Student in jail after gun found on school grounds
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
An Elmore County High School student is in the Elmore County jail after making threats on campus Monday morning. School administrators
were notified of threats being made against the school and notified the school resource officer and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
“A 19 year old student made a threatening statement in class,” Sheriff Bill
Franklin said. “They were questioned by a school administrator.”
investigation
Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools
Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said the school maintained a normal routine after the threat was defused and handed the investigation
Dennis
same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
over to law enforcement. Franklin said the student admitted to school administrators and the school resource to making the statement, according to law enforcement. The school resource then told the student he was going to search his belongings. “The student said he had a firearm in the vehicle,” Franklin said.
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
The student’s vehicle was parked on the school grounds in Eclectic.
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes af ter turning himself in accord ing to the Elmore County Jail website.
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
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.
COUNTY SCHOOLS’ MOST CHERISHED EMPLOYEE RETIRES
“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
Anyone who was anybody was at Wetumpka Elemen-
tary School for a retirement party last week.
Who wouldn’t be? The retiring employee was a success story. She was thrown out of her home as a single mother. She went to prison. But soon after, she started a career that spanned 63 dog years of service to students, staff and faculty.
vehicle at the humane shelter with a puppy.”
That event left Popcorn with scars on her head. For a better life, staff at the Humane Society of Elmore County convinced Service Dogs of Alabama Popcorn was special. She wasn’t the hyper springer spaniel that typically kept the breed from being a service animal. Popcorn then went to prison in Florida and studied with the female inmates before returning to Alabama and landing with Reiske.
program director Ashley Taylor said. “They were already going into schools with those students. What we were seeing with those counselors and therapists, there was a remarkable difference.”
School staff were seeing improvements in test scores, attendance and mental health of other students who came into contact with the animals.
The organization approached Elmore County Schools about piloting a program for facility dogs.
Wetumpka man pleads guilty to killing black bear
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
A man who was arrested in September for shooting a black bear had his day in court.
Michael Cole Watkins,
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
33, of Wetumpka pleaded guilty to two of three charges against him stemming from the incident. According to court records, Watkins entered
Millbrook resident arrested for child porn
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Tips of child sex abuse material from an internet service provider led to a quick arrest in Millbrook this week.
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
Friday, the Millbrook Police Department arrested James C. Mengal, 55, of Millbrook, during a search of his property. Millbrook
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.
police chief P.K. Johnson said during questioning Mengal admitted to investigators he downloaded and possessed child porngraphy. Mengal is currently
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.”
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
New display sheds light on firebombing
“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
Staff Report
Popcorn was a facility dog at the school helping with anxiety and mental health issues. She was the first such dog in the State of Alabama, nine human years ago, when she first started to walk the halls of Wetumpka Elementary with handler and paraprofessional Brandi Reiske.
“We rescue the dog, we rescue the inmate, all to save the kids,” Reiske said.
“It was such a novel concept,” former Elmore County Schools superintendent Dr. Jeff Langum said.
See SHOOTING, Page A3
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
“Her life is a country music song,” Reiske said. “Somebody threw her out of a moving
The idea of a facility service dog was a novel idea in Alabama a decade ago. It was being done in other states. At the time, Service Dogs of Alabama was placing service animals with just individuals including students.
“Originally I thought like an administrator, ‘Oh no, dogs, that will never work.’”
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School 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.
THURS:
“That was our main focus,” Service Dogs of Alabama
There were issues with liabilities with dog bites, allergies and kids being scared.
“Quickly I was humbled by
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
See RETIRES, Page A8
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 per cent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Museum
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Brandi Reiske tries to get a cupcake wrapper from Popcorn at his retirement ceremony. Popcorn was on the job for nine years at Wetumpka Elementary School as a therapy dog.
2 prisoners convicted in Elmore County denied parole
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A convicted rapist and a convicted murderer were denied parole last week.
Howard Brown, 69, and John Lamar Johnson, 81, had hearings with the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Parole Jan. 25. According to court records, Brown pleaded guilty in Elmore County to first-degree rape and second-degree rape in 1993. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
At Brown’s parole hearing, a friend of the victim, a victim advocate group and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office spoke against his release.
Brown also had a 1974 rape conviction out of Perry County. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and was released after 10 years.
Brown is currently housed at Staton Correctional Facility. Johnson was convicted of a Houston County murder in 1974 and sentenced to life in prison. While at Holman Prison in Atmore, he was charged and found guilty of escape. In 1992 he pleaded guilty to escape charges from Draper Correctional Facility and was sentenced to life in prison again.
Johnson is currently imprisoned at Easterling Correctional Center. He is eligible for another parole hearing in 2029.
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT JAN. 29
• Fraudulent use of a credit card was reported on U.S. Highway 231. JAN. 26
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. JAN. 25
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEB. 4
• A disorderly subject was reported on West James Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Burt Mill Road.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted during a harassment call on Third Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue. FEB. 3
• A child custody dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Herren Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Third Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229. FEB. 2
• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Fourth Street.
• A domestic incident was reported on Friendship Road.
• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Central Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Burt Mill Road.
• A person with a gun was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A welfare check was conducted on Third Avenue.
• Menacing was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Drug activity was reported on Fourth Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Birch Street.
• A white male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on North Ann Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Freeman Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Dorman Avenue. FEB. 1
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A welfare check was conducted on Sunwood Court.
• Reckless driving was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Kent Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Notasulga Road. JAN. 31
• Suspicious activity was
reported on Eubanks Street.
• Fraudulent use of a credit card was reported on Easy Acres.
• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Central Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Morning Circle.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Grant Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A disorderly person was reported on Highway 229.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on North Ann Avenue. JAN. 30
• Menacing was reported on Washington Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Laurel Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Delta Road.
• Fraudulent use of a credit card was reported on Varner Road.
• Forgery was reported on Burt Mill Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Fourth Street.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on First Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Quail Drive.
• A suspicious person was reported on Friendship Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with entrapment was reported on East Patton Street.
• A white male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on South Ann Avenue. JAN. 29
• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Upper River Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Powers Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Central Boulevard.
• A domestic complaint was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Fourth Street.
• Harassment was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Evergreen Street.
• Theft by deception was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Trespassing was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Little Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Notasulga Road.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on West Patton Street.
• Burglary was reported on Friendship Road.
Wetumpka police seeking info on ongoing theft
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
The Wetumpka Police Department is seeking information regarding an ongoing felony retail theft investigation and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects.
According to a Crime Stoppers release, Wetumpka investigators released a photo of two unknown subjects wanted for multiple retail thefts that occurred on Nov. 8, Dec. 9, 15 and 30 and Jan. 12 at Walmart in Wetumpka.
Investigators say the suspects, identified as two white males, entered the business at this location and stole $3,189.80 in merchandise on the listed dates.
The suspects were seen leaving the business in an unknown direction of travel in a Dodge extended cab pickup truck, black in color with an unknown license plate number. There are no other
SUBMITTED TPI
This graphic shows two men who are wanted in connection with a number of robberies at the Walmart in Wetumpka.
details available for release at this time.
Investigators ask anyone with information to contact them or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. CrimeStoppers is offering a cash reward for
information that leads to the identification of the suspects. When you contact CrimeStoppers, you always remain anonymous.
If you have any information regarding the identity of
these suspects or their whereabouts, please immediately call the police or CrimeStoppers using the 24-hour tip line at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP (251-7867).
BROWN
JOHNSON
Humane Society of Elmore County News
The shelter is a community effort
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
One misconception we hear too often is we are a part of Elmore County government which we are not. The Humane Society of Elmore County is a private, non-profit organization. We do have contracts with various cities and the county to do the housing and stray hold portion of animal control under the Code of Alabama, so, while private, we do perform a pseudo governmental role. In the long ago past, we may have been what people call a “pound” but we have moved far beyond that in our role as a vital asset to Elmore County animals and citizens.
Operating a modern animal shelter means incurring all the expenses of any private business. We have to pay for our staff (running
a shelter requires paid staffing 365 days/year); utilities (electricity, water, gas, phone, internet, garbage); insurances (vehicle, property, workman’s comp, liability, etc); animal vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, Veterinary costs for injured & sick animals; microchips and medications; repairs/improvements; vehicle operation and upkeep; cleaning & general supplies, pet food (by the way, we are in great need of dog food right now), and so much more.
The difference between us and a for-profit business is adoption fees of the animals we are working to find homes for (our product per se), do not even come close to covering the cost of running a shelter. So, as a non-profit, we take tax-deductible donations of money and goods from the public to help us in our mission to save as many lives as possible. We are incredibly
grateful to our donors, supporters and adopters who help ensure we can continue our work to help the almost 4000 animals that came to us last year.
But we don’t just sit back and hope our donors will cover all of our needs as our board and volunteers work diligently to raise funds via fund-raising activities and events. Our Tail’s End Thrift Store is our single largest fund-raising activity and we are immensely grateful for the Volunteers who give of their time and effort to make it such a success. All the proceeds (less utilities, supplies and repairs) come to our shelter to fund our current and future activities. With everything inside the big store, the special holiday building with holiday items year-round and the outside ‘dig-in’ area, our thrift store is one busy place. Besides volunteering during
Community Jfosyita(
805 Friendship Road - Tallassee, AL 36078
Gastroenterology
334-283-8662
Thomas Bianchi, MD
Mon - Thu 8:00am - 4:00pm Pediatrics
334-283-3111
Adrienne Bolan Goggans, CPNP
Mon -Thu 8:00am -4:30pm Fri 8:00am - Noon
the Thrift Store’s normal hours of operation, which are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, there are opportunities, on other days with sorting, pricing and placing items to keep the store current. Please just stop by to check it out and talk to the folks about volunteering. While you are there, please also thank our Volunteers for their endless hard work operating our thrift store.
Keeping our shelter going is a community effort and we just want to thank everyone who supports us by donating both money, pet food and supplies, donating and shopping at our thrift store, adopting our pets, volunteering, sharing our story and being responsible pet owners.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Zeus is a 2-year old male Husky who weighs about 70 pounds. He was surrendered to us for being an escape artist and chasing livestock. He is a striking boy with one blue and one gold eye. He loves to go for rides, is good with children and dogs but not cats, chickens or livestock. Huskies can definitely be escape artists but we can say he has shown no inclination to escape our kennels here in the shelter, but we don’t have livestock around to entice him, so perhaps being a city dog would be best for Zeus.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
(334)-283-6541
Podiatry
334-283-3897
Chanda Houts, DPM
Mon - Thu 8:00am - 4:30pm Fri 8:00am - Noon General Surgery
334-283-3896
Michael Courtney, MD
Mon -Thu 8:00am -5:00pm Fri 8:00am Noon
Community Medical Arts (Newborn
334-283-3111
Van Millin, MD - Family Medicine
Adrienne Bolan Goggans, CPNP
DeRay Williams, CRNP
Mon -Thu 8:00am -4:30pm; Fri 8:00amTallassee Family Care (Ages 18 334-283-3477
John Porter, MD - Internal Medicine
Zane Kelly, CRNP
Mon & Tue 8:00am -7:00pm
Wed & Thu 8:00am -6:00pm; Closed
. Tallassee Internal Medicine Ages
-334-283-3844
Temull, MD - Internal Medicine
8:00am -4:30pm; Fri 8:00am
& Surgical Center
tQ�er(9l!arcoo, DO - Family Medicine
Candace Mangum, CRNP
Mon -1 Thu-t7:30am -4:30pm; Fri 7:30am
Pet of the Week - Zeus
Kenneth Boone, Chairman Tippy Hunter, General Manager
Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor
Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of
Inc.
A4 • Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Engage with Black History Month
The banjo is a staple of Appalachian music. And many have forgotten its U.S. origins began with the enslaved African Americans on plantations who were make-shifting this instrument out of gourds.
The instrument was a call back to West African heritage. Now when people think of the banjo, they think of the more Eurocentric drum body and tuning peg head.
The banjo is just one instrument, musical style and piece of art that over time its roots in African culture has been forgotten by the mainstream. Which is why it is so important the theme for this year’s Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts.
There is so much rich history of African American art. Some people have never heard of, others have been co-opted by non-Black artists and a few are well known but not always appreciated to the fullest extent.
And this is time to not only look back on Black history as a whole but also to look to Black artists and the current history makers. Art is more than music and instruments, it’s literature, film, painting, theater, design, food, folklore, fashion.
For this Black History Month, we at The Outlook encourage all people to find a Black creator within their realm of interest and study their work.
If you love reading, maybe it’s time to pick up a Toni Morrison book. If you love theater, see a production of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston’s Mule Bones. If you love fashion, study the designs of Jay Jaxon or Tracy Reese.
But most importantly don’t let this stop in February — continue to support Black creators, both in the past and present. Let us not have some of the greatest works of art and artists be swept under the rug as for centuries.
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 25 cents per word with a $15 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The 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.
We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.
The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
People should have school choice
For 40 years, I worked in education as a teacher, coach, and mentor. I have watched the school choice movement grow and change many students’ lives. Over the past few weeks, I am proud to have been able to recognize National School Choice Week on the Senate floor, host a roundtable discussion with parents from across the country, and visit a magnet school in Huntsville.
When I first started in education 40 years ago, there was no opportunity for school choice. Homeschooling was very rare, but our government schools were in better shape back then. Today, there are about three million kids being homeschooled across our country. Homeschooling is the fastest-growing form of education in America. It’s growing because parents recognize that our schools are failing our kids. I’ve watched our education systems decline with my own eyes. I’ve visited schools, parents, and principals in 49 states and the American Samoa. It’s time for lawmakers across this country to recognize that our schools are failing. Education is the main reason that I ran for the United States Senate. Education isn’t just a local problem – it is a national problem. It’s undeniable that our
TOMMY TUBERVILLE Senator
K -12 education system is in a crisis – because of job protections and teachers’ unions. We spend more money on education in the United States of America than any other country. But we’re not in first place. We’re not even close, and that’s a shame. We pay over $16,000 per student in this country in our public and government schools. The average among developed countries is $12,000. We’re spending over 30 percent more money, but we’re not getting 30 percent better test scores, we’re getting a lot less. We are 34th in the world in math. If you can’t do math, you can’t survive in today’s world of technology. We have to improve our math education if we want to compete in a modern high-tech economy.
So, what is school choice? School choice just means funding the student instead of the school building. Right now, we spend all of our money on school buildings, teachers, and administrations – not on the actual students. Our education system does not
exist for the sake of teachers, principals, administrators, or even coaches. It’s not about our teachers’ unions; it’s about equipping the next generation of Americans. It’s about giving them the opportunity for a better and brighter future. Competition makes everyone better. Whether it’s in football, business or just life. Competition makes us all better. Kids deserve the best teachers. If we create more school choice in this country, perhaps some schools would focus more on teaching kids to read and write instead of on indoctrinating them. At the end of the day, the key to unlocking the American dream is education. If you can’t read and write in our country, you can’t make it. You’re going to end up living off the government. And that’s not what this country is about. Our future is built on our kids. If we don’t educate our kids, we won’t have much of a future. I know we’ve got a lot of problems going on in our world today and a lot of division in our country. But, if we unleash the potential of our young people, there is nothing that we cannot achieve.
Tommy Tuberville is a United States Senator representing Alabama.
Kick off Fat Tuesday in style
Tuesday night, please come enjoy some delicious pancakes and sausage at St. Vincent de Paul Church, located at 620 Gilmer Ave. It’s an annual tradition to serve pancakes and sausage on Mardi Gras. We’ll be open from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. You can drop by and pick up as many plates as you want. All that we ask is that you make a donation to the Knights of Columbus, which is a Christian charitable society.
Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It coincides with Passover, and occurs each year on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon after the vernal equinox. Therefore, Easter could happen on any given Sunday between March 22 and April 25 depending on the year.
