Teeter death ruled homicide by medical examiner
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Any potential charges related to the January death of Chris Teeter near Alabama’s Little bit of Texas in Wetumpka will be decided by an Elmore County
Grand Jury.
Nineteenth Circuit District
Attorney C.J. Robinson said Teeter’s autopsy report reveals cause of death to be by blunt force trauma and was a homicide.
“I met with the Wetumpka Police Department and we went
over the autopsy report and the videos of the incident,” Robinson said.
The case will be presented to the next available grand jury.
Dennis
“It is up to the grand jury to decide what charges, if any and against whom,” Robinson said.
“Once
Franklin
“They can also look at self-defense as well. I think it will be a fairly lengthy presentation.”
phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well.
In January, Teeter died as he was leaving Little Bit of Texas following what the Wetumpka Police Department has described as an “altercation.”
“You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
ELMORE COUNTY KICKS OFF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gath erings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
while at the same time promoting child abuse prevention.
Pinwheels are playful — a great representation of a carefree child.
See CHAMBER, Page A3
But as playful as the spinning fans are, they are used to help promote April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It’s an image to highlight the agencies whose job it is to protect children
Many who fight child abuse gathered on the lawn of the historic Elmore County Courthouse to plant pinwheels.
“This is kind of our first step into the month and trying to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect,” Elmore County Department of Human Resources (DHR) director Michelle Wood said. “We
do this every year to start the month. There are several events during the month that take place within the county that recognize child abuse prevention.”
The event was mostly fun — playing with pinwheels and taking photographs with a display. But it was meant to highlight that in 2022, DHR and its partner agencies
See CHILD, Page A6
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
The incident report from WPD initially said it was conducting a death investigation and two Glock handguns were recovered.
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton said no knives or guns were used during the altercation.
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
New incubator helps minority and women businesses
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Wetumpka resident has long but short career as artist
created.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
John Perdue learned about bronzed paper mache almost 50 years ago. But it is only recently the Wetumpka resident has started to show and sell some of his creations.
“He liked to come by and watch me paint,” Sawyer said. “We talked a lot. I sensed he had some talent. I just encouraged him.”
Business ideas now have a new place to grow in Wetumpka.
The African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA) has opened its first office in Alabama on Bridge Street to help minorities and women develop their business ideas. According to AAEA’s Julia KlineFuentes, they are the perfect groups to help flush out business ideas.
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
“Women and minorities have the highest start rate of businesses,” KlineFuentes said. “They also have the highest attrition rate within the first 24 months. Our goal is to be a stop gap to that. We are a conduit that connects them to everything from resources such as finances to education to HR understanding.”
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
KlineFuentes was with AAEA in Florida when she moved to the area to be around family. But she realized AAEA had the opportunity to help grow minority businesses in Alabama. AAEA founder and CEO Leslie Giscombe knew KlineFuentes would be a great person to open a location in Wetumpka.
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.
“We lost a gem in Florida when she moved here,” Giscombe said. “She brought her awesomeness here. She blooms wherever she goes. We think she chose a great city and we are proud to be here.”
According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
AAEA strives to help those with emerging business ideas and connect the owners with necessary resources to help the businesses succeed. Through local partnerships it helps entrepreneurs develop business plans and establish their type of business from sole proprietorship to limited liability corporation (LLC).
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.
KlineFuentes said AAEA doesn’t offer a cookie cutter approach to helping entrepreneurs.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
“We do all kinds of stuff,” KlineFuentes said. “We have different speakers covering everything
See SHOOTING, Page A3
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
“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
A little more than two years ago Perdue wandered into Don Sawyer’s studio on Company Street in Wetumpka. A little of Sawyer’s persuasion soon got Perdue back to creating and a friendship was soon
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
Perdue picked up art at Eufaula High School.
“I had an art teacher, Micki Ogburn,” Perdue said. “I had her for two years. She taught me how to take paper mache and make a piece of art with it along with the bronze
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
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during
MARILYN HAWKINS THE HERALD
Elmore County residents plant pinwheels in the lawn of the historic Elmore County Courthouse Friday to help kickoff the celebration for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
See ARTIST, Page A6
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Wetumpka artist John Perdue poses with his creation of his friend Don Sawyer. The bust includes marbles for eyes.
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE
DEPARTMENT
APRIL 3
• Harassment was reported on East Charles Avenue.
APRIL 2
• Burglary was reported in Wetumpka.
• Theft was reported on Wilson Street.
APRIL 1
• A dog bite was reported on Jackson Trace.
MARCH 30
• Theft was reported on Oulwatumkis Street.
MARCH 29
• Burglary was reported on North Street.
Tallassee Police Department
APRIL 10
• Assistance was given
during a medical call on Wall Street.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.
APRIL 9
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Main Street.
• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on First Avenue.
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Riverknolle Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was
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reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gladys Street. APRIL 8
• Trespassing was reported on First Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Riverknolle Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Redden Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A prowler was reported on Sunwood Court. APRIL 7
• A noise complaint was reported on on Lakewater Drive.
• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Public lewdness was reported on Preer Street.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A motor vehicle accident
with injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Weldon Drive.
• Assistance was given to Tallassee city employees on North Ann Avenue. APRIL 6
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Weldons Drive.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to medics on Ashurst Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.
• Drug activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane.
APRIL 5
• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Lilly Lane.
• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Davidson Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane.
APRIL 4
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• A prowler was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Recreation Center Road.
• A suspicious person was reported on James Street.
• A suspicious person was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute on Washington Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Kent Road.
• Trespassing was reported on Poplar Street.
• Identity theft was reported on Hunters Ridge.
• Animal control was requested on Powers Extension.
• Harassment was reported on Magnolia Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Lee Street.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Salem Place.
• Trespassing was reported on Hudson Place. APRIL 3
• A juvenile complaint was filed on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white male and white female were arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Softball Way.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Murphy Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gravel Pit Drive.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on North McKenzie Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Central Boulevard.
Pet of the Week – Simone
Simone is 7 ½ months old and she weighs about 50 pounds; she won’t get much bigger. She is an old soul — playful at times but more content to just chill out. She is a snuggle bug. She’s great with other dogs and cats and loves people.
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.
Dog bites can be prevented
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This week is both National Animal Control Officer’s Week and National Dog Bite Prevention Week and they sadly go hand in hand because animal control officers spend a fair amount of their time responding to dog bite situations.
We will honor Animal Control Officer week in next week’s article but for all of us preventing dog bites is the goal as no one wants to see a child or adult injured, notwithstanding all of the medical, financial and legal issues that may also arise.
Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something.
A dog may bite to defend itself or its territory to include its puppies, toys, food or treats or
Dogs might bite because they are sick or sore due to injury or illness and might want to be left alone. Some dogs nip and bite during play which is one reason wrestling or playing tug-of-war with your dog is not advised.
because it is scared, feels threatened or has been startled.
Dogs might bite because they are sick or sore due to injury or illness and might want to be left alone. Some dogs nip and bite during play which is one reason wrestling or playing tugof-war with your dog is not advised. So what can you do to prevent dog bites?
Socialize your dog: This will help your dog be more at ease and less reactive when confronted with new situations, people and activities.
Be a responsible pet owner by first selecting a
dog that is right for your family and living situation so it can get the exercise and mental stimulation it needs. Leash train your dog for its safety.
Having it spayed or neutered can go a long way to reducing conflicts with other dogs that might endanger others. Ensure your dog is healthy through routine veterinary visits so an issue can be diagnosed before your dog is in pain or distress and becomes reactive.
Understand your breed. Some breeds are very social with people and other animals where others are protective or guarded
in their interactions. Don’t try to make a shy or overly protective dog be a social butterfly; it was never meant to be.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT HOW TO REDUCE RISK BY AVOIDING RISKY SITUATIONS:
•If the dog is not with its owner
•If the dog is with its owner but the owner does not give permission to pet the dog
•If the dog is on the other side of a fence; don't reach through or over a fence to pet a dog
•If a dog is sleeping or eating
•If a dog is sick or injured
•If a dog is resting with her puppies or seems very protective of her puppies and anxious about your presence
•If a dog is playing with
a toy
•If a dog is growling or barking
•If a dog appears to be hiding or seeking time alone
•If the dog is clearly indicating to leave it alone
And if you get a new dog, don’t rush everything. Bring it home and let it explore, meet people and decompress on the dog’s schedule – not yours.
