Wetumpka Herald April 24 2024

Two Publix set to open mid-summer in Elmore County

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Holtville High School basketball coach

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

A

New grocery store options for residents of Millbrook and Wetumpka are scheduled to open soon. Both stores started construction about the same time. Charlie Trotman with The Trotman Company announced Publix com -

Elmore

Wilson

ing to U.S. 231 South in Wetumpka around Christmas in 2022. Millbrook officials joined Publix officials for a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2023 in western Elmore County. Trotman said the Wetumpka location is set to open mid-July. City of Millbrook economic development director Ann Harper said a similar time

intendent Richard Dennis.

frame is expected for the opening of Publix on Highway 14. At the moment, information about other retailers is limited. Moore Company’s Gene Cody is handling leasing for retailers beyond Publix in the Wetumpka development.

“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary

Quality of life projects to begin in fall

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Work to install new artificial turf fields in Eclectic, Holtville and Tallassee will begin in earnest in October as part of the Phase 2 Quality of Life projects funded by the Elmore County Commission. All of the work is on property owned by the Elmore County Board of

investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on adminis trative leave at that time.”

Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.

“We can currently

“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”

it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail

said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assis-

Education and Tallassee City Schools. Elmore County superintendent Richard Dennis said there was a meeting of county and school officials last week to project a timeline for the work.

Engineering and surveying work is currently underway to allow the bid process to be completed by the beginning

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.

“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each

They’re Coming

Main Street America to visit Wetumpka as part of national conference

Police

FUN FOR ALL AT THE ABILITY GAMES

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Cheers and laughter were the order of the day for the Elmore County Public Schools Fourth Annual Ability Games.

Kickball, chess and basketball were just some of the activities planned for some of Elmore County’s most special students.

around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.

kids to be the center of the show. They come out and support their classmates on Friday nights or any other day with a ball game. It is their day to have their time.”

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

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.

students we do it,” Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson said. Mann said, “Other than a few challenges they have, they just want to have fun. They just want their moment to shine.”

Benton didn’t want to speculate on the

Volunteers and sponsors love the ability games as well.

Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year

Report

Staff

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Many say imitation is the best form of flattery.

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals

(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.

If that’s the case, a bus load of Main Street professionals are on the way to learn how local leaders and volunteers led efforts to revitalize downtown Wetumpka.

Main Street America is coming to town as part of its national conference in Birmingham next month.

“They are touring select cities within 90 miles,” Main Street Wetumpka executive

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed

The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

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

“This is a huge event that we love to do every year,” Elmore County Schools chief schools financial officer Jason Mann said. “It allows these

Even before arriving at the Wetumpka Sports Complex the event was significant. Pep walks greeted students as they loaded the buses, and in Millbrook, the police department even gave the buses a police escort, complete with lights and sirens.

“Anytime we can do something special for the

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

See SHOOTING, Page A3

“The Ability Games is great for all involved, especially our special needs students here in Elmore County,” Elmore County Board of Education vice-chair Michael

See GAMES, Page A7

WILSON

FUTURAL

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI Publix will open in July in Wetumpka. Developers said Tropical Smoothie Cafe will join it. Other retailers are in the works. Publix will also open this summer in Millbrook.

Millbrook makes multiple arrests for auto theft

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Three teenagers have already been arrested for first-degree theft and more arrests are expected in Millbrook.

A vehicle was involved in an automobile crash before it was reported stolen from a Millbrook business on Main Street. Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson said the owner of the car reported the car as stolen April 9.

“The victim stated that she’d left her vehicle at the business to have repair work done,” Johnson said. “When

LONG JACKSON JETER

she went to retrieve the vehicle, it was discovered that it had been stolen.”

Police obtained surveillance camera footage and found several subjects entered the business property April 5. They entered the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox and found keys inside the vehicle.

“The surveillance video

captured the individuals leaving the business in the victim’s vehicle,” Johnson said.

Investigators identified three of those in the video. April 9, the same day of the theft complaint, Bunny B. Jackson III, 18, of Millbrook was arrested and charged with first-degree theft. Within one week, Terry Orlando Log II, 18, and Brandon T. Jeter, 18, both of Millbrook, were arrested on the same charge.

All were transported to the Elmore County Jail. According to court records, Jackson posted a $10,000 bond. Long posted a $20,000 bond. Jeter also posted bond.

Authorities are working to identify the others in the video of the theft.

“I would encourage the other young men involved to do the right thing and turn themselves into law enforcement,” Johnson said. “As in most cases, this was a crime born of opportunity, committed by young people with no idea or concern for the consequences of their actions.”

Another drug arrest at Staton

By TPI STAFF Staff Report

More drugs were located at a state prison in Elmore County.

Alabama Department of Corrections staff at Staton Correctional Facility noticed a suspicious vehicle on prison property

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE

DEPARTMENT

APRIL 15

• Criminal mischief and burglary were reported on Green Street.

early Friday morning.

“They located the vehicle, detained the driver and discovered a suspicious package,” ADOC said in a release.

Chasity Cox, 25, of Mobile was arrested and taken to the Elmore County Jail. According to jail records,

Ridge Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

Cox was charged with trafficking a controlled substance, trafficking marijuana and promoting prison contraband. She has a $3,030,000 bond available to her.

An investigation continues into the incident and there could be additional charges. COX

Tallassee Drive.

APRIL 17

• A domestic incident was reported on Floyd Lane.

• Property damage was reported on Friendship Road.

requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue. APRIL 15

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

or go online to

APRIL 13

• Domestic violence was reported on Barnes Court.

TALLASSEE POLICE

DEPARTMENT

APRIL 21

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• Breaking and entering of a vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was on Cotton Ridge Road.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

April 20

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Highway 14.

• A welfare check was conducted on South Wesson Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Caldwell Street.

• A Black male was arrested on Dark Corners Road.

• A Black female was arrested on Kent Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Cotton

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Ransom Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Washington Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard. APRIL 19

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Gunfire was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Burglary was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Jefferson Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Alber Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

APRIL 18

• A noise complaint was reported on First Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Theft was reported on Indian Trail.

• Harassing communications was reported on South

• A missing person was reported on Clover Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Weldon Road.

• Property damage was reported on Highway 229.

APRIL 16

• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Hunters Ridge.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to another agency on South Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on East Roosevelt Street.

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

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Kent Road.

• Animal control was requested on Clay Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Fourth Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was

• An animal complaint was reported on Orchard Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Orchard Drive and Seventh Street.

• A vehicle blocking the roadway was reported on Upper River Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• Property damage was reported on Friendship Road.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Recreation Center Drive.

• A shooting was reported on Third Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue. APRIL 14

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Second Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Ashurst Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Herd Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Volunteers are the heart of the shelter

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week and we certainly want all of our volunteers to know how much we appreciate them. While our staff has animal care needs covered, our volunteers help in so many other areas that keep us going.

Our single largest income source is our Tail’s End Thrift Store which is run entirely by volunteers and we can never thank them enough. Our thrift store volunteers work incredibly hard receiving donations, processing and getting donations ready for sale, and/or manning the sales desk. It takes a lot of physical work and time to keep our thrift store going and are indebted to each and every volunteer who make our thrift store possible.

Our board of directors are all volunteers who take on the responsibility of ensuring the financial health of and the future of our shelter and work tire-

lessly behind the scenes. We so appreciate their hard work and representation of our shelter throughout the community.

Volunteers who help us exercise the dogs at the shelter get lots of doggy kisses and muddy footprints and their dedication helps ensure the physical and mental health of our dogs - we are indebted to their willingness to get down and dirty by spending time with our dogs.

Fosters are also invaluable volunteers who save lives by bringing young and old, scared and shy pets into their homes until they are ready to find those new and forever homes.

Fostering is simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking work as all fosters fall in love with fostered pets and then cry happy tears when they go on to new lives with loving families. Our fosters are side by side partners with our staff as we all work to help pets to new and better second lives.

Our volunteer photographers help us get our

adoptable pets seen by a virtually unlimited pool of candidates as their photos are posted and shared all over the internet. We can promise that our pet adoptions are hugely successful because of their talent and dedication to doing all it takes to get those adorable and eye-catching photos of sometimes less than cooperative clients.

Volunteers also help us by helping at off-site adoption events, by helping with the setup and running of Shelter events and so much more. Reality is that as a non-profit organization, our Volunteers are simply invaluable to us. Please during this National Volunteer Appreciation Week know how much we appreciate everyone who volunteers their time to help not only our Shelter but any organization in need of help. Our hats are off to volunteers everywhere!

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

is an 18-pound male Terrier mix, who is not quite 9 years old. He’s black with distinguished gray features. He was found as a stray but the owner never responded. Sydney is good with children and good with other dogs though can be a bit bossy at times and we think he is housetrained. He was heartworm positive but completed his treatment earlier this month so is now ready to go. Like all dogs, he has to be kept on heartworm prevention without fail or he can get them all over again! 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 334-5673377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.

Commission checks box for charter school

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Ivy Classical Academy is one step closer to getting a $45 million bond after a meeting of the Elmore County Commission Monday.

The commission approved the bonds under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act and the repayment of the bonds will not happen with taxpayer money.

“There is no debt obligation of any county or municipality in this,” county attorney Jeff Courtney said.

“The purpose of the bonds is to finance a charter school.”

Ivy Classic Academy is the borrower in the case of the bonds and no government entity is a co-signer. The action was needed because of the non-profit status.

The school is being constructed in the Pinnacle Shopping Center in the

Elmore County portion of Prattville. It is set to open in the fall and will take on up to 600 students.

Ivy Classical has already gone through the Elmore County Board of Education for its role in charter schools in Alabama.

The commission recognized the members of the Stanhope Elmore High School FCCLA including seniors Lorin McElrath, Mea Smith and Samantha Wilson for winning the 2024 FCCLA State Championship in Event Management. They will go on to compete in nationals in Seattle.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

• Approved a resolution declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

• Approved a resolution declaring April as Fair Housing Month.

• Approved minutes of the April 11 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants for the period of March 30 to April 12 in the amount of $6,505,451.68.

• Set a public hearing for a special events retail alcohol license application for the Black Jacket Symphony by JROK Inc. at Lake Martin Amphitheater for 5 p.m., Monday, May 13.

• Authorized the commission chair to execute a 911 dispatch agreement with the City of Millbrook.

• Approved a resolution to widen, level, resurface and traffic stripe Fitzpatrick Road between Highways 14 and 143.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 13.

Summer feeding to return to Elmore County Schools

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The summer feeding program will continue after the Elmore County Board of Education approved bids at last week’s meeting.

The only issue is the USDA is changing requirements for reimbursement for both breakfast and lunch meals. Many of the food options are required to be individually packaged especially for curbside pickup.

“It is requiring more retail type packaging that we don’t have access to through our current bids, nor our current distributors,” Elmore County Child Nutrition Program (CNP) director Cacye Davis said.

“We had to work with the distributors to get these.”

To prevent duplicate feeding, the USDA will no longer allow curbside distribution and onsite feeding to happen at the same location.

For the curbside program, the system gets

reimbursed $8.19 per child per day for a breakfast and lunch combination. Over a 10 day period the food costs are about $45. The remainder of the funding is used to cover labor and overhead. Any profits in the summer feeding program are shifted to other costs within CNP during the school year. The extra funds cover CNP costs the system would normally use general funds to cover.

The school board also handled other items on the meeting agenda. Superintendent Richard Dennis asked the board to approve a one-time $1,000 supplement for a softball coach at Redland Middle School.

Dennis explained schools sometimes raise funds for a coach such as through a booster program. These supplements do not appear on the supplement schedule approved by the board.

Just seven years ago Elmore County Schools was paying about $500,000 in supplements. That has

grown to nearly $1 million.

“Over the last few years the supplement list has grown to include not only the coaches and band directors but fine arts, coordinator groups such as grade level or department chair with extra assignments,” Dennis said. “Those come from general funds.”

Dennis said the system has to save money in other places. With CNP making a profit in summer feeding, that allows funds from the general fund to be used in supplements.

Maxwell Air Force Base liaison Robert Richards informed the board that every school in the district is a Purple Star School, which means they have programs in place to help military students transition into the community.

Three parents and concerned citizens ask the board to reinstate Elmore County High School band director Zach Smith. Smith’s contract was not renewed by the board.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:

• Approved minutes of the March 19 meeting.

• Approved the March monthly financial report.

• Approved facility use agreements at Redland Middle School, Holtville High School and Millbrook Middle School.

• Approved a pressure washing bid in the amount of $19,600.

Boone, Chairman

Kenneth

Tippy Hunter, General Manager Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor

Page A4 • April 24, 2024

CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

CLitter detracts from tourism

lean up — just two simple words, but I’ve heard them since childhood. Sometimes I’ve been good at it, but other times — well, not so much.

Last weekend, I volunteered to pick up after others and what I found astounded me. Dirty diapers, tires, bottles, styrofoam littered the streets. In a matter of two hours, about 10 of us cleaned up 2 miles of roadway. Just a few days prior, the Elmore County Commission held its annual spring cleanup, and more than 30 groups similar to mine picked up litter throughout the county. These types of cleanups are great, but they shouldn’t be necessary.

