Wetumpka Herald Aug. 16 2023

Millbrook officially breaks ground on Publix

Holtville High School basketball coach

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

Lots of site work and even curbing has already been done on a 14-acre lot on U.S. Hwy. 14 next to Walmart in Millbrook. But city officials turned the shovels over Wednesday, officially breaking ground on the project.

Publix coming to Millbrook was a decades long process. It started long before Millbrook was on the radar for the Florida-based grocery chain. It started when tax attorney Leon Capouano and others bought more than 400 acres along Hwy. 14 backing up to Interstate 65.

“It was an old family

Four arrested following robbery in Elmore County

farm,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said. “They bought it in the late 1960s and just sat on it.” Kelley first met Capouano about 27 years ago when the tax attorney walked into his office “in the old-old city hall.”

“He told me what he was

receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.

See PUBLIX, Page A6

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

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

RIBBON CUT FOR CRATER MURALS, MORE TO COME

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Nin his rib cage. They go through [the victim’s] pockets, take his money and take off.”

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.

Four Wetumpka residents are being held in the Elmore County Jail after a gun was pulled during the sale of a cell phone.

ew panels highlighting the Wetumpka Impact Crater are only the start of things to come in downtown 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

Elmore County Sheriff

Bill Franklin said the alleged robbery Thursday night occurred on Tallassee Highway near Firetower Road.

“The victim was going to sell his phone,” Franklin said. “He meets the buyer at the top of his driveway. When they agree to a deal, the buyer goes back to the vehicle, I guess to get money to pay him. Another guy gets out and sticks a gun

The arrest affidavit in court records stated the victim is 17 years old and had agreed to sell his gray iPhone 8 Plus to Jeremiah Jackson, 18, of Wetumpka. Jackson along with Malachi Smith, 20, of Wetumpka exited the vehicle and approached the juvenile victim.

City leaders hope a new crater and visitor center in downtown Wetumpka are not far behind the murals.

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

See CHAMBER, Page A3

“Smith pulled a dark colored handgun from his waistband and placed the barrel of the gun against the left side of [the victim’s] stomach,” the affidavit said. “Jackson

See ARRESTED, Page A6

No bond for man, Millbrook rape suspect

“The murals are the first step,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “The next step is when The Kelly relocated from Company Street [around the corner], we were able to acquire the building. We have been working in there getting it ready, getting it prepared.”

The new art wall in The Alley contains 14 murals, explaining how the Wetumpka Impact Crater was formed.

“We didn’t want this to be stuffy,” Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission chairman Kevin Reuter said. “We didn’t want this to be some scientific thing people would have a hard time understanding, but something that was visually appealing and told the story. A lot of people have no idea this is one of the best preserved marine craters on the planet. We have it on our doorstep and it is frequently overlooked.”

Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected

were developed with Brannon, Auburn University Geology professor Dr. David King and more. Students from Redland Elementary School were even involved.

By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer

Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.

The artwork for the murals was created by local artist Hope Brannon and funded by Gateway Development Corporation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, First Community Bank, River Bank and Trust and the City of Wetumpka.

Reuter said some 50 iterations of the murals

The murals in The Alley will help bring to life in words and art something that is scattered about for miles around Wetumpka.

Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.

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

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

“We hope the murals will show chronologically how the hills and unusual terrain happened,” mural project chair Marilee Tankersley said. “Local students study meteors in science; here they can put their hands on the rocks and we know the [murals] can be helpful.”

Tankersley said a grant has been received from

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.

See RIBBON, Page A6

Benton didn’t want to speculate on the

See SHOOTING, Page A3

Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Staff Report

A Millbrook will remain in jail for the foreseeable future as he faces first-degree rape charges.

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals

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

The Millbrook Police Department began investigating allegations of sexual contact made by a 13-year-old victim in July. Millbrook Police Department

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.

Det. Zachary Sumerlin testified in an Aniah’s Law hearing Monday morning for

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to

See SUSPECT, Page A6

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

CLIFF

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD

The Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission was joined by city officials, Main Street Wetumpka and the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce to cut the ribbon on the 14 panels in The Alley that tell the history of the crater.

HOLLEY

HENDERSON JACKSON SMITH STEVER

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUG 15

• Harassment was reported on Shelby Street. AUG. 12

• Harassing communications was reported on North Street.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUG. 21

• Assistance was given to a citizen on East Patton Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Sunwood Court.

AUG. 20

• Harassing communications was reported on Ice Plant Road.

AUG. 19

• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Patterson Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Washington Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Second Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A verbal altercation was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on West Patton Street.

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

• An assault was reported on Friendship Road.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Patterson Street.

AUG. 18

• A mentally disturbed person was reported on Mott Lane.

• The roadway was reported blocked on Second Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Peachtree Street.

• Gun fire was reported on Second Street.

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A fight was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

BUDGET

Continued from A1

county positions.

“The budget sets in place a pay rate change put into motion through premium pay,” Beyer said. “It will help with retention and recruitment of employees, specifically in public safety and public works. We are a year ahead of schedule in getting that into place.”

The new budget creates two new deputy sheriff positions for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department, adds a new correctional officer at the Elmore County Jail, creates two APOST certified correctional officer pay slots in public safety and provides a $5 per hour supplement to aid in the cooperative effort with Elmore County Schools for nine school resource officers.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Second Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Gammills Store Road.

• Assault was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Drug activity was reported on Hanil Drive.

AUG. 17

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

•Assistance was given to a motorist on Whatley Drive.

• Theft was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• A white female was arrested on Kelly Place.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.

AUG. 16

• A suspicious person was reported on Third Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Washington Street.

• Animal cruelty was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Friendship Road.

• An animal complaint

The budget also creates a new engineer position to assist with facilities, environmental services and public works. It creates an additional probate clerk position and creates three positions as part of a plan to reduce purchasing, acquisition, training, inventory and human resource burdens from all departments.

“It puts public safety people back to public safety, and not administrative,” Beyer said. “Public works people are in the same boat. There were some efficiencies added to make it work.”

The approved budget continues to support the volunteer fire departments in Elmore County with an increased allocation to cover worker’s compensation and reporting software costs. It includes an anticipated 15% increase in property, liability and worker compensation insurance.

was reported on Willow Street.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Thelma Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Camellia Drive.

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

• An animal complaint was reported on mcArthur Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Darnell Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A prowler was reported on Hickory Street.

AUG. 15

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Thompson Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Forgery was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Riverside Drive.

• A downed powerline was reported on Hornsby Lane.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Oak Heights Road.

• Fraudulent use of a

The budget continues the 25% allocation of sales tax collected from online sales with the Elmore County and Tallassee City boards of education. The funds are shared equally on a per student basis with Elmore County receiving approximately 90% and Tallassee about 10%.

The public will still see no charge for paying bills online as a way to encourage the habit.

The nearly $74 million includes close to $1.8 million for the Elmore County Rebuild Alabama Funded and Federal Aid Exchange Funded projects previously approved by the commission.

Commissioners said they were happy with the budget and all the areas it touched.

“We have increased our funding to volunteer fire departments,” commission chair Bart Mercer said. “That has increased six

debit or credit card was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Honeysuckle Lane.

• An intoxicated person was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A white male was arrested on Noble Road.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

AUG. 14

• A prowler was reported on Mott Lane.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on West Gantts Mill Road.

• Burglary was reported on Highway 229.

• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on West James Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

to eight fold over the last five years. We want to continue that.”

Commissioner Mack Daugherty, a retired law enforcement officer, said he is proud to see continuing support for law enforcement as the county grows.

“As the county grows, just like our fire departments and other essential services, it needs to grow,” Daughtery said. “People who are moving into the county want to know how law enforcement is. What is the crime rate? We are blessed in this county.”

Daugherty said Beyer and his staff made this budget one of, if not, the easiest budgeting he has been a part of in his two terms on the commission.

“I have heard from the department heads how smoothly the budget process was,” Daughtery said. “It is due to your work and leadership.”

Events are coming for Humane Society

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We will have a busy month between September and October as we have a new event this year.

We will be looking for all of the area pickleball enthusiasts as Saturday, Oct. 7 is our first ever Paddles for Paws from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paddles for Paws is a pickleball tournament at 17 Springs in Millbrook, benefiting our shelter.

Registration is $35 + a $5 service fee, which includes one event, a tournament T-shirt, snacks and drinks. The planned format will be round robin. Depending on the number of teams

in a bracket, the tournament director reserves the right to adjust the format. Small brackets may be combined. Eligible participants for Paddles for Paws must be 19 or older. Completed teams (both partners registered and paid) have priority on available slots. Teams not paid in full or without partners may be moved to the waiting list to make room for paid teams. There will be a food truck available for lunch. All participants must comply with the 17 Springs Rules of Use. We are soliciting sponsors for Paddles for Paws and think that is a great way to get your business name

seen and support our shelter. If you would like to sponsor the event, donate prizes, volunteer at the event or have questions, email HSECPaddlesforPaws@gmail.com. Any prize donations can be dropped off at Humane Society of Elmore County, 255 Central Plank Rd. in Wetumpka. You can also call us at 334-567-3377. Before Paddles for Paws we have our 17th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 with a rain date of Sept. 24. As we look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon

Pope is a male, Lab/ Hound mix who is about 9 ½ months old. He weighs about 50 pounds. He is a simply wonderful young dog. He loves people and is playful, friendly, very chill and laid back. He’s ready to have a family all his own. Want to go camping or hiking? Pope says sure. Want to just stay at home and chill in front of the TV? Pope says sounds great to him. Want to go for walks, meet people and other dogs? Pope says I’m

your man. Want your children to grow up with their best buddy ever? Pope says he loves children. 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 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane. org.

Johnny Brown denied youthful offender status in shooting case

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

Johnny Letron Brown, 20, of Tuskegee, will officially be tried as an adult in the case involving the Dadeville shooting on April 15.

A youthful offender hearing was held Thursday morning where Brown’s lawyers argued he should be tried in juvenile court. Any defendant under the age of 21 can apply for youthful offender status and if granted, the maximum punishment would be three years in jail.

“That’s why we argued against it,” 5th Circuit district attorney Mike Segrest said. “Because the maximum range of punishment if YO is granted is three years, and

at Fort Toulouse, it’s time for area vendors to jump on board. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc. to join us and our vendor fee is only $40. Vendors must bring your own tables/popup/chairs and there is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator, please let us know for site planning.

You can find our vendor application/ payment online. If you prefer us to email you

the letter and forms in .pdf for printing, email us at hselco@bellsouth. net or message us on our shelter Facebook page.

There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park – vendors, food, demonstrations, microchip clinic, blessing of the pets, pet parade, Bark in the Park T-shirts and a great selection of pet and other great silent auction items! Admission to Bark

in the Park is $5/ person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, and they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park.

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

given this situation, we are going to be seeking the maximum penalty.”

