.
The efforts of the Tuloto -
ma Snail Trail were started in 2017. Now, some of the signs marking the walking trail are being replaced, including the one in front of the Elmore County Museum.
“The previous one was severely sun damaged,” Main Street Wetumpka executive director Haley Greene. “We just recreated it. We added more to the story behind it and the connection to the area.”
Efforts to save the near extinct snail in the Coosa River started decades ago. Area leaders point to the story of the Tulotoma snail to encourage others a nearly
extinct species can be saved.
“It is creating a correlation between if a species can be taken off the endangered species list and moved to threatened, an endangered downtown can be brought back to life,” Greene said. “It can be made vibrant and thriving again.”
The snail trail started in 2017 as many of the buildings in downtown Wetumpka were vacant and some in decay.
But the story of the Tulotoma Magnifica river snail, indigenous to the Coosa River came to life in the 1990s. It was nearly extinct when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s federal scientists mandated Alabama Power Company comply with the Clean Water Act. This set minimum water releases from Jordan Dam, allowing for greater water flow down the Coosa River.
The mandate not only saved the species, which requires moving water to survive, but also helped increase tourism
for kayaking and paddling. The river created a draw to downtown as it was a takeout point from the Coosa River
after kayakers navigated it.
“The idea of the project was to foster love for the community and provide an understanding of where we live,” former Main Street Wetumpka executive director Jenny Stubbs said. “We wanted people to take pride in their community because when you’re proud of something you treat it differently. We say we’re helping the look of downtown catch up with its charm.”
More signs will be replaced and others added to aid educating visitors not only about the history of the Tulotoma snail, but of resilient Wetumpka.
“The goal is to add another plaque in The Alley, Merchants Way and new Fall Line Park so people can go to the different areas and read about the snail,” Greene said.
Molding Leaders for tomorrow through business
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Schandra and Myron
James cut the ribbon on an event space in Millbrook Tuesday. But the space has a much larger purpose — preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
For three years the husband and wife team has been renting party supplies with the help of their 16-year-old son Macin. Three months ago they transformed a warehouse on Penser Boulevard into a small space with a conference room for Molding Leaders.
“Through the passion
SUBMITTED TPI
helps out with it.”
of everything, we bring these young people into work, we found Molding Leaders was more of a calling than this business,” Schandra said. “The event business just
The building was formerly a gym and the family spent the last three months installing walls, floors and air conditioning to ready the
space for small gatherings of up to 99 people.
“We are trying to cater more towards baby showers, receptions,” Schandra said. “It is just enough space with a separate food area. We are still doing the equipment rental.”
The basic idea of the business is to let Macin and the teenagers in Molding Leaders run S&M Essential Party Rentals.
“We own it, but let him be involved because one day it is going to be his,” Schandra said. “He helps with decisions as we guide him so he can know the basics of what
County approves nearly $89 million budget
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Approving one of its largest budgets ever approaching $89 million wasn’t the reason for a crowd at the Elmore County Commission Monday night. Instead, the crowd was there to speak against the commission approving a plat for a 117 home development in the Redland community.
It is Phase I of the Laurel Ridge development just southeast of the intersection of Redland Road and Willow Springs Road. Other phases are planned for a 12 year build out of nearly 700 single family homes, all to be over 2,100 square feet.
Nearby residents voiced complaints to the commission about the potential for increased traffic, possible decrease in water pressure and strains on the education system. Some asked for some form of zoning. Bruce Taylor lives in the nearby Wildwood Subdivision and asked why no traffic impact study was done for Redland Road similar to what the Alabama Department of Transportation requires for developments of more than 100 homes.
“It could justify making the developer upfront share the cost of making infrastructure improvements that their development necessary,” Taylor told the commission.
Taylor also asked if there were plans to widen Redland Road to four lanes anytime soon because. He felt it was necessary if the development came to fruition.
The commission
answered many of the questions in the meeting saying without some form of home rule their hands are tied.
Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said no traffic study was needed as guidelines for such developments on county roads didn’t require it.
“Estimates on traffic from single family homes is about eight trips per day,” Beyer said. “That is based on commonly accepted studies for developments of this type.”
Beyer said the county had previously and was still studying possible improvements to Redland Road.
The commission approved the plat unanimously.
“We have no zoning authority,” said commissioner Dennis Hill, whose District 3 covers the development. “We have nothing.”
State law and regulations dictate how a potential development works in unincorporated areas of the state. Essentially the developer gets the signoff on the utilities indicating the development won’t adversely affect them and the county must approve a plot.
Hill said the builder plans to build about 35 to 45 homes per year using local contractors and subcontractors.
County attorney Jeffery Courtney advised the commission that if the proposed plat met the state requirements, the developer could sue the county if it didn’t approve the measure.
“It would be a diffi -
cult position to defend,” Courtney said. “It could be left to the judge’s discretion to award the developer attorney’s fees.”
The commission approved the fiscal year 2025 budget. Beyer said it was $89 million with several items related to the county’s quality of life projects such as the turf fields and 17 Springs. The operating budget for the year is about $40 million and includes the county covering the anticipated 5% increase in employee healthcare insurance. The commission budgeted a $155,000 increase for additional jail medical and mental health services. It means a 600% increase in mental health services in the jail and a 16% increase in jail healthcare staffing.
At the Monday meeting the commission also approved the fiscal year 2025 contract with Humane Society of Elmore County. Beyer said it is a similar contract to previous ones with the animal shelter and no change in the monetary value of it.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the July 22 meeting.
• Approved the memorandum of warrants for July 13 to Aug. 2 in the amount of $5,701,393.13.
• Approved a special event retail alcohol license for The Black Jack Symphony at the Lake Martin Amphitheater for Sept. 1-2.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9.
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the business is.”
Currently, Molding Leaders is an eight-person team; the new non-profit has already done work in the community
It helped the teenagers learn about agriculture and learn skills surrounding lawn maintenance and operating machinery
“We are trying to help them develop skills,” Myron said. “All of them might not go to college. We want to help them find their passion.”
The event space and rental helps teach business and people skills.
“You don’t have to
Quilt of Valor based on his combat service in the frozen winters of the Korean War. Despite his time serving the country in the Corps, it’s recruiting he is most proud of.
It was a mistake when the Wetumpka native and a buddy joined the Marine Corps. They were in the Naval Reserve and hitchhiked to Montgomery to join the Navy.
“We got to the wrong floor and asked where the Navy recruiting office was,” Bonner said. “They didn’t tell us — the next day we are going to Birmingham to be sworn into the Marine Corps.”
They returned to Wetumpka to wait to ship out. They returned to school one last time to say goodbye before shipping out.