The 40 days prior to Easter are called Lent. The 40 days represent the time in Jesus Christ’s life spent in the wilderness before he began his public ministry, where he was tempted by the Devil. Forty days is significant in other ways, such as the 40 days and 40 nights of rain and flooding, for example. Lent is a time for self-denial and sacrifice, prayer and penitence, and reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday. But that
day before Ash Wednesday gets the most notice: Fat Tuesday. Unfortunately, the world never seems to take note of the religious significance of this particular day.
Fat Tuesday is the English translation of the French “Mardi Gras”. The largest celebrations in the world can be seen in Rio de Janiero (“Carnivale”) and, closer to home, along the Gulf Coast in places like Mobile and New Orleans.
Mobile is the home to the first Mardi Gras celebration in our country, having commenced there in 1702.
On Fat Tuesday, there were celebrations all over the world to mark the end of Ordinary Time for now, saying farewell to old ways with overindulgence in food and drink. Cleaning out the pantry and cabinet, finishing off all the sugary, bad-for-you food (and, for many, the remainder of their liquor) is the goal of Mardi Gras. The Knights of Columbus, of which I am a member, even hosts an annual
pancake supper that night. There are thousands of parades from one Krewe or another. Three years ago, a 330-foot float, the largest ever, appeared in New Orleans. Even towns with no connection to the original Mardi Gras – such as Wetumpka and Millbrook –have started staging parades and events in January and February. Schools in the Mobile area let out for an entire week in celebration of Mardi Gras.
When people mention Fat Tuesday, it sounds like a holiday soaked in grease. However, perhaps we should choose to think of it as a chance for a fresh start, for those New Year’s Resolutions to get a second chance.
During this 40-day period, consider some days of fast and abstinence as part of a self-denial plan. It has worked for many Christians for a couple thousand years. It’s a crazy world, and occasionally we need to slow down and think about making it better, one person at a time, with a little self-sacrifice and soul searching.
Don’t forget to join us Tuesday for pancakes and sausage. Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Michael Bird is a music teacher with Tallassee City Schools.
the management of Tallapoosa Publishers,
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
MILLBROOK AND HOLTVILLE CELEBRATE MARDIS GRAS
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore County is celebrating Mardis Gras in style, and it all started Saturday.
The county’s oldest and newest Mardi Gras celebrations kicked off the season in Millbrook and Holtville, respectively.
The Millbrook Revelers took to Main Street with a parade for the 18th year. The celebration was initially just a ball, but a parade was added the following year then a festival. The Millbrook celebration has been recognized by Southern Living magazine as the best Mardi Gras celebration north of Mobile.
Just a few hours later, the Holtville High School PTO held the first ever Mardis Gras parade in Slapout The celebration saw many revelers who came from the Millbrook festival. During the parade, participants threw Moon Pies, beads and candy to the thousands who lined the streets. This Saturday the Order of Cimarron is hosting a Mardis Gras festival in Gold Star Park and parade through Wetumpka.
CommunityCalendar
THURSDAY, FEB. 8
https://app.arts-people.com/index. php?ticketing=wdp
THURSDAY, MARCH 7
GALENTINE’S EVENT: Sistrunk will be hosting a Galentine’s event from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 8 with items available from Sistrunk, All Things Desired, Handmade by Leigh Anne, Plunder, Posh, Lissa Ledbetter, Council Rock Creations, Chloebug Creations and more. Grove Station will be open for dinner. There will be treats for guests to enjoy.
ACRYLIC PAINTING: Shirley Esco is teaching an introductory course in acrylic painting from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 8 at The Art Mill in Millbrook. All skill levels are welcomed and supplies are provided. The cost is $45. To register email danae.morgan@cityofmillbrook-al. gov.
SATURDAY, FEB. 10
SATURDAY, FEB. 17
LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, Feb. 17.
WOMEN’S WORKSHOP: Coosa
Jiu Jitsu & Wellness will be hosting an Intentionally Forward Women’s Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 in Wetumpka. The cost is $95 before Feb. 2 and $145 after. Workshop highlights include self defense; cultivating a healthy self-relationship; guided self-reflection activities; and a floral design workshop. To purchase tickets, visit www.stackedintent.com.
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its Rise & Shine Coffee & Connections event at Homesouth Roofing. It will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. March 7 and is an opportunity for local professionals and community leaders to connect. Coffee will be provided.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, March 16.
ANNUAL CHAMBER MEETING: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2024 Annual Meeting, ‘The Night A Star Fell,’ from 6 to 10 p.m.
MARDI GRAS: The Order of Cimarron will be hosting its annual Mardi Gras parade and festival in downtown Wetumpka from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10. Tons of vendors will be featured at Gold Star Park. The parade begins at 1 p.m.
FAMILY HISTORY
DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE: The annual Friendship Fire Department Daddy-Daughter Dance is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Food will be served. Tickets are $35 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter. They can be purchased at http://bit.ly/3SxQ4zl.
THURSDAY, FEB. 22
FRIDAY, MARCH 22
BINGO: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will host a Ladies Only Bingo Night from 6 to 9 p.m. March 22. Tickets are $20 and each bingo card is $1. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bingo begins at 7. Wine is complimentary for women ages 21 and older.
WORKSHOP: The Elmore County Museum will host its third annual workshop featuring historian Dr. Marty Olliff, professional genealogists Susan Martin and Kristian Cow Cleaver and researcher Sheralyn Belyeu. Presentations include genetic genealogy; Tallassee Doughboys; beginning genealogy; and Findagrave vs. Billiongraves. There will be door prizes between each presentation. The cost is $5 per person and registration can be found online.
THURSDAY, FEB. 15
ACRYLIC PAINTING: Shirley
Esco is teaching an introductory course in acrylic painting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at The Art Mill in Millbrook. All skill levels are welcomed and supplies are provided. The cost is $45. To register email danae.morgan@cityofmillbrook-al.gov.
THURSDAY, FEB. 15 - MARCH 2
SPAMALOT: The Wetumpka Depot Players are performing Monty Python’s Spamalot at 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, March 1 and 2. There is a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Feb. 25. The comedy is based on the 1975 film and adapted for the stage. Tickets can be purchased at
CRATER LECTURE: The Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission is hosting geologist Dr. David King Jr. at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Dr. King will speak about the history of the marine crater in Wetumpka and what Wetumpka was like 85 million years ago.
FEB. 23 - 24
CRATER TOUR: The Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission is holding its annual crater tours Friday, Feb. 23 and 24. On Friday tours are at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. On Saturday tours are at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:55 p.m. The tour takes guests to vantage points to view what has been called the best preserved marine impact crater in the world. It costs $25 for adults and $15 for students. Reservations are required by calling 334-567-4637.
THURSDAY, FEB. 29
LOW-COUNTRY BOIL: The Elmore County Pregnancy Center and First Choice are hosting a low country boil benefit at 6 p.m. Feb. 29 at The Eclectic Warehouse in Eclectic. It is a free event but attendees need to register at https://bit.ly/47URxEn.
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
MIXER & SILENT AUCTION: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will be hosting a small business mixer and silent auction from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 11. The proceeds will benefit a charitable organization, and the night is an opportunity to network and unlock potential for business growth. Tickets are $10 per person plus one silent auction item per business. Tickets are for adults only and reserved for small businesses in the area.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its Rise & Shine Coffee & Connections event at ASE Credit Union. It will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 18 and is an opportunity for local professionals and community leaders to connect. Coffee will be provided.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20 WAR ENCAMPMENT: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is holding its annual French and Indian War Encampment with demonstrations Saturday, April 20.
all my misguided opinions,” Langum said. “It was hugely successful from Day 1.”
Wetumpka Elementary School principal Gigi Hankins said the students quickly took to Popcorn. It was because of the many students Popcorn was helping who had stories like hers.
“What they don’t know is that she understands their anxiety,” Hankins said. “Brandi tells her story that the students may see they have scars like Popcorn. She just sits there when they need somebody to listen. She
doesn’t judge. She gives them her undivided attention.”
There were growing pains along the way.
Popcorn was young, like many of the kindergarten and first-grade students she was around. Like the students, Popcorn ate a few crayons.
“It was a learning curve on our end,” Hankins said. “But she was a perfect kindergartener.”
There are classic stories too. Every teacher has heard about a dog eating homework. The excuse was true for one student and Popcorn was the guilty party. It was the 100th day of school event.
A student had created a poster with 100 on it made
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by gluing Cheerios to a poster. Reiske placed the poster high in a classroom. Another staff member came behind and placed it low so the young students could see it.
“We came back in and the student was crying,” Reiske said. “There was a hole in the 100 day project. Half of it was eaten.”
Sophia Bracy Harris and her sister Debra were part of 12 Black students select ed from W.B. Doby High School to integrate Wetump ka High School the year before. Trouble found Harris’ sister Debra.
But the story didn’t stop Popcorn’s overall success though. Facility dogs soon started to become part of the staff at schools in Alabama. Taylor said there are 42 facility dogs across the state as Popcorn carved the path. The Alabama State Department of Education has taken notice of facility dogs.
“After the success of the pilot program here, at the state department we were able to help fund several facility dogs through a grant program to various districts,” ADSE’s Sean Stevens said. “I had them come to one of our counselor coordinator programs. Before people could get home, Service Dogs Alabama had 10 to 15 applications trying to get one.”
Now, there will be big shoes to fill as Hankins wants to replace Popcorn as soon as possible.
“We have seen the benefits our kids get,” Hankins said. “It calms down the kids. It calms down the teachers. Even when we have kids who are brand new to us, Popcorn just leads the way. She bridges that gap for us and is able to get those kids comfortable and out
“She was tired of getting hit with this and that,” Harris said. “She hit back.”
Debra was arrested and spent a night in jail for hitting a white student. She was then expelled, but the Department of Justice overruled the expulsion.
As the sheriff said, “The gal is going to be in jail and she is going to be in overnight because she is going to have to learn her lesson for hitting a white boy.”
The day before Debra was to walk the halls of Wetumpka again, three molotov cocktails were thrown at the Bracy home, but no one was killed.
“One did not explode,” Harris said. “It fell in the pickup truck. It would have splattered flames all over my parents bed had it gotten through the window but a screen knocked it back.”
A newspaper clipping of the incident is included in the new Bracy family display at the museum along with family photographs. The display was dedicated and revealed
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for the first time Thursday.
“It is really touching,” Harris said. “It is an honor to be acknowledged by your homeland and hometown.”
The display joins many others in an effort to educate guests on history and the struggle of Elmore County residents over the years. Harris said it is important to embrace history as it’s the best education for a better future.
“I think what you are doing here at the museum is a part of that calling,” Harris said at the dedication. “Having this museum reflects those soldiers, those professors, those teachers, those mothers, those fathers, those who toiled to get an education for their children. My mother believed education was essential. It was a path to our future.”
Harris’ education at the Elmore County Training School, now the Elmore County Black History Museum, W.B. Doby and Wetumpka helped lead her
charged with five counts of possession of child porngraphy but Johnson said more charges are possible.
Johnson said cases like this are hard on law enforcement.
“No one ever wants to see a child mistreated or harmed in any manner,” Johnson said. “Unfortunately, our profession dictates that we see things that can’t be unseen.”
The investigation started Jan. 29 and quickly revealed alleged
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guilty pleas to hunting a black bear and hunting after dark before Elmore County District Court Judge Glenn Goggans. The charge of hunting during a closed season was dismissed.
Goggans suspended a six-month jail sentence for 24 months of probation and a $4,000 fine.
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of their shell.”
Popcorn is the last of her class to retire. Even her puppy, who was placed at Eclectic Elementary, retired before Popcorn. She will now go home with Reiske to play with her dog brothers and human family, lay on the couch and enjoy retirement.
The dog mom isn’t sure she is ready for another service animal just yet. Reiske loves what Service Dogs of Alabama is doing with the facility dog program, but she is a little attached to Popcorn.
“It is super amazing and important, especially considering mental health,” Reiske said. “I don’t think I will while Popcorn is alive because she was a service dog. I might struggle having another one at the same time.”
to a a successful career as an author.
Thursday’s visit was the first time she brought her son Alden Harris with her. While in Wetumpka, the two visited locations important to their family history. Alden asked questions and listened to stories about his mother’s teachers.
“All of that is rich and a part of helping us know we are connected to a lineage that did not start with and should not end with us,” Harris said. “We have a responsibility to insure the next generation. That generation should ensure the next generation understands the contributions of the previous generations.”
Alden said he still has a lot to learn.
“I thought it was really inspiring seeing the place she started to where she is
illicit activity was coming from an internet account and phone number believed to be Mengal’s.
Law enforcement conducted a search of Mengal’s residence seizing multiple devices, which ultimately held numerous images of child porn.
Johnson said investigators have a tough time dealing with the evidence they discover along the way, especially because many are parents and grandparents themselves
“I’m both sorry and appreciative that there are men and women in law enforcement that have the ability to be exposed to the things that
Watkins also loses his hunting and fishing privileges for three years.
Law enforcement officers with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources were agreeable to the plea deal, according to court documents.
ADCNR conservation education coordinator Marriane Gauldin said in September she believes
Franklin said the issue was diffused by school officials and the school resource officer before it
now,” Alden said. “I have always heard the stories but never put the picture in my mind. I never thought to ask, ‘Where is it?’”
The new display, along with others in the museum, will help educate others. Among the first to see the Bracy display will be 797 Elmore County fourth graders. They will visit as a part of Alabama History studies during Black History Month. Sophia is pleased knowing the museum exists with a purpose of educating everyone about what happened not so many years ago.
“It will continue to facilitate the evolution of minds, of spirits from those old ancestors to the present,” Harris said. “Yet I believe it continues to be a vessel for planting the seeds of the future generations to come.”
we see and have the ability to do what needs to be done to conduct these types of investigations,” Johnson said. “They maintain the professionalism required to gather and process the evidence necessary to obtain warrants, effect an arrest and present a case for the prosecution of the crimes alleged. When you see cases that involve the abuse or exploitation of children, it hits all too close to home.”
Mengal is currently being held in the Elmore County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
the bear shot in the Wallsboro community is the same bear videoed and posted to social media the day before.
“It was killed very close to where the video was taken,” Gauldin said. She said it was a male bear and at least 3 years old. Gauldin said black bears are considered a game animal in the State of Alabama, but that doesn’t mean they can be hunted.
got out of hand. According to Elmore County Jail records, Antorne Lykes, 19, of Tallassee was booked into the Elmore County Jail just after noon Mon day on charges of terrorist threat and possession of a deadly weapon on school
“Due to low population there is no open season on black bears,” she said.
According to Gauldin, there has never been a reported incident of an aggressive bear initiating contact with a human in the state.
Harming or killing a black bear is a Class A misdemeanor in the State of Alabama and carries a punishment of up to one year in jail if convicted.
grounds. Lykes has a $5,000 bond available to him.
Dennis said there are possible repercussions at the school.
“The school system will follow the discipline procedure for the Elmore County Board of Education,” Dennis said.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Elmore County Black History Museum curator Billie Rawls speaks to the Bracy family as the museum opened a display about the family Thursday.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
The retirement celebration for Popcorn included pet friendly snacks. Popcorn was the first facility therapy dog in a school in Alabama.
Girls day event successful for businesses and couples
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Galentine’s on Main was created two years ago as the ultimate girl’s day for downtown Wetumpka.
It was meant to provide a fun day for the ladies and give businesses a chance to gain new customers. Little did Main Street Wetumpka know, the event would also play cupid. At last year’s event a conversation between Desiree Russell and Austin Stroud led to wedding bells. Russell came to Wetumpka from Montgomery after hearing about Galentine’s from some work friends. They went to work out at Creed Gym and to enjoy at the event. Walking into the gym, Russell stopped to say what would be the first words to her now soon-to-be husband.
“My friends who I was with to workout, they encouraged me to talk to him because they know I like motorcycles,” Russell said. “I yelled at him
from across the street that I liked his motorcycle.”
The conversation started. Russell left with Stroud’s phone number. A date was planned for the next week, but Stroud made the trip to Russell’s church the day after Galentine’s.
“We made it official a week and half later,” Russell said.