Why are we even finding these things on the roadside? Is it because it’s convenient to throw it out right then and there?

It’s too easy to find garbage cans these days; they are everywhere. Almost every parking lot I have been to has one — gas stations and restaurants, too. So why throw it out on the roads?

I think the answer lies somewhere between entitlement and laziness.

The worst trashy spots are almost always secluded, out of sight and out of mind. Laziness is at play here. No one wants to be bothered by carrying a small bag for a few minutes to their next stop to properly dispose.

You might ask how entitlement comes into play. Some of the litter comes from truck beds. I’m guilty of this myself. I don’t want the partially empty drink bottle to leak inside, so I place it in the back. On more than one occasion the bottle has gone missing.

But this is something we can do differently; we all have to do our parts to control litter on the roadside, and usually that means just a few simple measures.

What’s your

See LITTER, Page A5

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Making new friends as an adult is the pits. Try doing it completely sober and without the crutch of, “Let’s go grab a drink” you can easily pull out at any time.

When I moved to Alabama in 2017, I didn’t know a single soul. The only people I had even met were those I was going to be working with, so I certainly didn’t have any “friends.” And although I seem like an extrovert, I can be very shy when it comes to meeting new people.

That’s worn off a lot now that I’ve been in journalism so long, and you meet new people every day. But in the setting of trying to forge new friendships, I can turn into a blubbering idiot — or at least that’s how I feel.

But I quickly learned something about the South: it wasn’t going to be hard to find good people. The only issue in a small town is everyone knows everyone and everyone’s known everyone for forever, and you’re the new kid on the block.

One piece of advice I can give is get involved. Getting involved

The Wetumpka Word

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

with some groups and organizations in town has really helped me forge a friend group and people I can call on when I need them the most.

Lake Martin Young Professionals is a great group to get involved with if you’re looking for other like-minded people. I sit on the board for LMYP, and we host Strand Sessions throughout the summer as well as several other events during the year. Most of our events are free to attend, and we’re always looking for new members. Millbrook also has a young professionals organization.

Black Business Council and the Women’s Entrepreneur Alliance. place right now after the HGTV season a few years ago, and it just hosted its annual Coosapalooza, which was a beer tasting event. with is the Lake Martin Area United Way, which is all about giving back to the community you live in. United Way partners with 26 agencies in the tri-county area, all of which have specific missions of giving back to local people in one way or another. strong as is Dadeville’s Kiwanis Club, and these are just a few of the amazing groups and nonprof its we have in our area. endar for events galore as well, and just go to a few. Get your name out there. Eventually in a small town, you’ll

LMYP is an offshoot of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, which is another organization that’s always looking for volunteers and ambassadors. The chamber hosts monthly events throughout the year and hosts many different groups like the

The cover of TIME magazine said it all: “An American Tragedy,” superimposed over Orenthal James Simpson’s mugshot. Last week, O.J. Simpson died at the age of 76. The streaming service Netflix has added a look back at Simpson’s life and career, from childhood to record-setting football career to life as a celebrity actor. And, of course, his infamous murder trial.

It’s a long way from his storied NFL years to a car chase through Los Angeles that became the most gripping Friday night of television in the 1990s, but this documentary shares the whole story – and it is, indeed, an American tragedy.

“O.J.: Made in America” is an Academy Award-winning feature directed by Ezra Edelman. It won the Oscar for Best Documentary film in 2017. And while some may be disgusted at the glamorization of Simpson in the first two episodes of the five-part series, it cannot be denied that the man possessed tremendous athletic ability as well as a disarming charisma that made him a media darling and a pop culture hero of the 1970s.

Simpson will always be remembered as one of the greatest running backs of all time. He won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football at the University of Southern California. He became a first-round draft pick selected by the Buffalo Bills in 1969. He stayed with the Bills for nine seasons and led the NFL

‘An American Tragedy’

in rushing yards four times. He also led the league in rushing touchdowns and points scored.

“The Juice” became the first NFL player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season and holds the record for single season yardsper-game average at 143!

In archival footage as well as interviews with people who were there to witness it: O.J. was truly something else. His personality and smile lit up the television screen, while his amazing skills as a football player lit up the scoreboard. He was a hero to a generation or two of football fans, and was by far the face of the NFL in the ‘70s. When he retired from the San Francisco 49ers in 1979, he was back in his home state and ready to conquer the world of media. He became a sportscaster and commentator, dabbled in acting, and was famously a pitchman for Hertz rental cars.

All of that goodwill came to an end on a Friday night in June, 1994. After Simpson ran away from police in his friend’s Ford Bronco, he was charged with, and arrested for, the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The “trial of the century” began in January 1995 and ran through October of that year, all along exposing fissures

in race relations.

O.J. was acquitted at the conclusion of the criminal trial but found liable for the murders in a civil suit two years later. The documentary does not shy away from the gore of the crime scene, nor the terrible details of what happened to Nicole and Ron.

The media circus that surrounded Robert Kardashian, Kato Kaelin, Marsha Clark, F. Lee Bailey, Robert Shapiro, Johnnie Cochran, Judge Samuel Ito, and all the other characters is also featured.

After a decade out of the spotlight, Simpson found himself in trouble again in 2008 when he was charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. He was convicted and sentenced to prison, where he served at Lovelock Correctional Facility in Nevada. The documentary shows footage of Simpson in a parole hearing, discussing how much he enjoyed coaching his fellow inmates on the prison football team and, in typical fashion, named certain players he credited with good ability and character.

The documentary series flashes back to times in O.J.’s past, in which the handsome, smiling sports hero charmed interviewers everywhere with his graceful behavior as he recognized his teammates for their successes. In the end, it truly is – and was – an American tragedy.

“OJ: Made in America” is now the #1 rated streaming program on Netflix.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Beer galore at Coosapalooza

Continued from A4

More and more people are coming to visit this area, and they are coming to visit our natural beauty. Out on Company Street in Wetump -

ka, I have seen license plates from New Hampshire, Minnesota, Kansas, Oregon and Alaska in the lat week alone. Tallassee’s Grove Station keeps a board marking where visitors are from, and around Lake Martin, I have tracked planes coming into

Alexander City from Vail, Colorado, Naples, Florida and more.

These guests are coming here because they find things attractive. They are spending money and paying sales taxes. They are helping the local economy.

CommunityCalendar

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

But what happens if the tourists start to become disheartened by the litter? They might leave and tell their friends, “Hey, it’s time to find another place to visit.”

Don’t let litter detract from the beauty that is the River Region; it could cost

us more than just some trash on the roads.

Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff.williams@ thewetumpkaherald.com.

High School School and will close out with performances. The cost is $100.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

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

arrive on Saturday, May 18.

ART SHOW: The Wetumpka Downtown Artists will host an art show on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

ONGOING

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

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

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

SATURDAY, MAY 4

CEMETERY TOUR: The Elmore County Historical Society is hosting its annual Wetumpka Cemetery Tour starting at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the Wetumpka Public Library and the Wetumpka City Administration Building.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

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

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.

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

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

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

MAY 11-12

DRIVING MS DAISY: The Wetumpka Depot Players are performing Driving Ms. Daisy just in time for Mothers Day May 11-12. Tickets are $18 and available at wetumpkadepot.com

SATURDAY, MAY 18

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to

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

THURSDAY, MAY 30

IVY’S GALA: Ivy’s Closet will be hosting a gala from 6 to 8 p.m. May 30 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. There will be live music and a silent auction.

MAY 30-JUNE 1

HONK JR.: The Penguins at the Wetumpka Depot are performing Honk Jr. May 30 to June 1 at the Depot. It is a heartwarming celebration of being different. Tickets are $18 and available at wetumpkadepot.com.

JUNE 1 - JUNE 28

NATIONAL EXHIBITION: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in downtown Wetumpka is hosting the 83rd Annual Watercolor Society of Alabama national exhibition from June 1 to June 28. The juried watercolor competition will feature state and national artists.

JUNE 24-29

THEATRE CAMP: The Stanhope Elmore Mustang Players are hosting a theater camp for students in the Millbrook area from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 24-29 at Stanhope Elmore

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka. OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

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

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.

fundraiser of

year was another huge success as Coosapalooza brought hundreds to the area to try out beers from around the area.

LITTER

VISIT

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director Haley Greene said.

This year’s conference has more registrants than ever before, and one group will be visiting Wetumpka while others will head to places like Anniston and Oxford. On May 5, about 50 professionals including directors, staff and leaders connected to Main Street will visit Wetumpka to learn about its success.

GAMES

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Morgan said. “We have had anything from the pep walks at the local schools that are equivalent to athletes leaving for a state championship game to the games themselves. It is just a great event for everyone to be a part of.”

PROJECTS

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of September.

“We will have people from the city who will help explain what we did and the process we followed,” Greene said. “Here a group of volunteers got together and saw potential for downtown Wetumpka. They wanted to breathe life back into downtown Wetumpka.”

Greene hopes the tour bus bringing the guests is small enough to cross the Bibb Graves Bridge.

“That is an iconic view of Wetumpka when entering down -

Planning started in the fall as sponsorships were sought to help fund the inflatables and as games were decided upon. The nearly six-month notice is also needed to make sure special guests can schedule a visit with the Ability Games.

“Being able to be cheered on by Aubie and Big Al and all

“It would likely start with the diamond fields,” Dennis said. “The work will start in October. After football season ends, they will start work on football fields at Eclectic and Holtville.”

In the case of Elmore County and Holtville high schools, the plan is to have the baseball and softball fields replaced in time for the 2025 season.

Replacing the football fields could interfere with the soccer season. Tallassee superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin is already in the planning stages for not having a home field for the first part of the season at J.E. ‘Hot’ O’Brien Stadium.

“We are looking at reaching out to a community to use as a temporary home for home games,” Nolin said.

Soccer teams at Holtville and Elmore County will be in similar situations. Nolin said the extra fields at 17 Springs, Hohenberg Field and the Wetumpka Sports Complex

PUBLIX

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announce Tropical Smoothie will be opening up,” Cody said. “We have some other leads, possible leases out for negotiation. There is nothing we can make public yet.”

town from the west,” Greene said. “I really hope they get to experience it.” Greene has stops planned at the farmer’s market, The Kelly and the courthouse. Then the guest will have time to walk downtown.

“It is a Sunday and we are encouraging businesses to open a couple hours that day,” Greene said. “These are Main Street people who like to visit downtowns, eat and shop. They love local things.”

these mascots, I love to give them this day and opportunity to experience this,” Mann said. “. Games and activities are centered around them and what their abilities are. They are given the ability to excel.”

The Ability Games are special for the students taking part in them. The smiles are

could all be options for the three schools to host games.

Nolin isn’t worried about the scheduling.

“We just finished building a high school and having a temporary campus for two years,” Nolin said. “This will be easy.”

The Elmore County Commission has pledged $2.5 million to resurface the field in Tallassee as well as the adjacent practice field. The commission has pledged $4.5 million in Eclectic and also in Holtville to replace the football and baseball fields. None of this funding comes from education budgets. Another $7.5 million has been pledged by the commission to construct a new recreation center in Tallassee. The projects were identified through a survey process last year.

Dennis said he will go back to the board of education to get approval for smaller additional projects as the work was finalized.

“There is some work that needs to be done at the Eclectic baseball field in conjunction with the north end zone of the football field,” Dennis said.

Cody said Tropical Smoothie should open about the same time as Publix. Buildout for other buildings should be completed by mid-summer as well.

“Hopefully by then we can make some announcements about others coming,” Cody said.

apparent everywhere — including the volunteers beaming in delight to see everyone happy.

“To give everyone the chance to see and grow here is a great opportunity,” Mann said. “If you can’t feel the passion and support these kids have and the fun on this field, you are not paying attention.”

“The county will not fund the entire thing, but we are looking at pitching in some there to help finish out the project in Eclectic.”

Similar work will be involved in moving bleachers and demolition of a wall at the football field at Holtville.

As the current surveying and design is ongoing, Elmore County Schools will also look at projects further down the road that could be impacted.

“If it would make things more suitable for us long term, we will come back to the board with that,” Dennis said.

Nolin sees the field replacement as a savings instrument for Tallassee city Schools as the fields will require less maintenance than grass and allow more play. In Tallassee the varsity, JV and middle school football and soccer teams use the fields. The Tallassee Youth Football League uses the fields as well.

“We don’t have to worry about the field being a mud pit after soccer season or football season,” Nolin said. “We don’t have to irrigate it. It will lower a lot of the cost.”

In Millbrook, there are currently no announcements about retailers in the 6,000 square feet of space adjoining Publix or the two approximately 1-acre outparcels. The grocery store is about 47,000 square feet. The entire development is just under 15 acres.

In Wetumpka, the Tropical Smoothie will be located in part of the 7,000 square feet of space outside of the 48,000 square feet grocery store. The Wetumpka City Council just approved the off premises retail beer and wine licenses for Publix.

2024 JOE SEWELL AWARD FINALISTS

Mississippi, where he plans to major in exercise science. He was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate winner. He is the son of Brandon and Valerie Barrett.

