Arts & Entertainment
Edgewood’s Brown scores record-breaking 2,000th point
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
Lindsey Brown just keeps adding to her already impressive athletic resume.
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Edgewood Academy senior already has nine state championships across three sports, multiple player of the year honors and is an SEC signee in volleyball, but she recently recorded one of the most impressive accomplishments of her high school career.
coaches that have helped me get to this point. I couldn’t have done any of it without them, so I give them all the credit. I know I’ve had a great career, but you can’t get anywhere in life without great teammates and coaches.”
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s been a year since two EF2 tornadoes ripped through northern Elmore County and five years since an EF2 tornado tore through Wetumpka.
The three tornadoes each left a track of destruction. A year after the Jan. 3, 2023 tornado struck Elmore County and approaching the anniversary of the Jan. 12, 2023 and Jan. 19, 2019 tornadoes, Elmore County EMA director
Keith Barnett talked about the damage, recovery and being prepared for the next storm or tornado.
“Preparation is key,” Barnett said. “With it we can greatly
Brown’s 2,000th point came almost exactly two years after she reached the 1,000 point milestone. She reached 1,000 points on Dec. 29, 2021 against Lakeside Academy.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
In a 59-49 win over Calvary Christian on Dec. 27, Brown scored the 2,00th point of her high school basketball career.
She is the only Edgewood Academy athlete, boy or girl, to ever reach the milestone as she is now the highest scorer in school history.
“It feels great to reach the milestone, but it’s not a journey by myself,” Brown said. “I’ve had so many great teammates and
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon.
CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
See CHAMBER, Page A3
As a sophomore that season, she averaged 19.5 points and led the Wildcats to their first ever state championship. Last year, averaging 16.5 points as a junior, she led the team to an undefeated record and back-to-back titles.
Now as a senior, she’s scoring at a level she’s never seen.
Through 21 games, she’s averaging 25 points per game and scored 28 in an area-opening win over
See BROWN, Page B4
Preparing for the next storm event
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
In recent years, there have been a rash of tornadoes affecting the East Central Alabama region, and Merry See STORM, Page B4
not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton. Benton didn’t want to speculate on the See SHOOTING, Page A3
Daughter follows mother’s footsteps to
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
me some guidance because she has been through it before herself. It helps me a lot.”
grams for senior girls.
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
There is a little bit of deja vu for Gigi Hankins as her daughter Gracie competes in the Alabama Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program.
2022 Alabama High School Prin-
cipal 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.
Gracie was selected as this year’s Elmore County representative over the summer — an honor Gigi won a few years earlier as a teenager. The mother-daughter team are now living the experience from different points of view.
“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
“I don’t think I could do DYW without her,” Gracie said. “She is there to give
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
Gigi is now the principal at Wetumpka Elementary while her daughter is a senior at the high school. But the doting mother is stepping in some — if nothing else, creating and sharing memories.
“It is exciting to be able to share the experience with her,” Gigi said. “It’s the same but it has changed so much. I think I’m more nervous for her because I know what is coming, but she is going to love it.”
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
Mel Reese, who is co-chair of the local DYW committee, said the DYW program is one of America’s oldest scholarship pro-
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
“DYW inspires high school senior girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun experience that highlights their accomplishments,” Reese said.
She said the program encourages young women to develop self-confidence and abilities to interview effectively, speak in public, perform on stage and build interpersonal relationships.
“They are looking for the most well rounded person,” Reese said.
Since the inception of Alabama DYW more than 50 years ago few changes
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Edgewood Academy’s Lindsey Brown, pictured with head coach Brad Starks, became the first Edgewood basketball player to reach the 2,000 point mark.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Gracie Hankins, second from right, and her mother Gigi, third from right are greeted at a sendoff tea for Gracie. She was selected to be Elmore County’s representative at the Alabama Distinguished Young Women’s Program next week.
Obituaries
VERONICA J. (LABRECHE) DEBUSK
Veronica J. (LaBreche)
DeBusk passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Lawton, Oklahoma surrounded by family. She was born February
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
JAN. 1
• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231. DEC. 31
• Domestic violence was reported on Chapel Lakes Loop.
DEC. 28
• Theft was reported on Coosa River Parkway.
• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231. DEC. 26
• Criminal mischief was reported on First Street.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
JAN. 7
• A fight was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.
15, 1951, to James and Esme LaBreche in Butte, Montana. Veronica graduated from Troy University with a Bachelorette Degree in accounting. She successfully ran her own accounting business. She
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Corner Lane.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Noble Road.
• Animal control was requested on Whatley Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.
also supported her family in many states and countries as she moved with the family and husband, Andrew DeBusk, during his Air Force career. She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Jayne, Ter-
rence, Kevin, and Robin LaBreche; two sons, Steve Stinson of Elgin, Oklahoma and Alan DeBusk of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two grandchildren, Connor and Breanna; and many nieces and nephews.
JAN. 6
• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.
• A domestic incident was reported on Poplar Street. JAN. 5
• Gunfire was reported on First Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Truman Street.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious person was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Whatley Drive.
• A Black male was arrested on Cotton Ridge Road.
• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 14.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on James Street.
JAN. 3
• Assistance was given to another agency on West Butler Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue. JAN. 2
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Lower Tuskegee
She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew DeBusk. A memorial service for Veronica will take place in the late spring of 2024. Any donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
DEBUSK
Road.
• Harassing communications was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Honeysuckle Lane.
• A fight was reported on Hickory Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Tallassee Highway.
• A noise complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Robbery was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Theft by deception was reported on Langley Street.
• Leaving the scene of a vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Friendship Road.
• Suspicious subjects were reported on Dixie Circle.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Seventh Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Honeysuckle Lane.
• An assault was reported on Friendship Road.
• Harassment was reported on Evergreen Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.
Not yet high school graduates but working in IT — sort of
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Teenagers are known as being fairly tech savvy, especially when it comes to phones, gaming and computers. But at Elmore County Technical Center, students are taking that one step further and actually installing computer equipment.
The program allows them to learn real IT skills and also get a grade for it.
“The entire school is a lab,” IT instructor Ken Spivey said. “We do a lot of things here on this campus. We work on the cameras, projectors. The students install cables and devices, terminate cables. If you’re working for Elmore County Schools as a computer technician this is what they would be doing.”
Spivey’s program is meant to give students an idea of what a real job as an IT technician is like. The students even installed a computer lab, running wiring throughout.
Other projects aren’t quite as large-scale but still just as important.
First-year IT students joined Spivey installing power, HDMI cables and a phone cable in a classroom that is being
TORNADOS
Continued from A1
converted into a dual enrollment room.
It is all under the supervision of Spivey.
“Normally there is a technology department to do this,” Spivey said. “I have been here for so long and used to work for technology for Elmore County Schools. They let me do it and use students.”
During the project, students were required to access the space over the suspended ceiling used to hide utilities and the trusses of the building. An extendable stick was used to push cabling from where the students were installing a projector to near where a desk would soon be for a computer.
“They are trying to be too careful,” Spivey said. “That is a good thing.”
One student, Holtville senior Hunter Owens, installed mounting hardware to the projector. Owens got interested in the program from family and former students who are working in the field.
“I was talking to the IT guy at my father’s work,” Owens said. “I want to take what I learn here and work there.”
Stanhope Elmore
junior Daniel Robinson said his father noticed he was good with electronics and encouraged him to
limit the injuries and deaths sometimes associated with storms and tornadoes.
The Jan. 3 tornado destroyed two homes, six had major damage, eight with minor damage. All told, it affected about 25 properties.”
Nine days later after the Jan. 3 tornado, another tornado started in western Alabama and tracked across the state. Selma was struck and six died in Autauga County. The twister then entered Elmore County about two miles north of the previous track. It struck the Lightwood Community before crossing Lake Jordan on its way to Coosa and Tallapoosa counties and Alexander City.
According to Barnett, there were 16 homes destroyed in that storm, 34 with major damage and 24 with minor damage. There was also one minor injury.
Nearly five years ago, a tornado ripped through Wetumpka, destroying
look into IT.
“He thought I might be good and able to find a job in IT,” Robinson said. “I like it. You get to learn a lot of different things. It really pushes me towards the future. My favorite part has been running the cables in the different buildings. I learned how to mount a TV to the wall. It was awesome.”
Spivey said it was important for students to learn information technology can also mean physical labor. However, students don’t just learn how to install equipment. They are also working towards various certifications such as TestOut Pro PC, TestOut Network Pro and Comptia IT Fundamentals.
“The TestOut program is teaching me how to look at motherboards and
large structures and homes.
First Baptist Church of Wetumpka lost its original sanctuary. The old stained glass windows were salvaged and used in the construction of a new welcome center for the church. It cut the ribbon on the facility four years to the day after the 2019 tornado.
The same tornado destroyed the First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka. It was rebuilt using plans from the original church. Services returned to a new sanctuary on the same site in August 2020 in a church that looks much like it did before the tornado. The tornado also took out homes and the old Wetumpka Police Department. Now, there is damage noticeable to a small degree, but life has mostly returned to normal.
“A few are still rebuilding,” Barnett said. In the immediate aftermath of all three tornadoes, the response was tremendous. Local and state agencies and volunteers responded in a big way. Near Holtville after one of last year’s storm, standards were met to declare a
other stuff,” Robinson said. “It has been fun. I see it as a career, maybe.” Like most information needed for certifications, the testing is performed online.
“I let them do it self paced,” Spivey said. “They can do it here, at home. If they finish in December, they take the certification test and start something new. They are required to pass the first one by May.”
Spivey said students with certifications can easily get jobs almost anywhere. Students who stick around for a full three years can be even more successful landing a first job.
“I have had one student get seven certifications,” Spivey said. “He is doing quite well now.”
national emergency. The same was the case back in 2019, and Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer noted the partnerships developed in each of the events have continued and flourished. So much so, the help enable Elmore County to aid other counties with volunteers, equipment and even supply storage after the Jan. 12 tornado last year.
“Our team, from our volunteers to our various staff members, pulled together to assist our citizens and those residents in surrounding counties that were impacted,” Mercer said. “It is a great testament to the relationships that have been fostered every day amongst our federal state, county, municipal and volunteer organizations.”
Elmore County Commissioner Henry Hines’ district was struck by the two January 2023 tornadoes. He was impressed by the response each time.
“I appreciate the way our staff, volunteers and support agencies worked together to expedite the recovery efforts,” Hines said.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD Holtville senior Hunter Owens, left, and Stanhope Elmore junior Daniel Robinson install mounting hardware on a projector before it is mounted to the ceiling.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Take your dog for a walk today
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
January is Health Awareness Month as well as National Train Your Dog and Walk Your Pet Month. After all the indulgences of Thanksgiving and Christmas, no wonder January focuses on health and fitness and the same goes for our pets. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters because they are “too active.” This generally means they are simply in need of more exercise than they are getting.
Another common thread is some of those dogs were often never taught decent leash manners, so a walk becomes sort of a battle between the owner and the dog leading to no walks and an increasingly frustrated pet and owner. So why not start the New Year off great for both yourself and your dog by doing some simple leash training and adding your dog into your new exercise program? It’ll be good for you and good for your dog. With just a little work your dog can happily be your walking/hiking/jogging partner so you can both get in shape together. Bottom line is a tired dog is a more well-mannered dog too, so it is a win-win for both of you. Teaching your dog to walk or run with you on a leash, to not jump and just to have basic nice manners is not rocket science. But if owning a dog is new to you, then you might want to seek a pro-
fessional trainer. Our dogs simply love making us happy so reward when they do what you want as they will quickly figure out what makes you happy. Some dogs are motivated by treats (use a treat they do not get at any other time and small so they don’t stop to chew), others are motivated by toys and others just by your praise.
