2 locals struck during high-speed chase
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
One of two local drivers was transported to a nearby hospital after his vehicle was struck during a high-speed chase Thursday, according to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency release.
At approximately 2:26 p.m., troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division initiated a traffic stop on a 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup, which has been confirmed
High School basketball coach
to be stolen, on Interstate 65 southbound at the 185 mile marker in Autauga County. The driver of the Dodge Ram attempted to elude Troopers and subsequently a pursuit ensued.
Ram struck a 2012 Hyundai Tucson driven by Ashley L. Ofield, 38, of Millbrook.
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
During the course of the pursuit, the driver of the Dodge pickup, who has been identified as Isaias Garcia, 35, of Rowlett, Texas, initially struck a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup driven by David G. Vaughn, 63, of Deatsville. After that collision, the 2018 Dodge
School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
After the second collision, the 2018 Dodge Ram eventually ran off the southbound shoulder of I-65 and overturned at approximately 2:38 p.m., according to the release.
Law enforcement said Garcia was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sher iff’s Office have the alleged vic tim’s phone. Authorities collect ed Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversa tion between the two,” Frank lin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
New playground equipment unveiled at Crenshaw Park
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
Crenshaw Park keeps getting better and better.
Friday, a press conference was held to unveil new playground equipment that was purchased in part through a grant from the Alabama RC&D Council, which is funded by the Alabama legislature.
Because of that, even state Senator Will Barfoot came to celebrate the occasion.
“This is a place where y’all can make memories,” Barfoot told a group of youth summer campers who were at the press conference. “When you become old like me, you’ll look back and remember being out
CELEBRATE AMERICA
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each See CHAMBER, Page A3
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
presentation.
“Kyle Futral is an exception al principal and is very proac tive and innovative in his think ing and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
“This
act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton. Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
Born and raised in Holtville, Sean Kreauter had the perfect opportunity fall into place when the principal position at Holtville High School came available.
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.
“It means a lot since I grew up in the community,” Kreauter said. “I’ve lived here almost 40 years; I went to Holtville schools from kindergarten through 12th grade,
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
High
and I’ve never left.” Kreauter has three children, each of whom attend a Holtville school, and now he’ll be at the head of the pack as he was chosen by the Elmore County Board of Education to take the principal position.
Always wanting to serve, Kreauter was actually in law enforcement in Montgomery prior to
WILSON
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | THE HERALD
camper enjoys the new playground equipment that was put in place with the help of a grant
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
The City of Wetumpka hosted its annual fireworks show at Gold Star Park on Saturday night. Despite rain prior to the event, the firework show went off without a hitch and parents and children alike were entertained.
SUBMITTED THE HERALD
Sean Kreauter, second from left, is introduced as Holtville High School’s new principal during the Elmore County Board of Education meeting last week.
Obituaries
MARK ALAN WADE
Mark Alan Wade, 74, of Montgomery, Ala., died on June 23, 2023, after a prolonged illness.
Mark was born in East Tallassee, Ala., in October 1948. He was preceded in death by his father, James “Dick” Wade, of Tallassee, Ala. He is survived by his mother, Anita (nee Emfinger) Wade, of Tallassee; his children Tyler (Adam) McCollum, Jessica (Rushi) Wade, and Jonathan (Michelle) Wade; his wife, Carolyn Collier Williams, of Wetumpka, Ala., and her children, Rachel (Rich) Gaines and Ryan Williams; his brothers, Austin (Linda) Wade of Auburn,
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
JUNE 27
• Theft was reported on Cotton Lakes Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Main Street.
JUNE 26
• A missing person was reported on Cedar Court.
• Identity theft was reported on Cambridge Drive.
• Harassing communication was reported on Marshall Street.