Definitely give your new puppy or dog time to get to know you, your family and home before subjecting it to the big scary world of dog parks, pet stores and public events.
Sadly dog bites do happen, and, if so, please seek medical attention and report to local authorities for everyone’s safety.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Crash claims lives of 2 Deatsville men
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, has claimed the lives of two men from Deatsville.
Bobby D. Barfield, 69,of Deatsville, was fatally injured when
the 2006 Ford F-150 pickup he was driving collided head-on with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Beverly A. Wilbanks, 83, of Millbrook. Marshall R. Dannelley, 58, also of Deatsville, a passenger in the F-150, was also fatally injured as result of the crash. Barfield and Dannel -
Elmore County Community Calendar
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street
Wetumpka is hosting the 2023 CoosaPalooza Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. April 15. Featured will be different beers as well as live music. General admission tickets are $45, or $20 for non-drinkers; while VIP tickets are $85, or $30 for non-drinkers and includes one-hour early entry as well as a t-shirt and access to the VIP Tent, which will have specialty food and beer. CoosaPalooza will be held in Merchants Alley.
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Homecoming at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will be held at 10 a.m. April 16. Pleasant Hill is located at 1327 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Eclectic. Special guest pastors will be Vaughan and Virginia Gardner; Southern gospel group Spoken For will be featured as well.
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
DOWNTOWN ART SHOW: Don Sawyer is hosting a Downtown Artists Art Show in downtown Wetumpka Saturday, April 22.
CRAWFISH BOIL: The rotary club will be hosting its first drive-thru crawfish boil from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22. It is $25 for dinner, which includes fresh Cajun crawfish, potatoes, sausage and corn. You can preorder at www.Facebook.com/rotary and pick up at God’s Congregational Church fellowship hall in Tallassee. For more information, contact Stephanie Weldon at 334-306-1161.
ONGOING
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.
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.
LIVING WORD: You belong here. You and your family are always welcome here. We are located at 1826 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, across from the Dollar General. Call 334-492-0777 for more information.
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
ley were not using seat belts at the time of the crash and were both pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Sgt. Jeremey Burkett, Wilbanks was airlifted to a Montgomery area hospital after the accident. The crash occurred
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. MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025
LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www. thekelly.org.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE
POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail. com.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christcentered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS:
Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.
AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka.
RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.
MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.
CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-8572008 for more information.
on Autauga County 40, approximately three miles west of Deatsville, in Autauga County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Kenneth
Page A4 • April 12, 2023
Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
My dad has taught me a lot of lessons. He’s taught me how to be open-minded and non-judgemental of those around me. He’s shown me how to treat not just other people well, but also treat myself well. He introduced me to the wide world of sports and he taught me how to say please and thank you.
But one of the most important life lessons my dad has taught me is how to create the perfectly stale Peep.
Now, before you stop reading because you’re thinking, “Peeps are disgusting,” I know. I agree wholeheartedly.
But there is something fun about consuming a truly awful piece of food, especially if it’s only once in a blue moon. So don’t turn away just yet; grab some popcorn and settle in. Eat a Peep this year, using this recipe and you won’t regret it. And don’t worry — you don’t have to eat it for at least a month after reading this.
The art of the perfectly stale Peep is not something to be messed around with. There’s something beautifully vile about that gushy, marshmallowy inside that’s still somehow always soft with an extra crispy crust of deliciously stale sugar.
It’s a process though. You can’t just go buy some Peeps today and get them perfectly
The art of the perfectly stale Peep
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
stale by the next day. You’ve really gotta think ahead.
The first step is to take your unwrapped box of Peeps and put it in the windowsill. You’re going to want to put them in your most sunny windowsill — the one you’d put some beautiful yellow roses on, just replace the roses with yellow Peep chicks.
(Oh yes, before I forget, the chicks are the best — preferably yellow — followed by the pink bunnies. There is a science here.)
Leave your wrapped box of Peeps in the windowsill for approximately 10-12 days.
like you’re cooking Stouffer’s mac and cheese.
counter for another 1-2 weeks, the longer the better. Keep in mind, these are Peeps my friends. They are going to sur vive the Apocalypse; they’re not going to go bad.
However, some of you may be ready to dig into your masterpiece so at least one week will suffice. Following this, put your Peeps box into the windowsill for another 1-2 days, almost like a final broil if you will.
Once you hit that “not-quitetwo-weeks” mark, you’re going to want to take them out of the windowsill for at least three days. This ensures the Peeps have a chance to absorb all the sunshine and before they get truly mushy inside. From there, you’ll need to start working on your sugary, delightful crust. The Peeps already help you out with a solid base; now all you need to do is add air. This means cut a small slice in your Peeps box — just a little one though, not
Miracles
Now that we are beyond the Holy Triduum of Easter, sometimes called the Paschal Triduum that stretches from Maundy (Holy) Thursday through Easter Sunday, we are into the Eastertide period of the liturgical calendar that includes holy days set aside for Divine Mercy, Ascension and Pentecost.
While this is an editorial page in this newspaper, it is also an opinion page – and for the purposes of this discussion of Eastertide, please allow this opinion to be shared and perhaps investigate some of this for yourself.
Everyone knows Jesus Christ died on a cross and Easter is a day that celebrates his resurrection. But for people who believe that He is present every time Holy Communion is offered, I would like to share the story of a modern miracle with you.
It was 7 p.m. Aug. 18, 1996. Father Alejandro Pezet was distributing the Eucharist at a Catholic church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As he was finishing up, a woman came to tell him she’d found a discarded host, or piece of unleavened bread used in
you’ve nailed the original recipe, you can totally extend these times and make them even more stale, more perfect and more objectionable. My grandmother would always get my dad Peeps for Christ mas, but she lived so far away, sometimes we didn’t see her until February and even March. We always joked those Peeps were primed and ready to eat — or maybe we were serious, it’s always hard to tell.
communion, on a candle holder in the back of the church. The pastor went to the candle holder and, rather than eat it himself as is custom (because he wasn’t sure where it had been), he put it in a container of water and put it away in the tabernacle to dissolve and dispose of later.
On August 26, upon opening the tabernacle to distribute communion again, he saw to his amazement the host had turned into a bloody substance. He informed Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (now known as Pope Francis), who instructed him to get a professional photographer to take pictures. The photos were taken Sept. 6. By this time, this piece of communion had become a larger bloody substance. For over three years, it remained a secret of this particular church and diocese
Once your Peeps are ready, my recommendation is to eat just one, because they are pretty awful, but if you’re like my dad and actually enjoy the per fectly stale Peeps, then dig in! You won’t regret it (too much).
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
until, in 1999, Bergoglio decided to have it scientifically analyzed.
A sample of the bloody fragment was taken and sent to New York City for analysis. It is important to note the future Pope did not want to prejudice the study one way or the other, so when he had a doctor send it in, he did not say what it was.
A well-known cardiologist and forensic pathologist, Dr. Frederic Zugiba was called in to examine the material. Dr. Zugiba was the chief medical examiner for Rockland County, New York, from 1969-2002.
Here is what was found.
“The analyzed material is a fragment of the heart muscle found in the wall of the left ventricle close to the valves…The heart muscle is in an inflammatory condition and contains a large number of white blood cells,” Dr. Zugiba wrote. “This indicates that the heart was alive at the time the sample was taken, since white blood cells die outside a living organism. They require a living organism to sustain them.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
from pre-seed to evaluation of things such as location. It helps them as they are developing their company, figure out where their holes are and where they can improve and make sure we get them through the survivability mode.”
The survivability mode is usually the first two years of a business; after that, AAEA works to keep the businesses growing. Then AAEA and its network help the business owners get their minority certifications and get an understanding of government contracts.
