Wetumpka Herald April 10 2024

Bill aims to improve mental health access

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

It’s no secret Alabama has fallen short on access to mental healthcare, especially for those who have been dealing with issues for years.

Now a bill is making its way through the Alabama legislature that would give probate judges more flexibility in getting mental health

help for Alabama citizens, particularly for drug abusers.

“A big part of this bill is really integrating mental health and substance use treatment,” Alabama Department of Mental Health commissioner Kim Boswell said.

“If you look at the bill, you’ll see that more often than not folks who have a mental health issue if it’s not being treated, they will often self

Students treating students

Stanhope FCCLA hosts Super Kids Prom

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

medicate with street drugs or other drugs.”

The bill will allow probate judges to order mental health committals with an underlying substance abuse issue. Doing so gets the individual mental health help and begin substance abuse treatment. It will also expand the authority of probate judges to seek

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

It has only been a couple weeks since Stanhope Elmore held its prom. But even before the prom, students were already looking

at creating something special for Stanhope’s Super Kids.

Students in special education have always been welcomed to prom;

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday. erings but the chamber celebrated the successes of ple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each

See STUDENTS, Page A7

Blue Angels inspire students at Stanhope

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The

Holtville’s Futral

See ANGELS, Page A7

By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer

Police

ROOTS OF HOPE

Art show shows journey from despair in prison

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Carrots, blueberries, greens. Many chastise children when they are harvested early, but what about when someone is hungry or fearful they are gone tomorrow? It’s all items most take for granted.

According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.

Stephen Carmody has gone inside the fences and walls of Tutwiler almost every Wednesday to help with a garden. The gardening program is in its sixth year and was started with a USDA grant. To expand the program, art was added with the help of Troy University art professor Dr. Kelly C. Berwager.

“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”

vested some of the not yet ready carrots and started to eat.

This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.

“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.

Benton didn’t want to speculate on the

“They were so worried that if they don’t pick it now, somebody else is gonna to get them,” Carmody said.

The prisoners yet again pulled at Carmody’s heartstrings as they started to share.

See SHOOTING, Page A3

Alabama 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.

Carrots, blueberries, collard greens.

These are items some people take for granted, but at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, these are the lifeblood for many prisoners.

Troy University’s Dr.

“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

GARDEN PROGRAM This year’s winter/early spring garden includes carrots, blueberries and greens. Just last week, Carmody was almost brought to tears as the prisoner har-

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.

See PRINCIPAL, Page A3

Two of the prisoners returned to the garden from their dorm as Carmody was still working. They wanted more carrots to share with those in their prison dorm

See ROOTS, Page A7

Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

Stanhope Elmore family and consumer sciences teacher Michelle McCauley, right, speaks to students who were buddies before the Super Kids Prom. The buddies made sure the Super Kids had a good time by dancing and attending to their needs.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Dr. Stephen Carmody, left, and Dr. Kelly C. Berwager pose for a photograph in front of artwork created by prisoners at Tutwiler. Carmody has been going inside the prison for six years for a gardening project and Berwager for four with art.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Navy Blue Angels petty officer second class Grant Causey, left, and Lt. Com.Thomas Zimmerman speak to students at Stanhope Elmore High School about team work and trust.

Obituaries

JERRY LAVAUGHN SMITHERMAN

Jerry Lavaughn Smitherman, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2024 at home in Jesup, Georgia under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and his loving family.

A resident of Jesup, Georgia for the past fourteen years and former resident of Elmore, Alabama, Jerry was born on March 15, 1943 in Clanton, Alabama to the late, Curtis and Alzie Bice Smitherman. He was always a hard worker, doing steel work in his younger years before taking a job with Autauga Farming Company where he worked in the

Police Reports

maintenance department. Later, Jerry continued his work in maintenance, working with the City of Millbrook, Alabama from which he retired in 2009. When he wasn’t working, Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and bass fishing. In addition to his parents, his three brothers, Donald, Larry and Lyndon Smitherman and his sister, Shirley Owens, all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of nearly sixty-two years, Annette Smitherman of Jesup, Georgia; two

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 22

• Harassment was reported on the Coosa River Parkway.

March 21

• Theft and forgery were reported on Kelly Fitzpatrick Road.

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 1

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Rickey Lane.

MARCH 31

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white female was arrested during a welfare check on Central Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on South Tallassee Drive.

• Trespassing was reported on Howard Street.

• A reckless driver was reported on Highway 229.

• A suspicious subject was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on North Ann Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Wall Street.

MARCH 30

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

on Gilmer Avenue.

children, Jerome Smitherman and Susan Albert and husband, John all of Jesup, Georgia; two sisters, Patricia Clecker of Clanton, Alabama and Linda Warr and husband, Pete of Verbena, Alabama; grandchildren, Jerry Smitherman and wife, Amy of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Andrew McGraw of Atlanta, Patricia Wiest and husband, Jake of Alaska and Wyatt Albert of Jesup and great grandchildren, Madison Smitherman of Graham, Washington, Danika Smitherman of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Kristian Whitehurst and Logan Currington both of Montgomery, Alabama. Special friends, Liz Wright, Jerry Garner, Ramona Martin, Ethan Garner and Ed Knoll and a host of nieces, neph-

ews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Prattville Memorial Chapel and Memory Gardens in Prattville Alabama with Reverend Walter Batyski officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Interment will follow in Prattville Memory Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be John Albert, Andrew McGraw, Leslie Boozer, Richard Robinson, Jerry T. Smitherman and Ed Knoll. Please sign our guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com Howard & Jones Funeral Home, Jesup, GA

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Hudson Place.

• A noise complaint was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Main Street.

• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Golden Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on First Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Notasulga Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Washington Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.

MARCH 28

• A fight was reported on James Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A fight was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Weldon Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Weldon Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Harris Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue. MARCH 27

MARCH 26

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Hickory Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Mott Lane.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on South Tallassee Drive.

• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Notasulga Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

MARCH 25

• A suicidal subject was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Hillcrest Street.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Cliff Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard.

• A tree was reported in the roadway on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Herd Street.

• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A reckless driver was reported on East Patton Street.

• A white female was arrested during a theft call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Third Avenue.

• A verbal fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.

• An arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.

MARCH 29

• Suspicious activity was reported

• A domestic incident was reported on Floyd Lane.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Shiloh Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on McNeal Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on West Patton Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Washington Street.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Third Street.

• A Black female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on West James Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a gunshots reported call on Hillcrest Street.

MARCH 24

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hicks Store Road.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Quail Crossing.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

SMITHERMAN

Heartworm prevention a year round job

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month, and we cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your pet(s) on heartworm prevention from your veterinarian 12 months per year. Heartworms are transferred through mosquito bites and result in actual worms living in the heart of an affected dog or cat. Heartworms cause damage to the heart and other organs so affected pets often die far too young from complications such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary inflammation, kidney issues, etc. All it

takes is one bite from an infected mosquito for your unprotected pet to get heartworms. Preventing heartworms is so easy and cheap compared to the danger and cost of trying to clear them after your dog has become infected. You cannot look at your dog and know if they are or are not infected with heartworms which is why your dog must go to your veterinarian for a quick and easy blood test. Once your veterinarian determines your dog does not have adult heartworms, they can then prescribe prevention to protect your pet. The drugs to prevent heartworms are completely different than the drug

necessary to treat a dog with heartworms so it is very important to never give your pet heartworm medicine until it has been tested by your veterinarian.

The good news is heartworm prevention is safe, easy and relatively inexpensive. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six-month or 12-month injectable product (available only for dogs), all available from your veterinarian.

These products are not available for you to purchase at a pet supply store,

your local feed store or on-line without a prescription – you must get these from a licensed Veterinarian! Please do not purchase heartworm prevention from on-line sites that do not require a prescription from your veterinarian as you may be purchasing potentially low-quality, poorly stored/shipped products or, worse, fake products.

These preventatives are extremely effective, and when administered properly will prevent heartworm infection by interrupting the life cycle so they cannot become adult heartworms. An added benefit from keeping your pet on heartworm preventative is

many of them also prevent other parasites like roundworms, whipworms and hookworms (a few also prevent tapeworms), and some products also prevent fleas and ticks. Most of us only think about dogs when we think heartworm prevention, but more and more studies are finding our cats are also at great risk and there are preventives (oral and topical) for cats too. So please talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention for your dogs and cats (and, FYI, Ferrets too).

In the long run keep-

ing your dog (and cat) on monthly heartworm prevention will not only keep your pet healthy it will save you a lot of money and heartache for a very expensive, lengthy and risky adult heartworm treatment. Face it, here in the south, mosquitos can be year-round, so please, please, please keep your pets current on heartworm prevention all twelve months.

Rea Cord is the executive director for the Humane Society of Elmore County.

Gunner is a male Lab mix who weighs about 50 pounds. He was 1 ½ years old and came to us as a stray that was never reclaimed. He loves to run and run some more, great on a leash, great with other dogs. He loves running then stopping for some attention, then playing some more, getting more attention. He is a fun boy! 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 Cola 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.

Two Elmore County criminals denied parole

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Two men connected to crimes in Elmore County will spend more time in prison.

Jeremy James Hadden, 44, and Chadwick L. Maddox, 44, were denied parole at hearings before the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.

several motions for his sentences to be served concurrently and has also filed to serve his time in a community corrections program. Judges have denied the motions.

Maddox has served 14 months of a five year prison sentence for a 2023 third-degree theft conviction.

Maddox has 2013 convictions for two counts second-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance.

Hadden was convicted of several property crimes between 2012 and 2014, including receiving stolen property, two counts of second-degree escape and two counts first-degree theft in Elmore County; first-degree theft in Lee County; two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card in Baldwin County; and third-degree robbery in Cullman County. Hadden was sentenced to 35 years in prison and has served almost 12 years.

At Hadden’s March 20 parole hearing, a representative of The ARC and a family member spoke in favor of his release. The Attorney General’s Office spoke against his release.

According to court records Hadden has filed

Hadden’s minimum release date is 2038 and next parole hearing is scheduled for 2029. He is currently incarcerated at the Red Eagle Work Center.

According to court records, Maddox pleaded guilty and saw a second-degree theft charge dismissed. He also has to pay more than $6,000 in restitution.

Maddox has a minimum release date of 2024 and another parole hearing in July.

Millbrook police arrest juvenile for possession of a stolen firearm

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A 15-year-old is in custody after allegedly firing a stolen gun in a populated area and running from Millbrook Police Department officers.

Police officers responded to Deatsville Highway Friday after receiving a report of multiple juveniles firing a gun. An off-duty Millbrook officer was nearby and observed three juveniles fleeing towards a nearby apartment complex.

“One of the three was observed discarding a firearm,” Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson said. “The gun was later determined to be stolen from a vehicle in the area earlier in the week.

The off-duty officer detained one juvenile and responding offi-

cers detained the other two in a nearby apartment.

“This ended as well as it could but it should have never occurred at all,” Johnson said. “The juveniles were observed discharging a firearm in a field between two densely populated apartment complexes.”

The juveniles then ran from the officers.

“It forced an armed confrontation,” Johnson said. “Thankfully the individual who was armed dropped the weapon.”

Johnson said the three juveniles were between the ages of 13 and 15. The 15-year-old was arrested and charged with second-degree receiving stolen property and transported to the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility pending an appearance in Elmore County Juvenile Court.

“This event could have ended with tragic results, which no one involved would want to live with,” Johnson said. “This type of behavior is unacceptable from anyone, no matter the age group.”

Johnson wants parents to educate children about handling firearms and encounters with law enforcement. He said no one should be in possession of a stolen weapon and no one should be firing a weapon “recklessly” in a populated area. But that wasn’t the only advice he gave.

“No matter how young or old you may be, fleeing law enforcement, armed with a firearm and refusing to obey lawful commands when confronted with uniformed police officers, more often than not does not end well,” Johnson said.

HADDEN MADDOX

Pet of the Week — Gunner

Opinions

A4 • April 3, 2024

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Losing our religion

For two decades in The Tallassee Tribune, I have been privileged to write a lot about music and entertainment. Occasionally some of the things I write have come across as too conservative, while others may have been read as too liberal. I have always subscribed to a ‘no label’ type philosophy, staying in the middle of the road when it comes to politics.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

done.”

The value of saving a little money

Someone recently told me I was rich.

I’m sure I spit out whatever I was drinking — in laughter and in shock. Me? Rich?

I’m a journalist. Let’s just say: I didn’t do this for the money. But I do have one thing going for me when it comes to finances, and I’m here to share my secrets. They’ll make you “rich,” according to some. I say that with laughter in my words still.

But it’s all about saving a little money here and there.

My family has never been super well-off people. My mom worked three jobs when I was growing up, and her main source of income was as a first-grade teacher. Again, not really a family getting into “rich” careers.

But my mom was always really good with money. We never spent a lot. We didn’t have a lot of new clothes and we never had the latest technology. We had a beautiful home though, and my mom always knew what she was doing with her money. Even if we didn’t always.

My first secret is don’t drink alcohol. Again, I say with a laugh because I know that’s not realistic for most people. But let me tell you being sober is a serious money-saver. My

What’s your

husband isn’t a big drinker either, so we save $12 for a cocktail every time we go out to dinner, and that adds up quick. Plus, I’ll just say having a BYOB wedding was possibly the best idea we’ve ever had. A more realistic secret is to have a strategy for saving. Every little dollar can make a difference. One of our strategies is to put a little extra money toward our bigger purchases, like our home or our vehicles. Instead of paying $327 per month for our truck payment, we make it an even $350. That’s only 23 bucks per month, and it’ll end up saving us several months worth of payments in the long run.

I also recommend multiple bank accounts. There’s something great about money being out of sight, out of mind. When we purchased our truck, we opened a bank account at Heritage South Credit Union — highly recommended, by the way — and we now use that as a true savings account that’s for

See MONEY, Page A5

Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com

Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals. Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The

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The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281

That ends today.

Sometimes, being that my column appears on an opinion page, I have let my glass-is-half-full politics show. And that’s when people start calling me names.

One man attacked me at the grocery store as he poked his finger in my chest, saying, “you ain’t nothin’ but a liberal because you’re a member of that teachers’ union.”

Another reader has angrily approached me and accused me of being in the tank for abortionists, and even called me a “baby killer” (as the father of seven, I am obviously very pro-life). This same person also denounced me for being Catholic, because President Biden is Catholic – and, to this person, is also a baby killer.

All of this has happened during the past seven or eight years, as politics and religion have become ever more intertwined. A recent book uncovers some of this, and I’d like to use my space this week to draw your attention to it.

Russell Moore is an evangelical Christian minister. Before becoming the editor of Christianity Today magazine, he was the president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

In other words, if there’s a theological perspective worth at least listening to, Rev. Moore has earned the right to be able to speak his mind.

In his new book Losing Our

Religion, named for the 1990sera R.E.M. song, Moore argues that we are losing a generation of evangelicals – not because they are becoming more liberal or ‘woke’ than their parents, but because the Church has aligned itself with politicians.

