By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Elmore County leads state in voter turnout
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore County was the state’s pacesetter in the 2024 general election.
Out of all registered voters in the county, 65.56% cast a ballot in this year’s vote, making it
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Students at Redland Elementary School are deciding on the school’s mascot. The idea is to give the school a name to hang its hat on to help celebrate students.
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
“We’ve never had a mascot,” Redland Elementary School principal Cory Eckstein said. “We’ve always sort of been the eagle but without a real name. We are always looking for ways to make things that are fun for the
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville’s Futral
Staff Report
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (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.
or two; however, tracking can become more difficult as you get farther down the line as families expand and have relocated to various places. The Elmore County Museum has the Joe Allen Turner Research Room to aid in genealogical research.
“We’re just trying to connect people with their
aid county residents in researching family history. It contains computers with access to sites to help with online research as well as a compalation of local birth and death records and newspaper summaries.
“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
kids or give them a reason to smile. We thought that a fun way to do that was to have a mascot.” The mascot will make appearances to give students prizes, on planned fun days at school or just random trips down the hall.
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
“The mascot might hop in a classroom to give a high five or shake somebody’s hand,” Eckstein said.
Eckstein said the eagle was chosen by the school’s
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
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.
“The State of Alabama and the (ADOC) are committed to the state’s prison modernization plan, authorized by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ivey in 2021,” the release New state prison in Elmore County to be named after governor
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
The new Alabama Department of Corrections 4,000-bed male prison in Elmore County will be named the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex. ADOC issued a press release with the news this week.
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Prattville PD makes drug trafficking arrest
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
A Prattville man finds himself facing numerous drug charges after law enforcement searched his Elmore County home on Denise Lane near Cooter’s Pond.
Jerry Harrelson, 64, of Prattville, was arrested Nov. 7 by the Pratt -
ville Police Department and transported to the Elmore County Jail.
HARRELSON
According to court documents, the Prattville Drug Enforcement Unit served a search warrant and found amphet -
amines and opioids in weights exceeding trafficking requirements.
Court records state law enforcement took an inventory of items from Harrelson’s home and found approximately 72 grams of amphetamine, approximately 6.5 grams of morphine, about 60 grams of marijuana, suboxone strips, xanax, hydrocodone and
oxycodone.
Law enforcement also seized 26 assorted pistols, shotguns and rifles.
Harrelson is charged with two counts of drug trafficking, first-degree possession of marijuana, three counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has a $3,026,000 bond available to him.
‘Teamwork makes the dream work’
New Elmore County commissioner wants to see all succeed
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There are different kinds of leaders. Some are out front and direct. Others take in information and think outside the box to make things work. Newly sworn in Elmore County Commissioner District 2 member Brad Davis wants to bring a partner type of leadership approach — one he learned in the Marine Corps — to his new position as he replaces the retiring Mack Daugherty. Davis wants to focus on the mission of making Elmore County better and setting aside personal differences.
“You don’t have to always get along with someone on a personal level,” Davis said. “You can have very different views about things, but ultimately the only thing that matters is what is the mission before you.”
For Davis, the current mission is to create a better environment for Elmore County and the citizens of District 2. It’s not because he believes Elmore County is on the wrong track, but because he believes leaders should always be looking
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
NOV. 13
• Tyrek Bozeman, 24, of Montgomery, was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.
• Shane Parker, 26, of Montgomery, was arrested for obstructing government operations and resisting arrest.
• Obstructing government operations and resisting arrest was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
NOV. 12
• Christopher Collier, 51, of Prattville, was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.
• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
NOV. 11
• Zebedee Ferrari, 27, of Prattville, was arrested for four counts
forward.
It’s a mission that has been developing for years as more than four years ago Davis campaigned for the same position against then incumbent Daugherty. Davis offered himself up as an option to the public and not a better alternative to Daugherty.
After the campaign a friendship between Davis and Daugherty formed and Tallassee reaped the benefits from it.
“We communicated well over the last four years,” Davis said. “We
of failure to appear.
• Harassing communications were reported on U.S. Highway 231.
NOV. 10
• Staraish Jackson, 35, of Prattville, was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.
NOV. 9
• Alicia Riggins, 32, of Sylacauga, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.
• Brittanie Hutchinson, 27, of Wetumpka was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.
• Ediberto Bartolon, 35, of Wetumpka, was arrested for public intoxication.
NOV. 8
• Charles Holmes III, 27, of Montgomery, was arrested for driving under the influence.
• Eric Olds, 48, of Wetumpka,
were able to get some projects where the city and the county worked together.”
The Elmore County Commission helped refurbish the downtown Tallassee water tank, add more drinking water along Little Road and bring the quality of life projects to Tallassee through artificial turf at J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium and a planned recreational center.
Davis believes being a good leader requires cultivating partnerships
See DREAM, Page A3
was ordered by the municipal court judge to serve a weekend in jail.
• Robert Browning, 58, of Wetumpka, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.
• Latricia Moore, 32, of Marion, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana. NOV. 7
• Austin Harris, 28, of Wetumpka, was arrested for failure to appear.
• Otis Williams, 69, of Wetumpka, was arrested for four counts of failure to appear.
• Sharon Smith, 55, of Wetumpka, was arrested for theft of property.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231 and South Main Street.
Brad Davis, center, is sworn in as Elmore County Commission District 2 member by Elmore County Probate Judge John Thornton, left.
Humane
Society of Elmore County News
Watch out for pet poisoning this holiday season
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
What is one of the busiest days of the year in many veterinary hospitals? If you guessed the Friday after Thanksgiving, then give yourself a high five. While Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to get together and enjoy bountiful food, that same food can be harmful to some of our pets if they eat too much or the wrong foods. Fatty foods are hard for many animals to digest, turkey (and other) bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract, and hol-
iday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.
For many pets, eating turkey or turkey skin, sometimes even a small amount, can cause a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. And many foods that we humans love are poisonous to pets including onions, raisins, grapes, chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts and items sweetened with Xylitol. Those yeast dough rolls we love can cause painful gas or potentially deadly bloat in some dogs.
Of course, prevention is the best medicine so
Pet of the Week - Annabelle
educate children and guests as well to not give your pets treats you have not approved. And just like us, moderation can go a long way to having a happy and healthy pet.
But what do you do if you think your pet has ingested something dangerous? Or what if your pet gets into the garbage while everyone is watching football and you realize that the entire turkey carcass is gone?
First — don’t panic as keeping a calm and clear head will go a long way to helping your pet survive. If your pet
is having seizures, in severe distress, vomiting, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and take your pet immediately to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If at all possible, take a few minutes to safely collect the food or product ingested, or any resulting vomit in a sealable plastic bag or other clean container and take it along to the vet.
If you or your vet wants to talk to animal poison experts, there are two resources available
24-hours/day for consultation and advice: One is the Pet Poison Helpline™ at 855-764-7661 (www.petpoisonhelpline. com) which has a $85 per incident fee. Another is the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (Animal Poison Control) and they may also have a consultation fee.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Annabelle is a 1-year-old female Shepherd/Border Collie looking mix who weighs about 50 pounds. She loves attention and being close and she also loves to talk to you. Annabelle knows how to play fetch and likes squeaky toys. She is good with dogs her size or larger, but a big NO to cats. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Annabelle or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Millbrook council approves nonprofit appropriations
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Several nonprofits that aid Millbrook residents received funding from the City of Millbrook. The Millbrook City Council approved the funding following a public hearing where no one spoke for or against the resolution. The council authorized the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce to receive $60,000, the Alabama Wildlife Federation $10,000, the Elmore County Economic Development
DREAM
Continued from A2 with others rather than being an authoritarian.
For Davis, being a leader means creating a team where success comes from everyone working together.
“There is an easy elementary school saying, ‘Teamwork makes the dreamwork,’” Davis said. “If we want to be a better county, we have to be able to work together. We have to understand our differences don’t define us.” Davis believes lead-
Authority $12,500, Grandview
YMCA $12,500, The Elmore County Humane Society Shelter $21,000, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers $2,500 and Butterfly Bridge $2,500.
The council also authorized spending $21,975 to replace 31 windows at The Pines Golf Course. The current windows are mostly inoperable and provide little insulation.