Dogs understand clear, concise commands and most owners simply talk too much so the dog is confused and has no idea what is being asked of it. This is why a professional trainer can take your dog from you and in five minutes likely have it responding to commands. A good trainer knows how to clearly communicate with your dog. For your dog it is an “OH, THAT is what you want me to do” moment.
In reality, training a dog is about 75% training the owner as to how to effectively communicate with their own pet.
Of course, our dogs are as different as we are so some pick up on lessons quickly while others take a bit longer. Knowing your dog’s attention span is very important as one dog may work great for 15 minutes before losing interest and for another five minutes is all they can give you before they simply tune out.
Some are quicker on the uptake than others and knowing what really makes your dog tick also makes a big difference. Does your dog respond to treats? Or toys? Or clicks or whistles? Every dog is
different so finding what gets their undivided attention can greatly improve the chance of training success.
One caution: Some folks think they can send their dog to a trainer and they will come back and be the perfect dog — not true. Remember, you, the owner, are a huge part of the training process and you have to also learn how to communicate what you want so your dog will understand.
You can send a dog to a trainer but part of that will also be you spending time with your dog and the trainer so the dog trainer can train you, the owner.
Training of any kind takes patience and perseverance on everyone’s part, and it never really ends. Refresher training should honestly take place throughout your dog’s life – for both of you!
A professional golfer isn’t successful playing golf only during tournaments. They practice, get coaches, research and practice more. True success entails dedication!
So get out those comfy walking or running shoes, teach your dog first how to walk nicely on a leash, and start out 2024 with daily nice long walks/runs with your dog. The reward will be a tired and better behaved dog, and perhaps a more fit and more relaxed you as well.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week - Dream
Dream is 7 months old as of early January and weighs about 40 to 45 pounds. She is an extremely loving girl. She is active so not a couch potato, and she is house-, leash- and crate-trained.
Dream is great with children, dogs and cats. She knows sit, shake, stand and lay. She has stayed in a fence but is not a huge fan of car rides.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee
covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
GOP outreach aims to bring allies into the party
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Eclectic native Kenneth Paschal surprised a lot of voters in 2021 when he was the first Black Republican elected to the Alabama Legislature since the Reconstruction Era.
Now a Pelham resident, Paschal is helping the Alabama Republican Party reach more voters through its Outreach Coalition. Paschal told members of the Elmore County Republican Party there are plenty of voters within reach of the party, and state party chair John Wahl tasked Paschal with reaching them.
At a recent meet and
greet, attendees got a chance to meet local officials and representatives including Paschal.
“At the state and national level, our mission is to go to the Democratic communities and
convert them,” Paschal said. “We have always done that, but how is that working out?”
Paschal intends to reach out in those communities, but first wants Republicans to find those
among them who share similar values of “God and country,” who vote in Republican primaries or are not politically active.
“Let's go in our own backyard and find the people who look like me, Asians, Hispanics and the young generation,” Paschal said. “We want to reach out to those who are already voting (with) our values.”
Names of voters are readily available through voter lists, and Paschal's goal is to reach voters in the last three Republican primaries, then two of the last three followed by just one of the last three.
“We just want to invite them to a local meet and greet,” Paschal
Council gives final go ahead for Overlook Park
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A small park overlooking the Coosa River will soon be under construction near The Kelly.
At its Tuesday meeting, the Wetumpka City Council approved spending up to $35,000. The rest of the park will be constructed by Main Street Wetumpka.
“The city’s portion will be for stormwater,” Mayor Jerry Willis said.
City staff said a 60-inch storm drain runs under
Hill Street to the banks of the river. The city’s investment will ensure the drain is in good condition and protected as it drains a significant portion of downtown.
The park has been in the planning stage for about a year. It will feature a few benches and signage highlighting the fall line in the river that will be visible from the overlook.
Main Street Wetumpka director Haley Greene said the organization has been selling brick pavers
as a fundraiser to help fund the project. The pavers are similar to the ones in the Alleyway.
“We hope to get construction underway soon,” Greene said.
IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the Dec. 18 meeting.
• Approved winter landscaping totaling $10,611.
• Approved the purchase of two Dodge Chargers for the Wetumpka Police Department.
• Approved the purchase of maintenance and concession for Hohenberg Field.
• Approved seeking quotes for pickleball court striping at Crommelin Park.
• Gave permission for the use of Gold Star Park for the Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras Festival and Parade on Feb. 10.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for noon Tuesday, Jan. 16.
said. “We have found they vote Republican but have never been invited. We want them to have a chance to plug in, especially locally.”
The state party already has diverse groups such as Alabama Minority GOP, College Republican Federation of Alabama, Alabama Federation of Republican Women and the Young Republican Federation of Alabama. Those voters Paschal hopes to reach might also be interested in such
groups. As a Black Republican, Paschal has faced challenges but he said his journey also accomplishes part of the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“‘I look to the day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the contents of their character,’” Paschal said, quoting King. He went on to say, “I’m honored to serve in the Republican Party. I’m living proof we are open to all.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Alabama State Rep. Kenneth Paschal of Pelham and native of Eclectic speaks to the Elmore County Republican Party about the GOP’s Outreach Coalition he chairs. Paschal was the first Black Republican elected to the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
A small pocket park is being created next to The Kelly. It is meant to be a stopping point for visitors in downtown Wetumpka.
Page A4 • Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Kenneth
(Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
Artificial Intelligence is all the rage right now.
Seemingly every time I’m on Facebook, I see a new AI photo from one of my friends or an advertisement for a new Artificial Intelligence app.
Of course there are some great things about AI. One of which is Otter AI, which transcribes interviews — a true thing of beauty for a journalist. There’s the self-checkout lanes that make shopping easier.
But in a lot of ways, AI is a dangerous game.
I recently read an article about a service offering AI touch-ups for children’s yearbook photos. Let’s think about that for a second.
Kids struggle with self-esteem and identity more than ever now. Because of social media, children are competing with each other for the best looks, most money, and the greatest pictures at an even younger age. Parents aren’t always helping the issue.
Stop using Artificial Intelligence
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
But now to add Artificial Intelligence to the recipe makes it even more difficult.
I mean, I get it. I have a solid four years of yearbook photos with a bowl cut. If anyone needed AI as an elementary school kid, it was me.
But there’s something beautiful about those embarrassing photos too. Kids these days deserve to have that too.
Artificial Intelligence is taking over, but it’s also going to start taking over people’s jobs — it already has. The Writers Guild of America was recently on strike in the film industry, and a big part of that was due to the use of AI in movies and TV shows. The screenwriters know AI writing
is a threat to their job security (and mine), but more important ly, it’s a threat to decent writing.
articles on news sites now, and it’s almost like a red flag wav ing, showing you no one was actually covering whatever it is you’re reading about. You may or may not be getting correct information.
Moreover, actors joined the strike as AI can now use their likeness to produce a film with out them even in it most of the time.
ples of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence, and there are many more. Make sure when you upload that picture to Facebook you don’t have an extra finger or two.
editor at Tallapoosa Publish ers Inc. She can be reached via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityout look.com or via phone at 434962-9420.
Stay calm. Nothing (that we know of) is happening, but without a local newspaper source providing public accountability, this may not always be the case.
DISCLAIMER: This is hypothetical and not a reflection of Tallapoosa, Elmore or Coosa counties.
Let’s pretend we live in a small town with no newspaper presence and a government that doesn’t conduct business properly. It has no transparency, can’t afford oversight authority and faces political corruption, fraud, bribery and a high crime rate. Public servants are the spenders and keepers of taxpayer money and owe a high duty of care to the role but because of lack of oversight, they operate their agenda and no longer work for the people.
Most citizens aren’t aware, and the ones that know don’t ask. Let’s face it, small communities have less pushback. Everyone knows everyone, which makes it difficult to question authority. In worst-case scenarios, those same close-knit relationships can amplify corruption as parties could be in partnership.
Also, in our hypothetical community with no local newspaper
source, with no one covering council meetings and proposed plans, it’s easier for municipalities to raise utility rates, award contracts to friends or slip last-minute agenda items into policy with citizens left in the dark. The same can be said for any organization in our hypothetical community. If donated funds are earmarked for charity but are mishandled, having no accountability may have exacerbated the problem. It is an unfortunate fact small communities can be more susceptible to corruption because they have fewer employees and limited oversight. Through no fault of their own, they lack ethics commissions and typical checks and balances. Smaller communities are more likely to fly under the radar of state and U.S. authorities. Organizations and governments in small communities operate with the majority of power led by a few people. Without accountability this can
sometimes have catastrophic consequences, intentional or not. Individual accountability is another area that newspapers provide a level of security. With the overall masses’ best interest in mind, accountability for one’s actions outweighs the safety risk of no accountability. Crime is a public safety risk; therefore, keeping the public informed is a civic responsibility. It’s only in cases where the public has a personal feeling for the offender this touches a nerve. An ethical, unbiased paper, however, will not pick and choose coverage. If journalists are aware, they must investigate. Unknown criminal cases are not covered and I implore the public to understand reporters simply cannot know everything. If you are concerned about a specific case, please call the TPI
line or submit your tip on our website.
Journalists promote accountability on a fair, unbiased, neutral platform. Knowledge is power and if you know certain roads are under consideration for paving with taxpayer money or utility rates may increase, you have a voice and can be a champion
Resolutions
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! It is a beautiful, albeit slightly chilly, Monday morning as I write this week’s column. It is January after all!
First and foremost, I pray that everyone reading this week’s column had a meaningful Christmas season. The holidays have the potential to provide time for reconnecting with family and friends and taking a break from all that “regular” days in the earthly kingdom deliver. I pray the blessings God makes possible through the incarnation were revealed in and through us all. When was the last time you
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.
participated in the presentation of a resolution? I am not talking about the sharing of New Year’s resolutions. I am speaking of the time-honored practice of drafting a resolution in the name of honoring a person or situation. You know what I am talking about. These documents are also known as the “Whereas” documents. They typically include a litany of “whereas” statements followed by a “therefore” statement. We most often encounter them at retirement celebrations, building or business dedications, and the like.
Sometimes these resolutions are serious. Sometimes
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-
they err on the side of silly. In either case, the idea is that a series of supporting statements are provided in the name of justifying a particular declaration. With that in mind, I would like to offer a New Year’s resolution aimed at all of us.
Whereas in the beginning God formed the earthly kingdom out of a formless void, with the winds of the Holy Spirit blowing everything into place, and Whereas the Word of God was present in the beginning with God, and the Word was
Church Briefs
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
with God, and the Word was God, and Whereas through the Word all things were made; there was nothing made without the Word, and Whereas the Word was life, and that life was the light for all of humankind, and the darkness will never overcome it, and Whereas the Word became flesh and made its dwelling among us, so that all might see the glory of God in perfection and completeness, and Whereas the God who created all things issued a call to the whole of the earthly kingdom to listen to the Word, and Whereas the Word of God is the guide for every child of God, regardless of any distinguishing characteristic of mortal identity, and Whereas every child of
God, regardless of covenant relationship with God or even lack thereof, has the capacity to participate in the ongoing revelation of the Word of God, and Whereas every child of God is made in the image of God as a blessing to be shared with the whole of the earthly kingdom, and Whereas the word of God was sent in the flesh in order to redeem the earthly kingdom, not to condemn it, be it therefore resolved that: Every child of God should strive to follow God’s Word, the perfect and complete example for life in the earthly kingdom, in every time and place to the best of our ability.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka
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
HARMONY
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
Wetumpka boys win second straight county title
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
For the second straight season, the Wetumpka boys basketball team is on top of the county.