“The bell rang and we started out the front door of the school to head to Montgomery,” Bonner said. “Another friend asked where we were going. We told him we were going to join the Marine Corps.”
The three shipped out to Parris Island for boot camp where they found two other classmates in another platoon.
“They didn’t believe we were going,” Bonner said. “They came to see if what we said was true.”
It was 1950 and only Bonner had graduated from high school at the time. He didn’t have a real plan for a career and no money to continue his education. Joining the Marines was the right option for him and his buddies.
“The football coach at school wasn’t happy with me,” Bonner said. “I took out a good position of his players that would have likely made all-state.”
Of the five, three, including Bonner, served in the Marine Corps for 20 years — but only after some prodigy from Bonner.
“Two got out and on my next trip home, I got them back in the Marine Corps,” Bonner said.
have a four-year degree to be successful,” Schandra said.
The James family wants the current group of teenagers to aid in selecting the next teenagers to be mentored by Molding Leaders. The process will also help keep the group somewhat small and be able to control its growth.
“I want it to have an impact in the community,” Schandra said. “We have to invest in our community or we don’t have a good future. The kids are our future. The business happens to be here and gives us the avenue to help.”
He spent 14 years as a Marine Corps recruiter. A lot were based out of Montgomery and he was successful. Quotas were sometimes as low as five recruits per month and others nearly a dozen. Bonner almost always made the mark. He even got a service medal for meeting the mark for 36 months in a row.
Bonner’s recruiting career started after he was injured in Korea. Bonner received the Purple Heart and Navy Commendation with Combat V. He was sitting in a hospital in Japan and was almost sent back to combat when officers were looking for someone who could type.
“I took typing for three years at Wetumpka High School,” Bonner said. “I could type 72 words per minute on a manual typewriter.”
The officer couldn’t believe what he was hearing during Bonner’s typing test. Bonner never went back to the Korean combat zone.
Bonner was one of 12 central Alabama veterans to be honored with a quilt recently in front of the Alabama capital by the Quilts of Valor. It is a nationwide project conceived by Katherine Roberts when her son was deployed to Iraq. She had a dream of a soldier sitting on a bed fighting what she called “war demons.”
“After covering with a quilt we saw his demeanor change to that of hope,” Quilts of Valor state coordinator Jacquelyn McKinstry said.
That was 2003. By 2014 the organization gave its 100,000th quilt to a service member in Walter Reed Medical Center. Bonner’s is the 212,055th issued by the organization. Bonner appreciates the honor but enjoyed the day of presentation as well.
“I always like being around veterans,” Bonner said. “I was happy for them. I was extremely happy for myself. It was something that I wasn’t expecting and a pleasant surprise.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Signs for the Tulotoma Snail Trail in downtown are beginning to be replaced. The sun damaged the old signs over the years. The new signs include more information about the project.
From left, Myron James, Deuhn Carroll, Brittany Dubose, Macin James and Schandra James pose outside of Molding Leaders and S&M Essential Party Rentals after they cut the ribbon for the building last week.
MARINE
Redland PTO spruces up lobby for first day
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
See a need, fill a need.
Parents, teachers and staff at Redland Elementary School spent the summer getting the school ready for the
first day of school. It is all rooted in relationships between students, teachers and the school’s principal Cory Eckstein.
As paid staff were getting classrooms ready, the Redland Elementary School PTO saw a need to freshen up the lobby
“We wanted to make it more welcoming and have more seating for kids and parents,” PTO parent Ally Lewis said.
The lobby now features fresh paint and seating, which is more than school secretary Kim Hilliard could’ve hoped for when she first thought of sprucing up the lobby.
“It’s been 16 years since anything has happened with it,” Hilliard said. “We just wanted
to give it a refresh.”
On the first day of school some students took the time to stop and take photographs with the new lobby seating and a school sign in the background. Its stripes of dif ferent shades of gray broke up the wall. It was a background that could have been used by Eckstein for a first day of school photo.
Instead he was outside helping move the carline along as fast as safely possible.
Some students hugged their principal
JANITOR
Continued from A1
on the way inside the school. It all makes his role as principal special.
“It is the best job ever,” Eckstein said. “It shows how important what you do is to people. I haven’ t earned it. I don’t deserve it. But this community is so good to do things like that for me.”
The school lobby isn't the first time students, parents and the PTO have helped create a better environment in and around the school. Earlier this year the Elmore Coun -
Bill Franklin said the SRO started to interview Rolle and “patted him down,” finding marijuana and drug paraphernalia. But that wasn’t all that he found.
“He found a loaded semi-automatic .380 handgun,” Franklin said.
When the sheriff’s department ran the serial numbers from the handgun through an investigative database, it was discovered the weapon was taken during a 2018 burglary near Tallassee.
Dennis and Franklin said the incident didn’t escalate to a threatening situation.
“It was resolved safely,” Franklin said. “We did what we needed to do on our end.”
Rolle was charged with possession of a deadly weapon on school grounds, second-degree receiving stolen property, second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Elmore County Jail and is still being held on a $42,000
YEAR Continued from A1
This is the second year Parker has painted Wetumpka’s middle
ty Board of Education approved a new playground at the school after students and the PT O raised more than $60,000 for the cause. Eckstein said the idea of the playground came from a student request when he took the job four years ago.
“This is their school, their community,” Eckstein said. “We are just here to facilitate what they want to be done. We want a place that when kids walk in they get to say ‘I want to go to school here,’ not ‘I have to go to school here.’”
cash bond.
Dennis said background checks are performed on employees, but Rolle was not an employee of the Elmore County Board of Education. He worked for a contractor that provides janitorial services for Elmore County Schools.
Dennis said there was a Monday meeting with the contractor review procedures for personnel on school campuses.
“We want to make sure they are doing background checks,” Dennis said. “The janitors are not board employees but with some of the turnover, we want to make sure they are doing those on a regular basis.”
Elmore County Schools works with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments in Wetumpka and Millbrook to provide SROs at many of the county school campuses. In the case at Holtville, it’s a sheriff’s deputy.
“They are full fledged law enforcement officers,” Franklin said. “They are pretty much tied to the school. We are fortunate to have them. They are very knowledgeable about what to do.”
school window, and it all starts with a theme.
The school sends photographs to Parker, who then provides a mockup and goes to work.
“She makes it happen,” principal Loukisah Brooks said.
Wetumpka Middle School isn’t the only window Parker has painted. She actually got her start by watching TikTok videos.
“I thought, ‘I can do this,’” Parker said.
After some initial practice, Parker then painted the windows on her parents’ automotive shop.
