Driving safety program in the works for county schools
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
to help and facilities as they mourned the deaths. But Dennis wants to do more.
Elmore County Public Schools are trying to stop
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Twice in less than a month superintendent Richard Dennis’ phone has rang delivering the news of a death of students in crashes where law enforcement said seatbelts were not worn. Each time schools gave students access
“Those are tragic situations,” Dennis said. “We have had some law enforcement reach out to us to potentially do assemblies at the schools to emphasize the safety that is necessary.”
With many students who drive and given the nature of the county, Dennis said it’s easy for speeds to creep up on rural roads.
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
“We got to realize and reinforce proper driving habits,” Dennis
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
said. “We have to emphasize wearing seat belts.” Not all students in the system take driver’s education classes. Dennis said between law enforcement, school resource officers and school staff materials and assemblies at all high schools will be organized over the second semester of the school year. He said the details of the programs are still evolving but they would center around common driving safety
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sher iff’s Office have the alleged vic tim’s phone. Authorities collect ed Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversa tion between the two,” Frank lin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
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.”
Bringing music to life
experience music, theater at camp
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.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
See SHOOTING, Page A3
Staff Report
t was all work for Santa as he stopped by The Gab Salon for open house and customer appreciation Thursday. It was just days before
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
“Of course I’m always looking for different ones
Christmas and Jolly St. Nicholas was in for a surprise. He might have been out staged at The Gab Salon’s open house and customer appreciation by the Grinch and a goat. Lynn Sides brought one of Wetumpka’s favorite non-humans by — Willie the Goat. Santa took a look and found a bench warmer for his reindeer.
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
“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
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.
Children looking to get away from parents Christmas shopping had the perfect opportunity with A Broadway Holiday theater and music camp. Veterans of children’s camp at the Wetumpka Depot returned for the short holiday respite to create a short Christmas program. Michaela Bird and Brooke Carrico have been around the stage for years. Bird is the daughter of Tallas-
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
see High School choral director Michael Bird. She is also the theater director at Sylacauga High School. Carrico has been on the stage at the Depot since the age of 6 and is currently majoring in marketing and music business at Nashville’s Belmont University.
“We started working together last summer with the summer Broadway camp,” Bird said. “We did two of those.”
The pair saw interests
See MUSIC, Page A7
WILSON
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Michaela Bird gives directions to children on singing ‘Have Yourself a Merry Christmas’ Friday morning. Bird and Brooke Carrico are hosting a three day camp at the Wetumpka Depot with a production Saturday evening.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
The Grinch and Santa pose with local Wetumpka celebrity Willie the Goat. Willie is known to frequent downtown and has been in the Christmas on the Coosa parade.
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
DEC. 18
• Criminal mischief was reported on Otter Track Road.
DEC. 16
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
• Harassment was reported on Huntress Street.
DEC. 15
Obstructing government operations and resisting arrest was reported on U.S. Highway 231. DEC. 14
• Forgery and theft was reported on Captain Crommelin Road.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
DEC. 23
• Suspicious activity was reported on Friendship Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Joy Street.
DEC. 22
• An intoxicated driver was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Wall Street.
DEC. 21
• Reckless driving was reported
on Central Boulevard.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Dogwood Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Joy Street.
DEC. 20
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on East Patton Street.
• Theft was reported on Oak Heights Road.
• Criminal mischief was reported on East Patton Street.
• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Mott Lane.
DEC. 19
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Clover Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A private property accident
was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious subjects were reported on Noble Road. DEC. 18
• A white female was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Trespassing was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Hillcrest Street.
• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white female was arrested on Industrial Park Drive.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Benson Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Langley Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Third Avenue.
• Suspicious subjects were reported on Noble Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
Aerial Yoga coming to Wetumpka
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Yoga is considered peaceful. The stretches aid in body transformation.
But what happens when yoga is taken from the mat to silks hung from the ceiling?
Aerial yoga. And it has landed in Wetumpka.
Jenna Lewis saw a social media post about aerial yoga and went to check it out. She was hooked.
“I bought a stand and hammock. It has been two years,” Lewis said. “I have fallen so in love with it, I wanted to share it. I wanted to bring it to other people.”
Lewis is sharing through a new business — Mystical Heights Aerial Yoga Studio on Jackson Trace Road in Wetumpka. She plans to open up Jan. 8 and most of her classes are filling up with just a few slots remaining in January.
Lewis has spent time getting ready hanging equipment with the help of her husband Bill Lewis and son Billy
Lewis. Billy has been right there from the beginning.
“If we had more height, he would be driving me crazy with the drops,” Lewis said.
“He scares me at times because he is trying to rush.”
Lewis encourages people taking time getting used to using proper techniques and to the hammock supporting them. Her classes allow the instructor to aid
clients along the way. Lewis said the last two years doing aerial yoga have been great for her.
“It’s given me more life,” Lewis said. “It’s given me more ability to calm myself, more ability to take a deep breath, finding my peace.”
It’s new compared to many forms of yoga, but Lewis and son took to aerial yoga fast.
“It took me a couple weeks to a month to get,” Billy said.
Lewis the pair have done a lot in a short period of time.
“We both got it pretty quickly and went upside down almost right off the bat,” Lewis said. At first the equipment makes a user question its strength.
But it’s quite the oppo -
site. It’s hung from rafters in the ceiling using climbing equipment. A large piece of cloth is attached and is capable of holding 500 or more pounds.
“It’s a parachute silk or hammock,” Lewis said. “It is very thin but at the same time very sturdy.”
The silk helps support the body in yoga poses and allows inversions.
“It is a lot of fun,” Lewis said. “The cocoon it is done in is amazing. It helps you relax. It allows you to let everything go, relieving your stress and anxiety.”
More information about Lewis and her aerial yoga studio can be found at www.mysticalheightsaerialyoga1. godaddysites.com.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
TOP: Jenna Lewis, right, said the silk allows for supported yoga poses to help release the back and spin without much stress to the muscles.
ABOVE: The silk when used properly allows for yoga stretches in a variety of positions including upside down.
Humane Society of Elmore County
News
Donations keep the shelter going
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
We hope everyone has been able to enjoy time with family and friends and want to thank everyone who brought us donations of food and treats for our pets. We also received blankets, towels and bedding to keep everyone cozy, supplies for our shelter, financial donations to help us keep our doors open, and even goodies for the staff to
enjoy.
We had many wonderful adoptions and hope each pet has wiggled their way into their new parent’s hearts forever and ever!
We want to remind everyone to keep your pets indoors next Sunday/New Year’s Eve as many pets left outside will run away and get lost from their fear of fireworks noises and flashes. And please make sure your pet has its identification on its collar just in
Pet of the Week - Savannah
case. If your pet does get lost make sure you call the Humane Society of Elmore County at 334-567-3377 (leave message if after hours), email us the info and picture to hselco@bellsouth. net, or post to your local area Lost & Found page on Facebook.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Savannah is an oh-sosweet, 1 ½ year old female yellow lab who weighs about 50 pounds. She was surrendered to us for “eating chickens.” Savannah is very sweet, loves attention and good with other dogs. We think she will be OK with cats. She gets quite excited to meet them at first but then settles down. 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 veteri -
narian.
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.
Two additional circuit judges coming to Elmore County
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
With growth comes pain. As the population of Elmore County has grown, so has the number of cases in court.
Presiding 19th Circuit Court Judge Bill Lewis is from Elmore County. Adding two judges will speed up the judicial system especially for divorce and child custody issues. The new judges are the result of studies, legislation and a public referendum. The first study was in 2016.
“It came out and said we needed six circuit judges as opposed to the three we have,” Lewis said. “With all the movement in central Alabama into Elmore and Autauga, our judges were handling more cases per judge than any other judges in the state.”
The 19th circuit currently has three circuit court judges, Lewis from Elmore County, Judge Joy Booth in Autauga County and Judge Amanda Baxley in Chilton County. There is a requirement that a judge come from each county in the circuit.
“We are the only circuit in the state like that,” Lewis said. “It is to protect the smaller counties to make sure Elmore County doesn’t have a [lock] on all the judgeships. I do just as much in the other two counties and they mean just as much to me.”
The judges handle everything in all three counties. The circuit judges have original jurisdiction in most everything and appellate jurisdiction from the district courts.
Lewis said trial terms with juries are set by state statue for civil and criminal.
“You can still do motion hearings all the time,” Lewis said.
Out of the 2016 study came legislation. It would allow judgeships in Jefferson County to be moved as judges retired. The first went to Madison County. But it wasn’t fast enough to help the situation in Elmore, Lee and Baldwin counties.
“Our local delegation stepped up,” Lewis said.
The new legislation allows for two new judges to be elected at large — meaning they are not required to reside in a certain county in the district.
The first new judge will be on the ballot in
2024 to take office in 2025. The second judge on the ballot in 2026 to take office in 2027.
The new legislation states the first new judge to be elected will handle domestic relations cases to aid in speeding up issues related to divorce and child custody. Lewis said if a parent asked for a final hearing it would take a year or more before it could be heard given his current docket.
“The domestic stuff is constant and important,” Lewis said. “The domestic caseload has become very high. Domestic cases are extremely difficult. All parties are extremely stressed. The quicker they can be resolved, the better it is for those families especially when kids are involved.” Campaigns for the new judgeship are currently underway. Dee Dee Calhoon, Nicole Clark and Jacquelyn Tomlinson have qualified to be on the ballot in the Republican primary. There is no Democratic opposition.
The 2027 judge will be more for family court. It will help alleviate issues in the juvenile system. In both cases the judges will be able to specialize more in those areas.