Ala., and Stanley Wade of Eclectic, Ala.; and his uncle, Jimmie Emfinger of East Tallassee, Ala. Although Mark may no longer be with us physically, he lives on through the lives he has touched. Mark married the love of his life, Carolyn, in his final weeks after many years of happiness together. They enjoyed seeing the Wetumpka Depot Players perform and saw almost every production over the last 12 years. He instilled in his children a sense
of humor that resulted in decades of boisterous laughter. He was dedicated to his mother, Anita, as well as his two brothers. Mark also lives on in the countless families he helped in his 20 years as a social worker with the Elmore County Department of Human Resources, and in the friendships he made both there and at the First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka. Mark handled his illness with grace and humor, and he treasured the time he had with his family during those difficult months. He has left this world, but he will never leave our hearts.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• A welfare check was conducted on Third Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.
• A domestic incident was reported on Freeman Avenue.
JUNE 30
• A noise complaint was reported on Herd Street.
• Theft was reported on Main Street.
JUNE 24
• Domestic violence was reported on High Cotton Court.
JUNE 22
• Domestic violence was reported on River Oaks Drive.
• Theft was reported on Cedar Court.
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
JUNE 21
• Domestic violence was reported on Pemrose Trail.
JUNE 20
• Public intoxication was reported in Autumnwood Village.
• Theft and criminal trespass was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
JULY 3
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.
JULY 2
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Peachtree Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Theft was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.
• A tree was reported in the roadway on Rifle Range Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
July 1
• A domestic complaint was reported on Quail Run.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Mooney Hollow Road.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer AVenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on John Street.
• A disorderly person was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Highway 231.
• A civil dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• An animal complaint was reported on Carr Circle.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Taylor Road.
JUNE 29
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Jordan Avenue.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Delta Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ralph Bunche Street.
• Assistance was given to a road maintenance crew on Highway 229.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on West Patton Street.
• An assault was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to medics on Barnett Boulevard.
JUNE 28
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• A domestic complaint was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Peachtree Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Worthington Circle.
• A stolen vehicle was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on North Johnson Street.
JUNE 27
• Panhandling was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Third Street.
• A vehicle accident was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A suspicious person was reported on Friendship Road.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ashurst Bar Road.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• A verbal fight was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.
• Animal control was requested on Notasulga Road.
• A child custody dispute was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on McArthur Street.
• Criminal trespassing was reported on East Patton Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Dolan Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Assault was reported on Peachtree Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Riverside Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on East Patton Street.
• Animal control was requested on First Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Monroe Street.
For Dad: Tallassee musician tours again
By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter
A Tallassee musician will tour again this fall after a 20-year hiatus.
Country singer Duane Parker will pick up his guitar once more and conduct a national tour this fall. His music career is filled with twists and turns and probably best symbolized with a hat he frequently wears.
“My hat is the only one like it in the world. It is made from the show boots that I wore on stage at the Grand Ole Opry the night my daddy died,” he said.
In fact, Parker’s father served as his first stage partner and an inspiration for his music career.
He sang on a stage for the first time at just
5 years old
from the crowd, Parker realized his life’s calling.
“They all hollered
and clapped. Man, it was the best feeling in the world. I thought I was Elvis Presley,” he said. "I want to be a star and make my dad proud. He was my hero.”
He learned to play guitar at the age of seven and composed original songs at 13.
Three years later, he left home at 16 years old with a dream to perform at Grand Ole Opry.
He initially performed at honky tonks and bars to build his name and eventually turned his dream into a reality.
He talked to his dad the night before his appearance at the Nashville Concert Hall and remembers the conversation two
See TOURS, Page A6
alongside his father Charlie at the Burton fair. Amid the cheers
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Country singer Duane Parker showcases one of his guitars in preparation for his return to the spotlight. The Tallassee native is revitalizing his career and will conduct a national tour this fall.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Many folks are off for a long weekend celebrating the Fourth of July, and we hope all who are pet owners have made preparations to keep their pets and livestock safe during all the festivities and fireworks.
To reiterate, the best place for pets during fireworks is inside the home safe and sound. But if something happens and your efforts fail, here’s what do you do if your pet escapes and becomes lost.
First, don’t delay looking for your pet.
Too many people call us days or even a week or more later stating, ‘They usually come home in a couple of days.” From experience we can tell you pet owners who imme -
diately start searching exponentially increase the chances of finding their pet.