“The political fusion with Trumpism, Christian nationalism, white-identity backlash, the dismissing of issues such as abuse as ‘social justice’ secularism, are dividing almost every church, almost every family, almost every friendship I know,” Moore writes in the introduction to his book.

And he’s not wrong.

In a 2021 Gallup survey, only 47% of Americans affiliated with a Church or house of worship. This is a significant drop from just 20 years earlier, when 68% of Americans said they were members of a Church.

Moore states in his book the secularization of our culture is not being driven by so-called liberal agendas, but by evangelicalism itself.

How many times have you heard someone say President Trump is “anointed” or “appointed” by God? Have you seen people conflate his trials with those of Jesus?

This is an abomination!

There are people I know – and you know them, too – who have preached against the evils of gambling and divorce for decades, yet they now say that a thrice-married casino owner is their savior?

As one man told me, “I am not voting for my Sunday School teacher. I’m voting for the man who will get done what I want

Moore recounts in his book the events of January 6, 2021, when a banner proclaiming “Jesus Saves” hung above a gallows built for Vice President Mike Pence. Yes, that was a riot. Yes, people tore through barricades and broke down doors in an attack on the Capitol, because President Trump said the election had been stolen from him. Jesus does save – but how in the world could that message not be associated in the eyes of the secular public with the violence at the Capitol that day?

“Church after church is divided over conspiracy theories and falsehoods,” Moore says, citing the great work of journalist Tim Alberta from The Atlantic magazine, who wrote extensively this year about the divide in his own family and church. Alberta, the son of a Presbyterian pastor, was nearly thrown out of his father’s funeral by a family friend who attacked him for not being supportive of President Trump. And this was at his home church, at his own father’s funeral.

Politics has monopolized our identities. Moore says it’s not what we love but who we hate: Wal-Mart vs. Whole Foods; NASCAR vs. soccer; electric cars vs. pickup trucks. We are so polarized that it seems impossible to unite for any purpose. Even the Covid crisis got politicized by both sides – getting a shot or not; wearing a mask or not. And if you criticize anyone or anything, you’re a hater, or you’re intolerant. Sadly, Christians wind up getting the short end of the stick a lot of the time – and, Moore argues, it’s our own doing because we chose to hitch our wagon to a politician.

Moore’s book lays bare the effort by some evangelicals to

RELIGION, Page A9

Presidential race looks like a Biden/Trump

We Americans are going to the polls in seven months, to elect the next President of the United States. Election day is November 5.

We are getting set for a rematch between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. Americans are not too enthused to see this replay. I have never seen two candidates with as high negative polling numbers in my lifetime. The old political truism that more people vote against someone than for someone will definitely come into play in this presidential race. If indeed Biden and Trump are the nominees, you will see the lowest percentage voter turnout in American history come November. Several television pundits have referred to it as a three-way race between Trump, Biden and the couch and the couch is going to win.

The Republican National Convention is July 15 through18 in Milwaukee, and they will officially nominate Trump, the 78-year-old, as their nominee for President for the third time. The Democrats will coronate Joe Biden, the 82-yearold octogenarian, as their nominee at their convention in Chicago August 19 through 22. The only competitive betting odds are not whether Biden will be the nominee, but it is probably 50/50 as to whether he makes it to August 22.

To say that Biden and Trump are the two oldest people running against each other for President is a bygone conclusion. Probably second place competitors would be decades younger at least. People age differently in life. Biden appears to be the one affected the most adversely by his advanced age. He is obviously the one who looks and acts his age. In fact,

his age and diminished capacity are the underlying reason he is underwater in the polls. When you look at his policies or issues, or at least those of his handlers, his administration has embraced the actions a liberal deficit spending Democratic President is expected to enact. His Achilles’ heel, among his own Democratic base, which are younger than the Republican base, are his demeanor and senility. Democratic voters like “old Joe,” but do not want to see him in the White House supposedly leading the Country. They think to themselves, “Bless his heart, old Joe looks like my great-grandfather that should be running for President of his Delaware nursing home, rather than President of the United States.”

I really do not think he knows where he is or what meeting or country they have taken him to. It would be comical, but other nations and world leaders see this and chuckle at our nation’s decrepit leadership. The senility of Biden would not be so devastating if we did not have a nuclear bomb capability. I am afraid he will roll out of bed from his afternoon nap and hit the button by accident. As one senator recently quipped, “I wouldn’t trust Biden with my TV remote control, much less the red button that could trigger Armageddon.”

Trump is better cognitively than Biden, but most independent voters have thought he was crazy all along. A good many Republican

rematch

voters think he is, too. They just like his policies as a very Republican President. Trump is considered a clown by most Americans. They still see him as a reality TV show celebrity actor. Recent scenes of him on the golf course reveal that he has a girth similar to William Howard Taft. Therefore, his actuarial timetable might not be much better than that of Biden.

This race will be a real comedy show. It will be fun to watch two octogenarians perform. It will be like a circus. It will be interspersed with kangaroo courts in Democratic venues, in Democratic bastions, in Democratic courthouses, in New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia. If the side show in Atlanta actually occurs, it will really be something to behold and will help Trump be elected. These silly indictments are so transparently, politically orchestrated, that it has angered the Republican base to rally behind Trump. This Democratic ploy has backfired. Every time one of these cases occurs, it explodes the enthusiasm of the Republican base. Remember, more people vote against someone than for someone. The GOP base is more enthused with Trump than Biden’s base is for him. It will be a fun show. Biden may not make it through the show, but his handlers will keep him hidden and probably not tell us if he makes it. How many of you have seen the movie, Weekend at Bernie’s?

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@ steveflowers.us.

Kenneth Boone, Chairman Tippy Hunter, General Manager

Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor

the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

See

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

Millbrook seeking island annexation

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

One neighborhood near Millbrook could soon see itself in the city limits.

Residents of Rogers View Court off of Airport Road have petitioned the city to spot annex the 12 homes into the City of Millbrook. The neighborhood is not contiguous to the current Millbrook city limits meaning it can only be annexed through an act of the Alabama legislature.

“All 12 homeowners have sent us copies of their deeds and requests to be annexed into the city,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said. “It is a local bill. Our delegation supports it.”

Kelley explained it could take several years to bring the neighborhood into Millbrook’s city limits using the council’s authority with contiguous property.

“This avoids all that and a lot of cost,” Kelley said. “This gets it done in one swipe.”

Other municipalities across Alabama have sought the help of the legislature for island annexation including Alexander City and Dadeville.

Kelley said city officials didn’t pursue the move but are not opposed to it.

“It is a nice neighborhood,” Kelley said. “We would not even consider it if every homeowner hadn’t signed up to do it. They came to us.”

The Millbrook City Council approved seeking the annexation at its Tuesday meeting. It also autho-

rized the job description of the position of ‘Major’ within the Millbrook Police Department.

“This puts us in a better position as the city grows,” police chief P.K. Johnson said. “It allows some of the guys currently in the department to move up and create the structure we will need.”

In other action the Millbrook City Council:

• Approved minutes of the March 12 meeting.

• Authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Rain Bird for a fiveyear warranty on the irrigation system at The Pines Golf Course.

• Authorized the purchase of a vehicle for the parks and recreation department.

• Authorized the purchase of a new server and appropriate software for the information technology department.

• Accepted bids for equipment for the Welcome Food Pantry.

• Appointed Kelly Smith to the library board.

• Authorized a budget increase for legal advertising.

• Accepted a bid for a new digital sign for city hall.

• Authorized a job description for a cultural arts administrative assistant.

• Authorized two public assembly permits for birthday parties at Minnie Massie Park and Legacy Park Pavilion.

The next meeting of the Millbrook City Council is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 9.

the

on

to

Officials and Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce

Parts. It is part of Allen’s efforts to provide parts for area HVAC technicians.

HVAC parts house starts in Wetumpka

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Heath Allen has been servicing air conditioners for 31 years. For the last 16 years, Allen has owned his own business Allen’s Heating and Cooling.

Allen’s service business grew from a home shop in Elmore County to the old Kelly Glass Building in Wetumpka. But Allen saw a need and opened Allen’s Parts House at 7421 U.S. Highway 231.

“We were able to get this and decided to open up a parts store,” Allen said. “There is not one in

MONEY

Continued from A4

emergencies only. We put an extra $150 per month toward that account and never touch it unless absolutely necessary. It’s not much, but it’s a comfort blanket should we ever fall.

Most Americans don’t have enough money to survive more than two months if something were to

JESUS

Continued from A1

“I’m blessed that the Lord brought me home,” Albritton said. “I loved Enterprise, but home is home.” Albritton brought the cross walk from Enterprise to remember a Biblical walk.

Wetumpka. Previously, everyone had to go all the way to Montgomery.”

Allen estimates one-way travel time to the nearest HVAC parts in Montgomery is 25 minutes. He hopes the parts store will aid smaller HVAC service companies.

“Time is very important especially in the summertime,” Allen said. “Every second counts. If it is just a few things, they can stop and pick it up. It will save at least an hour.”

HVAC companies can also see a savings in manpower. Summertime means many technicians are work-

ing overtime and the parts house could mean an extra call or two in a day for a technician or savings in manpower for larger companies.

“They are not going back and forth,” Allen said. “They can stop here and save time.”

Allen’s Parts House will not have every HVAC part known to man — at least not initially.

“Where it goes from here, we will have to see where the demand is and go from there,” Allen said.

“We are starting with inventory we use the most in our service business. We will try to grow where we see the needs.”

happen to their everyday income. My husband and I went through that early on in our relationship, and it taught us a lot about the value and importance of saving. He had to have shoulder surgery and was out of work for five months. Not only was it hard on him mentally and emotionally, it was certainly a challenge on the bank. He had a few weeks of vacation time he was allowed to use, but after that, we were on our own. You never think it’s going to happen to you — until it does. Make sure you have a strategy of savings and a fallback plan. You may even come across as “rich” to your friends too.

“We just want to commemorate what Jesus did 2,000 years ago,” Albritton said.

Parishioners including Graham carried two large wooden crosses. Others carried crosses made from wood from the church whose sanctuary dates back to the 1850s.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi. gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.

Traffic paused as the group of nearly 30 walked around town Friday.

“We are praying for businesses, their employees and their success,” Albritton said. “We are praying for the churches. We are praying for the government too. We are just praying in general.”

Graham just wanted to do his best in following God.

“I’m trying to follow the road Jesus went,” he said.

CommunityCalendar

Pond in Prattville. The annual event features music and art vendors. COMMUNITY CLEANUP: The Reuben Thornton Memorial spring cleanup will be held April 6. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Red Hill Community Center followed by the trash cleanup at 8 a.m. and lunch with live music at Lake Martin Mini Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dumpsters will be located at the Red Hill Community Center and Lake Martin Mini Mall.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

features samples of craft beer, music and fun.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

MILLBROOK MAYFEST: The Art Mill will be hosting the Millbrook Mayfest at the Village Green Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. There will be handmade items and crafts, food, fine arts, music, family-friendly activities and more. There is no cost to attend.

MUSIC FESTIVAL: The City of Wetumpka is hosting its annual River and Blues Music and Arts Festival from 4 to 10 p.m. May 18 behind the City Administration Building. There will be four bands, art vendors and kids’ zone.

MIXER & SILENT AUCTION: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will be hosting a small business mixer and silent auction from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 11. The proceeds will benefit a charitable organization, and the night is an opportunity to network and unlock potential for business growth. Tickets are $10 per person plus one silent auction item per business. Tickets are for adults only and reserved for small businesses in the area.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

AUTHOR TALK: The Friends of the Wetumpka Public Library are hosting Mildred J. (Billups) Mills at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Mills is a native of Wetumpka and 1969 graduate of Wetumpka High School. She will talk about her book Daddy’s House describing her upbringing in the area.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.

COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its Rise & Shine Coffee & Connections event at ASE Credit Union. It will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 18 and is an opportunity for local professionals and community leaders to connect. Coffee will be provided.

WILD GAME COOK-OFF: The Tri-County Chapter of the Alabama Wildlife Federation will be hosting a Wild Game Cook-Off at 6 p.m. April 18 at the AWF Headquarters in Millbrook. To enter or for tickets, contact 334-285-4550 or email heather@ alabamawildlife.org. It is free for cook teams, and $50 admission for two adults. Kids under 15 are free.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

WAR ENCAMPMENT: Ft.

Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is holding its annual French and Indian War Encampment with demonstrations Saturday, April 20.

COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting its annual Coosapalooza Brewfest April 20 in Merchants Alley and Gold Star Park. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for Main Street Wetumpka and

MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Tallassee and Friendship fire departments are hosting Sounds and Sirens, a downtown music festival Saturday, April 27. Brandon Jordan, Mother Moonpie and Jessie Wilson will perform. Gates will open in downtown Tallassee at 5 p.m. and tickets are $20. Children 12 and under are free.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

SPRING MARKET: Poppy Layne Farm Vintage will be hosting a Spring Barn Market starting at 10 a.m. May 11. Applications are currently available for interested vendors. Email poppylaynefarm@gmail.com for more information. Live music will be featured.

JEEP, CAR & ATV SHOW: The Elmore County Food Pantry will be hosting a Jeep, ATV and Car show from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The fee is $25 to show and $5 gate to enter. All proceeds will benefit the food pantry.

JOB FAIR: Tallassee City Hall will be hosting a job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11. More than 10 employers will be represented.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, May 18.

ART SHOW: The Wetumpka Downtown Artists will host an art show

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

Millbrook police cracking down on ATVs

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Millbrook hasn’t been a sleepy little bedroom community since police chief PK Johnson started.

Traffic has increased as people have moved to the area seeking a little more peace and quiet close to the big city. With it has come issues as both children and adults riding ATVs on city streets creates safety issues.

“It is not in any particular neighborhood,” Johnson said. “It is in my neighborhood. It is in the councilmembers’ neighborhoods.”

Over the last few weeks, Johnson and the police department have been receiving more and more complaints about the issue.

“In my 28 years, we have always had a four-wheeler here or golf cart there,” Johnson said. “We dealt with multiple complaints this past week.”

Most golf carts, side-bysides, ATVs and dirt bikes do not have proper lighting or bumpers.

“If it doesn’t have a tag and those items, it isn’t street legal,” Johnson said. “We will be targeting these and getting them off our streets. It is not as much about the complaints from citizens, but this is for the safety of the children and adults. It is not safe for the kids. People are driving entirely too fast.”

Over the years, the police department has seen accidents on city streets with ATVs where children and adults have been injured.

Johnson explained today’s

ATVs have more power and drivers are not necessarily paying attention to automobiles on the streets. There have also been close calls and incidents which Johnson and Millbrook City Council

president Michael Gay call downright rude.

“They are showing derogatory symbols to residents as they drive by,” Gay said.