“They started getting people stopping by because of the windows,” Parker said.
In the last few years, Parker has painted several windows throughout downtown Wetumpka, including The Gab, Yellow Daffodil and Sweet Home Books.
“I also do many of the holiday windows,” Parker said. Parker wasn’t the only one working
throughout the last few weeks to prepare Wetumpka Middle School for the first day. Wetumpka High School FFA members have been getting the reading garden back in shape. A project that started almost a decade ago, the reading garden is looking for a revamp this year.
“We did a major cut back,” FFA sponsor Keith Lucy said. “Our intent is to return a couple times throughout the year to maintain it.” More than just maintain it though, Lucy wants the reading garden to become part of a lesson. He wants high schoolers to tell the middle school students what the plants are, why they are doing what they are doing and how to maintain the plants.
“The students will take pride in it,” Lucy said. “Many of them were at the middle school and took advantage of the reading garden not too long ago.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Students walk through the recently refreshed lobby of Redland Elementary School. The project was done with the help of the school’s PTO.
Keep others in mind when you pray
n
Ion behalf of another. Just as Jesus prays for us, we are to pray for others. Hebrews 7:25 says, “He is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
A great story is told about
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.
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
two lollipops. It seems a little boy, about four years old, was seated in the customer chair in a local hair salon and was waiting to get his haircut. The child was so good — he sat so still that when the stylist finished cutting his hair, the little boy was given a lollipop.
The stylist was about to put
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-
the box of candy back under the counter when the little boy said, “my sister is at home and never gets a haircut at this place. Can I have a lollipop for her, too?”
The stylist asked the little boy how old his sister was. The boy said almost two years old but she couldn’t talk, as well as he could. Then the stylist asked if he liked his little sister and he said, “yes, most of the time, and I would like a lollipop for her, too.”
Then, the stylist let him pick one out of the box. I am sure that the little girl was
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
happy that her brother had been so thoughtful. It is nice to ask for something for someone else. When Peter was in prison, all the members of the church gathered together and prayed for Peter’s safety. They weren’t praying for themselves, they were praying for Peter. We call this intercession.
If we pray for our parents, our friends, our church or if they pray for us, it is called intercessory prayer. Christians should pray a lot, but not just for themselves. We should pray for others. Sometimes, we find our-
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
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME!
Worship With Us
selves in a hurry and we just forget to pray for others. But Jesus never forgets to intercede for us. Jesus is the great intercessor. Hebrews 7:25 tells us He always lives to make intercession for us.
An old hymn brings a great reminder, “ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?”
Is there someone to whom you would like to give a lollipop?
Jackie Wilbourn is a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
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.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Hollenquest leading Wetumpka up front
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Lexton Hollenquest is one of the most experienced players on Wetumpka’s roster.
The 6-foot-3, 250-pound offensive lineman has 22 starts under his belt with coach Bear Woods and the Indians. As he enters his
third year as a starter, he is ready to help his squad reach the playoffs once again this season.
“This is a special group,”
Hollenquest said. “We are really bonding together and getting some team chemistry. Everybody knows you can’t perform by yourself. There’s 11 of us on the field at the same time, so we’re
Headley using height to his advantage
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
Elijah Headley knows he holds an advantage over defensive backs.
The Holtville senior is the first person who gets noticed when the Bulldogs step off the bus. At 6-foot-5, he is the tallest person on the roster. And as the team’s leading receiver from a year ago, he knows what works when he lines up before the snap.
“I mean, you can’t teach height,” Headley said. “That’s something I’ve always had going for me and it’s a good thing to have. You won’t ever hear a receiver complaining about being tall. I just have to put that to our advantage when I’m running routes and going up for the ball.”
Headley was Holtville’s No. 2 receiver last year behind Erik Adkins, who also used his height and speed to his advantage. Headley, however, made his presence known throughout the year by his ability to find the end zone.
He ended the season with 18 catches for 254 yards and a team-best five touchdown catches, earning nearly one touchdown every three passes caught. His best game came
against West Blocton when he caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winning touchdown with 20 seconds left. His first touchdown came on a fade route early in the game, then his second was a jump-ball where he found himself above everyone else on the field.
He was the Elmore County Player of the Week for that performance. He then saw himself find the end zone multiple times over the last few weeks of the season, scoring in threestraight games before the Bulldogs fell in the first round of the playoffs.
Headley is excited about the prospect of moving to the No. 1 receiver, but he knows his team is going to have to spread the ball out to find success in the passing game.
“We have a new offensive scheme that we’re liking a lot,” Headley said. “We’re spreading the ball around and I won’t be getting all of the looks. Everyone is getting touches. Our quarterbacks have special reads so it’s easy to work with, and we just have to learn how to do it and set it up.”
trying to get everyone on the same page. I think we have some great players this year, but we have to get everyone together.”
Hollenquest and the Indians started practice last Monday, but the team didn’t get into pads until Wednesday. He got some work this
WETUMPKA VOLLEYBALL RETURNS EXPERIENCED GROUP
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
JJ Kidd likes what his first Wetumpka volleyball team brings to the court.
The Indians claimed their seventh-consecutive area championship last season, then reached the AHSAA Class 6A Sweet 16 in the postseason. They lost only one player to graduation, and now Kidd enters the program looking to build on that experience.
“We’re going to battle,” Kidd said. “Right now, we’re a smaller team which is fine, but we’re really gritty. We’re going to be a real-
ly strong team on defense to start, and everything else is going to fall into place as it comes.”
Leading the defense is libero Ashlynn Turner, a junior entering her third season as a defensive starter. She took over the role in 2022 as a freshman late in the season, then started every match as a sophomore.
Alongside her is Baylie Wilson, Madison Calloway and Emily Stanford.
“Most of our defensive specialists are going to be the top players on our team,” Kidd said. “Ashlynn has been a standout there for us. It’s very comforting
having her back there as a leader. Most balls that come near the back row, she’s going to take charge and try to take it. I have complete faith in her back there. Most teams will avoid her, but she’s going to try for anything close.”
Hannah Kate Burdett will also play on defense, but she will be one of the top offensive players as well. She will be the most versatile player on the court as she plays all six locations and every position. Carlynn Chumley will play alongside Burdett on one side, while Madison
McQueen has all eyes on him
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There’s not a defensive player in AHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 who doesn’t know what Arthur McQueen can do with the football. The Stanhope Elmore running back returns to lead the Mustangs for his senior year in 2024. The All-County back ran through, around and past defenders all year last season as he racked up 1,432 rushing yards, 273 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in just seven games. He was the focal point for Stanhope’s offense in every game he played, and that isn’t changing when Stanhope Elmore takes the field against Marbury on Aug. 23. “Having him come back gives us an identity right out of the gate, and that’s just massive to have early in the season,” Stanhope coach Hunter Adams said. “We have someone we can lean on and
everything else is putting the right pieces around him to compliment him.” McQueen didn’t jump into the starting role last season until Week 2. But as soon as he touched the end zone for the first time, it was evident he would be a
Wetumpka’s Lexton
Hollenquest (72)
Holtville’s Elijah Headley returns a kickoff against Fultondale last season. Headley is Holtville’s leading returner at receiver after catching a team-high five touchdowns.