IN OTHER ACTION THE MILLBROOK CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the Oct. 22 meeting.
ers let those around them have ownership in accomplishing the mission. It may mean letting someone work towards a goal along a different path than what he suggests, but it gives that person or entity ownership. Davis wants to be by their side in the process so that if things go astray he can suggest another way to success.
“Most people get hung up on differences,” Davis said. “If we have the same objective, the plans or ways to go about getting there will be similar. There will usually only be minor differences.
• Authorized funds for electronic access controls at city hall.
• Accepted a bid in the amount of $532,386.52 for the resurfacing of several city streets.
• Approved a public assembly permit for Legacy Park Pavilion.
• Approved the Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Parade and Festival at Village Green Park for Feb. 15.
The next meeting of the Millbrook City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 26.
Leaders don’t always have to be out front getting the credit. Leaders are those who allow people to be a better version of themselves by coming alongside and helping.”
As the commission and the county work to get better, Davis said questions about what is next for Elmore County have come up as he travels his district and Elmore County.
“They want to know what is next,” Davis said. “We will constantly work to identify issues and ideas for addressing them. We are not waiting around for Christmas but
planning for it for when the next round of money or partnership comes.”
Take advantage of local businesses this holiday season
It’s certainly not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, but whether the temperatures stay in the 70s or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching.
So much so, the shopping deals and specials are already out on the shelf. All the chambers of commerce in Elmore County do a fantastic job of promoting local businesses each holiday season, and this is our time to take advantage of some great deals. Not only will you be getting your holiday shopping out of the way early, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses.
There’s something so touching about a gift from somewhere local. Whether it’s something homemade like jams or arts and crafts or it’s something unique that you can only buy in Wetumpka, it’s always a little more heartfelt when it comes from a local business.
These are also the businesses that are supporting the community throughout the year. These are the businesses that have the names on the backs of Little League jerseys and businesses you see sponsoring all kinds of town events. They support us through the entire year, and it’s important to remember them when doing our Christmas shopping.
Yes, it may be tempting to do everything online. It’s so easy these days to just hit “Add to Cart” and have something delivered to your home for Christmas, but take a little bit of extra time. You might just find yourself getting in the holiday spirit early too.
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Before anyone takes this column personally, I want to say this is not meant to call anyone out. This is a common theme I witnessed throughout the football season, both from local players and those from out of the area.
It’s something that’s been outlawed in the NFL for many years, and it needs to be discussed at the high school level.
Finger guns have no place in football celebrations. Period.
I could end the column there because I think it’s fairly self explanatory, but let me expand on this notion.
Earlier this season, one of our sports editors took a brilliant photo of a local football player. It was during a celebration and the smile on his face told 1,000 words. The photo never ran in the newspaper or on TPI’s websites. The player was making what resembled a finger gun.
As an editor, these are the types of calls I have to make. I went back and forth between running the photo or not because it was the perfect
shot of pure joy that football brings, but the question that kept running through my head was, “What will people think of that kid for making a finger gun?”
This was early in the season, and we made a call then that we wouldn’t run any type of finger gun or anything resembling a violent notion.
However, as the season went on, I realized how difficult this was going to be. So many celebrations involved hand guns or some type of violence. I even witnessed one player pulling his fake gun out of his pants pocket and blowing it off.
This wouldn’t be acceptable in the classroom, so why is it acceptable on the football field? Just last year, a 6-year-old in Jefferson County was suspended for making a finger gun.
is ultimately a representation of the school, shouldn’t be allowed either. These high schoolers, who are the representatives of what’s on the front of their jerseys, should be held to a higher standard.
have a policy against these types of celebrations, especially when it’s banned in the NFL and even the NCAA is cracking down on these hand gestures.
high school football like the pros, the more these types of celebrations need to go by the wayside. Not only are they inappropriate, but people are watching. College scouts are watching every move made by their prospective recruits and to plaster finger guns all over the football field feels like the wrong thing to do.
ing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-9629420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alex cityoutlook.com.
The perfect storm
The following column ran as “Bird’s Eye View” in the Tallassee Tribune in November, 2009. At the time, Super Foods was in its original location on Gilmer Avenue across the street from its current location.
A perfect storm occurred last week, when Tallassee was without water for most of the day.
School let out early, so I decided to head over to Super Foods and clock in ahead of my scheduled start time.
When I arrived, customers were buying every bit of bottled water we had. The store parking lot was packed with shopping carts.
Employees shouldn’t have to chase shopping carts all over creation. People are asked to put them in the cart corral or bring them back into the store. That is a rarity these days. On that evening, there were buggies from Bonner’s all the way to what we call Moccasin Manor – the snake abode between the shopping center and Emfinger subdivision. But I digress.
While rounding up the buggies, I spotted the WSFA-TV 12 news van in the parking lot. I thought it might be especially masculine to line up 12 buggies and push them across the lot like the Sasquatch lumbering through the woods in the famous Patterson film.
I stopped to introduce myself to Cody Holyoke, the reporter from Channel 12, as he closed the door to the van. “I’m Michael Bird, from Southside Middle School,” I said
as the buggies started to slip from my grasp.
“Oh, you’re that band director,” he said. (I guess he’s received the numerous emails inviting him to hear the band on numerous occasions.)
He said he was there to do a story on the water shortage, and wondered if a member of management was present. Our owner, Gene Lawrence, was standing on the front porch of the store, so I pointed Mr. Holyoke in his direction before trying to get my buggies back under control.
The cameraman set up on the sidewalk of Super Foods and recorded customers going in and out. Mr. Lawrence invited the WSFA team inside the store, where they conducted an interview.
And here’s where the perfect storm began churning.
While Gene was on camera talking to Channel 12, an Asian man speaking broken English hurriedly rushed into the store and accosted me. Grabbing my arm and shaking me, he said, “I need your help!”
His cell phone had somehow gone silent, and he said that the store on the other end of the shopping center wouldn’t help him.
“Are you smart enough to fix this?” he asked impatiently as he handed the phone over. I promised to try.
The phone had the speaker with the line across it, so I knew his phone was somehow muted. Before I could press any buttons, he was
shaking me again. “My girlfriend tried to call me and I missed her call. Please help!” It was hard to press any buttons with the man being so impatient. We tried calling my phone, I called his phone, and no sound. No vibration. “So you aren’t smart enough to fix my phone,” the man said. He shook my arm again and said, “show me someone who can fix it.”
I gave it to Mr. Lawrence. Because as the perfect storm continued, I had to bust a shoplifter who was stealing candy. And as all this was happening, I heard the unmistakable sound of a recorder being played in the store.
Our fifth graders took them home this month to practice for the Veterans Day assembly. I had instructed the students never to play them in public, including the school bus. This student had obviously ignored that request and was blowing as hard as she could on the recorder.
I ran over to her and reached to take the recorder away. “Young lady, I’ve told you about playing that recorder,” I began. Just then, her mom turned around.
“Who are YOU?” her mother said, and I began to feel very small. Stepping back, I said, “Ma’am,
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Downtown Wetumpka was crowded for the ribbon cutting for The Art Town Makers Gallery on Friday. Jeff and Vanessa Royal opened the gallery to have an outlet for local artists to sell their art. “We are selling art from artists we are connected to,” Vanessa Royal said.
“We want to have an outlet for them. We believe Wetumpka is an art town,” Royal said. “This is another way for artists and art collectors to become part of the art scene that we believe is thriving here.”
states. “The plan is for bed replacement — not the addition of new beds into the state’s prison system.”
Construction of the facility is estimated to be 47% completed with construction of the $1.25 billion project finishing in May 2026.
The Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority (ACIFA) recently passed a resolution naming the facility in Ivey’s honor.
The 54 building, stateof-the-art corrections complex is designed to house 4,000 inmates.
There will be 1,168 minimum security beds, 1,536 medium security beds, 192 maximum security beds, 720 medical or mental health beds and 384 intake beds.
The complex is on more than 335 acres and will be just over 1.4 million square feet.