Russell, 20, said it was the first dating relationship for her and for Stroud, 23.
“It’s just our story,” Russell said. “It’s great.”
Russell’s friends are taking credit for her meeting Stroud.
“They like to say they made our relationship,” Russell said. “They are the reason I get to live my happily ever after is what they tell me.”
While not everyone will meet a special someone at Galentine’s on Main, it is still a hit. Main Street Wetumpka executive director Haley Greene said the couple’s story proves that..
Saturday’s third annual event brought thousands to downtown Wetumpka. The crowd didn’t slack off until the end.
“I’ve checked in with a lot of the businesses already,” Greene said Saturday afternoon. “They were all full of customers and happy with the day.”
A year after Russell and Stroud met, they are now waiting for their next big day. They a re planning a small out of town wedding for Feb. 17. But it will have some Wetumpka flare — a specialty cake from Copper House Deli.
“We have a regular wedding cake and I have one apart from everything else,” Russell said.
After the wedding the couple will settle on property already purchased in the Wetumpka area.
“We are putting a house on it,” Russell said. “I’m the success story that says girls can make the first move and it works out.”
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ABOVE: Desiree Russell and Austin Stroud met a year ago at Galentine’s. The couple has set a Feb. 17 wedding date and credits the Main Street Wetumpka event for their chance encounter.
RIGHT: The event featured all sorts of fun for ladies along with the shops offering deals and photo booths around downtown Wetumpka.
Elmore County students advance to regional science fair
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Almost anything can turn into a science fair project. The Elmore County students proved that in the county science fair last week.
Students studied sleep, paper towels, batteries, frozen baseballs, friction and alternative growing methods for vegetables to name a few. Wetumpka High School senior Jacob Cagle relied on real life experience for his project “Put a Plug in It.” It’s a way to keep personal watercraft from sinking.
“It happened to me actually,” Cagle said. “I came up with the idea to engineer my own way to prevent it.”
Cagle said he first encountered the issue on Lake Jordan this summer. He forgot to put the drain plug in. Cagle’s watercraft didn’t sink, but it did take on water.
In August, as he was exploring ideas for the science fair, he revisited the issue. He wanted to come up with a project that got beyond the school competition.
“This is my senior year and in the past I didn’t really try,” Cagle said. “This project is something I’m really passionate about.”
Last week at Lanark Natureplex, the first
in-person Elmore County Science Fair since the COVID19 pandemic, Cagle assembled a display for his project. It included the usual posters but also had moving parts.
Cagle assembled a battery, fan, drain plug and some wiring to demonstrate his engineering abilities. Cagle built the device in such a way the fan which simulated the motor turned only if the plug was fully installed.
The project sat well with judges in the engineering division and placed first in the category.
“Every now and then the seniors will step it up,” Wetumpka science teacher Dr. Virginia Vilardi said. “They will surprise you.”
A few years ago, Jared Callen did just that. Vilardi said at state he had everyone engaged.
“He went all the way to the international competition,” Vilardi said.
Cagle is getting help from Vilardi on other steps. She is helping with a possible patent for the project. Cagle is hoping to also modify his personal watercraft with a similar device to prevent it from sinking in the future.
Cagle wasn’t the only Wetumpka student to do well. Senior
Whitney Shull shined in bioengineering with his plant pod. Shull’s project uses large plastic containers readily available. He then installed a ballast system to help balance it in the water.
“I spent the past nine months building a buoyant pod that sits in bodies of water and grows plants automatically,” Shull said.I want it to float on water. We are losing agricultural land everyday. This would work in the ocean.”
Inside the module is a hydroponics system to grow plants without soil. Water is from
condensation inside the pod.
Shull studied the results of growing vegetables in the container versus normal farming methods and found he could grow more veggies faster in the container.
It wasn’t just high school students competing in the county science fair. There were elementary and middle school students too. Redland Elementary fifth grader Elliott Cochrane partnered with classmate Hadley Hatfield. Their project was “Drippy Drop, What do you use when you don’t have a
Legislative session starts this week
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There are a lot of things
the Alabama legislature could decide in this year’s session. Some of the most important topics up for discussion include election security, school choice and gambling, said Rep. Troy Stubbs. Locally two bills will be considered that’ll affect just Elmore County, both involving compensation. One is for the Elmore County Board of Equalization and the other is for the elected offices of sheriff, probate judge and revenue commissioner. While the county commission sets the salary calendar for many positions, it does not for elected officials. Instead, that must go through the legislature.
The commission can not change compensation for elected officials. It takes a local bill passed by the state legislature to change the pay.
“The commission is trying to make sure they are fairly compensated compared to neighboring counties,” said Stubbs, who represents Elmore County and was a former commissioner.
The other local bill, if approved by the legislature, would require the Board of Equalization to follow state guidelines. Ultimately, it would mean an increase in a pay rate that is currently fixed at half of the state recommended rate.
Stubbs believes the increase will mean more people with more knowledge of property and its value will be interested in serving on the Board of
Equalization.
Stubbs is entering his second year serving in the legislature. Before Tuesday’s State of the State address by Gov. Kay Ivey, he said one of the biggest issues likely to be tackled in Montgomery this year is school choice. It will likely include an education savings account where state tax funds allocated to a student will follow the student’s education setting.
“The details of who is eligible, what schools students could transfer to, homeschool opportunities, all of those are the moving parts in it,” Stubbs said.
Stubbs anticipated Ivey to reveal details about the school choice plan in the State of the State address. But just because she said it doesn’t mean that’s
mop?”
“We wanted to figure out which brand of paper towel was strongest,” Hatfield said.
The partners found advantages to being a team.
“It is better because if you want to brainstorm something, you have a partner to help with it,” Cochrane said.
They discovered True Living’s Ultra Quilted was the strongest paper towel in their project.
Cochrane and Hatfield won their category. But because it was in the elementary school division, the
county competition is as far as they can go. Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said that is just fine.
“This program is allowing students to take science and break it down,” Dennis said.
“Six months, even a year from now, they will be able to tell you what they did and understand the concepts. That is important because you build on that.”
More than 30 winners from the junior and senior division will compete at the regional science fair competition March 11.
The other local bill, if approved by the legislature, would require the Board of Equalization to follow state guidelines. Ultimately, it would mean an increase in a pay rate that is currently fixed at half of the state recommended rate.
what the law will be.
“It will give us an opportunity to consider what she views as an opportunity to improve education across the state,” Stubbs said. “How it is going to specifically look as far as who is eligible, what ages, all of those things, that is what we will likely be discussing in the coming weeks.”
Gambling and lottery will likely be considered by the legislature this session.
“In general it will be a heavily discussed topic,” Stubbs said. “Early in the session there will be a bill filed which, I anticipate, will be a comprehensive gaming bill that will likely include various forms
of gambling, lottery and other things.”
The legislature will also revisit ballot harvesting and election security. It will look at who is involved in the process of absentee voting.
“I think it will get to a vote this year,” Stubbs said. “It puts restrictions on who can get the ballot for you, who can fill the ballot out, who can turn the ballot in for you.”
Stubbs said much of what happens in the session will depend on the agenda presented by the governor Tuesday night.
“We can then get to work,” Stubbs said. “We can have discussions and make decisions on what needs to be done.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Elmore County students set up their science fair displays at Lanark as they get ready to compete.Winners of the Elmore County Science Fair will compete next month at regionals at AUM.
Being present
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I pray everyone reading this week’s column is well and that the new year is off to a good start. With all the sickness running around, simply being well is quite an accomplishment these days!
Sometime in the mid-1970s, Woody Allen was quoted as saying “80% of life is showing up.”
Over the years, Allen and others have corrected the original quote, claiming that Allen said, “80% of success is showing up.” In either case, the quote from the famed playwright and filmmaker has withstood the test of time. Whenever I am reminded of the expression, my mind goes to thoughts about being present.
BETHLEHEM EAST
BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
Much of my formal training for ministry, especially in regards to chaplaincy, related to being present. When ministering to others in any capacity, presence is the first order of business.
While this may seem like an obvious statement, there is good reason for it to be named and claimed. It is a reminder that ministry, in any form, is about relationship, first and foremost. Ministry is not something one person “does” to another person. Ministry is all about relationship.
Ministry of presence is further understood in one of the axioms of education. That axiom holds that “A student does not care what a teacher knows until they know that a teacher cares.” Having a
spouse who has committed the bulk of her adult life to the vocation of public education drives that point home for me.
In my own life, I prefer to blend the two together. God created human beings in interdependence. Simply put, human beings have in inherent need to be together with others. That divine element means more than simple physical proximity.
People in any given community find their way to the church for a variety of reasons. Some are members who come in exercise of belonging to a church family. Some are from other places who seek a familiar denominational environment. Some are members of the community who feel called,
Church Briefs
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting.
Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge
Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
for one reason or another, to come when needing help. Others are complete strangers God directs to the church.
In any case, the desire is a shared one. People desire the presence of God. The church – every church - is supposed to be that place. If the church - any church - has a business mindset, this reality results in a prioritization of presence. Members receive first priority. Members of the same denomination come in a close second. Residents of the church’s community come next, and whatever is left over is for the strangers among us. While this might make sense as a business model, it is in no way
church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in
Worship With Us
the business of the church.
On the contrary, the churchany church – is supposed to be a place where children of God go to experience the presence of God. This applies to every church and to every child of God. God is ever present, and every church shares the purpose of being that presence. Gospel truth calls all who claim covenant relationship with God, in whatever fashion that is, to the same thing. That shared witness is to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus was present with every single person God placed in his path. We are called to do the same, as individuals and as the church. Jews, Gentiles, Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics and all others share the call to be present in the lives of others.
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
HARMONY
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
Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
10th annual Paint the Park for Jody sees record-breaking numbers
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Jody
broke the record for most in the event, beating the 304 who participated in the first race all the way back in 2015.
The event celebrated the life of Sanford, who tragically died Feb. 2, 2014, but also served as a fundraiser for the Jody Marie Sanford Memorial Scholarship Fund that gives $1,000 scholarships to four
students in Elmore County every year.
The event is dear to Sanford’s family every year, but Saturday’s event was even more special with the sheer number of runners who raced in the event.
“It’s days like today that let us know that Jody will
STATE CHAMPS
Stanhope Elmore girls claim 6A/7A bowling title
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Stanhope Elmore left no doubt in the bowling alley Friday afternoon.
Stanhope swept Sparkman, 4-0, in the AHSAA Class 6A/7A state championship held at Mobile’s Bowlero Bowling Center.
It’s the first state championship for the Mustangs (12-0) in program history.
Stanhope Elmore has come up just short in the championship each of the last two years, finishing second and third, respectively. But head coach Bridget Wilson and her senior trio of daughter Samantha Wilson, Alyssa Ward and Peyton Warner kept fighting and finally got over that hump to claim the famous blue map.
“It was such a bittersweet moment because I got to experience it with my daughter and my seniors have been battling for this every year,” Wilson said. “We’ve come up close
Elmore
but we always fell short. To know that we went in on their senior year and have had such a dominant season from beginning to end, it was just a special moment that I got to share with them.”
The Mustangs entered Friday as the No. 1 seed after claiming the top overall score in the three traditional matches. It wasn’t the normal dominance the Mustangs usually displayed, but they overcame some early jitters early and grabbed the top seed by only two pins.
That was helped mostly in part by Warner’s state-record tying 289 game in her third traditional match. While the team had some struggles Thursday, it didn’t show in the baker format.
As soon as the elimination portion of the tournament began, Stanhope Elmore showed why it was the No. 1 seed. The Mustangs opened the quarterfinals with a 4-0 win over
No. 8 seed James Clemons. Stanhope Elmore won the match with a pin total of 614-512.
That was the lowest pin total for the Mustangs in any of their three rounds.
“I think it just came down to their desire to win it,” Wilson said. “We had our issues but we were able to battle through it. We had something to prove this year. We went in there and pushed for the championship and we got it.”
Facing off against Oak Mountain in the semifinals, Stanhope once again swept its opponent, 4-0, with a pin total of 760-648. That match was highlighted by rolling a 240 in the opening game of the series.
“We did really well on our spares in the baker,” Wilson said. “Strikes will come, but spares are what win most matches. Friday came down to our eighth, ninth and 10th frames and our seniors putting in their
See CHAMPS, Page B2
Elmore County girls down Holtville in area tourney
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Emily Mason could be held scoreless for only so long. Holtville had a game plan to not let the Elmore County sharpshooter beat the Bulldogs, and that game plan was partially working for a half. Mason was held scoreless, but the Panthers still led by 10 points at the break. That lead was cut to eight to begin the second half, but then Mason hit her first shot. Then she hit another. By then, the lead was too much to overcome.
Elmore County beat Holtville, 53-36, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A, Area
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka’s boys soccer team is already looking like a formidable opponent.
Wetumpka hit the road for its first game of the season and took down Class 7A Opelika, 2-1, in a matchup of playoff teams from a season ago.
The Indians took the lead on two second-half goals from Austin Holley then held off a late push from the Bulldogs in the final five minutes.
“I think we played above my expectations for the first game of the season,” Indians coach Stephen Horn said. “I genuinely had no clue what to expect because a lot of our team are first time starters, but they looked like they had been there before. It was pretty awesome.”
What Horn was most worried about was the defense and how the new faces on the back line would fare. Wetumpka graduated almost its entire defense, including multi-year starters at multiple positions.
But with new faces such as Gerardo Ramirez, Emerson Ramirez, Landon Oswald and Rhett Pinkston patrolling the defense, Wetumpka held Opelika to only two shots on goal the entire game and one goal on a header in the final minutes.
“Our defense was fantastic,” Horn said. “It looked good on a defensive side when only two shots were taken, but one thing I noticed was how good our midfield was and how they controlled the game.”
Junior Ramirez and Brody Worrell, the reigning Elmore County Player of the Year, both play in the mid-
field while helping on defense. Those two kept possessions away from the Bulldogs and limited scoring opportunities.
“Our midfield really controlled the pace and possession of the game,” Horn said. “That made it where they didn’t get to our defense too much.”
On the other side of the county, Stanhope Elmore hosted the first Elmore County Invitational on Friday and Saturday. The Mustangs welcomed Holtville, Prattville, Benjamin Russell and Foley to 17 Springs for three games for each team.
The Stanhope Elmore boys were the only county team to pull out a win in the tournament.
The Mustangs went 1-2 with a win over Holtville before falling to both Prattville and Benjamin Russell.
“Overall as a team, this weekend gave us an opportunity to work many of our players in new roles,” Stanhope coach Richie Beyer said. “It was a good way to start the season and a great turnout for our inaugural Elmore County Invitational Tournament.”
Following a 3-1 loss to Ben Russell on Friday night and a 3-0 loss to Prattville to open Saturday’s play, the Mustangs wrapped up the weekend with a blowout win over Holtville. Stanhope won that matchup, 11-1.
The Stanhope girls team went 0-2-1 on the weekend with an 11-1 loss to Ben Russell, a 3-0 loss to Prattville and a 0-0 tie with Holtville.
Holtville’s boys lost to Stanhope 11-1, lost to Prattville 5-2 and lost to Ben Russell 7-0. The Holtville girls lost to Ben Russell 7-0 and Prattville 2-0.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Elmore County’s Emily Mason (23) scored nine points in the second half to push the Panthers past Holtville and into the area tournament championship.
reach even more people.
always be remembered,” Jody’s mother Janice Sanford said.
“With this being the 10th year and the way we’ve exceeded our numbers, that just lets us know that her legacy is still alive. She was loved, and she was cared for and this shows it. A lot of these people come just for Jody.”
Jody’s legacy isn’t known just in Wetumpka. It may have started that way in 2015, but it has grown much larger than just her hometown.
And every person who comes spreads Jody’s story every year as it continues to
Continued from B1
6 tournament. The Panthers now advance to face Marbury for the area championship Wednesday, while Holtville was eliminated with the loss.