FILE TPI
Wetumpka’s Cheyenne Boshell enters her third season as a starting setter for the Indians. Boshell and the rest of the Tribe are looking to win their eighth-consecutive area title this year.
See WETUMPKA, Page B2
See HEADLEY, Page B2
Stanhope Elmore’s Arthur McQueen tries to break the tackle of Wetumpka linebacker Cleangelo Peake.
Wildcats look to continue championship run
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The standard has been set, and now a new group of Edgewood Academy volleyball players are looking to meet that standard in 2024.
The Wildcats, who have won five consecutive state championships and six out of the last
seven, graduated four seniors last season. Two of those graduates, Lindsey Brown and Madison Martin, are now playing college volleyball.
That means four new players will have to take leading roles. For Edgewood coach Brad Starks, the team has enough returning talent to continue the standard. But the lack of experience
will be the biggest issue early in the year.
“That experience is invaluable,” Starks said. “There’s going to be some growing pains while we find out where everybody needs to be. We have to get everyone in the right place. But these girls are working their tails off and there’s a lot of them who are ready for their moment. It’s their time to shine now.”
The most experienced player on the team is rising senior Avery White, a do-it-all player who earned First Team All-Elmore County honors last season. She finished the year with 188 kills, 242 assists, 57 service aces, 11 blocks and 76 digs.
As Edgewood won the state championship last year, she was named to the Class AA All-Tournament team.
She is coming off a wrist injury, however, after she was hurt during softball season. Her recovery has gone smoothly, and she was back in action earlier than initially expected.
“Avery’s been there and done that,” Starks said. “She’s the main one returning who has been on the court without taking significant breaks. She understands what the game is like and how to play at that level for an entire season.
Another versatile player that Starks is expecting a big year from is sophomore Baylie Barrett. Barrett will take on a role much like Brown played last year, and she played significant minutes as a freshman in 2023. She had 62
“Baylie really showed out towards the end of last year,” Starks said. “She got on the court a lot as a freshman, and that says a lot when you look at the talent we had on our team last year. She’s a great player.”
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WETUMPKA
Continued from B1
“Haidynn has all the tools,” Starks said. “If you watch her, there’s really not much she can’t do. We just have to have her put it all together.”
Also an All-County kills, 42 service aces, 11 blocks and 15 digs.
On defense, Starks will rely on two players play libero. The junior was one of the team’s top defenders last year with 54 digs.
“Harlie actually forced that move on herself last year to have a change from playing setter,” Starks said. “She’s smaller, and we like to
ABOVE: Edgewood Academy’s Avery White serves in the 2023 state championship match.
White, now a senior, is the team’s returning starter after an All-County season last year.
TOP: Edgewood Academy’s Avery White (1) and Emerson Boddie (4) share a moment before last year’s state championship volleyball match. Both players return as starters this year.
THURSDAY, AUG. 15
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
4 Edgewood Academy at Morgan Academy, 6 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 19
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
4 Meadowview at Edgewood Academy, 5 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUG. 20
High School Volleyball
4 Edgewood Academy at Resto-
VOLLEYBALL
Continued from B1
Young will start in the middle. She is one of the only seniors on the roster and is a returning starter. On the right side of the court, junior Cheyenne Boshell will be the team’s main setter but will also take a larger role this year.
“The last time I was in Wetumpka in 2022, Cheyenne was the secondary setter for her sister Julie,” Kidd said.
ration, 5 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUG. 22
High School Football 4 Reeltown vs. T.R. Miller (at Cramton Bowl), 7 p.m.
Prattville at Tallassee, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Stanhope Elmore, Ben Russell at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m.
“She’s stepped up so much since then and her serving has gotten more aggressive. She has a bigger task this year since we’re asking her to swing up front now. Nobody got the chance to see that from her in the past, but she’s going to be one of our top hitters.”
Boshell’s secondary setter is sophomore Abigail White, who starred on the junior varsity last year.
“Abigail is going to be one of the top set-
Louisiana Monroe, Alabama State, North Alabama and Middle Tennessee.
McQueen knows what he brings to the football field. To him, it’s quite simple.
“It’s my mentality,” McQueen said. “I have that dog in me. A lot of people don’t have that, but I do. I’m a dog on the field.”
McQueen was the definition of consistency last year. He never once had a game where he rushed for under 100 yards, and he reached close to 200 yards rushing in every game. He got better as the season went on, scoring multiple touchdowns in almost every game late in the year
He followed up the season with a
Outside of Adkins, nearly the entire receiving corps returns in 2024. Sophomore CJ Lee returns in the slot after catching 12 passes last year, while Jayse Price and Cedrick Croskey are both going to play both ways. The two combined for five interceptions in the secondary last year, and now they’ll look to use their hands on offense too.
“We have a really talented receiving corps going this year,” Headley said. “CJ and Cedrick are both slot receivers who are really, really good and really fast. Jayse is a very good route runner and it’s going to be really nice to have those three guys out there at the same time.”
Headley and the rest of the receivers will have a new quarterback throwing to them this season. Keiland Baker, who would have been a senior this year, decided not to play his final year after earning All-State honors earlier in his career.
The Bulldogs brought in a few transfer quarterbacks in senior Braylen Hunt and sophomore Jacob Burgess. Hunt came in from Stanhope Elmore and the Edge, while Burgess came in from Wetumpka.
Hunt was the starter all summer, and led Holtville to a third place
Beauregard at Wetump
ters in the state when she’s older,” Kidd said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her miss a serve.”
Wetumpka will have some fierce competition this season. After dominating area play for nearly a decade, the Indians welcomed Montgomery Academy to the area.
Montgomery Academy won the AHSAA Class 5A state championship last year with a 53-6 record and has now moved to Class 6A due to competitive balance factors.
spring football game in May where he rushed 16 times for 213 yards and five touchdowns. This year, he wants to surpass that.
“I really want to become two times better than I was last year,” McQueen said. “I want to do a lot and do what I can to help the team.”