Wetumpka beat rival Stanhope Elmore, 64-62, in a thrilling championship in the Elmore County tourna-
ment on Saturday. The Indians have now won back-to-back titles after beating Tallassee in the championship last season. Both seasons, Wetumpka beat Tallassee and Stanhope Elmore on their respective home courts.
“This win means a lot
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Julius Williams (24) hit the game-winning shot with 2.8 seconds left to lead Wetumpka past Stanhope Elmore in the Elmore County tournament championship.
Wetumpka’s Humphrey, Banks shine in first varsity game
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The future of the Wetumpka girls high school basketball team is bright.
As Wetumpka started the season with a 1-6 overall record, and was outscored 404-224, the Indians decided to call up some young talent from the middle school.
In Wetumpka’s first game of 2024, eighth graders Aaliyah Humphrey and Logan Banks played in their first varsity game of their
careers. The two middle school superstars did not disappoint.
After a 44-38 win over Elmore County in the first win of the Elmore County Basketball Tournament on Thursday night, Humphrey and Banks scored a combined 26 points to spark the comeback victory. Humphrey scored a team-high 14 points while Banks added 12 points. Twenty-one of their 26 total points
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Stanhope Elmore
he
Tgirls basketball team turned in a dominant performance from start to finish on Saturday.
Stanhope Elmore beat rival Wetumpka, 59-42, in the championship of the Elmore County Basketball Tournament. The Mustangs (11-4) led from start to finish in the win.
It is Stanhope’s second-straight win over Wetumpka dating back to last season’s area tournament when the Mustangs ended the Indians’ season with a postseason win.
“It’s always good to win,” Stanhope coach Kelvin Stokes said. “It’s a rivalry game and both teams always play hard. I’m very proud of our girls. With that win, we stay undefeated at home and that’s something our girls are hanging their hats on.”
Stanhope wasted no time taking an early lead in the first quarter, but it wasn’t until late in the second quarter when the Mustangs were able to pull away a bit. Up 19-15, the Mustangs went on a quick 6-0 run on three steals and lay ups. That was able to give them a 10-point lead, and they never allowed Wetumpka to get back within eight points the rest of the way.
Wetumpka eighth grader
Aaliyah Humphrey was able to hit two free throws before the half to cut it to 25-17, but the damage from Stanhope’s stingy defense was already done.
“We switched defenses today,” Stokes said. “We’re usually a pressing and man defense, but we switched to mid zone and doubled the top. We made Wetumpka
make decisions high and it got them out of sync. With that, we got them on their heels and made them make some decisions.”
Coming out of halftime, Stanhope was quickly able to push its lead out to 15 points but had to withstand one final Wetumpka run.
Emily Smith knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 12, then Charlissia Gibbs knocked down a corner trey and was fouled. She made the free throw to complete the four-point play and cut the lead to eight points.
On the following possession, however, Ariel Gilchrist quickly pushed the lead back to 10 and the team took momentum right back.
“We are a very battle tested team and you saw that (Saturday),” Stokes said. “When they made their run, we stayed the course and didn’t let it overcome us. I’m proud of us for that.”
Gilchrist, much like she
usually does, took charge of the Stanhope offense as she finished the game with a game-high 19 points to go along with eight steals as she earned Tournament MVP honors.
She had plenty of help, as three Mustangs scored in double digits and four scored eight or more points. Tamira Smalls had 12 points and an impressive 16 rebounds while Jada McLeod added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Sophomore Aniyah Burton added eight points to wrap up the balanced offensive attack.
“One great thing about Ariel is that she trusts her teammates and is not afraid to give her teammates a chance when she gets doubled,” Stokes said. “We are well balanced. We didn’t hit the shots early in the game, but knowing that we have four or five girls who can score and add depth makes you like where we are.”
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Whenever Stanhope Elmore needed a shot on Saturday, senior guard Corian Gilder came through in the clutch. In Stanhope Elmore’s 64-62 loss to Wetumpka in the championship of the Elmore County Basketball Tournament, Gilder scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Mustangs to their runner-up finish.
His big game came after only scoring seven points in the tournament’s 58-29 opening win over Elmore County on Friday night.
“Corian really brings so much to our team,” Stanhope Elmore coach David Cochran said. “He’s one of our leaders and captains and we put a lot on his shoulders. You can tell everything is really clicking for him right now. He’s the engine that makes this thing run, and he’s understanding that.” Wetumpka wasted no time
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD Stanhope Elmore’s Corian Gilder scored a game-high 23 points in the loss to Wetumpka in the Elmore County Basketball Tournament.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD Wetumpka’s Logan Banks (30) goes up for a layup against Elmore County. The eighth grader made five layups in her first career varsity game.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
TOP: Stanhope Elmore’s Ariel Gilchrist (3) shoots over Wetumpka’s Emily Smith. Gilchrist scored a game-high 19 points in the championship win.
ABOVE: Wetumpka’s Gabby Jackson drives to the hoop against Stanhope Elmore in the Elmore County tournament championship.
VARSITY
were scored in the second half. Only five other points were scored by the other members of the Indians roster in the second half.
“They just really brought fresh legs and a different mindset,” head coach Harriet Winchester said. “Pulling them up helps build us depth on the bench and it relieves the stress from the high schoolers.”
Neither player had taken reps with the varsity before. Winchester wanted the two of them to enjoy their middle school games, but as soon as they were done, she quickly pulled them up to the varsity.
Banks’ impact was instantly felt on the court Thursday night.
Banks is taller than most and doesn’t look like the typical eighth grader, and she showed why in the paint. She scored four points in the first half, tied for the team lead, with two lay ups.
She had three more layups in the second half and finished with five field goals in the game. She was the only girl on the roster who made more than two baskets in the game.
Humphrey, on the other hand, complemented her well with outside shooting and getting to the free throw line.
Humphrey had only one point at halftime, but then quickly made an impact in the third quarter. In a quarter where Wetumpka only scored eight points, she scored half of them and knocked down a big 3-pointer early in the quarter to tie the game at 23-23.
She then attempted another 3-pointer from the right side of the perimeter, and was fouled on the attempt. She only made one of her free throw attempts, but it was enough to give Wetumpka its first lead of the night.
The Indians led, 26-24, and her shooting ability came up big in the final quarter.
She was able to consistently draw fouls in the fourth and found herself at the charity stripe eight times. She knocked down 7-of-8 free throws, then even added a mid-range jumper to cap off her nine-point quarter.
She finished 9-of-13 from the free throw line while the rest of the Wetumpka roster went a combined 8-of-21.
“Aaliyah’s vision for the court is better than most and getting this experience is really going to help us in the long run,” Winchester said. “It certainly helped us tonight. She did really well shooting her free throws. She relieved the pressure off of everyone, even the coaches.”
Wetumpka’s 44 points was the second-most points the Indians have scored this season, only worse than their season-opening win over Central-Hayneville.
Since that game, Wetumpka has only scored over 29 points twice and has scored 20 or less three times.
In the second half alone, Wetumpka’s two new eighth grade stars outscored those point totals.
“Their first game was a very good one,” Winchester said.
COUNTY Continued from B1
in terms of playing Stanhope in an environment like this,” Wetumpka coach Steven Thomas said. “For a year now, we can say we’re the best in the county. For us, our mindset was wanting to be back-to-back county championships. Now we can carry this momentum into next week which will be big for our confidence.”
Stanhope Elmore led for much of the second half, but a late play by two of Wetumpka’s guards sealed the win for the Indians.
Leading 62-61, Stanhope Elmore
have been made. The girls selected as county representatives travel to and stay in Montgomery with host families prior to the weekend program. The biggest change has been technology. There are still opening numbers, group routines and more to learn. When Gigi participated, it was all learned in person. Gracie is learning all of the routines at home thanks to 18 videos.
Elmore County’s Myles Eyerly remains unbeaten with big weekend
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County heavyweight wrestler Myles
Eyerly started his 2024 off with an impressive week.
Wrestling in the AHSAA Class 5A, Region 2 duals and the Julian McPhillips Tournament held at St. James, Eyerly went 7-0 with seven dominant wins.
The 5A defending state champion earned three pins over opponents from Tallassee, Valley and Beauregard in the region tournament, then opened up the weekend tournament with a pin vs. Reeltown and Dothan.
In the final two matches, he took down two of the top heavyweights in the state back-to-back. He beat Holtville’s Tyson Ratliff, 8-0, then took down Class 1A-4A’s No. 1-ranked wrestler in PCA’s Aidan Cockrell, 1-0.
For his performance, Eyerly is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“He had some really, really good performances in our region duals,” head coach Mason Thornton said. “Then he faced a few ranked wrestlers and pulled out two really great matches. It was a great showing on his part all the way around.”
In the win over Cockrell in the heavyweight championship, the two No. 1-ranked wrestlers went back-and-forth early. The score remained 0-0 after the first period with neither wrestler able to do much,
GILDER
Continued from B1
but Eyerly took a 1-0 lead on an escape early in the second period.
After a reset, Eyerly started on top and held Cockrell down and didn’t allow an escape for the rest of the two minutes. The third period remained much of the same back-and-forth until the final quarter of the match. With around 25 seconds left, the two locked up and went flying off the map and crashed into the scorer’s table. Instead of the match being called, however, both wrestlers went back out and closed out the final 20 seconds and Eyerly finished with his 1-0 win.
“It’s a difficult task holding down a heavyweight for two minutes, but he stepped up and held Cockrell down,” Thornton said. “It worked out in our favor and was a very exciting finish.”
Eyerly likely doesn’t mind winning by decision, but he’s done the most of his work with pins this year. Out of his 21 wins, he has 16 wins by pins this season. He did much of the same
taking a 17-7 lead over Stanhope Elmore in the first four minutes of the game, but Gilder made sure his team battled back. He scored 10 points in the first quarter alone, hitting four free throws in the final minute after being fouled on back-to-back possessions to cut the lead down to one point, 17-16.
Wetumpka pushed its lead back out to four points, but Gilder and company went on another run.
Barring only a free throw from the Indians, the Mustangs hit four consecutive field goals and capped off a 9-1 run with a deep 3-pointer from Gilder to put
had the ball and tried to inbound to run the clock out. Instead, Nate Rogers intercepted a deep pass and gave the Indians one last chance with eight seconds left.
Instead of shooting the ball himself, he passed the ball to a wide open Julius Williams under the goal and Williams shot the ball off the top of the glass. An unlikely goaltending call was made against Stanhope, awarding Wetumpka the shot and a 63-62 lead with 2.8 seconds left. “With Julius, he’s one where the confidence has continued to build up as a senior,” Thomas said. “On defense, he’s going to play well at any position and to see him make
“I have to memorize them,” Gracie said. “It’s a lot of pressure.”
One thing Gracie will experience her mother also did is lack of communication with friends and family until after the program at Frazer Church next week. There is no social media and no cell phones for the representatives during the week they prepare as a group for the program with rehearsals and community outings. Gracie’s mother said her daughter is on her phone a lot, always watching streaming services.
during his state championship run last year as he pinned six of his last seven matches in super sectionals and the state tournament.