With the surge in recent complaints, Johnson has already instructed his officers to stop those driving four-wheelers and ATVs on city streets. Now they are now doing more than just issuing a warning — they are issuing citations.

“The warnings are not getting it done and it is not just kids,” Johnson said. “We have adults out there acting crazy.”

Johnson has taken off the table the excuse some parents use of “kids being kids.”

“Part of my instructions on stopping the kids is to contact the parents,” Johnson said. “I want them to have a chance to modify their behavior. Parents need to understand if this behavior continues and we stop the same ones, parents can be held accountable.”

The citations could be even more than just an illegal vehicle on the street.

“Bottom line, if it isn’t street legal, it doesn’t need to be on the street,” Johnson said. “If they violate any other traffic laws, speeding, or reckless driving, we will charge them with that too. We are not trying to be heavy handed. We are trying to keep everyone safe.”

Wetumpka chamber heads to Italy again

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It’s barely been a year since the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce took 35 local travelers to Italy.

Just last month a dozen went to Ireland.

The chamber is now set for Round 2 in Italy with a trip to the Amafili coast, again through Collette Travel and Destinations Travel in Wetumpka, in March 2025 and it’s catching on like wildfire.

“We had the trip of a lifetime before,” Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce director Shellie Phelps said. “Everyone said they want to go back.”

Buses in Europe hold 38 passengers. Just a day after announcing the trip to the seasoned Italian travelers, Phelps had an overwhelming response and with good reason. They heard from their favorite Italian tour guide and cook Savio Uccello.

“We all fell in love with Savio,” Phelps said. “When we talked about going back, I sent him an email asking him to consider being our guide again because everyone loved him.”

Uccello more than agreed.

He even sent Phelps a video encouraging all of his American friends to come back to Italy. Phelps forwarded the video to the Italian veterans.

“They are all pumped,” Phelps said. “A lot of people who went before are going again. A lot of people from the recent Ireland trip are going.”

The stories shared by many of the Italian trip have

MAKING DREAMS

COME TRUE

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there.”

— Walt Disney

Downtown Wetumpka was transformed into a castle Saturday — at least in the imaginations of little girls, Sarah Wohlford, Cherryl Knighten and Denice Pittman. Belle, Snow White, Cinderella and more were seen all around the two floors of Tiers of Sweetness and Company Street for a Princess Tea at the bakery. It was all an idea dreamed up by Wohlford, a Wetumpka senior.

“She has been hanging out here to see if she wants to become a baker,” Knighten said. Wohlford is successful on the stage in the Wetumpka Theater Guild but is also exploring other potential careers.

“I can’t decide on one thing to choose,” Wohlford said. “I

triggered others to join the trip.

“Everyone who didn’t get to go heard about how much fun we had and are wanting to go,” Phelps said. “We are seeing this increased demand for travel. It is just a great trip again.”

Within a week of making the announcement of the trip to the Amalifi coast, Phelps was calling to get a second bus.

“As of Wednesday we had 60 people confirmed,” Phelps said.

The group will fly into Rome on March 8, 2025. The hotel stay in Rome is different than in 2023. Different sites will be visited, but any Italian rookies will still be able to see places such as the Vatican. From Rome the group will travel to the south instead of north as it did last time. Visitors will stay in one hotel for the remaining 10 days, but again space is limited.

“The hotel we are staying at on the Amalfi coast is quite small,” Phelps said. “It might be all Wetumpkians.”

Already signed up are moms and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends.

“It’s already a great group,” Phelps said.

There is an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 22 at The Kelly for those interested in going. But Phelps warned those who wait until then might be left out.

“We encourage people to get on the list before then,” Phelps said. “I don’t think they will give us a third bus.”

have been interested in baking since a very young age. It has been one of my passions. I was thinking of going to school for culinary arts. When I saw a new bakery in town, I thought it would be really cool if I was able to come and help out.”

Wohlford was brainstorming with Knighten and Pittman in the last few weeks and an idea came to be — a “Princess Tea.” It was an easy decision for the sisters of Tiers of Sweetness to host the tea.

“We want this to be a place for parties and fun,” Knighten said. “Why wait until someone has a birthday party? Lets just go ahead and invite people in and have a big party.”

Wohlford joined the sisters and others getting ready for the party.

“When I came in [Friday] they asked me if I wanted to ice cupcakes,” Wohlford said. “I was like, ‘Sure.’ I ended up icing all the princess cupcakes with Ms. Cherryl and Ms. Denise.”

But Wohlford still had an ace up her sleeve to make the party even more magical. “It can’t be a princess party without princesses,” Wohlford said. “Well I know a bunch of princesses. I said, ‘You know what would work great? If we worked with the Wetumpka High School Theater Guild I am in.’”

Wohlford invited her classmates and her fellow guild members to dress in Disney princess costumes the guild has. They are part of a community service project and have made appearances across town. Wohlford dressed as Belle. Others donned costumes for Cinderella, Snow White and more. The princesses wandered about the party posing for photographs with even younger princesses signing autographs along the way. The party was a success for Wohlford.

“It’s been really fun,” she said. “It is really great finding places like this with people who are supportive.”

City soon to be seeking new website

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A new website is in the works for the City of Wetumpka.

City leaders are asking the city council to approve spending more than $28,000 to contract with Civic Plus to build and host the website for the first year. Then spend another $10,000 per year to maintain it.

“This is something we have been putting together for some time now,” Mayor Jerry Willis said.

The new system allows for a better content management system with city employees at the lead. It will also allow a one-stop shop for payment for services such as business licenses. Civic Plus has worked with multiple municipalities with websites and has modules to add on for recreational management allowing registration fees to be paid there as well.

The website and other matters including a paving and striping project partnership with Elmore County will be taken up at the next council meeting. The partnership will allow roads in the Jasmine Hill area and Harrogate Springs Road to be paved. Red Eagle Drive and the public works department parking lot will be paved at the same time the county paves an access road from Red Eagle Drive to Highway 14 that provides access to the county shop.

Public works director Justin Barrett is seeking council approval for a contract for engineering services with Sain and Associates.

“The building and public works department need help on a day to day basis,” Barrett said. “If we are short handed they can perform inspections.”

The services would be handy as developments are built in newly annexed property off of Nolen

Lane and Highway 9. In other action the Wetumpka City Council:

• Approved minutes of the March 18 meeting.

• Approved a camera update for the Wetumpka Civic Center at a cost of $8,200.

• Approved updating building, electrical and fire codes to 2020-21 editions.

• Exempted certain school supplies from city sales tax for the third weekend of July.

• Allowed a retiring officer of the Wetumpka Police Department to retain his service weapon and magazines.

• Gave permission to the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts to use Goldstar Park for the third annual Wetumpka Wildlife Festival Oct. 19.

The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 15.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

ABOVE: Junior princesses enjoyed a princess tea that Sarah Wohlford, center, helped organize at Tiers of Sweetness Saturday. The event was open to all little girls.

TOP: Girls of all ages dressed the part for a princess tea at Tiers of Sweetness in downtown Wetumpka Saturday. Everyone enjoyed a magical time with treats and coloring.

TOP RIGHT: Tiers of Sweetness hosted a Princess Tea Saturday organized by Wetumpka High senior Sarah Wohlford. She dressed as Belle but invited other princesses such as Snow White to greet the junior princesses.

Actors, bakers combine efforts for magical day in Wetumpka

Raptor Ridge educates public on caring for the birds around us

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

There are little things we do every day that can make a big difference in a raptor’s life.

Raptor Ridge Wildlife

Education founder Valerie Castanza said raptors face many man-made threats from pesticides to lead poisoning to general pollution.

Each of the birds at Raptor Ridge are education ambassadors, who cannot be re-released into the wild for a number of reasons.

Some of the raptors have physical impairments such as missing wings or psychological impairments such as imprinting on humans.

As education ambassadors, the raptors aid in teaching people about raptors and the importance of caring for the environment. Castanza said a common issue is trash along roadways. Sometimes people throw apple cores out of the car window thinking it’s

GIVING

biodegradable, so it does no harm. While it is biodegradable, it also attracts animals to the roadside. Some of these animals, like mice, are raptor’s prey and when they dive for a meal, it increases the risk of raptors being struck by vehicles.

Another popular issue for raptor wellbeing, and

on my own.”

by extension wildlife wellbeing, are balloon releases because the balloons eventually fall from the sky and can lead to animals ingesting the remains or getting tangled in the strings.

These are just a few of the many examples as to how humans and raptor’s interact. Raptor Ridge also partners with local schools and libraries for Reading with Raptors, as an additional activity for kids to learn more about raptors.

To learn more or schedule a live animal presentation contact Raptor Ridge at 334-201-4957 or Raptor. Ridge.WE@gmail.com.

Continued from A1 MANAGER

“I’m all about feeding the community and it’s something I have always wanted to do is give people some free meals,” Katzenberger said. “There are people who need a helping hand.”

For the last three years Katzenberger and Pellegrino have spent Easter serving pulled pork plates from their home.

“I had gotten together a list of folks that needed food,” Katzenberger said. “I tried to go out and feed them. I was doing it all

TEACHER

Continued from A1

with 474 open slots followed by 376 positions in middle and high schools. Elmore County Schools saw the need and brought in Emily Ryan to create the Teaching and Training program at Elmore County Technical Center three years ago.

“There is a severe shortage,” ECTC director Emilie Johnson said. “We are trying to prepare the next generation of teachers.”

Ryan had experience getting high school students started down the teaching path as she started a similar program in Lee County. But she saw something special at ECTC.

“I came here because the career tech support is just huge here,” Ryan said. “I wanted to be able to do more with my program.”

Ryan hopes to see the fruit of

Continued from A4

The husband and wife wanted to do something a little bigger this year. Instead of smoking BBQ at home, they turned their franchise into something more than just a business.

“I decided we had Domino’s here so why not deliver some food?” Katzenberger said. “All our drivers are on board and our crew wants to come in and work to help the community too.”

Despite it being Easter Sunday, the crew was slinging pizzas to give away.

“We closed down for the day,” Katzenberger said. “We

her program soon. “It is an effort to recruit future teachers in high school,” Ryan said. “It hopefully will encourage them to come back to Elmore County.”

Ryan’s classes are filled with high school seniors, juniors and even sophomores at the same time. Although the curriculums are different, intermingling the age groups helps.

“It is really nice because the second and third years are here to help the first year students,” Ryan said. “They all work together to teach lessons. They help the others figure out the teaching world.”

The scenario mimics what a teacher does in a classroom.

Ryan’s program teaches the students how to come up with lesson plans and even teach. Students even get a chance to teach in elementary classrooms to learn the trade.

Continued from A1

Coosa River. The Civil Rights Trail is close and fits in with the Elmore County Black History Museum.

“There is diversity here,” Stieb said. “We are not stuck with just one product to present to people. We have got a wonderful downtown area with shopping and restaurants.”

The options in and around Wetumpka have already primed the marketing machine.

“Communities have to look at ways to diversify and we already have that at our fingertips,” Stieb said. “We are very well set up to take this and run with it.”

Stieb came to Wetumpka nine months ago to work at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. Previously he was the Ft. Morgan Chamber of Commerce director where Season 2 of HGTV Hometown Takeover was filmed. Prior to that he worked in the hospitality industry gaining experience in what it takes to attract tourists.

“In Ft. Morgan there was the county tourism board working towards promoting tourism, economic vitality through tourism bringing in people to the community to spend money.” Stieb said.

“The hotel I managed was in the mountains of Colorado.”

Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis believes Stieb’s experience will help the city develop tourism

want our employees to spend time with their families but many of them are giving back too.”

The Sunday lunch rush was fierce as the crew made specialty pizzas such as Supremes, Extravaganzas and Buffalo Chicken.

“We are giving people some premium food,” Katzenberg said. “We want to treat people well.”

Pizzas were delivered to those in need. Some recipients were brought to tears as a driver knocked on the door Sunday with a free hot pizza. The pies were delivered in

“Instead of coming to my class, they go to what kind of teacher they want to be,” Ryan said. “They do a seven day job shadowing, then three days of actual teaching.”

The students are even in the classrooms before that. Many times they are just visiting but on holidays they help come up with crafts for the younger students.

“A big thing we work on is building repertoire,” Ryan said. “When they go in they start getting to know the kids. By the time they try to get the kids to do stuff, they want to do it for them.”

The high school students have seen the methods work.

Wetumpka junior A’Mariiyah Crusoe is inspired to teach because of her mother. Crusoe recently finished an internship at Wetumpka Elementary.

“The kids were crying

Wetumpka, Eclectic, Tallassee, Titus, Montgomery and even Verbena.

“Pretty much anywhere they want food, we deliver it to them,” Katzenberger said.

The idea for the Easter food giveaway started with Katzenberger’s grandmother Geneva Neves who died about five years ago.

beyond a town highlighted on HGTV.

“The continued development of our tourism department and the hiring of a dedicated manager represent significant milestones in Wetumpka’s journey towards becoming a premier destination,” Willis said. “With each step forward, the future shines even brighter for our city.”

The public front of tourism in Wetumpka is in the Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery Center on Company Street. It is currently opened with volunteers from the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission.

“We are still ironing out the kinks and what that will look like,” Stieb said. “It is something we will continue to develop.”

The Discovery Center will remain the home of everything about the crater but it will also be a hub for information helpful to visitors.

“Our goal is to create that as the official welcome center for Wetumpka,” Stieb said.

Stieb wants to work with any and all partners to highlight the opportunities in Wetumpka.

“This position presents an incredible opportunity to showcase the beauty and potential of our city to visitors from near and far,” Stieb said. “I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the tourism experience and contribute to the economic prosperity of Wetumpka.”

“She was always feeding people on Crow Mountain in rural Alabama,” Katzenberger said. “She would take plates to folks on the mountain and feed some of the older people who needed a hand or in the hospital. She was always big on feeding people.”

because I was leaving,” Crusoe said.

Likewise, Wetumpka senior Julia Zamora wants to be an elementary school teacher because younger children are so honest. She recently completed her internship as well and created a portfolio to present to judges in the FCCLA state competition where she was awarded a silver.

“The portfolio was of my experiences and how I went about making the lesson plan,” Zamora said. “It was also how I taught the lesson.”

Wetumpka senior Alyssa Tanner wants to teach high school math.

“It is easier to understand older kids,” Tanner said. “I can be myself around them because they understand my sarcasm.”

Ryan’s path to being a teacher wasn’t as clear as many of her students. She has been surrounded by educators her entire life.

Pellegrino said Neves even worked in the Wetumpka Domino’s kitchen.

“She was small but wanted to work, even in her 80s,” Pellegrino said. “If she were still alive and knew we were doing this, she would be right here with us.”

Katzenberger wanted to honor his grandmother’s tradition of feeding those less fortunate with the Easter Sunday giveaway.

“I thought it would be a nice thing for the community to try and feed those in need,” Katzenberger said.