McQueen can’t do it all himself, however, and depends on his offensive line to open up holes for him to run through. This season, Stanhope returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from last year
Tyler Barrett, Xavier Foxhall, Cameron Hodge and Macin James all return as starters, while Raul Mondragon looks to be the only new starter at right tackle. Stanhope’s offensive line also features some size.
Foxhall is the smallest at 260 pounds, while both Hodge and James are more than 300 pounds.
finish in the Battle for the County 7-on-7 tournament earlier this summer. Headley likes what Hunt brings to the team.
“Me and Braylen are pretty close,” Headley
4 Wetumpka at Prattville, 6 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUG. 27
County, Wetumpka at
4 Edgewood Academy at Fort Dale Tournament,TBD
MONDAY, AUG. 26 HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL 4 Lee-Scott Academy at Holtville, 6 p.m.
The Eagles only lost one player from last year’s roster, a hitter that recorded 275 kills.
The returning players, however, accounted for 1,509 kills, 504 service aces, 29 blocks, 2,112 digs and 1,662 assists.
The two schools did not play last year.
“Montgomery Academy is going to be a battle,” Kidd said. “They won state last year and only graduated one person. That’s going to be as strong of a test that anyone will give us.”
“Our offensive line has looked good this summer,” McQueen said. “I think this is the best offensive line we’ve had in a long time. I’m excited about them in front of me this year.”
Joining McQueen in the backfield is quarterback Zach Holcombe, who played defensive back last year. Holcombe enters his first year as a quarterback, and hopes to bring an ability to run the football as well as pass it. The more success he has running the ball, McQueen will also see more success.
“He’s been smooth,” McQueen said of Holcombe. “He’s new but he’s improving every day. He’s going to help our offense a lot. All the eyes aren’t on me. If he can break off a big run, it helps me get to break off a big run the next play.”
said. “We have a good connection. It’s hard adjusting to a new quarterback and it’s hard getting used to it, but we’re doing pretty well so far.”
UNLESS
Holtville, Elmore County at St. James, 6 p.m.
Tallassee, Prattville at Stanhope Elmore, 6 p.m.
Bessemer Academy at Edgewood Academy, 5 p.m.
Wetumpka,
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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 Melvin W. Sullivan, married and Brittany M. Sullivan, his wife, originally
Public Notices gy in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. acting solely as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company, a California Corporation, on August 28, 2020, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Book 2020 Page recorded in RLPY Book 2024 Page 36625; the undersigned Guild Mortgage Company LLC, 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 September 12, 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: A parcel of land described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, Section 12, T18N, R17E, thence North 27 degrees 30 minutes West, 698 feet to the South side of the North Elmore-Wetumpka paved road, thence South 86 degrees 15 minutes West, along the South side of said road 750 feet, thence South 17 degrees East, 737.5 feet for the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land to be described, thence continue South 17 degrees East, l00 feet, thence South 75 degrees 20 minutes West, 233.1 feet to the East side of Alabama Highway No. 143, thence North 17 degrees West, along the East side of said road 100 feet, thence North 75 degrees 20 minutes East, 233.1 feet, to the Point of Beginning, said parcel of land being a part of the 5 acre tract of land expected by I.E. Sarber and wife, Ida H. Sarber in thatner by said I.E. Sarber and wife, Ida H. Sarber on September 8, 1922, and recorded in Deed Record R-33 at page 373 of the OfElmore County, Alabama, which said 5 acre tract as thereafter by said I.E. Sarber to said Ida H. Sarber by deed recorded in Deed Record R-44 at Page 356 of said Elmore County Probate for informational purposes: 990 AL Highway 143 , Elmore, AL 36025. 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 EN-
TIES 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 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 at 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. Guild Mortgage Company LLC, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 24-01356
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 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 succes-
Public Notices
gg sors 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
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
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 Michael S Wyatt to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for GMFS LLC, its successors
Public Notices
and assigns dated October 31, 2018; said mortgage being recorded on November 1, 2018, in Book 2018, Page 52087 inbate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to GMFS LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2019, County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, GMFS 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 26th day of September, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 5, according to the Map of Dusty Meadows Subdivision Plat No. 1 nka Lake Breeze Subdivision Plat No. 1 by name charge recorded in Roll 170, Frame 1401, as the same apCounty, Alabama in Plat Book 11 at Page 93. Said property is commonly Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092. 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. GMFS LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 505 20th Street North, Suite 1775 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 2164238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 24-05789AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 24-05789AL PUBLIC NOTICE
GUARDIAN SELF STORAGE 2626 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, AL 36093 334-567-2201
Guardian Self Storage, a self-storage facility in Wetumpka AL herby makes notice that the contents of the following people will be auctioned to satisfy operations lien at the mini storage facility at: 2626 US HWY 231, Wetumpka, AL 36093 Saturday August 24, 2024 at 10:00am
Stanley, A9 Johnie Stanley Note: Guardian Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid Everything is sold in bulk, AS IS, and Cash only
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION 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
Public Notices pgy 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
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
p 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 OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan docu-
ments secured by that certain mortgage executed by Lenora Davidson , Unmarried to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC, its successors and assigns dated December 29, 2022; said mortgage being recorded on January 4, 2023, in Book 2023, Page 284 Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Data Mortgage, Inc. DBA Essex Mortgage by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2024, the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Data Mortgage, Inc. DBA Essex Mortgage, 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 26th day of September, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 7 Block 2 Scenic Hills Addition No. 1 as the same is recorded in Plat Book 7 at Page Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said property is commonly known as 312 Angela St, Prattville, AL 36066. 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. DATA MORTGAGE, INC. DBA ESSEX MORTGAGE 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. 24-05890AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 24-05890AL 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
Public Notices
qy y 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 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TOWN OF ELMORE JACKSON STREET DRAINAGE CE PROJECT NO. 006-24-118
Sealed Bids will be received, -
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Installation of a 379 LF of 36” RCP Stormwater Line
serves the right to select the Bid
Public Notices
yg p sons 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.
CYNTHIA B. BRIDGMAN and LISA B. COLLEY CO-PERSONAL REPRESEN-
TATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET ERICKSEN BARKER, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Co-Personal Representatives: ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024
EST/BARKER, M. 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 PERSONAL 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 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
Public Notices y abama, 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.
ROBERT LEAVELL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GARY MICHAEL COOPER, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: STEVEN A. HARRIS THE HARRIS FIRM, LLC 4000 EAGLE POINT CORPORATE DRIVE SUITE 303 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35242 205-307-5956 stevenharris@theharrisfirmllc. com
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 EST/COOPER, G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CORA ANNETTE DEVAUGHN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-127 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of CORA ANNETTE DEVAUGHN, deceased, having been granted to BARRY PHILLIP DEVAUGHN on August 5 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.