“We talked at halftime about the fact that we’ve come out sluggish in the third quarter a lot lately,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “We really wanted
That’s evident to foundation president Joey Hutto, who said he gets calls every year from people in and out of state that are trying to donate or see when they can sign up to participate.
“When this first started, we knew Jody knew a lot of people, but it’s different now,” Hutto said. “To see all the entities that come to us shows us the impact she had. It’s heartwarming. We have people from all over the county, and Prattville, and the state. We have the military participating. And everyone that runs is going to take Jody’s legacy and spread it even further. It’s going worldwide. And she is a 16-year old
to win the third quarter and we made some big shots tonight. Emily had a really explosive third quarter and that extended the lead for us.”
With Mason held scoreless in the second half, two of the team’s younger starters stepped up instead. Freshman
Lalah Culpepper scored 10 of her team-high 16 points in the second quarter while sophomore Cherish Foye added five, then scored eight more in the sec-
kid who has an impact on the world now.”
Before Jody died, she was part of a young Wetumpka cross country team that was still in the beginning of its program. Jessica Holbert, who still coaches cross country and soccer for the Indians, was trying to raise money for the program when Jody died.
In turn, she decided to start the scholarship fund with any extra money the program received.
That led to the start of the color run, which was a choice the family made because they thought Jody would love that.
“The color runs go with cross country,” Janice said. “Jody loved the color pink and
ond half.
Senior guard Kyasia Brown, the team’s second leading scorer, had nine points before she fouled out early in the third quarter.
But with Mason pushing the lead out to 19 points, the Panthers were just fine with Brown resting the remainder of the game.
“Our players saw the confidence that Emily brought to the floor and really stepped up their games as well,” Cald -
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these runs were really popular at the time. I guess based on today, they’re still popular. But we just thought it was something she would love.”
The color run also isn’t intimidating, Jody’s brother Jeremy pointed out.
“These types of runs are less of a competition,” Jeremy said. “That really draws more people to come instead of people just trying to win a medal. No matter if they want to run, walk or just support, this is something for everyone to enjoy.”
That was certainly the case Saturday morning. Hutto said he was worried that as time went on, the run would reach a shelf life and not as many people would show up.
well said. “I’m really proud of them. Lalah and Cherish both bring us a lot of athleticism and relentless effort and they’ve been big for us.”
For Elmore County, the Panthers are now back in the postseason after being eliminated in this exact game by Holtville a year ago.
Caldwell knew just how important it was to get this team back to the playoffs in his first season, so that’s what his team has worked on. After starting 0-3 in area play, that dream looked tough to accomplish. But then Elmore County beat Holtville in the last matchup, 32-22. That helped spark some confidence in the team and that turned into the 17-point win Monday night.
Now the Panthers turn their sights to Mar-
CHAMPS
Continued from A1
marks to put us in good positions.”
After a 4-0 sweep in the semifinals, Stanhope continued to cruise in the championship match.
In the best-of-7 baker match, Stanhope rolled a 201 in the first game to take the early 1-0 lead. Warner, rolled strikes on both of her attempts to lead the way.
In Game 2, Stanhope rolled a 176 and its senior leaders helped pave the way. In a close back-andforth affair, Samantha Wilson picked up a split spare in Frame 9 and it was followed by two strikes by Ward in the 10th frame.
With Stanhope leading 2-0, the Mustangs went on cruise control.
Stanhope started Game 3 with five clean frames, rolling three strikes and two spares. After a few open frames, Wilson got
But he’s been proven wrong. The number started strong with 304 in 2015 at the first run and maintained numbers as 251 showed up even in 2020. Now more than ever were covered in all different colors of paint with the record-setting year.
“It’s really hard to express what it means and put it into words,” Hutto said. “We’ve all known and loved Jody and that first year was of course really special, but this family has grown and now this event has grown. This means more and more every single year. Her legacy has continued and it’s an amazing feeling knowing this many people know and care about Jody.”
bury in the area championship at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Marbury has handled Elmore County by 25 and 24 points the last two times the teams met. Regardless of how Wednesday’s game goes, the Panthers have already secured a sub regionals berth.
a spare in the ninth frame and Ward followed her up with a spare of her own and clinched a 3-0 lead.
With one game left, Stanhope wasted no time.
The Mustangs rolled five straight strikes to open Game 4, from Ward, Wilson, Warner, Chassity Abbott and Madison Morgan. With a hefty lead from the first five frames, Stanhope was able to hold Sparkman off after three open frames.
“It’s huge to get ahead early like we did,” coach Wilson said. “When you’re competing for a title, it helps jumping ahead. We jumped ahead of Sparkman and it put them in a panic. Sometimes it comes down to who is going to be able to get out of their head. I think us pouncing early, especially on Sparkman, just really takes their bowling game out and it makes it all a mental game.”
With the championship in grasp in the ninth frame,
“They didn’t make it last year but we were a playoff team the two years prior,” Caldwell said. “So we’re getting back there and the girls are really starting to believe they can get back there. It’s big for the program.”
Samantha Wilson stepped up to the lane and quickly rolled a strike to all but secure the win. It wasn’t enough to clinch it right then and there, but it was enough to allow Ward the chance to win the championship on just her first roll if she rolled a strike.
The reigning 6A/7A Girls Bowler of the Year, averaging around 220 this season, did exactly what her team and coaches knew she would and won the state championship with a strike on her first roll.
“I don’t know if anyone saw, but I was behind the chairs where the girls were sitting,” Wilson said. “As soon as that strike happened, I jumped over the chairs and they were the first two girls I grabbed onto. They deserve it. They’re smart and they’re kind and they’re leaders, and to see it come full circle for them was huge.”
The 10th annual Paint the Park for Jody Color Fun Run saw a record-breaking 324 runners race through Gold Star Park Saturday morning. The event celebrated the life of Jody Marie Sanford, who tragically died Feb. 2, 2014, but also served as a fundraiser for the Jody Marie Sanford Memorial Scholarship Fund that gives $1,000 scholarships to four students in Elmore County each year.
GIRLS
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Elmore County’s Cherish Foye scored 13 points in the Panthers win over Holtville.
THEY’RE BACK
Edgewood Academy girls cruise into Final Four
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Cramton Bowl might as well start charging rent to Edgewood Academy’s girls basketball team for how often it visits.
Edgewood is taking its annual trip to the Wildcats’ second home Wednesday afternoon. The Wildcats knocked off Patrician Academy, 57-27, in the Elite Eight of the AISA Class AA state tournament Friday night. Now, Edgewood (26-3) turns its sights towards the Final Four and its yearly trip to the Multiplex at the Cramton Bowl.
The two-time defending state champions have spent quite a bit of time in the Cramton Bowl in their high school careers, as they’ve gone undefeated (5-0) in the multiplex the last two seasons.
Edgewood will face Southern Academy at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.
“We’ve done this before so we’re going to do everything we can to do it again,” Edgewood coach Brad Starks said. “When you get under those bright lights, we need everybody on the same page. I think, especially the experienced players, having been there and played there and won those games. I don’t think nerves should be too big of a deal.”
Edgewood’s girls wasted no time showing they meant business on the court Friday night.
The Wildcats’ three-headed monster of Lindsey Brown, Madison Martin and Lexie Smith scored all the team’s points in the first quarter and jumped out to a 23-7 lead.
That was sparked by a 14-0 run to start the game. Brown opened with a short jumper then hit a 3-pointer while Martin and Smith combined for three free throws, a layup and a 3-pointer all in the first three minutes.
“We haven’t played in over a week so we wanted to come out with high energy and establish the game the way we wanted to play,” Starks said “We wanted to play fast and smart and I thought we came out and played as good as we could’ve played early.”
During the 14-0 run, Patrician crossed half court only three times. Unfortunately for the Saints, all three times resulted in disaster.
After Brown’s first shot went through the net, the Wildcats unleashed their
famous full-court press on Patrician. Two passes were completed, but Avery White stepped in front of the first Saint to cross half court and found the pass hit her directly in the hands.
That led to an easy score for Edgewood then Brown found herself on the receiving end of a bad pass and steal. White then added her second steal the third time Patrician crossed midcourt.
Overall, Edgewood’s press recorded 16 steals. Brown had four while Martin, Smith and Aubrey Newton each grabbed three.
“Patrician has a really young team so what we were hoping is that they would try to throw the ball, so we wanted to be as patient as possible while still being aggressive,” Starks said. “We did a really good job on defense. We did a good job of keeping our hands off of them. We let them make the mistakes and capitalized on them.”
Edgewood boys advance to Final Four
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Edgewood Academy boys are headed back to the Big House.
The defending state champions took down Southern Academy, 63-48, in the AISA Class AA quarterfinals Saturday. The Wildcats (12-16) advanced to the Final Four to face Hooper Academy at 2:15 p.m. Thursday at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.
Edgewood and Hooper, both in Region 1, have met three times this season. Hooper won the first meeting but Edgewood took the second two.
“It feels good to punch our ticket,” Wildcats coach Scott Phillips said.
“In November, we were sitting at 2-7 and we were wondering where we’d be. I told them then that if we kept working and kept getting better, then we could be here. The playoffs for us is a three-game season and we just won the first game.”
Southern features one of the best guards in the entirety of AISA in senior Campbell Webb, but the Cougars aren’t as tough down low in the post. Phillips and his team knew that, so they knew going into Saturday’s matchup sophomore Brock Whitt could end up having a big night. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Whitt was a mismatch for any Southern player. Despite missing six free throws, Whitt still scored a game-high 22 points with 14 coming in a
decisive second half. Whitt didn’t take a single shot that wasn’t in the paint and he ended the night with 10 field goals and he added 15 rebounds for good measure.
“I told Brock before the game he could have a career game,” Phillips said. “He brings a lot to us. He’s so big in the post. He’s not going to get every rebound, but he’s going to get most of them. He’s smart and he helps as a general in the middle of the floor. The way he played tonight is the way we have to have him play every night.”
Webb kept Southern in the game for most of the first half, but he could only do so much for the Cougars. He scored all 14 of their points in the first quarter as they led Edgewood, 14-12, following a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.
Edgewood slowed him down in the second and took a five-point lead into the break, but the Wildcats quickly turned that to double digits early in the third quarter and never looked
Stanhope Elmore girls clinch playoff berth, eliminate Wetumpka
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Killing two birds with one stone isn’t just an idiom. It’s what Stanhope Elmore’s girls basketball team did Saturday afternoon.
Stanhope beat Wetumpka, 69-65, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 6A, Area 3 tournament. The Mustangs now have clinched a playoff berth while advancing to the area championship, and Wetumpka is eliminated from the playoffs.
Stanhope will face No. 1-seed Montgomery Carver at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carver’s gym.
“I tip my hat to Wetumpka,” Stanhope coach Kelvin Stokes said. “They played hard and gave it their all, but I’m proud of my girls for overcoming adversity and pulling out a win. This was a great win and our seniors knew that if they lost, they’d be going home. They refused to go home tonight.”
Stanhope’s team usually goes as far as senior guard Ariel Gilchrist will take it, but that wasn’t the case Saturday.
Wetumpka’s goal was to get Gilchrist out of rhythm, and that in turn led the Mustangs to turn inside to its post players. Sophomore Aniya Burton was the recipient of most of the points for Stanhope early as the Mustangs scored eight straight to lead the team to a 17-10 first quarter lead.
That turned into a 29-24 halftime lead, and Burton had 16 of Stan-
hope’s points in the first half.
She ended the game with a team-high 22 points, one of only three players for Stanhope to reach double digits.
“Aniya is awesome,” Stokes said. “She’s a young lady who plays hard and gives you everything night in and night out. She refuses to lose. She has that type of understanding and that savvy, and this is only her second year of playing basketball. Aniya is going to be something to look forward to watching play in the next few years.”
Burton stole the show, but she wasn’t the only Mustang to find success in the paint. Senior Tamira Smalls put together an impressive night by chipping in 16 points. After scoring only six in the first half, she took over in the paint in the second half. She had four field goals and hit two of four free throws, most of which came in the fourth quarter. Both of her field goals down the stretch came on offensive rebounds to help Stanhope keep its lead.
“Primarily, it’s a lot of guard play now but I knew I had post players,” Stokes said. “The more
they touch the ball, great things happen. I wanted to make sure Aniya and Tamira each had the chance to have a big night. Tamira has been in a bit of a rut lately, but she broke out of that rut tonight.”
Stanhope led by as much as 14 in the third quarter, but Wetumpka’s team never stopped chipping away at the lead.
Eighth grader Aaliyah Humphrey had a career game as she dropped 36 points in the loss. Humphrey scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, six of which came on free throws. She didn’t miss a single shot from the charity stripe, and she was able to keep the Indians within reach.
Jordan Harris, Wetumpka’s junior sharpshooter, then knocked down backto-back 3s in the final 30 seconds and tied the game, 65-65, with 11 seconds left. But on the inbounds, Burton found Gilchrist wide open running down the court and Gilchrist got an easy layup.
Wetumpka then had an errant pass on the inbounds with a chance to tie it, and Smalls laid in an easy basket as time expired.
Wetumpka’s Holley scores twice in season opener
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky was once quoted saying “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
back.
Edgewood turned to a box-and-1 defense, which is used to cause confusion and used against teams with one very skilled player. So with the team focusing on Webb, his teammates were unable to keep the Cougars in the game.
Offensively, Edgewood stopped taking its deep shots and started feeding Whitt and company inside.
That led to Whitt’s 22 points, as well as nine points from both Eric Sumrall and Johnny Groves.
Brody Whitt complemented the team with a few layups and short shots for 12 points.
“I thought our defense played really well in the second half, but most of all our offense changed up our offense,” Phillips said. “We didn’t need to sit out and shoot 3s. We needed to get the ball to Brock and Eric and Brody and let them control the paint.”
For Wetumpka senior Austin Holley, it can be revised to say “You make 100% of the shots you do take.” Holley, who starts at forward for the Indians soccer team, led Wetumpka to a 2-1 win over Opelika in the season opener Thursday. In the win, Holley took two shots and connected both of them to the back of the net. He knocked in a header early in the second half to put the Indians up, 1-0, then followed that up with a short goal just five minutes later.
For his efficiency in shooting the ball, Holley has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“Obviously scoring two goals in the first game is fantastic,” Indians coach Stephen Horn. “He took two shots and scored both times. So we need him to take more shots going forward. Even if they don’t go in, we don’t care. When he shoots and touches the ball, good things happen.”
The game was deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime when the senior duo of Holley and Brody Worrell took over.
Not even four minutes into the second half, Holley was wide
open in front of the goal when Worrell, playing midfield, shot a pass that Holley was able to hit with his head for an untouched goal.
Five minutes later, the duo struck again. This goal was not through the air, however, as Worrell was able to get a through pass to Holley past Opelika’s defense. Close to the goal, his second shot found the back of the net just as easily as the first and Wetumpka led, 2-0.
“Those guys are inseparable,” Horn said.
“They’re always together and they’ve played together for five years. They’re a perfect duo. Brody controls the midfield and Austin is the guy who finishes. It's a great combination.” Holley will likely continue to be the recipient of most of Worrell’s passes this season. Holley was an All-County player a year ago after scoring 21 goals, second best on the team. But now that Angel Martinez, the team’s leading scorer from a year ago, is going to miss the entire season due to injury, the Indians are
relying on Holley to net as many goals as he can. He’s already proven that he can, and he’s gotten better at scoring each season.
During his sophomore season, Holley scored only eight goals in 22 games, good for a goal basically once every three games.
Last year, he averaged 1.1 goals per game while also adding nine assists. Now just one game into his senior year, Holley is averaging two goals per game.
“Austin always finds himself in the right position,” Horn said. “A lot of times in soccer you don’t always get the ball right to your feet off a pass. But he is able to put himself in a good position to score and that really helps us out.”
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI Stanhope Elmore’s Ariel Gilchrist (2) hit the game winning shot in the final seconds to lead Stanhope past Wetumpka in the area tournament.