Judge Isaac Wharton denied the youthful offender request.

For Brown and the other four defendants currently being tried as adults, they are each charged with four counts of reckless murder, 24 counts of first-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault.

Those defendants are Willie George Brown Jr., 19, and Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, both of Auburn, and Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, both of BROWN

See OFFENDER, Page A5

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Letter to the Editor

Reader says Creek never forced to leave area

Dear Editor,

In guest columnist Jonathan Yarboro’s, “Let history speak for itself,” July 26, 2023 issue, he wrote Wetumpka was not settled in the 1800’s but was colonized.

The Colonial Era was from 16071775. Wetumpka became a settlement some years after the Creek Indian War, “1814.” Wetumpka’s first post office was in 1833, 58 years after the Colonial Era.

He stated, “When embracing the story of the founding and settling of Wetumpka, for instance, the chapter telling of the forced displacement of Creek Indians…”

The Treaty with the Creeks, 1832, lasting through 1838 offered to pay Indians on their claims of having ferris, bridges and causeways. Land would be exchanged; land for land. Removal of, journey to and first

years on their land would be at expense of the United States. They governed themselves and continued their religious practice if they wished. (Their practices clashed with that of “Protestant Believers” creating static between two cultures.)

Each warrior would receive a rifle, moulds, wiper and ammunition. Each family would get a blanket, $3,000 per year for 20 years would go to education for their children, one tow of iron and 200 weight of steel annually for 20 years per blacksmith, three max, provided by the U.S.

Article 12 says it all concerning Mr. Yarboro’s apparent ignorance of Southern history or his will to show himself being fully woke and seriously into “cancel culture” and critical race theory.

Article 12: “The article shall not be construed so as to compel any Creek Indian to migrate, but they shall be free to go or stay as they please.”

They were not forced to leave as Mr. Yarboro proclaims. Government sponsorship ended in 1838. Family size detachments continued to emigrate from Alabam into the 1850’s. They could have stayed like the “Poarch Band of Creeks.” They may have become casino owners.

The article has five other lines as false as these I’d love to go over in this letter but I’ve probably already exceeded my 300 word limit. Mr. Yarboro should fact check himself before spouting off remarks so polarizing in our community.

‘Bidenomics’ has backfired for American people

Obituaries:

a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

This summer, President Joe Biden traveled across our great country touting the success of what he calls “Bidenomics.”

I’ve got news for the president. The American people aren’t buying what he’s selling. Two thirds of the American people disapprove of Biden on the economy and three out of four Americans say our country is on the wrong track.

Economists aren’t buying it either. Most economists think we’re going to have a recession within the next year; Fitch just downgraded the U.S. credit rating for the first time in history; and the U.S. deficit is the third highest ever. This ought to ring alarm bells for everybody who cares about this country.

I agree with the American people: Bidenomics has been a disaster for the people of this country.

When Biden took office, the economy was ready to take off. We were opening back up after the pandemic. The Congressional Budget Office said the economy didn’t need any stimulus and that the economy would fully recover within just a few months.

Biden didn’t listen. He signed the biggest stimulus bill in history. Biden spent $2 trillion we didn’t need. It wasn’t paid for — that $2 trillion went straight to the national debt, which is now at a record-high $32 trillion.

Even the Democrats’ own experts warned them not to do this.

President Barack Obama’s economic advisor Jason Furman said, “I don’t know any economist who was advocating for a spending bill that size.” Former treasury secretary

He was quickly proved right. A month after Democrats passed their spending bill, inflation started going up until it hit the highest level in 40 years. In total, prices are 14% higher than they were when Biden took office.

That means we’ve all lost about one out of every six dollars in our wallets and our savings accounts since Biden took office. Gas prices are still up by more than a dollar a gallon. The price of diesel is raising costs for farmers across Alabama and America — and that’s driving up the cost of food.

Biden’s inflation has cost the average American family more than $8,000 since he took office. Americans’ credit card debt recently hit a record $1 trillion. More and more people are tapping into savings or borrowing money to stay afloat. This is inflation that could have been prevented but, unfortunately, because of Biden and congressional Democrats, it was purposely self-inflicted.

Democrats just can’t keep their hands out of the cookie jar. Last summer, Biden and Democrats fired up the money printer to get ready for last fall’s election. They spent more than $400 billion on the Green New Deal and 87,000 new IRS agents to shake us down for

every last penny. In total, Biden has authorized more than $4 trillion in new government spending, which is more money than we spent to win World War II. And he did this at a time when we didn’t need a dime of stimulus in our economy. It’s no wonder we’ve had the highest inflation in 40 years. And it’s no wonder Biden is the least popular president since Jimmy Carter. Joe Biden has cost us a fortune in terms of higher prices. Working families are getting hit from all sides.

Last fall, a Gallup poll showed a record number of people have given up on the American Dream. According to the poll, a majority of Americans do not think their kids will have a better standard of living than they had when they were growing up. Young people are giving up on the dream of owning their own home as mortgage rates have doubled since Biden took office. Biden shouldn’t be bragging right now. Biden ought to be on an apology tour across this country for robbing hard-working Americans to fund woke policies. And, most importantly, he should be apologizing to the people who are giving up on the American Dream.

Two-thirds of the American people disapprove of the handling of Biden’s economy. I agree with the American people: Bidenomics has been a total disaster.

Tommy Tuberville is a Republican United States Senator representing the state of Alabama. His column appears monthly.

Larry Summers predicted it would cause inflation.

TOMMY TUBERVILLE Columnist

David Haynes Equality, Alabama

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Bark in the Park is coming soon

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We’re only a month away from our 17th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 — rain date is the following week.

We have adjusted to an earlier start time this year and will wrap up earlier so for our long-time attendees, don’t forget this change. We look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon at Fort Toulouse and there will be plenty of vendors, activities, microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations, Patriotic 2023 Bark in the Park T-Shirt (still $15) and a day of fun at the park.

There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park — vendors,

food, demonstrations, microchip clinic, nlessing of the pets, a pet parade, Bark in the Park T-shirts and a great selection of pet and other great silent auction items.

We will have numerous vendors with pet products, groups and information, crafts, sweets, local businesses and more.

Vendors will be set up under the trees and around the pavilion area and plenty of time for more vendors to join us. Bark in the Park is a great place for folks to be able to learn about your business, product or service. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc.

Our vendor fee is only $40 and you must bring your own tables/pop-up/ chairs. There is no electricity available so if you

must bring a generator please let us know for site planning. You can do our vendor application/ payment online. If you prefer us to email you the letter and forms in PDFs for printing, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net, or message us on our shelter Facebook page.

Our Blessing of the Pets will be followed by our always popular Parade of Pets. After all, who doesn’t like showing off their beloved pet?

During the pet parade secret judges will be scouting out dogs for fun prizes — biggest, smallest, best costume and more.

There will be a variety of silent auction items (pet and otherwise) in the pavilion so something for everyone. All auction items must be paid for and picked up at the end

of the auction. If a person is the highest bidder but is not present when the auction ends, we will move to the next highest bidder present. We will be able to take payment via cash, check, credit or debit.

Microchips can be critical to reuniting lost pets and to help keep more pets safe, bring your dog to Fort Toulouse where it can be chipped.

From 1 to 3 p.m. and for only $25, which includes the registration, you can get your pet microchipped thanks to the Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Make sure to stop near the pavilion at Fort Toulouse to purchase your 2023 Bark in the Park T-shirt for $15. We are most appreciative of the sponsors for our T-shirt and we love this year’s

Sabrina is a 2-year old female brown & white tabby. She is declawed on her front paws, so she can be indoor only. She is great with children but a tad persnickety with everyone else. Sabrina likes to rule her domain so she’d be best in a home with no or just one or two other pets. She is a very laid-back lady and will nibble on your fingers.

The Humane Society of

Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

ameri-pets patriotic theme. We always have some delectable baked goodies as well and who doesn’t like homemade sweets.

Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/person for those 13 and older. All dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, and they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park.

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

Pet of the Week - Sabrina

Continued from A1

the Alabama Council on Arts to create a marble model of the crater for the new center. Willis said an opening date for the Company Street center is not yet set but many of the logistics are done.

“This is going to be the crater/visitor center,” Willis said. “I don’t know the exact name of it yet, but that is what it is going to be. This benefits both the crater and visitor center because of staffing. The visitor center can help staff the crater welcome center when no one from the crater is available.”

Willis said current work involves painting and creating office space. At the same time, the city is looking to hire a tourism director to help keep tourists coming to Wetumpka.

“We rode HGTV long and hard,” Willis said. “We are still riding it. They are coming back to look at what we have done. Hopefully this will be part of a story they might want to tell.”

going to do with this property up here,” Kelley said. “I said, ‘We will see. We all got to work together.’”

Kelley said Capouano told him he would do whatever he wanted with the property and walked out of Kelley’s office.

“It was the start of a great relationship,” Kelley said.

The aging Capouano was at the groundbreaking, pulled up to the tent in his car with his window rolled down to listen to Kelley and others. The two have grown to be great friends.

“They would have two or three dove shoots a year,” Kelley said. “We would come up here. I always took the stand near the interstate. Afterwards we would have BBQ sandwiches.”

Deals started to come together and Kelley and Capouano eventually worked together.

“Leon and I and his brothers spent three days in Bentonville, Arkansas chasing retail,” Kelley

ARRESTED

Continued from A1

removed the gray iPhone 8 Plus and black wallet containing $120 from

said. “We have done it all together.”

Forty acres of Capouano’s property became Walmart.

“He is an old tax attorney,” Kelley said. “Negotiation is a game to him. You start with a number and he starts with a number. He wants to get closer to his figure and considers it a win.”

But Kelley and Capouano kept waiting for something to help open up the old farm to more development.

“This project doesn’t come together by itself,” Millbrook economic development director Ann Harper said. “About three and half years ago Realty Link walked into the office asking a bunch of questions about Millbrook.”

Developer John Whitson worked with city officials to help get the project off the ground. But now Whitson had to take the project to Capouano.

“My dad was a tax accountant,” Whitson said. “That negotiation felt a lot like my childhood.”

It has been a team effort so

his pocket.” Jackson and Smith then fled in a red Dodge Ram pickup, according to court documents.

far.

“Without the support of the mayor and city council, this would have never happened,” Whitson said. “Millbrook was nothing but accommodating in the process.”

Bringing Publix to Millbrook was still not done. Whitson, Millbrook staff and others put the package together to present to Publix and the grocery chain agreed.

“Publix has some of the best real estate people and some of the best demographic analysis in the world,” Whitson said. “If they tell you you have a good spot and things are happening, you have a good spot.”

The 47,000-square foot Publix with 6,000 square feet of other retail and two out parcels sits on 14 acres just off Highway 14. Kelley is hopeful the project is the start of more to come.