“You don’t have to bid all contracts,” KlineFuentes said. “There are always contracts under a certain amount that anybody who is registered with them, they can facilitate those out to them. Most don’t know how to do that. We teach them.”
AAEA sticks with business owners for five or six years then brings the seasoned business owner in to mentor others.
“It is a grassroots organization to solidify our lower income businesses,” KlineFuentes said. “We want to get them stable, get them growing and help to grow their neighborhoods.”
AAEA is currently partnered with several banks with locations in and around Wetumpka such as Truist and Valley Bank but First Community Bank of Central Alabama was AAEA’s first corporate partner in Alabama.
“They are a promoter of new small businesses and we are too,” First Community Bank of Central Alabama President and CFO Rana Futral said. “We are a great partner with them because their mission is the same as ours — connectors. Development in the community is what they do and what we do.”
Futral said First Community Bank was already helping small businesses but AAEA will help connect even more prospective business owners to good education and resources to get the entrepreneurs off to a good start.
In fact AAEA is now the ninth organization in Alabama to have an agreement with the Small Business Administration (SBA). It means quicker access to the lower interest rate loans the SBA offers.
“We are an organization that supports economic development through our partnerships with the SBA,” Giscombe said. “Because we are partnered with SBA we have other partners that make capital available a lot easier to underserved communities.”
AAEA operates on ideas commonly found in chambers of commerce, business incubators and economic development departments but all under one umbrella. It’s an organization Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Shellie Whitfield is happy to see in Wetumpka.
“It means we have help in welcoming people whose dream is to open a small business,” Whitfield said. “This will help a lot of people’s dreams come true. It helps level the playing field and make sure everyone has what they need.”
investigated 492 reports of possible abuse or neglect that involved 674 children in Elmore County. Wood said not every report is carried on to be prosecuted in court.
“About 30 to 35% of those reports are going to be actually true and actually find some form of abuse,” Wood said. “But we need to look at and investigate all initial reports of abuse or neglect. We have to go out and see whether we think it to be true or not.”
According to Wood, about 50% of the reports are of physical abuse, 30% sexual abuse and about 20% involve neglect due to lack of food, personal care or lack of housing.
Wood said Elmore County averages about 500 reports per year of some form of child abuse or neglect. There were 563 reports in 2021.
“2020 was lower but is skewed because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wood said. “A lot of our reports do come from educational personnel and children who were not in school. It was difficult. There were several months when children were not at school.”
At Friday’s kickoff, DHR was joined by the Elmore County Extension Office, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, Alabama Parent Education Center, the Elmore County Family Resource Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Elmore County Commission. Elmore County District Court Judge Patrick Pinkston and 19th Circuit District Attorney C.J. Robinson was there too, thanking the agencies for their efforts.
CASA is new to Elmore County. Wood said the CASA volunteers help get more people involved in investigations of potential abuse.
“They are a second set of eyes for DHR. We work in partnership with them,” Wood said. “They are in full communication with DHR and caseworkers. When a CASA volunteer is appointed, they contact us and we immediately share information about the case.”
CASA volunteers operate independently of DHR and can bring a different perspective.
“We share information between the two agencies to make sure that we are seeing everything that is happening and are aware of what is happening in the household,” Wood
ARTIST
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effect.”
Perdue moved to Wetumpka in 1976 and attended AUM. Perdue learned more about sculpture under Larry Godwin of Brundridge
“He was responsible for doing the bronze pieces on Civil Rights in downtown Montgomery,” Perdue said. “He taught me how to perfect my work in sculptures.”
Life then got in the way of art.
“I got married and did the normal thing, work and make a living,” Perdue said. “Then in 1997, my daughter, Lauren Perdue, was taking an art class. She got me back to doing art. She inspired me to go back to doing art.”
But it would be Sawyer’s push a few years ago and an approaching retirement that really steered Perdue back into art.
“I’m color blind,” Perdue said. “Don said I didn’t need to be painting. As far as me trying to paint and stuff, Don said
said. “It is like a second person with a different view. It really is because we as DHR are focused on certain things, but their advocates are trained in a different way than we are. They may see something different than the way we do.”
Although DHR and CASA may have different views of a potential abuse case, one thing is certain.
“In both cases they are to serve the best interests of the child,” Wood said.
All the help from the various agencies is welcomed by Robinson who is charged with prosecuting those believed to have abused children in Elmore County.
“These investigations are harder than they have ever been,” Robinson said. “Even though we have more resources, the expectations of juries in the digital world is that we should have all this audio and video of
just do the 3D bronzing; it’s no problem whatsoever.”
But Sawyer is more than just an advisor to Perdue.
“He is my mentor,” Perdue said. “Most importantly he’s my friend and fellow brother in Christ.”
Sawyer saw an opportunity to help Perdue and promote art.
“I gave him a place to work and a place to show,” Sawyer said. “I give artists a venue to show their work. Probably 80% of the artists that are out have never shown their work in public; they have nowhere to go with it. One of my main purposes is to give artists a chance. It’s what I do.”
Two years ago Perdue was in the Downtown Artwalk and his new career started. The Artwalk has led to several commissioned pieces. It has also led to interests in other personalities for subjects of Perdue’s creations.
“I have gotten a lot of requests to do football coaches, sports figures and individual people,” Perdue said. “I have had some people ask if I could do their grandfather or someone of that nature.”
Perdue has learned his art is a bit unique in the River Region.
everything that happens. That is just not the case.”
Often the most telling evidence is direct witness testimony and not that of a medical report.
“In this day and time when there is an expectation of technology and experts, a lot of these cases just refer back to witness testimony and their credibility and reliability,” Robinson said. “I think a lot of jurors are shocked.”
Robinson said the district attorney’s office relies on the expertise and resources of agencies specially trained for child abuse and neglect cases.
“We could not put together a competent case anymore without the services of the trained professionals, counseling,” Robinson said. “It would be almost impossible to prosecute these cases without their help.”
Perdue said. “I’m the only one that I have been told that does the bronze affect paper mache,” he said. “I retired
in March and I’m anxiously looking forward to perfecting my sculptures and doing it full time.”
SUBMITTED | THE OUTLOOK
John Perdue works in paper mache where he most often creates busts. He has some paper mache creations using the bas’ relief technique on a flat surface.
MARILYN HAWKINS | THE HERLAD
Distric Attorney C.J. Robinson plants a pinwheel in the lawn of the historic Elmore County Courthouse Friday to help kickoff the celebration for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Mainstay of Wetumpka Police Department retires
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Family has called, and Lt. Ella Roberts-White is retiring after 23 years with the Wetumpka Police Department.
But it wasn’t the call Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton wanted to hear.
“I’ve said this time and again — she is like the Rock of Gibraltar for this department and Wetumpka,” Benton said. “What she has done over the years for the youth and elderly is amazing. There is not a thing you can ask her to do that she won’t do well and really quick.”
Roberts-White has been the point person for so many projects. There is the backpack project to mentoring children and so many other things Roberts-White does but won’t take credit for.
“She has run so many programs,” Benton said. “Most of the youth who grew up here feel like she is a second mother. She gets on them just like
MIRACLES
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they are one of her kids.”
Roberts-White is a native of Wetumpka; She started in patrol and found her niche working with the youth in town.
“I have been here all my life,” Roberts-White said.
“When I started this journey, I made a promise to myself that this is where it will start and this is where it will end.”
Roberts-White has been through four different administrations while serving Wetumpka and the WPD.
“They were all great,” Roberts-White said. “We all stick together. We all look out for each other.”
Roberts-White has seen a few changes over two-plus decades with the department. While crime hasn’t necessarily increased, she has seen those in the community start to develop other issues.
“The drug part has gotten more prevalent,” Roberts-White said. “There are addiction issues coming up more and more everyday.”
“Thus, their presence indicates that the heart was alive when the sample was taken. … What is more, these white blood cells had penetrated the tissue, which further indicates that the heart had been under severe stress, as if the owner had been beaten severely about the chest.”