Both her parents taught and her husband is a teacher at Redland Middle School. But Ryan didn’t hop into teaching right away. She was working in retail instead.

“I was driving to work one day and God told me to be a teacher,” Ryan said. “I quit my job. Two weeks later I enrolled to be a teacher.”

Ryan is now helping students discover a love or hate of teaching before they get too far along the road. Ryan is fine with that. Part of her job is to encourage students to be teachers but also to help them figure out if teaching isn’t for them.

“It’s a win, win,” Ryan said. “It is better to find out now they don’t like teaching than to get the internship their senior year in college and figure out they don’t like it.”

cian so firmly because, after all, he’s a human being, not a deity.

become Christian culture warriors full time. While we Christians are called upon to witness to others, we are also called upon to live as Jesus did – right? Christians should be seeking common ground and unity, not burning it all down in His name. As I was preparing to write this, a couple of news items caught my attention that illustrate this strange arrangement. President Biden was recorded singing along to the gospel song “On Eagle’s Wings” at a Palm Sunday breakfast at the White House. Biden, appearing frail, said that hymn was special to him as it was performed at his son’s funeral. No harm,

no foul. It didn’t take long for people to pile on with the usual: “what about Hunter’s laptop?” or “how can he sing a gospel song and kill babies?” On top of the far-right attacks, the ‘woke’ side attacked him for siding with Israel against the Hamas terrorists.

Also during Holy Week, President Trump was selling autographed Bibles for $60.00 apiece. This was pretty insulting to me as a Bible-believing Christian. We don’t need a Trump Bible – we need the Holy Bible. And no matter what you believe, he gave the anti-Christian crowd plenty to poke fun at, with some saying he was raising bail money by selling these Trump Bibles. It weakens our message as Christians to tie ourselves to a politi-

Moore makes the point that Jesus knew to walk away from politics. Midway through the book, he lays it all out: “Jesus was well aware of the pull of humanity to a gospel that is about finding a political avatar or accommodating the appetites. When Jesus perceived that the crowds were coming to make Him king, He walked away (John 6:15). And when the crowds assembled to hear Him after His multiplication of bread and fish, He told them ‘you are seeking Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves’ (John 6:26). He was willing to see those crowds walk away – and His own disciples tempted to do so –

because what they would have received would have been the fulfillment of populist fervor, but it wouldn’t have been Him.”

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools. RELIGION

As we move into a political season that is guaranteed to be more divisive than ever, espe cially with these same two running for President, let us please be mindful that yes, we are a nation blessed by almighty God – but He never named one politician or party as His favorite. We would do better to keep His name holy by not attaching it to one side or the other.

Let the attacks begin. See you at the grocery store.

Blessings to all

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge.

Although it is April Fool’s Day as I am writing, I assure everyone there is no fooling around with this column. There may be an effort toward humor, but no gimmicks, I promise!

Easter Sunday is one of the most well attended days of worship in Christian churches. We have all heard of CE Christians (Christmas and Easter), and usually the term is used to describe people who aren’t very serious about their faith. The theology behind this is that showing up to church on Christmas and Easter is easy because the good news is so pronounced.

Many in ministry lament such behavior. I can honestly say, as one who stands in a pulpit facing a congregation most Sundays of the year, the number of empty seats is noticeable. The temptation is to think that Sundays with fewer empty seats are somehow better than those with more. Ah yes, the good old human wrestling with the concept of less and more.

Last week, a friend of mine from seminary days posted a message on Facebook. It simply read: “Question – What do you say to someone who only comes to church on Easter or Christmas? Answer – The Lord be with you. Welcome.”

I have been participating in

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting.

Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-

Holy Week and Easter celebrations in PCUSA churches all my life. I have grown accustomed to the flow of things. The churches I have been connected to have all recognized Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday as individual, specific events each contributing a measure of substance to the joy of resurrection on Easter morning.

A few years ago, a new element came into my Holy Week traditions. I became friends with a non-profit coordinator in our region. He is Jewish. We talk at length about covenant relationship with God and what it means to live by faith. We have a lot in common.

The first Wednesday of Holy

Church Briefs

kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the

Week after we became acquainted, I received a text message from him. It read, “Wishing you a meaningful Holy Week and a joyous Easter”. I have received the same message from him at the same time each year since. I have come to appreciate it as much as every aspect of my Holy Week and Easter traditions. The reasons for this is simple. Our friendship and conversations about living in faith essentially explain my relationship to gospel truth. My friend is not a Christian. He is a Jew. We have very different theology regarding many things, but we have the same relationship with gospel truth. He listens to the words of

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

Worship With Us

Jesus as much as I do.

Our friendship reminds me of the universality of God’s good news. The word of God became flesh and dwelt in human form for the salvation of all. The Word of God was sent into the world in the flesh to redeem the world. The whole world. The commonalities of God’s word are what God intends all to share in the earthly kingdom. “How good and pleasant it is when people live together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1) My Jewish friend reminds me of the blessings Holy Week and Easter make possible for Christians. I remind him of the blessings the Feast of Passover make possible for Jews. The blessings are identical, and they come from God. That, as they say, is all I need to know.

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

person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC

Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Holtville hosts inaugural Wood Bat Classic

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The inaugural Slapout Wood Bat Classic saw plenty of success this weekend.

The Holtville baseball team hosted seven total teams over the span of Thursday, Friday and Saturday in its tournament. Wetumpka, Elmore County, Reeltown, Dothan, Opelika and Ariton all made the trip to Slapout to participate in the three-day event.

Elmore County wound up winning the event with an 8-5

pionship game Saturday night to cap off a 4-0 weekend for the Panthers.

“This was such a great event for every team,” Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said. “The wood bat is an equalizer for a lot of teams but I really don’t think it affected us offensively. No matter what it did, every team is going to feel good going back to metal bats this week.”

WETUMPKA BASEBALL GOES 1-1 IN WOOD BAT CLASSIC

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka baseball team couldn’t prove itself during bracket play, but the Indians showed what they were made of in the inaugural Slapout Wood Bat Classic pool play.

Wetumpka went 1-1 on Thursday and Friday with a win against Reeltown and a loss to Class 7A Dothan. The Indians had prior obligations, a double-header at home against Demopolis, on Saturday so they did not play in the bracket portion of the tournament and were replaced by Ariton. To start the tournament, Wetumpka fell to Dothan, 4-0. The Indians were held to only three hits while Asher Nobles gave up just one earned run in 5 ⅔ innings. The next day, however,

DALTON MIDDLETON TPI

ABOVE: Wetumpka’s Caden Wooldridge waits for a ball thrown across the diamond.

TOP: Wetumpka’s Mason Fuller throws across the diamond trying to get a runner at first base. Fuller and the Indians went 1-1 in the inaugural Slapout Wood Bat Classic.

Wetumpka turned it around with a 9-5 win over Reeltown. The Indians had six hits and took advantage of three Reeltown errors.

FILE TPI

Wetumpka’s Brody Worrell,

Elmore

The ball doesn’t travel as far off the bat, and teams were quick to learn that. In 11 total games at Smart-Collier Field, only one game featured a team scoring double-digit runs while only six of the 22 teams across the 11 games scored more than five runs. During pool play, with most of the teams’ top arms on the mound, four of the six games saw less than six total runs scored. Those scores were 4-0, 3-1, 3-2 and 5-1. In bracket play, teams were down to their bullpen arms and the total runs reached 10 or more three times with scores of 9-5, 12-0 and 8-5. Reeltown, which was one of two Class 2A teams playing

Holtville softball finishes runner up in Northside tourney

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Holtville softball team proved it can play with the best of teams.

Holtville hit the road to Tuscaloosa this weekend and played in the Northside Tournament. The Bulldogs went 5-1 in the tournament and finished runner up to the host team Northside.

Holtville beat Carbon Hill 10-9, Hale County 10-5, Sipsey Valley 13-3, Leroy 9-4, Cordova 9-8, and fell to Northside 10-1 in the championship game. Holtville is now 15-5 overall.

“It was a good weekend to be a member of the Holtville softball team,” Bulldogs coach Reese Claybrook said. “We are really beat up right now and trying to move some things around in the lineup, so what really set us apart this weekend was our ability to play selfless softball.”

Claybrook’s Holtville teams have never shied away from playing small ball, and that was no exception in Tuscaloosa.

On the mound, Brody Huffaker pitched six innings and allowed just two runs, both in

Wetumpka’s Worrell commits to UAH soccer

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

After years of terrorizing high school defenses, Wetumpka senior Brody Worrell is getting his chance to play at the next level.

Wetumpka’s Brody Worrell, the 2023 Elmore County Player of the Year, has committed to play college soccer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. the 2023 Elmore County Boys Soccer Player of the Year, recently committed to play college soccer at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. “It really is amazing,” Worrell said. “Ever since I was a kid, my mom and my grandad have spent all this money for me to play college soccer and do all these soccer events and I’ve

The Bulldogs recorded 56 hits in the six games they played, while only 11 of those were extra base hits. It was a singles party, led by leadoff hitter Bailea Boone who recorded 13 hits, 12 of which were singles, to go along with her 10 stolen bases and 13 runs scored.

Holley DeVaughn joined in on the party with 10 stolen bases as well.

“We had a huge amount of bunts down for hits and stolen bases,” Claybrook said. “We played situational softball that allowed us to generate runs. This was one of the first times offensively that we’ve played true Holtville softball.”

“We still let our swingers swing the bat, there’s no doubt about that,” Claybrook said. “But we hit .412 as a team over the weekend. It really wasn’t just small ball, but the small ball got runners in scoring positions and set up opportunities.”

The most exciting game for Holtville was in the semifinals match against Cordova. Holtville took a 5-0 lead in the second inning, but quickly saw that disappear.

In the top of the fourth inning, Cordova tied the game, 5-5, then hit a go-ahead three run home run to go up, 8-5. Immediately after, Holtville came back to tie it up before eventually walking it off in the sixth. The Bulldogs weren’t stunned by the six-run top half of the inning. Sara Grace Barrett started the inning with a single, then Boone tripled her home. Harris then hit a RBI double and came around to score on a passed ball.

In the bottom of the sixth, Holtville won on a walkoff error.

“I think it goes back to our girls trusting each other,” Claybrook said of the comeback. “I tell them all the time that I want every single one of them to have the confidence to know they can make the game-changing play, but also have the peace of mind that they don’t have

While the speedsters played small ball, Holtville’s sluggers were still able to get some power swings down. Abbi Snider and Avery Goff each hit a home run and a double, while Bethanee Harris hit three doubles. Taylor Price, Brooke Findley and Maddie Oates each added doubles while Boone hit a triple.

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

Holtville’s Braxton Potts tags an Opelika baserunner out at third base on

FILE TPI Holtville’s Bailea Boone had 13 hits and scored 13

the 2023

County Player of the Year, has committed to play college soccer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

TOURNEY CHAMPS

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Playing with wood bats didn’t bother the Panthers at all.

As teams scored season lows at the inaugural Slapout Wood Bat Classic, the change in bat didn’t seem to affect Elmore County. The Panthers went 4-0 and scored 32 runs as they claimed the tournament championship.

Elmore County beat Class 7A teams Opelika twice, 9-2 and 12-0, and Dothan twice, 3-2 and 8-5.

“The main thing for us was our starting pitching,” Panthers coach Michael Byrd said. “We basically got three complete games and the last guy went into the fifth inning. We also hit the ball well all weekend. We had some timely hits and a couple of times when we got down, we answered right back. The wood bat is usually the equalizer but I don’t feel like it really affected us offensively.”

The Panthers’ starters on the mound were pristine all weekend.

To open the tournament, Jaden Eason took to the mound

against Opelika and pitched a complete game. He allowed just six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in seven innings.

The Panthers gave him a 6-1 lead after the first two innings and he rode the momentum to the win. In the second pool play game, Elmore County took on Dothan, which had just beaten Wetumpka 4-0 the day prior. It was the closest game of the weekend for Elmore County as it won, 3-2.

Brandon White started on the mound and went 6 ⅔ innings before he ran out of pitches. He allowed just four hits and struck out 10 Dothan batters while walking six.

He left the game with the bases loaded and two outs, and closer Ryals McNeely came in and finished off the game.

“You know you’re always going to have a chance to win when you have Jaden and Brandon on the mound,” Byrd said. “That relaxes the offense a little bit knowing they don’t have to score a whole lot. If those two throw strikes, we’re going to have a chance to win.”

Elmore County has a clear cut No. 1 and No. 2 on the mound,

It’s time for baseball

Seemingly every person you know, and every person I know, is obsessed with March Madness right now. Alabama is in the Final Four, so all of the Alabama fans are ecstatic and all the Auburn fans are mad at an Ivy League school.

It’s been all fun and I love rooting for an underdog like NC State, but I’m about basketball’d out.

I’m all in on baseball now, and that started on the best day ever for me. March 28 served as a double whammy for me. Not only was it my 29th birthday, but it was also MLB’s Opening Day. AKA, the best day in the world.

So in case you were watching Alabama beat North Carolina in the Sweet 16 or Alabama beat Clemson in the Elite Eight, let’s go over a few of the highlights you missed in the baseball world over the weekend.

MIKE TROUT HOMERS IN FIRST AT-BAT

One of the funniest tweets I have ever seen came in 2021 when @matttomic tweeted “every time I see an Angels highlight it’s like “Mike Trout hit three home runs and raised his average to .528 while Shohei Ohtani did something that hasn’t been done since ‘Tungsten Arm’ O’Doyle of the 1921 Akron Groomsmen, as the Tigers defeated the Angels 8-3” To me, it’s so funny because it’s true. Trout always has a fantastic game, and then the Angels lose by a lot. And that’s basically exactly what happened in the Angels’ first game of 2024. In the third at-bat of the entire game, Trout hit a solo home run to put the Angels up, 1-0, in the first inning. What a great start, right? Well, it’s the Angels. You know how it went.

The Orioles went on to win the game, 11-3, and the Angels only had one more hit the rest of the game. It came from pinch hitter Luis Renfigo on a double in the eighth inning. No matter what year it is, the Angels are going to Angel.

MCNEIL, HOSKINS GET INTO IT

Let’s preface this with the fact I am a Mets hater. I’ve never liked them, and I never will.

And when players like Jeff McNeil cry and complain like he did in the season opener, I like them even less.

Let’s get to it. Rhys Hoskins slid into McNeil at second base when McNeil was trying to turn a double play. He stopped it. McNeil thought it was dirty. They said mean words to each other and the benches cleared.

The funniest part of this, to me, was the fact that Hoskins just walked back into the Brewers’ dugout then started talking back to McNeil. He even mocked him by pretending to cry.

The next day, the Mets threw at Hoskins to try and get back at him. Yeah, yeah, whatever. Bunch of losers. Hoskins was still making fun of him in Game 2, and now he’s probably going to make fun of him for a while seeing how the Mets went 0-3 in the opening series.