“They will know the precedents and issues to be able to make quicker rulings,” Lewis said. “So when you file for divorce, you don’t have to wait two years to get finality.”
Adding judges means a need for space. Currently Elmore County is the larges courthouse in the circuit with four courtrooms. In 2027 seven judges would be operating in Elmore County but not all would need large courtrooms.
The Elmore County Jail is also full.
For future growth the Elmore County Commission has already purchased 11 acres adjacent to the Elmore County Judicial Complex and jail. No decision has been made on how what to do with the property yet.
“At least we have the land to grow,” Lewis said. Lewis believes the studies show growth for Elmore County, not only in population but in the need for access to courts.
“I foresee with the shift and growth, our circuit being as big or bigger than Montgomery in the next 20 years.” Lewis said.
New traffic plan in works for Eclectic Elementary
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Traffic should become easier for parents dropping off and picking up children at Eclectic Elementary School.
The Elmore County Board of Education accepted a bid at its meeting last week to sale the home on land near the school.
“It is down past the elementary school,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said. “It connects us to the other property we own. We are constructing a road to take traffic off the road.”
Dennis said the
project is similar to what the system did at Coosada Elementary School. When completed parents in vehicles will have space on school property to que up for drop off and pick up instead of blocking streets.
Buses for Elmore County Schools are also in great shape.
Transportation coordinator Ray Mullino told the board a state inspector had spent nearly a month looking over nearly 200 buses the system maintains. He said there were no major issues. Mullino credited his transportation staff in maintaining the buses.
“It shows the hard
work and attitude that those guys have,” Mullino said. “They take it personally and want to represent well. I’m very proud of the work they put in to make us look good.”
Dennis asked the board to approve a $500 supplement for coaches and sponsors with a CDL who drive their groups. Dennis said it was done last school year and it saves the organizations money.
The system received an $8,000 grant from the Louis Collins Foundation. Dennis said it was going towards the theater programs at Stanhope and Wetumpka high
schools.
Dennis asked the board to approve a pay adjustment for paraprofessionals so they could be paid for the entire school day. He
said it is mainly an issue in special education where staff has to figure how to cover drop offs and pickups of students. The board also
approved minutes of the Nov. 28 meeting, personnel actions and monthly financial statements for September, October and November.
Kenneth
Page A4 • December 27, 2023
Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
Walking into that first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest it was beating so hard.
Fresh off some of the worst few days of my life and without having a clue what I was going to do next, I went to an AA meeting in hopes of finding some clarity. I knew I had to make a change but I didn’t yet know what that change was.
Even when I left my first AA meeting, I still didn’t know what I was doing but I knew I felt I needed to come back. I dove head first into the Big Book and read the stories and thought, “That’s me. That’s what my life is, and there’s only worse down the road.”
When I decided to officially accept my silver chip, saying I wanted to be part of the program, I was willing to accept I had a problem and I couldn’t overcome it without help. I was so afraid of the magnitude of what I was doing. I don’t like to fail, and the idea of never drinking again — that was too much to bear.
But Alcoholic Anonymous,
It starts with one day a time
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
tance of taking things slowly and not allowing things to get too big. If I hadn’t learned the lessons AA taught me, I am not sure I’d have been able to deal with Dylan’s death. It’s all about taking things one day at a time. Sometimes all I can do is get out of bed, and sometimes that’s just good enough.
As we head into the new year and a new set of resolutions are pondering in our minds, I urge you to try the unthinkable. Don’t worry about if you’ll make it to the end of the year; don’t worry about if you’ll even make it to February.
learned this year, it’s that next year isn’t guaranteed. Between the deaths of the Dadeville shoot ing victims and the countless others we have lost this year, we know there’s no time like the present. Now is the year to achieve that goal you’ve been wanting for so long, and today is the day to take the first step.
It’s been a tough year in Eclectic.
Eclectic Police Chief Robert Head has been there for a lot of it. The response to accidents and deaths involving local children. There was the unexpected death of Eclectic police Cpl. Desmond Bailey. Tears were shed over the losses by Head and his officers. But Thursday, tears of joy rained as Santa-Laws came to town.
I got to witness as the police department delivered joy through “gift warrants.”
It was a mad rush at the Eclectic Police Department. The elves were rushing around to make sure they had toys to match up with the list of “suspects.”
I was with Head as the police sleighs rolled out all decked out in lights and sirens. The police chief was all grins. For once the large response of lights and sirens was positive. There was no accident, no fire, no death and no one to comfort.
But the stories of the past were there.
Head cried a little at a stop.He
luckily, taught me I didn’t have to worry about that; at least not right away. All I had to do was take things one day at a time. Somehow, someway, by the Grace of God, I stand here with five years of sobriety under my belt. I promise y’all when I crossed that parking lot at Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville that first time, I never thought I’d be here today. Especially given this year, with the death of my brother-inlaw Dylan Gentry along with the countless heartbreaking stories we have covered at Tallapoosa Publishers in 2023, I questioned many times if four years would be my last chip. I don’t always know how it happens, but I thank God every day I have made it another sunrise without a drink. Even now, with five years of sobriety, I’ve learned the impor
recalled the horrible crimes that surrounded a child’s past. But this time, Head was there for something good. He delivered a bicycle and held back tears in front of the child.
“That smile was all worth it,” Head said.
Head and I shared personal stories. We are both similar in our own ways. Like journalists, law enforcement is stoic in the moment of response.
“We have to be,” Head said. “If we don’t somebody gets hurt.”
I could relate. In reporting tough stories, my thoughts quickly go to how can I report this to get the news out but respectfully.
At the final stop, a few modest homes were close together. In one was a family that helped Head as a young man.
aging editor at Tallapoosa Pub lishers Inc.
Officers are no different than you or me
“I saw an old man and wanted to help,” Head said. “I worked a day and thought, ‘How can this old man outwork me?’”
Head said the man just worked and lived to be more than 100 years old.
Now the man’s family remains. It takes care of others just as their ancestors did.
“They turn away almost no one,” Head said. “If someone needs a place to lay their head for the night, they will welcome you in. These are the kind of people we need more of. I’m very proud they helped my father and myself. I would not be here today without them.”
I could tell from the stories Head shared with me he emulates this family himself. In that moment, I realized Head isn’t just a cop. He and his other officers out there everyday are just like you and I. We have emotions and make mistakes. It is how we move on from them and learn that makes us all better.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Everyone has seen it in the old movies. Some may recall doing it. Putting baseball cards in the spokes of bicycle tires.
Gary Fisher does and regrets it.
“I was seven years old on my banana seat high-handle bars bicy -
cle,” Fisher said. “In my front tire I had a 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card inside the spoke. Back then it was worth $15-20. In the back tire I had a 1941-2 Babe Ruth in the back.”
Fisher said he won many a race as a seven year old kid in the early 70s with that combination.
“Mine supposedly sounded louder,” Fisher.
Fisher now knows the ways of his mistake. In poor condition the Mantle card is worth about $20,000. In even poorer condition the Babe Ruth card is worth about $50,000.
“I get sick to my stomach,” Fisher said. “I destroyed those cards. It’s disturbing.”
In addition Fisher said his mother threw away his baseball cards from his childhood.
Almost 50 years later, Fisher is still collecting baseball cards and more. He and his wife Annette have brought their love of collectibles and memorabilia to downtown Wetumpka with Hello Goodbuy.
“Hello is to greet
you, we have everything,” Fisher said. “Goodbuy, we have good deals. We are not a flea market. We specialize in vintage — cards, coins, games and other collectibles.”
In the Company Street store old bottles, vintage games, neon, coins and more can be found along side Fisher’s favorites — baseball cards. At the Friday grand opening he showed off a rookie Nolan Ryan card and cards from Topps featuring parts of bats from Lou Ghering and Babe Ruth.
Fisher played baseball and was good as a pitcher, fielder and batter. He said he turned down a MLB contract playing other professional baseball to pursue music.
“I really liked music,” Fisher said. “I couldn’t do it with the MLB and all the games.”
Along the way he never left baseball he coached some and worked in the card industry with Beckett.
“I was an authenticator,” Fisher said.
The couple landed in Wetumpka to be near his family and continue his online business of buying and selling collectibles.
“I look for immediate stuff, things that I can sell right away,” Fisher said. But he wanted a store front.
“We have all this stuff in storage,” Fisher said. “What you see in the store is a mere fraction of it.”
There is jewelry too. Rings designed and made by Fisher. It’s a craft he started when he was 12.
It’s all available at the downtown Wetumpka store on Company Street.
Fisher has visions for growth and wants to build a couple booths inside the store near the bicycles, neon signs and glass insulators.
“I think I will put game consoles and let people play by the hour on a big screen television,” Fisher said. “I can see parties. In a booth I want to do live auctions and box openings online. I just hope we can do everything we want.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
TOP: Hello Goodbuy owner Gary Fischer speaks with a customer about baseball cards. Fischer once worked for Beckett in the card industry.
ABOVE: Hello Goodbuy has vintage toys too. Owner Garry Fisher said he has so much more in storage he doesn’t know if he can display it all.
in another camp and decided they could pull together a short production. It includes five songs, one poem and five dances. There is also a quick performance of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
“We have 21 hours over three days to pull it all together,” Bird said. “They have three days to learn the music, learn the dances and learn the show.”
Carrico is a Wetumpka native and has been helping the Depot with children’s music programs over the years.
Bird calls herself ancient at 26 years old. She appreciates the differences in the younger children compared to the older ones in her high school theater program.
“It is always nice to shift working with ages 14-18 to 7 to 14,” Bird said. “It presents different challenges. It is different in how to approach them.”