“We think this will open it up back there,” Kelley said. “The dirt from here will help fill in some of the holes there. Publix is going to be our gateway to the rest of the property.”

Franklin said the victim called 911 and deputies soon caught up with the vehicle on Old Georgia Plank Road. In the truck, deputies also found Kaderus Henderson, 23, of Wetumpka and Hunter Stever, 18 of Wetumpka.

SUSPECT

Continued from A1

Derek Wayne Holley, 39, during which Sumerlin said the victim was spending the night at Holley’s home in January.

“When it came time to go to bed, she was advised to sleep on the couch,” Sumerlin testified before Elmore County District Judge Glen Goggans. “She woke up with her pants and panties pulled down. She said he was penetrating her from behind.”

Sumerlin said the teenage girl acted like she was asleep until Holley finished and returned to his bedroom in the home. Holley returned the girl to her mother’s workplace the next day.

He also testified the Millbrook Police Department began investigating the incident after the father of the child reported the allegations to authorities. Sumerlin said the teenager spoke to a forensic interviewer at Butterfly Bridge Child Advocacy Center.

“The child told a friend not long after it happened,” Sumerlin said. “She also told her mother but she didn’t report it because she thought it had been too long.”

Sumerlin said Holley tried to run from authorities last week when he

“We caught them a couple miles away,” Franklin said. “We were very fortunate there.” Jackson, Henderson, Stever and Smith were transported to the Elmore County Jail.

“They are being held with no bond under Aniah’s law,” Franklin said. “The magistrate said it met the criteria.”

There are no hearings set as of Friday afternoon in the incident according to court records.

was arrested. Sumerlin testified a patrol officer knew of the arrest warrant for Holley and recognized him. The officer attempted a traffic stop and Holley fled. He eventually left the roadway, striking a boulder and disabled his vehicle. Holley fled the car on foot as a family member remained.

“He took off to the woodline,” Sumerlin said.

Holley said an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency helicopter and a canine team from Alabama Department of Corrections was brought in. Holley was located in a tree about 45 minutes after the pursuit began and transported to the Elmore County Jail. Holley was also charged with attempting to elude law enforcement, reckless endangerment and second degree possession of marijuana from the traffic stop.

Chief assistant district attorney Mandy Johnson said Holley is facing similar charges in another state from a similar incident in Panama City Beach, Florida where he bonded out of jail following the arrest. This was all while Holley was serving probation for a 2021 Elmore County conviction for reckless endangerment.

Johnson also said Holley has 10 previous convictions.

A friend of Holley’s testified he didn’t think

the allegations were in the character of Holley. He said he had left his children with Holley before.

“More times than I can count,” the witness said. “I have not heard or suspected him of doing anything.”

The witness said he had been around Holley’s children.

“They knew how to respect adults,” he said. “They knew how to obey.”

The character witness described Holley as someone who was always willing to help and had a job in construction.

“I’d try to get him to drink,” the witness said. “He ain’t going to do it.”

The witness said he knew of some of the prior convictions mentioned but not all of them.

Holley’s attorney asked for a reasonable bond.

Goggans explained his ruling of no bond and said first-degree rape falls under the Aniah’s Law.

“I find a similar crime under similar circumstances in another state strong,” Goggans said. “He had a [family member] in the car when he was flying down the road, left her there and took off running from the police. I do find he is a danger to the public. He is a flight risk. He has an extensive criminal record.”

RIBBON

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD

Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, left, speaks to those at the ribbon cutting for the panels of the Wetumpka Crater about how the city and Elmore County were helping the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission create a discovery center.

PUBLIX

Depot actor humble about national award

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It was an invitation in col -

lege that introduced theater and acting to Tony Davison.

Fast forward, Davison has been associated with the Wetumpka Depot Players for several years, teaches theater and now has national recognition thanks to his acting talents. But he doesn’t believe his talents are solely responsible for his award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting. He earned the award at the American Association of Community Theatre Festival (AACTFest) in Louisville, Kentucky this summer.

“I know it's an individual award, but something like this feels more like a company award to me because everybody you are on stage with makes you better,” Davison said. “Everybody you interact with helps to form your character. I don’t think I could have won any type of award like this without the amazing company of actors we had.”

The award stems from Davison’s role as Rufus in the original production of “A Storm Came Up” written by Doug Segrest. Davison got involved early in the development of the script. He credits the process with making him a better actor and teacher.

“It is the first time I have

Central

TPI STAFF Staff Report

gotten the chance to be involved in a project from essentially right after it was written, workshopping it, refining it and all the way through performing it,” Davison said. “I learned a lot. I think it helped me improve as an actor. I think every show you do, you should endeavor to do that, especially with as long as the process was, it definitely helped me improve a lot.”

Davison said “A Storm Came Up” speaks to race relations in Alabama in the 1960s but is still a very much relevant topic today.

“I think the way it is presented it draws parallels from that to some things that we are still unfortunately dealing with this day and time,” Davison said. “I think it also does a really good job of showing how tragic it is when kids are caught up in that.”

Davison almost didn’t get into acting. The closest thing to being on stage was singing in church and being in a couple of musical groups.

“I had never tried my hand at acting before college,” Davison said. “I only did that on the invitation of a friend who had a part in a play she was directing that I would be good at. I tried it and fell in love with it. The rest is history.”

Davison majored in theater and went on to get his

masters degree in theater as well. He is now the theater teacher at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.

Davison said he doesn’t have a favorite genre but instead loves playing any character besides himself on stage. He has played Jim in “Big River,” Shrek in “Shrek the Musical,” and was the voice of The Plant in “The Little Shop of Horrors” before his award winning role as Rufus in “A Storm Came Up.”

Davison said the award will help him encourage the next generation of theater advocates.

“It will lend some credibility to my teaching,” Davison said. “The theater teacher in me hates framing anything as a competition, but I think that something like this can help.”

Davison wants to stress to his students and others you don’t have to make a career of theater to want to do well.

“There are plenty of us that would love to do it as a career but for one reason or another had to make different choices,” Davison said. “This is a community theater and we don’t get paid to act, but it is still something you can strive to be your best at and achieve things. There are other benefits and other ways of being involved in theater without

Alabama Community Foundation awards grants at The Kelly

The Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) awarded $123,640.00 in grants to 18 River Region nonprofits that support education initiatives in Montgomery, Lowndes, Macon, Autauga and Elmore counties.

The Education Grants

being awarded are part of the Family Wellness and Education Grant Cycle that CACF manages. Funds from these grants will go directly toward assisting many citizens.

Listed below are the nonprofit organizations that received grants from CACF and its two affiliates, Autauga Area Community Foundation

and Elmore County Community Foundation, at an Aug. 9 grant ceremony at The Kelly in Wetumpka.

• $5,200 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region to purchase musical instruments and music lessons to expand the capacity of the Chisholm Club’s musical program that meets twice weekly with musical instructors.

• $15,000 to Common Ground Montgomery to support the costs of teachers serving 100 students in the MAP Youth Navigation Afterschool Program and Summer Enrichment Program administered by Mercy House at the Common Ground facility in the Washington Park community.

• $5,000 to Gateway Baptist Church to support the costs of the HOPES After School Tutoring Program that serves students and their families referred by Capitol Heights Middle School.

• $7,500 to Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama to

provide membership fees for 200 girls in Lowndes and Macon counties and 100 girls in Montgomery County participating in school-based Girl Scouts leadership programming.

• $6,050 to Girls on the Run of the River Region to provide the direct costs of implementing two teams serving students at Montgomery County Title I schools with a program that includes a curriculum blending physical activity with life skill development and culminates in completing a celebratory 5K run at the end of both seasons.

• $5,690.00 to Hope House Montgomery to support the costs of educational and community-building activities serving the Highland Park community with a focus on Highland Avenue Elementary School students participating in the Afterschool Reading Tutoring Program, Summer Activity Days and Community T-shirt Design Contest.

• $15,000 to Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) to support the costs of the career coach position serving HIM’s

Lowndes County site through extensive case management, addressing students’ barriers to employment, and facilitating the Alabama Career Essentials certificate process

• $5,000 to The Ingram State Technical Foundation to provide 10 graduating students with tools and safety equipment needed to begin work following their release from prison.

• $11,500 to MBA Community Ministries, Inc. to support the costs of the Second Chance Homeschool based in the Highland Gardens community and serving students of Mixtec descent who face language and other barriers in mainstream educational settings that lead to a high drop-out rate.

• $10,200.00 to That’s My Child to provide scholarships for 34 students to participate in the Teen to Work Program that includes a four-week curriculum teaching soft and hard skills needed to enter the workforce, a five-week training course at That’s My Dog Jr. restaurant and a final phase of connecting stu-

dents to employers.

AUTAUGA AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

• $2,500 to Alabama PALS to support the costs of implementing the Alabama Clean Campus Program in Autauga County schools.

• $2,500 to Alabama Wildlife Federation to provide for 156 students at Autauga County School to participate in a full-day field trip at the Alabama Nature Center.

• $2,500 to Autauga County Family Support Center to purchase 250 interactive training workbooks for Stewards of the Children, a child sexual abuse prevention training program that seeks to educate and engage a network of vigilant residents in the Autauga County community.

• $2,500 to Autauga-Prattville Public Library to purchase 45 Wonderbooks, print books created for library use and having an attached electronic audiobook that reads the book as the child turns the page.

SUBMITTED THE HERALD

The Wetumpka Depot Player’s Tony Davison was nationally ecognized for his role in “A Storm Came Up” over the summer. Davison didn’t get into acting until college and now even teaches high schoolers.

SUBMITTED | THE HERALD

The Central Alabama Community Foundation handed out more than $100,000 in grants recently. The event was held at The Kelly.

NO INJURIES IN ROLLER COASTER WRECK

One might

Council mulling converting baseball field to multipurpose field

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Which is more useful? A baseball only field, or a field to play baseball and softball?

It is a question the Wetumpka City Council is considering for the Wetumpka Sports Complex Field 4.

“This is to allow more use of that field,” Mayor Jerry Willis told the council.

The idea is to remove the grass infield, use a portable mound for baseball and temporary fence for softball. City staff said they didn’t have but three 13 years or older sign ups for baseball and they would be folded into the 12-year-old teams. But numbers are a different story for the younger teams and for softball. Field 4 isn’t always usable because of drainage issues.

Continued from A8

• $2,500 to Girls on the Run Serving the River Region to support the costs of implementing one team serving students at an Autauga County Title I school.

• $2,500 to HEAL Alabama to support the costs of implementing HEAL Alabama, a nutrition and fitness program taught in elementary physical education classes, at Prattville Elementary School.

• $2,500 to Liberty Learning Foundation, Inc. to support the costs of providing the civic engagement curriculum, Hands on Liberty, and the Libby Liberty Celebration Event for nine Autauga County Schools classrooms.