The new prison will offer enhanced medical and mental health services
Continued from A1
first principal Dan Aude. Now Eckstein and assistant principal Spencer Wade want to add a nickname to the eagle.
including substance abuse treatment, rehabilitative programming and vocational training. The 720 medical complex beds will include acute medical, general infirmary, nursing home/memory care, mental health, and stabilization along with confidential treatment space for mental healthcare.
There will be programming space for structured out-of-cell activities such as dayrooms, classroom space and outdoor recreation areas.
“Bed space in the complex is designed for maximum flexibility and additional beds may be used for mental health capacity if needed,” ADOC said. “Current programming includes designation of 256 medium custody beds for mental health purposes.”
The utility requirements for a facility this large are extensive. Substantial construction has been completed on the 1 million gallon water tank, which will provide an independent water source. It will also have a condi-
Names like Big Red after the school color, Scholar after the road Redland Elementary School is on, Legend to represent this year’s school wide theme, Steve, Scout and Regal are the finalists for the
tioned air environment, a sanitary sewer lift station and emergency power generation sufficient to run the basic operations of the complex.
“Staffing is a critical piece of the modernization plan and the design of this corrections complex will support a reduction of burden on staff resources,” the release stated. “For example, the new facility will have 71% cells to 29% dorms, which controls inmate movement. The current state facility cell-to-dorm ratio is 18% cells to 82% dorms. Additionally, sight lines are maximized for inmate observation and overall building functionality will be more efficient. This new Corrections Complex will create a safer, more secure environment for inmates and security personnel allowing the ADOC to better recruit and retain professional staff.”
A facility in Escambia County is also authorized in Phase One of the legislation and is in the planning stage. A design services agreement, recently
name.
Students are selecting the name via a fundraiser called Penny Wars.
“It’s like a competition to figure out what the name is going to be,” Eckstein said. “We wanted the kids to pick the
approved by ACIFA, will allow design of the 4,000 bed Escambia County facility to progress in two parts. ACIFA approval of project fund expenditures of up to $150M will further allow advancement of early sitework construction and related activities.
Site work to date for the new Escambia Men’s Facility has included limited demolition of structures on the new site, which is adjacent to Fountain Correctional Facility (CF). Consistent with the bed-replacement intent of the legislation, Fountain CF will be demolished and removed from service in connection with the construction and opening of the new Escambia facility.
The legislation also includes provisions supporting the participation of minority business enterprises in all phases of the work. The ADOC has established a Minority Vendor Program to support minority businesses in competing for various parts of the overall project.
name. They use money to vote, but they can’t use silver change. If they put it in the bucket, it takes points away.”
Pennies and cash count as votes. Nickels, dimes and quarters take away votes.
Board votes against pay increase allocation
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
In a 4-3 vote last Tuesday, the Elmore County Board of Education declined a $300 per month pay increase for board members as approved by the Alabama legislature in the last session.
Board members Wendell Saxon, Leisa Finley and Brian Ward voted for the increase.
“It’s been 24 years since there has been an increase,” Finley said. “I’m in favor of it.”
Ward said when he ran for the board he didn’t think it paid. At the same time he said he wouldn’t stand in the way of the increase.
Saxon said he puts the funds right back into the schools and wanted the increase to do even more.
“It’s $300 a month I can share with students and organizations,” Saxon said. “I already spend more than what I get.”
All of the board members said there was a public perception issue when it came to pay increases, especially in the face of trying to find funding for new schools as COVID-19 relief funding is finished.
“I think the timing is rough,” board member Michael Morgan said.
Finley contended the perception issue surrounded having only nine months between pay increases for chief schools finance officer Jason Mann.
“We need to own our own message,” Finley said. “We have not done that well.”
Board chair David Jones said the board can revisit the pay increase issue at the annual meeting of the board.
“This is not a vote that is final,” Jones said. “Every annual meeting it can be brought up.”
In other business at its Tuesday meeting, the board approved the renaming of the concession stand at the Wetumpka High School Gym for Bobbie Armstrong. The measure was at the request of Armstrong’s Chilton County High School classmate and current Elmore County Board of Education member Wendell Saxon. He explained Armstrong was involved in the basketball programs at Wetumpka High through her daughter who played for five years. Armstrong worked in the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and stopped by many Montgomery area businesses to help stock the concession stand and provide meals for the teams as a service to the basketball booster program.
“She worked tirelessly,” Saxon said. “Even after her daughter graduated in 2014, she worked for a few more years when she didn’t have to.”
David Jones was selected by the board to serve as chair for the next year — a position he has held for the last several months. Michael Morgan was selected as vice-chair.
Eckstein said members of the school’s parent-teacher organization are manning the various stations where voting is taking place.
The “voting” has been ongoing for a couple of weeks now but will pick
up before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“We will take votes through Friday,” Eckstein said. “We will have something like a pep rally Friday afternoon to announce our mascot’s name.”
I am the music teacher, and …”
Mama then said, “so it’s you who sent that thing home!” Before things got out of hand, I tried to explain that some people have sensitive hearing and the high pitch of the recorder might disturb the customers. Beyond that, Channel 12 was in the store doing a news story about the water shortage.
The girl stopped playing for a moment, but before she left the store, she blew it as hard as she could, with a squealing pitch that reverberated throughout all of Super Foods!
Cody Holyoke was out on the sidewalk interviewing customers on camera, and I thought I might still stand a chance for a moment of televised glory. I said to myself, “Self, if you time it just right, you can push those buggies right behind the subject of the interview and be on T.V.”
Out I went to gather the buggies spread to the four winds, and racked them up. Just as I approached the front porch of Super Foods, ready for my big television appearance on WSFA, the camera light turned off and Mr. Holyoke began packing up his gear.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University and is still a night manager for Tallassee Super Foods. STORM Continued from A4
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
HISTORY
Continued from A1
The Turner Research Room houses computers with access and subscriptions to aid in online genealogy research such as newspapers.com and genealogybank.com. There are also The Blankenship Books with briefs of Elmore County newspapers, which contain many of the obituary notices and birth announcements from
VOTER
Continued from A1
the highest percentage out of every county in the state. And it’s not the highest turnout in Elmore County. In 2020, 67.59% turnout to the polls in Elmore County and in 2016 71.47%.
over the years. The research room also has local birth and death records from more than a century ago. The collection also has family histories already published. Staring at the computers and seeing an overwhelming amount of volumes of documents and books can deter people from researching family history, but Fox is willing to take on the task.
“I’ve been a professional genealogist for years now,” Fox
said. “I can help people get started.”
Fox has traced and documented her ancestry through the South and back to Europe, including some of America’s immigrants and soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
“I even have ancestors from the 1840s who were in Poland at the time,” Fox said.
Fox has followed the documentation and stumbled onto where others had already done the work on about three lines
in her family history from the 1700s.
“It’s not fun anymore because someone else has done the work,” Fox said. “I like to do my own. It’s like when you find an arrowhead in a museum or in a thrift store and they say, ‘Do you want it?’ No, I didn’t find it myself. I want to find the arrowhead in the ground by myself.”
When records aren’t online, Fox finds joy in traveling to courthouses and libraries to
Voters: 315
find more information.
“I just love stuff like that,” Fox said. “I’m not only learning about my family but the history of the area they came from.”
Fox started her genealogy as a child. Along with the work came history lessons many learn from textbooks. Only Fox was seeing it in documents and letters from her ancestors.
“It’s not history without your family history,” Fox said.
“I was hoping with a presidential election we would have higher turnout,” Elmore County Probate Judge John Thornton said. Weather did not cause any issues and law enforcement aided with traffic around some polling stations such as at Mulder Church.
At the same time voter turnout has been slipping during presidential elections, the number of registered voters has been increasing. In 2016 there were 52,408 registered voters. In 2020 there were 60,672 registered voters, 41,007 of whom cast ballots. In 2024 there were 63,582 registered voters with 41,681 casting ballots.
In the March 2024 primaries, a combined
15,795 voters cast ballots for a 25.6% turnout.
Of Elmore County’s 29 polling places, three polling places had more than 70% of registered voters cast ballots — Weoka Community Center 75.03%, Titus Community Center 74.34%, Kowaliga Fire Department 73.22%. All were heavy Republican voters.
Elmore County had one polling place with less than 50% turnout. God’s Congregational Church saw 35.56% of its registered voters cast ballots.