White blood cells could not have survived more than a few minutes. And these had been in a container of water for three years.
Miracles like these often go unnoticed or are underreported. Miracles were not around only in the past or just happened to the holy men and women of the Old and New Testaments. They happen every day to regular people like the story told in this article.
During Holy Week, I finally got
The veteran police officer know it’ll be difficult to leave her family of the thin blue line.
“I know a lot of people and a lot of people know me because I was born and raised here,” Roberts-White said. “I’m going to miss my police department family. It has been part of my family for the past 23 years. I’m going to miss everybody.”
The decision to retire was tough but Roberts-White said life outside law enforcement is looking promising for her future.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my new husband,” Roberts-White said. “We just got married in November.
I’m also looking forward to spending more time with the grandbabies. I have five of them. With the new marriage I have some great-grands too.”
Benton said he already is having difficulty finding someone as good as Roberts-White to take over
around to watching the series called
“The Chosen.” There are three seasons, and I’m just finishing the first. I wish I had started watching sooner. Perhaps it was serendipity that led me to finally watch during this Easter season. I was touched by the stories of how Jesus selected his disciples and followers — seeing it dramatized so beautifully by this program, I was moved to tears more than once. If you haven’t seen this show, I highly recommend it.
Whether the miracles happened 2,000 or 250 years ago or just this week, Eastertide is a time to turn off the negativity of the non-stop arguing and fussing on the news and turn on programming that might lead to a better understanding of positivity in miraculous happenings past and present.
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
her many duties.
“We are going to have to try to replace her but we will never be able to fill her shoes,” Benton said. “She is just that important.” We give 100% to achieve 99.9% dependability.
We’re dedicated to providing reliable power to our customers day after day. Our commitment to deploying smart grid technologies and employing a team of the very best people is the key to our continued success. This is our home, too, which is why we give our all to deliver Power for a Better Alabama.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton, left, poses with Lt. Ella Roberts-White on Friday. Roberts-White is retiring after 23 years with the department.
Jesus died for us all
Holy Week, the most sacred event of the year in the life of a Christian, is marked by the triumphal entry of Jesus into the City of Jerusalem, riding a donkey with palm leaves waving in celebration of the coming of a King.
As the week progresses into what is referred to as Spy Wednesday, we see the betrayal of Jesus. Maundy Thursday will follow.
Maundy is a term of Latin origin, “mandalum” or “command,” which refers to the instructions Jesus gave His disciples at the Last Supper and His washing of the disciples feet that day.
The command of Jesus was
BETHLEHEM EAS
BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m.
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
given to the disciples, Luke 22, as Jesus breaks bread, saying, “This is my body,” pours wine saying, “This is my blood,” then asks the disciples to “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Thus, we have the sacrament of communion or Holy Eucharist. The Last Supper was a Passover Seder or “feast of unleavened bread”.
Why the “washing of the
Morning Worship. Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food,
feet?” (John 13)
Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, an act of teaching them to be servants. It is the “ultimate act of servant leadership.” Jesus gave the instructions to love and to serve.
Maundy Thursday has a very dark side as well! Jesus not only foretells His death to the twelve disciples, but it also marks an act of betrayal.
“One of you will betray me”, and Judas Iscariot is pointed out!
Friday brings about the physical and emotional beating of Jesus, the torture as He hung on that “old rugged cross,” the grief His mother
water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For
experienced as her Son gave His life so you and I might live eternally.
As a Christian, we can marvel at His life for His obedience until death. Jesus could have called “10,000 angels” to come down but instead, He died for ALL.
Friday was a time of grief for those who loved Jesus and truly did not understand. “It is finished!”
Saturday ends the period of Lent, the observance commemorates the final day of Christ’s death. Holy Saturday is not merely a day between Good Friday and Easter, but it is a day to observe in consecration of what He did for us.
more information, visit the church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME!
It should be a day we can all be still and rest in His presence and quiet our hearts. Let each of us not be so hurried in our own lives we forget the glory You brought forth. Easter morning is coming!
Resurrection Day — Jesus arose from the grave! At Easter, the Son of God took on the sin of the world and defeated the devil, death, and the grave. He arose, a victor! He lives forever! Will you live for Him?
Jackie Wilbourn, a member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a Chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call
us: 334-283-2195. FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www. wacqradio.com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Anyone who has watched Wetumpka’s football team in recent seasons has seen Logan Weighall on the sidelines doing jumping jacks or running around.
The senior kicker and punter isn’t just keeping warm on the sidelines. He’s keeping his muscles active for when he’s called on to enter the game.
Weighall, one of 52 regional winners in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Student Achievement category, suffers from a neuromuscular disorder called Myotonia congenita.
Myotonia congenita affects the muscles used for movement and can be characterized by the inability of muscles to quickly relax after a voluntary contraction.
The Bryant-Jordan Scholarship’s Achievement Category honors senior student-athletes who have overcome personal adversity to excel.
All regional winners receive a $3,000 scholarship and could win more when statewide winners are announced at the annual Bryant-Jordan banquet Monday in Birmingham.
“It means a lot to me to win this award,” Weighall said. “It’s been a lot of hard work, especially in football season. It takes a lot of work to balance everything with my muscle dystrophy.”
It takes more than just a few jumping jacks to make sure his muscular disorder doesn’t affect him while he’s on the football field.
The Georgia Tech signee has a very strict schedule where he’s constantly moving throughout the day to combat it. He gets up at 5:30 or 6 a.m. every morning and hits the gym to get sprints and conditioning in before heading to practice kicking the football. He goes to school, then gets home, does his schoolwork and practices again.
After working with the Wetumpka recreational track club at nights, he gets ready for his stretching. Weighall spends around 30 minutes a night stretching his muscles or doing drill work. That helps when he gets in a football game.
“The way it works is if your muscles are going from a relaxed position to an active one, you can tense up and it takes time for your muscles to release tension,” he said. “During football season, it’s tough to deal with because as a kicker and punter you’re in a relaxed position most of the time.
That’s why I’m always moving on the sidelines. It really felt like I was at a disadvantage most of the time, but I put in a lot of time outside of football to help.”
Weighall didn’t let his disorder affect his ability to play. Weighall is a two-time All-State kicker, an AHSAA All-Star and a multi-year
All-County selection with The Herald. He had a stellar senior season this year where he made 35 PATs and six field goals. He set a school record with a game-winning 49-yard field goal against Baker. Along with football, he
Weighall is a Georgia Tech football signee.
has also been on the cross country, track and field and soccer teams at Wetumpka.
He balances that with his academics, where he’s accumulated a 3.9 gradepoint average and a 24 on his ACT as he gets ready to graduate next month.
He also coaches for the Wetumpka recreational track program and works for the Wetumpka YMCA as a sports staff member.
“It can be tough some days, but I’m a very organized person,” Weighall said. “I have a whiteboard in my bedroom where I will have my days scheduled by the hour each day.”
The Bryant-Jordan scholarship is extremely helpful for Weighall and his family. Weighall is signed to play football at Georgia Tech, but he accepted a preferred walk-on role. That means he is not getting an athletic scholarship and he is paying out-of-state tuition. He knows that means every dollar and every scholarship is huge until he can get to campus and try to earn a scholarship by earning the starting kicker or punter role.
Weighall will have the chance to earn more scholarship money during Monday night’s banquet in Birmingham.
Each individual region winner is eligible to compete within their class (eight finalists) for an additional $3,500 scholarship. The winners of each class, from 1A to 7A, are eligible to win the Overall Scholar-Athlete Award which wields an additional $4,000 scholarship.