BARRY PHILLIP DEVAUGHN
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CORA ANNETTE DEVAUGHN, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: J. C. WEBB IV WEBB LAW, INC. 10380 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-9149 Jc.webb@webblaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024
EST/DEVAUGHN. C.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANN S. GRAY, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 205 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Public Notices
pp ing 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.
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
Public Notices
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 RUTH BELLE WHITE DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-210 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of RUTH BELLE WHITE, deceased, having been August 8, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge granted to CATHY WHITE GIVAN on 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.
CATHY WHITE GIVAN ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RUTH BELLE WHITE, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: ROBERT H. PETTEY SAMFORD & DENSON. LLP P O BOX 2345 OPELIKA, ALABAMA 36803-2345 334-745-3504
Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 EST/WHITE R. 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 Estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
BIDS 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 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET ERICKSEN BARKER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-191 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MARGARET ERICKSEN BARKER, deceased, having been granted to CYNTHIA B. BRIDGMAN and LISA B. COLLEY on the 29th day of July, 2024 by D. Jason Britt, Special Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all per-
/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 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY MICHAEL COOPER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-206 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of GARY MICHAEL COOPER, deceased, having been granted to ROBERT LEAVELL on August 7th, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Al-
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to AMANDA G. BRADLEY as Personal Representative on the 8th day of August 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.
AMANDA G. BRADLEY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ANN S. GRAY, 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: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 EST/GRAY, A.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, AL IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY R. HART, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 207 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to KRISTI M. BUSH as Executor on the day of August 8th day of August, 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.
KRISTI M. BUSH EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY R. HART, 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: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2024 EST/HART, J.
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 writ-
Wetumpka Herald: July 31, Aug. 7 and 14, 2024 EST/THOMPSON, P. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROGER TRAYWICK, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-213 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: SELMA TRAYWICK,
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
JOHN THORNTON
ATTORNEY AT LAW LOOP
EST/TRAYWICK R. 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
The Council of the City of Wetumpka, AL will hold a public hearing during its regular meeting on Monday September 16, 2024, concerning the following ordinance: ORDAINED, by the Council of the City of Wetumpka, AL that the Zoning Map of the City of Wetumpka, being incorporated by reference in Ordinance 994, entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Wetumpka, AL,” adopted on September 2, 1999, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning the following described land situated in the City of Wetumpka from B-2 to R-3. STATE OF ALABAMA} ELMORE COUNTY} Commence at a #3 rebar located at the intersection of the South right-of-way (100’) of Gossum Switch Road and the West rightof-way of Coosa River Parkway; thence North 84°38’21” West 198.66’ to a set #4 rebar with cap # CA-520-LS and the Point of Beginning for the herein described parcel of land: thence leaving said South right-of-way South 05°21’39” West 500.00’ to a set #4 rebar with cap # CA520-LS; thence North 84°38’21” West 667.24’ set #4 rebar with cap # CA-520-LS; thence North 42°58’09” East 188.53’ to a #4 rebar with no cap; thence North 28°49’24” East 382.25’ to a #4 rebar with cap #16670; thence South 84°38’24” East 400.00 to the Point of Beginning. Containing 5.92 acres, more or less, and lying in and being a part of the NE % of the SE 4 of Section 14, T-18-N, R-18-E, Elmore County, Alabama. Section 2. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as provided by law. The hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Wetumpka City Hall, located at 212 South Main Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. All persons who so desire shall have the opportunity to be heard in opposition or in favor of this ordinance. Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 14, 2024 HEARING
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
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Children from around the city and county celebrate the first day of school. Wetumpka, Edgewood and Elmore County schools started last week and students were dressed to the nines for their opening days.
Friday night lights already in Elmore County
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Elmore County got its first taste of Friday night lights in 2024 during its Maroon and White night.
The night started with scripted plays for special teams, offense and defense where the focus was on responsibilities and practice substitutions.
The Panthers then progressed into an actual scrimmage where they had an opposition to go against.
The opportunity to get an actual game simulation is extremely valuable, especially with personnel changes as the season approaches.
“There is nothing better,”
Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “Transitioning on and off the field with
special teams was the main thing. We have guys that play a lot both ways and they play a lot of special teams. Who’s their backup? What happens if so-and-so gets hurt or is cramping or who’s the next guy up? Covering all those situations in a mock game like this definitely prepares us for
SERVING WITH FAITH, MUSIC AND
SOMETIMES CAKE
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
or more than a centu-
Fry Equality Methodist Church has been at the center of the community.
The church and its congregation have taken care of many since its doors opened in September 1887. Most recently it supported the community with Gospel on the Green.
“It started as an outdoor event,” choir director Susan Selman said. “It’s the reason why it’s called Gospel on the Green.”
The event started in 1992. For the fourth year Gospel on the Green moved indoors to avoid the rain and heat with its aging membership.
“We kept the name because we want to get back out there but we need a covered pavilion,” Selman said.
“We have green carpet in the sanctuary so it’s not totally misnamed.”
The church’s Methodist Women group started the gospel singing as a fundraiser for efforts in the community. The choir now keeps it going but the mission is always the same.
“One year we had a family whose home had burned,” Selman said. “Another year we bought Christmas baskets for some in need. It is always community related.”
This year Gospel on the Green was held Sunday, Aug. 4, when a hotdog dinner sale was followed by a performance from Clanton’s Holy Destiny who has been around almost as long as Gospel on the Green.
“We started this group in 1997,” tenor Stacy Adams said. “We have had different personnel over the years. I’ve
been here the whole time.”
Joining Adams in Equality for Gospel on the Green was his brother and baritone Stanley Adams, lead singer Rob Manning, pianist Joel Galloway and sound engineer Allen Dale.
The gospel concert and the funds it raises help serve many things in the community organized by the church such as Food for the Soul.
“We provide lunches in the community on Mondays and Thursdays,” Selman said. “We cook it, we pack it, we deliver it. It’s a lot of shutins, people who have had surgery.”
There is a men’s meeting with breakfast every third Sunday at 8 a.m. Bible studies will start back in the fall. A food drop is held on the last Friday of the month.
“We do a lot to be a small church,” Selman said.
the Maroon and White night scrimmage.
Payton receives championship ring
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The first day of Tyler Payton’s sophomore year was a memorable one.
Elmore County High School held a first day assembly honoring athletic and academic excellence in the gym on Wednesday. Administration recognized the top 10 students in the senior, junior and sophomore class, but Payton got his own honor.