Friday morning the young instructors were working with the campers on “We wish you a Merry Little Christmas. Currico was playing the piano. Bird was directing. To help the campers, the music was stopped at a point where it was to slow down.
“This should make it easier,” Bird told the campers. “Also remember not to drop the have. Let’s make it clean.”
Bird said the show should be fun.
“They have been bouncing all around,” she said. “We will get all put together for a fun little performance that everyone can enjoy.”
SCHOOLS Continued from A1
said administrators had already begun working on issues noted in the recent grades. Those include attendance.
He said being present at school is a lot like going to the movies.
“The longer you are out of the theater and not watching, you are missing what is going on,” Dennis said. “You can’t consistently do that and have success. You have some students that are really intelligent and compensate. The average child will suffer. The more they are out, the more they will suffer academically.”
The overall 85 is better than the state average 83. The system is also slightly better on chronic absenteeism with a 17.66 compared to a 17.90. Chronic absenteeism is defined as when a student misses 18 or more days of school.
Dennis said administrators have started conversations with local juvenile officers on how to get students to school.
“The bigger group impacted by this are the elementary and middle school students,” Dennis said. “It is not the kids’ fault they can’t get to school. We got to improve it. We have got to figure it out.” Some schools in the system scored well in chronic absenteeism
SAFETY
Continued from A1
issues.
training and things went from there.
any new clothes.” Santa and Willie were at The Gab to greet customers.
to put out there,” Santa said.
“I have one on standby so if Rudolph ever gets sick I can put them right in place.”
Sides said Willie was saved from auction almost three years ago when a family member asked her if she wanted him.
“I was like sure, why not?”
Sides said. “So I have a goat now.”
Sides started with leash
— Redland Elementary School received a 12.43 and Redland Middle School received an 8.98. Dennis said administrators watched Redland Middle School closely as some of those students shifted from Wetumpka when its construction was completed.
“Wetumpka Middle School dropped some but they had a big group of students who transitioned to Redland Middle School too,” Dennis said. “You have to look at the underlying dynamic.”
Overall Redland Middle received a 90, an A, and Wetumpka Middle School a 76 — a C.
Dennis said small ups and downs across years are common with Elmore County schools. There is normally not a trend up or down.
“If you have a strong class come through it may edge up a little bit,” Dennis said. “The next class could drop down a little.” Dennis is not settling, especially with the new literacy program passed by legislators means some third graders may not pass to fourth grade.
“We will be reviewing our curriculum,” Dennis said. “The big challenge is we took on a new textbook and curriculum in the elementary school. It has been a big challenge as the teachers adjust to the rigor coming with the testing.”
Dennis is a graduate of Holtville. He understands the roads in the county and the independence that
“Everyone is like, just bring him down. So Willie gets to see everybody,” Sides said. “He won the great goat award we had during the dog pageant in Wetumpka. He’s been in the Christmas parade. He was the dog and Grinch on the Zap Pest Control float.”
Thursday Willie played like he was at the beach but without a bathing suit.
“He grew out of his clothes,” Sides said. “I haven’t ordered
Two other schools in the district received Cs — Millbrook Middle School and the Edge Virtual Academy.
“Millbrook is our second largest school,” Dennis said. “We will look at what we can do to help students through curriculum and with test taking skills.”
Dennis said Edge is really a K-12 school and the 74 is misleading.
“We do this every year,” The Gab’s Paula Sargent said. “We normally do it on Sunday, but this year was a little different.”
Sargent said they use the open house to welcome everyone to downtown for a little fun and food.
But Santa had more competition to get to The Gab customers — the Grinch. Sixteen year old Sammi Garrett showed up but had no interest in Santa.
“That is not bad for a virtual school,” Dennis said. “It is one of the highest scoring virtual schools in the state.” When compared to local schools Dennis was pleased again with Elmore County’s results. School B — 86 Millbrook Middle School C — 79 Redland
“I just like the Grinch more,” Garrett said. “He is my favorite. He is just more fun. I like his story better. He grew as a person — well as a Grinch at least.”
Santa fought back. He got the attention of the younger children.
“What do you want for Christmas?” the gentle red giant asked.
The children quickly started rattling off their lists.
“It works every time,” Santa said.
comes with teenagers driving.
“Reflecting on my own youth, we have some that feel somewhat invincible,” Dennis said. “It is heartbreaking when you think about what these parents are faced with right now with the loss of a chil d.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
LEFT: The Grinch pleads his case to children he is a good guy. He met up with Santa at The Gab for the business’s customer appreciation day.
TOP: Willie Sides the Goat is greeted by The Grinch and Santa at The Gab. The trio was at The Gab for customer appreciation day.
ABOVE: Sammi Garret, 16, takes a selfie with The Grinch. She didn’t take a photo with Santa.“I like the Grinch better,” she said.
The light of the world
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I do hope everyone reading this column is awash in the glow of Advent. The coming light of Christ is almost upon us. Remember that God kept the promise of prophecy. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”(Isaiah 9:2a)
One of my favorite anthems / hymns is Jesus, the Light of the World. The chorus declares: We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, come where the dew-drops of mercy shine bright. Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus, the light of the world. We have a choral arrangement with a swing jazz feel to it that makes me smile every time we sing it! Each year during our Candle-
light Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, I have the privilege of reading the opening verses of the Gospel of John. The word of God became flesh and dwells among us. When we follow that reading with the lighting of each attendee’s candle, we easily visualize the spreading of the light of Christ. Before writing this week’s column, I wrote a daily devotion based on the most familiar words from the Gospel of John,
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
CARRVILLE
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-
John 3:16. The Gospel reading for the day was John 3: 16 – 21. I observed that the very familiar words of 3:16 are followed by words that empower the message loved by so many. God so loved the word that God provides opportunity for salvation for all.
The reading explains the purpose for the incarnation. The word of God became flesh so that all might have eternal life. Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate and final example for how to live in covenant relationship with God, came to redeem the world; not condemn it. God’s intentions could not be clearer.
The reading also explains humankind’s response to the word of God in the flesh. Children of God sometimes refuse
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
the light of God. We often prefer to remain lost in darkness. When Jesus was put on trial, a non-believing judge found him innocent. The Roman Empire did not sentence Jesus to death. The supposed people of God did.
Before anyone begins to think the ol’ preacher man is getting crass and cynical because of Christmas stress, think again. What I am asking all of us to do is to be honest about the ways of God and the ways of humankind.
Anyone claiming to follow Jesus Christ and / or spread gospel good news needs to keep a few things straight.
The light of God has already been given to the whole of the earthly kingdom. No one, regardless of any human label,
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
characteristic, or circumstance, has been or ever will be cut off from the light of redemption by God. The light is freely given and available to all, all the time. Similarly, although God separated light from darkness at the time of creation, God did not assign evil to the dark. Satan recognized the lure of darkness and chose it as the preferred medium for temptation. God in Jesus Christ makes it possible for any child of God to whistle in the dark, so to speak.
Finally, as Christmas approaches, accept the gift of divine truth. God gives light. God does not plunge people into darkness. The devil cannot make us do anything we don’t agree to. Walk in the light, the beautiful light of God! It is always shining. Why not shine with it?
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional).
Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
2023 All-Elmore County Football Team
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
As the 2023 football season came to a close, there were many highlights ranging from stunning comeback wins to game-winning Hail Mary’s all across the county. While four of the six county teams reached the playoffs this year, there was also plenty of individual success from the county’s best players.
The 2023 All-Elmore County Football Team is highlighted by Offensive Player of the Year Nate Rogers, Defensive Player of the Year Donnie Arnold
and Two-Way Player of the Year Gabe LeMaster.
The Elmore County Coach of the Year is Jason Franklin for leading Holtville to a 7-4 record and a home playoff game in his final season.
Here is your full All-Elmore County Football Team.
FIRST TEAM QB: NATE ROGERS, WETUMPKA
Rogers has been stellar in his three seasons starting quarterback for Wetumpka. While leading the Indians to their third-consecutive playoff
appearance with him at the helm, he passed for 1,343 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing for 1,630 yards and an impressive 21 touchdowns.
QB: KEILAND BAKER, HOLTVILLE
After an All-State campaign from a season ago, all eyes were on Baker heading into his junior season. He did anything but disappoint as he completed 114 of 201 passes for a county-high 1,708 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 345 rushing yards and
See ALL-ELMORE, Page B3 FILE
Elmore
County’s Cade Everson scored a combined 21 touchdowns this year. He recorded rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns for the Panthers.
2023 ELMORE COUNTY OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Wetumpka’s Rogers runs circles around defenses
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
It didn’t matter how a defense lined up against Wetumpka quarterback Nate Rogers. A defense could stack nine defenders in the box. It could run its fastest and best defender as a quarterback spy. It could drop three defenders as spies.
No matter what opposing teams did, Rogers ran the ball. Then he ran the ball some more. Then he ran it even more. The third-year starting quarterback ran circles around defenses this season as he rushed for a county-high 1,630 yards and an impressive 21 touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards in 9 out of the 11 games he played in, and he helped lead Wetumpka to the Class 6A playoffs for the third-straight season.
To contribute to his run game, he also passed for 1,343 yards and 8 touchdowns. Rogers is the 2023 Elmore County Offensive Player of the Year.
“You can stack as many guys as you want into the box and Nate is still a nightmare for opposing teams,” head coach Bear Woods said.
“Everyone is aware of how special of a talent he is. In the next 20 years, I might not coach a guy as dynamic as Nate Rogers again. It was a pleasure to be able to coach him because he’s everything a head coach could want from a player.” Rogers has always been able to run the football with success. A year ago, Rogers rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. His sophomore season, he battled injuries but showed what he could do by rushing for over 100 yards in the first half of a playoff game.