• $2,500 to Montgomery Education Foundation to purchase equipment to support the expansion of Starbase 2.0, a 10-week afterschool program featuring STEM, robotics, engineering lessons and Maxwell Air Force Base mentoring, in middle schools of Autauga Public Schools.

ELMORE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

• $2,500 to Alabama PALS to support the costs of implementing the Alabama Clean Campus Program in Elmore County Public Schools.

• $2,500 to Alabama Wildlife Federation to fund 156 sixth graders enrolled in Elmore County Public Schools attending the Elmore County Water Festival at the Alabama Nature Center.

• $2,500 to Girls on the Run Serving the River Region to support the costs of implementing one team serving students

“We are running out of room,” Wetumpka Parks and Recreation’s Tiffany Chandler said. “We are sending younger [baseball] teams to the softball fields for practice.”

Removing the infield grass would also allow an extra field at the Wetumpka Sports Complex for softball tournaments.

If the council approves the change, it would be several weeks before the field could be used. The new dirt infield needs to cure by going through cycles of rain and heat drying it out.

The potential change will be voted on by the council at its next meeting.

The council also heard about the next steps for completing a ticket booth at the Wetumpka Sports Complex football stadium and for purchasing pipe for Autauga Street. It was the first

reading for both measures and the council will take action on them at the next meeting.

A new air conditioner was approved by the council.

“We need to do this now,” Willis said. “It’s hot — 114 degree heat index.”

It was the first time in front of the council and rules were suspended to approve the expenditure at the first reading.

IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the July 17 meeting.

• Went into executive session for approximately 30 minutes to discuss economic development and returned to regular session taking no action.

The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21.

SUBMITTED THE HERALD

ABOVE: The grants awarded benefit multiple organizations across the River Region. RIGHT: Amelia Fox, left, with Ingram State Technical College Foundation, was on hand to receive a grant from the Central Alabama Community Foundation.

at an Elmore County Title I school .

• $2,500 to Liberty Learning Foundation, Inc. to support the costs of providing the civic engagement curriculum, Hands on Liberty and the Libby Liberty Celebration Event for nine Elmore County Public Schools classrooms.

• $2,500 to Montgomery Education Foundation to purchase equipment to support the expansion of Starbase 2.0, a 10-week afterschool program featuring STEM, robotics, engineering lessons, and Maxwell Air Force Base mentoring, in middle schools of Elmore County Public Schools.

CACF TECHNICA ASSISTANCE GRANTS

• $2,500.00 to Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy to support consultant costs

for the development of a strategic plan.

• $2,500.00 to Alabama Wildlife Federation to purchase eight iPads for use by staff and students in collecting field data to share with scientists worldwide and to use as a teaching tool when weather requires indoor educational activities.

For over 35 years, the CACF has been a valued community partner and resource for nonprofits and students in the River Region and Wiregrass. Through the generous support of individual and corporate donors, the foundation provides over $5 million in grants and scholarships each year that meet diverse commu

Always keep your promises

“M y word is my bond” is used to indicate one will always do what one has promised to do. There is no one person who coined this particular phase, but Biblically, there are people who live by their “Yes” being yes and their “No” being no. (James 5:12) Their integrity means that you know them to live by truth.

Isaiah 55:11 also alludes to these words of promise by saying, “so stand on the Word He’s given –after all, His Word is His bond.” In Biblical days, oaths, promises, vows or bonds were taken more seriously than they are today.

BETHLEHEM EAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

Memories recall the words of both the Boy Scout and Girl Scout oaths, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

These are words that were taken seriously but somewhere along life’s way, they have fallen by

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

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

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

the wayside. God expects these three promises as well: duty to God and Country, duty to other people and duty to self!

“When a man makes a vow to the Lord … he must not break his word but must do everything he said,” (Numbers 30:2, NIV).

Both as a teenager and as a youth leader, we heard emotional pleas at church camp and youth rallies for those present to become “life recruits.”

The directors always echoed the words, “Jesus gave His life for you,” “now commit your life to Him.” Many went forward, many stayed behind for various reasons including, not feeling a call or

Church Briefs

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

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

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

perhaps not having confidence in their own ability to keep such a promise.

Some who went forward stayed faithful to their commitment and continue in Christian vocations today. Others are committed Christians, but they have secular jobs. Many of them struggle today with regrets — either having made this promise or they made a promise and did not keep it.

Did you ever make this promise? We all have bargained with God at one time or another in our Christian walk, made a promise we did not keep. Is sleeping late on Sunday one of those promises? Perhaps we make more excuses than breaking

church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in

promises. A promise was made the day you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and as your Savior. Paul warned Timothy about allowing young widows to make a vow of service they would not keep.

When God calls us into His ministry, He makes it so clear we have no doubt it is what He wants from us. Help us to honor the promises we make, especially our promises to follow Jesus. Let your actions and your words be your bond!

Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.

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

Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

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

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Edgewood’s Rourke wows NFL with preseason play

BY DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Nathan Rourke has put the NFL on notice.

In the fourth quarter of the Jacksonville Jaguars preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Rourke made a play that will be difficult to top this preseason.

It was third and 16 at the Dallas 21-yard line in the fourth quarter when Rourke’s elusive-

ness was displayed to the entire NFL. As Rourke stepped back like normal, ready to pass the ball, Cowboys linebacker Durrell Johnson blitzed and flushed Rourke from the pocket. As he turned left to evade Johnson, he landed right in the grasp of defensive tackle Chauncey Golston.

He instantly ducked, and escaped both Golston and Johnson but evaded directly into

another defender — this time defensive end Ben Banogu.

As Banogu wrapped up Rourke around the waist and looked to sack the quarterback, Rourke was able to set his feet just enough to get a pass off as he was dragged to the ground. His pass didn’t look like it was thrown by someone who was in the middle of being tackled.

ON THE BIG STAGE

STATE TRACK MEET COMING TO WETUMPKA

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Wetumpka Sports Complex has landed an event to bring more than 600 children to town.

The Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) awarded its bid for the 2024 ARPA youth track meet to Wetumpka.

“We are extremely excited,” Wetumpka Parks and Recreation Department’s Tiffany Chandler said. “This upcoming year will only be our second youth track season. We are honored ARPA recognized the efforts we have gone to improve our facilities and programs.”

Upwards of 700 children between the ages of 7 and 14 will converge on Wetumpka in mid-May to compete. Wetumpka hosted the ARPA district meet in the spring with teams from 10 municipalities coming to town. Chandler said the state meet will mean even more as teams will come from further away.

“We have cities coming from as far north as Gadsen and Lincoln and as far south as Mobile,” Chandler said. “It will require them

Upwards of 700 children between the ages of 7 and 14 will converge on Wetumpka in mid-May to compete. Wetumpka hosted the ARPA district meet in the spring with teams from 10 municipalities coming to town.

to come in on Friday evening because registration is at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. It will put heads in beds.” Chandler said others in the district are looking forward to coming to Wetumpka for the state meet. She heard from others during ARPA meetings after the bid was awarded. “I received so many exciting compliments from cities because they are coming to our facility,” Chandler said. “The 10 cities in our district are ecstatic about it because of how beautiful the facility is, how accommodating the facility is and what we have to offer these kids around the state. Not only am I excited to be a part of it in Wetumpka, but the entire district is excited it is being held in Wetumpka.”

Chandler is hopeful the state meet will keep athletes, coaches and parents in the area for a bit outside of competition.

“I put together a package

when I presented this to ARPA,” Chandler said. “All of that information includes what we have here and in the surrounding area. It will go out to each program that qualifies for state.”

Chandler said each athlete must qualify in a district meet before competing at state.

“Each kid can only compete in up to four events,” Chandler said. “If they qualify in only one event, they are only coming to state for that one event.”

Chandler and Wetumpka athletes went through the process this spring. In the first season of parks and recreation track, 24 children qualified for the state meet.

“Everything went really well,” Chandler said. “We had 24 qualify for state — that does not include the five and six year olds because they can’t compete at state. We had over half our kids qualify for state that were eligible. That is awesome.” FILE | THE HERLAD

Playmakers ready to explode for Edgewood

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Edgewood Academy made one more play than Fort Dale did a year ago.

Tied 14-14 with 30 seconds left, the Wildcats drove down the field and scored a last-second touchdown to claim the victory in the middle of the season.

This year’s Edgewood Academy-Fort Dale matchup has been moved to the season opener, and the Eagles are looking for revenge.

Edgewood opens the 2023 season at 7 p.m. Friday in Greenville. The Wildcats will try to start their season off with a win, while Fort Dale is looking to avenge its only non-region loss from last year.

“Last year’s game was a lot of fun and it was back-and-forth all the way until the end,”

Edgewood coach Chad Michael said. “But this is a new season and Fort Dale brings back a lot of talent and experience from last year’s team. It’s going to be a tough game.”

His go-to receiver will be Alan Alvarez, who Michael said is probably the fastest receiver in all of AISA. The Eagles biggest threat, however, is Division I lineman Jon Nolan Lawrence who is committed to North Alabama. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound lineman is both a powerlifting state champion and track and field state champion from a year ago.

With that being said, Edgewood won the game with some big-time performances from key guys returning this year.

Gabe LeMaster, the Elmore County TwoWay Player of the Year in 2022, rushed for more than 100 yards and scored on a 65-yard touchdown to help pace the Wildcats’ run game. He returns and will play all over the field.

“We’re going to throw

Fort Dale’s offense will be led by three all-state selections from a year ago. Ethan Alford will be behind center at quarterback, and he did not play in the matchup against Edgewood due to injury. He’s a dynamic athlete who can both run and pass, and he caused plenty of issues for opposing defenses last year.

Blackwell hired to lead Elmore County softball

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tranum Blackwell is ready for dirt tan lines around her ankles.

After a seven-year hiatus from coaching, Blackwell has been hired to lead the Elmore County softball team. She replaces Mark Segrest, who left after four seasons leading the Panthers to three consecutive state tournament appearances.

Blackwell has coached different stints at St. James and LAMP in her coaching career but took a seven-year break before deciding she was ready to get back into the sport.

“It’s been a minute, but I’m more than excited,” Blackwell said.

“Elmore County has a lot of talent, and I’m ready for that. But I just miss it. I love the sport and I love watching the sport. I actually enjoy coaching more than I ever did play-

ing, so I just jumped at the chance to get back into it again.”

Blackwell is taking over a program that has shown consistent success over the last half decade.

Since 2020, Elmore County has been ranked in the Top 10 of the Class 5A polls and has reached the state tournament in each of the last three seasons.

SUBMITTED | THE HERALD

Tranum Blackwell, right, poses with her family. Blackwell has been hired to lead the Elmore County softball team.

Edgewood Academy’s Brody

The Wetumpka Sports Complex will play host to the youth state track meet in the spring.