In this day and age of social media, we can advise pet owners use all social media at their disposal to let neighbors and people in the area know your pet is missing. Post photos and information about your lost pet on your personal page as well (make sure to make it public) as a finder might just go to your page to validate your ownership.
Make sure your posts say where (street/neighborhood, city, state) your pet is missing from and for how long so as to not confuse people when your post ends up shared in a different county or even a completely different state. Add a phone number on your posts so peo -
ple with information can get in touch with you immediately; that means you have to then answer phone numbers you do not know.
Until your pet is found, update your post often to keep your pet’s information fresh in people’s minds. And if your pet is found, please also update so people won’t continue looking for a pet who is no longer missing. Call your supporting shelter soonest if you lose or find a pet. For the Humane Society of Elmore County, call us at 334-567-3377 and leave a message if we are closed. On Facebook we diligently monitor the group “Lost & Found Pets in Elmore County, AL” so you can trust if you post there, we are seeing it. Most cities and counties
Pugsley is a possible Shepherd/pit bull mix. He is about 2 years old and weighs between 40 and 45 pounds. He is a laid-back boy that came to us as a stray who was never reclaimed. Pugsley is great with other dogs, revels in attention and loves to explore so he would be a great hiking/camping buddy.
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
have their own Lost & Found Pet pages so make use of all in the area surrounding your lost pet’s last known location.
You can also email information and pics to us at hselco@ bellsouth.net as we do print all of those and keep in our Lost & Found files and will check email even on the days we are closed.
For finders, given that so many of us don’t answer unknown phone numbers, if you think you have found someone’s missing pet, it may be best to text info and pics.
Don’t delay taking the found pet to most any veterinarian or shelter to be scanned for a microchip as increasing numbers of pets are microchipped these days. And please don’t jump to con -
clusions about a pet’s condition as you have no idea how long that pet may have been missing or if it spent the last two days in brambles and mud.
Finders do not have the legal right to refuse to give a pet back to its legal owner and if true neglect or cruelty is suspected then you must get law enforcement or animal control involved. It is also considered extortion (a crime) if you refuse to give a pet back to an owner unless they pay a fee (of course, owners, if you have offered a reward, please do pay up if your pet is found safe and sound).
Also for finders, that pet is not yours to rehome/giveaway/sell.
Finders must make all reasonable efforts to help a pet be reunited with its owner and there are no legal number of days for private citizens like there is for bonafide shelters.
If contested in a courtroom it will come down to if both the owner and the finder make all reasonable efforts to reunite the pet with its proper owner. This is one reason we often recommend the pet come to the shelter as we are in the business of verifying and reuniting pets and have decades of experience doing so.
Please keep ID (tags/microchips) on your pets and keep them safe at home so you will have no need to avail of all the above pointers.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Pet of the Week — Pugsley
Page A4 • July 5, 2023 TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Supreme Court is moving us decades backward
Over the last month culminating on Friday, the United States Supreme Court has been making some pretty milestone decisions.
The first was a landmark decision about Congressional voting lines, which came straight from a case in Alabama. In our state, the population is 27% Black; however, there is only one congressional district out of seven with a Black majority. With this new decision, the congressional lines must be redrawn so Alabama has at least two Black-majority districts. With the conservative leanings of the Supreme Court, I really considered this a win for Alabama and for the country.
However, this week, I am reconsidering any opinion that may have favored the Supreme Court.
First, it struck down affirmative action.
The college admissions process has long utilized affirmative action, which gives favor to “underrepresented minority groups” so long as it takes all other
factors evaluated into account. This was upheld by the court in 2003, when the Court decided affirmative action did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
Two justices, Clarence Thomas and Sonia Sotomayor, have both said affirmative action played a role in their college admissions.
Then on Friday, a decision came in regards to a Colorado web designer who did not want to sell wedding websites to samesex couples due to her religious beliefs. This violated Colorado state law, but the Supreme Court upheld the web designer’s right to publish a disclaimer on her own website saying she would not design a website for a same-sex couple’s wedding.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, who penned the 6-3 majority decision, said it was based on the First Amendment and the protection of people to “think and speak as they wish.”
Sotomayor, a dissenting justice, said she worried about further discrimina-
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
tion against LGBT people — and even beyond that.