Brown is a volleyball, basketball, track and field and softball player at Edgewood. She is a member of Heritage Baptist Church and is involved with the nursery, volleyball camp, small group and Operation Christmas Child. Brown also was on the volleyball state championship team, and she earned multiple Player of the Year and All-Star awards. She was also an AAU national champion, and she is a school record holder on the basketball team, where she also won a state championship. She was named Player of the Year in basketball also. She is involved with the National Honor Society, SGA and serves as Class President. Brown plans to attend University of Alabama playing volleyball and is the Competitive Admissions Scholarship, Presidential National Housing Scholarship and Prestige Scholarship recipient. Daughter of Shane and Kim Brown, Brown was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner and aspires to be a physical therapist.

Holden is a member of the cross country team and track. He also is a cross country state meet participant, Team Captain and Indoor and Outdoor State Track Meet participant. Holden attends Mulder Church where he is a Vacation Bible School Leader, Elmore County Cleanup Participant, involved with Operation Christmas Child, Muscle Monday, Praise Team Guitarist and Youth Group Activities, Strength to Stand and has been involved with Mission Trips. Holden also is a part of Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, FCA and First Priority Small Group Leader. Son of DJ Mara Holden, he will be attending Auburn University at Montgomery for Exercise Science, is committed to the Cross Country and Track team and is a Vice Principal Scholarship recipient.

The son of Richard and Rebecca Bosch, Bosch plays soccer and wrestles for Tallassee. He is a member of the Whitfield Memorial United Methodist Church, where he helps with the Easter Meditation event and other church fundraisers. A ninth-grade Joe Sewell winner, Bosch is a member of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Robotics Club and Scholar’s Bowl. He is the treasurer of the National Honor Society and attended Boys State. He is a Tallassee Chamber Ambassador and attended the U.S. Naval Academy’s summer program. He is a presidential scholarship recipient at UAB and is enlisted in the Alabama National Guard.

The son of Felicia Brown, Brown plays football, basketball and track. He was named All Region, All County and 2022 Comeback Football Player of the Year. Brown also attends Vessel Church, where he serves as a Youth Group Leader. Brown is involved with Beta Club, serves on the Executive Board, is Student Council Class Representative, is a part of National English Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. Brown has been a Four-Year Class President and Prom King. Brown plans to attend Central Alabama Community College to pursue an Education degree and was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Daughter of Lester and Ayena Jackson, Jackson is a part of the cheer team as co-captain and attends Goodship Missionary Baptist Church where she’s involved with the Praise Dance, Hospitality, Usher, Media, Charity Ministries and Youth Choir. Jackson was named UCA All-American and received the Pin It Forward Award. She also is part of the National English, Science (VP), and Spanish (VP) Honor Societies, Mu Alpha Theta (VP), Elmore County DYW Scholastic Scholarship recipient, Girls State director, FCCLA treasurer, Class President, STARR Coalition President and Junior Civitan. Jackson is involved with Youth Leadership Elmore County, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and is a Millbrook Chamber Ambassador. She plans to attend University of Alabama for nursing with the Prestige Scholarship, Alabama Girls State Scholarship and Presidential National Housing Scholarship. Jackson was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner as well.

LeMaster is on the football, basketball, track and field and baseball teams. He was awarded The Wetumpka Herald Two Way Football Player of the Year, All State, Metro, and County, tied for most interceptions in Elmore County in 2022 and most interceptions in Elmore County in 2023, AISA All Star and part of the state championship basketball team. LeMaster attends Centerpoint Fellowship Church and is involved with National Honor Society, Beta Club, Academic Top 10% Award, Scholars Bowl and Math Team. He has been a volunteer with Community Cleanup, Pee Wee game, Football and Basketball Youth Camp. The son of Kreg and Stacy LeMaster, he was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. LeMaster is enlisted in the Military Space Force focused on cyberwarfare.

Mason is on the basketball and track & field teams. She is the daughter of Tracey and James Mason. She attends Grace Baptist Church where she has volunteered for vacation Bible School, Operation Christmas Child, Strength to Stand Conferences, Bible Trivia Night and Women’s Painting Ministry. In sports, Mason has been selected to the all county basketball team and all tournament basketball team. She was also a state track qualifier. Mason is the Beta Club treasurer, National English Honor Society vice president, Mu Alpha Theta vice president and a Panther Ambassador. She was a member of Youth Leadership Elmore County, Elmore County Republican Committee Scholarship recipient and a Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Youth Tour member. Mason was awarded the Auburn University at Montgomery, Outstanding Scholars Award for Biology.

Morris is a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church where she helps with Winter Weekend/Passion Camps, vacation Bible School, See You at the Pole and Bible studies at School. She is a cheerleader and Morris has been selected as a UCA All-American, UCA Pin It Forward Award, Honorary Cheer Camp Captain, Izell Brown Award-highest GPA for female athlete and received an UCA Staff tryout invitation. Morris is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and University of Alabama Early College. She is on the Director’s List and Peer Panelist, Mu Alpha Theta, Outstanding Forestry and French Student of the Year, senior class president, Junior Civitan vice president, Future Health Professionals vice president and Leaders of the Pack secretary. Morris received the University of Alabama, Prestige Scholarship, Nursing and is the daughter of Leeann Chavers and the late Brad Morris.

The son of Brad and Deborah Mason, Mason plays baseball and runs cross country. He attends First Baptist Church Tallassee where he is involved with FUGE Camps, Strength to Stand Conference, bible study, VBS leader and is a nursery/children’s activities volunteer. Mason was awarded the Baseball Academic, Attitude, and Pitching Awards and was a State Cross Country Qualifier. He is involved with the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Key Club Vice-President, Leo Club Secretary, Boys State and Scholars Bowl. He also is a Association of Christians in Tallassee for Service Volunteer, participates in blood drives, Nursing Home and Manna Ministry. Mason is a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. He is committed to playing baseball at Huntingdon College where he is a James W. Wilson, Jr. Scholarship recipient and will study physical therapy.

McElrath is the daughter of Frederick and Temeyra McElrath. She attends Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church where she is the Youth Sunday School secretary. At church McElrath is part of the media, youth, usher, praise and dance ministries. At Stanhope she is a cheerleader where she has served as captain and co-captain and named UCA All American. McElrath is a member of the National Science, English and Spanish Honor Societies and Mu Alpha Theta, National. She is a Science Foundation Outstanding Student, National Society of High School Scholar, Girls State officer, First Priority vice president, Student 2 Student president and SGA secretary. She was selected as a member of Youth Leadership Elmore County. McElrath was a Black History Essay Winner and Millbrook Chamber Ambassador. She attended the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Conference. McElrath was awarded the Auburn University, Spirit of Auburn Scholarship for Bio-Medical/Pre-Medicine. She was also a ninth grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Mullino is a cheerleader at Wetumpka High School where she serves her team as captain. She was named Best All-Around Cheerleader by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, and received the All-American title. She is a member of First Baptist Church Wetumpka, and serves as an adult and youth praise team member, a youth leadership team member, youth group member, care leader, Light of Village volunteer, VBS volunteer, Serve Day volunteer and a member of Strength to Stand. Mullino is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta where she serves as historian, theatre guild, Diamond Dolls and Distributive Education Clubs of America. She serves her class as vice-president. She is involved with Youth City League Cheer, Read Across America and volunteers for the local food pantry. In 9th grade, Mullino was awarded the Joe Sewell certificate. She is a recipient of the Spirit of Auburn Scholarship, and will attend Auburn University to study nursing. She is the daughter of Ray and Vicki Mullino.

Reed Hall Owen, Edgewood Academy

Son of Brad and Bron Owen, Owen is an upcoming student at Auburn University where he will use his Fearless and True scholarship to pursue a degree in engineering. He is involved in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Scholars Bowl Team, Math Competition Team and he tutors students in physics and calculus. Outside of academics, Owen has volunteered for the local food pantry, fall festival, animal shelter and Operation Christmas Child. He is an active member of Mulder Church. Owen is a member of the AISA State Basketball Championship team, and he serves the third-place AISA State Chamption Track Team as captain. Along with track and basketball, Owens is also a member of the football team.

Patterson is a member of First United Church Tallassee where he serves as a church acolyte, church ambassador and a member of the Teach Team. He teaches vacation bible school and volunteers for the fall festival. Patterson is a member of the baseball, cross country and wrestling teams. He is a state track qualifier, and a wrestling state runner-up. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, and represented his school at Boy’s State. He is the treasurer of Leo and Key Clubs. Patterson is an ambassador of the Tallassee Chamber, and coaches Tallassee Youth League Softball. He will attend Troy University where he will study sports management under the Trojan Leadership Scholarship. In 9th grade, Patterson won the Joe Sewell certificate. He is the son of Kyle Patterson and Amanda Glasscock.

Aidan Joseph Perry, Holtville High School

Perry will attend Troy University where he will study accounting. He is the recipient of the Troy University Chancellor’s and Troy Legacy Scholarship. He is involved in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Society of High School Scholars, Leaders of the Pack and Bulldog Ambassadors. He is a recipient of the James Chrietzberg Award, and received the Joe Sewell Certificate when he was in ninth grade. Perry is a member of the baseball, football and wrestling teams. He is a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he serves as an altar server, cross bearer and greeter. Within his church he is involved in youth group, Faith Formation, bible study, youth camps, trunk or treat and parish picnics. He is the son of John and April Perry.

Price is a member of the softball and volleyball teams. She is the recipient of All State and All County softball awards, and a Softball Leadership Award. She was named Pitcher of the Year and Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year. She will continue her softball career at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College on an athletic scholarship.

Price plans to study secondary science education. She is involved in Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and Junior Civitan where she served as president and treasurer. She was the president of FCA and FTA. Her other leadership roles include serving Leader of the Pack as president, her class as treasurer, and First Priority Secretary.

Price is a member of Wetumpka Church of Christ where she has provided food for shut-ins, widows and church leaders. She teaches Bible Class, VBS, devotional and youth activities. She is the recipient of the Top 10% award, and the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. She is the daughter

Emilie Grace Shaw, Elmore County High School

Shaw is a talented athlete and academic for Elmore County. On the field, Shaw plays soccer and was picked for the All-County soccer team along with being a team captain. Competing in the classroom, Shaw is a National Honor Society member, part of Mu Alpha Theta, a Panther Ambassador, on the Beta Club Executive Board, the FFA President and Secretary, the vice-president of the Drama Club and a Maroon Machine member. She is also involved in First Priority, Key Club, Field Day, Santa Workshop, Community Clean-up and is a volunteer with the Daddy/Daughter dance. She has received a Chancellor’s Scholarship from Troy University to study psychology. She is active in Vessel Church and is the daughter of Cory and April Shaw.

Thomas Wade, Stanhope Elmore

Wade, a dual-sport student athlete for Stanhope Elmore, will be attending Auburn University next year to study law and justice.

The son of Jeremy and Amy Wade competed in wrestling and cross country. On the mat, Wade earned All-County honors, Most Improved Wrestler and was installed as a permanent team captain. He medaled at the Otis Weatherly Memorial, the Julian McPhilips tournament and the Hornet Slam 8. He also qualified for the state tournament in cross country along with winning a sectional championship. A member of Glynwood Baptist Church, Wade volunteers with VBS and mission trips and is an Autauga Interfaith Care Center volunteer as well. He is involved with the Lottie Moon/Annie Armstrong Offering Drive. He spends time helping the River Region Pregnancy Center and is a member of the Alabama Army National Guard. At school, he is in Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, a Junior Civitan. He was awarded Academic Excellence Awards and was a part of the Senior Senate.

Grace Williams, Elmore County High

Williams is a member of the volleyball team, receiving Power Serving and Defensive awards for her athletic skills. She is also a member of the All County Volleyball Team where she received the highest kill percentage and was named Tournament MVP and a Central Alabama Scoreboard Top Ten Player. Williams has volunteered for Operation Christmas Child and went on mission trips through Thelma Baptist Church. Within her church, she is also a VBS volunteer, youth group member and is involved with senior adult bible school. She is also involved in Extreme Outdoor Ministries. Williams is president of Beta Club and National English Honor Society. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, SGA, FCA and Panther Ambassadors. She serves her graduating class as secretary. She has received the Scholars of Distinction Trustee Award from Blue Mountain Christian College, where she will major in psychology/ criminal justice. Williams is the daughter of Lee and Amanda Williams.

Son of Patrick and Georgia Pinkston, Pinkston is a member of the cross country team and captain of the soccer team, both his school team and club team. He is a state cross country qualifier, and received Man of the Match Honors. Pinkston is a member of National Honor Society, and president of Mu Alpha Theta. He is a recipient of multiple science fair awards, the Stockholm Regional Water Prize Award of Excellence, Gathering of Eagles Scholarship and the 9th grade Joe Sewell certificate. He is the manager of the Robotics Marketing Team, and is a pickleball rules/regulations officer. Pinkston is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Natural Disaster Relief Team. He has volunteered for the food pantry and participated in the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he serves as SS president and is involved with the Youth Scripture Study Class. He plans to further his education at Southern Virginia University where he will major in business/marketing and play soccer. Pinkston received both academic scholarships from SVU.