“That shows his strength as a wrestler,” Thornton said. “His game has improved so much on top where he’s able to turn these guys and pin them. It’s difficult turning a heavyweight and some of these guys he faces are heavier than he is, and that’s a testament to his strength and the work he’s put in.”
Eyerly entered the 20232024 season with a target on his back. He finished his junior campaign with the state title and a 40-6 record, but he wanted to be even better to finish out his high school career. So far as a senior, he’s done exactly that as he is
the Mustangs up at halftime, 31-27.
He added a second 3-pointer in the third quarter, and it came at a massive moment. Wetumpka was on a 5-0 run and had just tied the game up before Gilder knocked down an easy nothing but net 3-pointer that pushed Stanhope’s lead back out as the two teams went into the final quarter.
“Corian’s always been the one that we have the full confidence in taking a shot like that,” Cochran said. “He wants the ball in moments like that. Tonight, more than ever, we saw him being another coach on the floor and I’m proud of how he played.”
His biggest shot of the game came with 38 seconds left. Down by one point, Gilder looked to drive to the basket but
that shot is just him getting rewarded for his defensive effort and the effort he gives us every day. It was a proud moment seeing that.”
While Williams hit the game-winner, it was the duo of Nate Rogers and Malik Owens that allowed Wetumpka to stay in the game.
The two started hot as they scored 15 of the team’s 17 first quarter points, but they both quickly got into foul trouble.
With both sitting, the Indians saw a 17-7 lead turn into a 26-22 deficit in the second quarter. Stanhope led, 31-27, at half, but Owens and Rogers took back over in the second half.
“That is going to be different,” Gigi said. “I think not being able to connect with her classmates and friends will be difficult. I think she will be all right because of how busy they will be.”
Luckily, Gracie will still be allowed to check her email each night.
She plans to use her Wetumpka theater experience in the talent portion of the show and will rely on a musical she learned during the Addams Family production.
“I’m a big theater girl,” Gracie said. “I want to do
unbeaten at 21-0.
Included in those wins are ranked wins like he got this weekend. He’s also taken down the No. 5-ranked wrestler in Class 5A, St. Clair’s Michael Gomer, with a first period pin.
With Elmore County not advancing in the duals postseason, Eyerly looks towards the individual state championship and is trying to repeat.
“He knows that these kids are out there trying to beat him,” Thornton said. “He’s stepped up to the challenge. He just goes out there and takes care of business. He’s not a kid who goes out and thinks he’s so much better. He goes out there and fights and he wrestles well no matter who the opponent is.”
the lane was closed off by the Wetumpka defense. He then dribbled to the middle of the paint and knocked down a short jumper.
That shot put Stanhope Elmore up, 62-61, but that was Gilder’s final shot as he fouled out just a few seconds later. With him watching from the bench, Wetumpka was able to take four straight offensive possessions and take the lead on a goaltending call with 2.8 seconds left.
Stanhope then got two chances at a play and turned the ball over both times. “It was tough not having him in that moment, but we still had the opportunity to win the game down the stretch without him. We just have to execute a little better and that’s on me as the coach,” Cochran said.
Owens, who scored a team-high 21 points, netted 13 points in the second half while Rogers scored four points in the fourth quarter — arguably his biggest four of the game.. Down 60-58 with 1:30 left, Rogers caught a pass on the perimeter and quickly shot a deep 3-pointer. The nothing but net 3-pointer was his only field goal of the second half but it gave Wetumpka its first lead, 61-60, since the second quarter.
“Nate and Malik work well together,” Thomas said. “They’ve been playing ball together ever since the middle school days and they have a comradery. Nate gives
musical theater. It’s fun. We stay super busy. Mr. (Jeff) Glass is my favorite teacher.”
Her mother said the theater program helped bring Gracie out of her shell. In ninth grade, Gracie had never sung in public before. Then she got the lead as Charlie in the school’s Willie Wonka production.
“I can remember my dad saying, ‘She can sing,’” Gigi said. “He had never heard her sing before.” Gigi and Gracie are the third mother-daughter duo to be Elmore County’s DYW
us such a threatening presence on the perimeter and Malik does the same down low. He can go up and get boards and put backs. We saw a little bit more of a two-man game here and it worked well (Saturday)” The two rivals meet again this week as both teams open Class 6A, Area 3 play. Stanhope will hit the road to Wetumpka on Friday for the first of their two area games. It will be hard to live up to the hype this first game has set, but late wins are becoming the usual for Wetumpka over its rival. Dating back to last season, Wetumpka has won both of its last two games against Stanhope on a shot in the final seconds.
representative, joining Mandi Granger Barrett and mother Rita Griffith Granger and Melanie Taunton and mother Next week Gracie joins 42 other county representatives to compete to represent Alabama in the national program.
Sunday, Gracie was given a sendoff tea by DYW sponsors, the Phi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, which is comprised of current and retired educators in Elmore County.
Gracie said she has prepared for the program with
workshops for the interviews; that includes staying up to date on current news. Her schedule is full of rehearsals, two days of the program, lunches and dinners with host families and the Cattlemen’s Association meeting.
Gracie said she is looking forward to it all.
“I’m looking forward to going to the Governor’s Mansion and eating lunch with Gov. (Kay) Ivey,” Gracie said. “I’m also looking forward to making lifelong friends because they are all so sweet.”
Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week now!
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
Elmore County’s Myles Eyerly, posing with the Panther Pin Belt, went 7-0 with five pins and two decisions over the course of the AHSAA Class 5, Region 2 duals tournament and the Julian McPhillips Invitational.
Wetumpka wrestling finishes runner-up in regional duals
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Postseason dreams are still alive for the Wetumpka wrestling team.
Wetumpka hit the road this weekend to Russell County for the AHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 duals tournament and walked away with a runner-up trophy after going 3-1 in the event.
The Indians beat Benjamin Russell, Park Crossing and Russell County in dominant fashion before falling to Pike Road, 36-33, in the championship match.
Despite the loss, both regional champion Pike Ross and runner-up Wetumpka advanced to the 6A quarterfinals. Wetumpka will make the short trek to Pike Road on Saturday and face Saraland at 12 p.m. Pike Road will face Spanish Fort, with the winners of each match facing each other after the two initial matches.
“It was a good weekend,” Wetumpka coach Josh Highland said. “We had some good matches against Pike Road where we won the last time we faced them, but dropped them this time. They were all tight matches. Our kids wrestled well but it's tough being in that spotlight for the first time for a lot of them. I think we will respond well this week in practice.”
Wetumpka was without one of its top four wrestlers with Zach Crosthwait, the Indians’ 190-pound wrestler, out with a back injury. But even with him sidelined, the senior trio of Noah Smith, Willie Cox and Christian Preston were all dominant in their four matches.
SUBMITTED THE HERALD
The Wetumpka wrestling team placed second in the AHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 wrestling tournament on Saturday.With the second place finish,Wetumpka advanced to the 6A quarterfinals in duals.
The trio went 4-0 as Smith had three pins and one technical fall by a score of 22-6, Cox pinned all four of his opponents he faced and Preston had three pins and one forfeit win.
The trio has been a mainstay in Wetumpka’s lineup. Both Cox and Preston are defending state champions, and they have a combined four losses between them this year. Smith had to miss last year’s state championship but could have placed and only has two losses this year.
All three wrestlers are University of Montevallo commits.
“Knowing that when they go out, they’re going to do their job really helps the younger guys we have in the lineup,” Highland said. “Those three guys are going to pick up where we left off and win big matches every time they go out there. They really help our team every match.”
While the team’s Big 3 dominated the mats, they weren’t the only ones.
Brantley Woodall and Tanner Adams also both went undefeated on the weekend. Brantley had three pins and one decision, a 9-8 win over Ben Russell’s Chantz Clark.
Adams also went 4-0 with three pins and one major decision, an 11-2 win over Russell County’s Isiah Kinsey.
The five undefeated wrestlers were impressive even in the team’s only loss. Against Pike Road, their five pins combined for 30 of Wetumpka’s 33 points. The other three points came via a 4-0 decision by Kaleb Bonasera.
“Both of those guys have been really good wrestlers for us this year,” Highland said of Woodall and Adams. “They stepped up big time this weekend. Brantley even moved up a weight class a few times and did whatever I asked him to do and dominated. Tanner made the All-Region team and was huge for us too. They’re continuing to hit their stride at the right time for us.”
Edgewood boys win overtime thriller over Autauga
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Edgewood Academy boys never gave up Friday night.
Trailing by eight with less than two minutes to go, Edgewood put together a comeback for the ages as the Wildcats stunned Autauga Academy, 58-55, in overtime of the AISA Class AA, Region 1 opener.
Edgewood trailed 48-41 with 1:10 left on the clock when Johnny Groves hit two layups with an and-1 to cut the lead to two points.
After forcing a miss, Edgewood’s Drew Allison knocked in a game-tying jumper, then Autauga took the lead again, 50-48, with five seconds left.
The Wildcats then drove straight down the court and Brody Whitt was fouled trying to go for a layup. He made both free throws with one second left on the clock to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, Allison hit four free throws to go up by as many points and Groves earned a steal on the final possession to give Edgewood a 1-0 record in area play.
“For 36 minutes, they never stopped fighting,” Edgewood coach Scott Phillips said. “We didn't play well early but I knew if we could get to the second half and still be close, we’d have a chance. We have some fighters. We could’ve given up down five in the final minute but they kept fighting. I’m proud of
our guys.”
What has been one of Edgewood’s biggest issues turned out to be what won the Wildcats the game on Friday. For the third-consecutive game, Edgewood has tallied 14 or more free throw misses.
In the first two games, Edgewood lost to ACA by one point after missing 18 free throws and then lost to Calvary Christian by two points after missing 14 free throws.
That was no different against Autauga. The Wildcats were only 23 of 41 from the charity stripe made them when it mattered most.
With two minutes left in regulation, Edgewood was 9 of 23 at the free throw line and just missed back-to-back shots to keep the lead at eight points.
But then Groves hit both of his free throw attempts on and-1s, then Allison hit 1 of 2 and Whitt’s two biggest
free throws of the night were both nothing but net with one second left.
In overtime, the Wildcats were 8 of 10 from the line. Allison hit all four of his attempts, as did Brock Whitt. Brody Whitt and Prescott Bonner each went 1 of 2.
“We’ve been working on free throws,” Phillips said. “It didn’t look like it early, but we have. We told the seniors it was time to step up and both Drew and Brody did. Free throws are tough, but when it was time, they made the ones they needed to.”
Seven players scored for Edgewood in the game, and while Allison and Whitt’s free throws were the most influential points scored, the team wouldn’t have been there without Groves. He scored a game-high 21 points and couldn’t be stopped when he wanted to get to the paint and attempt a layup. He had 10 points going into the final
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frame, and scored four early in the fourth quarter when the team was trying to keep the game close.
Grove’s two biggest shots came when Edgewood was down by eight. He drove straight to the basket, down the right side of the court and hit two layups and was fouled both times. He made both baskets.
“Johnny brings a lot to our team,” Phillips said. “He may not be the most skilled ball handler we have, but he will get after you in a second. He will scrap and get rebounds and get steals. The thing he can do is go past your defenders and hit layups. He gives us so much.”