In the process, Hoskins went 3-for-11 with a home run and four RBIs. McNeil went 1-for-11 and lost all three games. I hope they lose all 162.

SOTO IS DISGUSTING AND I HATE IT

As much as I dislike the Mets, I also dislike the Yankees. But man, Juan Soto is a perfect fit for the Yanks so far. Not only is he one of the best players in baseball, but he’s also kind of a maniac. Just look at how he went nuts on first base this weekend.

Soto and the Yankees swept the Astros in the fourgame series (no complaints when anyone sweeps the Astros).

In the four-game series, Soto went 9-for-17 for a .529 batting average with one double, one home run and one RBI. Yeah, he’s going to crush the ball in Yankee Stadium. I don’t want to even see it.

Dalton Middleton is the sports editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers.

Panthers sweep through Wood Bat Classic

innings of a win against Dothan.White and the Panthers went 4-0 and won the championship.

but is still searching for the next guys to step up. McNeely did that for the Panthers. After closing out the win over Dothan, he got the start against Opelika in

the semifinals of bracket play. He pitched a five-inning complete game shutout where he allowed just six hits and two walks with six strikeouts. In the

finale, a rematch with Dothan, Shelton Darnell started and pitched 4 ⅔ innings with four earned runs. Hayden Jones, who normally plays middle infield, came in for relief and delivered 2 ⅓ innings where he allowed just one hit and one walk.

“This tournament was really good to see our other pitchers,” Byrd said. “We got to see Ryals and Shelton go out and Hayden Jones come in. We need that experience for when the playoffs come, and they got it against some good 7A teams this weekend.”

White was named the tournament MVP for his performance while Shea Darnell, who played catcher, shortstop and second base on the weekend, was also named to the All-Tournament team.

To go along with White’s 6 ⅔ innings and win, he also went 4-for-12 with two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored. Darnell, who is White’s catcher when he takes the mound, went 8-for-12 with eight runs scored, one double and five stolen bases.

“We’re a good duo,” Darnell said. “We found a way to win this weekend. Some teams didn’t find a way but we did.”

Darnell plays everywhere for Elmore County

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Writer

There’s not a position on the field Shea Darnell can’t play.

The Elmore County junior took to the field this week and played catcher, shortstop and second base as the Panthers went 4-1 and claimed the tournament championship in the Slapout Wood Bat Classic.

As he switched positions seemingly every game, Darnell was a consistent force at the plate batting out of the twohole. In five games, he finished the week 8 of 14 with nine runs scored and seven stolen bases.

In the tournament, he hit .667 with a team-best eight hits and recorded at least one hit in every game. For his performance, he is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Shea is just playing unreal right now,” Panthers coach Michael Byrd said. “He plays with energy every day and he’s smart and athletic. He’s really focused right now and plays the game as hard as he can.”

Darnell has been on a tear for the entire season. In fact, he has at least one hit in 20 of Elmore County’s 21 games, with the loss to Jonathan Alder (Ohio) being the anomaly.

He’s hitting a team-best .557 with 34 hits, which is over .100 points higher than the next closest Panther.

While his .557 season aver-

SOFTBALL Continued from B1 to make it. They’ve bought into that.” Holtville will now try to take this weekend’s momentum and turn it into an area championship. The Bulldogs are already

age is impressive, he has been better than that the last two weeks. He has back-to-back eight hits week, going 8-for14 this week and 8-for-12 last week, good for a .615 batting average while the Panthers are 8-1 with 90 runs scored during that span.

“When he’s focused like he is now, he can be really good,” Byrd said. “He is playing all over the field and he’s been very clutch. The fact that he brings the team our energy cannot be overstated enough either.”

Darnell was injured most of his sophomore season a year ago, but still pulled out a .418 average in limited play. He knew that average wasn’t good enough for him, so he made a quick trip to visit his brother Sean.

Sean Darnell is currently at Wallace-Dothan, and was one of the best Elmore County players in recent memory. He was the

2021 Elmore County Player of the Year and is currently hitting .325 for the Governors as they are 30-6 on the year.

“To be completely honest with you, I went and visited Sean and he helped me really fix a couple of things in my swing,” Darnell said. “Now I’m hitting the baseball and having a lot of success at the plate.”

Darnell is the team’s main middle infielder this year, but he is constantly being pulled into action behind the plate. Byrd allows his starting pitchers to choose which catcher they want when they’re on the mound, and Brandon White always picks Darnell.

The two have been a battery since they were near junior high, and White feels most comfortable with him on the mound.

So against Dothan, Darnell got behind the plate and caught a 3-2 win last week. The next day, Ryals McNeely also selected Darnell to get behind the plate. He caught a five-inning complete game shutout from McNeely, then turned around and played shortstop while his brother, Shelton, pitched the championship game.

When Hayden Jones relieved Shelton in the fifth inning, Darnell moved to second base and took over that spot from Jones.

“I’m exhausted, but we’re finding a way to win and that’s all that matters,” Darnell said.

1-0 after beating Charles Henderson, 10-3, before Spring Break. But the gauntlet is coming. Holtville hits the road next Monday to face Brewbaker Tech, the defending Class 5A champions. Holtville will then get both teams at home on April 12 and 16 before postseason play begins. “We talked today and decided that we have to look at what made us successful this weekend and make sure we stick to those things,” Claybrook said. “We have to understand that we keep our strengths strong and find ways to fix the weaknesses that hurt us.”

DALTON MIDDLETON TPI

Elmore County’s Brandon White was named the Slapout Wood Bat Classic MVP after pitching 6 2/3

Elmore County’s Shea Darnell was named the Elmore

runs scored in five games last week.

Thursday, April 04

High School Baseball

4 Wetumpka at Sidney Lanier (DH), 4 p.m.

4 Brewbaker Tech at Tallassee (DH), 5 p.m.

4 Jemison at Holtville (DH), 5 p.m.

4 Elmore County at Marbury (DH), 4:30 p.m.

High School Softball

4 Wetumpka at Chilton County, 6 p.m.

4 Tallassee at Valley, 5 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Carver, 5 p.m.

4 Edgewood Academy at Glenwood, 3:30 p.m.

High School Soccer

4 Tallassee at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

4 Elmore County at Valley, 4:30 p.m.

4 BTW at Holtville, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, April 05

High School Baseball

4 Montgomery Carver at Stanhope Elmore (DH), 4:30 p.m.

High School Soccer

4 Lee at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

4 (G) Stanhope Elmore at Marbury, 7:30 p.m.

4 (G) Elmore County at Horseshoe Bend, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 06

High School Baseball

4 Wetumpka at Shelby County, 12 p.m.

4 Briarwood Christian at Stanhope Elmore, 12 p.m.

4 Chilton County at Elmore County, 12 p.m.

High School Soccer

4 Chilton County at Tallassee, 11:30 a.m.

Monday, April 08

High School Baseball

4 Edgewood Academy at Chambers, 6 p.m.

High School Softball

4 Holtville at Brewbaker Tech, 4:30 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmroe at Montgomery Catholic, 5:30 p.m.

4 Edgewood Academy at Chambers, 6 p.m. High School Soccer

4 BTW Tuskegee at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 09

High School Baseball

4 Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka, 5 p.m.

4 Elmore County at Tallassee, 7 p.m.

4 Marbury at Holtville, 5 p.m.

4 Edgewood Academy at Crenshaw, 6 p.m. High School Softball

4 Prattville at Wetumpka, 6 p.m.

4 Valley at Tallassee, 5 p.m.

4 Holtville at Greenville, 5:30 p.m.

4 PCA at Stanhope Elmore, 6:30 p.m.

4 St. James at Elmore County, 5 p.m.

4 Edgewood Academy at Crenshaw, 6 p.m. High School Soccer

4 Wetumpka at Tallassee, 6 p.m.

4 (G) Stanhope Elmore at ACA, 5:30 p.m.

4 Brewbaker Tech at Elmore County, 5:30 p.m.

4 Holtville at Marbury, 5:30 p.m.

BAT

Continued from B1

against 5As and up, went 0-3 in the tournament with losses to Holtville, Wetumpka and Opelika. The Rebels gave up 21 runs in three games, losing 3-1, 9-5 and 9-5. Despite the losses, coach Matt Johnson loved the wood bats and wanted more time with them.

“I loved this,” Johnson said.

CLASSIC

Continued from B1

the first inning, on three walks and five hits.

“Brody is a competitor,” Indians coach Michael Dismukes said.

“He battled through the game and got through a tough first inning and gave our team a chance to put up some runs.”

Tied 2-2 in the bottom of the third, it looked as if Reeltown was about to break away from Wetumpka. The Rebels started the inning with a four-pitch walk off Huffaker and an infield error to put two on with one out. The next Reeltown bat-

Jones pitches Stanhope Elmore back into win column

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Jordan Jones knew his team needed a morale boost.

Stanhope Elmore ended spring break on an eight-game losing streak that included six losses at the Hoover Met last week. But the Mustangs returned home Monday afternoon for senior night and Jones sent his seniors out with a big win.

Jones pitched a complete game shutout as Stanhope Elmore beat Prattville Christian Academy, 1-0, at Furlow Field. Jones pitched allowed just five hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

“That is by far the best Jordan has pitched,” Mustangs coach DK Shuman said. “He’s been getting better and better, but right there just shows what he’s capable of. He works ahead and he uses his changeup and it’s a really good pitch. I’m proud of him for continuing to get better every outing.”

Jones kept himself out of trouble for most of the game and got himself out of it fairly quickly when he did. In the top of the second, he allowed one of his five hits along with an error but stranded runners at first and second with a strikeout.

He then stranded two runners on base in both the third and fourth innings, but didn’t allow anyone to cross home plate.

In the top of the seventh, he ran into his most trouble. After a flyout started the inning, a walk and two singles loaded the bases with one out. Shuman walked out to the mound and brought his infield in to calm down Jones.

It worked perfectly as four pitches later, he struck out a batter on his 99th pitch and was able to stay in the game.

The next batter flew out to right field and the game ended.

“I felt like he earned the right to try and finish that game,” Shuman said. “If he would have thrown one more pitch

SOCCER Continued from B1 always just wanted to keep playing forever. It’s amazing.”

Worrell made the trip to Huntsville back in December for a camp held by UAH. While there, he played well and really stood out to head coach John Carrier and his staff. Carrier talked to Worrell while he was there, then reached out shortly after and asked Worrell to come back and tour campus and play with the current team. Worrell did exactly that, impressed the coaches even more and left with an offer.

“I wish we could go another two weeks using them. They make you better at the plate and turn you into a situational hitter. On the mound, you can pound the zone a little more and it changes the game some. It makes you a better hitter.”

For Wetumpka, coach Michael Dismukes believes using the wood bat makes better pitchers as well. The Indians went 1-1 in the tournament, only playing in pool play. They lost to Dothan, 4-0, then beat Reeltown 9-5. On

ter, Hagan Lewis, then hit a line drive to right field.

Aidon Peake followed with the play of the weekend.

Running forward, he made a diving catch to get the first out. Both Reeltown runners were running off the sound of the bat and he doubled off the first runner at first base.

Before the lead runner could turn all the way around, Caden Wooldridge then threw the ball to second base and turned the 9-3-6 triple play.

“That’s probably the first one I’ve been involved in, at least on the good side, in my career,” Dismukes said. “It was nice to see and

to the second out, we would have had to pull him out because he’s a sophomore and the AHSAA pitch count rules. I’m glad we didn’t. He earned the opportunity to finish it.”

Stanhope Elmore’s run came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jackson Stallworth led the inning off with a walk, then Connor Gardner followed him up with a walk, then Cavarous Ellis loaded the bases with an infield error. Tate Glover then beat out an infield single for the team’s only run.

The win comes at the perfect time as Stanhope is jumping back into area play and is just one week away from meeting rival Wetumpka to decide which team will be the area champ and which will be runner up.

The game also broke an eight-game losing streak to Enterprise, Chelsea, Vestavia Hills, Lincoln County, Bob Jones, Leeds and Auburn, some of the best teams in the state.

“We competed in every game we were in,” Shuman said. “To compete

“He offered me directly after my tour and we went from there,” Worrell said. “It was a pretty easy decision. The campus is so nice to me and when I toured, the campus really stood out. The dorms are nice and the food and the city is amazing. The team is really like a family and I feel like I could fit in easily with them.”

After talking to the coaches, Worrell is under the impression he will play somewhere in the midfield.

Whether that is a box-to-box midfielder or a center back, he doesn’t mind. He will play wherever he is needed.

He has played in the midfield and as a center back for Wetumpka during his high

Saturday, they had to back out due to prior obligations so Ariton replaced them in the bracket play.

While going 1-1, Dismukes was happy with his pitching.

“This gave us a chance to really learn how to pitch,” Dismukes said. “When someone has a wood bat, the pitchers aren’t aren’t scared to challenge guys. That’s what we need to take away and start doing going forward. I think it really helped our team out.”

Only one home run was hit the entire weekend, and it came off

that flipped the game. It kept the momentum in our dugout and we kept it the whole game.”

An inning later, Jacob Smith led off the inning with a double and Wetumpka went on to score four runs in the inning after a few errors, wild pitches and sacrifice fly balls. The Indians then pushed the lead to 9-2 before Reeltown scored three in the final inning.

Peake’s triple play led the highlight reel, but it wasn’t the only memorable moment for him. In the second inning, Peake tied the game at 2-2 with an RBI single, then he capped the scoring for Wetumpka with a RBI

with that level of teams – I don’t believe in moral victories – but our guys didn’t have anything to hang their hats on. They competed with some of the best teams in the state. That’s going to make us better down the road.”

Stanhope Elmore also welcomed in some of their arms to the lineup in the last week. Tyler Woodham and Jackson Stallworth, both of whom were supposed to be two of the team’s top arms, were hurt and could not pitch for the first 25 games of the year.

But both took the mound over spring break. Stallworth pitched two innings and allowed one earned run while Woodham gave up one earned run in five innings. They will both continue to try and get more innings as the season gets closer to the postseason.

“We’re getting healthier, which is a positive,” Shuman said. “Hopefully we’re able to continue that and that will give us a boost going into the playoffs.”

school career, and he’s found plenty of success doing so.

As a junior last year, he was named Player of the Year after scoring 19 goals with 12 assists as a center back.

Now as a senior, he’s already surpassed those numbers as he has 20 goals and 14 assists with more games left in his career.

With his skillset, he believes he can succeed at the college level at whatever position he plays.

“I think my IQ is the best part of my game and it will be helpful,” Worrell said. “I can pass the ball really well. I have a good range of passing.”

With four regular season games left, Wetumpka cur-

the bat of Ariton’s Lawson Leger in the Purple Cats’ 6-3 win over Holtville in the quarterfinals. Ariton went 1-1 in place of Wetumpka. The host team Holtville went 1-2 in the tourney. The Bulldogs opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Reeltown, then fell 5-1 to Opelika and 6-3 to Ariton.