What Rogers really wanted to improve on was his passing.
Entering his second season in offensive coordinator Jonathan Chandler’s offense, the two worked together heavily in the offseason.
They worked on Rogers’ mechanics, but more importantly they worked on understanding the complicated posi-
tion that is quarterback which helped Rogers understand the offense.
In turn, Rogers was given the freedom to run the offense and grow in the offense, and he maximized his opportunities to score by doing so.
“I put in so much hard work in the offseason to improve each and every year,” Rogers said. “I think my passing improved the most. I made a lot of throws this season that I could have never made the last few years. And that opened things up for me. Once teams found out I could throw the ball well, they had
to take guys out of the box. When they did that, it was a touchdown for me all day.” Rogers’ passing abilities were showcased in spurts throughout games, but his most complete game came in what was probably the biggest game of his career.
Wetumpka hosted rival Stanhope Elmore early in October, and Rogers was undefeated against Stanhope as a starter. He was 2-0, winning both games during his sophomore and junior seasons.
More importantly, the winner of this matchup has gone to the playoffs each
2023 Elmore County Defensive Player of the Year
Stanhope Elmore’s Arnold lives in opposing backfields
MIDDLETON Sports Editor
ball is snapped, it doesn’t matter what he looks like. Arnold is a menace on the football field, and he consistently wreaked havoc in opposing team’s backfields this season.
The Stanhope Elmore senior recorded a county-high 16.5 sacks this year while recording 60 total tackles, 31 quarterback hurries, 16 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 3 passes defended. He did so while only playing half the season at defensive end before See DEFENSIVE, Page B2
season while the loser has been sitting at home come November. With the season on the line, Rogers had the best passing game of his career. Rogers completed 14-of19 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns. It was his only 300-yard passing game in his career, and only his second game with three passing touchdowns. He rushed the ball a season-low 11 times, but he recorded 135 rushing yards and two more touchdowns.
Elmore County Two-Way Player of the Year
Edgewood Academy’s LeMaster flies to the football
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There is no questioning the physical aspect of football reigns supreme. But as any elite football player knows, the preparation and mental aspect of the game is just as important. Just ask Edgewood Academy senior Gabe LeMaster. LeMaster is what Wildcats coach Chad Michael calls a student of the game. He studies the game of football, and he studies film as See TWO-WAY, Page B2
FILE | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers rushed for a county-high 1,630 yards and 21 touchdowns. He had 100-plus rushing yards in all but two games this season.
FILE | THE HERALD
Stanhope Elmore defensive end Donnie Arnold finished his senior season with a county-high 16.5 sacks. He added 31 quarterback pressures and 60 tackles.
FILE | THE HERALD Edgewood Academy’s Gabe LeMaster recorded seven interceptions on defense while also scoring seven touchdowns playing receiver and running back
much as he can.
That, combined with being a good physical player, leads to endless success for LeMaster on the football field.
The senior receiver, running back, defensive back and kick returner wrapped up his Edgewood football career this fall. In the process, he established himself alongside a long list of great Wildcats.
On defense, LeMaster recorded a county-best seven interceptions while tallying 72 tackles and three tackles for loss.
On offense, he had 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns. In the backfield, he recorded 62 carries for 337 yards and three touchdowns. On special teams, he had 20 returns for 534 yards and one final touchdown.
For his ability to succeed in every face of the game, LeMaster is the 2023 Elmore County TwoWay Player of the Year for the second-straight season.
“During the season, Gabe game plans so well and watches so much film,” Michael said. “He prepares so well that he knows what a team is going to do before they do it. That allows him to put himself in a position to make a play whether on offense or on defense.”
During football season, film takes precedence over anything else.
LeMaster doesn’t know how much he watches on average, but he watches it nonstop. If he’s in class and he finished his work or isn’t doing much that day, he’s studying game film.
He watches film with the rest of the team each week, then he studies it for at least two hours a night when he gets home.
When he gets ready for bed and is just lounging around the house, he has game film up.
Even on Fridays before the game, he’s going through film trying to figure out every formation and determine what plays are being run and if there are any tells from any players he can pick up on.
“Film is the most important thing in football, at least on defense,” LeMaster said. “You can study each formation a team runs and see what plays they run or routes they run out of those formations. You can study these teams and build up your football IQ. When you do that, you can figure out what is going to happen most of the time.”
His game-planning has definitely helped himself, especially on the defensive side. He recorded six interceptions last season as a junior, then one-upped himself this year with seven interceptions.
He flies to the ball because he knows where the ball is going. When he figures out where it’s going, he lets his teammates know as quickly as he can and they all succeed.
His ability to seemingly cover the entire middle of the field also helps his team take more chances, and it raises the confidence level of any extra player who may blitz and leave a part of the field open.
“Our guys know that when Gabe is behind them, he can help if there is a mess up,” Michael said. “He allows us, especially defensively, to take chances. If we mess up and it’s a bad blitz, he can erase those mistakes with one play. With him patrolling the secondary, you always have a chance with the ball in the air. He’s going to find a way to get the ball and make a play.”
Any time LeMaster touches the ball, it’s possible six points will be added to Edgewood’s side of the scoreboard.
Despite the team playing multiple quarterbacks, he secured the most receiving touchdowns on the team. And with defenses focusing on the run game, he still pulled out a 5.4 average on carries. He was, in every sense of the word, efficient any time he touched the ball.
But with the way he thinks about the game and studies the game, he loves the defensive side of the ball. He enjoys finding the end zone and adding points for his team, but he likes out-smarting his opponents.
“I love the thinking game of defense and thinking about what other teams are going to do,” LeMaster said. “I want to figure out what they’re going to run. To me, it’s like a chess game. You’re trying to out-smart your opponent while also trying to out-physical them on every play.”
2023 Elmore County Coach of the Year
Holtville’s Franklin saves his best for last
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Jason Franklin is going to remember his 2023 football season for a long time.
Franklin, after 16 years as a head coach and seven years at Holtville, made the decision to retire after the 2023 season.
His final season as the Bulldogs’ head coach was a memorable one.
After a 3-8 record a year ago, Holtville finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record while playing for a region championship for the first time in nearly 40 years. The team finished runner-up and hosted only the third playoff game since 1993.
For his team’s success, Franklin is the 2023 Elmore County Football Coach of the Year.
“Knowing this would be the last season, it was bitter sweet to go out with the season we had,” Franklin said. “This group of guys we had gave us everything they had weekin and week-out and it made for a really enjoyable season.”
From the start of the offseason, Franklin knew his team had the chance to be good. Most teams coming off a 3-8 season can’t say that, but all the pieces were there for a successful year.
Holtville was returning an AllState quarterback in Keiland Baker who would no longer be splitting time at quarterback.
His favorite weapon, Erik Adkins, returned at receiver along with two more 6-foot-4 receivers. Nearly the entire offensive line returned from a year ago, and that’s just from the offense.
On defense, some key returners headlined the group such as defensive lineman Anthony Chunn or linebackers Luke Strength and Josh Jimenez.
Those weren’t the only players who returned with experience and it showed as his team took the field.
“The experience and maturity level of our guys was different this year,” Franklin said. “A lot of our
To sweeten the pot, he and the Indians won the game, 56-42, and Wetumpka made the playoffs while Stanhope did not for the third-straight season.
“That was probably my best game ever, both passing and running,” Rogers said. “I only had 135 rush-
guys were more mature and knew what was expected of them. They just went out and executed each week and had a process of getting ready. They knew what it would take to be successful. Along the way, we had some good things happen. Success comes with good fortune.”
While Franklin knew his team could be good, it became much clearer following the Bulldogs’ first game of the season.
Holtville hit the road to Birmingham to start the year and faced a much improved Fultondale team in its first game at its new stadium.
Holtville’s season looked to start disastrous as Fultondale took a 24-0 first half lead following two blocked punts, a kickoff return, a safety and a pick-six.
Despite the deficit, Holtville never gave up. Baker connected with Adkins to cut the lead to 24-7 just before the half then Holtville scored 21 straight points to stun Fultondale, 28-24.
“That first come from behind win showed a lot of character and poise about our bunch,” Franklin said. “When you have a group that does something like that, usually good things happen along the way. That was the turning point where I thought maybe this bunch had a little something different about them. You could never doubt this bunch.”
That mindset continued throughout the season.
Just a few weeks later, Holtville found itself down on the road again.
ing yards, but I barely ran.
I feel like that game has a special place in my heart because not too many people believed I could throw the ball as well as I did that night and I proved a lot of people wrong. I really loved the way I played that night. I will probably remember that night for the rest of my life.”
With his high school career over, Rogers is
being moved to linebacker. For his commanding presence haunting quarterbacks, Arnold is the 2023 Elmore County Defensive Player of the Year.
“Donnie has some of the best ‘get off’ that you’ll see at the high school level,” Stanhope coach Hunter Adams said. “He’s a strong guy who benches 360 pounds and runs a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. His athletic intangibles allow him to be a physical mismatch against anyone he lines up with. If we didn’t move him to linebacker midway through the season, he probably would have had a 22 or 24 sack season.”
It’s hard to predict a season that successful, but it looked realistic for Arnold early on. Arnold started his season with a 3.5 sack game in a season-opening win over Shades Valley. Three games later, he was still averaging three sacks a game.
Unfortunately for Stanhope, the Mustangs were suffering injuries at a high rate. And while he and fellow defensive end Thomas Williams (12.5 sacks) were each getting into the backfield, he was needed to play a different role to help the team.
Playing West Blocton, Holtville gave up the lead in the final minute of the game but the team’s confidence never waivered.