Edgewood is now 8-12 on the year, but most importantly for the defending Class AA champions they are 1-0 in area play.
The title defense hasn’t been easy, and it won’t get any easier going forward.
On Tuesday, Edgewood hits the road to face former state champion coach Darryl Free and the Hooper Colts. Nonetheless, Edgewood is on top for now and everyone is chasing them.
“Our season is now down to a 4-game season,” Phillips said. “This one was huge. Now Edgewood is at the top and everyone is chasing us. We have to keep it that way. To start 1-0 when nobody really expected us to is big. What was even bigger for us was how we won the game. That was really important for us.”
Edgewood girls beat Autauga to open area play
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Edgewood Academy girls basketball team still isn’t at full strength, but that didn’t stop the Wildcats from cruising to an area-opening win over Autauga Academy on Friday night.
The two-time defending Class AA state champions beat Autauga, 57-22, without starter Avery White who was out with a sickness.
The Wildcats (18-3, 1-0) have barely played with all their starters at one time, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning 16 of their last 17 games.
“We wanted to come out with good energy and I think we did that,” Edgewood coach Brad Starks. “I think we did that. This being our first area game, we wanted to come out and make a statement and I think we did that. Especially with missing a starter, but some younger girls stepped up and filled in and did a good job in their roles.” From the starting tip, the game was all Edgewood. The Wildcats scored on their opening possession and pushed that lead out to 8-0 as quickly as possible. Running a full court press defense, Edgewood recorded steal after steal and turned the defensive success into easy baskets on offense.
That was led mostly by Lindsey Brown and Lexie Smith, who combined for seven layups and 18 of the Wildcats’ 20 points in the first quarter.
The two slowed down in the second quarter, but Aubrey Newton scored five points and knocked down a big 3-pointer as Edgewood led 32-14 at the break.
“We want to force opposing teams to be uncomfortable,” Starks said. “Our defense isn’t about getting the ball out of their hands. It’s about making them make bad decisions that we can capitalize on. We do a good job of forcing bad passes and we can turn those into offensive points. We did a good job of that tonight.” Brown and Smith did the majority of the scoring in the game, combining for 46 total points. Brown, who is averaging over 25 points per game this season, led the entire game with 28. Smith added 18.
The only two other scorers were Madison Martin and Newton. Newton scored all five of her points in the second quarter while Martin hit four layups.Three of those came in the third quarter as Edgewood pushed its lead out nearly 30 points, 47-20.
Edgewood’s defense continued to be suffocating as Autauga scored only two points in the fourth quarter, their lowest of the game. Edgewood did not allow Autauga to score over eight points in the quarter all game.
It was the seventh time this season Edgewood has held an opponent to 22 points or less.
SPORTS CALENDAR
THURSDAY, JAN. 11
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Edgewood Academy’s Lindsey Brown scored 28 points to lead the Wildcats past rival Autauga Academy on Friday night.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Edgewood Academy’s Johnny Groves scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Wildcats to an overtime win over rival Autauga Academy.
Hardy has taken this to heart. Through Lake Martin Storm Shelters, Hardy helps resident install their own storm shelters.
After an EF4 tornado ripped through the Beauregard community, killing 23 people in March 2019, the company installed 90 concrete shelters and steel safe rooms in the area — thankfully too as another tornado struck the same area last year.
“It is amazing how some of the tornados come back to the same areas,” Hardy said.
Lake Martin Storm Shelters installs Federal Emergency Management
Agency-approved shelters designed to withstand the largest tornadoes.
“FEMA used to say the safest place to be was underground,” Hardy said. “They have changed their stance on that. Now is the safest place to be is a compliant shelter where you can get into the quickest without having to go out into the weather.”
Lake Martin Storm Shelters manufactures all its above ground shelters in Alexander City. The concrete shelters are designed to be installed outside, oftentimes adjacent to a home. The steel safe rooms are added in existing garages or during new construction. In all cases, the designs have been tested and approved by FEMA.
“Our safe room went through a 250 mph wind tunnel,” Hardy said. “It mimics an EF5 tornado. Then there is a pressure test because there is so much pressure in a tornado. They put air in and suck it out. Nothing can come loose. It is very intense.”
Lake Martin Storm Shelters installs shelters across Alabama and most recently has been performing local installs in Tallassee. That’s because storm shelters are becoming more and more popular, Hardy said. She said social media and storm trackers have increased curiosity and demand for shelters.
“I think they have become more popular because we know more about weather,” Hardy said. “We track weather more and better.”
Elmore County officials are constantly tweaking plans to respond to storms. But Elmore County Emergency Management Agency director Keith Barnett said it starts at home. He said residents need to do a few key things to be prepared for the majority of situations to face Elmore County. On top of the list is a properly programmed weather radio.
“They are fairly inexpensive,” Barnett said. “They can be purchased pretty much anywhere. You need one at home and your business.”
Barnett said his agency can help with programming if needed, and having a secondary notification is also necessary. Those could include ones from the Elmore County EMA apps or Baron SafT-Net.
Autauga Academy on Friday night.
She scored a career-high 40 points earlier in December, and has been held under 20 points only a handful of times.
“In your imagination, you always want to be someone big and you have to push yourself in real life to be that person,” Brown said.
“I feel like this accomplishment shows my determination and my drive to be where I am today. I got in the gym everyday and grinded and worked on my shot and different moves. I had a lot of help from mentors and I’ve just gotten better and better.”
Even for first-year coach Brad Starks, it’s no surprise Brown
CORRUPTION
Continued from A4
for change by asking questions.
Local news is essential because no news is bad news. Citizens must know what’s going on around them. Bad things sometimes happen in quiet communities. The best way to make sure officials are working for you and your safety and well-being is to support your local newspaper. Investigative journalists are your watchdogs and have the experience to closely examine what’s going on. Journalists do an outstanding job of upholding accountability. Besides, people tend to act better when someone is watching, right? There are other reasons to join the newspaper club and getting the accurate story is a
Barnett said outdoor sirens should not be depended on because of old technology and difficulty hearing them inside homes and during storms.
Having a small kit and storm plan is a necessity, and it should include where in the home to shelter and where to meet after an event. The kit should at least include some water and basic first measures.
“One of the most important things is something to wear on the head like a helmet and shoes,” Barnett said. “Most of the deaths in a storm come from being struck in the head. Many injuries happen to feet and legs as people try to leave the debris bath barefooted.”
Elmore County has a safer places to shelter program it activates as a tornado watch is issued.
reached this milestone. Coaching her in volleyball and basketball so far, he knows she has the drive not many high school athletes have.
That’s shown as she’s scored 25 points per game in basketball, or had 290 kills and 181 aces in volleyball, or even hitting .441 with 47 stolen bases in softball.
“This is a mixture of her ability and her just being an unbelievably hard worker,” Starks said. “She doesn’t take days off. Even when she’s dealing with a small nagging injury, she can’t help herself. She has to go full speed. She has no off switch, and she gives it her all every single day in a game or in practice.”
The accomplishment is nice, and it puts into perspective just how hard Brown has worked in her career. But what would be even
critical perk. In today’s social media society, people sometimes don’t realize when they share false information. Your local paper only reports accurate facts. When you reference your newspaper you don’t waste time following rabbit holes filled with what people “assume” they know. You also prevent yourself from becoming part of the problem by sharing false narratives.
Equally as important, being an active reader means you have access to public and legal notices. For example (only), if a landfill is being considered for your area, wouldn’t you want to know? If a bid for a project your business specialized in were coming available, wouldn’t you want the option to apply?
Local newspapers foster debate and connect the community. They
Elmore County EMA has access to many public buildings and even private structures such as churches. Barnett said EMA checks with volunteers at private structures and publishes a list with addresses of available safer places to shelter on social media for each storm event.
After a storm Barnett said many think government agencies, especially FEMA, will come to the rescue. He said state and federal agencies do help when overall damage meets certain guidelines, but there are limits on the help.
“FEMA does not come in to make a property owner whole,” Barnett said. “If they meet all the requirements, they will help some. We encourage people not to depend on FEMA and have their own insurance.”
more important to Brown is winning another state championship.
Edgewood is currently out to a 18-3 overall record this season and has won 16 of its last 17 games. That’s with the team not playing a single game with its starting five. Now getting close to full health, she is excited to get one final run at the postseason and is hoping to walk out of the Cramton Bowl next month with her 10th state championship ring.
“It’s been a great year so far,” Brown said. “You always want to go out your senior year with a bang and this year has been special. Averaging 25 points a game is not easy but it’s been a great ride so far. I really want to go out with another ring and win three in a row, and I feel like we can do it with this team we have.”
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An informed community is a smart community. Similar to being a voter, everyone should be a reader. Don’t you need to know? Don’t you want to know?
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Thomas Jefferson once said he’d prefer to have “newspapers without government” to “government without newspapers.” We at TPI care about this community, and making it a better place is central to our mission. To continue our mission, we need people to subscribe and advertise.
Please call Sam at 256-234-4281 to subscribe today. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor!
Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
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Public Notices
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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 11 N. Water Street, Suite 10290, Mobile, AL 36602 Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. SHP-23-059351 rlselaw.com/property-listing
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 223688
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from LISA HUDGINS HARRIS, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR HOMECOMINGS FINANCIAL, LLC (F/K/A HOMECOMINGS FINANCIAL NETWORK, INC.), on the 5th day of March, 2007, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on March 13, 2007, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2007, Page 16517, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, by instrument recorded in the aforesaidby given that the undersigned NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash on the Front Steps of the Elmore County Courthouse, 100 East Conners Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on February 15, 2024 during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 2, BLOCK A, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF GRAND OAKS PLAT NO. 1, AS THE SAME APPEARS OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 12, AT PAGE 78. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 4746 CAMP GRANDVIEW RD, MILLBROOK, AL 36054.