Holtville coach Scott Tubbs believes the tournament will be even larger next season, and said he has already talked to multiple new teams hoping to

single to left field to make the score, 9-2, in the sixth inning.

He finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs and one run scored.

“He’s consistent,”

rently has a 12-5-1 overall record and has already clinched the Class 6A, Area 3 championship after knocking off Stanhope Elmore twice.

The Indians will host a first round matchup against Pike Road, with the winner going on to face the winner of Montgomery Academy and Stanhope Elmore.

Hopes are high around the program, especially after taking No. 1-ranked Mountain Brook to a 1-1 tie earlier in March.

“Ever since we tied Mountain Brook, we think we can at least make the Final Four,” Worrell said. “We need to beat Pike Road and see where it goes from there.”

join the fun. After the tournament, a nineman All-Tournament team was named.

Elmore County’s Brandon White was named Most Valuable Player while Shea Darnell also landed on the team for the champions.

Wetumpka’s Trent Parshall, Reeltown’s Hagan Lewis, Holtville’s Drey Barrett, Opelika’s Ty Hudson, Ariton’s Leger and Dothan’s Landon Jenkins and Tyler Richards rounded out the team.

Dismukes said of Peake. “He’s steady and we know what we’re going to get when he’s out there. He’s going to give us quality at bats and great defense.”

Following the tournament, Wetumpka went on to sweep Demopolis in Saturday’s doubleheader, 7-6 and 6-1.

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

Stanhope Elmore sophomore Jordan Jones (22) pitches against PCA. Jones allowed just five hits and struck out five Panthers in the complete game shutout.

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PUBLIC NOTICE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held before the Department of Finance of the State of Alabama at the State Capitol, Room E-317, located at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, at 10:00 A.M. on April 16, 2024, to determine whether consent should be given Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (“CAEC”) to borrow from the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (i) a loan in a maximum principal amount of property additions to Petitioner’s utility systems and related equipment and capital improvements thereto, and (ii) a revolving loan in the maximum principal amount of $28,000,000 to

, KNOWN AS JIMMY LEE GALLANDER, DECEASED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 15TH day of February 2024, a Petition for Letters of Instruction to Determine the Validity of a Common Law Marriage and its Effect on Who the Heirs-At-Law are of the Estate of Jimmy Earl Gallander, who is also known as Jimmy Lee GalCourt of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, Pamela S. Loftin, requesting that a determination be made as to whom should be the heirs of the Estate of Jimmy Earl Gallander, who is also known as Jimmy Lee Galthis petition is given to you as an interested party to the Estate of Jimmy Earl Gallander, who is also known as Jimmy Lee Gallander. It was ORDERED by this Court that said petition is set for hearing on the 21st day of May 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama, located at 100 E. Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, for the purpose of hearing of said petition and the taking of testimony in support thereof. Any person interested in this matter should appear before this Court at the herein-referenced date, time, and location.

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D. Jason Britt Stone & Britt, LLC

Attorneys & Counselors at Law 114 South Main Street Wetumpka, Alabama 36092

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All of said loan funds for these poles, wires, transformers, security lights, AMI equipment, optic facilities and the related labor costs and other capital expenditures in the Counties of Autauga, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Perry, Talladega and Tallapoosa, Alabama.

Any person having an interest in these matters may attend the hearing and be heard on the question of whether the issuance of said notes and evidences of indebtedness for the loans serves some public need and is in the public interest. STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

By: BILL POOLE Director of Finance

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 3, 2024 #0066-0278

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, DOCKET NUMBER 17CP0105PY, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Barnstable County Juvenile Court, 52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360. (508) 747-8470. TO: Vinod Kumar:

A petition has been presented to this court by DCF Plymouth, seeking, as to the following child: Bryson J. Perry that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following date and time: 05/07/2024 at 09:00 AM Hearing on Merits (CR/CV) You may bring an attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter to a trial on the merits and adjudication of this matter. For further information call the (508) 747-8470. WITNESS: Hon. Mary O’Sullivan Smith, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 03/12/2024, Robert Palumbo, Clerk Magistrate.

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 17CP0105PY PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2022-315 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY EARL GALLANDER, WHO IS ALSO KNOWN AS JIMMY LEE GALLANDER, DECEASED.

NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION TO DETERMINE THE VALIDITY OF A COMMON LAW MARRIAGE AND ITS EFFECT ON HEIRSHIP TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN INDIVIDUALS OR INTERESTED PARTIES THAT MIGHT HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JIMMY EARL GALLANDER, WHO IS ALSO

Wetumpka Herald: 2022-315

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Kyle T Daniel, unmarried man, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for United Wholesale Mortgage, on June 26, 2020, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue

public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse atthe legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in real estate, situated in Elmore

street address for information-

successors and assigns dated April 2, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on April 16, 2021, in Book 2021, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2022, Page 1110 inbate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, 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 9th day of May, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 3 Block C, according to the Replat of Lots 2,3, and 4 Block C, Crossgates Plat 3, as said replat appears of record in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 9 at Page 64. Said property is commonly known as 104 Scenic Dr, Elmore, AL 36025. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03233AL www.foreclosurehotline.net

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 22-03233AL

have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO BID!!! P. F. Moon & Company, Inc. is currently accepting proposals from suppliers & subcontractors for the Camp Hill AL – 2022 CWSRF Lift Station No. 1 3 4 5 & 9 Rehabilitation project. P F Moon and Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage DBE/MBE/WBE participation. For more information regarding this and other projects P.F. Moon & Company is bidding, contact Jerry Eubanks 706.643.1524.

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from 3 FIVES, LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC

REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE, FOR LIMA ONE CAPITAL, LLC, on the 17th day of May, 2021, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on May 21, 2021, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2021, Page 43985, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, by instrument recorded notice is hereby given that the undersigned Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022RTL1 Trust, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on April 24, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT AN IRON PIN (1” CRIMP-TOP PIPE)

(2

SEC. EAST, 210.30 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (1 INCH OPEN-TOP PIPE) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY THENCE SOUTH 08 DEG. 57 MIN. 26 SEC. EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 210.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 8, T18N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 0.99 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY OF RONALD BURKE, ALA. REG. #16670 DATED FEBRUARY 20, 2001. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 1003 JACKSON TRACE ROAD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092 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 property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records

Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

j postponement or cancellation. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. LMA-23-048135 Ad Run Dates: 03/20/2024, 03/27/2024, 04/03/2024 rlselaw.com/property-listing Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 228034 PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Bertha Chrystene Brown, a single woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., on May 24, 2007, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2007 Page 41539; the undersigned Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for GSR Mortgage Loan Trust 2007OA2, Mortgage Pass-Through as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on May 8, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, towit: Begin at the Southeast corner of Section 3, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, thence North 7 degrees 45 minutes West 470.3 feet, thence South 82 degrees 15 minutes West 200 feet to a branch, thence in a straight line in a Southwesterly direction 500 feet to a point on the South boundary line of said Section 3 which is 394 feet along said boundary line from the point of beginning, run thence in an Easterly direction along said South boundary line of said Section 3, a distance of 394 feet to the point of beginning. Said parcel lying and being situated in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 3, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, and containing 3.0 acres, more or less.. Property street address for informational purposes: 289 Old Georgia Plank Spur , Wetumpka, AL 36092. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLDTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)

to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for GSR Mortgage Loan Trust 2007OA2, Mortgage Pass-Through (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL Number: 24-02135-PH-AL

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 24-00584 PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness

secured by that certain mortgage executed by Fermon L Grays and Unana K Grays, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Iberiabank Mortgage Company, on April 27, 2012, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in undersigned MidFirst Bank, as

Public Notices

g Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elof sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 19, according to the

street address for informational

Public Notices

law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances.

help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)

time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tifright to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. MidFirst Bank,

35223 www.tblaw.com TB File

24-00613

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 070-Retail Wine (Off Premises Only) and 050-Beer (Off Premises Only).

Name of Applicant: Publix Alabama LLC 2010 Trade Name: Publix Alabama LLC Address: 5039 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for April 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM, before the Wetumpka City Council at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, AL. Anyone desiring to be heard either for or against said application may appear at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing by communication addressed to the City Council, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092.

Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 APPLICATION PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that 5B Contracting, LLC of P.O. Box 210877, Montgomery, Alabama 36121 has completed all work on the contract ARPA Proj No 01051-061-221116-0015 Town of Eclectic Sanitary Sewer Pump Station & Force Main. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the above contractor and the Engineer, Larry E, Speaks & Associates at 535 Herron St. Montgomery, AL 36104.

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE

Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Steven C Zeiser An Unmarried Man to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Rocket Mortgage, LLC, FKA Quicken Loans, LLC, its successors and assigns dated December 13, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on December 17, 2021, in Book 2021, Page 103673 inbate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC by assign-

yg ment recorded in Deed Bookmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, 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 23rd day of May, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: BEGIN AT THE NE CORNER OF THE NW QUARTER OF THE NE QUARTER OF SECTION 14, T18N, R17E, THENCE SOUTH 86’ 30’ WEST 696 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE SOUTH 3’ 30’ EAST 533 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 86’ 30’ WEST 150 FEET; THENCE NORTH 3’ 30’ WEST 533 FEET; THENCE NORTH 86’ 30’ EAST 150 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1.8 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND LYING AND BEING SITUATED IN THE WEST HALF OF THE NE QUARTER OF SECTION 14, T18N, R17E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. Said property is commonly known as 1890 Mercer Rd, Elmore, AL 36025. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage.

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC

F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 24-05798AL www.foreclosurehotline.net

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 24-05798AL PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Johns and Kirksey, Inc., has completed the Contract for, Holtville High School Roof Upgrades, Deatsville, Alabama, Elmore County Board of Education, Wetumpka, AL, Owner, and has made requesttract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this subject should immediately notify PH& J Architects, 807 S McDonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 in order to avoid Barring of Claims by Law.

JOHNS AND KIRKSEY, INC. 5424 Metro Park Drive Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

RE-ROOFING WETUMPKA HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WETUMPKA, AL

MCKEE PROJECT NO: 24-126

Sealed proposals shall be received for this project by Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools Maintenance Building Conference Room, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, until 2:00 PM Central Time, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 then opened and read aloud.

A Pre-Bid Walkthrough shall occur at 10:00 AM Central Time on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 the school.

The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90)

Public Notices p y() days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

payable to Elmore County School District in an amount of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect. All bidders shall show such evidence by clearly displaying current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered.

PDFs of the project can be reviewed by going to the McKee website @ www.mckeeassoc. com and selecting “Project Bid List”. Also, if you are not receiving NOTIFICATIONS from us, please register on our website, “Project Bid List” by selecting documents may be viewed on-line and printed by General Contractors, SubContractors and Suppliers. Documents published through this procedure are the only documents endorsed by the Architect. The Architect is and maintain other websites that provide documents.

Addendums will be provided to entities that have CONFIRMED bidding for this particular project. The Architect retains ownership and copyrights of the documents. If bidders require printed sets, please submit request to the Architect at mckeeplans@gmail.com. name, company name, address, phone number and the project name and number. Print sets are to be returned in reusable condition within ten days after bid opening.

All RFIs and RFAs regarding the bid documents shall be sent and addressed through emails found on the RFI and RFA forms in the project manual.

NOTE: ONLY THE RFI AND RFA FORMS IN THE PROJECT MANUAL WILL BE ACCEPTED. The Architect will not accept inquiries via telephone or fax.

Completion Time: See scope of work in Project Manual.

Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work.

Owner: Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama

Architect: McKee and Associates Architects, Inc., 631 South Hull Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, Phone: (334) 8349933

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 BIDS/24-126

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANKIE EVON ARMSTRONG, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-079 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of FRANKIE EVON ARMSTRONG, deceased, having been granted to TIFFANY NICOLE WHATLEY, on the 26th day of March 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.

TIFFANY NICOLE WHATLEY, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF FRANKIE EVON ARMSTRONG

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: Apr. 3, 10 and 17, 2024

EST/ARMSTRONG F.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA

ELMORE COUNTY

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 106 as amended by Amendment 341 to the Constitution of Alabama 1901 that a bill substantially as follows will be introduced in the Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made: A Bill To Be Entitled An Act Relating to Elmore County: to alter, rearrange, and extend the boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Millbrook in Elmore County, Alabama, by annexing certain territory to the regard to the public necessity for the annexation; and to provide that the city shall exercise

Public Notices

y full municipal authority over the annexed territory. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. Findings: The Legis-mines that it is expedient, wise, necessary, proper, and in the best interest of the citizens of the State of Alabama, Elmore County, and the City of Millbrook to alter, rearrange, and extend the corporate limits of the City of Millbrook as herein provided, including, but not limited to, the purpose of generally promoting the welfare of the State of Alabama, Elmore County, and the City of Millbrook and speinitial purpose of facilitating the means whereby local businesses and residents who are located in an area that is non-contiguous to the corporate limits of the City of Millbrook can request to become part of the city and qualify for city services. Provided, however, the foregoing shall not be construed to limit in any manner or otherwise curtail the exercise of any municipal powers or authorities by the City of Millbrook nor prohibit future or subsequent annexations in accordance with Alabama law. Section 2. Jurisdiction: All territory brought within the corporate limits of the City of Millbrook under the provisions of this act shall be subject to the laws and ordinances of the city, and the city council shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction over such territory as is exercised over any other territory within the corporate limits of the city. Section 3. The boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Millbrook in Elmore County are altered, rearranged, and extended so as to include within the corporate limits of the municipality, in addition to the lands now included, all of the following territory: Mack post Jr. Subdivision ANNEXATION STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY

Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, according to the Mack Post Jr. Subdivision amended plat recorded on March 26, 1993 in Plat Book 11, Page 3 in the Elmore County

Lots lying in the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 34, Township 18N, Range 17E in Elmore County, Alabama and consisting of 7 acres, more or less.

Section 4. In accordance with Section 11-42-6(b) of the Code of Alabama 1975, a map showing that territory is proposed to be annexed to the City of Millthe Judge of Probate in Elmore County, Alabama, and the map is open to the inspection of the public.

Section 5. The provisions of this act are severable. If any part of this act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, that declaration shall not affect the part which remains.

Section 6. This act shall become effective upon its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27 Apr. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 BILL

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGIE ANN CLAYTON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-034 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of PEGGIE ANN CLAYTON, deceased, having been granted to BILLY SETH CLAYTON, JR. on March 15, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

BILLY SETH CLAYTON, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGIE ANN CLAYTON, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST.CLAYTON, P. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL ANNE DOUCET, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-069 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to RICHARD M. DOUCET, JR. as Personal Representative on the 18th day of March 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.

RICHARD M. DOUCET, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL ANNE DOUCET, DECEASED.