Seven polling locations had between 50.3% and 59.81 % turnout and 18 with between 60% and 60.99%.
Only two of the 29 polling locations in Elmore County voted primarily Democrat — God’s Congregational Church and Crenshaw Park.
According to the Alabama Secretary of State Election data, of the 41,214 ballots cast in Elmore County, 5,013 ballots were cast by voters age 18 to 29, 5,817 ballots cast by voters age 30 to 39, 6,446 ballots cast by voters age 40 to 49,
8,053 ballots cast by voters age 50 to 59, 8,248 ballots by voters age 60 to 69, 5,478 ballots cast by voters age 70 to 79, 1,893 ballots cast by voters age 80 to 89, 255 ballots cast by voters age 90 to 99 and 11 ballots were cast by those 100 or older.
ABSENTEE
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,943
72.16% who cast straight tickets did so for the Republican Party. 69.07% voted for Trump.
Five didn’t cast a ballot for president
ASBURY KENT
COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 1,614
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,121
• Voter Turnout:
69.45%
Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH
• Total Registered Voters: 1,364
• Total Ballots Cast: 949
• Voter Turnout: 69.57%
Seven didn’t cast a ballot for president
CAINS CHAPEL
• Total Registered Voters: 3,611
• Total Ballots Cast: 2,379
• Voter Turnout: 65.88%
Four didn’t cast a ballot for president
COOSADA TOWN HALL
• Total Registered Voters: 1,217
• Total Ballots Cast: 712
• Voter Turnout: 58.5%
One didn’t cast a ballot for president
CRENSHAW PARK
• Total Registered Voters: 1,014
• Total Ballots Cast: 510
• Voter Turnout: 50.3%
Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
DEATSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
• Total Registered Voters: 2,083
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,294
• Voter Turnout:
62.12%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
ECLECTIC METHODIST
• Total Registered Voters: 1,414
• Total Ballots Cast: 917
• Voter Turnout: 64.85%
All who voted cast a ballot for president
FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 940
• Total Ballots Cast: 641
• Voter Turnout: 68.19%
One didn’t cast a ballot for president
GOD’S CONGREGATIONAL
• Total Registered
• Total Ballots Cast: 112
• Voter Turnout: 35.56%
Every voter cast a ballot for president
KOWALIGA FIRE DEPARTMENT
• Total Registered Voters: 1,318
• Total Ballots Cast: 965
• Voter Turnout: 73.22%
Five didn’t cast a ballot for president
MARTIN LUTHER KING REC CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 3,682
• Total Ballots Cast: 2,011
• Voter Turnout: 54.62%
Five didn’t cast a ballot for president
MILLBROOK CIVIC CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 5,152
• Total Ballots Cast: 2,753
• Voter Turnout: 53.44%
10 didn’t cast a ballot for president
MULDER MEMORIAL
• Total Registered Voters: 7,528
• Total Ballots Cast: 4,803
• Voter Turnout: 63.8%
Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
NEW HOME BAPTIST WETUMPKA
• Total Registered Voters: 1,946
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,055
• Voter Turnout: 54.21%
Everyone who voted cast a ballot for president
NEW HOME BAPTIST TITUS
• Total Registered Voters: 1,492
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,024
• Voter Turnout: 68.63%
One didn’t cast a ballot for president
NEW HOPE BAPTIST
• Total Registered Voters: 1,283
• Total Ballots Cast: 892
• Voter Turnout: 69.52%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
REDHILL COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 852
• Total Ballots Cast: 605
• Voter Turnout: 71.01%
Two didn’t cast a ballot for president
RIVER REGION CHURCH
• Total Registered Voters: 4,964
• Total Ballots Cast: 3,120
• Voter Turnout: 62.85%
Six didn’t cast a ballot for president
ROCK SPRINGS
• Total Registered Voters: 762
• Total Ballots Cast: 508
• Voter Turnout: 66.67%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
RUSHENVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
• Total Registered Voters: 1,287
• Total Ballots Cast: 860
• Voter Turnout: 66.82%
Voters: 1,454
Total Ballots Cast: 2,106 • Voter Turnout: 58.88% Two didn’t cast a ballot for president
WALLSBORO COMMUNITY CENTER • Total Registered Voters: 1,759 • Total Ballots Cast: 1,132 • Voter Turnout: 64.35% Two didn’t cast a ballot for president
WEOKA COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 793
• Total Ballots Cast: 595
• Voter Turnout: 75/03%
All who voted cast a ballot for president
WETUMPKA CIVIC CENTER
Total Registered Voters: 3,702
The to-do list
For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live….”
Amos 5:4
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with what I need to do in a day, I make a list. Sometimes my wife makes a list for me. A list is helpful. It makes the nebulous concept of too much to do more manageable, and helps you remember and stay on task.
Israel’s spiritual problem was deep and wide. The nation was steeped in idolatry and had forgotten God. Amos was sent to the people with warnings and threats about the disaster they were bringing upon themselves, and a call to repentance.
In today’s text, the call to repentance comes in the middle of a recounting of their sins and warnings of coming judgment.
The call could be read as a simple to do list for a people who had wandered far from God. It
has only two items. The second item is a direct consequence of the first: “Seek me and live.”
If the people persisted in idolatry and disobedience, they were going to die, as a nation and many individuals as well. So God called them to seek him, and live instead of die. God simplifies what might have seem complicated to people who were so far from God and had forgotten him for generations. He clarified the outcome of the decision. And he offered to dignify and add value to their lives by offering a powerful incentive to make a better choice.
To live instead of die, the Israelites needed to focus on God, not their idols, not themselves. They needed to seek to please their Maker and not themselves. They needed to fear God more than they feared what the neighbors might think or do if they forsook the
are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship. Wednesday nights at 6:30
p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours
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, blankets, 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
Canaanite idols. He repeated the “Seek” in verse 6, “Seek the LORD and live.” In verse 14, it’s “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live.”
“Seek the Lord and live” is a good list for us when we are distracted by fleshly desires and worldly priorities. We may never even think of bowing down to a rock or pole. Our idols are not Baalim, the fertility gods of the Canaanites that were such a snare to the Israelites. But we may bow down to greed or sensuality (Colossians 3:5). We may come to love something or someone more than God, putting whatever or whoever it is in God’s rightful place in our hearts and lives. Such choices would be as lethal to us as theirs proved to be. We all want to live. We want to be well and enjoy life here, and want to live and die with confidence that we can live forever with the Lord. If we
want that outcome, we need to be seekers, seeking the Lord. We should be active in seeking his will, that is always for our good. We should be seeking his mercy, because of our frequent stumbles and failures. We should be seeking his power, confident that he has strength over all that disturbs us. We ought to be hungry seekers of his promises, and embrace them with full confidence in God’s faithfulness. And we should seek his presence, to believe and live like we believe that he is with us. If we are such seekers, we will live to honor and serve God instead of ignoring him and disregarding his will. Israel came to a bitter and tragic end because they would not do what God lovingly, simply encouraged them to do. They did not seek God, and they did not live. Multiplied thousands of them died or were
a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m.
(traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants.
CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee. com or call us: 334-283-2195.
FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
HILLSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH
Invites you to join us each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School, followed immediately by our Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:00
MIKE MCELROY Pastor
carried away into captivity. I hope we can learn from their awful example. Whatever the distraction or temptation, let’s resolve to “Seek the LORD and live.” God’s grace invites us to come to him or return to him. That same grace will empower us to live to honor him and his will for us. And by that grace, we will live with him forever.
Mike McElroy recently retired after preaching almost 27 years at East Tallassee Church of Christ. He is the author of The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide to Your Journey Through the New Testament and Christmas Pilgrims: A Journey to See Jesus. In retirement, Mike plans to continue writing and publishing books in his Abiding Companion series of essays about each chapter of the Bible. He can be reached at mbmcelroy@ gmail.com.
p.m. We also offer a Sunday evening prayer gathering for those wishing to join together in prayer. If you need prayer or know someone who does, you may call 33-567-9695 and leave a voicemail prayer request or drop a prayer request by our prayer box located on our sanctuary porch. We will carry all requests to the Lord in our hour of prayer. Hillside is located at 405 Old Montgomery Highway in Wetumpka. If you have questions, please call us at 334567-9695.
HILLSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH Angel’s Attic ministry provides clothing for all members of the family. The Attic is located at 210 Old Montgom-
ery Highway and is open each Wednesday afternoon between the hours of 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
If you wish to donate clothing items, please do so during the Wednesday hours of operation. This is a free service to the community. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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.
Austin Elliott sports Editor austin.elliott@tallasseetribune.com
Local softball players embark on new journeys
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Every prep athlete’s dream is to have the opportunity to further his or her career beyond high school and play in the collegiate ranks. For several players across the area, this became reality last Wednesday.
At Wetumpka High School, Lily Davenport was
fortunate enough to sign with Anderson University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she will play college softball for the Trojans. The first baseman chose to sign with the Trojans over several competing schools.
“I had dreamt of playing softball in college all the way back when I was maybe 10 or 11, but it really became a goal of mine after we won
a state championship during my sophomore year,” Davenport said.
Wetumpka’s softball program has established itself as a perennial powerhouse amongst the Class 6A competition in recent years, and Davenport’s dynamic ability to hit for average and power are in large part a reason why.
SEASON OF REDEMPTION
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Wetumpka’s wrestling team could not be in better hands under the regime of coach Josh Highland.
Before his entry at Wetumpka, Highland was a product of future Hall of Fame coach John Mask, of Tallassee, amongst several others. He now is at the helm of the Indians wrestling program, which is in high anticipation for the upcoming season.
“I really feel as if we are
on the cusp of achieving something great here,” Highland said.
With a couple of key assets returning like Brantley Woodall and Chad Strickland, the Indians plan on making noise on the mat this year.
“Our kids are uber motivated and this year we have really taken on that underdog mentality which I love,” Highland said.
After sending seven of its wrestlers to state last year, Highland feels as if that taste of quality talent on the big stage is just what his roster needs this year for motiva-
tion.
“You could say that we have somewhat been overlooked going into this year, but we don’t mind it at all,” Highland said. “Our guys are more hungry than ever to get on the mat, so it should be a real fun season.”
The Indians will not have to search far for fierce competitors, as they have the likes of Tallassee, Elmore County, and Stanhope Elmore all in their backyard.
Wetumpka started its 20242025 season campaign Friday at the Stanhope Elmore Showdown Dual tournament.
Indians and Mustangs battle in SE Showdown
By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD For TPI
Stanhope Elmore cleared the mats Friday night and welcomed several teams to Millbrook for the SE Showdown. The event— won by Mortimer Jordan High School—featured Elmore County’s Class 6A rivals, Stanhope and Wetumpka, along with teams from the Montgomery area: Percy Julian and Carver and the Birmingham area: Gardendale and Mortimer Jordan and Brookwood from Tuscaloosa County.
“We wanted to get the experience more than anything else,” Wetumpka coach Josh Highland said. “We are a young team, but really this early in the season we are focused on getting mat time, getting out there and knocking the rust off and being ready to go for
later in the year.”
Wetumpka — whose A squad finished third — knocked off a short-handed Wolverine team 77-6 to advance to a semifinal showdown with the Blue Devils. Having the largest contingent of competitors, Mortimer Jordan outlasted the Indians and advanced to the final. The Mustangs survived the Phoenix rising, winning 35-21, but they were dropped into the consolation bracket after a loss to Brookwood. The Panthers defeated the host Mustangs, 47-24. “I want to see our boys go out there and have a hard-fought match, win or lose,” Mustang coach David Adams said. “They did their best, tried their hardest and fought off their backs. The ultimate goal this early in the season is to see where we are
weakest and see where we need to get better before we go to some of the larger tournaments later in the year. We want to be ready for the Pelham Invitational. We are going to see about 17 6A teams there so we can use this to get ready for that tournament.”
In consolation the Indians got a measure of revenge, eliminating the Blue Devils’ B Squad 70-10. The Mustangs went head-to-head with the Rockets of Gardendale, ultimately falling short in the duel. In the consolation final, Wetumpka defeated Gardendale to finish third.
“This is a chance for us to see those northern teams,” Highland said. “It helps our guys to understand that competition is out there and we’ve got to be ready to go whenever we step out on the mat.”
Tallassee’s Chase Chumley dominates on both sides
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
It’s already hard enough to make an impact on one side of the ball in playoff football, but when you’re able to do it on both sides you are a true difference-maker.
Tallassee’s Chase Chumley did that on Friday against Ashford in the second round of the AHSAA Class 4A playoffs; earning the Elmore County Player of the Week title.
His performance last Friday night is ultimately what turned the tide of the Tigers program by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016. However, according to coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal, this is nothing out of the ordinary for his senior playmaker.
“Chase has been doing that pretty much all year,” O’Neal said.
“It’s just magnified right now in the playoffs, because Jordan (King) is commanding such attention with the double teams that Chase is getting one-on-one coverage, and he’s winning. He’s winning 90% of those matchups with one-on-one coverage.”
On the offensive side he accounted for a receiving touchdown following an onside kick to start the second
half, but where he truly cemented himself was on the defensive side of the ball. In total, he accounted for eight total tackles and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns except one was called back for a block in the back.
“Chase is a gamer,” O’Neal said. “He shows up at practice each and every week and he performs in practice. When he goes out and has a game like that, I kind of expected that.”
His performance will be key for Tallassee this Friday in the AHSAA Class 6A quarterfinals against Jackson. His impact on the defensive side of the ball will be important, but offensively he is going to need to take advantage of all the opportunities given with how much attention his teammate King receives.
“I’m just expecting him to have a really good game, a solid ball game, and just continue to be a leader of this team and just will his team to a victory,” O’Neal said.
As the lights get brighter and the teams in the playoffs get tougher, Chumley will be leaned on to keep up his production to keep Tallassee’s state championship dream alive against a tough Jackson team.
AUSTIN ELLIOTT TPI
Wetumpka’s Lily Davenport signs to play her college softball career with Anderson University.
Mustangs poised for big season push with strong start, young talent
Stanhope
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
The Stanhope Elmore girls basketball team starts its season with a 1-1 record after two hard fought games against Marbury and Chilton County.
Coach Kelvin Stokes believes that his young team has found their mojo after a loss against Marbury last week, which helped them to best Chilton County at home.
“We are young, but the growth I have seen in a short time span from these girls is incredible,” Stoke said. “We have minimized the turnover margin and held our composure well.”
As just an eighth grader, Kuraji Crosby has been a dominant presence from her stretch forward position. Crosby has scored double-digit points in multiple games already while providing length and strength in the paint.
Aaliyah Long, a 10th grade guard, has been on a tear scoring at a high level and making constant trips to the free throw line. Long had 10 points last week against Chilton County in a 30 point victory for Stanhope Elmore.
“I am already so proud of our growth and it will be interesting to see how we respond down the stretch this season,” Stokes said.
After finishing second in region 3 Class 6A last year, the Mustangs are primed to make a big push as the season heats up going forward.
Elmore ignites chemistry and success this season
Stanhope Elmore did not waste any time stamping its presence in the 2024-2025 boys basketball season.
Starting off hot with a 3-0 record under firstyear coach Austin Moncus, the Mustangs are on the incline early on this season.
“Ever since we started practicing together as a unit, we were full force on the gas,” Moncus said. “Our training was hard, so we could establish a bond with each other and now we are just having fun during the games.”
The Mustangs play with a very apparent high level of chemistry and selflessness. The most fascinating aspect of their game is the fact that they only rotate two seniors on the floor for most of the game. Judah Gilbert, who transferred in from Australia before last season, is the lone starting senior at his guard position. Kam Anderson is the other senior who Moncus uses as a key piece down low off the bench.
“These guys play hard and we are only getting better,” Moncus said.
The short season has seen the Mustangs have much success scoring the basketball at a high clip with guard Kaleb Sanders leading the way. Sanders filled up the stat sheet last Thursday night in a near 100-point game for Stanhope Elmore, in which Sanders finished with 22.
After winning only nine games last season, the Mustangs have clearly found the ingredients for a better recipe.