Two of the county’s top basketball players were honored among the state’s best on Thursday afternoon. Edgewood Academy’s Lindsey Brown and Holtville’s Julie Nekolna, both of which were named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s All-State teams for their respective classifications, were honored at a luncheon in Montgomery. The luncheon featured the top six players — three girls and three boys — in each
Holtville’s Barrett finding his power swing
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Holtville second baseman Drey Barrett is starting to find his swing. Barrett, a junior infielder and Southern Miss commit, had a stellar week at the plate as the Bulldogs swept Jemison and clinched the area championship. In three wins over Jemison, Barrett finished the week 6-of-9 at the plate with two doubles, one home run, seven RBIs, and six runs scored. He is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
and
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
It didn’t take much convincing for Chad Strickland to decide where he wanted to go to college. Strickland, a senior at Wetumpka, has committed to wrestle at the University of Montevallo. He will sign his National Letter of Intent with the program at 8 a.m. Thursday. in the Wetumpka gym. Strickland will be part of the first class in program history
classification as Player of the Year finalists. The Player of the Year winners and Mr. and Miss. Basketball were also announced at the luncheon. Nekolna, who was one of the three finalists for AHSAA Class 5A, had a stellar senior season for her one year in Elmore County. The Czech Republic foreign exchange student averaged 21.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.6 steals this year. She helped lead the Holtville girls to a school-record 27 wins and the first playoff appearance in school history.
She was the 2023 Elmore County Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Brown was one of the three finalists in AISA and was recognized for the second-consecutive year. The junior phenom helped lead Edgewood Academy to a 27-0 perfect record, AISA’s first undefeated season since 2016. She has led Edgewood Academy to back-to-back Class AA state titles and averaged 16.5 points, 4 rebounds, 3.9 steals, and 1 assist per game. She was a First-Team All-County player this year.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Logan Weighall, a Bryant-Jordan Scholarship regional winner, kicks off against Greenville
FILE THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Chad Strickland, a four-time state qualifier who capped off his senior year with a 40-3 record, has committed to wrestle at the University of Montevallo next year.
Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week now! PLAYER OF THE WEEK
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Holtville’s Julie Nekolna, left, and Edgewood Academy’s Lindsey Brown were both honored at a luncheon on Thursday. Both players were one of three finalists for Girls Basketball Player of the Year in their classification.
Wetumpka’s Weighall doesn’t let muscular disorder keep him tense
Tallassee, Elmore County baseball play for area championship
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Elmore County and Tallassee rivalry runs deeper than normal this week.
The Panthers and Tigers will meet on the baseball diamond with big implications at stake. The AHSAA Class 5A Area 4 championship will be crowned. Both teams are 2-0 in the area and have already clinched a playoff berth, but playoff seeding is crucial this time of year.
The winner of the threegame series will be the No. 1 seed in the playoffs while the loser will be No. 2 and have to travel in Round 1.
The first game of the series was Tuesday at Elmore County, while the two teams will wrap up the series with a doubleheader today at Tallassee.
“You don’t have to worry about getting the teams ready this week,” Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said. “They’re going to be ready to play each other. You just don’t want them to get so pumped up that you feel like
they’ll press a little bit. Don’t let them overdo it or let them do too much. You have to still play your style of game.”
The Panthers (15-7) are starting to find their rhythm. They’ve won six of their last seven games, and they’ve done so in dominant fashion.
During their 6-1 stretch, they outscored opponents 68-25.
They’re led by their big three pitchers — Payton Hall, Cooper Rogers and Brandon
know you’re doing things well when you’re hitting home runs to right field. When you’re hitting
Tubbs said. “You
White. The three have combined for a 10-5 record and all have a sub-5.00 earned run average.
“They’re good, and I mean really, really good,” Tallassee coach John Goodman said. “They’re where we are trying to get to. We just hope to go in there and give them a couple of good ball games. That’s where we’re at right now. They’re polished and we’re trying to get polished.”
the ball that hard the other way, you’re seeing it well. He’s making some adjustments and we’re see ing that
Tallassee (9-9) has won two straight games: both wins over Brew Tech last week. Before that series, the Tigers had lost five of their last six.
But now with a playoff berth already clinched, Goodman is hoping to see his team play relaxed baseball for the first time all season.
“I told them they can just relax and have fun,” Goodman said. “We don’t have to worry about beating them to get in the playoffs. They can relax and play baseball and have fun with the rivalry. Hopefully they can take that message and we can have fun this week. None of these guys have ever been in the playoffs before, so this is huge for us. That’s why it was so important for us to get where we are at.”
Tallassee’s team may be young and inexperienced when it comes to playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped the Tigers from playing good baseball — especially at the plate.
Tallassee’s offense will test Elmore County’s three pitchers in a big way. The
at the plate as he swings it well.” Barrett is one of the catalysts of Holtville’s offense, and as he gets
Tigers have scored 135 runs this season, good for 7.5 runs per game. They’ve scored in double digits six times.
“They’re a younger team and there aren’t a whole lot of upperclassmen, but they’re a scrappy bunch and very competitive,” Byrd said. “They’re going to get after us. It’s going to be a fun series.”
Byrd’s offense will welcome back two injured players into the lineup.
Shea Darnell and Austin Davis, both of whom have played just combined 25 games, are back in the lineup.
Darnell is the team’s twohole hitter, and he’s hitting .458 this season, second best on the season. Davis, who usually hits No. 6, is batting .444 with 11 hits this year. Both players have over a .500 on-base percentage and are welcome additions back into the Panthers’ lineup.
Editor’s Note: Tuesday’s Game 1 ended after The Herald ’s press deadline.
better, so do the Bulldogs. He’s shown he’s capable of leading the offense as the year has gone on. Since area
play began, Barrett has been seemingly impossible get out and almost every ball he hits is going for extra bases.
He’s had at least one hit in each of his last seven games while accumulating a .650 batting average during that stretch. Of his 13 hits, he’s had four doubles, two triples and a home run with 12 RBIs. He’s currently on an eightgame hit streak.
“When he’s hitting the ball, we’re vastly better as a team,” Tubbs said. “With him swinging it well, it changes the dynamic of the game. When he gets hot, everyone around him in the lineup gets hot too and then they have to continue to pitch to him. For him, it’s like a breath of fresh air that we’re finally starting to swing it well enough.”
That’s certainly been the case since Barrett has found his stride. During the last seven games when he’s recorded 13 hits, Holtville is 6-1 and currently on a fivegame win streak. The Bulldogs are 5-1 in area play and already clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs are now 16-9 overall and are getting hot alongside Barrett after a tough first half of their schedule.
Holtville is done with its area schedule, and now the Bulldogs turn their heads to wrapping up the rest of the regular season before the playoffs begin. Holtville has four games left before the postseason and will face Elmore County, Beauregard twice, and St. James during that stretch.
“We’re starting to find ourselves a little bit,” Tubbs said. “I think we’re good enough to make another run, we just have to get hot and do the little things right. The gauntlet of the playoffs is going to be very similar to how tough the first half our schedule was. It won’t be easy by any means.”
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Elmore County’s Brandon White hits against Brewbaker Tech. The Panthers have won six of their last seven games entering the series.
MARKET BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Of Dragons and Unicorns
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Discussions were deep and fun at the Wetumpka Public Library covering topics from car accidents to vacations to the nuisances of jellyfish. But there was also talk of dragons, princesses and the unicorn of the sea — “Narwhal.”
Those were the topics of discussion for a group of youngsters taking part in the library’s Homeschool Book Club. The program is perfect for parent Jennifer Woods of Wetumpka.
“Our kids love to read and think it's great for them to be around other kids who love to read and share,” Woods said. “I think it’s great the kids can talk with each other about what they read and their thoughts on it.”
Children’s librarian Cathy Saylor created the club about four years ago to help bring homeschoolers together in a fun environment. Like other book clubs, Saylor picks a book for the children to read then they meet to discuss the book.
“Then we will have a craft or activity related in some way to the book,” Saylor said. In April, it was the children who picked the book. The different selections keep Saylor on her toes, but it does produce good results.
Continued from B1
as Montevallo will field a wrestling team for the first time in 2023.
“It’s really, really exciting,” Strickland said. “I’m really excited to go experience a new level of the sport and be on a new team and meet new people for once. I really like that I’m part of the first class. I’m ready to develop a culture there with the program and
Wetumpka Library program brings together students
Area children take part in painting messages on rocks as the activity for the Wetumpka Public Library Homeschool Book Club.