Public Notices

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: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024

EST/DOUCET, C.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN FRANCIS FROST, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-076 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: KURT R. FROST AND KARL D. FROST, AS COTRUSTEES OF THE VERLON R. AND CAROLYN P. FROST IRREVOCABLE TRUST DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2018, PE-

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

JONATHAN D. WYNN II THE CLEVELAND FIRM, LLC SOUTH PRATTVILLE, ALA-

EST/FROST, C.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN JEROME GALLAGHER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-065 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of JOHN JEROME GALLAGHER, deceased, having been granted to SHAWN P. FISCHER on March 14, 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. SHAWN P. FISCHER ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN JEROME GALLAGHER, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC POBOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST/GALLAGHER, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WINONA A. GIBBONS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-078 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WINONA A. GIBBONS, deceased, having been granted to NANCY G. OATES on March 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.

NANCY G. OATES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WINONA A. GIBBONS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 EST/GIBBONS W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LAVONNE MANGUM HART, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-084 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LAVONNE MANGUM HART, deceased, having been granted to JOEL JAMES HART on March 29, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, no-

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.

JOEL JAMES HART, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LAVONNE MANGUM HART, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MICHAEL A. GRIGGS THE GRIGGS LAW FIRM, LLC PO BOX 780452 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078-0452 334-283-2893

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 EST/HART, L. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GAIL BAXLEY HUGHES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-066 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GAIL BAXLEY HUGHES, deceased, having been granted to DEBRA A. BAXLEY on March 13, 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.

DEBRA A. BAXLEY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GAIL BAXLEY HUGHES, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal

Representative: KELLY LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW 164 WEST 5TH STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-358-0685

kellylee@kellyleelaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024

EST/HUGHES G.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MERLE L. ROLAN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-281 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration with Will Annexed over the Estate of MERLE L. ROLAN, deceased, having been granted to LARRY LEE MCENDARFER, Jr. on the 14thday of March 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.

LARRY LEE MCENDARFER, Jr. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MERLE L. ROLAN, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST/ROLAN, M.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 073 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL AND PETITION FOR PROBATE

TO: ROBERT STEVEN VANDERBILT AND ANY OTHER HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 15th day of March; 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, deceased, Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, RUSSELL PARKER, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court publication of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition. JOHN THORNTON

JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 2024 EST/VANDERBILT R.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-072

NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE

TO: JIMMY SANFORD

GERALD SANFORD

WILLIE SANFORD

SHERRY GRIFFIN

ANITRA SANFORD

KENDRICK SANFORD

KELSEY SANFORD

ANTHONY SANFORD

MICHAEL SANFORD

WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHO ARE POSSIBLY NON- RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA, ALL BEING NEXT OF KIN OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD; DECEASED; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, DECEASED; AND TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on March 14, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of TOMMIE LEE SANthe Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by BETTY LOIS SANFORD, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of TOMMIE LEE SANFORD. Unless an objection-to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/SANFORD T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ERANELL WILSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-070 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of ERANELL WILSON, deceased, having been granted to JAN RICHARD HEIER on March 20, 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

Public Notices

q by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JAN RICHARD HEIER

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ERANELL WILSON, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: TERRY P. WILSON WILSON & JACKSON, LLC

1785 TALIAFERRO TRAIL

SUITE 6 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-260-9998

tpwlaw@protonmail.com

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024

EST/WILSON, E.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on 18th ofApril, 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 8416 US-231

Wetumpka, AL 36092

3026: Denise Hussey: 106 W. Osceola St. Wetumpka, Al

36092 Contents: tools, boxes,place, tool cart

1407: Allison Brown: 8436 Georgia Rd. Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents:table, shelves,bags, chairs, cleaning supplies

3115: Antoine Roberts: 4618

Conti Ln. Montgomery, Al 36116

Contents: 2 chairs, tv, rug

3119: Denise Hussey: 106 W. Osceola St. Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: desk, boxes, ladders, yard decor, tools, wood table, pictures

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by JOHN MICHAEL LANIER in favor of FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA, on June 7, 2022, said mortgage recordof the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2022 at Page 37422 (the “Mortgage”), and, pursuant to the laws of the State of Alabama, the undersigned FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA, under and by virtue of the power of sale provision and other terms contained in said Mortgage, elects to declare the entire indebtedness secured by said Mortgage due and payable, and will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder, for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse of Elmore County, Alabama, at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, during the legal hours of

Public Notices

gg sale on April 10, 2024, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: All that part of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 14, T19N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama, lying E of the present Alabama Highway No. 9, and Westerly of the Old Central Plank Road, and bounded on the southwesterly side by lot this date conveyed to Jerry A. Lanier. The above-described real estate containing approximately 9 1/2 acres, more or less. This conveyance is subject to all restrictions, reservations, easements and/or rights-of-way appearing of record which affect title to the avove described property. Also includes on (1) 1997 28X74 Fleetwood Mobile Home, VIN: GAFLV34A254890K11. Less and Except: Commence at an iron pin (railroad rail) at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of Section 14, T19N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence North 88 degrees 39 minutes 33 seconds East, 208.42 feet to an iron pin; thence North 86 degrees 44 minutes 12 seconds East, 658.27 feet to an iron pin on the west right of way of Alabama Highway No. 9, Central Plank Road, 100’ R.O.W.; thence leaving said right of way, South 48 degrees 52 minutes 18 seconds East, 100.00 feet to a point on the east right of way of said road; thence South 41 degrees 09 minutes 03 seconds West, along said right of way, 183.11 feet to an iron pin in centerline of branch, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence leaving said right of way, southeasterly, along centerline of said branch, more or less, the following six (6) chord calls: 1) South 21 degrees 40 minutes 53 seconds East, 10.08 feet; 2) South 03 degrees 52 minutes 48 seconds West, 57.78 feet; 3) South 03 degrees 28 minutes 06 seconds East, 64.62 feet; 4) South 09 degrees 31 minutes 45 seconds East, 70.69 feet; 5) South 42 degrees 39 minutes 36 seconds East, 127.69 feet; 6) South 71 degrees 00 minutes 02 seconds East, 62.46 feet to an iron pin; thence South 22 degrees 43 minutes 05 seconds West, 460.84 feet; thence South 84 degrees 20 minutes 08 seconds West, 272.15 feet to an iron pin; thence North 27 degrees 12 minutes 37 seconds West, 310.16 feet to an iron pin on the east right of way of the afore-mentioned road; thence North 41 degrees 09 minutes 03 seconds East, along said right of way, 652.85 feet to the point of beginning. The above-described property lies in the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 14, T19N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 5.51 acres, more or less. Said foreclosure sale and conveyance incident thereto are subject to the legal rights of any existing federal tax liens, mortgages, special assessments, easements, restrictions, and reservations appearing of record. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORT-

Public Notices

GAGE 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, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE 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 attor-

Breast cancer survivor hosts walk before the walk

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Eclectic resident Angie

Rigsby knows all about breast cancer.

Not only is she a survivor, but breast cancer led to the deaths of her mother and grandmother.

Rigsby hasn’t sat around waiting for a miracle. She has done something about it and is set to host her fourth Stars for Scars Breast Cancer Fundraiser Walk in Eclectic.

It all started when Rigsby was forming a team for Joy to Life’s Walk of Life during the COVID-

19 pandemic.

“They did it where you walked your own way,” Rigsby said. “We started doing one at the high school.”

It was the first year

Rigsby was trying to participate. Her team raised some funds for the breast cancer walk but saw an opportunity.

Joy to Life is based in Montgomery. It is a non-profit organization providing funding for free mammograms for medically underserved women under 50 years of age in Alabama.

Rigsby decided to continue holding a walk and turn it into a

LMRA to host Reuben Thornton Memorial Cleanup

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter

The Reuben Thornton Memorial Cleanup was a major event at Lake Martin last spring, but this year, the Lake Martin Resource association will push even harder to make this cleanup around the entire lake.

The cleanup began two years ago in memory of the late Reuben Thornton, who was very involved with LMRA and was a huge environmental advocate, according to LMRA president Jodie McGirt. Thornton and his wife Jackie often hosted group cleanups through LMRA, and this was the perfect way to honor him after his death.

Thornton’s passion for cleaning up the environment began when he and his wife opened up Dirt Road Gourmet in 2005. They opened the business on Highway 229, a heavily trafficked road between Tallassee and Eclectic. Former LMRA president John Thompson said litter would pile up right in front of Thornton’s business.

“It used to make Reuben so angry,” Thompson said. “It seemed like it always collected a lot of trash, and he was always having to pick up trash in front of the business.”

Thornton channeled his frustrations with cleaning up debris in front of his building into efforts of cleaning up around the rest of the community.

In 2016 Thornton began hosting the annual LMRA Spring Clean Up — his wife would cook breakfast for volunteers, who would pick up litter afterward.

“It was very successful,” Thompson said.

“From then we just started doing it on an annual basis and we got a lot of good participants and groups. The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association would always join us and we would get people from Martin Dam, and we just developed a nice following that would come every year.”

Thornton and his family have always participated in any efforts to keep the Lake Martin area clean and safe.

“He was an adopter for a mile within Lake Martin through our Treasured Mile Program,” Thompson said. “He and one of his friends adopted an area and kept it clean. He always participated in every one of our cleanups, and had particular areas that he liked to clean up.”

It was during the annual Renew Our Rivers clean up in 2022 he experienced one of the first symptoms of his terminal illness.

“He was at the landing on Highway 63 near Kowaliga bridge,” Thompson said. “He was at the boat ramp passing out supplies, and he almost fainted while he was bending over to pick up trash. He couldn’t get up, and they had to call an ambulance to him.”

Thornton later died, and LMRA knew the spring cleanup needed to be changed to honor Thornton’s memory. This year’s cleanup will take place April 6 with breakfast still served at Red Hill Community Center at 7 a.m. From there, participants will determine their locations to pick litter and receive supplies for the day. The cleanup will officially be held from 8 to 11 a.m.; however, McGirt said participants are encouraged to cleanup for however long they want.

Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Martin Mini Mall with live music sponsored by Lake Martin Dock Company. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves. Volunteers are a necessity to make the cleanup a success.

“The LMRA is devoted to keeping our roads and lake shoreline clean,” Thompson said. “Now and forevermore, we’re going to need volunteers to support that.”

fundraiser for the team she heads every year in the Joy to Life walk. It gives her a chance to speak with those who saw about the importance of mammograms.

It is hosted in Eclectic in the spring before the larger October walk.

“People call every year wanting to know if we are going to have it,” Rigsby said. “This is our fourth year.”

Rigsby will have information about breast cancer, its treatments and other information available at the walk.

This year’s walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27.

There is a $5 registration fee but things such as T-shirts and jewelry will be for sale. The proceeds are donated to the larger cause. “Joy to Life has their big walk in Montgomery,” Rigsby said. “I try to sign up a team every year. Even if we don’t walk, we will donate the money to them in the team’s name.”

Rigsby’s walk has been successful in the past and the donations always go to Joy to Life. She also holds other fundraisers throughout the year going towards her team’s total.

“Our second year, we reached $5,000 in donations,” Rigsby

said. “That is a lot for a small group in Eclectic.”

Rigsby is a proud survivor and knows how hard it is to fight cancer. She also knows the struggles many have in coming up with money for basic needs.

“It makes me feel good to know I made a difference in enough people’s minds and lives they are interested in participating,” Rigsby said. “It is a lot to pull a fundraiser together, especially as times are hard.”

For more information about Rigsby walk or wanting to donate to her team can call 334657-0670.

HUNTING EGGS IN THE LIBRARY

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

The threat of rain forced Eclectic Public Library staff to get creative last Saturday as they hosted a special storytime. As eggs were hidden among books, flowers, shelves and benches in the annex, children heard the story of Jesus and how he died at the cross. Soon after, the children found eggs filled with candy and coins.

Arts & Entertainment

Lake Martin Piano Bar brings new atmosphere to Dadeville

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter

After a long day on Lake Martin, a cold cocktail and piano music are a perfect way to wind down. Lake Martin Piano Bar, Dadeville’s newest cocktail lounge, offers exclusive drinks and entertainment to help relax

after a long day in the sun. Trey Barden opened Lake Martin Piano Bar in February to add a unique and elegant atmosphere to Lake Martin nightlife.

As the owner of Bluffs Daiquiri Bar, he is well aware of the need for frozen cocktails on a hot summer day; however, he thought the lake goers needed a place for when the sun goes down.

The Social is a mostly outdoor space, with the main dining area being half outdoors and half covered by awning. There is a separate dining area for a quieter experience beyond the bar, where families can gather or even sit at some picnic tables down by the docks.

Time to get Social

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Tallapoosa County

What better way to spend an Easter Sunday than with live music and basketball, surrounded by friends and family? At The Social on Lake Martin, that is exactly what you will get.

Located on Castaway Island Road in Eclectic, The Social lives up to its name in every way. When I went on Easter, truckand boatloads of families poured in and out of the venue’s outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful weather and holiday fun. Live music from Sydni Sikes poured over the many high top tables and family seating areas as patrons of all ages enjoyed their meals and festive cocktails.

The themed cocktails at The Social were an especially big hit on Easter, as the bar provided two different drinks themed for the holiday. The House Bunny is a vodka and schnapps based cocktail, which was garnished with a Peep. The Pink Bunny, also including a floating Peep, features rum and vodka and was populating plenty of tables. For those more adventurous, The Social even offers a multi-person cocktail that comes in a fake oyster shell to really get the party started and Instagram stories looking cute. Holiday-themed drinks are one of the many specialties for the bar, as St. Patricks Day also featured an extensive list of limited time options.

For those with an appetite, The Social has you covered, with plenty of the regular bar fare and even some more signature options.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

on Saturday and Sundays,

The Social offers brunch. Shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles or even a fried catfish basket can all be yours for reasonable prices all under $15. Mimosas and “the best bloody mary on the lake” can also be yours, as what is a brunch without a morning drink?

During non-brunch hours, you can get your hands on an enormous hamburger or chicken tenders. Want some seafood? The Social has you covered there as well with Mahi Mahi, Ahi tuna and boom boom shrimp all on the menu.

The Social is a mostly outdoor space, with the main dining area being half outdoors and half covered by awning. There is a separate dining area for a quieter experience beyond the bar, where families can gather or even sit at some picnic tables down by the docks.

If you are trying to catch a game, have no fear, as The Social has plenty of televisions for those whose brackets still haven’t been completely busted.

All in, The Social is an excellent time. There wasn’t a frown in the building, and I find it hard to believe there ever has been one.

While The Social does have a technical closing time– hours are 3-9 p.m. Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 10-11 a.m. Saturday and 10-6 p.m. Sunday–those hours can always be fudged around if the good times are still rolling into the night. Come thirsty. Come hungry. And come ready to have a blast on the lake. For those who want to forget about life for a few hours, come to The Social. Even on Easter Sunday, it was the place to be.

“My wife and I do a lot of traveling,” Barden said. “Whenever we’re traveling, we always try to find if there’s a piano bar where we are, and we always try to go visit. We really like piano

LITTLE BIT OF TEXAS HOSTS KOWALIGA IDOL FINALS

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

With weeks of build up, this weekend will be the final showdown of Kowaliga Idol.