Wetumpka’s Austin Holley is the Elmore County Player of the Week after scoring two goals in Wetumpka’s 2-1 season opening win over Opelika.
Choice Player of the Week now!
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Edgewood Academy’s Avery White lays in the ball against Patrician Academy in the AISA Class AA Elite Eight.
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Edgewood Academy’s Brock Whitt shoots a 3-pointer against Southern Academy in the AISA Class AA Elite Eight.
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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Christopher Ralph Sanders And Keisha Sanders Husband And Wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns dated September 18, 2019; said mortgage being recorded on September 19, 2019, in Book 2019, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLCunder and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 28th day of February, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT THE SW CORNER OF THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, T19N, R18E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE NORTH 88 DEG. 06 MIN. 32 SEC. EAST, 1506.72
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Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 050 – Retail Beer (off premises only) and 070 – Retail Table Wine (off premises only) License for the following Trade Name: MummyEnterprises Inc. DBA Pure Gas Station Name of Applicant: Mohameed Islam Address: 8461 US HWY 231, Wetupmka, AL 36092 Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for February 20, 2024 at 12, noon, before the Wetumpka City Council at the City Council Meeting, at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main St., Wetumpka, AL. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear at said time or may indicated their wishes in writing by communication addressed to the City Council, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 APPLICATION
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FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR; THENCE LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID ROAD, NORTH 89 DEG. 27 MIN. 04 SEC. EAST, 388.77 FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEG. 53 MIN. 58 SEC. EAST, 50.05 FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEG. 54 MIN. 01 SEC. EAST, 100.00 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR CAPPED MARTIN CA-563-LS; THENCE SOUTH 86 DEG. 28 MIN. 06 SEC. WEST, 485.85 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 1.62 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND LYING IN THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, T19N, R18E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY OF NEIL MARTIN, ALA. LICENSE NO. 31574, DATED SEPTEMBER 9, 2019. Said property is commonly known as 1255 Thornton Road, Titus, AL 36080. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated January 25, 2021, executed by Bette J. Henson, an unmarried woman, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Quicken Loans, LLC, which mortgage was recorded on January 29, 2021, in RLPY Book 2021, Page 8736, of the mortgage records in the of Elmore County, Alabama, and which mortgage was, duly transferred and assigned to Rocket Mortgage, LLC FKA Quicken Loans, LLC, notice is hereby given that pursuant to law and the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the undersigned will sell at public outcry, to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the Main entrance to the Elmore County Courthouse at Wetumpka, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on March 28, 2024, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Land situated in the County of Elmore in the State of AL LOT NO. 52, GRAND RIDGE PLAT NO. 2, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 13, AT PAGE 96. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage as well as expenses of foreclosure. 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 of the County where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to condition, title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The successful bidder must tender full funds at the conclusion of the sale in the form of a or endorsed to Padgett Law Group. No personal checks will be accepted. To this end you outbid the lender and any other not be accepted. Amounts received in excess of the winning bid will be refunded. Padgett Law Group reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidders should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC Transferee Robert J. Wermuth/jmm Padgett Law Group 4245 Balmoral Drive SW, Suite 101 Huntsville, AL 35801 Attorney for Mortgagee
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 24-000580-1 PUBLIC NOTICE
The following will be auctioned off by J&J Towing 334-558-1595 2012 CHRY 200-1C3CCBABXCN248458
2020 NISS Versa3N1CN8EV8LL851927 2015 NISS Versa3N1CN7AP3FL954498
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 AV/12 CHRYSLER PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by April Price, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Real Estate Funding Corporation, its successors and assigns, on June 28, 2022, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2022 Page 40519; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the
der for cash, in front of the
entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on March 6, 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: Commence at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 9, Township 19 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and run East 470.00 feet; thence South 20 deg. 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 340.00 feet to a point at the intersection of the East Rightof-Way of Grier Road and the South Right-of-Way of a paved County road, said point being the point of beginning; thence from said
of beginning run along the South Right-of-Way of said
South
Public Notices
gy 22 deg. 06 minutes 00 seconds West 103.65 feet; thence North 66 deg. 07 minutes 00 seconds West, 91.20 feet to a point on the East Right-of-Way of Grier Road; thence run along said East Right-of-Way, North 20 deg. 00 minutes 00 seconds East, 95.45 feet to the point of beginning. The above described parcel lying in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 9, Township 19 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama and containing 0.212 acres, more or less.. Property street address for informational purposes: 3970 Grier Rd , Wetumpka, AL 36092. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-00248-MT-AL
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 24-00185
Do you have available jobs? Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE FOR BIDS The Marketplace at 17 Springs
Sealed bids will be received by the Elmore County Commission and City of Millbrook (“Owner”) at 100 E Commerce Street, Suite 200, Wetumpka, AL until 10 AM local time on Wednesday, February 14th for labor, equipment, materials, and any incidentals required to complete the work required under The Marketplace at 17 Springs, Bid Inquiry 2024-PW6 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. This bid is intended to comply with the Alabama Code Title 39, the Alabama Public Works Law. Bidders shall be required to comply with the provisions of Title 39 of the Alabama Code regardless if the requirement is explicitly detailed in the bid proposal or not.
A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Elmore County Commission Alabama and City of Millbrook, Alabama in an percent of the amount of the bid, but in no more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. Bid Documents may be obtained digitally by submitting the Bid Documentation Request Form to the Engineer. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Engineer. Neither Owner or Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other the Engineer. Bid Document Request Form can be acquired digitally by contacting the Engineer at rmedley@sain.com. All other questions related to this bid should be directed to this same email address.
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. All bidders are advised to carefully read the Instructions to Bidders contained in the Contract Documents, which provisions and requirements are adopted herein by reference.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Joshua Neal Grier to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for WR Starkey Mortgage, L.L.P., dated October 23, 2015 said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Book 2015, Page 49525 . Said mortgage was subsequently sold, assigned and transferred to Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the undersigned, Nationstar Mortgage LLC, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Elmore County, Alabama on March 5, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following describe real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 57 OF WOODLAND ESTATES PLAT NO. 1 SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN BY PLAT MADE BY RALPH H. HAYS REGISTERED LAND SURVEYOR NO. 1878, DATED 9/20/1975 AND RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 8, PAGE 5 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. Property Street Address for Informational Purposes: 747 Pine Leaf St Wetumpka AL 36092 Said property will be sold “AS IS”. NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE AS TO THE TITLE OF SAID PROPERTY. Said property is subject to any not limited to: any outstanding ad valorem taxes - including taxes which are a lien but not yet due and payable, federal tax liens any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and matters of record set out above. Said property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. The highest bidder must tender the total amount funds at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand the rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses of this sale, as provided in said Mortgage and by Alabama law. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. **This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained may be used for that purpose.** Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Mortgagee or Transferee Jonathan Smothers, Esq ALAW One Independence Plaza, Suite 416 Birmingham, AL 35209
Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 23-016277 A-4807964
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 4807964 PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE
Wiregrass Construction Co, Inc hereby gives notice of completion of contract with The Alabama Department of Transportation, for construction of Project No. CRSAMN-2621(252) Widening and Resurfacing on Chapman Road and Chapman Road / Airport Road Intersection Elmore County. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on 02/07/24 and ending 02/28/2024. Allgrass Construction Co, 1342 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 during this period.
Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that ,Homesouth completed the Contract for RenMiddle School,at 655 Bulldog the State of Alabama and the County of Elmore Owner(s), settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Mckee and Associates, Architect / Engineer
Wetumpka Herald: COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
Public Notices
gg successors and assigns, on March 2, 2018, said mortgage the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on March 5, 2018 at Book RLPY 2018, at Page 9507. Freedom Mortgage Corporation, the current holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse, in Wetumpka, Alabama, on March 27, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 26, Block C, according to the Map of Brownstone Plat No. 1, as the same is recorded of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 14 at Page 62. More commonly known as: 176 Brownstone Loop, Elmore, AL 36025 This Property will be sold on as “as is, where is” basis, without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expense of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender
Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. form of a wire transfer, bank or credit union’s cashier’s check, Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. If sale is voided, Mortgagee/Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser and the Mortgagee/ Transferee shall not be liable to the purchase for any damages. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the purchaser at the sale shall be only entitled to a return of the deposit and bid amount, if paid. The Mortgagee/ Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit is purchase price against the expenses of sale and indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.
Freedom Mortgage Corporation (“Transferee”) Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. 244 Inverness Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: (801) 355-2886
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 AL21566
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that, Beasley Construction Services, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Hohenberg Field. At 401 W. Osceola Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 for the State of Alabama and the City of Wetumpka and the Elmore County Commission, Owner(s), settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Dalhoff Thomas Design Studio, 6465 Quail Hollow Road, Suite 401, Memphis, TN 38120 in writing.
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ALABAMA
PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR
WHEREAS the Alabama Legislature at its 2023 Second Spe-
cial Session enacted Act No. 2023-562 (SB3), proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022; WHEREAS, in conformity with Section 284 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, as amended, the Legislature has orderedtors of the state upon such proposed amendment; and WHEREAS notice of this election, together with the proposed amendment, is required by law to be given by proclamation of the Governor, which shall be published once a week for at least four successive weeks immediately preceding the day appointed for the election; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, as Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby give notice, direct, and proclaim that on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, an election will be held in the State of Alabama in the manner and form provided by law upon the following proposed amendment to the Constitution of 2022 of the State of Alabama: AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY ACT NO.
2023-562
Public Notices
py during the ensuing budget period for the ordinary expenses of the executive, legislative and judicial departments branches of the state, for payment of the public debt, and for education (excluding, however, any item within the scope of the foregoing that is at the time provided for by a continuing appropriation or otherwise).
year of the state or such period the period with respect to which state budgets are prepared and state appropriations are made.
(B) On or before the second legislative day of each regular session of the legislature, session after January 1, 1983 the governor shall transmit to the legislature for its consideration a proposed budget for the then next ensuing budget period.
(C) The duty of the legislature at any regular session to make the basic appropriations for any budget period that will of any succeeding regular session shall be paramount; and, accordingly, beginning with the January 1, 1983, no bill (other than a bill making any of the basic appropriations) shall be signed by either the presiding and transmitted to the other house until bills making the basic appropriations for the then ensuing budget period shall have been signed by the presidlegislature in accordance with Section 66 of this Constitution and presented to the governor in accordance with Section 125 of this Constitution; provided, that this paragraph (C) shall not affect the passage of local laws or local constitutional amendments, the adoption of resolutions, or the conduct of any other legislative functions that do not require a third reading; and provided further, that following adoption, by vote of either house of not less than of a resolution declaring that the provisions of this paragraph (C) shall not be applicable in that house to a particular bill, whichlution by number and title, the
(D) Upon the signing and presentation to the governor in accordance with the said Sections 66 and 125 of bills making the basic appropriations, the provisions of the foregoing parapassage of bills in the house and senate (other than bills making any part of the basic appropriations) shall cease to be effective and shall not be revived or become again effective as a result of (i) the subsequent legislative history of any bill so signed and presented, including any veto, return with executive amendment, or any other action, or failure to act, by either the governor or the legislature under the provisions of the said Section 125; or (ii) a determination, by either judicial decree or opinion of the justices of the Alabama Supreme Court, that any bill so signed and presented is wholly or in part invalid.
(E) The legislature may, by statute or rule, make such further provisions for the timely passage of bills making the basic appropriations as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution.
(F) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring the legislature to make any appropriation not otherwise required by this Constitution to be made.
(G) Notwithstanding any provision of this amendment, any resolution authorizing the consideration of a bill proposing a local law adopted before November 8, 2016 March 5, 2024 that conformed to the rules of either body of the Legislature at the time it was adopted, is ratof any such resolution is effective from the date of original adoption.”
FURTHER, I proclaim and direct that this proclamation shall be published once a week for the four successive weeks immediately preceding Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in every county as required by law.
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2024 AMENDMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: DV-2023-900375.00 WILLIAM HUNT VS. MELISSA HARROD, DEFENDANT.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION
10
seconds East, 94.80 feet; thence leaving South Right-of-Way run South
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 BIDS
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Daniel L. Dean and Mary Hogan Dean, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Mortgagee, as nominee for Statewide Mortgage, LLC its
“Section 71.01
(A) The following words and phrases, whenever used in this amendment, shall have the following respective meanings: “Basic Appropriations” means, with respect to any regular session of the legislature, such appropriations as the legislature may deem appropriate for the expenditures by the state
NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: MELISSA HARROD, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, Take notice against you in the District Court of Elmore County, Alabama, in case styled, WILLIAM HUNT vs. MELISSA HARROD, Case No., DV-2023-900375.00. You mustplaint on or before fourteen (14) days from the date of the last publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer County Circuit Clerk, LaKeshia C. Parks, Esq., and Stewart E. Vance, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiffs, 7079 University Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. Dated this 17th day of January 2024. Michael Dozier, Circuit Court Clerk, Elmore County, AL Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7 and 14, 2024 DV-2023-900375.00
of
from
391-1,
Bids will
contractors
successfully completed projects of similar scope. Each bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing on the outside the name of the bidder, his address, the name of the project for which the bid is submitted, and the bidder’s Alabama Contractor’s License Number. If forwarded by mail, the sealed envelope containing the bid must be enclosed in another envelope addressedtaining bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to Ms. Shannon Duck, Town Clerk, Town of Eclectic, 145 Main Street, Eclectic, Alabama 36024 and marked “Bid For 2024 Sidewalk Improvements or Repairs”. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7 and 14, 2024 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID ALLEYN ANDERSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-323 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DAVID ALLEYN ANDERSON, deceased, having been granted to JOHN MICHAEL KOCH on February 1, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JOHN MICHAEL KOCH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID ALLEYN ANDERSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOSEPH K. BAMBURG ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-839-5596
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2024 EST/ANDERSON, D.
January 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
AARON SCOTT BLAIR ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LEONARD BLAIR, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: 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: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/BLAIR E.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KATHY LYNN BRANTLEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-006 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of KATHY LYNN BRANTLEY, deceased, having been granted to DANIEL J. BRANTLEY on January 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
DANIEL J. BRANTLEY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF KATHY LYNN BRANTLEY, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for 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
Wetumpka Hearald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/BRANTLEY, K. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY A. BRYANT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 007 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to WILLIAM R. BRYANT as Executor on the 18 day of January 2024, by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
WILLIAM R. BRYANT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY A. BRYANT, 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: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/BRYANT D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACKIE R. HAMMOCK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-013 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JACKIE R. HAMMOCK, deceased, having been granted to JANICE HAMMOCK on January 18, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JANICE HAMMOCK PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JACKIE R. HAMMOCK, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024
EST/HAMMOCK, J.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OFCHARLOTTE JEAN IRVINE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-292 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of CHARLOTTE JEAN IRVINE, deceased, having been granted to MARILYN SPEAKE on January 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
MARILYN SPEAKE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE JEAN IRVINE, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: MICHAEL A. GRIGGS THE GRIGGS LAW FIRM, LLC P O BOX 780452 TALLASSEE. ALABAMA 36078-0452
334-283-2893
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024
EST/IRVINE C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GERALD B. JONES. SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-018 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GERALD B. JONES. SR., deceased, having been granted to JANE EVANS JONES on January 30, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JANE EVANS JONES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GERALD B. JONES. SR., DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE & BRITT, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/JONES, G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM D. JONES, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024-008 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: JENNIFER M. JONES, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, A NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM D. JONES; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM D. JONES, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on January 16, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM D. JONES,bate Court of Elmore County, Al-tioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted
sonal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of as a next-of- kin of WILLIAM D. JONES. Unless an objection to admissuch Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days notice, the Court will proceed without further notice to you.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney
709 AVENUE A
pettey@samfordlaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: EST/JONES W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BILLY J. MATTHEWS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-017 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BILLY J. MATTHEWS, deceased, having been granted to SARAH B. MATTHEWS on January 29, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of forgiven that all persons 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.