“The kids will talk about the book they selected,” Saylor said. “Hopefully it will introduce a child to a new book that they haven’t read and might like. It is fun to see what the kids pick. It can be a book they have already read, it can be an older book, or a newer book.”
Eight-year-old Lyra Nyberg
develop traditions for the future classes.” Strickland’s recruiting process was a long one, but it was quickly over once he toured the campus.
Being part of the first team in school history was enticing enough, then he saw how “pretty” the campus was. Strickland said head coach Daniel Owenby told him that even though Montevallo is a small school, the campus is large enough to give the large college feel.
read one of the books from the “Narwhal” series. Lyra quickly started talking about the characters Narwhal and Jelly.
“This is my favorite [part],” Lyra said. “They go to an imaginary book. Jelly, he kind of wants to borrow the book, but when he flips the page, it’s blank. [Narwhal] is like, ‘You have to imagine it,’ and they
Strickland agreed and loved the fact Montevallo is close to home.
“Unlike a lot of people, I am 100% a homebody,” Strickland said. “I like my own bed and I like being at home. If I ever want to run home for a day to do laundry or stay the night on a weekend, I can. I’m not seven or eight hours away and only coming home on the holidays.”
Strickland will be part of a new team, but he will be familiar with a lot of
came up with the characters.”
Many of the children and parents have now connected outside the library too.
the wrestlers on the roster. While he is the only current wrestler from Wetumpka heading to Montevallo, a handful of his fellow wrestlers from the Warrior Wrestling Club in Alabaster are joining him.
Along with that, Gabe Hixenbaugh is transferring to Montevallo from Campbell. Hixenbaugh has multiple years of wrestling experience at the college level, and at the 132-pound weight class. Strickland is looking forward to hope-
It’s been word of mouth getting the message out of the Homeschool Book Club.
“I didn’t know about it,” Woods said. “When I found out about it we had to do it.”
“It gives the homeschoolers a chance to meet other homeschoolers that they might not have met,” Saylor said. “The kids have made friends that they have met through the book club. That pleases me a lot. They will come back and say, ‘Oh my gosh, so and so is on my basketball team at the Y’ or something like that.”
fully being Hixenbaugh’s wrestling partner and learning from him.
“There are a lot of guys from the club coming with me, so we’ll already have some team chemistry there immediately,” Strickland said. “That’ll be nice.”
Strickland has proven himself to be an electric and talented wrestler at the high school level. He has qualified for the state tournament all four years of high school, and he was a state placer for three of
those four seasons. This year, Strickland qualified and placed while going 40-3 in the 138pound weight class. He believes he can bring that skill directly to the college level.
“My confidence is still where it normally is,” Strickland said. “I think I can do well at the next level and compete. I love to compete and I hate to lose even more. I think I can give everyone that I wrestle my best shot.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
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gg 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 November 10, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 48 of Redland Ridge Subdivision Plat No. 1, as recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 26, at Page 40.. Property street address for informational purposes: 94 Watkins Glen Dr , Wetumpka, AL 36093. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below.
py highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at iron pin at the intersection of the West line of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter Alabama, and the South right of seconds East, along said right
seconds East, along said right thence leaving said right of way, South 00 degrees 04 minutes
y during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot No. 22, of the Broadmoor Estates Plat B Subdivision as shown by plat made by P.J. Jennings, Registered Land Surveyor, dated September 16, 1965, (Revision No. 1 dated April 6, 1966) and recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 5, at page 112.. Property street address for informational purposes: 4910 Peachtree St , Millbrook, AL 36054. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED
described property lies in the West quarter of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter County, Alabama, and contains to ingress/egress easement. According to the survey of Ron
Rose Hill Road , Millbrook, THERETO. Alabama 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 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.
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PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in
Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from November during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from 30, 2023, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from March 30, 2023 until May 11, 2023, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Freedom Mortgage Corporation, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www. tblaw.com TB File Number: 2206704
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12, 2023 22-02062
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Pemberton, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Elmore County Child Development Center at Holtville, AL. for the State of Alabama and the County of Elmore, Owner(s), and settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee and Associates, Inc. Pemberton, Inc 3075 Wetumpka Hwy Montgomery, AL 36110
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 2023 COMPLETION
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
Wetumpka Herald: 23-00594 PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Brent P. Pope, husband and wife, Stephanie L. Pope, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Home Mortgage of America, Inc., on July 20, 2012, said mortgage Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2012 Page 36682; the undersigned Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 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 25, 2023,
IN THE MATTER OF WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-031 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH, deceased, having been granted to KATHERINE A. CARATZOLA on March 27, 2023 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. KATHERINE A. CARATZOLA PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC P O BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/BRASH, W. PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2023-008 TO: NOTICE TO: OMEGA SHANDRIA GOLSTON, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE MOTHER OF G.O.G. AND NOTICE TO THE FATHER, WHOSE IDENTITY AND WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, OF G.O.G. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jesse L. Graves Jr. and Jackie Graves, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., acting solely as nominee for First Choice Loan Services, Inc., on November 26, 2012, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama,
Book 2019 Page 8095; the undersigned Freedom Mortgage Corporation, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage,
Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for Adoption
TOPHER CHARLES NIEL AND CHRISTEN HARRISON NIEL, as Petitioners, for the adoption
GA SHANDRIA GOLSTON on right to contest this adoption.
Public Notices
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to PATRICIA N. LAWRENCE as Executrix on the 24th day of March, 2023, 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.
PATRICIA N. LAWRENCE EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD SYDNEY BRODERICK, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 29, Apr. 5 and 12, 2023
JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
ROBERT M. ECHOLS, JR. 4 OFFICE PARK CIRCLE, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
A2023-008
PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE FOR BIDS 17 Springs Multi Sport Complex, Phase II
Sealed bids will be received by the Elmore County Commission and City of Millbrook (“Owner”) at 100 E Commerce Street, Suite 200, Wetumpka, AL until 10 AM local time on Thursday, April 27 th for labor, equipment, materials, and any incidentals required to complete the work required under Phase II of the 17 Springs Multi Sport Complex, Bid Inquiry 2023-PW9 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. This bid is intended to comply with the Alabama Code Title 39, the Alabama Public Works Law. Bidders shall be required to comply with the provisions of Title 39 of the Alabama Code regardless if the requirement is explicitly detailed in the bid proposal or not. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Elmore County Commission Alabama and City of Millbrook, Alabama in an amount not the amount of the bid, but in no more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. Bid Documents may be obtained digitally by submitting the Bid Documentation Request Form to the Architect. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Architect. Neither Owner or Architect will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other the Architect. Bid Document Request Form can be acquired digitally by contacting the Architect at jstaples@sslarch. com. All other questions related to this bid should be directed to this same email address. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. 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 Alabama, evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. All bidders are advised to carefully read the Instructions to Bidders contained in the Contract Documents, which provisions and requirements are adopted herein by reference. Attendance at the MANDATORY PreBid Conference IS required for this Project: The Pre-Bid Conference will be held in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL on Thursday, April 6 th , 2023 at 10:00 AM local time. An optional site visit will be held after the Pre-Bid Conference concludes. Wetumpka Herald: BIDS/PHASE II PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD SYDNEY BRODERICK, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-083 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Public Notices
gg are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
BECKY LOGAN MURCHISON
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA JOYCE LOGAN, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC
ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 29, Apr. 5 and 12, 2023 EST/LOGAN, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE
EST/BRODERICK, R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-330 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GEORGE FARRELL, JR., deceased, having been granted to LAURA LANGSTON on March 23, 2023 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.
LAURA LANGSTON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR., DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 29, Apr. 5 and 12, 2023
EST/FARRELL G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RANDALL KYLE HUDSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-082 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of Randall Kyle Hudson, deceased,, having been granted to VICKY HUDSON on March, 27, 2023 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.
VICKY HUDSON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RANDALL KYLE HUDSON, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: NICOLAS A. GUITIERREZ ATTORNEY AT LAW 2131 MAGNOLIA AVENUE, SUITE 20 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35205 205-328-2200
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023
EST/HUDSON, R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SANDRA SUE JOHNSTON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023- 079 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to KELLY GENE JOHNSTON as Executor on the 22 nd day of March 2023, 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.