Shaner is a multi-sport student-athlete for Edgewood, competing in volleyball, cheer and softball. In volleyball, she was an AISA All-Star, a state champion and an All-State Honorable Mention. As a cheerleader, Shaner was a team captain, a state cheer champion squad member, an AISA All-Star and a UCA All-American. In the classroom, Shaner is a part of the National Honor Society, a yearbook staff leader, the SGA vice-president and a President’s Award for Academic excellence winner along with a Top 10% winner. She has received the Freshman Supplemental Scholarship from the University of Alabama to study mechanical engineering. Outside of class, she is involved with Cain’s Chapel and its VBS and nurseries, along with being a Fall Festival Volunteer. She is the daughter of Mark and Lacey Shaner.

Stewart is a highly decorated athlete and scholar for the Tigers.

Using her talents as a swimmer, Stewart was a swim team captain, a Player of the Week honoree and the freestyle and backstroke state champion. She holds the state backstroke record. She will be going to the University of Alabama to Swim on a Presidential Scholarship. She has also received the Mildred Blount Endowed Scholarship, the Prestige Scholarship and a Presidential Housing Scholarship to study accounting. In ninth grade, she was a Joe Sewell Certificate winner. Out of school, she participates in First Baptist Church of Tallassee, is a small group leader, a nursery volunteer, a church choir singer and part of Operation Christmas Child. In school, she was a FUGE/Strength to Stand Conference participant, a National Honor Society Historian, a Mu Alpha Theta member and a Top 10% award winner. She is also active in FCA, is the Spanish Club President, in Key Club and Leo Club and is the Student Council Class President. She is the daughter of Joe and Joely Stewart.

Wasden plays soccer for the Indians, winning a Coach’s Award, an area championship, Player of the Match honors on the pitch. For her efforts in the class and in sports, Wasden was a Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Regional Nominee. Wasden is involved in Mulder Church and is a Youth/Adult Worship Leader. She has been a church camp chaperone along with participating in Strength to Stand and the Fall Festival. She is a National Honor Society member and part of Phi Theta Kappa as a CACC Dual Enrollment student. She is involved with Tribal Council, Girls State, First Priority, FCA and the Media Team. She is the SGA President and was the vice president. She earned the Elmore NWTF scholarship and will attend Troy University on a Legacy Scholars Award and Girls State Scholarship as well. She will study athletic training. The daughter of Justin and Nikki Wasden, she was a 9th grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. She is a Salvation Army bellringer, part of Samaritan’s Purse and an Alabama/Washington DC Youth Tour attendant.

Wilson is an upcoming nursing major at the University of Alabama where she will attend on the Competitive Admissions Scholarship. She is a member of the bowling team, receiving regional, All-State and state championship titles. Wilson is a cheerleader, and has been named UCA All-American. She plays volleyball, and is a member of the all county volleyball team. She is a member of Millbrook First United Methodist Church where she is involved in Jesus and Me and Christ Community Café. She is a children/nursery volunteer as well.

is treasurer and reporter of Beta Club, parliamentarian of National Honor Society, Junior Civitan president, treasurer of FCCLA and member of National English/ Science Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She is involved in Youth Leadership of Elmore County, Field of Dreams and Alabama Air National Guard. She is also a Millbrook Chamber Ambassador. She received the Joe Sewell certificate when she was in 9th grade. Wilson is the daughter of Kenny and Bridget Wilson.

Taylor Renee Price, Holtville High School

Jackson

High School

Abigail

School

Jacob Patterson, Tallassee High School

David Everett Pinkston, Wetumpka High School

Katelynn Chacey Shaner, Edgewood Academy

Macey Belle Stewart, Tallassee High School

Emma Nichole Wasden, Wetumpka High School

Samantha Chapel Wilson, Stanhope Elmore High School

of Shane and Leah Price.

4Baylie Kate Barrett,

Academy

Katie Farthing, Edgewood Academy

Owen Mercer, Edgewood Academy

Lucas Drost, Elmore County High School

Lalah Jean Culpepper, Elmore County High School

Addisyn Elizabeth Stephenson, Elmore County High School

Like a clear shield of protection

MELINDA BLAIR Columnist

hornet on my windshield. It continuously rammed into the glass like it was not about to give up. I drove away and as soon as I stopped at the traffic light I saw it again, and this time, it seemed a bit more determined to get through the glass. I could clearly see the hornet, and I’m guessing it could see me, too, but the glass was my shield of protection. I began to giggle a little and you’ll see why as you read on. Years ago when I was an aide on the school’s special needs’

bus, I received a phone call one day as we were on our afternoon route. It was an invitation for a speaking engagement at a local church, and I was so excited. Within moments of me graciously and joyfully thanking God, I received another phone call, but this one wasn’t a pleasant one. I could feel my spirit taking a nosedive, and my heart was beginning to become a bit heavy. God quickly and very efficiently came to the rescue, but isn’t that His style? I’ll never forget the

Church Briefs

mental image He gave me on that particular day. The image was of me wearing the full Armour of God, but it was like He’d provided an extra layer of protection. I could see a clear shield, like an outer shell made of glass completely surrounding my armour and I could also see the enemy’s hand on my forearm. Like the hornet, the enemy couldn’t get to me. God was my shield of protection, and in that powerful vision, I could see the devil’s fingers trying to

hold onto my arm, but Jesus was the clear barrier and He began peeling the devil’s fingers off me one at a time. I’ll never forget that day, and with a little giggle and a huge smile, I told the bus driver that if anyone watches the bus surveillance video for that day, they may wonder why Ms. Blair had her hands raised toward Heaven in celebratory praise. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Trust Him in that!

BETHLEHEM EAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

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

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge

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

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

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

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

church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

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

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Wetumpka ends regular season on high note

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Mya Holt and Ella Watson were at their best this weekend.

Wetumpka’s softball team took to Millbrook for the annual Stanhope Elmore Tournament and the Indians showed out. Wetumpka went 4-0 in the tournament and claimed the championship

with wins over Holtville, Chilton County, Calera and Montgomery Catholic.

That ends Wetumpka’s regular season with a 41-4 overall record. The Indians will now try to claim the Class 6A state championship for the second consecutive season.

“I thought really, the last week or two, we’ve started to turn a corner,” Indians coach Daryl Otwell said. “I thought

Inevitable

Holtville, Headland clash once again in playoffs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

There are only three certainties in life.

Death, taxes and Holtville facing Headland in the AHSAA Class 5A baseball playoffs. For the fourth consecutive postseason, the two teams are set to square off as the Bulldogs will play host to the Rams in the second round of the 5A playoffs.

Holtville has won all three of the previous playoff series. En route to its first state championship in 40 years last season, Holtville beat Headland 2-1 in the third round. The year before, the teams met up in the Final Four and Holtville swept the Rams. In 2021, Holtville went on the road and won, 2-1, in

The Holtville baseball team celebrates after hitting

walkoff against Headland in last year’s third round. The two teams are set to play each other for a fourth-consecutive postseason.

How sweep it is

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka baseball team is moving on.

Wetumpka swept Brookwood in two games, 6-2 and 6-0, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs. The Indians, which have won 15 of their last 18 games, are now in the second round of the playoffs for the second time in the last three years.

Wetumpka will hit the road for the second round, taking on former area foe Benjamin Russell.

“We played really well,” Indians coach Michael Dismukes said. “We had some really competitive at-bats and held them to only two runs all day. When you do that with the offense we’ve had lately, all you need

See INDIANS, Page B2

we played really good defense this weekend. Mya and Ella both pitched well and didn’t give up a single run all weekend against some good hitting teams. I was proud of them.”

Wetumpka outscored its four opponents over the weekend by a combined score of 21-0.

WETUMPKA

FACES FAMILIAR FOE IN SECOND ROUND

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Wetumpka doesn’t have to travel far for its second-round playoff matchup.

The Indians hit the road on Friday to face Benjamin Russell in the second round of the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs. The former area foes both swept their opponents in the first round.

Wetumpka shut down Brookwood 6-2, 6-0 while Benjamin Russell, the No. 2 seed, went on the road and defeated Briarwood Christian 7-6, 6-0.

This best-of-three series starts with a doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Game 3, if needed, will be at 5 p.m. Saturday.

“This is a big matchup and it’s going to be a really tough series,” Indians coach Michael Dismukes said.

“We’re very familiar with what they bring to the table since we had them in the area two years ago and have played a couple of times since. They’re tough and it’s

going to be a good battle.”

The two teams have met plenty of times over the last five years. In 2019, Ben Russell eliminated Wetumpka in the first round of the playoffs with a 2-1 series lead. In 2020 and 2021, the two teams shared an area.

2020’s season was ended by COVID, and Wetumpka swept Ben Russell in 2021 to keep the Wildcats out of the playoffs.

The teams are no longer in the same area, and they played just once this year in the regular season. Wetumpka won that game, 11-5, at home March 20.

“They’re familiar with us and we’re familiar with them,” Dismukes said.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to win a few times against them in area play a few years ago, but then they got us back by eliminating us in the playoffs. At this stage of the game, it doesn’t really matter. Whoever plays the best is going to win and keep their season going.”

Ben Russell is 17-11 on

the year and has played only six times in the month of April. They’re 4-2 during that span with a first-round sweep and area sweep of Park Crossing and two losses to Pike Road in the area championship.

The Wildcats are impressive on the mound, led by Jaxon Hay, Chance Lumpkin and Gabe Benton. The three have combined for 13 of Ben Russell’s 17 wins.

Benton has a 1.95 earned run average, best on the team, while Lumpkin is at 2.27 and Hay is a 2.54. In the first round Hay, an Alabama-Huntsville commit, allowed just two hits in 5 ⅓ innings and struck out 10. He pitched against Wetumpka earlier in the season and didn’t have his best stuff as he went just 2 ⅔ innings and allowed four runs.

“It really seems like Jaxon has been there forever,” Dismukes said. “He’s good up there. We faced him and a lot of their guys in the

, Page B2

HENRY ZIMMER | TPI Ella Watson pitches against Benjamin Russell. Watson and the Wetumpka pitching staff have pitched shutouts in eight of the last nine games.

See SEASON, Page B2

See HOLTVILLE, Page B2

DALTON MIDDLETON TPI

Wetumpka third baseman Jacob Smith throws across the diamond. Smith and the Indians allowed just two runs in 14 innings in the first round sweep over Brookwood.

the second round. This year, they’ll face off at Holtville at 5 p.m. Thursday with an if-needed game set for 4:30 p.m. Friday.

“It always seems like we match up in the playoffs at some point,” Holtville coach Scott Tubbs said. “Even though it’s not really a rivalry because we never see each other outside of the playoffs, it kind of feels like one. I just know it’s going to be two teams getting after each other’s tails. They don’t like us a whole lot and I think that’s really based on us putting them out the last couple of years.”

Despite graduating a plethora of starters from last year’s squad, Headland hasn’t missed much of a step. The Rams are out to a 16-11 overall record and have won six-straight games. They swept Central Clay County and Rehobeth in their last two series.

Part of the team’s success is the transfer of Wyatt and Wade Shelley, both from Houston Academy. Wyatt is a sophomore Auburn commit and helped the Rams advance last week.

After Headland tied Game 1, 4-4, in the bottom of the eighth inning on back-to-back bases loaded hits by pitches, Wyatt walked off the Volunteers with a single to left field.

“You know what you’re going to get out of Headland,” Tubbs said. “They’re going to come in here believing they can win and they’re going to be very competitive. They graduated a lot from last year but they got a couple of new additions who transferred in and they’re a good team.”

Holtville and Headland have produced some of the most exciting baseball serieses of the last few years, regardless of classification.

Two years ago, in the doubleheader sweep at Smart-Collier Field, Holtville set new attendance and gate records with how many people were at the matchup. That led to deafening noise from both crowds and the stadium being packed with 5-10 people deep across both bleachers.

There were so many people that Holtville ended up bringing the softball bleachers over to the baseball field so there could be more seating.

That caused issues for players’ hearing and communicating last season, so Tubbs is doing what he can to help combat that this year.

“We have started to make it loud at practice,” Tubbs said. “We have the music playing super loud. We’re going over defensive communications while music is playing directly next to us. We’re making the guys find other ways to communicate. We want it to be hard for the guys to even think in practice so they’re prepared for what’s coming.”

Much like Headland, Holtville is playing its best baseball of the season.

The Bulldogs are 20-12 on the year and have won eight of their last nine games. That includes a sweep over Jemison, a 2-1 series win over Marbury, a win over Wetumpka and a sweep over Elmore County.

Three of those eight wins have been by one-run, while four were by eight runs or more. Last week, against an Elmore County team that had already beaten Holtville once this year, Holtville outscored the Panthers 25-4 in 12 innings of the sweep.

“When you have time to work on somebody, it changes things a little bit,” Tubbs said of playing well. “I think it helps my guys. My guys are very good when they have time to really focus on one group and one team. I think that’s the reason why we’re playing better. We get more focused when it comes to the playoffs because they spend more time focused on who we’re about to play.”