“The biggest part of Kowaliga Idol that makes it work is we give amateur singers to intermediate singers an opportunity to get on a bigger stage with better sound than they’d normally get, then challenge them to get outside their bubble,” John Kennedy, owner of Lake Broadcasting, said in an interview at the start of the contest.

Now, it’s coming down to the best of the best. But Kowaliga Idol couldn’t have taken place without a proper venue. After the Rodeo Club shutdown, it was up in the air. But Alabama’s Little Bit of Texas has stepped up to the plate for

the second year in a row.

Little Bit of Texas moved from its location in Eclectic to Wetumpka a couple of years ago giving it more space at 15,000 square feet. Owner Freddy Lovvorn said he can’t say for certain if it’s the biggest country venue in the state, but if it’s not, it’s pretty close.

Little Bit of Texas is actually a renovated 1955 National Guard Armory, where some signed up to go to Vietnam and others first met their future spouse. It holds many memories and it’s ready to make more.

Despite the 2,400 square foot dancefloor and the ability to seat over 600 people, once Kowaliga Idol finals kicks off Lovvorn said it’s going to be packed. Luckily, there are three bars in the facility that can make just about any drink. Plus

there’s an extensive food menu with pizza, wings, hoagie sandwiches, jalapeno poppers, nachos, hamburgers, steaks and all kinds of bar-style food.

Alongside one of Alabama’s largest karaoke events, Little Bit of Texas has cornhole, free line dancing lessons, regular karaoke and live music concerts.

“We get people from all over the state of Alabama who come here and we hope we host more and more people,” Lovvorn said. “We have a lot of events here, a wedding, a wrestlers convention, a reunion, all kinds of stuff.” He added with thousands of people coming through Little Bit of Texas on a given week, he hopes that this venue and its events also bring more folks into Wetumpka.

The Kowaliga Idol finals will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Music to return to downtown Tallassee streets

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Put your dancing shoes and boots on. Music will soon fill the streets of downtown Tallassee.

The Tallassee and Friendship fire departments are hosting the Sounds and Sirens Downtown Music Festival Saturday, April 27. It is an effort to bring activities to town and raise funds for the fire departments. Tallassee fire chief Eric Jones said the downtown streetscape is expected to be finished and provides the perfect opportunity to have some fun.

“We are trying to help get peo-

ple downtown and provide some entertainment for people,” Jones said. “It is really a night out for people to enjoy themselves.”

The fire departments have reached out through their friends and networks to bring three bands to James Street. First off is Todd Gantt and Mother Moonpie.

“He is originally from Tallassee,” Jones said. “They have been together for a couple of years now.”

Brandon Jordan will also be on stage; Jordan hails from the Holtville area. The final performer, Jesse Wilson, is originally from

Phenix City and now plays in Nashville.

The setup mimics what Jones and others helped with for the street dance for the Tallassee Historical Society, but the last two were rained out. Now, there will be a stage set up downtown somewhere between South Ann Street and The Gallery. The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is recruiting food trucks and the Community Development Corporation is providing port-a-lets for restrooms. While it is the fire department’s

The self-playing baby grand piano sets the tone for the ambience of the lounge.

SAMANTHA HIMES | TPI

The Social on Lake Martin is the perfect venue to enjoy live music, fun drinks and good times on the lake.

Machine fun at Lake Martin Machine Gun

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Elmore County

There quite literally is no place like Lake Martin Machine Gun around.

Nestled in the woods by The AMP, Lake Martin Machine Gun offers customers a one-stop shop for all things firearms.

With ranges from only a few meters to 200 meters, any sort of shooting experience can be had on the grounds.

When you get to the office, you will be greeted by a fully operational humvee complete with a working turret. Once inside, patrons can sign up for a year long membership or shoot by the day. Memberships never expire, so once you are in, you can come back for life.

Ammo is always a fixed cost for those who want to shoot, but with fair market prices, you can have plenty of explosive fun at a solid rate. TPI’s own Samantha Himes purchased a membership when she visited, and received a military discount for her service in the Marines. Military and law enforcement will receive pricing discounts, and law enforcement members can even shoot for free.

In terms of guns, there is an ever changing rotation of firearms to be shot at the range. On Tuesdays, the guns are cleaned and refurbished, as some of the

weapons date back to World War 2. Anything from Glock pistols, M4s to Browning machine turrets can be shot at the venue’s various ranges. You can also bring your own gun to shoot as you please. The range also sells a variety of guns and does rent weapons. Walk-ins are welcome at LMMG, but online signups are preferred as a way to maintain the best possible atmosphere for those shooting. Outside of popping targets,

new general manager Michael Collins has set out to change the full scope of the range to offer a wide variety of services.

On a more permanent basis, Collins and the staff are going to host training classes for firearms. LMMG has a full training facility complete with a short range for classes. Collins also hopes to host first-aid and gun cleaning classes.

LMMG offers the training and short pistol ranges and two

ARE IN THE AIR

longer bays for machine guns.

Also offered are bays for even longer distance shooting, up to 200m. All ranges have preset targets while also offering the option of buying your own target to shoot. In the future, the venue is looking to add a range of 300m and beyond.

The offerings at Lake Martin Machine Gun are ever evolving in an effort to please as many patrons as possible. For those that want to shoot once a year,

Food review

or shoot once a week, there is plenty of opportunity to do so in Eclectic.

The range is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday when it opens at noon. Downtimes are normally during the work day, or on retooling Tuesday, but things get cranked up on the weekends.

This summer, Collins and the team are working on hosting a customer appreciation event complete with food trucks.

LMMG accommodates work events, birthdays or even corporate parties. A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League also utilizes the space for their various classes and recreation events.

Simply put, Lake Martin Machine Gun is the preeminent shooting experience for all of central Alabama. Grizzled veterans and green novices alike can enjoy all that LMMG has to offer. Thompsons to MG-42s, MP5s to M4s, there is never a dull shooting experience at Lake Martin Machine Gun.

Sheila’s Pizza

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For this month’s food review, I found myself in Deatsville eating at Sheila’s Pizza. I’ve eaten at Sheila’s before and I have always enjoyed myself there. It’s one of the best pizza places around in my opinion. What I did for this review was buy a buffet lunch and decided to just try as many different pieces of pizza as I could, at least the ones they brought out to the buffet table. The buffet is the best bang for your buck. For just $10.48, you get a drink, as much pizza as you can eat and a salad. I was asked what specific pizza I would like, so I chose the meats and just a plain pepperoni. While I waited for mine, I found myself grabbing a slice of alfredo, chicken bacon ranch and buffalo chicken. So let’s talk about each one.

Alfredo: This was actually better than I expected. Whoever ordered it did not get chicken on it, which was disappointing, but it was good. Tasted great and it was not too overwhelming. I had one piece of spinach and it was great. I would eat it over and over again.

Chicken bacon ranch: This was the worst slice of pizza I found myself with during my lunch visit. Don’t get me wrong. If you’re into chicken bacon ranch, you’ll like it. But for me, it was extremely overpowering and it was just

so different from the other slices I didn’t enjoy it at all. What I did enjoy was the buffalo chicken. To me, this was the best piece of pizza I ate the entire trip. The buffalo was not too strong, but it was still the highlight of the slice. Buffalo can sometimes be overpowering (not the heat, just the taste) and it had a great amount of onions and the chicken was the perfect size. My slices came out shortly after and the meat was better to me. A meat pizza is always my go-to, and I’ll probably just get it again when I go back. Crust was hard and firm, which was the best because all the meat stayed on the pizza and wasn’t just falling apart when you picked it up. And there was so much sausage that when you took a bite, sausage was literally coming off the pizza. It was fantastic.

The pepperoni, which is just a classic, was on the lower end for me. The crust was very soft and droopy, and the cheese was sliding off when you picked it up. It tasted exactly how you wanted it to taste, but I like my pizza a little more firm than what I picked up. Plus, there wasn’t much pepperoni on the pizza. I think my slice only had two pieces on it, which isn’t enough for just a plain pepperoni pizza.

All in all, I had a great trip. I’ve always had a wonderful time there, and the food is always great. Go check it out, because you’re not getting a better bargain.

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

A slice of pepperoni, meat and alfredo pizza from Sheila’s pizza in Deatsville.

SAMANTHA HIMES TPI

Late last month, the Mitchell House in Dadeville played host to the annual Lake Martin edding & Event Expo where guests were treated to more than 30 vendors. People got to try samples of baked goods and other snacks while learning about photography, venues and more wedding offerings in the area.

SAMANTHA HIMES | TPI

Kensie Coppin, Emma Zinck and Chancie Neal had a two-night takeover for The Ladies of Nashville at The Local at 41 Main in Alexander City and The Funky Goat in Dadeville. The ladies brought original tunes as well as well-known country hits.

THE LADIES OF NASHVILLE

first time organizing a street dance downtown, it has pulled together similar events in the past.

“We did it seven or eight years ago at our training center for our fire department,” Jones said.

“It was a fundraiser called The Fireman’s Fallout.”

Tickets can be purchased through links on the Tallassee and Friendship Facebook pages or at www.soundsandsirens. eventbrite.com. Tickets are $20 and children under 12 are free.

Jones is hoping the festival will be successful.

“If we have a good turnout, our goal is to make it an annual event to help draw people to the city and help promote the city while being a fundraiser for the fire departments,” Jones said.

LOCALS TRY VARIOUS WINES AT

GRAIN & LEAF

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter

Toward the end of the week, many look for things to do that won’t break the bank or cause a gnawing headache the next day. Last week, Grain & Leaf hosted the perfect event for the aspiring or experienced wine connoisseur.

Wine representatives Josh Grace and Hanna Brown presented eight different wines for guests to try. The two representatives poured every guest a small amount from each wine as each visitor moved down the selection in a sequential order. As guests tried each wine,

Grace and Brown informed guests on the origin of each wine, and the history behind them.

Many of the wines originated in Europe – from Spain to Italy and areas surrounding the Adriatic Sea.

As visitors sipped on each wine, both representatives guided guests through the highlighted flavors and notes of each wine, allowing them to get a fully immersed experience of each wine.

Many of the wines were spinoffs of classic favorites, such as the second wine in the assembly – the Albariño Nessa. Brown said this wine was like a classic pinot grigio with a burst of lemon flavor,

with a light amount of acid. Another popular wine was the Emiliana Natura Rosé; a pink wine with bold fruity flavors and aromas.

Guests discussed their favorite wines amongst themselves; however, there was not one collective favorite as everyone enjoyed each selection within the line up.

Those who found a new go-to wine had the opportunity to buy their own bottle from Grace or Brown.

Sales associate Megan Vickers said this is the third wine tasting that Grain & Leaf has hosted since moving to its new location in October. Vickers said their goal is to have a wine tasting every four to six weeks.

ABOVE: Friends enjoy tasting various wines

BELOW: Guests had the opportunity to try eight different

Thank you to Scooter

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Tallapoosa County

Whoever Scooter is, whatever he did to get a drink named after him, I tip my hat.

On Easter Sunday, I ventured down to The Social for a couple cold drinks and to watch Purdue and Tennessee duke it out in the Elite Eight. I had two beers before I changed up to a cocktail, and one drink immediately caught my eye.

The Scooter’s Special, featuring Crown Apple, Sprite and grenadine, seemed simple enough. I enjoy all of those flavors, so I ordered my cocktail and waited my turn. Served in a take-home cup, the Scooter’s Special is a giant and tasty drink, one of the many specialty cocktails The Social has to offer.

My drink was extra cold, which helped on an extremely sunny day. The Crown Apple and Sprite mixed perfectly offering a bit of a sweet and sour experience to wash over my tastebuds. I certainly was not the only one drinking this stellar

drink, as many tables around me had cups filled with the red good stuff. While brown liquor may not be everyone’s go-to, and it certainly is not mine, this drink didn’t taste offensively of whiskey. It was not overpowering, or enough to make you drink it slow. In fact, it was almost too tasty, and I drank most of mine down in no time at all.

The atmosphere at The Social probably adds a bit to how tasty the drink is. The island bar setting is likely enough to make even a lemonade taste that much better. But Crown and Sprite? It can’t get much better.

I am sure that the friendly bartenders can add and subtract anything from a drink like The Scooter’s, or any of the other dozen or so specialty cocktails on the menu.

Plenty of the drinks contain Crown actually, which seemed to be a huge hit for dad’s parking the boat and parking themselves in front of live tunes and sunshine.

A hearty thank you to Scooter, wherever he may be. Your drink was delicious, and I cannot wait to have another soon.

The two signature drinks offered at the piano bar are their exclusive Old Fashioned and their Bourbon O’Brien.

bars and the atmosphere.”

Now that Barden has gotten his foot in on the lake with the daiquiri bar, he realized there were no establishments that offer the laidback, luxurious ambience of a piano bar.

“I thought it would be a great fit for the area,” Barden said.

“We looked around and there was a liquor store that decided they were closing, so we thought it’d be a good opportunity to get that location, remodel it and it would be a great fit for what our business model was.”

Visitors to Lake Martin Piano Bar can expect a large array of whiskey products. Barden said they offer over 50 different types of bourbon, which is the main liquor in their specialty cocktails.

The Bourbon O’Brien is a cocktail made with Crafted High West Bourbon, muddled blackberries, mint and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The Old Fashioned is crafted with Old Forester bourbon, simple syrup, bitters and finished off with an orange peel garnish.

Barden assures those who don’t have an inclination to bourbon can still find a cocktail they will enjoy.

“We also have cocktails you can get anywhere else,” Barden said. “Tequila, vodka and all that stuff.”

Artists perform live at the bar on the weekends, but weekday visitors will not miss out on musical entertainment during the week. The self-playing baby

grand piano plays music at all times to prioritize the piano bar atmosphere.

“Our piano itself plays all the time,” Barden said. “It can play anything from 90s country to alternative, you name it. It’ll play anything, but we do live entertainment on the weekends.”

Since the Bardens opened the bar in February, tons of locals have stopped by to experience the new upscale environment. With summer right around the corner, Barden is excited for tourists to stop by and enjoy the new establishment.

“We want it to be a before dinner or after dinner place for you to have a cocktail, relax and unwind,” Barden said. “This is a place where you can go before your dinner reservations and have a couple of cocktails, or after dinner and relax and enjoy the music.”

HENRY ZIMMER TPI

The Scooter’s Special is a Crown Royal-based drink, and one of the many fun and tasty options on The Social’s extensive bar menu.

Drink review

PIANO Continued from C1

SUBMITTED | THE TPI

The Bourbon O’Brien is one of Lake Martin Piano Bar’s signature cocktails made with Crafted High West Bourbon.

MELODY RATHEL | TPI

together.

wines.

TOP RIGHT: Hanna Brown informs guests on the history behind multiple wines.