KELLY GENE JOHNSTON EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF SANDRA SUE JOHNSTON, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 29, Apr. 5 and 12, 2023 EST/JOHNSTON S. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA JOYCE LOGAN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-087 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BRENDA JOYCE LOGAN, deceased, having been granted to BECKY LOGAN MURCHISON on March 24, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate
Public Notices
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR., deceased, having been granted to JESSIE SMITH McMILLION on March 29, 2023 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.
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CURTIS EDWARD MEEKS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-084 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THE ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of CURTIS EDWARD MEEKS, deceased, have been granted to DONALD MEEKS on April 5, 2023 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. DONALD MEEKS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CURTIS EDWARD MEEKS, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: HANNAH CAMPBELL AND C. BURTON DUNN DUNN & ASSOCIATES P.O. BOX 13081 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35202 hannah@dunnprobate.com burton@dunnprobate.com 205-352-4455
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12, 19 and 26, 2023 EST/MEEKS C.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEMOYNE ROBINSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-090 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LEMOYNE ROBINSON, deceased, having been granted to LAMAR ROBINSON on March 29, 2023 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.
LAMAR ROBINSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LEMOYNE ROBINSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD
WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-7373
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/ROBINSON, L.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY RAY RYALS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-097 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, Petitioners, BONNIE RYALS, KACY HALL, and ADAM
of GARY RAY RYALS, DECEASED, pursuant to Code of persons or interested parties
JESSIE SMITH McMILLION PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR., DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: REGINA EDWARDS LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/SMITH, JR. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA MAE WOODFIN, CASE NO: 2023-047 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JULIA MAE WOODFIN, deceased, having been granted to LORETTA J. WOODFIN and BEVERLY WOODFIN PUGH on the 24 th day of March, 2023 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.
LORETTA J. WOODFIN and BEVERLY WOODFIN PUGH
CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA MAE WOODFIN, DECEASED Attorney of Record for such
Co-Personal Representatives: REGINA EDWARDS LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 29, Apr. 5 and 12, 2023
EST/WOODFIN, J.
PUBLIC NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Elmore County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, hazard determinations within Elmore County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas. These may include the addition or Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designaway. Technical information or comments are solicited on determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Elmore County, Alabama and Incorporatedterminations are the basis for measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qual-ticipation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance exchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877336-2627).
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12 and 19, 2023 FIRM PUBLIC NOTICE
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA for Petitioner:
EST/RYALS G.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-030 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Public Notices
gg rights, title and interest in and to the following described property (the “Property”), to wit: Commence at the point known as the Northeast Corner of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 18 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence West 1,680.32’ to a point; thence South 2,789.08’ to an iron pin; thence South 10°58’24” West 24.31’ to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning for the herein described parcel of land (said point also located on the East Right-ofWay (180’) of U.S. Highway No. 231); thence leaving said East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway 231 South 78°57’12” East 175.00’ to a nail; thence South 10°58’24” East 170’ to a nail; thence North 78°57’12” West 175.00’ to an iron pin located on the East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway No. 231; thence along said East Rightof-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway North 10°58’24” West 170.00’ to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning. Lying and being a part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 18 East Elmore County, Alabama. Together with easements as established by the Declaration of Easement, Restrictive Covenants and Maintenance executed by Bruno’s Supermarkets, Inc. to be recorded in Elmore County, Alabama covering the following property: Lot 1 of Bruno’s subdivision as recorded in Map Book 15, Page 84 in the for Elmore County, Alabama and begin more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Lot 1; thence South 10°59’25” West a distance of 112.44 feet to a point; thence S 10°59’25” West a distance of 104.28 feet to a point; thence North 79°04’38” West a distance of 127.67 feet to a point; thence North 10°56’41” East a distance of 72.52 feet to a point; thence North 78°59’59” West a distance of 317.24 feet to a point; thence North 10°55’37” East a distance of 24.31 feet to a point; thence North 85°54’02” East a distance of 460.89 feet to the Point of Beginning. Together with the rights, this and appurtenances hereto as described in that Amended and Restated Indentures of Establishment of Protective Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Grants of Easements between Bruno’s Inc., Quentin C. Crommelin, Henry Crommelin, Jr., Sally H. Crommelin Dell, and Harriett Crommelin Roberts dated September 1, 1995 and on Roll 167, at Frames 186206. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. THE PROPERTY WILL ALSO BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, LEASES, ENCUMBRANCES, RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Payment terms are cash or cashier’s check (United States Dollars in immediately available funds) made payable to Mortgagee on the date of the public sale. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Property and to credit its bid against the expenses of sale and the obligations secured by the Mortgage. The public sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Contact David B. Hughes at (334) 241-8076 prior to attendance. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by the Mortgage as well as the expenses of collection and foreclosure. MAX CREDIT UNION Mortgagee ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEE: David B. Hughes, Esquire CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C. 150 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 241-8076 The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until April 3, 2023 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until April 27, 2023 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12, 2023 FORECLOSURE
NOTICE OF CONTINUATION OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment and performance of obligations secured by that certain Construction Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) dated December 27, 2018 executed by Premier Holdings, LLC (the “Mortgagor”) in favor of Max Credit Union (the “Mortgagee”) and recorded on January 8, 2019 in the of Elmore County, Alabama in RLPY 2019, at Page 998, the Mortgagee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance doors of the Elmore County Courthouse located at 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 on March 22, 2023 between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., all of the Mortgagor’s
Public Notices
p( er)and Edward M. Hall (Father)
You are hereby given notice that Elmore County Department of Human Resources requesting that your parental rights be terminated to NEVEAH N. HALL, born on March 26, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery, Alabama. You are hereby given notice that you are the Clerk of the Juvenile Court and with the Petitioner’s attorney, Alan H. Polson, Alabama State Department of Human Box 304000, Montgomery, Alabama 36130, within fourteen (14) days of the date of the last publication of this notice or a default judgment can be entered been set for May 17, 2023, at 1:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama. You may appear and contest the same if you choose. ELMORE COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 22, 29, Apr. 5 and 12, 2023 JU-2020-137.04 PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE 2023-4 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 2021-5 BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, as follows: SECTION 1. Section 3 (7) Ordinance No. 2021-5 adopted on the 4 th day of October, 2021 is hereby deleted and the following substituted in its place: Section 3: Regulations (7) Authorized Hours (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, Mon-
such authorized days and hours for special events and circumstances by Resolution. SECTION 2. Any former Ordi-sions of this Ordinance is hereby repealed. SECTION 3. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. Should any section, sub-section, schedule, or provision of this Ordinance for any reason be declared void or invalid, such action shall have no effect on the remaining provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall become effective upon approval and publication as required by law.
Signed: Jerry Willis, Mayor ATTEST: Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk CERTIFICATE AS TO PASSAGE I, THE UNDERSIGNED City Clerk of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing ordinance was duly approved and adopted by the Council of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, on April 3, 2023 Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk CERTIFICATE AS TO PUBLISHING I, THE UNDERSIGNED City Clerk of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing ordinance has been published in the Wetumpka Herald, Wetumpka, Alabama, as required by law. Published: Date: April 12, 2023 Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk APPROVED: Jerry Willis, Mayor
Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12, 2023
ORDINANCE 2023-4 PUBLIC NOTICE
The assessed valuations of all property in Tallapoosa County listed for taxation have been thereon such assessed valuations are in the Tax Assessor’shouse of the county to consideron the return list as required of this notice and the taxpayer shall set out in such objections item of property and his reason description of each item of propobjections to the assessed valuation as placed thereon. Eva Middlebrooks
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: Neveah Hall CASE No. JU-2020-137.04
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
TO: Madison Thompson (Moth-
Alex City Outlook: PROPERTY TAXATION LAW Put your ad here call 256.414.4250
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PANTHERS EARN PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Elmore County’s Ray battles grief in everyday life
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Nobody can be fully prepared for the grief that comes with losing a parent, but Elmore County senior Addi Ray was as prepared as possible when she lost her mom in December.