Stanhope Elmore is back on the floor against Tallassee on Tuesday, Calera on Thursday and Prattville on Friday.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20
HIGH SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL
AHSAA CLASS 1A-5A QUARTERFINALS 4 Marbury at Tallassee, 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 21
4 Elmore County at Wetumpka, 7 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Beauregard, 5 p.m.
SCHOOL BASKETBALL 4 Tallassee at Marbury, 5:30 p.m.
4 Holtville, Pell City at Shelby County, 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 22
Tallassee at Jackson, 7 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore at Calera, 6 p.m. Lee-Scott at Holtville, 5:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Continued from B1
“I believe it was a massive thing for Lily to get to watch and experience the players before her go about their journeys and be able to sign to play at the next level,” Wetumpka coach Darryl Otwell said. “She definitely embodies what we represent here as an athletic department in terms of being a hardworking
class act on and off the field.”
Meanwhile, just down the road, Holtville’s softball team saw three of its athletes sign their National Letter of Intents to solidify their futures in the sport.
Avery Goff, Bailea Boone, and Victoria Bullock made it official they all three will continue their post prep careers in softball on Wednesday. Goff and Boone will make their way to Faulk-
4 Holtville at LAMP, 6 p.m. Prattville at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.
4 Edgewood Academy at Abbeville Christian, 5 p.m.
4 Thorsby at Elmore County, 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOV. 23
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
4 Wetumpka at Childers-
ner University, as Bullock will take her talents to Andalusia and play for Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.
“This is a huge honor for our program, and this will make five girls in the last two years that we have seen sign to play college softball,” Holtville coach Reese Claybrook said.
All three athletes described their time at Holtville under Claybrook’s leadership as a
High School, 9 a.m.
BASKETBALL
Wetumpka at Pelham Turkey Tipoff, 10:30 a.m. (boys only) MONDAY, NOV. 25
WRESTLING
Elmore County at Trinity, 4:30 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Highland Turkey Day Tournament, 10 a.m. (girls only)
4 Tallassee in Jamie Blakley Duals, 11 a.m.
TUESDAY, NOV. 26
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
4 Holtville at Holy Spirit Thanksgiving Tournament,
4 Stanhope, Holtville at Wetumpka Indians Dual, 8 a.m. 4 Edgewood Classic at Edgewood Academy, TBA
perfect precursor for what they know lies ahead.
“Today really solidifies all of the swings, sprint, drills, and conversations we have had here with coach Claybrook,” Goff said.
Primarily playing shortstop for the bulldogs, Goff is looking forward to a monumental season.
“Today brings me so much gratitude especially, because at one point in my career I was told that
I was too small to play beyond a certain level and with the program we have here at Holtville, it was never a question of me being able to fulfill my dream,” Bullock said.
Having a clear understanding of the concept of hard work, Bullock feels she is prepared for success at the collegiate level.
“I feel all different kinds of emotions today,” Boone said. “I’m just so ready to embrace the
TBA 4 Edgewood Classic at Edgewood Academy, TBA
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
4 Holtville at Holy Spirit Thanksgiving Tournament, TBA
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING 4 Wetumpka at Hewitt-Trussville, 9:30 a.m.
competition in college and hopefully be able to assert myself early in my career like I did here.” With the popularity of softball going through the roof at every level, these athletes are likely to be the first of several who make a name for themselves in the county. This spring is certainly going to provide much excitement and buzz in the softball world with an apparent increase in talent on the diamond.
AUSTIN ELLIOTT TPI
Stanhope Elmore’s Aaliyah Long (2) goes for a layup against Chilton County On Thursday.
AUSTIN ELLIOTT TPI
Stanhope Elmore’s Judah Gilbert (2) shoots a free throw against Chilton County on Thursday.
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Public Notices
Public Notices
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 Joseph A Lindsey and Jennifer D Lindsey, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Calusa Investments, LLC, its successors and assigns dated January 30, 2006; said mortgage being recorded on February 15, 2006 in Deed
Page 3259, Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. The undersigned, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB not individually, but solely as Trustee for Residential Mortgage Aggregation Trust, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will Trucks,
Public Notices
gg 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 December 5, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 12, according to the Plat of Lake Breeze Subdivision Plat No. 1, as the same appears of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 11, at Page 93. Said property is commonly known as 63 S Jordan Dam 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.
status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB NOT INDIVIDUALLY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE AGGREGATION TRUST as holder of said mortgage 22-03318AL McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 505 20th Street N, Suite 1775 Birmingham, AL 35203 Telephone: (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03318AL www.foreclosurehotline.net 22-03318AL
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 22-033318AL
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 Adam Darnelle Mcdaniel And Donna Suzanne Weldon Husband And Wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns dated October 2, 2020; said mortgage being recorded on October 5, 2020, in Book 2020, Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2021, Page 83943 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 20th day of September, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 30, according to the Map of Grand Ridge Forest Plat No.1, as said map appears of record
Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 14 at Page 83. Said property is commonly known as 45 Timberline Ct, Wetumpka, AL 36093. 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
Public Notices
yp y 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. 24-06216AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herold
08/28/2024,09/04/2024,09/11/2 024,10/09/2024,11/20/2024
AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
The sale date under the above mentioned Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed until October 22, 2024, and public notice thereof having been given, the above notice is hereby republished with this amendment.
Wetumpka Herold, October 9, 2024
AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
The sale date under the above mentioned Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed until December 3, 2024, and public notice thereof having been given, the above notice is hereby republished with this amendment.
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 20, 2024 24-06216AL 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 Ashley D Matin A/K/A Ashley D Moss , Unmarried to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., its successors and assigns dated November 25, 2015; said mortgage being recorded on January 7, 2016, in Book 2016, Page Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Truist Bank by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2024, the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Truist Bank, 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 19th day of December, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 2 in Block G, according to the Map of Grandview Pines Plat No. 1, as said Map apthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Map Book 7, at Page 85. Said property is commonly known as 472 Catalpa Rd, Millbrook, AL 36054.
Accounting SpecialistMontgomery, AL. Req’d: Bach’s deg. in Acctg. or Finance. Mail resumes to: DAS North America, Inc., 840 Industrial Park Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117
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Public Notices
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. TRUIST BANK 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. 24-06443AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 24-06443AL PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUSTIN SLADE YOUNG, PLAINTIFF, CASE NO.: 29-CV-2024-900267 V. PARCEL 1
Public Notices
Commence at a stone at the NE corner of Section 23, T19N ,R18E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence S 02° 09’ 00” E, along the east line of Section 23, 665.29 feet to an iron pin; thence S 89° 46’ 50” W, 982.15 feet to an iron pin; thence S 02° 09’ 00” E, 454.28 feet to an iron pin on the west right of way of County Road No. 667, Old U.S. Highway 231, 66’ R.O.W., said point being the point of beginning; thence leaving said right of way, N 88° 41’ 32” W, 74.31 feet to an iron pin; thence S 51° 47’ 35” W, 304.7 feet to an iron pin; thence N 00° 36’ 43” W, 210.14 feet to an iron pin; thence N 89° 23’ 17” E, 300.00 feet to an iron pin on the west right of way of the aforementioned road; thence S 31° 00’ 41” E, along said right of way, 31.00 feet to the point of beginning. The above-described property lies in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 23, T19N, R18E, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 0.69 acres, more or less.
PARCEL 2 Commence at a stone at the NE corner of Section 23, T19N, R18E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence S02°09’00”E, along the east line of Section 23, 665.29 feet to an iron pin; thence S89°46’50”W, 982.15 feet to an iron pin; thence S02°09’00”E, 454.28 feet to an iron pin on the west right of way of County Road No. 667, Old U.S. Highway 231, 66’ R.O.W., said point being the point of beginning; thence leaving said right of way, S01°12’58”E, 211.03 feet to an iron pin; thence N87°41’51”W, 321.54 feet to an iron pin, thence N00°19’13”E, 16.44 feet to an iron pin; thence N51°47’35”E, 304.70 feet to an iron pin; thence S88°41’32”E, 74.31 feet to the point of beginning. The above-described property lies in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 23, 19N, R18E, Elmore County, Alabama, And contains 1.00 acres, more or less, and contains church Property as shown on Pearson Plat No, 1 (revised), as recorded inbate, Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 8 at Page 99. AND STATE OF ALABAMA Department of Revenue Defendant BILL CRUMPTON and WENDY CRUMPTON, Defendants Plaintiff in the above-styled
Public Notices
to Foreclose on Tax Lien Redemption Rights and Quiet Title against the above-styled Defendants for unimproved land located in Wetumpka, Alabama, 13-06-23-0-001-009.003, and fully described above. Answers to the pleadings relevant to this proceeding must legible copies of same with Michael Dozier, Circuit Clerk, P.O. Box 310, Wetumpka, Alabama-
231, Wetumpka, AL 36092, 1st s/ Michael Dozier Michael Dozier Circuit Clerk, Elmore Co., AL Plaintiff’s Attorney: Of Counsel
Wetumpka, AL 36093 (334)478-3196
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, and 20, 2024 29-CV-2024-900267
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUSTIN SLADE YOUNG, PLAINTIFF, CASE NO.: 29-CV-2024-900268.00 V.