SEASON Continued from B1

Holt started the tournament off against Holtville, which has a 22-8 record this year.

The Bulldogs were no match for Holt, however, as she allowed just one hit over four innings of work and struck out five batters.

Watson took to the circle next and struck out nine Chilton County batters while allowing three hits. Against Calera, Holt struck out six bat-

Holtville’s Nelson delivers against rival

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

After some strategic planning, Holtville coach Scott Tubbs decided to “throw off” in Game 1 of the Bulldogs’ first round playoff matchup against Elmore County.

Facing Elmore County’s Brandon White, who entered the postseason with a 0.95 earned run average and only one loss, Tubbs held usual No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers Carson McCutchin and Drey Barrett for Game 2 and Game 3.

That put sophomore Gage Nelson on the mound, and Nelson didn’t care that his start was a “throw off” game. Nelson went and pitched a complete game against the Panthers, pitching five innings and allowing just three earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts.

Holtville won his start, 14-4, and went on to sweep the first round series. For his performance, Nelson has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Gage went out there and took care of business,” Holtville coach Scott Tubbs said. “Gage has thrown well against some really good teams this year. He stayed in the moment and didn’t try to do more than he could. After the first inning, he did a great job. He gave us a chance. He did everything we asked of him and I’m proud of him.”

Every run that Nelson allowed came in the first inning.

The Panthers got to him early and on the first pitch of the game, Elmore County’s Shelton Darnell doubled to left field on a misplayed ball. Three singles later, the Panthers were up 3-0 and still threatening. Another run came across, but Nelson was able to get out of the inning with a lineout and strikeout. Holtville then cut the lead to 4-1 with one run in the first inning, and Nelson kept the Bulldogs within reach.

Outside of a two-out single, he allowed nothing in the second inning and then struck out two batters in the third inning.

SECOND

Continued from B1

area and all those kids who started as sophomores are now seniors and not wanting their season to end. It’s going to be a battle.”

Wetumpka has won 15 of its last 18 games entering the matchup. The

INDIANS

Continued from B1

is to get some traffic and get the big hit. We did that and took the lead and never looked back.”

Brookwood struck first on Indians’ starter Noah Golson, who didn’t look to have his best stuff early in the matchup. A leadoff walk, RBI double and an error gave the Panthers a 2-0 lead with their ace on the mound.

That lead carried into the third before Wetumpka finally struck through.

Brody Huffaker led the inning with a single, then Logan Fawcett doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Mason Fuller drove in a run, then Jacob Smith tied the game with another single.

ters in seven innings and Watson pitched the championship. She allowed just one hit in four innings and struck out four batters.

The pitching duo has now given up just two runs over their last nine games, both to area opponent Benjamin Russell, and shut out eight of their last nine opponents.

“We like to challenge hitters and want them to hit the ball,” Otwell said. “We really like our defense. We hang our hats on our defense. Mya and Ella are both doing a great job

“I just knew I had to dial in so we could get the win,” Nelson said of his performance. “If I could hold them under five, we would have a good chance at putting up some runs as the game went on. I knew it would be a good game.”

In the bottom of the third inning, Holtville turned a 4-1 deficit into a 13-4 lead. The Bulldogs scored nine runs, capped off by a Drey Barrett grand slam, and never looked back.

Nelson then retired six of the last eight batters he faced in the fourth and fifth innings. He struck out one batter in each inning and allowed just a walk and single in the fifth. The Panthers had first and third

Indians are pitching and fielding the ball as well as they have all season, and that was evident in last week’s matchup.

In the doubleheader sweep, Wetumpka starters Noah Golson and Asher Nobles combined to allow just one earned run in 13 innings of work. They struck out 14 batters and walked just two. In the field, the Indians made just three errors, all of

Wooldridge hit a sacrifice fly to give Wetumpka a 3-2 lead, and the Indians doubled their runs two innings later when Wooldridge stepped back up and hit a two-run triple.

“Their guy was really competing in the strike zone,” Dismukes said. “We just didn’t need to chase and needed to see something we could drive. That’s what we did the second time through the order.”

Golson finished that game off, and the Indians struck quick in Game 2 as the visitors. Three of the first four batters – Fawcett, Smith and Wooldridge – drew walks in the first inning while Fuller added a single to put the Indians up, 1-0.

of working ahead and getting a lot of ground balls and our defense is playing well behind them. When we get runners on base, our defense can make some big plays to get out of jams.”

Wetumpka now turns its sights to the AHSAA Class 6A, Area 4 tournament on Friday afternoon. Sidney Lanier is not eligible for the tournament after forfeiting a game during the regular season so Wetumpka and Ben Russell will play a best-of-three series to determine the area cham-

that inning attempting to extend the game, but Nelson struck out Austin Davis and got Gage Davis to ground out to shortstop to end the game.

“I was just hoping we could make some plays and get some strikeouts.,” Nelson said.

which came on the infield. The three errors only resulted in one run being scored.

“Right now, we’re pitching it really well and we’re catching the ball behind them,” Dismukes said. “We’re defending the baseball and that’s why we’ve had success. They understand that. I feel confident right now that we’ll be able to pitch and play defense and keep us in games.”

An error to the next batter added two more, then Trent Parshall hit an RBI single and Golson had an RBI groundout. The Indians led, 5-0, before taking the field for defense.

“We kept the momentum the whole game after that,” Dismukes said.

“They had trouble throwing strikes early and we finally got the big hit. We had two hits and scored five runs. That really helped us.”

Wetumpka’s five runs was all that sophomore Asher Nobles needed.

The southpaw went six innings and allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out seven batters.

The Indians got two quality starts in the game.

pion. The first game starts at 3 p.m., with the championship game following at 5 p.m. The Game 3, if needed, will be at 7 p.m. The two teams have met up twice already this season, both in the last week. Wetumpka won those games by scores of 12-0 and 9-2. Otwell knows, however, that those two games don’t matter. Ben Russell won the first game against the Indians in last year’s area tournament, 1-0. The year before, Ben

To go along with Nobles’ six innings of shutout work, Golson pitched the complete game in Game 1. Only one of his two runs allowed were earned and he struck out seven Panthers while giving up seven hits. After the two runs scored on him in the first, he didn’t walk another batter.

Overall, Wetumpka walked only two batters in 14 innings of work.

“If they stay consistent and throw strikes, Noah and Asher can give themselves a chance to win,” Dismukes said. “Where they get in trouble is unnecessary walks that give opposing offense traffic that they didn’t create. They haven’t done that much the last few weeks.”

Russell eliminated Wetumpka in the 6A central regional tournament held at Lagoon Park.

The Indians are not going into Friday’s matchup taking Ben Russell lightly.

“Ben Russell plays hard,” Otwell said. “The regular season is great, but when you start the postseason, records are thrown out the door. Softball late in the postseason is way different than the regular season. A lot of teams are playing their best so we have to go out there and show up.”

Holtville’s Gage Nelson pitched a complete game win over rival Elmore County in the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs. Nelson allowed just three earned runs in five innings of work.

Wildcats looking for postseason success

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Edgewood Academy baseball team enters the 2024 postseason as the favorite.

Edgewood is the No. 1-ranked AISA Class AA baseball team by the ASWA. The Wildcats (2211) open the playoffs this week against Jackson Academy in the second round. Edgewood earned a first round bye after claiming the area championship.

The best-of-three series will begin with a doubleheader at 2 p.m. Thursday. Game 3, if needed, will be at 2 p.m. Friday.

“This is a do-or-die week,” Wildcats coach Justin Jones said. “The message to them is what it’s been all year. You always have to expect to be where you want to be at the end of the year. You can’t hope to be there. We have played the whole year that way. We don’t hope to win or try to win. We expect to win. When we play like we’re capable of playing, we’ve done a pretty good job of it.”

Jackson Academy is 11-11 this year. The Eagles are led on the mound by Huntley Dees, who has a 5-2 overall record and a 3.00 earned run average.

He has pitched a team-high 49 innings and has allowed over two earned runs in a game twice this season.

He is the only Eagle with an ERA under 7.00.

At the plate, Dees is the top hitter with a .416 average and six extra base hits. Jacob Criswell also hits over .400, while four more Eagles have averages over .328.

The top four players in the lineup – Dees, Criswell, Zander Jordan and Chuck Richardson – combine for 14 of the team’s 22 extra-base hits.

“I honestly don’t know

much about Jackson, but I know they have a couple of good arms and their 1-4 can swing it well and cause problems for us,” Jones said.

“We’re going to have to be careful and hit our spots.”

Edgewood has spent the last month of the season trying to work on itself. The Wildcats wrapped up area play on March 12 with a sweep of Autauga. Since that series, Edgewood

ciation. Brown averaged 23.2 points a game as she led the Wildcats to the state championship.

Brown named AISA player of the year finalist

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the third consecutive year, Edgewood Academy’s Lindsey Brown was honored amongst the best basketball players in the state. Brown was selected as one of three AISA girls basketball finalists to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr./Miss Basketball banquet on Tuesday afternoon. The Edgewood senior and Alabama volleyball signee has been selected for the honor three years in a row. Glenwood’s Takayla Davis won the AISA Player of the Year after averag-

ing a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds per game while leading the Gators to the AAA state championship. One of two runners-up with Lee-Scott’s Madison Davis, Brown averaged a county-best 23.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5 steals per game. She led the Wildcats to their third-consecutive state championship, the only three in program history, and was named the Elmore County Player of the Year. Overall on Tuesday, Spring Garden’s Ace Austin was named Alabama’s Miss. Basketball while Buckhorn’s Caleb Holt was named Mr. Basketball.

has gone 8-4 and has beaten seven playoff teams and multiple No. 1-seeds. In the Wildcats’ last game of the regular season, they beat Class AAA’s No. 2-ranked team by a score of 10-3. Edgewood threw three pitchers, two of which are regular starters in Ethan Evans and Hamp Woodruff.

Evans leads the team with a 1.80 ERA in 12 appearances while Woodruff has a 2.15

ERA in eight appearances. At the plate, the Wildcats slugged it like they usually do. They knocked around 10 hits in total with six being extra base hits. Evans hit a triple, while Brock Whitt and Cooper Freeman both hit two doubles.

Overall, Edgewood has hit 96 extra-base hits this year, 74 of which are doubles.

Whitt leads the team in the category with 14 doubles, 4 home runs and 2 triples. There

are five Edgewood players with eight doubles or more this year. “We beat Bessemer 10-3 to end the regular season so we ended with a good win against a good AAA team,” Jones said. “If we play the way we’re capable of playing, I think we have a pretty good shot at this round and moving on. We can swing the bat pretty well and right now, we’re getting some arms back healthy.”

Edgewood girls enter postseason on win streak

By DALTON MIDDLETON

Sports Editor

Edgewood Academy is riding quite the win streak.

The Wildcats wrapped up the regular season this weekend with a tournament championship.

Edgewood made the short trip to Montgomery’s Lagoon Park and went 6-0, beating Glenwood 7-4 in the tournament championship.

Edgewood has now won 11-consecutive games to end the regular season. Now it turns its sights to the AISA Class AA, Region 1 tournament, also held at Lagoon Park, where the Wildcats will face the winner of Chambers and Autauga at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

“It was an impressive week,” Wildcat coach Kim Brown said. “We played 11 games across Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We went 11-0, which was super. I’m very proud of them for doing that in a very exhausting week. That Lagoon Park tournament was loaded with top teams from all across the state.”

Edgewood is the No. 1-ranked team in the state with a 36-7 record. Macon East, Lee-Scott, Clarke Prep are 2, 3 and 4, and all three were in the tournament.

Edgewood beat both Clarke Prep, 6-1, and Macon East, 1-0, during its bracket run. The Wildcats also beat No. 8 South Choctaw and No. 9 Glenwood as well as sweeping No. 5 Bessemer the day before the tournament in a doubleheader.

“After everybody played on Saturday and there were just four teams left, it was us and three AAA teams,” Brown said. “We were the one AA team left and we ended up winning it. I was really proud of how they did and how they played. They just came out and played loose and I let them be their silly selves and play ball.” The Wildcats dominated in the circle. In the six-game tourna-

Edgewood’s Lily Stubbs pitches earlier this season. Stubbs and the Wildcats’ pitching staff allowed just six runs in six games this weekend.

ment, Edgewood allowed just six runs, four of which came in one game. They shut out Macon East, South Choctaw and Chambers while holding Clarke Prep and North River Christian to one run each.

Only three of the six runs were earned.

Lily Stubbs went 2-0 in the tournament and allowed no earned runs in nine innings.

Emmah Clement allowed zero in five innings, Savannah Wood allowed zero in five innings and Ashley Burgess allowed three earned runs in 10 innings of work.

None of the pitchers were overly dominant in the strikeout department as they only struck out a combined 18 batters in six games. Instead, they relied on that strong defense to keep opponents off the board.

Edgewood only made seven errors in the tournament, three of which came in the final game.

“Our defense is going to help us win games,” Brown said. “We don’t have a super high powered offense but we’re really good on defense. If our pitchers can generate ground balls and hit their spots, we think we can make the plays to win games.”