KAM NEDD THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Nathan Rourke, a former Edgewood Academy quarterback, scored two touchdowns in the Jaguars’ preseason game on Saturday.

See NFL, Page B2

His pass was seemingly perfect as it landed in Qadree Ollison’s hands in stride in the end-zone for what ended up being the game-winning touchdown pass.

His play instantly landed on social media where he was praised by media members and NFL players such as twotime Superbowl winner Patrick Mahomes, known for his evasiness in the pocket.

“That was Nasty!!!” Mahomes said in a tweet.

While Rourke’s highlight play stole the show, his overall performance is not to be overlooked. Rourke led the Jaguars for the entirety of the second half as he led the team to two touchdowns and a win.

The current third-string quarterback completed 9 of 17 passes in the game for 153 yards and a touchdown. Rourke, who has always been known for his mobility, added 20 yards and a rushing touchdown on six carries. He scored on a 4-yard run.

“The toughness and poise in the pocket, with a couple of guys on him … to make that throw … I haven’t seen many plays like that even in a preseason game,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said after the game. “He did a nice job leading that group in the second half. He had a really good second half.”

Rourke, who most recently played in the Canadian Football League and set CFL records for his passing accuracy, signed with the Jaguars in January.

He is currently slated as the third-string quarterback behind starter Trevor Lawrence and back-up CJ Beathard, but could potentially move up if he continues playing the way he played on Saturday afternoon.

For now, however, Rourke is just going back to work.

“It’s fun to be out there,” Rourke said. “You get to show them what you got that you can’t really do with the plays in practice. It’s a good stepping point that we will continue to build on.”

Rourke was the starting quarterback for Edgewood Academy back in 2015, and he led the Wildcats to their sixth-consecutive state championship in his one season. He also led the state of Alabama with 59 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. He passed for 3,768 yards and completed 75% of his passes.

After signing with a junior college, he went on to spend three years at Ohio University. There, he set program records in total touchdowns (111), total offensive yards (10,091) and rushing touchdowns (49).

After not getting selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, he was selected by the BC Lions in the CFL and became the first quarterback selected in the first 15 picks of the CFL since Jesse Palmer was selected in 2001.

In 2022, he set a CFL record with a 78.7% completion rate while passing for 25 touchdowns and 3,349 yards. That was despite only playing in 10 games and missing eight due to injury. He was named the Most Outstanding Canadian for his play, becoming only the third quarterback to win the award.

Indians earn top honors at Master’s Camp

The Wetumpka high school cheerleading team showed off its skills this summer.

Continued from B1

This year, Elmore County finished No. 3 in the state after losing to eventual champion Brewbaker Tech in the state semifinals.

“The expectations are definitely there,” Blackwell said. “You just have to take it day-by-day. It’s going to be a change for some people and it will be an adjustment period. We’re going to have some upsand-downs, but we’re going to

Participating in an invitation only UCA Master’s Camp at the University of Alabama in June, the Indians earned top honors by winning first place in overall best stunt sequence and first play overall in most crowd effective cheer.

Along with receiving all blue superior ribbons, they received a spirit stick and senior Nathan Jenkins received the prestigious

Pin it Forward award. Jenkins was not the only Indian honored as three seniors — Jenkins, Harley Richardson and Abby Mullino — each were named UCA All-Americans. As the cheerleading squad gets into the 20232024 school year, the Indians are preparing for upcoming competitions such as regionals, super regionals, state and nationals, all of which Wetumpka participated in last season. The Indians team is led by Alexandria Roberts, who was a Wetumpka cheerleader during her high school years.

EDGEWOOD Continued from B1

it to him, hand it to him, and he might even play some quarterback,” Michael said. “Who knows. We are going to make sure we get the ball in his hands enough so he can be the dynamic player he is.”

Receiver Brody Whitt also had a big game in last year’s matchup. Whitt caught a touchdown pass

go out and do the best we can.”

Elmore County lost a lot of talent from its third-place finish this season, including multiple multi-year starters. But despite that, there’s a lot returning in Eclectic.

Four true starters return in Morgan Spear, Ally Orr, Lalah Culpepper and Annabelle Orr.

Between the four, they had a combined 113 hits last season with 19 doubles and six home runs.

on the team’s opening drive, then made one of the biggest catches of the night. On a fourth-down play on the final drive, Whitt made a catch that allowed Edgewood to advance down the field for its final touchdown.

“When you come into the first game with as little experience as we have right now, you have to have these guys who do have experience step up and have bigger years,”

run average in 31 appearances. Joining them are other players who also found success not in a starting role last year such as Addy Peaden and Addison Hicks.

Michael said. “I think Brody especially has had a great summer and fall camp. He’s working hard, and we expect that to carry over into the games.”

While LeMaster and Whitt will be looked to for big plays, all eyes are going to be on quarterback Ethan Evans.

Evans is entering his first year as the starting quarterback after Austin Champion has started each of the last three seasons. Champion

into a program that already has so much energy.”

scored the game-winning touchdown with his legs last season, and that’s something that Michael is hoping to see from Evans on Friday night.

“We expect him to make a few mistakes because it’s his first game, but he’s going to do everything he can to put us in the best position to win,” Michael said. “He’s going to go out there and run around and make plays. He’s a gamer and he’s a competitor.”

the field. “It’s a little bit of an advantage knowing them in the classroom, but what they act like in the classroom is not what they act like on the field,” Blackwell said. “It’s a totally different setting. But I’m just excited to get back out there and get the girls to love the sport. I’m excited to bring the program skill sets and characteristics that I learned on the field that I never learned anywhere else. I am going to teach them things that they can carry on through the rest of their lives.” BLACKWELL

Culpepper also served as the team’s No. 2 pitcher this past season and had a 3.56 earned

“I know they have a lot of young talent coming up,” Blackwell said. “They have some really good seniors who are returning this year and it’s really fun to know there’s already an excitement behind the program. There’s a lot of people already invested in the program. I can’t even put into words what it means to come

Because her son plays sports in the spring, Blackwell couldn’t watch many of the softball games this past season. But she knows the kids better than someone who would be hired outside the program.

As she’s been a teacher at the school, Blackwell has taught the majority of the team she is inheriting this season. So she enters the job already knowing the team’s personalities, but now she gets to learn how they act when they’re on

FILE | THE HERALD

The Edgewood Academy football team opens the 2023 season against Fort Dale Academy in Greenville. The Wildcats stunned Fort Dale, 21-14, on a last-second touchdown a year ago.

The Wetumpka cheerleading team received top honors at the UCA Master’s Camp at the University of Alabama this summer.

Moms lay the boom on Elmore County players

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Moms of the Elmore County football team got

a taste of what their sons feel every Friday night.

In a special “Mom’s practice” held by the Panthers on Sunday, moms of the football team learned the fundamentals of football before putting on shoulder pads and a helmet — with a few lessons there too.

Most importantly, though, the moms then put on pads and line up across the room from their sons. With their sons holding a blocking pad, the moms then sprinted across the room and tackled their sons into a pile of pads on the floor.

“I loved every second of this,” Felicia Brown said. “I would do this again and again and again. We need to do this every week. I learned a lot of stuff about football that I didn’t know. I love the sport and I learned a lot about it today.”

Brown, who is the mother of senior offensive lineman Trevor Brown, had the full outfit on when she tackled her son. After putting on shoulder pads, she put on a shirt over the pads that said “Senior Mom Class of 2024” on it. She had orange face paint that she spread under her eyes, and was the second mom to line up to tackle her son.

She was ecstatic and had been looking forward to that moment for a while.

“All week,” Brown said. “All week, all week, all week — I’ve been excited for this practice.”

As nearly 30 moms took to the practice field and tackled their sons, one mom got her money’s worth.

Tracy Payton, mother of freshman running back Tyler Payton, actually tackled her son three times on Sunday night.

Before she went up the first time, Tyler asked her to tackle him as hard as she could.

Unhappy with the first time he was tackled, he asked her to go again. After the second, he waited until the end and wanted to be the last person tackled. When she took off running her final time, she delivered one of the biggest hits of the night.

“It was so great,” Payton said. “I had to learn for the first time we went. It was like a trial run. The first time it was a trial, the second time I learned and the third time I blew him away. He just begged for it too.”

Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell didn’t just let his players have the fun. For the first time since his semi-pro football days after college, he was tackled by his wife as all the players and parents cheered for her to deliver a massive hit.

The players tried to dog-pile on Caldwell, but he was smart enough to sense it coming and was able to get out of the way before anyone landed on him.

As the tackling stole the show of the practice, it wasn’t just hitting and having fun. Caldwell sat all of the moms down in the Panthers’ locker room and taught the fundamentals of the game.

Moms learned how long the field is, what jersey numbers each position is allowed to wear, what the jobs of specific positions are and more.

“We got a lot of really good feedback about moms being excited for this,” Caldwell said. “We wanted to teach them the rules and how equipment works and a big thing that a lot of moms didn’t understand was how heavy the equipment is. They all seemed to have a great time and I’m glad they were able to spend some family time together too.”

Elmore County Community Calendar

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23

PEP RALLY: Reeltown will play host to a community pep rally Aug. 23, the night before the football season kicks off at home against Tallassee. The pep rally begins at 7 p.m. at Nix Webster O’Neal Stadium.

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

LIFE & FAITH DAY: Crossroads Church will host at Life & Faith Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at 504 Autauga St. in Wetumpka. There will be live music as well as games and inflatables for the kids. The festivities will also include a free hotdog lunch, popcorn, popsicles and more as well as prizes of free groceries, gas and more. There is a giveaway every 10 minutes with the grand prize of having your electric bill paid.

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

WOMEN’S SUMMIT: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will host GRIT, a women’s summit with a lineup of inspirational speakers from all over the country. Tickets are $100 for the six-hour summit, which includes coffee and networking, a women’s business expo, a gourmet lunch, a theater performance and a grand finale including amazing music. It will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets are available on the chamber’s webpage.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

BARK IN THE PARK : The Humane Society of Elmore County will be hosting its 17th annual Bark in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Fort Toulouse. Sept. 24 is a rain date. Featured will be vendors, activities, a microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations and more. Vendor spots are available.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

OKTOBERFEST: Oktoberfest Wetumpka is hosted by the Oktoberfest Planning Committee in downtown starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 30. Featured will be a day of music, performances, vendors and food. For more information, email wetuoktoberfest@gmail. com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

PADDLES FOR PAWS: The Elmore County Humane Society will be hosting its first ever Paddles for Paws, a pickleball tournament at 17 Springs in Millbrook. The tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7. There is a $35 registration fee, plus a $5 service fee, and that includes one event, a tournament T-shirt, snacks and drinks. The planned format is a round robin tournament.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

COTTON FESTIVAL: The Town of Eclectic will host the 30th annual Alabama Cotton Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. This is a family event held every year on the second Saturday in October featuring more than 250 vendors. Events and contests include the Dog Show, the Classic Car Show, the first annual cornhole tournament, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, the Bama Flying Dogs and so much more. For more information, contact 256794-0379 or 334-541-3581.