Ray’s mom, LaKeisha Tucker Ray, died December 31 after a ninemonth battle with stomach cancer. While it certainly hasn’t been easy for Addi dealing with the loss the last four months, LaKeisha prepared Addi and her brother, MJ, the best she could given the circumstances.
LaKeisha lost her father when she was 15 and wasn’t able to say goodbye due to him drowning unexpectedly while on a beach trip.
So as she was battling her cancer, LaKeisha made sure to express to Addi and MJ exactly how she dealt with the grief of losing a parent so young.
“She taught us the true reality of grief and she taught us how she coped with losing a parent young,” Addi Ray said. “She always prayed that we would never lose a parent young, but when we did, I made sure that I told her she prepared us more than any other person could be prepared for it. She taught us what it was like and how to handle it and how to not lose ourselves in the process. She was the strongest woman I’ve ever met.”
Dealing with the loss of her mom hasn’t come easy.
Ray, who has a 4.22 grade-point average and is ranked in the top five of the senior class at Elmore County, has had to balance her grief with her
academics, her senior season on the soccer team and her therapy.
She was honored for her achievements though, as she was named one of 52 regional winners in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Student Achievement category, which honors senior student-athletes who have overcome personal adversity to excel.
All regional winners receive a $3,000 scholarship and could win more when statewide winners are announced at the annual Bryant-Jordan banquet Monday in Birmingham.
She will take that scholarship money to Auburn University, where she has been accepted into the honors program.
Ray never expected to win any kind of scholarship for being an athlete, as she says she hasn’t been an athlete her entire life. She’s danced and played softball throughout her life, but she’s been on the soccer team for only her junior and senior seasons.
She also participated with the Maroon Machine band this fall, serving as an actor in their show.
“My brother has always been more of an athlete than me, so winning something based on athletics was really cool,” Ray said. “For me, the impact the award really had on everybody who got it meant a lot because I really did go through something hard with my life. When you go through something like that, it’s hard to see the good in it but this is kind of like the Lord is showing me that there will be good in everything.”
While Ray has continued to work hard and credits the study
with Christ. She developed a really close relationship with Jesus about a month before her mom died, and she knows that was the Lord’s timing and she would not get through this without him.
As she enters her last month of senior year, she is taking her grief day by day. She knows she will never get over it, but she will find better ways to deal with it. For now, however, her main frustration is the fact that her mom isn’t here to spend her senior events like this past weekend’s prom with her.
habits she’s developed over the last few years to her success, she said the school has also been extremely helpful.
LaKeisha was a teacher at ECHS and was loved by the community. When she died in December, the school was patient with Addi and MJ about their school work as they dealt with her passing.
The school put Addi’s mental health before anything, which she was appreciative for. If she missed any class work due to therapy or things like driving her mom to the hospital during her cancer battle, the school would make sure she got all the work she missed.
It made it more of a challenge, especially with Ray having soccer practice and games all throughout the spring, but she has taken advantage of senior free periods.
“It’s definitely been a challenge,”
Ray said. “But I spend a lot of my free periods working on missed school work. The school has been extremely helpful with making sure I get what I need and am still able to excel. They’ve been nothing short of great with me.”
While LaKeisha prepared Addi about the grief of losing a parent, Addi didn’t know the full extent of feeling grief until after her mom’s death.
She’s coped with the grief with therapy, which her dad, Mike, put her and MJ in back in August. Along with therapy, she’s relied on Mike and MJ as her rocks and has grown closer than ever with both of them.
More importantly, she’s developed a deeper relationship with Christ.
When people ask what keeps her going, the only firm answer she can give them is her relationship
Elmore County’s Sides puts God, academics first
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The “student” portion of student-athlete has always come first for Elmore County High School senior Courtney Sides, and her hard work is paying off in a big way.
Sides, who currently has a 4.35 grade-point average and a 33 super score on the ACT, has been named one of 52 finalists in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Scholar-Athlete category.
All regional winners receive a $3,000 scholarship and could win more when statewide winners are announced at the annual Bryant-Jordan banquet Monday in Birmingham.
“This is really just a true honor to even be considered for such a prestigious award,” Sides said. “All of the glory really belongs to God because He’s blessed me with so many opportunities which have led me to where I am today. This scholarship just opens doors to enable me to go to college and pursue the education and career he’s called me to do.”
While academics has always come first for Sides, she is involved in many extracurricular activities at ECHS.
Sides played for the Elmore County volleyball team, where she helped lead the Panthers to their 13th consecutive area title this past fall. She also ran track as a sophomore but was forced to quit after an injury limited her.
When she isn’t on the court, she shines on the speech and debate teams. She recently placed first in the Rotary Speech Competition, at which she earned another $1,000 scholarship. She’s also the president of the National Beta Club and of First Priority, a student led devotional organization. She also helped start a Fel-
“You never really think these events like prom, Senior Night or graduation would ever be sad times of your life but now they are,” Ray said. “But it’s even smaller things like a fight with a friend or something. My dad understands, but I want my mom’s perspective on them. There was nobody like her. The biggest challenge is the fact that she’s just not here and I have to come to terms with that.” Ray wants people to know her story and know her struggle with grief. She says a lot of people have gone through similar experiences and don’t know what to do. They may not have lost a parent, but they go through an experience and feel alone like she has at times the last few months. Many student-athletes with similar experiences will be honored during Monday night’s banquet in Birmingham. All 52 regional winners will be honored and will be eligible to earn more scholarship money.
Each individual region winner is eligible to compete within their class (eight finalists in Class 5A) for an additional $3,500 scholarship. The winner of each class, from 1A to 7A, is eligible to win the Overall Scholar-Athlete Award which wields an additional $4,000 scholarship.
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
Courtney Sides, who is one of 52 regional winners for the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Scholar-Athlete category, was also named Alfa’s 2022 Female Athlete of the Year at the World Games in Birmingham.
lowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the school and was selected as a representative with the AHSAA student leadership team. While serving in that role, she was selected to represent the entire state of Alabama in a national leadership summit.
“The student part of the student-athlete phrase comes first in my life,” Sides said. “I make sure I’m studying and able to excel in my school work. As a Christian, I believe I should do everything to the best of my ability to honor God. So I do that in my academics and my sports. I enjoy being the best student and best person I can be.”
It’s tough to balance all of the extracurricular activities Sides has with her relationship with Christ and her schoolwork, but she has a prioritized list.
First and foremost, her first priority is her relationship with Christ. She said her relationship with Christ is everything she has and is everything she is. Second is her family, who come before anything to do with school.
Third on her priority list is her schoolwork, and she makes sure every afternoon she gets her studies done. Sides wants to excel in the classroom before she even thinks about athletics.
When she feels she is in a good spot academically, she turns her sights to the volleyball court.
“I don’t want to be distracted because I’m not doing well in class,” Sides said. “Once my academics are lined up, I can be the best athlete I can be. In athletics, we aren’t really competing with the person beside us. We are trying to be better than the person we were before. So I really just make sure my academics are in-line so I can be the best athlete I can be.”
Sides’ hard work has paid off, and she will be taking her scholarship money to the University of Mobile to major in nursing. Her plan is to achieve a bachelor’s degree then study to be a nurse anesthetist.
“I want to be in the waiting room with patients and able to talk to them and pray with them before their procedures,” Sides said. “I want to deal with pharmacology and chemistry, but I love connections and relationships so I want to deal with people.”
Sides will have the chance to earn more scholarship money during Monday night’s banquet in Birmingham.
Each individual region winner is eligible to compete in his or her class (eight finalists) for an additional $3,500 scholarship. The winners of each class, from 1A to 7A, are eligible to win the Overall Scholar-Athlete Award which wields an additional $4,000 scholarship.
Elmore County senior Addi Ray, right, poses with her late mother, LaKeisha Tucker Ray. Addi has been selected as a regional winner of a Bryant-Jordan Scholarship.