“We were just pitching really well,” Brown said. “We had all four pitchers going which kept teams off balanced. Our offense just has to score enough to help our pitchers and defense and we think our pitchers and our defense can win us games.”

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

Edgewood Academy’s Ethan Evans pitches against Autauga Academy. Evans leads the Wildcats with a 1.80 earned run average in 12 appearances.

Edgewood Academy senior Lindsey Brown was named an AISA Player of the Year finalist by the Alabama Sports Writers Asso-

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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from LATISHA S. WILKES AND HENRY D. WILKES, WIFE AND HUSBAND to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEEE, AS NOMINEE FOR AMERICARE INVESTMENT GROUP, INC. DBA PREMIER CAPITAL LENDING, on the 25th day of November, 2008, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on December 5, 2008, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2008, Page 65203, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Selene Finance LP, by instrument recorded in the aforesaid given that the undersigned Selene Finance LP, 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 at the main entrance to the Elmore county courthouse located at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on May 24, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT A STONE LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 10, T18N, R18E, ELMORE

N 89 DEGREES 01 MINUTE 54 SECONDS E ALONG THE HALF SECTION LINE OF SAID SECTION, A DISTANCE OF 658.68 FEET TO NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF

S 00 DEGREES 22 MINUTES 27 SECONDS E ALONG THE QUARTER-QUARTER LINE OF SAID SECTION A DISTANCE OF 525.81 FEET

CONTINUING ALONG SAID

QUARTER-QUARTER LINE S 00 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 12 SECONDS E, A DISTANCE OF 200.04 FEET

CONTINUING ALONG SAID

QUARTER-QUARTER LINE

S 00 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 29 SECONDS E, A DISTANCE OF 240.15 FEET

CONTINUING ALONG SAID

QUARTER-QUARTER LINE S 00 DEGREES 18 MINUTES 05 SECONDS E, A DISTANCE OF 88.27 FEET

CONTINUING ALONG SAID

QUARTER-QUARTER LINE S 00 DEGREES 18 MINUTES 05 SECONDS E A DISTANCE OF 203.20 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF MCCAIN ROAD (80 FOOT RIGHT OFING ALONG SAID QUARTER-QUARTER LINE S 00 DEGREES 18 MINUTES 12 SECONDS E, A DISTANCE OF 80.59 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY OF MCCAIN ROAD (80 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY) SAID PIN BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING, THENCE S 83 DEGREES 21 MINUTES 01 SECOND E ALONG THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 238.25 FEET TO AN IRON ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY ALONG A CURVE CONCAVE NORTHERLY (RADIUS 875.70 FEET) THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS S 86 DEGREES 21 MINUTES 52 SECONDS E A

17 MINUTES 32 SECONDS W A DISTANCE OF 150.47 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON SAID QUARTER-QUARTER LINE, THENCE ALONG SAID QUARTER-QUARTER LINE N 00 DEGREES 18 MINUTES 54 SECONDS E A DISTANCE OF 168.40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCEL LIES IN THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 10, T18N R18E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 1274 MCCAIN ROAD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Selene Finance LP, Mortgagee/ Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 813-0992 Case No. SEF16-00615-15

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 228961 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE

WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from CEDRIC M MOORER AND SHANNON L MOORER HUSBAND AND WIFE to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for TRUSTMARK NATIONAL BANK, on the 7th day of May, 2015, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on May 13, 2015, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2015, Page 21010, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, by instrument recorded in the is hereby given that the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash on the Front Steps of the Elmore County Courthouse, 100 East Conners Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on May 9, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 18 BLOCK C OF BROOKSADA SPRINGS SUBDIVISION, PLAT NO. 2, AS SHOWN BY PLAT RECORDED IN THE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 5, AT PAGE 60. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 4931 AIRPORT RD, MILLBROOK, AL 36054. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This

ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 813-0992 Case No. FLB20-03667-22 rlselaw.com/property-listing

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 229572

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

y payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S.status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BBVA USA, FORMERLY KNOWN AS COMPASS BANK as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 23-05511AL www.foreclosurehotline.net

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 23-05511AL PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Kathy G. Peoples, a single woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Corporation of the South, on April 9, 2001, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2001 Page 17585; the undersigned MTGLQ Investors, L.P., 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 9, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Begin at the SE Corner of S 4, T18, R20; thence West along the South Section line a distance of 2104 feet to the point of beginning; thence N 11 degrees 33 minutes W distance of 430.39 feet; thence S 83 degrees 06

Public Notices

gg expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)

to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. MTGLQ Investors, L.P., (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-02419-SM-AL Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 24-00649

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by William Brooks, and Shakira Brooks, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC dba Veterans United Home Loans, on November 15, 2021, said mortgage recorded in the OfElmore County, Alabama, in the undersigned M&T Bank, 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 22, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commencing at a fence corner found at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast

North 1 degree 07 minutes 50 seconds West, a distance found on the South ROW line

degrees 43 minutes 40 seconds

continue along said ROW line 54 seconds East, a distance of

West, a distance of 153.05 feet

grees 05 minutes 05 seconds West, a distance 42.13 feet to a

55 seconds West, a distance

degree 28 minutes 30 seconds

described tract containing 1.31

street address for informational purposes: 2225 Dexter Rd

ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BA-

Public Notices

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

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

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 15TH day of February 2024, a Petition for Letters of Instruction to Determine the Validity of a Common Law Marriage and its Effect on Who the Heirs-At-Law are of the Estate of Jimmy Earl Gallander, who is also known as Jimmy Lee GalCourt of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, Pamela S. Loftin, requesting that a determination be made as to whom should be the heirs of the Estate of Jimmy Earl Gallander, who is also known as Jimmy Lee Galthis petition is given to you as an interested party to the Estate of Jimmy Earl Gallander, who is also known as Jimmy Lee Gallander.

It was ORDERED by this Court that said petition is set for hearing on the 21st day of May 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama, located at 100 E. Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, for the purpose of hearing of said petition and the taking of testimony in support thereof. Any person interested in this matter should appear before this Court at the herein-referenced date, time, and location.

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D. Jason Britt Stone & Britt, LLC Attorneys & Counselors at Law 114 South Main Street Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Wetumpka Herald: 2022-315

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Public Notices

g the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Guild Mortgage Company LLC, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-02046-GM-AL Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 24-00674

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Public Notices

Public Notices

TITLED 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 Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)

time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tifright to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. M&T Bank, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-02237-MT-AL Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 24-00671

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Eileen M Moriarty, a single woman and Ethel M Otis, a single woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company LLC, on February 7, 2022, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2022 Page 8327 and corrected in RLPY Book 2022 Page 8415; the undersigned Guild Mortgage Company LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on May 9, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 20, according to the plat of Cobblestone Run, Plat Number 1, as appears of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 11 at Page 96.. Property street address for informational purposes: 93 Travis Ridge , Deatsville, AL 36022. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)

to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to

degrees 14 minutes E, a distance of 163.73 feet; thence S 40 degrees 10 minutes E, a distance of 151.37 feet; thence N 89 degrees 25 minutes E, a distance of 605.9 feet back to the POB; thus describing a tract of land containing 6.7 acres and lying in the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 & the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 4, T18, R20. The above described property fronts on the Easterly ROW of the Ware Public Road. But Less and Except the following described parcel to wit: Begin at the SE Corner of Section 4, T18, R20; thence W along Section Line, a distance of 2104 feet; thence N 11 degrees 33 minutes W, a distance of 430.39 feet; Thence S 83 degrees 06 minutes W, a distance of 320.98 feet to the POB of said excepted parcel. From said POB; thence N 77 degrees 36 minutes W, a distance of 124.88 feet; thence N 74 degrees 13 minutes W, a distance of 300.17 feet; thence S 10 degrees 15 minutes E, a distance of 237.73 feet; thence S 76 degrees 43 minutes E, a distance of 336.81 feet; thence N 12 degrees 24 minutes E, a distance of 200.00 feet back to the POB; thus describing a tract of land containing 1.7 acres and lying in the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 4, T18, R20, Elmore County, Alabama.. Property street address for informational purposes: 100 Old Field Road , Eclectic, AL 36024. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the Do you have available jobs? Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Edward Robinson, Jr. a single man, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Southwest Funding, LP, on November 6, 2020, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2020 Page 83829; the undersigned PHH Mortgage Corporation, 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 23, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 17 of Gaddis Beach Plat Number 1 as the same appears of record Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 4, at Page 26. The hereinabove described property being one and the same as described in mortgage recorded in Book 2020, Page 83829.. Property street address for informational purposes: 93 Gaddis Beach Drive , Titus, AL 36080. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. PHH Mortgage Corporation, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-02809-PH-AL Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 24-00683

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated July 28, 2004 executed by Mary Wright, a married woman joined by her husband, Daniel Wright, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., said Mortgage being recorded August 10, 2004, in RLPY Book of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of CSMC 2022-RPL4 Trust by instrument recorded in RLPY Book 2024, Page 16982, in the of Elmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of CSMC 2022-RPL4 Trust, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Elmore County, Alabama on 06/12/2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 9, Block 213, according to

g the corrected plat of Grandview Pines Plat No. 3, as recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 7, at Page 142. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 118 Honeysuckle Dr, Millbrook, AL 36054. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHEREIS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of CSMC 2022-RPL4 Trust Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 30-FC-24-01043

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 24, May 1 and 8, 2024 30-FC-24-01043

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS WETUMPKA WATER WORKS & SEWER BOARD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 16 INCH POTABLE WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN (HWY. 14 TO MARION SPILLWAY ROAD)

Sealed bids for the 16 Inch Potable Water Transmission Main (HWY. 14 to Marion Spillway Road) CMGM210152 will be received at Wetumpka Water Works & Sewer Board

hursday, May 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. local time at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

lowing Work: Approximately 30,000 LF of 16” PVC Potable Water Main with Booster Pump Station and Related Appurtenances. be found at the following designated website: www.gmcnetwork.comding Documents is Goodwyn

spective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at through Friday between the and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from thelow. Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the one-time administrative fee for

Said cost represents the cost of refund will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuingneer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Doc-Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 2:00 at Wetumpka Water Works &dance at the pre-bid conference is encouraged but not required.

the contract to the best and -

having the same scope of work and approximate constructionquirements of the Contractor’s type of work on which the pro-

the Instructions to Bidders.

Amin P.E., Ardurra Group, 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 704, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256.203.9501. To obtain Planschelle Jeffery, 256.203.9501. Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority 716 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093 April, 2024

Wetumpka Herald: BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Liberty Construction Co., LLC., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Wetumpka Elementary School Gymnasium Roof Upgrades for Elmore County Board of Education, Owner, and have made requesttract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with the project should immediately notify PH&J Architects, Inc., 807 S. McDonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Liberty Construction Co., LLC, 791-A Anderson Road, Montgomery, AL 36110 (contractor)

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24, and May 1, 2024 COMPLETION

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Wiregrass Construction Co, Inc hereby gives notice of completion of contract with The Alabama Department of Transportation, for construction of Project No: STPMN- 2623(250) Elmore County, 1.930 mi. Planon Willow Springs Road from the Junction of Jasmine Hill Road to the Junction of Redland Road Southeast of Wetumpka. In the County of Elmore, State of Alabama. This notice will appear for four consecutive Wednesdays beginning on 17 April 2024 and ending 08 May at: Wiregrass Construction Co, 1342 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 during this period.

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24, May 1 and 8, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS M. BLACKWELL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-298 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DORIS M. BLACKWELL, deceased, having been granted to TINA MARIA DELONG-BLACKWELL on April 2, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

yp same to the Court or the same will be barred.

TINA MARIA DELONG-BLACKWELL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS M. BLACKWELL, 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. 10, 17 and 24, 2024

EST/BLACKWELL, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TOMMY RAY CLARK, JR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-086 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of TOMMY RAY CLARK, JR., deceased, having been granted to JEFFERY SCOTT PURCELL on April 8th, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JEFFERY SCOTT PURCELL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF TOMMY RAY CLARK, JR., DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2023 EST/CLARK T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLARD DANIEL HARRISON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-068 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLARD DANIEL HARRISON, deceased, having been granted to SYLVIA RENEE HARRISON on March 14, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

SYLVIA RENEE HARRISON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLARD DANIEL HARRISON, DECEASED

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

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024

EST/HARRISON, W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DEE ANN HINTONCARTER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-074 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of DEE ANN HINTON-CARTER, deceased, having been granted to KEVIN HINTON on April 3rd, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KEVIN HINTON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DEE ANN HINTON-CARTER, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator:

JOSEPH K. BAMBURG ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-478-3196

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024

EST/HINTON-CARTER D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SARA B. HODGE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-067 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Es-

tate of SARA B. HODGE, deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM HOWARD HODGE on April 17, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the

Public Notices

same will be barred. WILLIAM HOWARD HODGE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF SARA B. HODGE, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KELLY LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW 164 WEST 5 TH STREET PRATTVILLE. ALABAMA 36067 334-358-0685 kellylee@kellyleelaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 24, May 1 and 8, 2024 EST/HODGE, S. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELICA LEIGH LEAVINS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-057 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of ANGELICA LEIGH LEAVINS, deceased, having been granted to LEANNE ROBERSON on April 12, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

LEANNE ROBERSON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELICA LEIGH LEAVINS, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: CARSHALA T. YOUSE ATTORNEY AT LAW 400 SOUTH UNION STREET, SUITE 395 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-676-3696 carshala@HARlegal.com

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 EST/LEAVINS A. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY NEEL MATLOCK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-093 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GREGORY NEEL MATLOCK, deceased, having been granted to ALICE M. MATLOCK on April 12, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

ALICE M. MATLOCK PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY NEEL MATLOCK, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RALEY L. WIGGINS CAPELL & HOWARD PO BOX 2069 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102 150 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-241-8029 Raley.Wiggins@chlaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 EST/MATLOCK, G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES RAY PAIGE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-103 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JAMES RAY PAIGE, deceased, having been granted to MELISSA SUZANNE BICE, who is also known as SUZANNE PAIGE PORTER, on April 17, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

MELISSA SUZANNE BICE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES RAY PAIGE, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative:

ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 24, May 1 and 8, 2024 EST/PAIGE J. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GERALDINE C. PERKINS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-090 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GERALDINE C. PERKINS, deceased, having been granted to VIRGINIA P. MARCUS on April 10, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of

Public Notices

g 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.