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed on May 25, 2004 by Tammi Y. Ellis, in favor of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., and recorded on June 11, 2004, in Book No. 2004, at Page 42171 in the OfElmore County, Alabama, and secured indebtedness having been transferred or assigned to Barclays Mortgage Trust 2022-RPL1, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Series 2022-RPL1, by U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee ased on April 11, 2023, in Book No. 2023, at Page 14781 of the Barclays Mortgage Trust 2022RPL1, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Series 2022-RPL1, by U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee, under 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 on February 20, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to wit: Lot 7, of the Sagewood Subdivision Plat No. 1, as recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 12, at Page 46. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 379 Foxdale Road, Millbrook, AL 36054-1555 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 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 amount of 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. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Barclays Mortgage Trust 2022RPL1, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Series 2022-RPL1, by U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee Mortgagee/Transferee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160, Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Attorneys for Mortgagee/Transferee 23570 - 37032 Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 224432
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed on June 8, 2016 by Calvin A Lake, a married person, originally in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and recorded in RLPY 2016 at Page 26788 the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. LOGS Legal Group LLP, as counsel for Mortgagee or Transferee and under and by virtue of power of sale contained in the said mortgage will, on February 29, 2024, sell at public outcry to the highest bidder at the main entrance of the Elmore County, Alabama, Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, during the legal hours of sale, the following real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to wit: Commence at an iron pipe marking the NE corner of Section 6, TI8N, RI8E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence S 14°02’52”W, for 2760.04 feet to an iron pin on the South ROW of a county paved road and the point of beginning of the parcel described herein; thence S 6°54’W, 238.69 feet to an iron pin; thence S 00°17E, for 438.39 feet to an iron pin; thence S 89°50’E, for 407.86 feet to an iron pin; thence S 00°12’E, for 571.04 feet to an iron pin; thence along an old fence S 87°49’W, for 427.24 feet; thence N 00°17’W, for 1026.84 feet to an iron pin; thence N 6°54’E, 238.69 feet to an iron pin on the South ROW of said road; thence along South ROW, N 89°43’E, for 20.0 feet to an iron pin and the point of beginning. Said parcel lying and being in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 6, T18N, R18E, Elmore County, Alabama, and containing 6.00 acres, more or less. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 143 Wildberry Ln, Wetumpka, AL 36092. ANY PROPERTY ADDRESS PROVIDED IS NOT PART OF THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY SOLD HEREIN AND IN THE EVENT OF ANY DISCREPANCY, THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION REFERENCED HEREIN SHALL CONTROL. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. Furthermore, the property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the mortgagee, nor the employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Ala. (1975) § 35-4-271, expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars and no/100 funds at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid inness on the next business day LOGS Legal Group LLP at the address indicated below. LOGS Legal Group LLP reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder, or to reschedule the sale, should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and its successors and assigns Mortgagee or Transferee LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107/ 23-023134 Attorneys for Mortgagee or Transferee
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 224097
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
NOTICE is hereby given that a bill substantially as follows will be introduced in the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT
g to compensation of the members of the Elmore County Board of Equalization, is repealed. Section 2. This act shall become effective immediately. Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 BILL
PUBLIC NOTICE
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 Covington Flooring Company, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Gym Floor Replacement at Holtville High School, 23-157 at 10425 Holtville Road Deatsville, AL 36022 for the State of Alabama and the Elmore County, Deatsville City, Owner(s), and have made reContract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee & Associates, Inc. 631 S. Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Covington Flooring Company, Inc. 709 1st Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35203
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2024 COMPLETION 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 OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: DAVID JAMES ANDERSON and HEIDI LEE ANDERSON, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHO ARE POSSIBLE NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND WHO ARE NEXT OF KIN OF DAVID ALLEYN ANDERSON, DECEASED: AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF DAVID ALLEYN ANDERSON, DECEASED; AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on December 21, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of DAVID ALLEYN ANin the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by JOHN MICHAEL KOCH, 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 DAVID ALLEYN ANDERSON 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. Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: JOSEPH K. BAMBURG ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-839-5596 JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 EST/ANDERSON, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALESHIA JA’KAIL BALL, CASE NO: 2023-316 DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ALESHIA JA’KAIL BALL, deceased, having been granted to GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. on December 20, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ALESHIA JA’KAIL BALL, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC P O BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw. com Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023 Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/BALL, A. PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE NOTICE is hereby given that a bill substantially as follows will be introduced in the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT Raise
Relating to Elmore County; to repeal Section 45-26-240, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the board of equalization. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. Section 45-26-240, Code of Alabama 1975, relating
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
Relating to Elmore County; to amend Sections 45-2681.01, 45-26-230.01, and 4526-242.01, Code of Alabama 1975; to further provide for the compensation of the judge of probate, sheriff, and revenue commissioner; and to repeal Section 45-26-81, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the salary of the judge of probate.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEG-
ISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. Sections 45-2681.01, 45-26-230.01, and 45-26-242.01, Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
Ҥ45-26-81.01
(a) Effective on July 1, 2020, the The base annual salary of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County shall be ninety-eight thousand dollars ($98,000) one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) per year, payable in equal monthly installments from the general fund the same manner and at the same time as other employees of the county. The salary provided by this section shall supersede any salary, expense allowance, or other compensation provided to the judge of probate prior to July 1, 2020
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, in addition to any other compensation provided to the judge of probate, the judge of probate shall continue after July 1, 2020, to receive any cost-ofliving or other salary increases granted to county employees and as approved by the county commission or any salary increases as otherwise granted and approved by the county commission.”
Ҥ45-26-230.01
1, 2018, the Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hun($115,000) per year.
(a) The Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) per year. (b) Any individual who has previously served one full term as Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) per year.
(c) Any individual who has previously served two full terms as Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in the amount of one hundred forty thousand dollars ($140,000) per year.
(d) Any individual who has previously served three or more full terms as Sheriff of Elmore County shall receive a salary in thousand dollars ($150,000) per year.
(e) The salary salaries provided by this section shall be in lieu of any other salary provided by general or local law and shall be paid in the same manner and at the same time as other county employees.”
Ҥ45-26-242.01
(a) Effective on July 1, 2020, the revenue commissioner shall receive an annual expense allowance of sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000) per year payable in equal monthly installments from the general fund of the county until September 30, 2021. The expense allowance shall be in addition to all other compensarevenue commissioner and may be treated as compensation for retirement purposes. Effective October 1, 2021, the expense allowance provided by this subsection shall be repealed.
(b)(a) Effective on October 1, 2021, the The revenue commissioner shall receive a base annual salary of thousand dollars ($95,000) one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) per year payable in equal monthly installments as provided by law, plus any additional compensation provided by general law pursuant to subdivision (3) of Section 11-2A-3 the same manner and at the same time as other employees of the county. The salary provided by this subsection shall supersede any salary, expense allowance, or other compensation provided to the revenue commissioner prior to July 1, 2020.
(c)(b) Notwithstanding any other law, in addition to any other compensation provided to the revenue commissioner, the revenue commissioner shall continue after July 1, 2020, to receive any cost-of-living or other salary increases granted to county the county and as approved by the county commission or any salary increases as otherwise granted and approved by the county commission.” Section 2. Section 45-26-81, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the salary of the judge of probate, is repealed. Section 3. This act shall become effective on October 1, 2024.
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 20, 27, 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 BILL 2 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHERRY ARDENE BRINKMAN, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-330 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to CAROL ANN RATTAN as Executor on the 4th 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
Public Notices
gpg claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. CAROL ANN RATTAN EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF SHERRY ARDENE BRINKMAN, 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. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 EST/BRINKMAN, S. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT S. GRESHAM, JR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-313 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT S. GRESHAM, JR., deceased, having been granted to CAROL GRESHAM WILLIAMS and JILL JONES on the 21st day of December, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. CAROL GRESHAM WILLIAMS and JILL JONES CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT S. GRESHAM. JR., DECEASED Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27, 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/GRESHAM, R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARION LEE HORNSBY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-331 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MARION LEE HORNSBY, deceased, having been granted to JENNIFER JENNINGS BENNETT on January 5th, 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.
JENNIFER JENNINGS BENNETT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARION LEE HORNSBY, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: 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. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 EST/HORSBY, M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM ERROL LAW, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-318 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLIAM ERROL LAW, deceased, having been granted to TARVIS R. LAW on December 28, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. TARVIS R. LAW PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM ERROL LAW, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JIM L. DEBARDELABEN ATTORNEY AT LAW POBOX 1136 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-265-9206
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 EST/LAW, W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BILLY JACK LINDSEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-326 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Es-
tate of BILLY JACK LINDSEY, deceased, having been granted to BILLY WADE LINDSEY and STEVEN CRAIG LINDSEY on the 5 day of January 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
Public Notices yp same to the Court or the same will be barred. BILLY WADE LINDSEY and STEVEN CRAIG LINDSEY CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF BILLY JACK LINDSEY, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 2024
EST/LINDSEY, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NELLIE CAROL MARTIN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-001 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, Petitioner, ANTHONY
of NELLIE CAROL MARTIN,
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY TODD STRINGER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-312 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of JEFFREY TODD STRINGER, deceased, having been granted to DANA FULLER STRINGER, on the 3rd day of January 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.
DANA FULLER STRINGER, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY TODD STRINGER Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C.
Attorney for Administrator 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 2024 EST/STRINGER, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHARON MICHELLE TOWNE, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-327 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA for Petitioner:
Street
EST/MARTIN N.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2021-242 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL MAYRENE SCHRAM, DECEASED. NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP TO: RHONDA JEAN HOUCK BURNEY; MARTHA JEAN ROBERTS KAAPANA BARNES; JOSEPH BYRANT ROBERTS; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O GLEN A. DAVIS; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O TERESA CAROL; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O PAUL DAVIS; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O CHERYL DAVIS; ESTATE OF MARK SWEATT C/O LISA DOZIER; ESTATE OF MARK SWEATT C/O BLAKE SWEATT; JOYCE ANNETTE ROBERTS BROCK; WILLIAM TIMOTHY DUKE; TINA RENEE DUKE MONEY; JIM CHRISTOPHER MERCER; BRIAN L. FERNALD; TAWNI J. FERNALD MATCHETT; SUZANNE A. FERNALD; FRED LEON FERNALD JR.; AND, JAMES CALDERONE AND ANY OTHER UNKNOWN INDIVIDUALS OR INTERESTED PARTIES THAT MIGHT HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF CAROL MAYRENE SCHRAM, DECEASED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 2nd day of August, 2023, a Petition to Determine Heirship regarding the Estate of Carol Mayrene Schram was Petitioner, Garry S. McAnnally, requesting that a determination the heirs of the Estate of Caroling of the Petition to Determine Heirship is given to you as an interested party to the Estate of Carol Mayrene Schram. that said petition is set for hear-ary, 2024 at 10:00 o’clock a.m.
E. Commerce Street, Wetump-pose of hearing of said petition and the taking of testimony in support thereof. Any person interested in this matter should herein referenced date, time, and location.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D. Jason Britt Stone & Britt, LLC Attorneys & Counselors at Law 114 South Main Street
Wetumpka Herald: EST/SCHRAM, C.
Public Notices
gg p hereby referred to and made a part hereof, said property being situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit:
No. 11, as said map appears of
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumexist 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.pose of realizing the mortgage debt, together with all expenses of the sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.
Public Notices ygAUSTIN COOMBS, born on August 13, 2009, atROSEMARIE COOMBS, born on February 01, 2008, at Houstonins, Georgia. You are hereby given noticetitioner’s attorney, Jonathan S.January 31, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama.
JU-2012-411.15
FC/HAYNES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to MASON CHRISTIAN TOWNE as Personal Representative on the 28 day of December 2023 by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. MASON CHRISTIAN TOWNE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF SHARON MICHELLE TOWNE, 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. 10, 17 and 24, 2024
EST/TOWNE, S. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE M ATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN C. ZEISER, CASE NO: 2023-315 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of STEVEN C. ZEISER, deceased, having been granted to GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. on December 20, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN C. ZEISER, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL. JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC P O BOX 638 MILLBROOK. ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@ GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Dec. 27 2023, Jan. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/ZEISER, S. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Anthony D. Haynes,a single man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), (solely as nominee for Lender, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, and Lender’s successors and assigns), dated the 14th day of October, 2016, which Mortgage was recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama,
having been transferred and assigned by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), (solely as nominee for Lender, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, and Lender’s successors and assigns) to Alabama Housing Finance Authority by virtue of that certain Assignment of Mortgage
Alabama Housing Finance Au-
thority as Assignee of said Mortgage will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, sell at auction to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse in during the legal hours of sale on February 21, 2024, the real property described in said Mortgage, which said description is
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated November 7, 2003, executed by Michael W. Scarbrough, a married man, joined by his wife Melissa L. Scarbrough (Michael W. Scarbrough and Michael Wayne is one and the same person), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for MortgageAmerica, Inc., which mortgage was recorded on November 13, 2003, in RLPY Book 2003, Page 94547, of the mortgage records
Probate of Elmore County, Alabama and which mortgage was duly transferred and assigned to MCLP Asset Company, Inc., 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 North Door entrance to the Elmore County Courthouse at Wetumpka, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on February 15, 2024, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 14 OF REDLAND DOWNS SUBDIVISION NO. 1 AS RECORDED IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK ALL EASEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, RESERVATIONS, PROVISIONS, COVENANTS, BUILDING SET-BACK LINES AND RIGHTS OF WAY OF RECORD. ALSO ATTACHED TO AND MADE A PART OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY: MFG HOME: MAKE/MODEL FLEETWOOD/470B SERIAL NUMBER GAFL335AB88611 YEAR 2004
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. MCLP Asset Company, Inc.