Payton received his 2024 wrestling state championship ring in front of the entire school. Payton had a stellar freshman season last year on the mats as he went 40-1 overall and claimed the Class 5A state championship in the 150-pound weight class. After losing a match early in the season, Payton went on to win 26-consecutive matches en route to his state championship. He then put on a state championship
Elmore County’s Spivey playing unique role
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Most teams try their hardest to not let their quarterbacks get hit.
Elmore County needs theirs to do the hitting.
When Elmore County takes the field on Aug. 23 at Dadeville, senior Caleb Spivey will be seen on both sides of the ball. He will be directing the Panthers on offense at quarterback then he will turn around and cause mayhem as one of the team’s top returning defensive lineman.
“Caleb is such a special player that we can’t take him off the field,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “He causes so much havoc and pressure. Teams run away from him and scheme for him. If you take him out of the game,
It’s a combination of roles most quarterbacks do not play. On defense, quarterbacks will usually play in the secondary, if at all. Coaches don’t want their offensive leader hitting multiple players every single play But Spivey is too good to not use on the defensive line.
SAMUEL HIGGS | TPI
Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell meets with the team before they take the field in
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Elmore County’s Tyler Payton, left, poses with coach Mason Thornton after receiving his championship ring on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Payton, a rising sophomore, went 40-1 during his freshman year and won the AHSAA Class 5A state championship in the 150-pound weight class.
See FRIDAY, Page B10
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Elmore County’s Caleb Spivey attempts a pass during an Elmore County football practice. Spivey will play both quarterback and defensive end during his senior year.
It’s a high school tradition
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
School hadn’t even started Wednesday morning, but the Holtville Class of 2025 was already well into its senior year
Like many before them, class officers had organized a few backto-school events such as a parade into school on the first day, a sunrise breakfast, a sunset event and, of course, a rolling of the school. It’s a personal favorite of Class of 2025 president Victoria Bullock.
“That is always our favorite,” Bullock said.
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the first week.”
“It has been done for so long. When everybody looks at it, they say it’s so pretty.”
Bullock remembers riding to Holtville Elementary School on the first day of school and seeing it.
“Ever since I was in preschool I remember driving by and seeing the school rolled,” Bullock said.
The first day of school started Wednesday as far as academics. But the seniors invaded campus Monday after open house to hang toilet paper from the trees in front of the school.
A 2001 graduate of
Elmore County started practice earlier because it did not have a spring season. So far the team has progressed quickly from where it started in the fall to where it is now “It was a little slow at first, but we adapted well,” ECHS senior Caleb Spivey said. “It
PAYTON
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performance for the ages. He started his tournament off
SPIVEY
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Holtville himself, principal Sean Kreauter couldn’t even be upset about the prank.
“The rolling of the school has happened for a very long time,” Kreauter said. “Usually they do that the night before school. This year they did it two nights before school because they wanted everyone to see.” Kreauter wanted to keep the traditions going but set stipulations for which trees could be rolled. He also ensured the seniors did all the cleaning.
“They got it up except for what is in the trees,”
took us a few days to get used to the pads, but I mean it’s turning out OK. We’re finally starting to come together, a little more physical up front and in the linebacker corps, but everything’s looking pretty good right now.”
Overall there were many standout plays in the game whether it be a tackle in the backfield or a long rushing touchdown by sophomore Tyler Payton. But it was what hap-
with a match against Holtville’s Sam Segarra (44 wins), and he made quick work of the opponent with a 15-0 technical fall win. He then advanced
it’s a whole new ballgame on defense. We’re creating some packages to keep him healthy and able to throw the ball for us. He knows our offense so we’re being careful with him early.”
Spivey was one of the county’s best at getting into opposing backfields last year. He recorded
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community.
“The idea is it only takes a spark to get a fire going,” chamber executive director Shellie Phelps said. “We want to bring people together and create a cohesive environment for networking. It is also for inspiration.”
Phelps said the keynote speaker Jenna King will definitely set the tone for doing good work. King started HGTV in Canada and has many shows she has created.
“She is brilliant,” Phelps said. “She is the one who dreamt up Hometown Takeover. She woke up in the middle of the night with the idea. She is a visionary. She gets great ideas. Not only does she get great ideas, she executes them. She just does it.”
Joining King in the speaker lineup is Don Erwin, who was with Alabama Power and part of the recruitment team that brought Mercedes to Alabama. Erwin was also instrumental in the development of Barber Motorsports Park that draws thousands every year through Indy Car races.
Erwin authored the book Buffalo Hunting in Alabama, which tells the story of how international manufacturing has been recruited to Alabama.
Locals Jenny Stubbs and Annette Funderburk will also be keynote speakers.
Stubbs is an author and owner of Yellow House Publishing. She is the former executive director of Main Street Wetumpka, while Funderburk is the president of J.F. Ingram State Technical College.
Phelps said there will also be a business expo at the summit featuring chamber members as well as opportunities for networking..
“We hope people will stay around and talk,” Phelps said. “Hopefully they will visit our businesses too.”
The Ignite Summit is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. For tickets, call 334-567-4811.
he said.
In addition to rolling the trees, the seniors also gathered at Shoal Creek Baptist Church for a sunset program. Together with friends and families, they decorated their cars for Wednesday morning’s parade to campus. And even parents joined in the school breakfast.
“It gets family involved,” Bullock said. “A lot of the moms and dads are emotional because their kids are growing up. We love decorating for it and everybody is able to come out here and smile, watch slideshows while getting ready for the school year.”
pened before the ball was in play where Caldwell was most impressed.
“We had one pre-snap penalty, so I was pleased with that, usually you get into the first two weeks and there’s five or six of them,” Caldwell said. “That’s all mental stuff and that’s what we’ve been preaching all fall practices so far — just being mentally prepared. The attention to detail was pretty good.”
to the semifinals and faced Tallassee’s Ethan Jones, who had 47 wins on the year. He won that matchup, 9-2, in what was the closest match of the tourna -
42 tackles, while a team-high 13 of those were tackles for loss. He was also third on the team in sacks with five. That came with playing in only seven games while everyone else played in 11. He played quarterback minimally last season. He didn’t attempt any passes, but he was used in wildcat and goal-line situations and scored three touchdowns on 14 carries. He has enjoyed playing both
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All the events are planned by the students, and they’ll keep it going with more traditions during the school year.
Every home game will have a pep rally where the spirit sticks will be up for grabs.
Even with the promise shown throughout the scrimmage, there are a few things the Panthers need to clean up before they open the season with a relatively young team.
“We got to shore up some things,” Caldwell said. “The young offensive line is getting better every practice. Overall, offensively, defensively, they’re gonna fly through the ball. They made a lot of plays versus our No. 2s, of course it’s
ment.