A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 20 NORTH, RANGE 20 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: TO LOCATE THE POINT OF BEGINNING COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER, THENCE S87°55’51 “E AND ON THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF THE SAID NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEASTER QUARTER, 342.86 FEET TO THE NORTH POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE S87°55’51’E AND ON SAID NORTH BOUNDARY, 383.13 FEET; THENCE S10°02’11”W, 0.39 FEET; THENCE N89°02’49”W, 163.41 FEET; THENCE S17°41’02”W, 43.59 FEET; THENCE S22°44’58”E, 45.19 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH RIGHTOF-WAY OF MT. HEBRON ROAD (ELMORE ) COUN-
Public Notices
() TY ROAD NO. 80); THENCE S71°18’44”W AND ON SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY, 232.34 FEET; THENCE N01°12’42”W, 169.19 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 0.64 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. AND PAULINE THERESA FALLON Defendant Justin Slade Young, the named Plaintiff in the above-styled to Foreclose on Tax Lien ReTitle against the above-styleddress 7999 HOLTVILLE ROAD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092, also 08-28-0-000-005.001, and fully described above.
chael Dozier, Circuit Clerk, P.O.
cated in the Elmore County Jus/ Michael Dozier Michael Dozier Circuit Clerk, Elmore Co., AL Plaintiff’s Attorney: Justiss & Henderson Of Counsel 4031 US HWY 231 (334)478-3196
Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13,and 20, 2024 29-CV-2024-900268
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2024-299 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY, a corporation, Plaintiff v GLORIA JONES, et al, Defendants. LEGAL NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS BY PUBLICATION
TO: Unknown Heirs of Tom Jones and Carrie Jones Alabama Power Company, a complaint in this Court seek-
erect towers, poles, wire lines, electric power on, across, un-
which the same are a part beingPARCEL 1
such strip being more particular-commence at the Southwestconcrete monument (broken);-
such point being the Point of Beginning
Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated September 18, 2007 executed by Gordon L. Brown and Carolyn W. Brown husband and wife, in favor of American General Financial Services of Alabama, Inc., said Mortgage being recorded September 21, 2007, in RLPY Book of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCAF Acquisition Trust by instrument recorded in RLPY Book 2024, Page 43488, in the of Elmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCAF Acquisition Trust, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Elmore County, Alabama on 01/08/2025, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: The following described real estate, situated in the County of Elmore and State of Alabama, to-wit: Lot 28, Block B, of the Crossgates Plat 3 Subdivision, as shown by plat made by Thomas H. Oliver, Jr., Registered Land Surveyor, No. 12743, dated January 17, 1985, and recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 9, at Page 17. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 215 Quail Ridge Rd., Elmore, AL 36025. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHEREIS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCAF Acquisition Trust Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 37-FC-24-01445
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 2024 37-FC-24-01445
point; thence continue alongRef-
erence Point “A”ing Point of Ending
The Company also seeks the-
Reference Point “A” the erection, construction, op-
an interest in property which
will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to “GMC.” Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be availablesponsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the IsBid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. This project is being funded by SRF Project No: CS010460-06 and will require DBE documentation from the low, responsive, responsible bidder no later than 10 days after the bid opening. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award numState of Alabama by the U. S. Department of Treasury. All participants must comply with all federal requirementsAppropriations Act and related the Participant understands includes, among other, requirements that all of the iron and steel products used in the Project are to be produced in and those imposed by the Build requirements. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities, or to reject any or all bids, and to award the contract to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder. All bidders shall submit, upon request, a list of projects “successfully completed” in the scope of work and approximate in this project. All bidders must comply with requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be which the proposal is submitted. his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders. All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions
evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered. Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely manner. Reliance upon U.S. Mail or other carriers is at the bidder’s risk. Late bids will not be considered.
thereof. Owner: Wetumpka Water Works & Sewer Board By: John Strickland Title: Chairman
Balch & Bingham, LLP
Wetumpaka Herald: BIDS/7803
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD DUANE ARLEDGE, CASE NO: 2024-123 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of DONALD DUANE ARLEDGE, deceased, having been granted to DION D. ARLEDGE on October 30, 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.
DION D. ARLEDGE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD DUANE ARLEDGE, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: LEE A. RANKIN ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 240550 ECLECTIC. ALABAMA 36024 334-472-1098
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024
EST/ARLEDGE D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EMMETT BLAIR BISHOP, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-236 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EMMETT BLAIR BISHOP, deceased, having been granted to LYNDA L. DENHAM AND STEPHANIE G. CERCONE on the 5th day of November, 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.
LYNDA L. DENHAM AND STEPHANIE G. CERCONE CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF EMMETT BLAIR BISHOP, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Co-Personal Representatives:
GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF GA DANIEL, JR. LLC PO BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 EST/BISHOP, E. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN E. DUMONT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-289 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to WAYNE DUMONT as Executor on the 13th day of November, 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.
WAYNE DUMONT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN E. DUMONT, 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: Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 2024 EST/DUMONT L. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH L. GRISWOLD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-192 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JOSEPH L. GRISWOLD, deceased, having been granted to NATALIE S. JORDAN on October 29, 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.
NATALIE S. JORDAN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH L. GRISWOLD, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal
Representative: ANDREW ODOM THE CLEVELAND FIRM, LLC
707 MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD SOUTH PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36066 334-365-6266 andrew@clevelandgroup.legal
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 EST/GRISWOLD J.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBIN MARIE HAVRON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-294 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ROBIN MARIE HAVRON, deceased, having been granted to STEPHEN LAFAYETTE HAVRON, on the 5th day of November 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.
STEPHEN LAFAYETTE HAVRON, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ROBIN MARIE HAVRON
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: Nov. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 EST/HAVRON R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA N. MORRIS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-292 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to JOSEPH CALEB MORRIS as Executor on the 31st day of October 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.
JOSEPH CALEB MORRIS
EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA N. MORRIS, 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: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 EST/MORRIS, J.
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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WALLACE JULIOS ELTON PARRISH, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-290 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to JOAN T. PARRISH as Personal Representative on the 13th day of November 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.
JOAN T. PARRISH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WALLACE JULIOS ELTON PARRISH, 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: Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 2024 EST/PARRISH, W.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EDNA PETTUS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024 272 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of MARY EDNA PETTUS, deceased, having been granted to GARY L. GEDDIE on November 12, 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.
GARY L. GEDDIE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MARY EDNA PETTUS, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JEFFREY J. COURTNEY ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 100 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 2024 EST/PETTUS M.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHASE ANTHONY POLLARD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-287 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of CHASE ANTHONY POLLARD, deceased, having been granted to KELLY OWENS SINGLETON on October 29, 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.
KELLY OWENS SINGLETON
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHASE ANTHONY POLLARD, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JUSTIN EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 EST/POLLARD C.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EMERAL RITTER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-296 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EMERAL RITTER, who is also known as EMERAL MARY RITTER, deceased, having been granted to CHERYL MENEES on November 8, 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.
CHERYL MENEES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EMERAL RITTER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative: JONATHAN D. WYNN II THE CLEVELAND FIRM, LLC 707 MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD SOUTH PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36066 334-365-6266 jonathan@clevelandgroup.legal
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 EST/RITTER, E.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF REBECCA A. ROBINSON, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE CASE NO. 2024-305
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to CATHY KEMMERER as Executor on the 15th day of November 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.