Public Notices
SARAH B. MATTHEWS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BILLY J. MATTHEWS, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative:
ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-5141011
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/MATTHEWS, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY WAYNE MOORE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-289 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GREGORY WAYNE MOORE, deceased, having been granted to CARMEN KIMBRELL on January 18, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notices hereby is 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.
CARMEN KIMBRELL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY WAYNE MOORE, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 2024 EST/MOORE, G.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES J. MRACEK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-305 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JAMES J. MRACEK, deceased, having been granted to PAULA J. GRIFFITH on January 30, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 PAULA J. GRIFFITH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES J. MRACEK, DECEASED TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/MRACEK, J.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP WAYNE NIXON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-005 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to ELIZABETH SUSAN NIXON BARNER as Personal Representative on the day of 18th day of January 2024, by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
ELIZABETH SUSAN NIXON BARNER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP WAYNE NIXON, 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: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/NIXON P.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:
Pursuant to AL Self-Service Storage Facilities Act 2021 & to satisfy Owner’s lien Storage Sense Millbrook, will hold an online public auction of the personal property stored in units located at 4180 Al-14, Millbrook, Al 36054, 334-4729650 to satisfy Operator’s lien. Everything sold is purchased AS-IS for CASH ONLY. See & bid on all units 24/7, sale ending on February 19 and February 22, 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: Feb. 7, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-012 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: LINDA SELF and MARTHA GREENE, NEXT OF KIN OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, DECEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on January 17. 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of BARBARA J. NOBLES,bate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by FARRAH D. SPIVEY, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of BARBARA J. NOBLES or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/NOBLES B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MERLE L. ROLAN, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-281 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: APRIL BILLINGSLEY, BRANDON ROLAN AND ALL HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF MERLE L. ROLAN, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 6 th day of November, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of MERLE in the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, LARRY LEE MCENDARFER, JR., requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Administrator of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of MERLE L. ROLAN. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament or to the appointment of LARRY LEE MCENDARFER, JR. as Administrator is submitted by you in writing to this Court within tention of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.
JOHN THORNTON
JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/ROLAN, M. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BOYD EDWARD STALEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-320 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BOYD EDWARD STALEY, deceased, having been granted to LINDA MCCONNELL STALEY on JANUARY 30, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
LINDA MCCONNELL STALEY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BOYD EDWARD STALEY, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ANDREW ODOM THE CLEVELAND FIRM, LLC 707 MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD SOUTH PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36066 334-365-6266 andrew@clevelandgroup.legal Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/STALEY B.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN T. TAYLOR, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-078 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JOHN T. TAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to JOHN HOLLIS BUCE on January 22 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JOHN HOLLIS BUCE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN T. TAYLOR, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: PAUL DOUGLAS ESCO ATTORNEY AT LAW 2800 ZELDA ROAD; SUITE 200-7 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36106 334-8329100
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7,2024
EST/TAYLOR J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RACHEL ANN WRIGHT, CASE NO. 2019-251 DECEASED. NOTICE OF HEARING REGARDING FINAL SETTLEMENT
TO: JAMES BEAU WRIGHT, KEVIN HINTON and CHAD KELLY, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHO ARE NEXT OF KIN AND LEGATEES OF RACHEL ANN WRIGHT; AND TO JOHN CARTER, A LEGATEE OF THE ESTATE OF RACHEL ANN WRIGHT WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS WAS IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF RACHEL ANN WRIGHT, DECEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED
Public Notices
AS FOLLOWS: February 23, 2022, ED PARISH, JR. as Administrator of the Estate of RAthis Court a PETITION AND ACCOUNTING FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED FINAL SETTLEMENT of the Estate of RACHEL ANN WRIGHT. Such Petition has been set for hear2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Such Commerce Street, Wetumpka, appear at such hearing and be heard by the Court. Name and Address of Petitioner: ED PARISH, JR. P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2024 EST/WRIGHT, R.
PUBLIC NOTICE DISTRICT 1 SCHOOL BOARD POSITION OPENING
Mr. Dale Bain, District 1 School Board Member, announced his resignation from the Elmore County School Board. Mr. Bain’s resignation is effective February 29, 2024. The Elmore County Board of Education is actively seeking an individual living in District 1 (Millbrook area) to serve the rest of Mr. Bain’s term. If you would like to be considered for the open Board position, a letter of interest and resume must be received at Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to Mr. Richard Dennis, Elmore County Board of Education, P.O. Box 817, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Finalists for the Board position will be interviewed during a public Work Session on Thursday, March 7, 2024. To verify your residence is in District 1, please contact Jean Czerpak at 334-567-1200. Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 OPENING
Wetumpka student recognized in congressional contest
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A Wetumpka student is in rare company.
Senior Whitley Shull was recognized in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. Shull created an app similar to the interface Amazon uses to track orders from start to finish. Only Shull’s scales the idea. Instead of a physical box, Shull’s box is made of code and holds links to vast amounts of information.
“It compiles everything into a single string identity for it,” Shull said. “It assigns the identity a number. Just using the number you can get information about whatever is stored in it.
It is almost unlimited to what you can store in it.”
The Congressional App Challenge was started by Congress in 2013 as a way to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM. In the first seven years of the program more than 40,000 students from all 50 states have submitted apps and code for the challenge.
Shull’s app placed second in the Alabama Second Congressional District. He, along with winners from Tuscaloosa Academy and Goshen High School, attended a small ceremony at Rep. Barry Moore’s office in Wetumpka Tuesday.
The idea behind Shull’s app started his sophomore year in a class with Dr. Virginia Vilardi for a submission in Advanced Placement Computer Science. Shull said Vilardi was instrumental in the process, but she denies helping too much.
“I push them. I ‘voluntell’ them,” Vilardi said. “‘You really need to do this.’ They don’t always like it when I do that but the after effect is a good thing.”
The app grew again for Shull’s junior year, making it
much more in depth and added a child safety feature. To make it work, Shull used Java. But that presented challenges.
“It is basically a custom creation,” Shull said. “You can create a custom creation of a car. You can give different aspects to it like how much resistance and weight. But it is hard to get it to interact with multiple things like a truck or different car.”
Shull went back to analyzing Amazon’s site.
“I saw how they packaged and tracked all the boxes,” Shull said. “You can click on a box and it will tell you the order number and what’s in it.”
Shull wanted to transfer among the “boxes” easily. He found an answer.
“Why don’t I make a system to shrink them and send them,” Shull said.
Vilardi got involved again when she saw an approaching deadline for this year’s App Challenge.
“It was like 24 hours,” Vilardi said. “It popped up on my screen and I got him going.
Shull disagreed saying it was more like 14 hours, but went to work with the tight time constraint.
“I took my old one and remade it,” Shull said. “I had like 20 minutes to edit it, then submit it.”
Vilardi said Shull has been successful as a student especially in computer science. It is a route Shull will follow when he attends Auburn University later this fall but not the only thing he will do.
“I will likely minor or get an associate degree in computer science,” Shull said. “I will major in electrical engineering.”
Food tasting brings out 500 for a good cause
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Taste of Elmore County is always a success for diners, vendors and especially the Elmore County Food Pantry.
The annual event is always a sell out and it is the main fundraiser for the organization serving those who wonder where their next meal will come from.
“It brings in enough funding to help us manage the food pantry effectively,” food pantry executive director Kathy Hall said. “It helps us purchase food at a great discount.”
The event brings enthusiasm to the staff and board of the food pantry with 500 tickets sold in a matter of days.
It’s an event Noah Griggs participates in every year with his 1220 Cafe in Tallassee and The Wharf in Wetumpka — even if he loses business to the event every year.
“I was joking a little earlier about the restaurant, it is dead tonight because everybody is here,” Griggs said. “You
have to be here. It is a great event. If you are going to be local, you have to be in it. It is a great cause.”
Griggs is OK giving up the one night of business in the restaurant as the event helps bring customers to his restaurants. The Wharf brought a honey pecan shrimp to sample and a lady tried it for the first time.
“She said, ‘That’s amazing. I would never order that at the restaurant because I didn’t think I would like it,’” Griggs said. “Here it is free, she tries and now it may become her favorite menu item. It pays off.”
Lake Martin Pizza Company and Rita Italian Ice from Our Town on Lake Martin are newcomers to Taste of Elmore.
“We are looking to serve the communities where are our customers are,” owner Brett Gelband said. “We want to get the name out and make sure everyone tries.”
Larry Dozier is a retired Elmore County Food Pantry board member. But he still has
influence to a cause he has served for more than 10 years. That influence stretches to Must Stop Cafe and owner Murray Simpson who brought cream cheese pound cake for diners to sample.
“He is at the restaurant all the time,” Simpson said. “I like supporting him.”
Taste of Elmore County also featured BBQ, hamburger steaks, chicken, turkey, sliders, tacos and enough desserts to satisfy the sweetest tooth.
It’s an event Grumpy Dog owner Wil Lanum has been a part of for 10 years. This year brought a salad with candied Conecuh sausage, marinated beets, garbanzo beans and a smoked lime dressing. The creation was part of the buffet. Lanum likened the event to a family reunion.
“Everyone here is like my second family,” Lanum said. “I have met a lot of people through this event and get to see them once a year. It is like going to a wedding or funeral.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
ABOVE: Grumpy Dog owner Wil Lanum serves up one of the restaurant’s famous salads for the Taste of Elmore County. It’s an event Lanum has been participating in for 10 years.
RIGHT: Guests of the annual Taste of Elmore County benefiting the Elmore County Food Pantry filled the Wetumpka Civic Center Monday to raise money for the cause. Funds will be used to purchase food for those who are food insecure in the area.
Council gives property back to Masonic Lodge
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s a deed that has been on the books since 1895, and now it’s officially being recognized. A property owned by the city on Company Street was discussed at Monday’s Wetumpka City Council meeting as the council authorized the mayor to execute a correction of legal boundaries.
When the city acquired the property from a recycling center, the deed wasn’t correct. The nearby lodge held a deed dating back to the 1800s showing it owned more property. “This is something that has needed to be corrected for years,” Mayor Jerry Willis said. “This gives about 30 feet back to the lodge.” Lodge leaders were at the
meeting and said more activity around the lodge would be seen soon.
The council recognized the Wetumpka High School FFA program for the upcoming National FFA Week, Feb. 17-24.
City attorney Justin Edwards asked for a brief executive session to discuss pending litigation. The council returned its regular session 10 minutes
later and took no action.
IN OTHER ACTION
THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the Jan. 16 meeting.
• Approved a financing contract for lighting at the softball fields at the Wetumpka Sports Complex.
• Authorized the Wetumpka Water Works to file a final application for a state
revolving loan for sewer upgrades.
• Gave an easement to Central Access of Alabama near the new fire station to bury fiber optic cable. The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19.
Concilmember Kevin Robbins was absent from the meeting.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
ABOVE: Wetumpka High School senior Whitley Shull, left, poses with Wetumpka teacher Dr.Virginia Vilardi after
Shull was announced as placing in Congressional APP project in the office of District 2 congressman Barry Moore.
BELOW: Wetumpka High School senior Whitley Shull speaks about his coding project for the Congressional APP project in the office of District 2 congressman Barry Moore.
Stewart hopes to bring stability to Chief Justice role
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
It’s not every day a small town in Central Alabama gets a visit from someone running for Chief Justice of Alabama’s Supreme Court.
But Judge Sarah Stewart made a campaign stop in Alexander City on Wednesday, giving an exclusive sit-down interview with Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
Stewart is currently an associate justice on the Supreme Court. A longtime resident of Mobile, Stewart has worked her way up the court system in Alabama and is now ready for the top job.
“We have 2,100 employees and a $300 million budget,” Stewart explained. “We have courthouses or offices in every county, and a lot of counties have more than one. So it’s almost like the CEO of a major corporation, and you need to walk into that with some understanding of how the system works.”
That’s exactly what Stewart believes she brings to the table.
She graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Arkansas before attending law school at Vanderbilt. She then practiced law for about 14 years before becoming a circuit court judge in Mobile, where she stayed for 13 years.
She never even expected to be on the Supreme Court.
“At the time, the Alabama Supreme Court didn’t have any trial judges on the court,” Stewart said. “A group of people came to me and said they would really like to have a trial judge, and I said, ‘Well, I’ll find you one.’”
For her own part, Stewart was raising a family and happy “in her own world,” she said.
But she couldn’t find a good candidate, so she decided to take a shot herself. The risk was low as it was a “free run,” meaning she didn’t have to give up her current
seat to run for the associate justice position.
“We had a run off, and I still remember when we won, I’m sitting in my living room because I didn’t have a watch party or anything,” Stewart said.
She said when her opponent, a good friend, called to concede, she was still shocked.
“I hadn’t even thought about how this is really going to impact us or we’re going to arrange this,” Stewart recalled.
However, it was the perfect time. One of her kids was about to graduate from high school and the other was in college, and it was finally time for her to focus on herself.
Currently, Chief Justice Tom Parker is in the position and will be the first since 2001 to finish out a full term.
In Alabama, you cannot run for reelection for the Supreme Court if you are more than 70. With Stewart being younger in her career, she believes she can really bring
some stability to the job.
“We’ve averaged a new chief justice every 2 ½ years, so when you do that, you get that kind of churn in leadership,” Stewart said.
“You don’t really have any long-term strategic planning, and it’s really hard to keep up with the
salaries, the evolution of technology, all of those things. We have a real need in the court system.
“Chief Justice Parker has worked really hard to stabilize a lot of that but there’s obviously still lots of work left to be done.”
After meeting with
Welcome Food Pantry ‘busting at the seams’
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Phillip Harris thought he would spend only a day volunteering at Welcome Food Pantry.
Seven years later, Harris is still volunteering and in a larger role. He is president of the food pantry’s board and gotten the opportunity to watch its growth..
“We started with three freezers, well 2 ½,” Harris said. “We opened up a wall to expand. We have 15 freezers now. We fill them up and empty them every month at least once, sometimes twice.”
The freezers hold meat, vegetables and end-of-the-day food from area restaurants such as Chick-fil A and Panera Bread.
Welcome Food Pantry has served western Elmore County since 1994. It has seen tremendous growth of those seeking help over the years, especially in the last year.
“We used to serve
maybe 180, rarely hitting 200 clients a month,” Harris said. “Since July we haven’t been below 300. In the last few months we have been 350.”
Each client represents a family and Harris estimates the pantry is likely serving more than 1,000 people including children.
The need in Elmore County is staggering.
According to Welcome Food Pantry, 12% live below the poverty line; 15% of children under 18 live in poverty; 9% of seniors 65 and older live in poverty; 8,537 individuals in Elmore County receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; 11.6% of Elmore County residents are considered food insecure and 15.4% of children are considered food insecure.
The organization is located in a building on Main Street, which is owned by the City of Millbrook who allows the pantry to occupy rent free. The utility bill is
cer and Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley’s ability to bag groceries. The bags would soon be delivered to those who are food
expensed by the panty and can be lofty due to the exterior walls being made of concrete.
“This building is extremely expensive to heat and cool,” Harris said. “If it gets really cold you can’t bring the temperature up.”
Executive director
D’Ann Pendley said the pantry’s current building on Main Street has served the organization well.
“We are busting at the
seams out of this building,” Pendley said. “This building has served us so well. It may look like a dilapidated little place, but it is our home and we love it.”
To be eligible for food assistance at Welcome Food Pantry, applicants must reside in western Elmore County. Income is verified and applications are reviewed each year. The demand is high though, as cars line up
when the pantry is issuing food.
“We want to be giving and generous,” Harris said. “We love these people, but we have to be wise with what God has given us.”
When need be, the food pantry will even go the extra mile beyond just food service. Harris has made deliveries to clients with no means of transportation. He noticed how dire the need for food is in certain situations.
“When I say I don’t have food in my house, it means I can’t cook what I want to eat,” Harris said. “(One home) was a dark trailer with a couple of kids. We opened the cupboards. They had one box of instant grits, nothing else and an empty refrigerator.”