In the finals, he faced Southside-Gadsden’s Peyton Adams. He won the match, 13-2, and dominated from start to finish. He
roles, and looks forward to the expanded role this year.
“It’s really, really fun doing both,” Spivey said. “It’s nice to go on defense and not have to know so much like you do at quarterback. I can just go out there and play hard and do my job. It also helps me play quarterback because I know what’s going on and can use that to know what’s coming at me.”
Spivey won’t be the only quarterback on the field for Elmore
County communities than Holtville.
Cains Chapel, Lightwood, Pine Flat, Deatsville, Cold Springs, Robinson Springs and Riverside were all churches or one- and two-room schools.
“There were lots of little schools because people lived far apart and they didn’t have a bus system,” Holtville historian Jackie Earnest said.
The Holtville School all started with the Cain family in 1820. They built a home then a chapel that housed a small school.
“The family gave the property for the school in 1885,” Earnest said. “There has been a school on that site since.”
Most of the schools sent their students to a centralized building in the early 1920s.
“Hence the name Holtville Consolidated School, it’s on the building” Earnest said. “A lot of people associate the 100 years with the building itself. It became accredited in 1925.”
It was the first high school in western Elmore County to be accredited.
Prior to 1925, students could not graduate from Holtville.
“They could go through the 11th grade,” Earnest said. “They would have to go to Wetumpka or the Millbrook students would go to Montgomery. Some went off to boarding school.”
Every student who received a Holtville High School diploma is documented in a handwritten record. The first graduate in 1925 of Holtville was Susie Nell Yarbrough. She is the first name in the book of graduates and one of five in the Class of 1925. The graduation happened at Cains Chapel.
When the Class of 2025 graduates and every student is recorded, it will be 100 years full.
“The book will be out of space,” Holtville Class of 2001 graduate and current principal Sean Kreauter said. “We have a new book to start the next 100 years.”
For a brief period of time, it was believed the Class of 1925 would not be housed in the current building. Five years before the class walked the halls, a tornado wrecked the building of the original school building.
Bullock said the Class of 2025 took a couple spirit sticks at pep rallies their sophomore year and only lost twice during their junior year.
“I’m expecting a clean sweep this year,” Bullock said.
the No. 2 offense, but they still have to do what they’re supposed to do. I was very pleased with them, but I know they’re hungry and they’re not satisfied at all.”
Elmore County will come off a successful 2023 campaign where the Panthers finished the season 8-3, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. This year they open with a road game against Dadeville on Aug. 23.
earned back-to-back takedowns in the first period and took an 11-1 lead before Adams was able to earn a second escape. After the dominant
County this year. The Panthers are working through two quarterbacks with Gage Davis also taking snaps. There has not been a starter named yet, and both will likely take snaps throughout the year — especially with Spivey playing both ways. Both players have accepted that role, and Spivey knows what the offense will be about this year. Elmore County lost all five offensive linemen and every starter at receiver Their top skill player is Parker Hobbs, who rushed for 226
The Wetumpka Herald reported school couldn’t continue.
“There was no available house to continue and the teacher had gone home,” the article stated.
The community built another school in 1924, which housed grades one through 11.
After a fire in 1926, the school board wanted to transport the students to Wetumpka but that did not happen.
“The people in the community wanted their own school,” Earnest said. “They raised $4,000 to build it.”
Eclectic native James Chrietzberg came to the school in 1928 to be principal. It was the only school on the west side of the Coosa River in Elmore County at the time.
The current historic school building was finished in 1929.
Before the current building was constructed, then state superintendent Dr. A.F. Harmon had just returned from California and took a liking to the Spanish Colonial Revival building.
“He sketched it out in the sand with a walking cane,” Earnest said.
The historic building still contains the old hardwood floors, some of the old curved windows, some columns and brass thresholds.
“Even some of the tiles on the front are original,” Earnest said.
Chrietzberg helped change agriculture in the area. He helped develop a program using the students at the school. It allowed parents to learn about fertilizer and more current farming methods.
Chrietzberg introduced the school colors based on the nearby green fields of corn and white cotton. He decided on a Bulldog for the mascot because of its tenacity. Football was eventually introduced to the school.
“They had no jerseys, no pads, no helmets, nothing and they played football in a cornfield across the road from where the school is today,” Earnest said. “It evolved in the 1940s to the Turkey Day Classic. It was a huge game between Wetumpka and Holtville. You didn’t have Thanksgiving dinner until after the Classic.”
In addition to football, the auditorium hosted game nights Wednesdays and movies on Saturdays. There was even a bowling alley.
win, Payton came up screaming in joy, showed off with a backflip and celebrated with his Elmore County fans watching on the sidelines.
yards and one touchdown last year. Eli Thames has transferred in from Wetumpka to also play running back, so the team will be establishing the run early in the year.
“We’re going to rely a little more on our run game this year,” Spivey said. “I can run it, and Parker and Eli can both run. We also have Rashaun (Floyd) who transferred in. I think our offense will be a lot the same, but it will be more ground and pound.”
The school had a cannery where garden vegetables could be preserved. The quick freeze at the school taught students how to butcher animals and served as a way to store meat for months for families.
“It has always been the hub of the community,” Earnest said.
Classes at the time were taught in three two-hour blocks per day on a rotating schedule. Every student had math, science and English. They also had options in bookkeeping, soil conservation, debate, journalism, mechanics, photography, woodworking and health.
“The school was recognized for having the lowest percentage of freshman failures in the United States,” Earnest said. “It was determined by all the state superintendents.”
In 1938 Holtville was selected as a Southern Association Study School.
“It was a five-year program to help develop a school that helps the community,” Earnest said.
It led to the Holtville movie being created by the association to showcase the school and its success to the world. It was shown in every state and translated into 22 languages.
The history of the school goes beyond the building, though. There are two families with five generations who have attended Holtville schools
Many Holtville graduates have gone on to be state legislators, lawyers and teachers.
While it’s not a guarantee the building will always remain a high school due to growth in the area, the future of the school is protected.
“When you look and see how many people are moving in, the potential is huge,” Earnest said. “They are putting in numerous homes. It will change the community. How remains to be seen.”
Kreauter said the 100 years will be celebrated from Sept. 23-27.
On Thursday following a homecoming parade, the lawn in front of the school will be converted to a school centennial celebration. An alumni tea will be held before the homecoming game on Friday
“I’m trying to use as many alumni as possible,” Kreauter said. “We are going to open up the library with artifacts and the book of graduates.”
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Holtville High School was left rolled before school started last week as part of a senior tradition.