VIRGINIA P. MARCUS

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GERALDINE C. PERKINS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for

Personal Representative:

ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36092

334-514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024

EST/PERKINS, G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GAILYA N. PHELPS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-099 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Es-

tate of GAILYA N. PHELPS, deceased, having been granted to TERRELL DEAN PHELPS on April 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

TERRELL DEAN PHELPS PERSONAL REPRESENTA-

TIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GAI-

LYA N. PHELPS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: CLAY C. COOK BUCKNER & COOK, LLC 1795 MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE. ALABAMA 36066

334-365-2111

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 24, May 1 and 8, 2024

EST/ PHELPS G. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GAILYA N. PHELPS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-100 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLIAM J. PHELPS, deceased, having been granted to TERRELL DEAN PHELPS on April 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County,Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

TERRELL DEAN PHELPS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OFWILLAIM J. PHELPS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal

Representative: CLAY C. COOK

BUCKNER & COOK, LLC 1795 MAIN STREET

PRATTVILLE. ALABAMA 36066 334-365-2111 Greenville Advocate: Apr. 24, May 1 and 8, 2024 EST/PHELPS, W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., CASE NO. 2024-063 DECEASED. NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: KENNETH L. PRICE, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR.; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., DECEASED; AND TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on March 7, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., deCourt of Elmore County, Alabama by WILLIAM B. PRICE, JR., Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of- kin of WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.

Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003 JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 EST/PRICE W.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HILDA JEANNE PRIESTER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-102 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: LOUIS ORR PRIESTER,

Public Notices

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

ETHEL THREATT WEATHERS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD W. WEATHERS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. RUSSELL, JR. ATTORNEY AT LAW 7515 HALCYON POINTE

DRIVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-272-9880

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024

EST/WEATHERS, D PUBLIC NOTICE

FORECLOSURE NOTICE

JUDGE OF PROBATE

EST/PRIESTER H. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY RODESKY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-087 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ANTHONY RODESKY, deceased, having been granted to NORMAN H. TODD on April 9th, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. NORMAN H. TODD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY RODESKY, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC PO BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 21 and May 1, 2024 EST/RODESKY, A. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH BOWMAN WARD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-094 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JUDITH BOWMAN WARD, deceased, having been granted to ROBERT TROY WARD on April 10, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

ROBERT TROY WARD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH BOWMAN WARD, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE & BRITT, LLC

ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 EST/WARD, J.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD W. WEATHERS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-085 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DONALD W. WEATHERS, deceased, having been granted to ETHEL THREATT WEATHERS on April April 9th 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by CHARLES E. KELLEY and JERRI L. KELLEY, husband and wife, as Mortgagor(s) to AmSouth Bank, now REGIONS BANK successor by merger with AmSouth Bank, as Mortgagee, dated the 23rd day of November, 1999, and recorded in Roll 237, Frame 651, et seq. the Judge of Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 22nd day of May, 2024, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: All that 2.51 acre parcel of land lying in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 18 and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 7, Township 20 North, Range 20 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at an iron pipe marking the intersection of the west line of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 18, Township 20 North, Range 20 East with the northerly right of way of the Old Butler Mill Road (an abandoned road); thence North 2 deg. 21 min. 23 sec. West along said west line of Northeast Quarter of Northeast Quarter a distance of 118.15 feet to a point lying on the northerly side of an existing 80 foot right of way for Butler Mill Road (County Road 476), being the point of beginning of the parcel of land herein described; thence continue North 2 deg. 21 min. 23 sec. West a distance of 448.17 feet to an iron pipe; thence continue North 2 deg. 21 min.

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 EST/CRUMP, M. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. I M-I065(544) AUTAUGA AND ELMORE COUNTIES, ALABAMA Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation

Butler Mill Road (County Road 476); thence North 64 deg. 07 min. 59 sec. West along said right of way a distance of 22.70 feet to the point of beginning, containing 2.51 acres, more or less and being a part of the same as appears of record in Deed Book 441 at page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. According to survey by Brad Nedervelt, Al. Reg. No. 9044, dated November 22, 1999. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. REGIONS BANK successor by merger with AmSouth Bank Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. Ledyard PIERCE LEDYARD JOHNSTON, P.C. Attorneys for MortMobile, Alabama 36616 (251) 338-1300 Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 17, 24 and May 1, 2024 FC/KELLEY

and are set forth in the adver-

Cashier’s check or bid bond

ny each bid as evidence of good The bracket range is shown this bracket have any bearing on the decision

STILL ON TOP Holtville sweeps Elmore County in first round

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The road to the Class 5A state championship still runs through Slapout.

The Holtville baseball team swept rival Elmore County, 14-4 and 11-0, in the first round of the playoffs at Smart-Collier Field on Friday night. Holtville will now face Headland in the second round for the fourth consecutive season.

The defending Class 5A champions gave up four runs to the Panthers in the top of the first inning but never gave up another run in the remaining 11 innings of work as they worked a five-inning run rule in Game 1.

“The one thing we’ve been really good at the last four years is that if you give us time to prepare for somebody, we’re usually locked in,” Holtville coach Scott Tubbs said. “We were pretty confident going into today.”

Holtville pitched sophomore Gage Nelson in Game 1 instead of normal Game 1 starter junior Carson McCutchin.

Nelson was welcomed to the game quickly as the first three Elmore County hitters all reached base on hits. His first pitch of the game was a misplay in the outfield that resulted in a double, then two singles and a groundout gave Elmore County a 2-0 lead.

That lead was doubled and Holtville found itself down, 4-0, facing Panther ace Brandon White on the mound.

Thursday, April 25

High School Baseball

AHSAA baseball playoffs

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

AISA baseball playoffs

4 Jackson Academy at Edgewood Academy (DH), 2 p.m.

High School Softball

AISA Class AA, Region 1 Tournament (at Lagoon Park)

4 Edgewood Academy vs. Winner of Chambers/ Autauga, 2 p.m.

4 Abbeville vs. Winner of Hooper/Lakeside, 2 p.m.

4 Winner G1 vs. Winner G2, 4 p.m.

4 Loser G1 vs. Loser G2, 4 p.m.

High School Soccer

AHSAA soccer playoffs

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

4 (B) Stanhope Elmore at Montgomery Academy, 7:30 p.m.

4 (G) Pike Road at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.

4 (B) Pike Road at Wetumpka, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 26

High School Baseball

AHSAA baseball playoffs

4 Gulf Shores at Tallassee (DH), 5 p.m.

4 Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell (DH), 4:30 p.m.

4 Headland at Holtville (if needed), 4:30 p.m.

AISA baseball playoffs

4 Jackson Academy at Edgewood Academy (if needed), 2 p.m.

High School Softball

AHSAA Class 6A, Area 5 Tournament (at Calera)

4 No. 1 Calera vs. No.

4 Carver, 11 a.m.

4 No. 2 Chilton County vs. No. 3 Stanhope Elmore, 1 p.m.

White entered the game with a 0.95 earned run average, but he gave up a run in the first and Holtville had no issue hitting him all night. Markus Broderick roped an RBI single to score Drey Barrett, who led the inning off with a double.

In the third inning, Holtville plated 12 runs. Nelson tied the game with an RBI single and AJ Carreon gave the Bulldogs

SPORTS CALENDAR

4 Loser G1 vs. Loser G2, 3 p.m.

4 Winner G1 vs. Winner G2, 5 p.m.

AHSAA Class 6A, Area 4 Tournament (at Wetumpka)

4 No. 1 Wetumpka vs. No. 2 Benjamin Russell, 3 p.m.

4 Wetumpka vs. Benjamin Russell (Championship), 5 p.m.

4 Wetumpka vs. Benjamin Russell (if needed), 7 p.m. High School Track & Field

AHSAA Class 5A, Section 2 Meet (at Smiths Station)

4 Elmore County, Holtville,Tallassee at Sectional Meet,TBD

AHSAA Class 6A, Section 1 Meet (at Wetumpka)

4 Wetumpka, Stanhope at Sectional Meet,TBD

Saturday, April 27

High School Baseball

AHSAA baseball playoffs

4 Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell (if needed), 5 p.m.

4 Gulf Shores at Tallassee (if needed), 1 p.m.

High School Softball

AHSAA Class 5A, Area 5 Tournament (at Elmore County)

4 No. 1 Elmore County vs. No. 4 Valley, 10 a.m.

4 No. 2 Beauregard vs. No. 3 Tallassee, 12 p.m.

4 Winner G1 vs. Winner G2, 2 p.m.

4 Loser G1 vs. Loser G2, 4 p.m.

High School Track & Field

AHSAA Class 5A, Section 2 Meet (at Smiths Station)

4 Elmore County, Holtville,Tallassee at

Sectional Meet,TBD

AHSAA Class 6A, Section 1 Meet (at Wetumpka)

4 Wetumpka, Stanhope at Sectional Meet,TBD

Monday, April 29

High School Softball

AHSAA Class 6A, Area 5 Tournament (at Calera)

4 Game 5 (Loser’s bracket), 2 p.m.

4 Game 6 (Championship), 4 p.m.

4 Game 7 (if needed), 6 p.m.

AHSAA Class 5A, Area 5 Tournament (at Elmore County)

4 Game 5 (Loser’s bracket), 2 p.m.

4 Game 6 (Championship), 4 p.m.

4 Game 7 (if needed), 6 p.m.

AHSAA Class 5A, Area 4 Tournament (at Holtville)

4 No. 1 Holtville vs. No.

4 Greenville, 11 a.m.

4 No. 2 Brewbaker Tech vs. No. 3 4 Charles Henderson, 1 p.m.

4 Winner G1 vs. Winner G2, 3 p.m.

4 Loser G1 vs. Loser G2, 5 p.m.

4 Game 5 (Loser’s bracket), 7 p.m.

High School Soccer

AHSAA soccer playoffs

4 (G) Marbury at Elmore County, 6 p.m.

4 (B) Demopolis at Tallassee, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30

High School Softball

AHSAA Class 5A, Area 4 Tournament (at Holtville)

4 Game 6 (Championship), 4 p.m.

4 Game 7 (if needed), 6 p.m.

a 5-4 lead; that was all the runs Nelson needed.

He retired 12 of the last 16 batters he faced, allowing just two hits and two walks after the four-run first inning.

“That first inning was our fault to start with,” Tubbs said.

“We felt like we were going to be able to hit Brandon (White). He beat us pretty bad early in the year and struck us out 15

times but that was in February. I thought we had a great game plan against him and our kids executed.”

Barrett then quickly busted the game open two batters after Carreon gave the team the lead. With the bases loaded and two outs, Barrett worked a full count then sent a fastball over the centerfield wall for a grand slam and gave Holtville a 9-5

lead.

"That whole moment was a blur, but that was crazy,” Barrett said. “That is a special one that I’m going to remember forever. My senior year and hitting a grand slam against my rival in the playoffs, that’s a memory I’ll get to keep. That was special.”

Elmore County then brought in a new pitcher and Holtville kept the momentum as the Bulldogs rallied off four more runs in the inning. The Bulldogs sent 17 batters to the plate that inning.

In Game 2, Holtville went ahead and tossed Barrett on the mound. The Bulldogs plated two runs in the first inning after a Braxton Potts RBI single and that was all Barrett needed.

He allowed just three hits and struck out nine batters in six innings of work. After reaching 102 pitches, Drew Connor came in and retired the side on four pitches to send Holtville to the second round. Holtville, playing as the visitor, increased its lead to 3-0 in the fourth then scored two, two and four runs in the final three innings to secure the win.

“To be honest, we were throwing off in Game 1 just in case Brandon was great for Elmore County,” Tubbs said. “I was saving Drey (Barrett) and Carson (McCutchin) but once Gage went out there and took care of business in that first game, we just went ahead and put Drey up there for the second and closed it out.”