In the next 60 days the pantry will open a new facility at 1881 I-65 Service in Millbrook. The new pantry will have more parking and better flow for receiving and
issuing food. There will be a walkin freezer funded mostly by an Alabama Department of Environmental and Community Affairs grant the City of Millbrook received. The Elmore County Commission is also funding some renovations.
Harris is hopeful the pantry will continue to receive community support through not just donations but also volunteering.
“We have an amazing crowd of volunteers who come here every week, day and day out,” Pendley said. “They love what we do. God has drawn them to this place.”
Local officials toured the facility before the move getting a chance to see the pantry in action
“This is a great example of the heart of Elmore County,” Mercer said. “We have great people in our county. Anytime there is a need, someone steps up to fill it.”
DHR notes importance of emergency foster parents
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Opening one’s heart and home can be overwhelming to many, but emergency foster parents do it at the drop of a hat. When a child is in immediate danger of harm within their home, an emergency foster parent will take the child in
with limited information until a more permanent home is found.
“The main misconception is that emergency foster parents do not have to meet the same standards or complete the same training as other foster parents, which is not true,” said Amanda Mancuso, Alabama Department of Human
Resources director of children and family services. “All of our foster homes must meet the requirements and be approved, no matter how long a child will be placed in the home.”
All foster parents must complete the Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence training. Everyone in the
family over 19 who lives in the home must also have a criminal background check. Meanwhile, everyone older than 14 is required to complete a Child Abuse and Neglect clearance. A social worker also must perform home visits to ensure that the home meets the safety standards as well as get
to know the foster family.
“Children need a safe place to go when they have been subjected to abuse and, or neglect,” Mancuso said. “When that happens in the middle of the night or weekends, it is in their best interest to have emergency foster parents who are willing to take children with little to no notice
and with little or no background information.”
From there, the Department of Human Resources works through the foster care system to find a more permanent place. The emergency foster parents can also keep the child for a longer timeframe to decide if that is a good fit for both of them.
Commission recognizes Blue Gray Tennis at 17 Springs
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
For decades the Blue Gray Tennis Classic has attracted the top collegiate teams across the country for an early season tournament in Montgomery. For the first time portions of the tournament are coming to Elmore
County and the new tennis complex at 17 Springs.
“It is one of the first large events in the facility,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer told the commission Monday. “It’s a great exposure for Elmore County.”
Beyer said the portion of the tournament nor-
mally held at the O’Connor Tennis Center near Cramton Bowl is coming to 17 Springs. It is about half the tournament according to Beyer.
The commission passed a resolution at its Monday meeting recognizing the accomplishments of the tennis classic over the years and to welcome organizers to
Elmore County. The commission also heard from Lee County EMA director Rita Smith who recognized the efforts from the Elmore County EMA to support gameday at Auburn University.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved the min -
utes of the Jan. 22 meeting.
• Approved a memorandum of warrants for the period of Jan. 13-26 in the amount of $2,867,329.03.
• Approved a resolution supporting Amendment 1 to the Alabama Constitution.
• Awarded a bid to Robinson Recycling for
disposal of scrap signs and scrap sign posts.
• Was reminded the Elmore County Administrative Complex will be closed Feb. 19 in observance of President’s Day.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Welcome Food Pantry board president Phillip Harris, right, jokes about the ability of Elmore County Commision chair Bart Mer-
insecure in the area.
Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., Stewart toured Tallapoosa County with Probate Judge Tal East. They had a meeting with officials at Judge Terry Mitchell’s home then toured the Alexander City municipal complex with Mayor Woody Baird.
SUBMITTED | TPI
Associate Justice Sarah Stewart, second from left, poses with Probate Judge Tal East, county commissioner John McKelvey and judge Terry Mitchell.
MASON WINS COUNTY REPUBLICAN
SCHOLARSHIP
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It didn’t take long for Elmore County High School senior Emily Mason to decide what to write about for her essay for a local scholarship.
Being a female athlete and having the opportunity to express her opinion, Mason chose to write against allowing transgender athletes competing in female only sports.
“As a female athlete it really clicked that I needed to say something about it,” Mason said. “It was interesting for me to research.”
Mason’s essay helped her win the Elmore County Republican Party Scholarship, which was announced at a dinner Thursday.
Mason is a basketball and track athlete. She found it unfair former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas who transitioned to a woman through hormone therapy was allowed to compete as a woman a year later in the NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship in 2022.
“[Thomas] had an unfair advantage,” Mason said.
University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines was eventually awarded a medal by the NCAA for efforts in the championship. She lost a spot on the initial awards stand because the NCAA allowed Thomas to compete as a woman.
Mason’s essay is part of what made her application stand above second-place
winner Lucas Luster of ECHS and third-place winner Rhett Pinkston of Wetumpka.
“It is our biggest and most important event,” Elmore County Republican Party chair Judge Bill Lewis said.
“We are pouring back into the kids in our county.”
Lewis said the dinner and scholarship were set up because of a big discrepancy in what kids know and what they should know. He remembered as a child asking his five brothers and sisters what the Fourth of July was about.
“None of them could tell me what the purpose of the Fourth of July was,” Lewis said.
He thought he and his siblings were just dumb kids.
“Come to find out a lot of kids can not identify what the holidays mean; they can’t identify our elected officials; they can’t identify our president or vice president,” Lewis said. “We have an obligation as a community to make sure our kids are learning about the government that is here to protect them.”
The Elmore County Republican Party scholarship is organized a little differently than most according to scholarship committee chair Karen Stewart.
“You don’t just fill out paperwork and send it in then the one with the highest GPA or ACT often wins,” Stewart said. “We require them to write an essay. The topic of the essay is pick one political event from 2023 that you liked or disliked, what would
you change about it and why.”
Mason said the Elmore County Republican Party Scholarship was different from other scholarships she has applied for.
“The essay let me put more of my opinion into it,” Mason said. “A lot of essays for scholarships you just write about yourself. This one let me write about somebody else. It was fun to do the research on it and also still have an opinion on it.”
Applicants are also interviewed by the scholarship committee.
Mason plans to go to Auburn University Mont-
and major in biology. She wants to work in forensic sciences.
Alabama District 6 Congressman Gary Palmer spoke at the dinner. He gave an update on issues in Washington D.C. but also addressed the students.. Palmer said he was in 11th grade when WWII veteran and science teacher David Thomas spoke to him.
“‘Gary, you should go to college,’” Palmer said the teacher told him. “Nobody had ever said that to me
before. It made all the difference in the world.”
Palmer said students in Elmore County have similar role models in Lewis and others at the dinner.
“There is a lot of wisdom here,” Palmer said.
The congressman suggested reading history and biographies to the students and those at the dinner.
“Smart people learn from their mistakes,” Palmer said. “Brilliant people learn from other people’s mistakes. Learn how people overcame adversity and disappointment.”
Elmore County’s Bennett signs with Faulkner fishing
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Matthew Bennett is ready to fish around the country.
Bennett, an Elmore County senior, signed his National Letter of Intent to fish at the college level with Faulkner University. Bennett has enjoyed fishing all of his life, but really got into the sport competitively when he was around 14 when Elmore County started a program.
Four years later, and he’s ready to show what he can do at the college level.
“It really means a lot to me to sign and go fishing at the college level,” Bennett said. “I haven’t been doing it that long, but I’m really glad to get the opportunity to fish against guys at the college level.”
Bennett began talking to Faulkner fishing coach John Pollard probably six or seven months ago, and the two hit it off.
After some interest, Bennett and his family were offered an official visit and were given an offer at the end of the tour.
“Really the main thing we look for in these guys
and girls that we recruit, obviously their fishing ability and the success they’ve had on the water, but also academics and Matthew really excelled at academics,” Pollard said.
Bennett is part of a massive signing class for the Faulkner team that includes fishermen from Wetumpka, Horseshoe Bend, Tallassee, Benjamin Russell and Holtville among others.
So Bennett will have the pleasure of knowing, or at least knowing of, most of the other freshmen that he will be joining the team with. That played a role in his signing, but so did the short distance to home.
“I wanted to get away from the house for college, but I thought about it and if I really need something, I want to be able to come back and not have to drive eight or nine hours just to get home and see my family,” Bennett said. “So that played a pretty big factor.”
The Elmore County fishing team recently wrapped up a successful fall season where the Panthers fished on many of the surrounding
lakes. In the Three-River Throwdown, Bennett was able to fish on Lake Jordan, Lake Martin and Lay Lake.
He loves fishing on the lakes he knows, but he is certainly excited about
getting to the college level and fishing across not only the Southeast but the entire country.
Faulkner’s fishing team recently wrapped up a trip in south Florida, and the Eagles were also
recently in Georgia and the Carolinas.
“They pretty much go all over the country and fish in their tournaments,” Bennett said. “Fishing around here is great because it’s home
and you know the lakes, but going out to new lakes will be a great experience. You get to see all these different lakes and catch some different fish. It’s a nice change of scenery.”
Elmore County’s Matthew Bennett, right, is pictured with Faulkner fishing coach John Pollard. Bennett signed a National Letter of Intent to fish with Faulkner University.
gomery
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
TOP: Elmore County Republican Party chair Bill Lewis, left, poses with Elmore County High School senior
Emily Mason, Congressman Gary Palmer and Karen Stewart. Mason was announced as the winner of the Elmore County Republican Party Scholarship at a dinner Thursday.
ABOVE: Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer, left, shakes hands with Congressman Gary Palmer at the Elmore County Republican Party Annual Scholarship Dinner.
GWIN Managing Editor
IArts & Entertainment
n case you didn’t know, I’m a huge Gilm ore Girls fan. Such a big fan in fact, I have a quote from the show tattooed on my arm. I’ve always wanted to live in Stars Hollow, a fictional town in Connecticut where the show is set, with all its festivals and characters.
Little did I know when I moved to Central Alabama, I was moving to my own little Stars Hollow.
At Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., we cover a three-county region in Tallapoosa, Coosa and Elmore counties and there are little Stars Hol lows sprinkled throughout. Right now, we’re in midst of the Valentine’s Day season and our towns have shown up and showed out, especially for Galentine’s. I got a chance to attend the Galentine’s celebration at Clarabelle Co. in Holtville, and it was so cute. What a fun way to celebrate a lesser known holiday. I was so impressed with the mobile bouquet bar and the balloon archway. Plus, the candle I bought is making my office so peaceful.
In Alexander City, the perfect Valentine’s Date is planned right in the heart of downtown. Scent Wizards and Lake Martin Brewing are teaming up to create a date where couples can create their own wax melt then head over for a romantic three-course dinner.
The Lake Martin Area Dadeville Chamber of Commerce has also changed its November Denim and Diamonds fundraiser to a Valentine Charity Ball, which will take place Saturday. Skip the lines and enjoy a Valentine’s Day date
YEAR-ROUND JOB
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s a year-round job to make for a great Mardi Gras.
The Order of Cimarron will celebrate with a festival and parade in Wetumpka Saturday. But members won’t rest long before looking to next year’s festivities, according to Order of Cimarron Vice President and Parade Chair Craig Bell.
“We will start planning a month from now,” Bell said. “We will have a talk about what went well, what we want to do again, what we need to do differently.”
If these beads could talk
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Take notice when Marilyn Win-
born has her African Killer Beads booth set up.
The beads are precious and never a killer, but they always have a story.
Winborn has a collection of glass beads she has collected over the years, most with a lineage to Africa.
“When I was in college, the African students, you would see them
In the meantime, dates for the annual ball must be scheduled to reserve a spot at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The real work begins in May at an all-member meeting. New members of the group are nominated and voted on.
“We talk about big plans and changes for next year,” Bell said. “From there on we are rolling.”
In October, the Order of Cimarron selects a queen who is responsible for deciding on a theme for the ball. The theme
is typically decided a week after the queen is selected.
“The ladies have multiple meetings, getting together in the evenings to build decorations,” Bell said. “They put a ton of work into it.”
The new queen makes sure the ball has the proper refreshments and the set up is the way she wants it. Once a theme is decided, the queen and the rest of the planning committee must decide on a band.
“It is a big undertaking,” Bell said. “There is no way just the queen can do it; it is her ideas that are put into place by a group of 10 to 12 members.”
The Order of Cimarron has about 60 members. Bell said the group is great for creating friendships beyond the ball and parade.
“I’m not from Wetumpka,” Bell said. “Being a member of this, I’ve probably met half the town. My kids hate when we go anywhere because I’ll meet someone I know. It’s opened my world to a whole group of friends I didn’t grow up with.”
The Order of Cimarron started a few years after the Krewe of Toulouse stopped hosting a yearly Mardi Gras Ball. A few
members wanted to still celebrate, so they started the Order of Cimarron. They created a parade and worked with the City of Wetumpka to be able to close the streets and use Gold Star Park for a festival and vendors.
“We couldn’t do it without the city,” Bell said. Bell has been in charge of the Order of Cimarron parade for a few years, so he is still helping this year even though he will not be able to attend. Bell is handing over the parade to Christi Thornton and Bethany Hogan who have been there every step of the way.
This year’s festival begins at 9 a.m. in Gold Star Park. It will have about 100 vendors.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. and will start at the Farmer’s Market, cross the Bibb Graves Bridge and come through downtown Wetumpka.
“We normally have 50 to 60 entrants, but one entrant could be 20 Corvettes or 40 Jeeps like we had last year,” Bell said. “Last year there were an estimated 20,000 here for it. That is pretty amazing for a town of 7,200. We hope there are more this year.”
Elmore County artist uses decades old glass beads in jewelry
with these beads on,” Winborn said. “They would sell them. They were inexpensive. That is how they ate.”
At the time most of what Winborn saw was glass beads traded to the ancestors of the students she was buying them. Some of the beads are not native to Africa; Europeans would bring the glass beads to trade for spices, silver and gold. Tribal leaders would end up with the best ones. Others would end up being currency.
Winborn has a treasured collec-
tion of strands of beads, some from the Dead Seas, Russian Blues and more. Others are mixed.
“You can tell how old they are by the knicks and dents and chips and wear in them,” Winborn said.
Winborn has found beads in travels around the world. She has them from Africa, Egypt, Amsterdam, Paris, the Caribbean and Brazil. In some cases Winborn hangs onto the strands, but in other cases she
See BEADS, Page C4
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Writer
dance lessons.
Marnie Mattei, a multi-award winning country dance instructor, led lessons alongside Rick Moore. The two started off the night with lessons in line dancing and ended with the Texas Two-Step.
For the line dancing portion of the night, participants learned a basic line dancing routine to the song “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” by Jo Dee Messina.
No partner was necessary for this portion of the night. During the Texas Two-Step portion of the night, participants grabbed a partner while Mattei and Moore explained the first part of the dance.
In order to master the Texas Two-Step, participants must first master walking in conjunction with their partner to the beat of the music. After Mattei and Moore demonstrated the walk, participants began practicing the walk with their partners.
Once participants became familiar with this part, Mattei and Moore felt ready to teach them how to properly turn their partner. Mattei and Moore showed participants how to correctly place their hands on their partner’s to create a flow between both participants.
Once participants got into the swing of things, they practiced to slow music, advancing to faster-paced songs.
Guests enjoyed watching dance lessons while enjoying their in-house brewed Winter Blonde craft beer.
Lake Martin Brewing Company holds dance lessons on the first Saturday of every month at a cost of $10 per person.
Every Thursday, Lake Martin Brewing Company hosts a casino night. Guests can play blackjack, roulette or craps, and all proceeds benefit Mainstreet Alexander City.
For Valentine’s Day, Lake Martin Brewing Company is teaming up with Scent Wizards for what they’re calling the perfectly crafted date night. On Feb. 10 or 14, couples can have a hassle-free date night experience for one price.
For $110 per couple, the night will begin at Scent Wizards where couples can create a custom wax melt, and take home a warmer at no extra charge. Then couples can make their way to Lake Martin Brewing Company where they can choose from a selection of appetizers, get a pizza of their choice and receive a special beer flight with a chocolate pairing.