Down 27-26, Holtville stunned West Blocton. Baker connected with Adkins for a 60-yard pass, then he found Elijah Headley for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left to give them the win.
“We were never out of a game,” Franklin said. “The attitude was always positive and we always had trust in each other. That’s just part of what made this bunch so fun to coach this year. No matter who we played, we gave 100% effort.”
The fantastic season wrapped up what was already a great career for the head ball coach. Franklin has coached at and won at both Holtville and Horseshoe Bend during his tenures, and he has made the playoffs nine times in his 16 seasons. That includes each of the last six seasons at Holtville after taking over a program that won four total games in four seasons prior.
He helped turn both programs around, and to win seven games and host a playoff game during his final year was just the icing on the cake.
“Every coach wants to go out and put a good product on the field and enjoy every day,” Franklin said. “I really enjoyed it and I’ve loved my experience here. I’ve loved my time here. It’s been a blessing to me and my family. Knowing I had made my decision to retire, having a successful season and winning ball games made it a lot more enjoyable.”
going to have the chance to play at the next level.
Whether he will be a quarterback or not is yet to be determined, and if he plays football or basketball hasn’t been decided yet either. Rogers is also the reigning basketball player of the year in the county, and he’s off to a great start to his senior campaign on the hardwood. No matter what he
So he moved to linebacker.
While he didn’t get as many pass rushing opportunities, he still changed the game. He took away passing lanes by playing in coverage and tracked down running backs out of the backfield with his speed.
“I like playing that hybrid role where I’m both on the line and a linebacker,” Arnold said. “They asked me to play that role when we were struggling, and I feel like it went pretty well overall. I grew up playing linebacker, but the defensive line has taught me more about the game. I think playing both is the perfect spot for me.”
Stanhope Elmore has a knack for having powerful defensive linemen. The Mustangs have sent multiple plates to the next level, and that starts from middle school up. The coaches take pride in identifying players at the middle school level that they feel will fill the defensive line, a position of need for the Mustangs.
Oddly enough, Arnold wasn’t one of those players identified in middle school.
Arnold wasn’t a defensive lineman until his junior season of high school.
In his own words, he was a skinny kid. Up until his sophomore year, he
decides to do, Woods knows he will be successful.
“Nate is a Division I athlete at any position,” Woods said. “He can go in and play for a team right now, no matter what position he’s in. He has a very high ceiling at the next level. What you see from him is a guy who is a college football player right now playing at the high school level.”
weighed no heavier than around 170 pounds. He played in the secondary then as well, mostly as a strong safety. As his weight changed and he got stronger in the Mustangs’ strength program, he moved to linebacker.
But going into his junior year, Adams realized quickly he needed to be on the line.
“It really wasn’t until his junior season that we found out just how disruptive he could be with his hand in the dirt,” Adams said. “We put him in that position against the pass and he became a game changer for us. He just has a knack for finding the football.”
Despite having to be moved to linebacker, Arnold still turned in one of the most impressive seasons a defensive player has had at Stanhope Elmore.
He accomplished that by taking in all his knowledge, from the secondary to the trenches, and putting it together in one final campaign for the Mustangs.
“It was a pretty good year,” Arnold said. “Last year I had 12 sacks and I wanted to push myself to get more this year. I didn’t know I was going to accomplish this, but I just went out there and did it. It was hard, but I pushed myself to do it. I told myself I wanted to be the greatest.”
FILE THE HERALD
Holtville’s Jason Franklin led the Bulldogs to a 7-4 overall record and a home playoff game in his final season leading the team.
Indians claim top spots at home tournament
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer
WETUMPKA
To the surprise of few, the Wetumpka Indians dominated their annual Indians Invitational.
By day’s end, five of Wetumpka’s best finished with first place medals
“Our guys have worked hard and it is good to see that in front of our home crowd,” Wetumpka coach Josh Highland said. “To come out and be five for six in the finals, I am just proud of them for working. Even the kids that didn’t get where they wanted to, they all wrestled hard.”
Starting at the 106 class, eighth grader Barrett Adams secured a bronze medal after a win over a wrestler from Mortimer Jordan. In 126, Troy Martin took home second, falling to a wrestler from Mortimer Jordan.
Swayze Martin began the run on the top overall placements, taking home first place in the 120 pound class. Martin defeated a wrestler from Oxford.
Noah Smith (132), Zach Crosthwait (190), Christian Preston (215) and Willie Cox (285) all took home gold medals with wins in the finals.
For Highland, he said sometimes it can be difficult to get his top performers to continue to wrestle at their
on Thursday.
best levels. While it may seem like a forgone conclusion that a guy like Cox will win every match he is in, one simple slip up could be a difference maker. Highland said he dangles the thought of another trophy in front of his best guys to keep them going.
“Everyday I tell them to improve,” Highland said. “They ask how they do that, and I tell them to get that second title. That is the improvement we are looking for.”
Overall, Wetumpka scored a team score of 155. The team wrestled 14, including four wrestlers who were freshmen or younger.
“We did pretty well,” Highland said. “We had
with our 190,” Highland said of Crosthwaith. “They slept on him for a long time. They won’t sleep on him anymore. We are coming.”
ELMORE COUNTY At Wetumpka, Elmore County finished their day with one wrestler in the finals.
Freshman Tyler Payton earned a second place finish in the 150 weight class.
Payton, one of the best wrestlers in his weight class, went toe to toe with a wrestler from Mortimer Jordan but fell 4-2.
some newer guys in the lineup on the varsity side so it was a little different for them. My guys that were in the finals, they have been doing it for the past few weeks, and they are putting it all together.”
Crosthwait was the guy that stood out about the rest. The junior comes from a long line of wrestlers in his family, with kin that used to sport names by Bone Crusher and Big Boy.
On the mat, Crosthwait seems to be channeling his family, as he has earned a 18-1 record after putting on about 40 pounds from last season. He has defeated the fourth, third and now second best wrestlers in his weight class.
“Really, really impressed
70 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. He also blocked two field goals and one punt.
11 touchdowns.
RB: ARTHUR MCQUEEN, STANHOPE ELMORE
Stanhope Elmore’s star running back lit up the field every single Friday night as he rushed for over 100 yards in 9 of the 10 games he played in. The junior back rushed for 1,420 yards and totaled 1,705 all purpose yards as he found the end zone 13 times this season.
RB: CJ WILKES, ELMORE COUNTY
Despite missing a few games due to injury and not playing at 100% all season, Wilkes once again showcased his skill running the ball. The senior rushed only 99 times but turned that into 677 yards and 9 touchdowns. He had to play some defense this year as well and recorded 39 tackles and 1 sack.
WR: JABARI MURPHY, ELMORE COUNTY
Jabari Murphy proved once again to be the best receiver in the county as he recorded 37 catches for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Having to play running back as well, he rushed for 363 yards and 5 more touchdowns. For his season, he was selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Classic.
WR: ERIK ADKINS, HOLTVILLE
Erik Adkins capped off an already impressive career with a stellar senior season. The speedy receiver recorded a county-high 41 catches for 586 yards and four touchdowns. He made his presence known rushing the ball too as he added two touchdowns on the ground.
ATH: CADE EVERSON, ELMORE COUNTY
Much like he was at Tallassee early in his career, Cade Everson proved to be a game changer in a Panthers’ uniform. The Elmore County senior played receiver, running back and quarterback and scored a team-high 21 touchdowns. He had 698 rushing, 437 receiving and 125 passing yards.
ATH: BROCK WHITT, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY
Whitt, Edgewood’s sophomore do-it-all player who stands at 6-foot-4, played quarterback, tight end, receiver, defensive line and linebacker this year. He recorded 5 rushing touchdowns, 1 receiving touchdown and 2 passing touchdowns. On defense, he tallied
OL: CLARK BARKER, WETUMPKA Playing at right guard for the Indians, Barker helped lead an impressive rushing attack from the Indians. Barker recorded a teamhigh 11 pancake blocks and was selected as one of the top offensive linemen in the state as he played in the AHSAA Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic.
OL: TRISTAN GULLEDGE, HOLTVILLE After jumping onto radars everywhere this summer via camps, Gulledge turned in one of the most dominant senior campaigns of the entire state. The Holtville tackle graded out at a county-best 91% this year with 88 pancake blocks. He allowed only one sack all season.
OL: JONATHAN THAMES, ELMORE COUNTY There weren’t many better offensive linemen than Jonathan Thames this year. The 6-foot-6 senior helped lead Elmore County to back-to-back playoff appearances while recording a team-high 43 pancake blocks. He graded out at 88% and gave up only one sack the entire season.
OL: MACIN JAMES, STANHOPE ELMORE James, only a sophomore, is the youngest offensive lineman to make this list. Helping the Mustangs rush for over 200 yards per game, he graded out at 84% playing both guard and center. He recorded 17 pancake blocks on the year and gave up no sacks.
OL: ZAYNE TALLEY, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY Edgewood’s junior offensive tackle had a great year as he helped lead the Wildcats to the first round of the AISA Class AA playoffs. Talley graded out at 83% while also playing defensive line the entire year. On defense, he recorded 76 tackles with 17 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
OL: BRADEN ARNOLD, TALLASSEE As Braden Arnold capped off an impressive career in the trenches with Tallassee, he proved once again to be one of the toughest offensive linemen in the area. Leading the Tigers to a strong rushing attack, Arnold was the team’s best offensive lineman this season.
DL: DONNIE ARNOLD, STANHOPE ELMORE Arnold led the county in sacks this year, and could’ve had even
faster twitch overall to start seeing more wrestlers taking home medals.