CATHY KEMMERER
EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF REBECCA A. ROBINSON, 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: Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 2024 EST/ROBINSON, R.
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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT J. SANFORD, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-288 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to DEBRA COLLEY SANFORD as Personal Representative on the 29th day of October, 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. DEBRA COLLEY SANFORD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT J. SANFORD, 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: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 EST/SANFORD R.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2024-019 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRADFORD HIGGINS SMITH, DECEASED Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BRADFORD HIGGINS SMITH, deceased, having been granted to MICHAEL JARED SMITH on the 31st day of October, 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.
MICHAEL JARED SMITH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BRADFORD HIGGINS SMITH, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 EST/SMITH, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM CLAUDE WOOD, III, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-293 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of WILLIAM CLAUDE WOOD, III, deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM C. WOOD, on the 1st day of November 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.
WILLIAM C. WOOD, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM CLAUDE WOOD, III
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: Nov. 13, 20, and 27, 2024 EST/WOOD, W. III
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2024-270 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY DON WOODALL, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of HENRY DON WOODALL, deceased, having been granted to MARCIA MADOLYN WOODALL on the 12th day of November 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.
MARCIA MADOLYN WOODALL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY DON WOODALL, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for such
Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS
ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 2024 EST/WOODALL H.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for 011- Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package) Alcohol License Transfer Application for Kent Liqours at 3400 Kent Road, Tallassee, AL 36078. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00pm, Monday, November 25, 2024 in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear in person at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing to: Elmore County Commission Attn: Chief Operations St., Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092 wrbechd@elmoreco.org Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 20, 2024 KENT LIQUOR
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Omega Coatings & Construction, LLC hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the State of Alabama for construction of Project No. BR0014(550) in Elmore County. This notice will appear for three consecutive weeks beginning on November 13th and ending on November 27th. All claims Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 Omega Coatings & Construction, LLC
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 13, 20, and 27, 2024 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO.NH-0003(661) & HSIP-0003(652) AUTAUGA AND ELMORE COUNTIES, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
Public Notices
g 8416 US-231
Wetumpka, AL 36092
3082:
and are set forth in the adver-
Cashier’s check or bid bond
ny each bid as evidence of good
The bracket range is shown
this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this
The proposed work shall be
sponse to this invitation and will
Transportation Director
NH-0003(661) HSIP-0003(652) PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Wednesday, December the 4th 2024, at 9:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE. Southeast Storage
U.S.C. 2000D TO 2000D-4 and
sponse to this invitation and willconsideration for an award. is reserved. Transportation Director
STPAA-0014(559) PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for a 050- Retail Beer (off premises only) and 070- Retail Table Wine Alcohol License Transfer Application for The Corner Store at 3408 Kent Road, Tallassee, AL 36078. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00pm, Monday, November 25, 2024 in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100
wrbechd@elmoreco.org
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 20, 2024 THE CORNER STORE
Highest Honor
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
There’s people who are anti-littering, and then there’s John Thompson.
Thompson has been known as the anti-litter man around Lake Martin for many, many years and he was honored at the recent Alabama People Against A Littered State Governor’s Awards dinner.
Thompson is used to winning awards for his environmental efforts, but winning the Don Hines Memorial Award was on a whole new level.
Much like a lifetime achievement award, the Don Hines Memorial Award is the highest annual honor given by Alabama PALS every year.
“It’s really given to people who have been kind of lifelong stewards of the environment,”
PALS executive director Jamie Mitchell said. “When you think of whoever is going to get this award, you think of longevity. You really think about somebody who’s given years of their life to this work, and John is exactly that.”
To win the award, Thompson had to be nominated, which was done by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce president and Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson.
Robinson has been a longtime friend and supporter of Thompson and his environmental efforts. The two even teamed up for the second Saturday cleanup in Alexander City to start awarding prize money to nonprofit organizations that joined the cleanup.
In addition to his work for the second Saturday cleanup, Thompson was the longtime president of Lake Martin Resource Association where he helped LMRA get involved with Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers cleanup. That lakewide cleanup celebrated 20
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
Having an end goal in mind can put you on the path to success, but receiving the tools can put you in motion toward that goal.
Alexander City locals Josh and Bailey Williams have put the gears in motion toward running two farms — one in Eclectic and one in Alex City.
After setting up both of their farms for more than a year, the couple received a $10,000 grant from Alabama Ag Credit’s 2024 JumpStart Grants.
According to a release from Alabama Ag Credit, the initiative is designed to empower aspiring farms and cultivate the future of agriculture in Alabama.
Out of 67 applications, the Williams were one of five families who were selected as recipients of the grant.
Since 2023, the Williams purchased a property in Eclectic and have been renting a property in Alex City. The couple already knows what they have in mind for both locations.
“In Eclectic, the property is 30 acres,” Josh said. “An older couple used to live there, and since the 2000s, it has kind of grown up. We bought it last year, and we’ve been slowly working away at it for the past year or so.”
On their Eclectic farm, the Williams plan to run a reg-
years in 2024 with LMRA’s partnership.
“Beyond just cleaning up, there’s environmental education that he’s been a part of and the clean water initiatives,” Robinson said. “He’s done that for decades.”
In addition to being a bootson-the-ground volunteer, Thompson has also donated financially toward helping purchase cleanup materials and in getting a third Saturday cleanup started in Alex City in the minority community, according to Robinson.
Thompson’s time in anti-littering spans back to the 1970s with the Crying Indian ad, which was a public service announcement on TV discussing keeping America beautiful. It wasn’t only the PSA that touched Thompson’s heart but a poster his son created in art class with a Crying Indian on it.
“It all went from there,” Thompson said. “I think both (my son) and I both have had this passion for just keeping our roadsides clean, and then when I moved to the lake, there were some areas that hadn’t been touched for 20 years. It just turned my stomach to the point where I said we cannot leave this stuff building up like this.”
Thompson started a small neighborhood cleanup near the Sturdivant area and just started, quite literally, tackling the trash. From there, that developed into larger cleanups and involvement in LMRA.
“I think what John has done has just been great,” Robinson said. “He is a very humble person, very focused, but he’s a leader. He’s helped engage many others. So the strength of what John has done is really a legacy thing. There are other people that he’s engaged that are now involved in doing what he’s done, and he really carries that torch.”
istered Nigerian dwarf goat business where the couple will have goats available for purchase. Josh is currently working on getting bred female goats to kickstart on the business.
“We’re going to get those next week,” Josh said. “We’ll start off with about four of five females. They’re all bred, so we’ll be having babies sometime between now and January
— we’ll have babies running around everywhere.”
In Alex City, the Williams have been renting a farm property where they plan to cultivate beef and cattle products for the local area and beyond.
“It’s going to be a diversified livestock operation,” Josh said. “We’re going to put cows to raise on the land in Alex City and start that operation.” With the money received
from the grant, the Williams will be able to kickstart the various cattle operations they have planned for the farm in Alex City. The first operation being a cow-calf operation.
Josh said this operation will require having a mother cow raise its calf then selling the calf at weaning age each year.
“The next one is a stocker operation,” Josh said. “It’s where you buy weaning age
calves from other farms and raise them until they’re about a year old. Those are the ones that will go into beef production.”
Josh said once the cows reach weaning age, they will be sent out west for beef production.
Their final cattle operation is to sell local freezer beef. Josh said people can purchase portions of the animal, individual cuts or the whole animal.
“The grant gives us a chance to get started,” Josh said. “Instead of having to wait and invest that money ourselves, it gives us a chance to roll right into going ahead and getting livestock and not having the burden of trying to pay those loans off. To start it, everything will be paid and we can just slowly grow it from there.”
The Williams’ long-term goal is to run a farm store on their property in Eclectic.
“These grants represent more than financial assistance — they are an investment in the future of agriculture,” Alabama Ag Credit CEO Dough Thiessen said in the release. “It’s inspiring to see these individuals take the first steps to JumpStart their farms, and we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll have on their communities and agriculture in Alabama.”
SUBMITTED TPI
Lake Martin’s own John Thompson, right, was honored with the Don Himes Memorial Award last week at the Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards dinner.
Thompson wins Don Hines Memorial Award