THURSDAY, OCT. 26

CANDY CRAWL: Main Street Wetumpka will host its Coosa Candy Crawl from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in downtown Wetumpka. Dress in your favorite costume and trick-ortreat through local downtown

businesses and table sponsors. Table registration is coming soon and will cost $20 per business or organization.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9 -

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: Home for the Holidays is an arts and crafts show with more than 30 local artisans, crafts and creators of all things homemade, handcrafted, homegrown and more. Admission is $5 for anyone over 12. Tickets are sold at the door and valid all three days of the show. For more information, call 334-224-9109.

SATURDAY, FEB. 10, 2024

MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL: Wetumpka’s 11th annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade presented by The Order of Cimarron is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2024. Vendors open at 9 a.m. with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. This is a rain or shine event. Visit www.wetumpkamardigras.com for more information.

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:

After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS : Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall.

Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street. NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

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.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

SANTUCK : Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-5672364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist. org. GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334567-0476 for more information. AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments. MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

TOP: Elmore County moms prepare to practice during a camp on Saturday afternoon.

ABOVE: Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell teaches moms how to practice their sons.

BELOW: An Elmore County football player is tackled by his mom at the Panthers’ first Mom’s Practice on Sunday night.

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y 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. PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, 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 11 N. Water Street, Suite 10290, Mobile, AL 36602 Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. PNY-20-0285524 Ad Run Dates: 08/09/2023, 08/16/2023, 08/23/2023 rlselaw.com/property-listing

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023 214995

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following will be auctioned off by J&J Towing 3345581595 on 9-14-23 2007 Toyota Avalon-4T1BK36B77U248967 2008 Cadillac CTS1G6DM577080110468 2015 Merz S550-WDDUG8CB1FA073542

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9 and 16, 2023 AV/07 TOYOTA

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE

WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from JANITA LORANE BALL AND HUSBAND, STEVEN TYREE BALL, JOINT TENANTS to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEM, INC. AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR TJC Mortgage Inc., on the 27th day of November, 2018, said mortgage recorded

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PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Colleen Tucker; Timothy Tucker, husband and wife, originally in favor of Ameriquest Mortgage Company, on July 12, 2005, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, the undersigned Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Inc., Quest as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on September 13, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated wit: Lot 7, Block D, according to the Survey of Scenic Hills

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with the Code of Alabama 39-1-1(f), notice is hereby given by the Elmore County Commission that the scope of work in Purchase Order 40953 to caulk and waterproof the exterior south wall of the Elmore County historic downtown Courthouse has been completed by Jack Ellison Painting Contractors.

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2023 COMPLETION

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Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on December 20, 2018, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2018, Page 60301, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, by instrument recorded in notice is hereby given that the undersigned PennyMac Loan Services, 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 at the main entrance to the Elmore county courthouse located at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on September 13, 2023 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 12, JORDANVILLE, TOWN OF TALLASSEE, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, AT PAGE 48, IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AND A PART OF LOT 11, JORDANVILLE, TOWN OF TALLASSEE, ALABAMA, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1 AT PAGE 48 IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: FOR A POINT OF BEGINNING COMMENCE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT -

GREES 38 MINUTES 17 SECONDS EAST AND ON THE EAST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 11, SAID EAST BOUNDARY ALSO BEING THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF JORDAN

SOUTH 81 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 31 SECONDS WEST 156.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST BOUNDARY

NORTH 08 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST AND ON SAID WEST BOUNDARY, ALSO BEING THE EAST

RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AN ALLEY, 10 FEET IN WIDTH, 8.00 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST

THENCE NORTH 81 DE-

GREES 51 MINUTES 31 SECONDS EAST AND ON THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 11, 156.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 0.0287

ACRES MORE OR LESS. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 402 JORDAN AVE, TALLASSEE, AL 36078. 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

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2023011

TO: WILL LEATHERBERRY, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE FATHER OF K.L.H. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for -

JOHNSON, as Petitioner, for born to HEATHER ANNETTE have the right to contest this intend to contest this adoption, -

Court proceeding to consider such Petition without further no-

JOHN THORNTON

PROBATE JUDGE

ELMORE COUNTY. ALABAMA

TERINNA S. MOON

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

A2023-011

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-2620(258)

Elmore County, 2.827 mi. PlanStripe on Cobbs Ford Road/ Alabama River Parkway from the Junction of South Edgewood Road East in Millbrook to the Junction of Jackson Lake Road. In the County of Elmore, State of Alabama. This notice will appear for four consecutive Wednesdays beginning on 16 August 2023 and ending 06 Septemeber 2023. All claims Wiregrass Construction Co, 1342 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 during this period.

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23, 30 and Sep. 6, 2023 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, INC. HEREBY GIVES NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF CONTRACT WITH ELMORE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR ELMORE COUNTY PAVING OF 17 SPRINGS SPORTS COMPLEX PROJECT 2023 PW2-3. ALL CLAIMS SHOULD BE FILED AT P.O. BOX 241447, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36124 DURING THIS PERIOD.

ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, INC.

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23, 30 and Sep. 6, 2023 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

BIBB CO. TRACT, LLC, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Plaintiff, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA v. “LAND”; WALTON BLANTON; et. al. Defendants. CASE NO.: CV-2023-900164 PROPOSED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

In this cause, it appearing to the Clerk of the Circuit Court by II, attorney for the Plaintiff, thatof CV-2023-900164, currently

sent from the State of Alabama

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MARTHA FRAZER RANKIN, KATHERINE FRAZER HUDSON, AND MARTHA BLAKE RIVES, and if parties deceased, their heirs and assigns, and Fictitious Parties “A”, “B”, “C”, being any and/or all persons, or entities, which may hold or claim any right, title or interest in the herein described real estate located in Elmore County, Alabama; And Begin at an iron pin known as the SE corner of Lot 31, Lake and Forest Estates, as recorded in Plat Book 6 at Page 33 of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, thence N 17°15’00” W 170.30; to an iron pin; thence N 17°18’00” W 160.00’ to an iron pin; thence 72°42’00” E 263.50; to an iron pin; thence S 14°47’00” E 436.89’ to a metal post located on the low water line of Halls Mill Creek; thence meandering along said low water line which generally follows the following four (4) courses: (1) S 61°46’54”W 139.47’; (2) S 62°38’38” W 172.99’; (3) S 19°36’57”W 170.13’; (4) S 45°06’18” W 101.47’ to a metal post; thence leaving said low water line N 52°31’00” W 424.28’ to an iron pin; thence N 72°47’00” E 500.00’ to the point of beginning. Containing 5.08 acres, more or less. Defendants. CASE NO. CV-2023-900159 NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF APPEARANCE AND ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS

TO: Helen Frazer Mosley, Martha Frazer Rankin, Katherine Frazer Hudson and Martha Blake Rives, and if deceased, their respective heirs and assigns, and anyone else claiming an ownership interest in, claims to hold a lien on, or anyone who claims any interest whatsoever in the subject of property of this Action. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 7th day of July, 2023, a Complaint tocuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama under Civil Action No. CV-2023-900159. All persons having an interest in the above described property, or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to appear, answer, demur or otherwise respond to the allegations contained in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint within thirty (30) days after the last date of publication of this notice; or, in the event said Defendants fail to so appear and answer, a Default Judgment may be entered against them. Said lands which are more particular described in WITNESS my hand and seal, this 18 day of July, 2023. /s/Michael Dozier Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26, Aug. 2, 9 and 16, 2023 CV-2023-900159 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA STEPHEN J. HAGEL, TRUSTEE OF THE STEPHEN J. HAGEL AND JULIE V. HAGEL LIVING TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2008 Plaintiff, v. HELEN FRAZER MOSLEY, MARTHA FRAZER RANKIN, KATHERINE FRAZER HUDSON, and if parties deceased, their heirs and assigns, and Fictitious Parties “A”, “B”, “C”, being any and/or all persons, or entities, which may hold or claim any right, title or interest in the herein described real estate located in Elmore County, Alabama; And Lot 31 of the Lake and Forest Estates, as shown on Plat recorded in Plat Book of the Judge of Probate, Elmore. Defendants. CASE NO. CV-2023-900161 NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF APPEARANCE AND ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA STEPHEN J. HAGEL, TRUSTEE OF THE STEPHEN J. HAGEL AND JULIE V. HAGEL LIVING

TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2008 Plaintiff, v. VYIESHA S. JONES and if deceased, her heirs and assigns, and Fictitious Parties “A”, “B”, “C”, being any and/or all persons, or entities, which may hold or claim any right, title or interest in the herein described real estate located in Elmore County, Alabama; And Lot 1 of Macon Place Plat No. 3 as recorded of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 13, encompass and include Lot 1 and Lot 1-A as described in that Amendment to Protective Covenants for Macon Place Plat No. 3 recorded at Roll 223, Frame Lot 2-A described in said Amendment Defendants. CASE NO. CV-2023-900160 NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF APPEARANCE AND ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS

TO: Vyiesha S. Jones, and if deceased, her respective heirs and assigns, and anyone else claiming an ownership interest in, claims to hold a lien on, or anyone who claims any interest whatsoever in the subject property of this Action. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 7th day of July, 2023, a Comin the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama under Civil Action No. CV-2023-900160.

All persons having an interest in the above described property, or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to appear, answer, demur or otherwise respond to the allegations contained in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint within thirtytion or, in the event said Defendants fail to so appear and answer, a Default Judgment may be entered against them. Said lands which are more particular in said case. WITNESS my hand and seal, this 18 day of July, 2023.

/s/Michael Dozier Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26, Aug. 2, 9 and 16, 2023 CV-2023-900160

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA C. ALLEN, FORMERLY KNOWN AS: VIRGINIA C. STEINGRUBER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-200 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of VIRGINIA C. ALLEN, formerly known as VIRGINIA C. STEINGRUBER, deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM GEORGE STEINGRUBER on July 31, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notide 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.

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT WILLIAM GEORGE STEINGRUBER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA C. ALLEN, formerly known as VIRGINIA C. STEINGRUBER, DECEASED STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELORES HARGROVE JONES, WHO WAS ALSO KNOWN AS DELORES ANN JONES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-206 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DELORES HARGROVE JONES, who was also known as DELORES ANN JONES, deceased, having been granted to DONDRA WOOD on August 9, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

DONDRA WOOD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DELORES HARGROVE JONES, WHO WAS ALSO KNOWN AS DELORES ANN JONES, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOHN H. HENDERSON

ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HIGHWAY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-478-3196

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23 and 30, 2023 EST/JONES D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNETTE LANDERS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-202 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to RICHARD LANDERS, Jr. as Personal Representative on the 4th day of August 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RICHARD LANDERS, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNETTE LANDERS, DECEASED.

Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street

Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023

EST/LANDERS, A. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY AUSTIN MAYER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-197 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of TIMOTHY AUSTIN MAYER, deceased, having been granted to JINITH LYNN MAYER on August 1, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JINITH LYNN MAYER

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY AUSTIN MAYER, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS

ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GLENDA L. NELSON, who is also known as: GLENDA LEILANI NELSON DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-124 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of GLENDA L. NELSON, who was also known as GLENDA LEILANI NELSON, deceased, having been granted to JOSEPH B. KEITHAHN on August 4, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. JOSEPH B. KEITHAHN ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GLENDA L. NELSON, who was also known as GLENDA LEILANI NELSON, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JOSHUA PENDERGRASS ATTORNEY AT LAW 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE. ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023 EST/NELSON, G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY HAZEL PAIGE, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-205 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of BETTY HAZEL PAIGE, deceased, having been granted to CYNTHIA BYRD, on the 9 th day of August 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said Estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

CYNTHIA BYRD, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY HAZEL PAIGE

Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. Attorney for Administrator 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 [334] 514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23 and 30, 2023

EST/PAIGE, B.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DARRELL W. SMITH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-191 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DARRELL W. SMITH, deceased, having been granted to MARLENE T. SMITH on August 9, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

MARLENE T. SMITH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DARRELL W. SMITH, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-7373

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23 and 30, 2023

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RITA CAROL TAYLOR, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-193 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of RITA CAROL TAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on July 28 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. ED PARISH, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RITA CAROL TAYLOR, DECEASED Name and Address Administrator: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 2, 9 and 16, 2023 EST/TAYLOR R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARK ALAN WADE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-180 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MARK ALAN WADE, deceased, having been granted to TYLER SHERYL MCCOLLUM on July 25, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. TYLER SHERYL MCCOLLUM PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARK ALAN WADE, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JUSTIN EDWARDS LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 2, 9 and 16, 2023 EST/WADE, M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS ARTHUR WALTHALL, IV, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-190 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of THOMAS ARTHUR WALTHALL, IV, deceased, having been granted to TWYLA ELLIS WALTHALL on August 9, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, noticed 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.

TWYLA ELLIS WALTHALL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS ARTHUR WALTHALL, IV, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: WILL O’REAR, JR. SASSER & O’REAR, LLC 7007 FULTON COURT MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-356-2400

plaint in this cause before the -

CV-2023-900164

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA STEPHEN J. HAGEL, TRUSTEE OF THE STEPHEN J. HAGEL AND JULIE V. HAGEL LIVING TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2008 Plaintiff, v. HELEN FRAZER MOSLEY,

TO: HELEN FRAZER MOSLEY, MARTHA FRAZER RANKIN and KATHERINE FRAZER HUDSON, and if deceased, their respective heirs and assigns, and anyone else claiming an ownership interest in, claims to hold a lien on, or anyone who claims any interest whatsoever in the subject of property of this Action. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 7th day of July, 2023, a Complaint tocuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama under Civil Action No. CV-2023-900161. All persons having an interest in the above described property, or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to appear, answer, demur or otherwise respond to the allegations contained in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint within thirty (30) days the event said Defendants fail to so appear and answer, a Default Judgment may be entered against them. Said lands which are more particular described in WITNESS my hand and seal, this 18 day of July, 2023. /s/Michael Dozier Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26, Aug. 2, 9 and 16, 2023 CV-2023-900161

EST/ALLEN V. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELSIE MAE HOLLEY, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-203 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to RAMONA THORNTON as Executor on the day 3rd day of August 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RAMONA THORNTON EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELSIE MAE HOLLEY, DECEASED.

Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq.

The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023

EST/HOLLEY, E.

EST/MAYER, T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GLENN E. RHOADES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-162 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Es-

tate of GLENN E. RHOADES, deceased, having been granted to BARBARA D. RHOADES on July 26, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

BARBARA D. RHOADES

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GLENN E. RHOADES, DE-

CEASED Attorney of Record for

Personal Representative: APRIL D. WISE

BALCH & BINGHAM LLP

POBOX 78 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

36101

334-269-3129

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 2, 9 and 16, 2023

EST/RHOADES, G.

EST/SMITH, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA KAY SMITH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-204 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LINDA KAY SMITH, deceased, having been granted to KIMBERLY LYNN SHERER on August 2, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KIMBERLY LYNN SHERER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA KAY SMITH, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal

Representative: JIM PINO ATTORNEY AT LAW 363 CANYON PARK DRIVE PELHAM. ALABAMA 35124 205-663-1581

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023 EST/SMITH, L.

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23 and 30, 2023 EST/WALTHALL, IV PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated April 23, 2018 executed by Lee M. Burton an unmarried man, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Trustmark National Bank, said Mortgage being recorded April 27, 2018, in RLPY Book of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to Trustmark National Bank by instrument recorded in RLPY Book the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Trustmark National Bank, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Elmore County, Alabama on 09/13/2023, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot No. 36 according to Plat of Clairewood Subdivision Plat No. 2 Elmore County, Alabama as the same is recorded in Plat Book 13 at Page 102 in the Of-more County, Alabama.

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

y For informational purposes only, the property address is: 230 Rosemere Dr., Tallassee, AL 36078. 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. Trustmark National Bank Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 40-FC-23-01180 Wetumpka Herald:

Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 2023 FC/BURTON PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Default having been made in the terms of that certain Mortgage, executed on 09/18/2012, by Holly L. Whirley, a single person, as Mortgagor, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for IberiaBank Mortgage Company as Mortgagee, which said Mortgage is recorded in the Elmore County, Alabama, in and subsequently assigned to Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC and recorded in the OfElmore County, Alabama oning continued under the terms of said Mortgage, and by virtue described real property will be sold at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the Courthouse door of said County, during the legal hours of sale, on 9/13/2023 OF MEADOW OAKS GAR-

to all easements, restrictions and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be Tax Liens and/or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property un-grams 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 property is being sold “as is, where is”. Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed orment. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of forepostponement or cancellation. Counsel for Mortgagee/Transferee 126 Government Street

Wetumpka Herald: FC/WHIRLEY PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage and security agreement executed by DEMETRIA

TAYLOR JEFFERSON and KENNETH TERENCE JEFFERSON, a married couple, on the 20th day of December 2021, to 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as recorded in RLPY Book 2022, Page 589, in the of Elmore County, Alabama; 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as Mortgagee, by reason of such default having declared all of the indebtedness secured by said mortgage and

Public Notices

ygg security agreement due and payable and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and security agreement, and as authorized by Section 7-9A-604(a)(2) of the Code of Alabama of 1975 as amended, 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as Mortgagee, will sell at public outcry, for cash to the highest bidder, in front of the Courthouse door, in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on September 6, 2023, the following described real and personal property situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at an iron pin at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 36, T21N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence North 01 degrees 40 minutes 16 seconds East along 1/4 section line 485.21 feet to an iron pin; thence North 01 degrees 18 minutes 48 seconds East along 1/4 section line 355.14 feet to an iron pin, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence North 01 degrees 19 minutes 24 seconds East along 1/4 section line 465.65 feet to an iron pin; thence South 89 degrees 16 minutes 47 seconds East 397.26 feet to an iron pin; thence South 01 degrees 18 minutes 50 seconds West 256.95 feet to an iron pin; thence North 88 degrees 43 minutes 17 seconds East 397.07 feet to an iron pin; thence South 08 degrees 11 minutes 55 seconds East 173.64 feet to an iron pin; thence North 89 degrees 29 minutes 57 seconds East 184.10 feet to an iron pin; thence North 89 degrees 01 minutes 27 seconds East 261.95 feet to an iron pin on the West right of way of County Road No. 29, Titus Road, 60’ R.O.W.; thence Southwesterly along said right of way and curve to the right, having a radius of 7050.41 feet, 483.85 feet, chord bearing South 12 degrees 53 minutes 36 seconds West 483.76 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said right of way North 69 degrees 54 minutes 20 seconds West 335.16 feet to an iron pin; thence North 15 degrees 18 minutes 03 seconds East 113.20 feet to an iron pin; thence North 77 degrees 07 minutes 17 seconds West 899.63 feet to the point of beginning.

The above-described property lies in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 36, T21N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama, according to the survey by Ronald Burke, AL. Reg. No. 16670, dated August 14, 2018. INCLUDING a security interest in one (1) 2021 CMH TRU manufactured home, Serial Nos. SA4081643ALA and SA4081643ALB; together with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto attached to and used in connection with the premises herein described.

This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encum-ed in the mortgage and those contained in the records of the the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use 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. Said sale will be made subject to any existing Federal Tax Lien, if any, and/or Special Assessments, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the subject property. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the above-described mortgage, and the proceeds thereof will be applied as provided by the terms of the said mortgage. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation; contact Margery Oglesby at the phone number shown below prior to attending the sale.

Kristofor D. Sodergren

Attorney for 21st Mortgage Corporation ROSEN HARWOOD, P.A. 2200 Jack Warner Pkwy Ste 200 P.O. Box 2727 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 (205) 344-5000

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23 and 30, 2023

FC/JEFFERSON

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO DESTROY WEEDS AND PUBLIC HEARING

Property Address to abate weeds: 138 Lakebend Drive Elmore, AL 36025

Notice is hereby given that the council of the City of Millbrook will consider a resolution regarding the weeds growing upon or in front of the property in the City of Millbrook, and more particularly described in the resolution, a copy of which city clerk; and at that time and place will determine whether the weeds constitute a public nuisance which shall be abated by the removal of the noxious or dangerous weeds; and, if so, will order the abatement and removal of the nuisance, in which case the cost of abatement and removal shall be assessed upon the lots and lands from which or

Public Notices

in front of which the weeds are removed, and the cost shall be added to the next regular bills for taxes levied against the respective lots and lands for municipal purposes. The amounts shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected. The amounts shall be subject to the same commissions and fees and the same procedure for foreclosure and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary municipal days before the meeting of the council and unless the person appears before the council in person or through his or her representative to show cause, if any, why his or her objection should be sustained, it shall be presumed that the person accepts the notice as fact and waives any rights he or she may have to contest the removal of the weeds and the action of be otherwise shown. Reference is hereby made to the resolucity clerk, for further particulars. The City Council Meeting and Public Hearing will be held on August 22, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 3900 Grandview Road Millbrook, AL 36054. Sincerely, Lori Davis City Clerk for the City of Millbrook 3160 Main Street Millbrook, AL 36054 (334) 285-6428

Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 9 and 16, 2023

HEARING

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: JOHN S. GLAZE

MICHAEL D. GLAZE CASE No. JU-2013-169.14 CASE No. JU-2013-170.14 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

TO: AMANDA HALL (Mother)& MICHAEL SHAWN GLAZE (Father) You are hereby given notice

JOHN STEVEN GLAZE, born on Oc-

MICHAEL DOUGLAS GLAZE born on February 09, 2011, at

Public Notices

p Anyone desiring to be heard either for or against said application may appear at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing by communication address to the City Council, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The facilities are wheelchair accessible.