“We just have to get faster, wrestler faster,” Thornton said. “By the second or third match, we were wrestling at a really slow pace. We have to work on that speed and be consistent. We have to be consistent across the board.”
The next time Thornton’s team takes the mat, they will square off in the 5A, Region 2 duals championship.
until Jan. 5 when they resume play at the Julian McPhillips Tournament at Saint James. The next day, the team will take their talents to the 6A, Region 2 Duals at Russell County.
HOLTVILLE
Wrestling only four athletes, Holtville saw good results.
“We got our head stuck inside and that was it,” coach Mason Thornton said of the 150 bout. “Got turned and couldn’t shake out of it. He was controlling the match well, but got caught on a simple mistake.”
Thornton’s team wrestled six guys at Wetumpka, with all of the team’s wrestlers sophomores or younger. While no other Panther finished with a medal, it was still a successful outing.
“Overall we had some guys win some really big matches,” Thornton said. “We had a handful of guys win. Overall, not a bad day.”
Amplified by Payton’s winnable match, Thornton said his team still needs to improve. They are close, but need to develop some
more had he not been moved to hybrid linebacker role midway through the season. Despite the move, Arnold recorded 16.5 sacks to go along with 60 tackles, 31 quarterback pressures and 16 tackles for loss.
DL: ETHAN BAILEY, WETUMPKA
Ethan Bailey was as dominant as they come for Wetumpka this year. The junior defensive end had nearly half of Wetumpka’s total sacks as he recorded 61 total tackles, 9 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback pressures. He also forced 3 fumbles.
DL: BRANDON WHITE, ELMORE COUNTY
Brandon White decided to play football for his senior season, and head coach Kyle Caldwell is very glad he did. The senior defensive end lived in opposing backfields as he recorded 57 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and even intercepted 2 passes.
DL: ANTHONY CHUNN, HOLTVILLE
In only 10 games played, Anthony Chunn made his presence known by consistently getting into opposing backfields. The junior defensive end recorded 58 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss and a team-leading 12 sacks.
DL: THOMAS WILLIAMS, STANHOPE ELMORE
Williams was part of the two-headed monster of Stanhope Elmore defensive ends this year. The senior tallied 57 total tackles to go with 12.5 sacks, 16 quarterback pressures, 18 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 touchdown.
LB: CLEANGELO PEAKE, WETUMPKA
Peake, despite missing some time due to injury, turned in one of the most well-rounded seasons of any defensive player in the county. The junior finished the year with 55 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.
LB: LUKE STRENGTH, HOLTVILLE
If there was a tackle being made from Holtville’s defense, it was almost a guarantee that Luke Strength was at least part of it. The ball hawk flew around the field this year as he recorded 122 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. He also blocked three punts and four PATs.
LB: PARKER SHAW, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY While playing both sides of
It will be a tough competition, but with a good bit of time to practice from now until Jan. 3, the coach thinks his team will be ready.
“We will bounce back and go to practice and hopefully show out at regional duals,” Thornton said.
STANHOPE ELMORE
The Mustangs had a solid outing at the Indian Invitational, led by a fourth place finish in the 215 weight class.
Alphonsa Washington took home fourth, falling to a wrestler from Montgomery Catholic. Washington was the top overall placer for the school from the team’s 12. In the end, Stanhope Elmore scored 52.5 team points.
The Mustangs will have a break from competition
the ball at an elite level, Parker Shaw always found himself around the football. The senior linebacker recorded 121 total tackles, 83 of which were solo tackles, and he added 6 tackles for loss. On offense, he had a team-high 441 rushing yards with 3 touchdowns.
LB: JACKSON MANN, ELMORE COUNTY Despite only being a junior, Mann has already established himself as one of the top players in the county and flies around to the football. That was no different this year as he recorded 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 8 passes defended, 3 blocked punts and 1 blocked field goal.
LB: KAMRAN ANDERSON, STANHOPE ELMORE KamRan Anderson found himself all over the field for the Mustangs as he played a hybrid role of linebacker and defensive line. While doing so, he ended the year with a team-high 71 tackles with 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 8 quarterback pressures.
LB: JOSEPH HOOKS, TALLASSEE
For the second-straight season, Hooks was a bright spot on Tallassee’s defense. The senior linebacker made his presence known not only by being one of the team’s top tacklers but by also being one of the top running backs on the roster.
DB: GABE LEMASTER, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY
Much like he has in his entire career, LeMaster was a ballhawk in the secondary for his final season. The senior safety recorded a county-high 7 interceptions while tallying 72 total tackles and 3 tackles for loss. On offense, he had 786 total yards with 7 touchdowns, and he added a kickoff return for a touchdown.
DB: ORENTHAL MARTIN, STANHOPE ELMORE
Orenthal proved to be an elite defender both in the pass game and the run game. To finish off his high school football career, he recorded 58 total tackles (34 solo tackles), 6 tackles for loss, 8 passes defended and 1 interception. He also blocked a punt and scored a defensive touchdown.
DB: JAYDEN BENNETT, WETUMPKA Playing a hybrid role as both a cornerback and safety, Bennett
Sophomore Rutledge Rogers won a match in 126 and Tyson Ratliff won two matches in the heavyweight class. Also wrestling heavyweight, Jonathan Sanders lost his opening match but won two in the consolation bracket.
In 150, Samuel Segarra earned a fourth place finish. Segarra lost his opener, but won three straight in the consolation bracket before falling in the third place bout. The team’s total finished at 26 points.
Holtville will join Elmore County and Tallassee at the 5A, Region 2 Duals Championship in the New Year.
TALLASSEE One Tallassee wrestler wrestled in Wetumpka.
Eighth grader Brady Adams won his opener, but lost his second match. On the consolation side, Adams won another match before falling to Segarra from Holtville.
had a knack for disrupting passes this season. To go along with his 23 total tackles, Bennett had a team-high 7 pass breakups with 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.
DB: CEDRICK CROSKEY, HOLTVILLE Croskey made his presence known on all three facets of the game, but he was most effective intercepting passes in Holtville’s secondary. The junior cornerback had a team-leading 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles to go with 53 total tackles.
K: COLBY BEYER, STANHOPE ELMORE Beyer made the most of every opportunity he was given during a standout junior season. The star kicker made 36 of his 37 PATs while knocking down 4 of his 6 field goal attempts. He also served as the team’s punter and averaged 33.4 yards per punt.
P: ELIJAH HEADLEY, HOLTVILLE Elijah Headley consistently flipped the field to put Holtville’s defense in good positions. In 27 punt attempts, Headley averaged 35 yards per punt and pinned opposing offenses inside the 20-yard line 9 times. As a receiver, he had 18 catches for 279 yards and 5 touchdowns.
RETURNER: JAMARION THRASHER, WETUMPKA Jamarion Thrasher has been known as one of the speediest players in the county, and that showed this year in the return game. On 18 returns, he averaged 27.1 yards per return and scored 2 touchdowns. On offense, he had 637 total yards and 3 touchdowns.
HONORABLE MENTION
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY: Jackson Hudson (OL), Cooper Freeman (LB), Will Reeves (OL/DL).
ELMORE COUNTY: Caleb Spivey (DE), Connor Pike (LB), Trevor Brown (OL), Ryals McNeely (QB), Luke Reinert (DL).
HOLTVILLE: Dok Barton (DL/OL), Hunter Chavis (RB), Carson Reese (OL), Josh Jimenez (LB/ RB), Clifford Edwards (OL).
STANHOPE ELMORE: Jamari Coleman (WR), Dashaun Caffee (DB), Bunny Jackson (DL), Xavier Foxhall (OL).
TALLASSEE: Jaiden McKenzie (RB/ WR), Trent Morris (QB), Alec Carswell (K), Christian McCary (RB/LB), Ja’Twon Griffin (OL). WETUMPKA: Mike Dillard (RB/LB), Malik Owens (WR), Ethan Blake (DL), Davin Lee (DB), JD Denmark (DL), Patrick Barfoot (OL).
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Christian Preston, back, slams Stanhope Elmore’s Evan Gordy for a takedown during the Indians Wrestling Tournament
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Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Public Notices
COMMENCE AT A PINE KNOT AT THE NW CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWN 20 NORTH RANGE 19 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE SOUTH 05 DEGREES 42 MINUTES 51 SECONDS WEST, ALONG 1/4 SECTION LINE, 2259.68 FEET TO AN IRON PIN, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 80 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 14 SECONDS EAST, 286.68 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE SOUTH 09 DEGREES 15 MINUTES 23 SECONDS WEST, 457.48 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE NORTH MARGIN OF MANN CIRCLE, COUNTY GRAVEL ROAD; THENCE NORTH 81 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 24 SECONDS WEST, ALONG SAID MARGIN OF ROAD, 258.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE WEST LINE OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 23; THENCE LEAVING SAID ROAD, NORTH 05 DEGREES 42 MINUTES 51 SECONDS EAST, ALONG 1/4 SECTION LINE, 464.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE SE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4 AND THE NE 1/4 OF THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWN 20 NORTH, RANGE 19 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 2.88 ACRES MORE OR LESS. Commonly known as: 160 Mann Circle, Wetumpka, AL 36092 For informational purposes only, the property address is: 160 Mann Cir, Wetumpka, AL 36092. 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 sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. Furthermore, the property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the mortgagee, nor the employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Ala. (1975) § 35-4-271, expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars and no/100 funds at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid inness on the next business day LOGS Legal Group LLP at the address indicated below. LOGS Legal Group LLP reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder, or to reschedule the sale, should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. 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.