Transferee Padgett Law Group 4245 Balmoral Drive SW, Suite 101 Huntsville, AL 35801 Attorney for Mortgagee Wetumpka Herald: FC/SCARBROUGH PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: AUSTIN COOMBS ROSEMARIE COOMBS CASE No. JU-2012-411.15 JU-2012-409.15 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: SCOTT MICHAEL COOMBS (Father) You are hereby given notice that
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. STPAA-HSIP-0014(557) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
Plans and Proposals are avail-
and are set forth in the adver-
ny each bid as evidence of good on the decision to award this
sponse to this invitation and will
LMRA LOOKS TO ENHANCE ITS ORGANIZATION
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
With Jodie McGirt wrapping up her first year as Lake Martin Resource Association president, the organization has hit multiple accomplishments and has more in store.
INITIATIVES
McGirt explained LMRA has three strategic initiatives: boater safety, advocacy and environmentalism.
Boater safety includes the buoy management program, which takes up 60% of the budget. ALEA decides where the buoys go and LMRA’s volunteer team places the buoys out on the lake.
One of LMRA’s upcoming events with buoy management is Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Polar Plunge on Jan. 13. The proceeds from the Polar Plunge go toward Light Up the Lake, which is an effort to place lights on the lake’s buoys.
Another program is boater training. LMRA works with both Russell Marines and ALEA for the training. It not only helps people with getting boat licenses, but the training also provides hands-on experience.
McGirt said going into next year she would like to expand on the training and add even more hands-on experience. LMRA also started working with Children’s Harbor to provide boater training for the camps. The other initiative is advocacy. McGirt said that largely has to do with ensuring Lake Martin keeps its water quality. She said it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the state and LMRA wants to help maintain that.
The final initiative is envi -
ABOVE: Don Clark, left, and Neal Butler remove a damaged buoy to
management takes up 60% of LMRA’s budget. BELOW: One of Lake Martin
ronmentalism. The main environmental efforts are the trash clean ups. LMRA aids with Alexander City’s second Saturday cleanups and the organization also hosts clean ups around Kowaliga and the Red Hill community. The big clean is Renew Our Rivers, which is also a partnership with Alabama Power. This year’s LMRA had six to eight dumpsters around the lake, and McGirt said volunteers gathered a significant amount of trash.
Some of the other programs the organization participates in is the Tallapoosa County Water Festival, and LMRA will soon be collecting undecorated, real Christmas trees to create fish habitats out of.
MOVING FORWARD
McGirt said as people can see through the initiatives
LMRA’s partnerships from Russell Lands to Alabama Power to Children’s Harbor are vital for the organization. Going into 2024, she said she wants to continue to enhance those relationships.
On top of that, LMRA recently moved to an electronic customer management system in order to streamline communication with members and potential members. McGirt said she wants to find ways to better organize volunteers around the lake.
With LMRA’s board of directors, the organization has three to four board members moving to emeritus status and there are six new board members coming on next year as well.
McGirt said her vision is to carry on the heritage and the mission of LMRA and then expand upon it.
“Our goal this year is really to get better community engagement all the way around the lake — enlisting fire departments, enlisting other organizations that serve the community and figure out how we can partner a little bit better,” she said. “Our board members are going to take the lead on a lot of the committees and then we are going to enlist a lot of volunteers and better manage our volunteers through the customer management system as well.”
McGirt said she is continuing to work on tapping into key individuals around the lake, but overall, she is excited about what they have and what they have coming.
Elmore County football faces tough 2024 slate
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County coach
Kyle Caldwell will face his former team in 2024.
The Panthers released their 2024 football schedule last week and Elmore County opens the upcoming season on the road against Chelsea.
Caldwell, who has coached Elmore County for the last two seasons, was the offensive coordinator at Chelsea for four seasons from 2018-2021. This is the first-ever meeting between Elmore County and Chelsea.
“It’ll be a cool experience for the kids,” Caldwell said. “That Shelby County/Birmingham-Metro area has some really, really good football. I’m trying to get our kids some more exposure to some different areas around the state. I think it’ll be a good experience. Coming from 7A, they’ll have a good game speed.”
Chelsea has moved down to Class 6A this year from 7A, but the school still has almost 600 more students in its daily enrollment than Elmore County.
Elmore County, at 385 students, is the fourth smallest 5A school.
Playing in what could be argued was the tough -
FILE | THE OBSERVER
Elmore County’s football team will be in a tough region as six of the seven teams made the playoffs last year. In non-region play, Elmore County will travel to Chelsea and Carroll-Ozark while hosting Chilton County and Tallassee.
est region in football last year, Chelsea went 2-8 and missed the playoffs. The four teams that did make the playoffs out of that region – Thompson, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills and Hoover – all advanced to at least the second round.
Other non-region games for Elmore County will be Chilton County, which is coming off a 4-6 record and missed the playoffs in Class 6A, Region 3, and against Class 5A teams Carroll-Ozark and Tallassee. Carroll went 4-7 last
year and was the No. 4 seed in a tough region before falling in the first round of playoffs.
“Hopefully these games will prepare us for the playoffs,” Caldwell said. “I feel like we’re at the point after two years where we need to schedule a little bit tougher of a schedule. We need to play some tougher teams to prepare ourselves for the playoffs.”
As for other games, keeping Tallassee on the schedule was a must for Caldwell.
With about 370 students, Tallassee will move down to Class 4A and will not be region opponents with the Panthers anymore.
Despite that, the two teams have played every season since 1971 and that was not going to change for this upcoming season.
“It’s an important game for both communities,” Caldwell said. “Each community can’t really survive by themselves as much as both communities want to say they could. They
need each other. It’s good for the students and the alumni. These kids grow up playing against each other and since I’ve been here, it’s been a really good, clean rivalry. You always want to keep those.”
With Tallassee moving out, Elmore County welcomed in Marbury and Holtville to the region, both of which the Panthers played regularly However, it means six reigning playoff teams will be fighting for four spots
in 2024.
In this region, Holtville (7-4), Beauregard (6-5), Elmore County (8-3), Valley (7-4), Central Clay (10-1) and Marbury (2-9) all made the postseason last season.
The only team to miss the playoffs was Sylacauga, which was eliminated on a 39-38 loss to Beauregard.“It’s definitely a pretty tough region,” Caldwell said.
“I think every single team lost key players from their teams this year, even Clay Central, but they still have a lot of talent returning. Obviously they’re the guys everybody in our region is chasing. We have to have a great offseason program to put ourselves in a position to win the region. We have to work harder than everyone else.”
2024 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Aug. 23 - at Chelsea Aug. 30 - Tallassee Sept. 6 - at Carroll-Ozark Sept. 13 - Holtville* Sept. 20 - at Beauregard* Sept. 27 - BYE Oct. 4 - Central Clay County* Oct. 11 - at Valley* Oct. 18 - Marbury* Oct. 25 - at Sylacauga* Nov. 1 - Chilton County * - region game
Tallapoosa Publishers is getting hip
I’ve always considered myself kinda cool and kinda not.
I try to keep up with the trends of the times, and I’ve always been fairly tech savvy at work. But when it comes down to it, I’m really just a nerd at heart. And there’s nothing wrong with that. For the record, I also kinda hate technology — I didn’t even have Venmo until like six months ago.
As I get older, I feel even more out of touch. With young guns like Tallapoosa Publishers’ staff, I’ve got to keep with the changing times.
Arts & Entertainment
So what’s cool in the tri-county area Tallapoosa Publishers covers? Well, I’ll tell you: A lot.
When the brain child behind our new Arts & Entertainment section Samantha Himes, our audience development director, approached me about this, I had the most fleeting thought, “Would we have enough to cover?”
Boy, was I wrong about that. There is so much going on in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties, and we never want anyone to have the excuse of saying, “There’s nothing to do in this town.” And that brings us to our Arts & Entertainment section.
From venue spotlights to artist features, from food and drink reviews to a full calendar of upcoming events, these pages are going to be filled with all there is to do in the arts and entertainment world of our tri-county area.
These pages are for one person and one person only, and that’s you: the reader. If you want to see something on these pages, let’s talk. I’m always wanting to talk about new venues, musicians who are doing big things, upcoming art shows, professional workshops. Whatever it is, I want to hear about it.
In just one short month, the staff has put together these pages and we’re excited to learn we’ll have no problem with having enough to cover. If anything, there’s too much to do around here. Plus, when you tack on the food and drink reviews, there are plenty of places around our counties you’re going to want to tour soon.
In another effort to “be cool,” as they say, Tallapoosa Publishers is always stepping up its game on social media. You may have noticed an uptick in our Instagram posts as we bring you daily updates from our staff, and we look forward to branching into the wide world of TikTok more in 2024.
This is all about a new Outlook for a new year, and it starts by bringing this community one place to go for all things live music, art shows, foodie news and events geared more toward adults. Our pages will still be filled with kid-friendly stories, and our calendar will still be chock full of community events — some may even overlap on these pages. But once a month, you can expect an Arts & Entertainment section to grace these pages and we want to know what you’re looking for. Drop us a line.
Lizi Arbogast is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com or via phone at 434-962-9420.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Listening to music in Allan Stevens’ car can be quite the adventure.
“If I put my iPhone on shuffle, there is no telling what will come out,” Stevens said. “It could be something from the Muppet Movie. It might be Beethoven or it could be some old EPMD from the 80s. Maybe old hip hop.”
Music has been in Allan
KOWALIGA IDOL
RETURNS THANKS TO NEW PARTNERSHIPS
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
It almost didn’t happen.
Kowaliga Idol was set to end after its 15th year due to losing its main venue with the closing of the Rodeo Club in Dadeville.
However, thanks to a few new partnerships and some very encouraging fans and participants, Kowaliga Idol is back for No. 16.
“In truth, we were thinking last year would be the last year,” said John Kennedy, owner of Lake Broadcasting, which runs the contest. “To go a little deeper to the reason why was because we didn’t have the Rodeo Club but we wanted to finish out and do our 15th season. Going into it, we didn’t know how it would go. Coming out of it, there was so much success we had to do it again.”
Partnerships with Martin’s at Lake Martin and Lil Bit of Texas in Wetumpka have been the key to that success.
“Due to the high success with those two partners and the all-time participation rate with our most singers, we did some
Stevens’ blood for years. As a teenager Stevens’ favorites were AC/DC Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. A few decades later, the list has changed, but mainly through additions. “I still really like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd,” Stevens said. “The stuff you listen to when you are younger tends to be the same stuff you listen to as you get older. But I broadened my horizons. I listen to a lot of Allman Brothers, love the Grate -
soul-searching and decided to continue,” Kennedy said.
Modeled after the national American Idol competition, Kowaliga Idol starts with the Golden Ticket rounds. Those are anywhere from 20 to 25 karaoke try-out nights. Judges then award the “Golden Ticket” to anyone they believe should advance.