“Today, the Court, for the first time in its history, grants a business open to the public a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class,” she wrote.
It’s hard to wrap my mind around what this Court is thinking.
This is why the appointment of three judges to the Supreme Court by President Donald Trump was so important and controversial as he was headed out the door. Supreme Court justices are appointed for life, and they ultimately make some of the most important decisions. These are the types of decisions that will affect your day to day life.
It’s scary to see these types of decisions because all we’re doing is moving backward. Between last year’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, which was
first decided more than 50 years ago, and now striking down affirmative action — these were things I thought were discussions of the past, discriminations of decades ago.
It’s hard to believe it’s 2023, and there are still people who are willing to fall on the sword of discriminating against samesex couples. It’s even more unimaginable we no longer want to put importance on protecting racial minorities either.
What are these justices thinking?
For states that have outlawed affirmative action, it’s clear the trends of less and less Black students getting accepted into colleges. Racism is still real and thriving, unfortunately so, and now we’re getting rid of laws to protect people from it. It’s incomprehensible.
Pay attention to what’s going on, and make sure we’re doing better than our Supreme Court justices. Isn’t that sad to say?
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
1973 — 50 years ago and still timeless
Author-humorist Willie G. Moseley, with whom I shared this page in The Tribune for several years, often says the period of popular music recorded and released between 1967-1973 is without peer. This fertile and creative period is remembered fondly for many reasons. It began with the Summer of Love and Sgt. Pepper, reached its zenith with Woodstock and Altamont and ended around the same time as the Vietnam War and Watergate. These years defined a generation of Baby Boomers, and vice versa.
As I began to type a list of era-defining records, I realized it would take up this entire space and then some. For this listener, rock and roll music reached its peak maturity during these years – and indeed, what was called “album-ori-
ented rock” or AOR radio formats rose and fell during this same timeframe. But using Mr. Moseley’s opinion as an end point, I would like to revisit 1973 as we are now 50 years past.
Some of the all-time greatest records of the album era came out in ’73. Whose collection would be complete without Elton John’s masterpiece, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”?
John’s career would never have been the same if not for the wildly contrasting styles heard on this double LP. From the sublime (“Candle in the Wind”) to the nasty (“Dirty Little Girl”) to the just plain rock-
ing (“Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting”), this is by far his best work and an album I revisit often. It is of such importance to John that his current and final concert series is called Farewell Yellow Brick Road.
“Quadrophenia,” by The Who, also stands out from the 1973 pack as a solid double LP — and, as concept records go, it is one of the best. Complete with a lengthy booklet explaining the entire odyssey, “Quadrophenia” is really the story of The Who themselves — from Mods to maximum R&B, in four sides. Some of the best Who music ever made is in the grooves: “The Real Me,” “5:15” and “Love Reign O’Er Me” are classics.
The Who invented the rock opera with “Tommy,” but “Quadrophenia” is just as important (and I actually
like it better).
Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” remained on the Billboard 200 album chart for an astonishing 741 weeks, and deservedly so.
The darkness and bitterness of Floyd’s usual subject matter (insanity, mistrust, fear and loathing) was leavened somewhat by the superior production by Alan Parsons and genre-defining, slick sound that tied all the tracks together and made the album a must-listen for millions.
As “Dark Side” celebrated its golden anniversary earlier this year, I listened all the way through once again and marveled at the emotional impact of this truly legendary album.
“House of the Holy,” by Led Zeppelin appropriately set the tone for
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
decades later.
"His last words he said to me were ‘I'm proud of you son. Call me before you go on stage,’” Parker said.
An hour before his performance, he called his father but received no answer. He tried again with no success.
“I called and I called,” he said. “I finally started calling like every minute, just redailing. I couldn't reach him so I ended up calling my ex-wife and she said, ‘Haven’t you heard, your daddy died.’’’ Parker planned to be a guest of John Connolly that night and sing three songs, but he only thought about his dad that night.
“So I have to ride in a limo to Opry with this ringing in my head. The whole night was a blur. It was the worst day of my life,” he said.