Nationstar Mortgage LLC, and its successors and assigns Mortgagee or Transferee LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107/ 23-023407 Attorneys for Mortgagee or Transferee
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 222945
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE
WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from JOHN L. GILMORE, JR. AND MAXINE GILMORE, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HUSBAND AND WIFE to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR FIRST COMMUNITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA, on the 8th day of November, 2011, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on November 15, 2011, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2011, Page 48712, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., by instrument recorded in notice is hereby given that the undersigned Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash on the Front Steps of the Elmore County Courthouse, 100 East Conners Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on January 18, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 27 AND 28 OF THE COUNTRY PLACE SUBDIVISION AS THE MAP THEREOF APPEARS OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE 57. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 102 COUNTRY PL DR, DEATSVILLE, AL 36022. 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.
Public Notices
p 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. Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR,
Quality Manager - Montgomery, AL. Req’d: Bach’s deg. in any eng. major & 2 yrs. managerial exp. in quality control or quality assurance in the automotive industry. Mail resumes to: DAS North America, Inc., 840 Industrial Park Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117
Assistant Quality Assurance Manager - Montgomery, AL. Req’d: Bach’s deg. in any major & 1 yr. managerial exp. in quality control or quality assurance in the automotive industry. Mail resumes to: DAS North America, Inc., 840 Industrial Park Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117
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HR Manager [Full-Time, On-Site]
Req’d: Bach’s Deg. Pref: Major in HR Mgmt. or Business Admin.
Job Duties: Personnel Mgmt, Employee Compensation and Benefits Mgmt. and other HR Role and Responsibilities.
----------------------------------------------------------
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Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed on June 17, 2009 by Joanne B. Smith and Joe David Smith, wife and husband, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., and recorded in RLPY Book 2009 at Page 38579 on July 6, 2009, in the of Elmore County, Alabama, and secured indebtedness having been transferred to Nationstar Mortgage LLC. LOGS Legal Group LLP, as counsel for Mortgagee or Transferee and under and by virtue of power of sale contained in the said mortgage will, on February 1, 2024, sell at public outcry to the highest bidder at the main entrance of the Elmore County, Alabama, Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, during the legal hours of sale, the following real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to wit: Tax ID Number(s): 0506230000003.008 (ALSO COVERS OTHER LAND) Land situated in the County of Elmore in the State of AL
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for a 050- Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and 070- Retail Table Wine (Off Premises Only) Alcohol License Transfer Application from Kwik Sack 2 to Revv Store by Revv Stores 2 LLC at 10860 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, Al 36092. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00 pm, Monday, January 8, 2024, in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear in person at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing to: Elmore County Commission 100 East Commerce St., Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092 wrbechd@elmoreco.ord Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023 APPLICATION
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
pyg der for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse atabama, on February 15, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 23, according to the plat of Country
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
NOTICE is hereby given that a bill substantially as follows will be introduced in the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE, ALABAMA ERHUNMWUNSEE PAUL OVENSERI, Plaintiff, V. ERHUNMWUNSEE
CAROLINE EWEMADE O, Defendant.
Case No.: DR-2023-000109.00
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORMA L. GRIGGS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-311 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Public Notices
Public Notices
abama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tifright to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortright 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. Wells Fargo
wood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.
2023 and Jan. 3, 2024
23-02566 PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
NOTICE is hereby given that a bill substantially as follows will be introduced in the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT
Relating to Elmore County; to repeal Section 45-26-240, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the board of equalization. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. Section 45-26-240, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to compensation of the members of the Elmore County Board of Equalization, is repealed. Section 2. This act shall become effective immediately. Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 BILL PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, code of Alabama 1975 notice is hereby given that Scout Sport Floors, LLC, Contractor, has completed the contract for NEW GYM FLOOR for HOLTVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for the Elmore County Board of Education, Owner, settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with the project should immediately notify Elmore County Board of Education, 100 H. H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Scout Sport Floors LLC 2920 Commerce Square South Birmingham, AL 35210
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 13, 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ADELLA H. ESCO, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023. 310 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to DANNY A. ESCO and MELODY E. SEMSEY as Co-Personal Representatives on the 11th day of December 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. 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: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 EST/ESCO A.
Relating to Elmore County; to amend Sections 45-2681.01, 45-26-230.01, and 4526-242.01, Code of Alabama 1975; to further provide for the compensation of the judge of probate, sheriff, and revenue commissioner; and to repeal Section 45-26-81, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the salary of the judge of probate. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. Sections 45-2681.01, 45-26-230.01, and 45-26-242.01, Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
Ҥ45-26-81.01
(a) Effective on July 1, 2020, the The base annual salary of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County shall be ninety-eight thousand dollars ($98,000) one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) per year, payable in equal monthly installments from the general fund the same manner and at the same time as other employees of the county. The salary provided by this section shall supersede any salary, expense allowance, or other compensation provided to the judge of probate prior to July 1, 2020 (b) Notwithstanding any other law, in addition to any other compensation provided to the judge of probate, the judge of probate shall continue after July 1, 2020, to receive any cost-ofliving or other salary increases granted to county employees and as approved by the county commission or any salary increases as otherwise granted and approved by the county commission.”
Ҥ45-26-230.01
1, 2018, the Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hun($115,000) per year.
(a) The Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) per year.
(b) Any individual who has previously served one full term as Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) per year.
(c) Any individual who has previously served two full terms as Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hundred forty thousand dollars ($140,000) per year.
(d) Any individual who has previously served three or more full terms as Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in thousand dollars ($150,000) per year.
(e) The salary salaries provided by this section shall be in lieu of any other salary provided by general or local law and shall be paid in the same manner and at the same time as other county employees.” “§45-26-242.01
(a) Effective on July 1, 2020, the revenue commissioner shall receive an annual expense allowance of sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000) per year payable in equal monthly installments from the general fund of the county until September 30, 2021. The expense allowance shall be in addition to all other compensarevenue commissioner and may be treated as compensation for retirement purposes. Effective October 1, 2021, the expense allowance provided by this subsection shall be repealed.
(b)(a) Effective on October 1, 2021, the The revenue commissioner shall receive a base annual salary of thousand dollars ($95,000) one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) per year payable in equal monthly installments as provided by law, plus any additional compensation provided by general law pursuant to subdivision (3) of Section 11-2A-3 the same manner and at the same time as other employees of the county. The salary provided by this subsection shall supersede any salary, expense allowance, or other compensation provided to the revenue commissioner prior to July 1, 2020.
(c)(b) Notwithstanding any other law, in addition to any other compensation provided to the revenue commissioner, the revenue commissioner shall continue after July 1, 2020, to receive any cost-of-living or other salary increases granted to county the county and as approved by the county commission or any salary increases as otherwise granted and approved by the county commission.” Section 2. Section 45-26-81, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the salary of the judge of probate, is repealed. Section 3. This act shall become effective on October 1, 2024.
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 BILL 2
Caroline Ewemade O. Erhunmwunsee, whose whereabouts are unknown, is required to answer the Complaint for Divorce and/or other relief requested by Paul Ovenseri Erhunmwunsee within THIRTY (30) DAYS, or thereafter, default judgment may be rendered against Caroline Ewemade O. Erhunmwunsee in case DR-2023-000109.00, Elmore County Circuit Court. DONE this 20th day of November 29, 2023, MICHAEL DOZIER, CIRCUIT
COURT CLERK
ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY JUDICIAL
CENTER P.O. Box 310 WETUMPKA, AL, 36092
334-514-3116
/s/JUDGE: JOY PACE BOOTH
CIRCUIT JUDGE
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2023
DR-2023-000109.00
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALESHIA JA’KAIL BALL, CASE NO: 2023-316 DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ALESHIA JA’KAIL BALL, deceased, having been granted to GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. on December 20, 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.
GERALD A. DANIEL, JR.
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ALESHIA JA’KAIL BALL, DECEASED
Name and Address of Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC P O BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw. com
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023 Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/BALL, A.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SANDRA SANFORD GRAY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-309 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of SANDRA SANFORD GRAY, deceased, having been granted to DEBRA SIMMONS BROOKS on December 14, 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. DEBRA SIMMONS BROOKS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF SANDRA SANFORD GRAY, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT O. BURTON ATTORNEY AT LAW PMB #208 103 NORTH MEMORIAL DRIVE PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-538-5404
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 EST/GRAY S.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT S. GRESHAM, JR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-313 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT S. GRESHAM, JR., deceased, having been granted to CAROL GRESHAM WILLIAMS and JILL JONES on the 21st day of December, 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. CAROL GRESHAM WILLIAMS and JILL JONES CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT S. GRESHAM. JR., DECEASED Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/GRESHAM R.
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to WILLIAM M. GRIGGS and PAULA JO WALLACE as Co-Executors on the 14TH day of December, 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.
WILLIAM M. GRIGGS AND PAULA JO WALLACE CO-EXECUTORS OF THE ESTATE OF NORMA L. GRIGGS, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Justin D. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 EST/GRIGGS, N. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELL HUDSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-246 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DELL HUDSON, de-
ceased, having been granted to JOHN WILLIAMS on December 15, 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.
JOHN WILLIAMS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DELL HUDSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: BURT NEWSOME NEWSOME LAW LLC 194 NARROWS DRIVE SUITE 103 PO BOX 382753 (35238) BIRMINGHAM. ALABAMA 35242 205-747-1970 burt@newsomelawllc.com
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 EST/HUDSON, D. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE I. JARMAN, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-280 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to BARNEY LEE MCCORMICK and HELON IREAN BENNETT as Co-Executors on the 14th day of December 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.