/s/Tiffany Robinson Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 2023

LOUNGE RETAIL PUBLIC NOTICE

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

P O Box 301463 (36130-1463) 1400 Coliseum Boulevard (36110-2400) Montgomery, Alabama 361301463 (334) 271-7700 PROPOSED

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Account Code: 422 and 423

Elmore County Pursuant to the provisions of the Alabama Environmental Management Act, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is proposing to issue an Order to Ermie Milton d/b/a Flukies Garage who owns the real property located at 390 Milton Road in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama The violation consisted of Ermie Milton d/b/a Flukies Garage creating, operating, and not properly closing an unauthorized dump and an illegal accumulation of scrap tires.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ERSKINE E. MULLINS, WHO WAS ALSO KNOWN AS ERSKIN E. MULLINS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-201 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: SARAH M. MIKELL, PE-

Public Notices

October 04, 2023, at 1:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama

JU-2013-169.14

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: JORDAN MCCLENDON CASE No. JU-2019-209.07 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

TO: Shirley McClendon (Mother) You are hereby given notice the Elmore County Department of Human Resources requesting that your parental rights be terminated to JORDAN MCCLENDON, born on August 05, 2019, at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama. You are hereby given notice

Answer with the Clerk of the Juvenile Court and with the Petitioner’s attorney, Alan H. Polson, Alabama State Department of Human Resources,

date of the last publication of this notice or a default judgment can be entered against you. A October 19, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama. You may appear and contest the same if you choose. ELMORE COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK

Wetumpka Herald: JU-2019-209.07

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 011-Lounge Retail Liquor- Class II (package) License for the folllowing.

Name of Applicant: Elmore

2021 Inc

Trade Name: Stop N Shop Liquor Address: 1000 Georgia Rd Suite 12 Wetumpka, AL 36092

Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for August 21, 2023 at 6 p.m., before the Wetumpka City Council at the City Council meeting, at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main St., Wetumpka, AL.

The Department is proposing a civil penalty in the amount of $19,505. The Order, if issued, would require Ermie Milton d/b/a Flukies Garage to cease and desist from operating the unauthorized dump and illegal scrap tire accumulation, and submit a remediation plan to the Department. The plan would contain a timeline for remediation completion and appropriate site closure as well as the removal and transportation of all solid waste and scrap tires to a permitted municipal solid waste disposal facility, permitted scrap tire processor, or a legitimate recycling facility. Interested persons may submit written comments, including a request for a hearing, within 30 days of the publication date of this notice to: Alabama Department of Environmental Management Attention: Stephen A. Cobb Chief of the Land Division P.O. Box 301463 Montgomery, Alabama 361301463 The comment period shall end at the close of business 30 days from the publication date of this notice. A copy of the proposed order is available on the ADEM web page at: http:// adem.alabama.gov/compInfo/ adminOrders.cnt or may be obtained by written request to the above address. A nominal fee for copying may be charged. This notice is hereby given this 16th day of August, 2023, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Lance R. LeFleur Director Nondiscrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs. Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 2023 PROPOSED ORDER 422&423 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KENNETH ROSS GARNER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-209 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: BEVERLY GARNER,

JOHN THORNTON

JUDGE OF PROBATE

ORS AT LAW

SD/GARNER K.

SD/MULLINS, E.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE OF PROPOSED VACATION OF, A PORTION OF DISMUKES ROAD IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Pursuant to the proposal of the Elmore County Commission to vacate a portion of Dismukes Road in Elmore County, Alabama, the Elmore County Commission will consider the said vacation of a portion of Dismukes Road, which is more particularly and accurately described as follows: Lying in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of section 32, and the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of section 31, all in T18N, R17E Elmore County, Alabama DESCRIPTION: COMMENCE AT A 1/2” REBAR (CAPPED “WILLIFORD”) FOUND AT THE NW CORNER OF SECTION 32, T18N, R17E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE RUN S00°32’17”W ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION, A DISTANCE OF 503.15 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT; THENCE LEAVING SAID SECTION LINE RUN N56°24’04”E, A DISTANCE OF 29.66 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT ON THE WEST MARGIN OF DISMUKES ROAD (PRESCRIPTIVE RIGHT OF WAY), SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE RUN N56°24’04”E, DISTANCE OF 79.50 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT ON THE EAST MARGIN OF SAID DISMUKES ROAD; THENCE RUN ALONG SAID EAST MARGIN, ALONG A CURVE TO THE LEFT (RADIUS 349.38 FEET), THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS S16°06’31”W, A DISTANCE OF 187.61 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID EAST MARGIN RUN S00°32’02”W, A DISTANCE OF 34.53 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR (CAPPED “BURKE”) FOUND; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID EAST MARGIN RUN S00°32’15”W, A DISTANCE OF 127.49 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID EAST MARGIN RUN S00°32’17”W, A DISTANCE OF 167.90 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT; THENCE RUN ALONG A JOG IN SAID EAST MARGIN S86°19’14”E, A DISTANCE OF 13.35 FEET TO A 6” X 6” CON-

CRETE MONUMENT FOUND; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID EAST MARGIN RUN S03°22’46”W, A DISTANCE OF 168.39 FEET TO A 6” X 6” CONCRETE MONUMENT FOUND AT THE INTERSECTION OF SAID EAST MARGIN, AND THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE (WIDTH VARIES) OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 14 (ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT NO. F-281(3)); THENCE LEAVING SAID EAST MARGIN OF DISMUKES ROAD RUN S56°24’30”W ALONG SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 14, A DISTANCE OF 101.28 FEET TO A 6” x 6” CONCRETE MONUMENT FOUND AT THE INTERSECTION OF SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 14, AND SAID WEST MARGIN OF DISMUKES ROAD; THENCE LEAVING SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 14 RUN N03°34’08”E ALONG SAID WEST MARGIN, A DISTANCE OF 229.70 FEET TO A 6” x 6” CONCRETE MONUMENT FOUND; THENCE RUN ALONG A JOG IN SAID WEST MARGIN S86°19’14”E A DISTANCE OF 26.76 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR (CAPPED “BURKE”) FOUND; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID WEST MARGIN RUN N00°32’17”E, A DISTANCE OF 165.70 FEET TO A 1/2” CRIMPED TOP PIPE FOUND; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID WEST MARGIN RUN N00°32’15”E, A DISTANCE OF 127.49 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR (CAPPED “WILLIFORD”); THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID WEST MARGIN RUN N00°32’02”E, A DISTANCE OF 34.53 FEET TO A CALCULATED POINT; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID WEST MARGIN, ALONG A CURVE TO THE RIGHT (RADIUS 389.38 FEET), THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS N10°45’52”E, A DISTANCE OF 138.31 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE NW 1/4 OF THE NW 1/4, OF SECTION 32, AND THE NE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4, OF SECTION 31, ALL IN T18N, R17E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 0.82 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. said petition, the Elmore County Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed vacation. This public hearing shall be held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Elmore County Commission set for 5:00 p.m. on the 11th day of September 2023, at the Elmore County Courthouse, 100 E. Commerce Street, in Wetumpka, Alabama. Any citizen alleging to be affected by the proposed vacation may submit a written objection to the Elmore County Commission or may request an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing.

Jeffrey J. Courtney Attorney for the Elmore County Commission Wetumpka Herald: Aug. 16, 23, 30 and Sep. 6, 2023 VACATION/DISMUKES RD

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ONE INJURED IN RED HILL FALL

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

ATHE ANTI-LITTER GUY

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

If you were to ask someone what comes to mind when they think of John Thompson, it’s likely they would say he’s the anti-litter guy. And it’s a title he wears proudly.

Thompson has dedicated the last 20 years or so to Lake Martin Resource Association and to keeping Lake Martin the treasured lake it has become. He was honored this weekend by the Alabama Wildlife Federation for his dedication to clean water by being named the 2023 AWF Governor’s Water Conservationist of the Year.

“I really think it’s a culmination of what we’ve done for the past 20 years,” Thompson said. “We’re really been bringing a whole new approach to basically getting the lake rid of trash and keeping it that way. At the same time, we’ve taken some environmental education to the young folks and basically accomplished removing over 160 tons of trash from the lake during that (20year) timeframe.”

LMRA’s biggest effort of the year comes in the fall during Renew Our Rivers, when it teams up with Alabama Power for a two-day, lake-wide cleanup with volunteers from all different communities around the lake. That’s also one of the times LMRA does education with children. Prior to Renew Our Rivers each year,

children from local elementary schools are visited by LMRA officials.

“We really show them what happens when trash gets thrown off the roadside,” Thompson said. “We show them it washes down through the watershed and makes it down to the lake, which ultimately someone is swimming or playing in. We really take them through that exercise.”

Then the students partake in a T-shirt art contest. In the past, Thompson has asked them to create a picture of their favorite thing to do on the lake, cleaning up around the lake or similar concepts.

“That’s been a very effective way of getting them involved and we’ve had some great artwork,” Thompson said. “Those are third and fourth graders who have played a part in that.”

The winner of the contest each year has his or her art featured on that year’s Renew Our Rivers shirt.

Past T-shirts can be seen at the Alexander City municipal complex where Thompson was the brains behind a Clean Community Partnership display. It shows a quilt of past winners, as well as other community partners and a digital photo gallery.

Thompson said without those partners, there would be no Renew Our Rivers. Much of the offloading of large debris is done at Wind Creek and Alabama Power donates the supplies.

From there, LMRA created the Treasured Mile and Treasured Island programs, where individuals, organizations or businesses can adopt a roadside mile or a lake island and help keep it clean.

Thompson said he has been passionate about removing litter from the lake for years, and it’s based not on beauty, but on safety more than anything.

“We’ve removed almost 1,000 tires from the lake,” Thompson said. “Think about if the tire is laying in the water with the sunshine on it, back in the years early on, tires contained chemicals that can be a pollutant to the water. The glass and broken bottles — not only are they eye sores, but they are dangerous, too. Then there’s the environmental side of it and keeping the habitat for the fish and birds there.”

Despite beaded styrofoam being banned on the lake more than two decades ago, Thompson said thousands of pounds have been removed since and it’s especially harmful to birds.

There are many reasons to keep Lake Martin clean, and Thompson seems to embody all of them. Having just suffered the death of his wife, Sandra, of more than 50 years, Thompson said the honor came at the perfect time.

“It just lifted me right off the floor and gave me a whole new breath of life,” Thompson said. “It came at a time when I was going through those feelings of feeling sorry for myself and needing a