Students take science projects to state competition

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Wetumpka High School students left their mark in state science competitions and exhibitions over the last month.

Over the last year the students have studied chemistry, plastics and agriculture outside of the classroom. They have run so many tests it has driven some to challenge relationships and even family. It has worked for junior Lily Vilardi who has been studying microplastics. Her project placed third in the state science fair at Auburn University last week and second in the paper reading. It provides a unique opportunity for Dr. Virgina Vilardi to push her granddaughter’s studies.

“I’m always telling her to go,” Virginia Vilardi said. “We have been doing this since fourth grade. Hers this year, we were lucky we had a place for it on the family farm.”

The project involved isolating the discharge from a clothes washing machine to filter and photograph the microplastics contained in the discharge.

“It was an electromagnetic device to pull the microplastic out of the washing machine,” Lily said. “We had to filter every single time. There were loads and loads of laundry.”

Lily’s science fair project will not go beyond the state competition but there is still a chance at paper reading as an alternate.

Dr. Vilardi doesn’t play favorites, though. She

challenges all of her students. They did as well or better than Lily in the state science fair compe

tition at Auburn and many will return there this fall as college students.

Senior Parker Thompson placed first in the chemistry category. He looked into chemicals in clothing manufactured overseas. Senior Ashley Fulmer was one of 12 Gorgas finalists in the state competing in the biomedical and health sciences category.

“I was testing different kinds of peppers,” Fulmer said.

Senior Whitley Shull took his aquaculture floating pod project and received a cash award from sponsors. Shull will continue his studies after Wetumpka at Auburn’s electrical engineering program. Senior Jason Bailey competed in the chemistry category.

“I was comparing and contrasting bottled waters to local tap water,” Bailey said.

Bailey placed in the category and plans to major in chemistry at Auburn and become a research chemist.

Junior John Belew competed in the robotics category. He used a robot in an agricultural setting to monitor plant seedlings.

Dr. Vilardi said the students had a unique opportunity to work on presenting their projects the week prior to the state competition.

“We were part of the STEM Expo at the Maxwell Gunter Air Show,” Vilardi said.

The Wetumpka students were one of only two

schools there and the only school to present all three days. Brew Tech Magnet School in Montgomery brought its Vex Robotics team for two days, but Wetumpka had students with robots, race cars and science fair competitors. They joined presentations from two and four year schools and programs from the McWane Science Center and the Civil Air Patrol. It was all lined up next to the main attraction — the Blue Angels.

“We had a spot inside the hangar and we took our Greenpower cars demonstrating them on the flight line,” Vilardi said.

The experience gave the students a chance to interact with military personnel, enthusiasts, students and staff from other schools.

“It was a way to get ready for the science fair competition and a way to pay back to the community for their support,” Vilardi said. “It shows them what we do and encourages others to come and join us.”

The air show also gave the students a chance to pick the minds of those in attendance as well about their projects and possible future science projects. Belew might continue to study his project, but will take the summer to look at other alternatives and activities.

“As juniors we are focusing on upcoming club activities beyond science fair such as the robotics teams,” Belew said. “We will gear up for competitions for the fall and do more research for our projects in the future.”

DALTON MIDDLETON TPI Holtville senior Drey Barrett hits against Elmore County. The Southern Miss signee went 6-for-7 against the Panthers and hit a grand slam in Game

Nibble, nibble

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Tri-county residents combined their cooking and wildlife talents for the annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Tri-County Wild Game Cookoff

Catfish, rabbit, wild turkey, pig, venison, Conecuh and more were on the sampling menu at Lanark in Millbrook on Thursday night.

Thousands lined up to see how their friends from Elmore, Autauga and Montgomery counties served up delicacies hunted and caught in the River Region.

Lanark is the home of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and its team served up catfish sliders. The City of Millbrook team served up Boston Butt sliders complete with slaw and a venison mac and cheese.

“We always take part in this,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said. “It is always so much fun to see all of our friends out here.”

The First Community Bank of Central Alabama didn’t have to go beyond the grocery store to find the main ingredient in its Conecuh corndogs.

Others stretched the limits of the term wild game. One participant made a special banana pudding with Wild Turkey bourbon.

The center will host the statewide wild game cookoff in late summer.

Sampling was the order of the night at the wild game cookoff

ABOVE: Guests leave with Conecuh corndogs from the First Community Bank of Central Alabama booth at the Alabama Wildlife Federation Tri-County Wild Game Cookoff.

LEFT: After the City of Millbrook team ran out of pork, they offered up their homemade slaw for sampling.

Wetumpka student receives international recognition

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Wetumpka sophomore Shun Steele has a reason to walk a little taller. Beagle Education just recognized him as the top student in a worldwide monthly reading program.

“He rocked the leaderboard in our global contest,” Beable’s Khan Defour said.

Elmore County Schools started to use Beable in the last year as a way to help students excel.

“We want to save lives through promoting literacy and getting students motivated to read,” Defour said.

“The program helps by providing the materials and means to integrate into the curriculum with scaffolds.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Wetumpka senior Shun Steele, center, was recognized by Beable Education for being the overall global winner in gains on the Winter Power Up Challenge. Steele is pictured with principal Kyle Futral, and Beable’s Khan Nguyen-Defour.

Scaffolding in education is breaking up learning into chunks while still providing the necessary tools and structure. In reading it might involve previewing text and discussing vocabulary ahead of time.

Wetumpka principal Kyle Futral was proud of Steele’s accomplishment, calling it a special award. He also believes the new program is great for students.

“It is a program that helps students increase

their reading ability and literacy skills,” Futral said.

“It is a great program in the way it connects their reading ability to their career path.”

Steele wasn’t the only Wetumpka student recognized by Beable. Isabella Snyder and Savarese Peake were also recognized with Steele for Le

Millbrook officially seeks to annex Rodgers View Court

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Annexation of about seven acres into Millbrook is now in the hands of the Alabama Legislature.

At a special called meeting of the Millbrook City Council Friday, the council officially asked for a local law to annex 12 lots on the Rodgers View Court.

“The Millbrook City Council deems it is wise, expedient and economical.” the resolution states.

According to a map from the Elmore County Revenue Commissioner’s Office, the subdivision is in unincorporated Elmore county. Portions of the subdivision are contiguous to Millbrook. Portions of the subvision are contiguous to Coosada.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Residents of Rodgers View Court have petitioned the Millbrook City Council to be annexed into the city limits. The council voted to seek a legislative action for the annexation instead of lot by lot .

At a previous meeting of the Millbrook Council, Mayor Al Kelley said all 12 property owners requested annexation into Millbrook. Without help from the legislature, Millbrook would first have to annex the lots contiguous to Millbrook, then wait and annex the next lots and so forth. Using an action of the legislature avoids multiple meetings and advertisements.

At the Friday meeting, five of the property owners were presented and agreed with being annexed into Millbrook.

“This will be transmitted [Friday] to the House and Senate,” Millbrook council president Michael Gay said.

“The next step is for the state representatives and state senators to take it.”

Regional library welcomes in library director

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

The Horseshoe Bend Regional Library now has a new library director.

The regional library supports and advises 10 local libraries including Alexander City’s Adelia M. Russell Library, Auburn, Eclectic, Millbrook, Rockford, Wetumpka, Dadeville, Goodwater and Opelika public libraries and Tallassee Community Library.

Under the regional library, state funding is pooled so that the funds can aid libraries in the area both big and small. As such, the library works with the member library directors and county commissioners who aid the regional library.

“We have state support, we have support from the local libraries, we have support from the various counties and city governments that we work with,” new regional library director Samantha Brasher Godsy said. “We all partner together to be able to meet the needs of the communities that are served by the individual libraries and the overall counties that they are situated within.”

Godsy has been involved with libraries for nearly 20 years. She is a self-proclaimed library kid and while she started volunteering at her local library when she was 12, she never envisioned making a career out of it until a few years ago.

While attending University of Montevallo for a Bachelor of Science in

environmental stewardship, Godsy interned at the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library. After college, she worked there for three to four years then moved out of the area after getting married.

Looking for jobs in the Auburn area, she was first hired as a part-time public service library assistant.

Godsy would work at the Auburn Public Library for nearly seven years with her last position being in the engagement and outreach division.

Throughout her time at the Auburn Public Library, she eventually went back to school to get her Master of Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University.

After working in Auburn for a while, Godsy was looking for a new creative, professional challenge when the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library director position came up. While it was daunting to get started, Godsy said she’s excited to take everything she learned about outreach, meeting communities and maximizing the impact libraries can have.

Not only does the regional library provide support for its member libraries, but it also aids underserved populations. The regional library director supervises librarians who run the bookmobile and outreach vehicle — meeting the needs of those who can’t physically come to their local library. Godsy said on a monthly basis these outreach programs go to nursing homes, assisted living, daycares, pre-schools, Head Starts, homeschool families and homebound individuals. Godsy hopes to expand these programs to visit correctional facilities possibly within the next year.

The regional library also has tons of genealogy material for Tallapoosa County and surrounding counties. For Tallapoosa County specifically, the regional library is the county’s passport acceptance facility. Passport applications are accepted from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday by appointments only.

As the new library director, Godsy lives in Salem within unincorporated Lee County with her husband and two kids, her 13-yearold stepson and nearly twoyear-old daughter. Together, they have a rescue Pitbull named Toph from the Avatar: The Last Airbender series.

Outside of the library, Godsy spends her time gardening and doing her own genealogy research.

“The reason I ultimately landed here, and I think I was supposed to, was because I just love providing opportunities for people to access information,” she said. “I love putting people in contact with the information that they need and making sure that those who probably have the least options for accessing that information are my first priority. And Horseshoe Bend does that really well.”

ABIGAIL MURPHY TPI

Samantha Brasher Godsy is the new library director for the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library.The regional library supports 10 different libraries in and outside of Tallapoosa County.

‘BOOT CAMP’ FIELD DAY PROVIDES FUN FOR STUDENTS

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Eclectic Elementary stu-

dents celebrated friends and themselves at field day last week.

Through fun activities such as tug of war, Eat It to Beat It and sprints, students were encouraged to recognize the importance of staying fit, good sportsmanship and working as a team. It also allowed the students to have fun and relieve stress accumulated over the course of the school year.

Field day was labeled ‘Boot Camp’ and aligned with the theme for preparing for ACAP testing where staff worked with students to hopefully improve test scores. Those scores will be reflected in the fall in report cards issued by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Field day was hosted by teachers, staff, PTO and volunteers from the Elmore County High School Key Club.

Elmore County softball to host area tournament

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County is hitting its stride.

The Panthers entered the month of April with a 4-5 overall record and a 1-1 record in AHSAA Class 5A, Area 5 play. They were coming off back-to-back losses to Wetumpka and a 3-0 loss to Beauregard in area play.

But then the switch flipped.

Since April 1, Elmore County’s softball team has gone 9-4-1 and has won seven of its last eight games. That includes two wins against rival Tallassee and a big 7-6 win over Beauregard. That win put the Panthers in a tie-breaker with the Hornets for first place, and Elmore County was given the No. 1-seed and the host site.

The tournament begins Saturday morning with Elmore County facing No. 4 Valley at 10 a.m.

“This has shown that we can compete at a higher level as long as we just keep doing the little things right,” Panther coach Tranum Blackwell said of earning the No. 1 seed.

“Now if we want to win the area and clinch a No. 1 seed in regionals, we have to keep playing disciplined defense, execute on offense and stay focused throughout the game.

We must limit our mistakes

both mentally and physically.”

In the win over Beauregard that ultimately decided which team was regular season champs, Elmore County jumped out to a 5-2 lead early.

Addi Stephenson got the scoring started with an infield single that scored Addie Patterson, then Raevyn Barris came around to score on an error on the same play.

Lalah Culpepper then singled in Stephenson to make it 3-0. In the next inning, Patterson clubbed a two-run home run to center field to score the fourth and fifth runs.

In extra innings, Patterson doubled in another two runs which eventually gave Elmore County the win. She finished the game 2-for-4 with a double, home run and four RBIs.

“In the first matchup against Beauregard, our offense struggled a little bit,” Blackwell said. “We just couldn’t put any hits together to score runs. However, in the second matchup, we were able to get more runners on and move them around the bases more effectively.”

Following that win, Elmore County spent the next two days beating up on area opponents Tallassee and Valley. The Panthers beat Tallassee, 17-2, then beat Valley 10-0. Over the weekend, Elmore County beat Opelika 4-0 and

County’s Addi Stephenson (3)

Dadeville 7-0 before falling in the final regular season game of the year, 4-2, to Benjamin Russell. “In the second half of our year, our team is finding its rhythm,” Blackwell said. “We’ve been more confident at the plate, executing our plays more efficiently and playing with a lot of energy and determination. One thing about his team is they don’t believe they are ever out of the fight. It’s been a combination of hard work, dedication and teamwork that’s been clicking for us.”

Elmore

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

Students at Eclectic Elementary School were treated to the annual field day last week. This year’s theme was Boot Camp and was similar to the theme for programs to help students prepare for ACAP testing.