Parker prepared to go on stage, but as his time to play arrived, he broke down in tears.
“It finally hit me,” he said. “I cried until I didn’t have another tear left in my body because that was my pinnacle. My goal in life was to reach the Grand Ole Opry and make my dad proud.” Ultimately, his manager at the time did not want him to perform given the tragedy, and so he went outside the building and instead cried about his father’s death. A fellow band, The White Sisters, comforted him.
“I remember a fountain and a bunch of flowers outside,” he
TIMELESS
Continued from A4
the rest of 1970s rock. It was heavy, harsh and loud but it was beautiful. Check out the lyrical “Rain Song,” the piledriving “Song Remains the Same,” or the goofy “D’Yer Mak’er.” They are all classics.
said. “We sat down by the fountain, and I just turned to that one white sister and hugged her. They never said a word and just held me.”
Parker said he left the music industry for years, only to play at small venues or at the Wetumpka Veterans of Foreign Wars given his dad was a Vietnam veteran. He felt he had left his career in the past until a year ago.
“My old lady’s grandma has dementia and asked me, ‘Why did you quit playing?’ I said ‘Mema, the man I did it for, well he ain’t here no more,’” he said.
Her reply sparked another realization within Parker.
“She said ‘You are selfish for your music. Everybody wants to hear you, and you ain't doing it because you're still stuck 20 years ago,’” Parker recalled.
Before they ended the conversation, he vowed to play again.
“That really hit a bone, and made my eyes leak a little bit. So I said ‘I guess you are kinda right,”’ he said.
He has since revitalized his music career. He recently partnered with Roadside Music Management and has several goals for the immediate future.
“One is to make a living playing music as well as to leave a legacy for my grandson,” he said.
“Then finish what I started and get back on that stage to Grand Ole Opry and sing a song for my daddy.”
Parker will re-release his Bottle of Survival album in the last week of July. Parker will also publish a live album this fall.
Strangely, however, the album cover remains censored in many countries. For lovers of horn bands, Chicago released one of the best albums of their career in 1973, “Chicago VI” With the appearance of a dollar bill on the album cover, many people saw the faceless band for the first time. The album contained some great tracks but especially the hits, “Just
Local parent who lost child starts support group
By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter
Heather Baker experienced a tragedy 15 months ago when her daughter died following a cancer diagnosis.
In the immediate aftermath, she searched for a way to cope with the loss. She said through divine inspiration, she was led to helping fellow parents in the same situation. In February, she started a support group in Tallassee to guide others through the grieving process.
"It was just a revelation to me. God told me to do it,” she said.
“I didn't realize how many people I worked with or are around that have lost a child until I started this group.”
She soon saw a need for such a group in more than just her circle of peers, but instead a group for all of Tallassee. As a nurse, Baker said she
You ‘N Me” and the pounding “Feelin’ Stronger Everyday,” my favorite Chicago tune.
Finally, an artist who continues to inspire and impress released his most coherent work in 1973 and traveled to Muscle Shoals to make it happen: Paul Simon’s “There Goes Rhymin’ Simon.”
This album featured some of his biggest hits, like “Kodachrome,” “Something So
desired to bring her helpful nature to more than her profession.
I want to help people and there are so many around our community who have experienced this type of tragedy, and I just wanted to give them someone else they could talk to and not feel alone,” she said.
So many people around the area and community have experienced this type of tragedy. Baker contacted Restoration 49’s owners about establishing a meeting area for parents to talk intimately about their experiences together.
“I just wanted them to feel like they had someone else they could talk to and not feel alone,” Baker said.
Each meeting, she discusses a topic related to the grief of losing a child. Most conversations circle around fear, guilt, communication with
Right,” and “Loves Me Like a Rock.” But my two favorites are “One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor” and “Learn How to Fall” — two songs that were only B-sides but deserve to be remembered for how great they truly were. If an era was ending in 1973, a new one was beginning. The disco sounds of “Rock the Boat” by the Hues Corporation in 1974 began the
others following a death and even how to manage holidays without a child.
With an average of 10 to 20 people in each group session, Baker advises parents to take a few key steps in the most immediate aftermath of a death.