BARNEY LEE MCCORMICK AND HELON IREAN BENNETT, CO-EXECUTORS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE I. JARMAN, 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: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 EST/JARMAN A.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RAY TREVOR STEELE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-260 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of RAY TREVOR STEELE, deceased, having been granted to CORY MICHAEL PUCKETT December 7, 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.
CORY MICHAEL PUCKETT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF RAY TREVOR STEELE, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: BONITA J. CALDWELL
ATTORNEY AT LAW 576 GILMER AVENUE
TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078
256-307-1865
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 13, 20 and 27, 2023
EST/STEELE R.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FRANKIE G. NEAL, WHO WAS ALSO KNOWN AS FRANKIE ANN NEAL, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-303 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: KENNETH R. NEAL,
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE M ATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN C. ZEISER, CASE NO: 2023-315 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of STEVEN C. ZEISER, deceased, having been granted to GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. on December 20, 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.
GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN C. ZEISER, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL. JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC P O BOX 638 MILLBROOK. ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@ GADanielLaw.com
JOHN THORNTON
EST/NEAL, F. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2023-264 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRED P. STODDARD, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of FRED P. STODDARD, deceased, having been granted to FELICIA ANN STODDARD on the 5 day of December, 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. FELICIA ANN STODDARD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF FRED P. STODDARD, DECEASED Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 13, 20 and 27, 2023 EST/STODDARD, F. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEE E. WILLIS, CASE NO: 2023-317 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LEE E. WILLIS, deceased, having been granted to GUY RODNEY WILLIS on December 15, 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. GUY RODNEY WILLIS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LEE E. WILLIS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE & BRITT, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023, and Jan. 3, 2024 EST/WILLIS, L. PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on 11th of January, 2024, at 9:00am AT STORAGETREASURES. COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE
Southeast Storage 8416 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36092
2105:Ashley Abernathy: 194 Noah Spurs Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092
Contents: baby bed, boxes, clothes and totes
2433:Amanda Burgans: 64 Alexis Dr. Elmore, AL 36025
Contents: bags, tote, boxes, RC car, bed frames, tools, chair and clothes Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/ZEISER, S.
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Steven M. Hayden, a married man, on March 13, 2008, to Western Steel, Inc. successor in interest to Regions Bank, which mortgage is recorded in Book 2008, Page 19246, in the OfElmore County, Alabama, the undersigned, as Mortgagee or Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the said mortgage will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash in front of
The above described property lies in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter and the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 10, Township 18 North, Range 19
will be sold on an “AS IS, WHERE IS” basis subject to the right of way easements and restrictions of Elmore County, Alabama, and will be subject to existing special assessments, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the subject property. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. This Mortgage Foreclosure 11, 2024, at the Elmore County Courthouse in Wetumpka, Alabama. 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. WESTERN STEEL, INC. AS SUCCESSOR IN INTERST TO REGIONS BANK Mortgagee or Transferee
This Instrument Prepared By: Burt W. Newsome P.O. Box 382753 Birmingham, AL 35238 Attorney for Mortgagee or Transferee
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 13, 20 and 27, 2023 FC/HAYDEN, S.
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by STEVEN PAUL McPHERSON, AN UMA-
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 entrance of the Courthouse of ELMORE County, Alabama, on JANUARY 17, 2024, between the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in ELMORE County, Alabama, to wit: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 17 EAST, AND CONTINUE THENCE NORTH 03 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST, 606.29 FEET TO A POINT ON THE FENCE LINE AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING. FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTINUE THENCE NORTH 03 DEGREES 22 MINUTES WEST AND ALONG SAID FENCE LINE, 452.13 FEET; THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST AND ALONG A FENCE LINE, 150.0 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 03 DEGREES 22 MINUTES EAST, 452.13 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES WEST, 150.0AFEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 17 EAST. TOGETHER WITH THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS AND UTILITIES: SAID EASEMENT TO BE 30 FEET IN WIDTH AND TO BE ALONG AN EXISTING EASEMENT WHICH IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 17 EAST AND CONTINUE THENCE NORTH 03 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST, 606.29 FEET; THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST, 253.44 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTINUE THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST, 491.60 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST, 591.36 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 86 DEGREES 30 MINUTES WEST, 30.06 FEET; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST, 561.87 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES
Public Notices
WEST, 461.60 FEET; THENCE NORTH 02 DEGREES 43 MINUTES WEST, 30.0 FEET; TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID EASEMENT BEING IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 17 EAST. ALONG WITH THE FOLLOWING EASEMENT DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 17 EAST AND CONTINUE THENCE NORTH 03 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST, 576.29 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTINUE THENCE NORTH 03 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST, 30.0 FEET; THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES, EAST 253.44 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 02 DEGREES 43 MINUTES EAST, 30.0 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEGREES 17 MINUTES WEST, 253.21 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID EASEMENT BEING IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 17 EAST. Subject to all zoning, easements, restrictions, restrictive covenants and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens, Ad Valorem Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. The property is being sold “as is, where is”. Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use, enjoyment or condition. The mortgagee or transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. All bidders will be required to execute a bidding agreement prior to sale. Copies of the bidding agreement may be obtained prior to the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay the bid amount at the time Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the attorneys fees
Public Notices y and expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to cancellation or postponement.
GUARDIAN CREDIT UNION, Mortgagee-Transferee
Leonard N. Math
Chambless Math Carr, P.C. P.O. Box 230759 Montgomery, Alabama 361230759 334-272-2230
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 FC/MCPHERSON
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:
Pursuant to AL Self-Service Storage Facilities Act 2021 & to satisfy Owner’s lien Storage Sense Millbrook, formally Store All. Will hold an online public auction of the personal property stored in units located at 4180 Hwy 14, Millbrook, Al, 36054, 334-472-9650 to satisfy Operator’s lien. Everything sold is purchased AS-IS for CASH ONLY. See & bid on all units 24/7, sale ending on January 24th, 2024, at 10:00 AM @ www. Storageauctions.com. Auctions subject to cancellation at any time for any reason until winning bidder takes possession of property. TERMS listed on auction website.
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023 STORAGE AUCTION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, January 11th, 2024, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM
Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE. Southeast Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093
204: Lisa Machado. 744 Burbank Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Contents: Dresser, chairs, tv 607: Andrea Gregory. 3487 Fintshire Road, Birmingham, AL 35226 Contents: Clothes, boxes, baseball cards, pictures 780: Andrea Gregory. 3487 Fintshire Road, Birmingham, AL 35226 Contents: Clothes, Baseball cards, printer
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023 and Jan. 3, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE 2023-8 AN ORDINANCE DE-ANNEXING 2.81 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS LOT D, BLUE RIDGE PROPERTIES, PLAT 1 AND REDUCING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WETUMPKA, ALABAMA WHEREAS, on the 27th day of November 2023, BLUE RIDGE DEVELOPERS, L.L.C., an Alabama limited liability company being the owner of the real property hereinafter described, a petition requesting that said tract of land be de-annexed and removed from the corporate Alabama; and WHEREAS, said petition did contain the signatures of all the owners of the described lands and provided a map of the property showing its relationship to the corporate limits of the City WHEREAS, the governing body did determine that it is in the public interest that said property be de-annexed from the City of to Section 11-42-200, Code of Alabama 1975; NOW BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
Public Notices
CITY OF WETUMPKA, ALABAMA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Council of theislative body of the City of We-ests of the citizens of the City of the affected area, to remove the territory described in Section 2 of this ordinance into the City of Section 2. That the boundary Alabama, be and the same are hereby altered or rearranged so as to remove all of the following territory encompassed by the corporate limits of the City of Lot D, Blue Ridge Properties, Plat 1, as the map and plat thereof is recorded in the OfPlat Book 33, at Page 41. Section 3. This ordinance shall be published as provided by copy of the petition of the propthe Probate Judge of Elmore County, Alabama. Section 4. The territory described in this ordinance shall no longer be within or be a part of the corporate limits of We-
Public Notices
cation of this ordinance as set forth in Section 3, above.
ADOPTED THIS THE 18th DAY OF December, 2023.. Jerry Willis, Mayor
Dec. 27, 2023 ORDINANCE 2023-8
Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.
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SANTA-LAWS SERVES
‘GIFT WARRANTS’
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
All of Eclectic was a buzz Thursday with all the lights and sirens.
One might have thought the Eclectic Police Department was running to another emergency, but no. It was a case of Santa-Laws bringing cheer to the town with “gift warrants.”
“We need this,” Eclectic police chief Robert Head said. “We have had a tough
year or two around here.”
There has been unexpected deaths of children, an officer and teachers with cancer.
Head was happy to be a part of a little fun for children and adults.
“I came in from vacation for this,” Head said. “I wanted to see the smiles on the kids and my officers.”
EDP’s Zach Lyles took charge. Police and fire vehicles served as the sleigh and were stuffed
with toys.
“We just wanted to bring a little Christmas cheer,” Lyles said. “We all could use some.”
Lyles donned a Santa then covered it with his bulletproof vest.
“I have to protect Santa from the bad guys,” Lyles said.
Santa-Laws even had a list. It started with a Facebook post seeking requests. Then the law enforcement elves narrowed it down to
warrants
Santa-Laws was
the nice list.
JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS
“We got a late start this year,” Lyles said. “We could only serve gift warrants to the most deserving.”
Head and Lyles plan to start a little earlier next year.
“We want to make it bigger,” Lyles said. “We already have some businesses say they want to help.”
The elves, also known as
Then it was a slow parade around town with lights a flashing and sirens a sounding. There were stops at homes where the department has responded to before. There were children they knew. They were all seen in a better light Thursday as Santa-Laws was bearing gifts.
“Those smiles make it all worth it,” Lyles said. “It just makes Christmas better.”