The package includes three drinks per person, and it includes in-house brews, beer bottles or wine. Reservations are required by Feb. 6.
With Super Bowl LVIII coming up, both all fans have the opportunity to enjoy unlimited food and beverages during the game. For $55 per person, guests have access to unlimited pizza, beer cheese nachos and pretzel bites and unlimited Lake Martin Brewing Company draft beer, bottled beer or wine. The package also includes one prepaid Super Bowl square.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 11, and unlimited drinks and food begins at kickoff.
Martini on the mind
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Tallapoosa County
No matter the flavor of drink, the 1909 Bar has you covered.
Atop the Coosa Cleaver, looking out on the downtown cityscape of Wetumpka, drink lovers can find all sorts of handcrafted cocktails to enjoy.
The strawberry lemonade martini was recommended by bartender Phoenix and it did not disappoint. Garnished with a fresh
1220 Café
A burger for sausage lovers
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor, Elmore County
If you’re ever in the mood for some Conecuh sausage, I have found the perfect burger for you. I checked out 1220 Café for the first time this week, and I couldn’t help but get a burger named after the restaurant. I chose the 1220 Burger, which is an 8-ounce patty served with Conecuh sausage, bacon, a fried egg, cheddar cheese and sriracha sauce all on a brioche bun. The burger costs a pretty penny at $16.29, but you get enough bang for your buck. The burger came with a knife in the middle and could easily be split into two meals. It also
came with your choice of one side, in which case I chose seasoned fries.
The Conecuh sausage was the star of the show, and that’s for good reason. It was delicious, and there was at least one piece of sausage in every bite. All in all, there were roughly 10-12 pieces of sausage just on my burger alone. For my trip, I was given a burger with no bacon. I ordered bacon, but it was not on the burger when I ate it. Thankfully, there was enough sausage to make up for the error.
You also get to order your egg however you’d like it cooked, and I ordered mine over easy. I like to have my yolk runny, but it did not come that way. It was more over
strawberry slice and a cut of lemon, the strawberry lemonade martini brought me back to the warm summer months.
Made with Deep Eddy’s vodka, the cocktail was equal parts savory as it was sweet. The vodka was not overpowered by the mix nor was the mix too strong for the alcohol. There are also numerous flavor combinations for those who don’t choose to go the strawberry route. As with any lemonade flavored
drink, there is plenty of sugar that does linger on the palate.
But on a chilly afternoon, taking a sip from your flavorful cocktail makes all the cold melt away. Your martini can be paired with another drink along the menu, or a delicious dish of mahi mahi, a flatbread or brisket mac and cheese. Do not be afraid of the cocktail’s bright pink hue as flavor knows no gender. A solid drink goes down all the same, and this drink went down just fine.
medium, but that was fine.
With how much sriracha sauce was on my burger, I think the runny yolk would have made the burger a little too wet. So the egg cooked wrong was likely a positive in this situation. The cheese was melted to perfection on top of the burger, and the sriracha sauce made for a perfect balance to the sausage and burger. My side of fries were great as well, cooked exactly how I liked with just the right amount of crunch. I didn’t get any “bottom of the bag” fries, as I like to call them. All of my fries were perfectly sized.
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Each spring, Zazu’s Verandah brings live music to the Dadeville Square with pop up music events throughout the rest of the year.
Last month, Zazu’s Verandah hosted Two Crows for Comfort. The two are from Manitoba, Canada, and they travel in their 18-foot camper with their dog Elliot to play music around North America. Two Crows for Comfort brought a folk inspired sound to Dadeville and recently released a new album this year called Next To Me, Vol. 1.
Soon Zazu’s will have more artists coming in for the fifth season of Music in the Air on the Dadeville Square. This music series originally started in 2020 as a way for people to enjoy live music while socially distanced during the pandemic.
Zazu’s didn’t expect the music series to go beyond that first year but come 2021 the community and musicians were asking for more. Over the years and with the help of the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival each July, during which Zazu’s Verandah is a host venue, more and more regional artists are recognizing Lake Martin as a place to perform.
Zazu’s Music on the Square is held on Thursday nights and the venue has seen weekend visitors coming on Thursdays rather than Fridays so they can stop by for the music.
Zazu’s also started partnering with Me Mama’ Grub Hub food truck so people can enjoy food and drinks while listening.
forward to Thursday night,” co-owner Mitzy Hidding said in a previous TPI interview. “We wanted to bring something to Dadeville that people could look forward to.” As Zazu’s prepares for Music in the Air on the Dadeville Square, take a look at its Facebook page and website for updates on this year’s full schedule. Zazu’s brings Thursday night music to Dadeville area
“I think that the community really looks
HENRY ZIMMER TPI
This martini is one of the signature drinks at 1909 Bar above Coosa Cleaver in downtown Wetumpka.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
The 1220 Burger is an 8 oz patty served with Conecuh sausage, bacon, a fried egg, cheddar cheese and siracha sauce on a brioche bun. It was served with a side of seasoned fries.
ABIGAIL MURPHY TPI
Despite the stormy weather, many gather inside Zazu's listening room for a Thursday evening of free live music on the square.
ABIGAIL MURPHY TPI
Two Crows for Comfort plays at Zazu's on Jan. 25 as part of its free live music events.
DPAC welcomes in professionals, beginners alike
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
The Dadeville Performing Arts Center is well-known for its kids’ arts classes, but the center also offers a space for adults to enjoy music and the arts as well.
The center currently has four groups for adults to engage in music. There is the Lake Martin Dulcimer Club, which meets at 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Dadeville Community Chorus rehearses at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, the Handbell Ensemble is at 7 p.m. Mondays and the Advanced Handbell Ensemble is at 3:15 p.m. Thursdays.
These groups also do performances on a quarterly basis as a form of outreach to the community. The Dadeville Community Chorus is performing a Valentine’s Pops Concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 with love songs from the 1930s through the 80s.
For the spring term, DPAC is offering classes for adults and kids such as beginning Mountain Dulcimer classes at 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Exploring Music Together at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
Founder Kim Walls said the center is an authentic learning experience for adults and a wonderful way to keep your brain sharp. Walls said the center is also always looking for adults to volunteer and teach arts classes for kids.
“We want to see all ages involved and all types of music,” she said. Joyce Gooden is one of the volunteers, a dulcimer club member and community chorus member. She used to be a dance teacher and she now instructs line dancing for some of the kids’ classes.
“Personally, it’s just a new life for me,” she said. “It’s doing something I have always loved and now I have opportunities to learn an instru-
ment, be in a community chorus with a beautiful four-part harmony and it’s just opened a whole new world for me.”
Not only does the center offer classes and musical groups but also hosts performances.
Michael Mason is performing a gentle guitar concert with songs such as Spanish Harlem, Killing Me Softly, Greenfields and Danny Boy.
This is part of the center’s lecture concert series and will be performed at 7 p.m. March 2. Walls said the center is always open for musicians in the area to perform a concert.
Along with these concerts, the center has also had musical artists The Bev as well as Tom’s Foolery Improv Troupe come in the past with return performances planned for later this year.
More information about DPAC can be found on its Facebook page and website.
SUBMITTED TPI
from Monty Python beginning Feb. 15. The comedy is back on the stage in Wetumpka after it was canceled in the summer of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘It’s
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Wetumpka Depot Players were all set for Spamalot in the summer of 2020.
They had done the homework, gotten the rights to put the show on a Wetumpka stage and had it scheduled.
However, the COVID19 pandemic led to a shutdown of all events, including Spamalot.
Three years later and rehearsals are almost finished as the first performance is Feb. 15.
“We are extremely happy to get back to Spamalot,” Wetumpka Depot Players artistic director Kristy Meanor said. “It was touring and playing on Broadway. We are so fortunate to have the rights again.”
Spamalot has been on Meanor’s mind for years to bring to Wetumpka.
“It is such a crowd pleaser. It is such a fun show,” Meanor said. “It was devastating when we lost it and had to wait.”
The show has drawn
back’
the attention of local actors all wanting a spot in the production. Meanor said the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for Spamalot at the Wetumpka Depot.
“It is well worth it because the most amazing cast lined up for it,” Meanor said. “I had so many people audition for it I could have cast two or three different ways. We are so lucky to have the moon and the stars line up for this one.”
Meanor said audiences will love the comedy of Spamalot.
Spamalot is taken from the cult-favorite comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It is a parody of the King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table legend by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.
“Even if someone doesn’t like the Monty Python movies, everyone will still love it,” Meanor said. “It makes for a fun night at the Depot.”
Spamalot features the infamous Laker Girls, dancing divas, a killer
Chamber to hold Valentine’s Day Charity Ball
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Writer
The Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual charity ball on Saturday Feb. 10. While the charity ball is normally held in November, the chamber is holding a Valentine’s Day Charity Ball because it wants to put emphasis on giving from the heart, said chamber event chairperson Sandra Carlisle.
The charity ball will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters.
The event will have a steak dinner provided by Scott Blake, and live entertainment from Mother Moonpie.
A silent auction will be held at the event. All of the proceeds from the charity ball will benefit Lake Martin Area United Way and the Lake
Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We do this to benefit our 28 agencies,” Carlisle said. “These are funds that we can use to meet the needs of our whole community.”
Those who participate in the silent auction have the opportunity to win multiple types of trips, a year-long membership to Stillwaters Golf Course, grills and several other donated items.
“We have three or four trips,” Carlisle said. “Some (trips) are to the mountains, and some are to the beach.”
Carlisle said they have been accepting various items to be given out during the auction, and they will be accepting more donations throughout the week.
Lifelong local creates art for community
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Writer
Charles Forbus has lived in Alexander City his entire life. When he was a child, he developed a talent and interest for art.
rabbit, catapulting cows and a legless knight. It has been honored with dozens of awards, including the Grammy for Best Original Cast Recording and three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The Depot Players cast in the production are Adrian Lee Bush as The Lady of the Lake, David Rowland as Patsy and Scott Page as King Arthur. Knights of the Round Table are Gage Leifried, Tim Griggs, Jay Russell and Seth Maggard who are accompanied by an ensemble of 15 singers, dancers and actors.
Spamalot is directed by Meanor. The creative team includes musical director Randy Foster, stage manager Hannah Meherg, choreographer Daniel Harms, set designer Charles Eddie Moncrief, lighting designer Thomas Rodman, music technician Jerry Parker and costume designer Suzanne Booth.
Spamalot will be on stage at The Depot for 10 shows beginning Feb. 15.
“When I was in second grade, I was told that I would grow up to be an artist,” Forbus said. “There’s not a time that I don’t remember being an artist.”
When he was in high school, he began painting custom artwork to sell to friends and family.
He has been able to create a successful career.
Forbus painted several of the murals throughout Alex City and Lake Martin.
One of his most recent Lake Martin projects was the mural at the Patriot Fueling Station on Highway 63. Forbus painted this mural with the help of his son. He also completed the artwork for the Lake Martin Mini Mall mural.
One of his most recognizable murals is the “Drink Chero-Cola” mural in an alley in downtown Alex City. He also completed the artwork located on the
Alexander City native Charles Forbus has
throughout downtown.
front of the Carlisle’s Soda Fountain building.
“Art has a unique ability to transcend language and connect people,” Forbus said.
“I am humbled to have played a small part in enhancing the visual landscape of Alex City.”
As an Alex City local himself, he is thankful that he’s had the opportunity to embellish his community.
“It brings me immense joy to create pieces that not only
RATHEL
capture the essence of our surroundings, but also resonate with people on a deep level,” Forbus said. “Knowing that my murals have the power to uplift, inspire and bring joy to those who pass is truly fulfilling.”
Forbus is not exclusive to painting, however.
He also specializes in custom oil, charcoal and pencil portraits of people and animals.
He is also proficient in digital art for businesses, T-shirts, logos and more.
ABOVE: Dadeville Performing Arts Center has its doors open for the Open House event and puts on a dulcimer concert.
BELOW: Dadeville Community Chorus performs at the Pennington Park lighting ceremony. The chorus sang Christmas carols before the lights for Christmas in the Park turned on.
The Wetumpka Depot Players are presenting Spamalot
Depot Players to present Monty Python’s Spamalot
MELODY
TPI
painted murals
ENTERTAINING
THE CROWD
‘LIVE HAPPY’
Schuler brings happiness to her art
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
Growing up in Hackneyville, Sydne Schuler always knew what she wanted to do.
“My entire childhood dream was being an artist and an art teacher,” Schuler said.
So now, she’s taking matters into her own hands.
Schuler has started a series of watercolor and acrylic workshops around Tallapoosa County. She’s hosted lessons at the Local at 41 Main and The Funky Goat and also has plans for workshops at Fermenter’s Market on the Green in Alexander City.
“The first hour, I teach you techniques and really go over the different styles of workshops and show you how to do each thing that’s going to be in your final piece of art,” Schuler said. “The second hour, we paint the whole piece at the end.”
The techniques taught are straight from Schuler’s mind, especially in her watercolor workshops as she taught herself. But her acrylics are a different story.
Back when Schuler was just 8 years old, she started art classes with Bonnie
Lucky. She fell in love with art and volunteered as well as did a three-year apprenticeship under Lucky.
“I got out of art for a little while, but I got back into it after I had my son,” Schuler said. “Now I’m rocking and rolling and ready to get out there.”
And get out there she has. Not only does Schuler have art in The Funky Goat and The Local, she also is getting some art in Carlisle’s in downtown Alex City. She also plans to start bi-weekly art classes for kids and adults.
Art is just a part of Schuler’s professional life either. It’s how she met her husband. Back when she was just 15, she met Tripp while taking a class and the two have been inseparable since. Their son Waylon is also a burgeoning artist.
“When I am painting, he is painting,” Schuler said with a grin.
That’s the face she usually wears when she’s creating art as she has one simple goal in mind. Her art’s tagline is Live Happy.
“I really just like (my art) to be fun and happy,” she said. “I have no other goal. I just want you to look at it and make you happy.”
breaks them apart to create jewelry. The beads end up as bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants.
Other times she finds individual beads. The Europeans brought the glass beads, but those of African lineage are made from lots of things such as amber, metal, bone and shells.
“I would buy two or three of something I thought was nice,” Winborn said. “I would keep some for me and make jewelry from
STARS
Continued from C1
with your loved one. Plus, steaks by Scott Blake — yep, you will catch me there. Even though we’re wrapped up in the Valentine season, we can’t forget how much Elmore County has made Mardi Gras really a thing in Central Alabama.
This past weekend was the Millbrook Mardi Gras celebration, complete with an all-youcan-eat breakfast, a festival and a parade. That was fol-
some.”
Some of the old strands Winborn will restring. Others go into the jewelry drawer.
Over the years she has sold her creations.
“I only do local shows,” Winborn said. “The furthest I went was maybe Birmingham. I had a 9 to 5 job. It is just a hobby. Now I also do the internet.”
Winborn can frequently be found around The Kelly. She offers classes on jewelry making most notably with beads. She has no plans to change.
“I try to keep it unusual,” Winborn said. “I only have the beads you can’t find anywhere else.”
lowed by Holtville’s first-ever Mardi Gras parade. Next up is in Wetumpka with the Order of the Cimmaron’s Mardi Gras festival. It takes the entire year to prepare, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. In one season of Stars Hollow, there’s a bit of a lull at the end of the summer. There’s no festivals or extravangas, so the town selectman comes up with an End-of-the-Summer bash.
“You finally found a way to fill September!” the main character says. Well, we’ve found a way to fill March as the little towns
in Central Alabama are ready to take full advantage of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, plus with Easter falling early this year, egg hunts and paint parties to celebrate are coming soon. I always hear, “There’s nothing to do in this town,” but I challenge you to read these pages and we’ll change your mind.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached via phone at 434962-9420 or via email at lizi. gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HIMES | TPI
at Lake Martin Brewing during a recent Friday night event.
SUBMITTED TPI
Sydne Schuler’s tagline for her art is ‘Live Happy.’