From there, there are different rounds of karaoke and even some original music opportunities. Some nights singers have to choose from a list of songs and other rounds, they’ll have to sing certain genres or bands.
“The big thing that made it really cool last year was they had to perform a track live to a band at Lil Bit of Texas,” Kennedy said. “They actually sang with the band in the finals and that will continue this year. That was a big difference because it can be a lot harder singing with a band than to a (karaoke) track.”
So far, Kennedy said there are 17 Golden Ticket nights booked with the first ones beginning in mid-January. The competition is over the course of several weeks. Some of the Golden Tickets already booked include venues like JR’s Sports Bar and Fermen-
ful Dead, Men at Work from the 80s, Willie Nelson.”
There have been many concerts and live shows too. Stevens’ love of music turned into playing as a teenager. He first picked up the drums and fiddled with the guitar. Stevens settled in the River Region in the late 1990s and started playing music again while working as an X-Ray technician. “You can’t play drums around
ter’s on the Green in Alexander City, Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters, Martin’s in Dadeville and even Fermenter’s in Sylacauga.
“We’re looking forward to going to The Funky Goat and some other newer venues,” Kennedy said. “We’re adding Castellucio’s on the Lake and having a special night there.”
One of the things Kennedy prides himself and the competition on is the level and number of venues. The competition has expanded and due to the success of some past winners, Kowaliga Idol attracts singers from around East Central Alabama. Kennedy expects singers from Phenix City, Auburn, Lake Harding, Lake Martin, Wetumpka, Prattville and Montgomery in addition to the Tallapoosa County locals.
“The biggest part of Kowaliga Idol that makes it work is we give amateur singers to intermediate singers an opportunity to get on a bigger stage with better sound than they’d normally get, then challenge them to get outside their bubble,” Kennedy said.
“We want them to get outside of the regular songs they’d sing at a different karaoke.”
FILE TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS INC.
Alexander City’s Baylie Kizziah was one of the past winners of Kowaliga Idol.
here and hope to make money,” Stevens said. “There are a couple of really good players. They are that good.”
Instead, Stevens picked up the guitar again and worked some on his vocals. He got good enough to join up with a few other local musicians to form Wishbone more than a decade ago.
“I was a utility player,” Stevens said. “I would play some drums from time to time —bass, guitar. I quickly realized that I wasn’t going to make money playing the drums. I can sing OK and pass playing guitar.”
Stevens left Wishbone with another musician and is now on his own. He plays at the Coosa River Craft House, the Autauga Creek Craft House and Common Bond Brewers in Montgomery among other local venues.
“I love playing Rex in Millbrook because it is close to the house,” Stevens said.
“Basically I love to play anywhere nearby.”
Stevens hosts an open mic night at the Coosa River Craft House every other Monday.
But don’t ask him to play anything original; Stevens only plays covers.
“I’ve been asked if I write anything, the answer is always no,” Stevens said. “No good art comes from having a great life. I have a great life, a wife of 27 years, children. I play other people’s misery. All good art comes from it.”
Annual Polar Plunge to benefit LMRA
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Writer
The eighth annual Polar Plunge will be held Saturday at Kowaliga Restaurant. Every year, Lake Martin Young Professionals hosts this event to raise money to support the Lake Martin Resource Association and its efforts to make regular improvements around the lake. Tickets are on sale for $20 for plungers, and $25 for dockers who prefer to stay dry while they support the cause. Tickets include access to food trucks and live music, and will benefit LMRA. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and The Plunge will take place at noon Food trucks and live music from Jonathan Bloom will be available until 4 p.m. when the event ends.
After the initial plunge, another shotgun will go off to indicate the start of the Dash for the Cash. In this contest, participants will run back into the lake and swim around a designated buoy. There will be an item placed near the buoy, and the first person to grab it and return it to the shore will receive $100.
Big Mike’s, Chick-fil-A and LJ Concessions will have food trucks set up. In addition to food trucks, Kowaliga’s bars will be open and ready to serve beverages. To indicate the start of The Plunge, a shotgun will go off, and plungers will run into Lake Martin.
Those who choose to plunge in this event will arrive at Kowaliga restaurant in whatever attire they choose to wear. There will be a costume contest with a prize of $100, so attendees are encouraged to wear costumes for a chance to win.
Creating connections for artists
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The inaugural River Region Art
Summit is coming to The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts.
It is a great chance for artists and organizations to come together to connect. The summit started small and grew exponentially.
“We talked to a couple of organizations and they wanted to meet with our artists,” The Kelly executive director Jennifer Eifert said. “We would love to get our artists in touch with other organizations. Then we got in touch with a few
more organizations and were like this is more than a meeting. We made it a summit.”
Eifert said The Kelly’s artist associate’s program is full at 50 with a waiting list. But the event is from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27.
“We wanted to show all the artists in the area all the opportunities, not just through us, but other organizations too,” Eifert said. “We are bringing together the organizations and artists so they can meet each other, find out about all the opportunities.”
Eifert said The Kelly and other organizations are open to exhibits
Alexander City Chamber of Commerce vice president Liz Holland advises plungers to wear swimsuits during The Plunge before changing into any costumes.
“My pro tip for any plunger would be to plunge in a swimsuit, then have a bathrobe ready as soon as you get out,” Holland said. Changing tents will be available for plungers to dry off and change as soon as they finish their plunge. Towels will not be provided, so plungers must bring their own towels for this event.
After the initial plunge,
from artists not in their associate programs.
“The summit is a great way for everyone to connect,” she said.
The art summit is open to all artists young and old.
“It is for artists of all levels,” Eifert said. “We want to see artists, art organizations and people who want to become artists. There will be information on classes and things like that.”
The summit already has Alabama State Council of the Arts, Alabama Arts Alliance, Montgomery Art Center, King’s Canvas, The Millbrook Arts Center and the Wetumpka Crater and Visitor Center on board with many others planning to be there. Eifert said the arts coun -
another shotgun will go off to indicate the start of the Dash for the Cash. In this contest, participants will run back into the lake and swim around a designated buoy. There will be an item placed near the buoy, and the first person to grab it and return it to the shore will receive $100.
In the past years, Polar Plunge has been successful when raising money for LMRA. This year, Holland and the rest of the chamber hopes for another successful Polar Plunge.
“Every year, we strive to beat our goal. It’s all about supporting Lake Martin through LMRA,” Holland said. “Though it is a good time, and everyone is laughing and jumping in the water, it’s all about raising money for a good cause. It helps keep our lake safe and clean.”
cil will have a presentation in the morning and the arts alliance in the afternoon.
“Everyone else will have tables set up with information about their programs and their exhibits,” Eifert said. “It is really just an opportunity for artists and art programs to come together to see what everyone has to offer.”
The two presentations are the only things scheduled for the summit at The Kelly. The arts council presentation will center around its fellowship program and the benefits it can offer artists. Eifert said it is open to the public.
“People can come for half the day, the whole day,” Eifert said. “It is up to the attendee.”
Plungers will run into Lake Martin during a recent polar plunge in support of Lake Martin Resource Association.
The Main Street Mule: A minty treat
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
If you are ever thirsty and in the mood for some mint, head on down to The Local. With a classic, traditional cocktail in mind The Main Street Mule might just be the
BRIEFS
TPI STAFF Staff Report
ELKS LODGE TO HOST CHILI COOKOFF
The Alexander City Elks Lodge will host a chili cookoff on Feb. 10. The public is invited to attend and participate in the competition. Tickets are $20. Those who would like to compete must pay a $25 entry fee. First-, secondand third-place awards will be trophies will be awarded as well as a people’s choice trophy. Registration to compete is due by Feb. 2. The Elks Lodge hopes to recruit new members through this event. Proceeds will help the local Elks Lodge to raise money to disperse to local charities when needed.
POKER RUN COMING TO MAIN STREET Main Street Alexander City will be hosting a poker run on Wednesday throughout downtown. The poker run begins at 5 p.m. Scorecards are $5, or five for $20, and can be purchased at the Jeep CruiseIn in the Court Square parking lot. The rules are only one scorecard can be played at a time and must be presented before the playing card is drawn. Participants must draw an additional card if an identical card is drawn. The checkpoint personnel will write the card on the scorecard. An additional card can be purchased for $5, and your best five cards can be played to win. Scorecards must be turned in by 6:30 p.m. at Lake Martin Brewery, where the winner will be announced at 6:45 p.m. Payout is 50% of scorecard sales.
drink for you. This drink, set inside of a hefty size copper mug, is a delight in every sip. The ingredients for a mule are simple: vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. With the size of the mug the Local serves the drink in, you get plenty of bang for your buck with a
price tag of only $10. This libation can be served with your choice of vodkas, and I chose Opelika’s own John Emerald vodka. You can even spruce up your drink a bit by changing up the flavor to either blueberry or cran-apple.
The Local is also a relaxing place to enjoy live music or watch a sporting event with friends. Look around the bar and you will likely see many other patrons sipping on their own mules. It is hard to go wrong with this drink. On a blisteringly hot or
chillingly cold day, the iciness of a mule in general is enough to soothe. But the Main Street Mule takes it up a notch with a solid price tag and sizable portion. Before you know it, you might be three or four deep and feeling like singing with the band yourself.
Songwriters Festival set to bring more music to the area
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival will be back again in July, but first the festival board must sort through what artists will be featured in the lineup. Since December, songwriters’ applications have been pouring in; the board has received roughly 65 applications as of Jan. 2. Vice president Vivian Autry, who also owns The Mitchell House, said generally there are around 150 applications and she is expecting more over the next couple of weeks.
Submissions close Jan. 12 then the board will move on to the selection process. The board members listen to each of the artists then vote on their top favorites and decide
who is a good fit to create a well-rounded festival.
“The reason I love the festival so much is I love to hear the stories behind the songs — how they decided to write those songs and why,” Autry said.
By mid-February, the artist will know if he or she has made it into the lineup. Last year, the songwriter’s festival had 22 artists, which is the goal again this year.
The aim is to have a mix of returning and new artists. Two special events from last year’s festival were the 20-and-under competition and the local’s stage. There are plans in the works to bring those events back.
Autry said the special thing about the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival is it is sponsor-funded, meaning attendees don’t have to pay
for a ticket to any of the shows. Fellow board member
Robert Gunn with Russell Lands added the free attendance is even more impressive considering the festival is in its fourth year.
Gunn has been involved in Lake Martin’s music scene since the early 2000s. When he first got started there were very few venues for live music.
“The talent pool in the area has really grown as have the outlets for the talent to perform,” Gunn said.
“Over the past several years, it's been a great impact for live music almost anywhere on the lake and off the lake.”
On top of that, the festival is getting attention beyond the Lake Martin region.
Autry said when she went to a music event in Nashville, artists told her their plans to
apply.
Autry said another appeal of the songwriters’ festival is it brings a certain level of hospitality for the artists that other music festivals might not. The artists get to spend time on the lake, are toured around the area and taken to different restaurants around Lake Martin.
“As the festival continues to grow, we bring in more artists, more venues are opened to allow these artists to come play and expose our community to some really talented people,” Gunn said. “I think it’s a win for everybody — for those of us who live here, for those who visit here and for those who come to play and sing.”
The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival will return in full swing July 24-28.
ABIGAIL MURPHY TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS INC.
The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival hosts its last songwriters round at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on July 29, 2023.