“Reach out (to people),” she said. “Don't bottle up how you feel. There's nothing right or wrong about how you grieve.”
Ultimately, she hopes the group helps parents support each other.
“I think being able to just communicate with someone who's experienced it, and being able to maybe better ways to deal with it when you listen to what somebody else has done, or how they handled it.
Those interested in joining the group can attend meetings, which occur on the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
American fascination with the four-on-the-floor dance beat of disco — and, one could argue, the sound of pop radio that persists to this day.
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools and co-hosts “The Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on 580 WACQ and FM 98.5.
Freedom comes with a cost
Happy 247th birthday to America!
“God Bless America, land that I love! Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above.”
We are so blessed to live in America, but we must remember freedom comes with a price and a responsibility. Every time I see “Old Glory” blowing in the wind, I am brought to remembrance of the ones who fought and gave me the opportunity to live in the United States. I will never burn the sym -
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.
bol of my land; I will never take a knee to the national anthem. I will always show respect by placing my hand over my heart whenever and wherever the red, white and blue are presented.
Abraham Lincoln penned these beautiful words as part of the Gettysburg address by saying, “That we here
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, blankets,
highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Freedom was won by a down payment and installments have been made since the Republic was born. There is a price to be paid for our liberty.
Freedom is not the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to please do what is right. Every bit of the liberty
we have is under God and cannot be found elsewhere. Faith in America is not merely stamped on our coins but is engraved on our hearts and expressed in our lives.
John 8:36 tells us “only Christians know true freedom.”
The question is asked, what are we free to do and not do? Are we allowed to watch anything on TV? Are we free to indulge ourselves with eating and drinking? Are we free to wear clothes that draw attention to our bodies? Are we free to spew
Church Briefs
and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church
website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in
Worship With Us
HARMONY
any word we choose from our mouths? What about our recreational drugs? Are we free to break the speed limits of our land? Are we free to forsake the gathering of ourselves in the House of God?
In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, the apostle Paul gives us a practical illustration of Christian freedom: “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”
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
Our freedom in Christ must be balanced by a desire to build up and benefit others. When deciding how to exercise our Christian freedom we ought to seek the good of others before our own good.
If our actions should cause another brother or sister to stumble in his or her faith, we are to refrain out of love. Freedom is costly!
Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
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.
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Wetumpka’s Holt, Campbell named All-Americans
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Two of the state’s best players picked up more offseason honors this week.
Mya Holt, a Troy commit, was named an Extra Inning Softball First-Team All-American as a pitcher while Ashlynn Campbell, a Purdue signee, was named an All-American as an infielder.
Holt served as Wetumpka’s star pitcher and outfielder this season and adds that achievement to a long list of honors she’s received such as the 2023 Elmore County Softball Player of the Year and Class 6A All-State Player and Pitcher of the Year. Her biggest achievement this summer was being named Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year. She is the first soft -
ball player from Wetumpka to earn the honor. Holt had one of the best pitching seasons of anyone in the state. While helping Wetumpka to the Class 6A state championship and a state-best 54 wins, she recorded a 37-4 record with a 0.74 earned run average. She struck out 223 batters in 215.2 innings and allowed only 23 earned runs the entire year.
BATTLE FOR THE COUNTY
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Wetumpka football team defended its home turf on Thursday night.
Wetumpka claimed the first Battle for the County 7-on-7 tournament held at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The Indians beat Elmore County, 32-0, in the championship round to claim the first trophy.
Wetumpka went 5-1 on the day and won both of its tournament round games by a combined score of 59-10 over Elmore County and Tallassee.
“The whole purpose of this tournament was to
just get everybody reps,” Wetumpka coach Bear Woods said. “We wanted to get out here and get reps. All of our teams have guys who play both ways and we wanted to get them some action. I was proud of the way we finished the night. We finished strong.”
Everything was clicking with Wetumpka’s skill players from the start. While the offense lit up the scoreboard nearly every game, the defense played lights out. Wetumpka’s defense allowed only six touchdowns on the night. The one loss for Wetumpka came to rival Stanhope Elmore in a
defensive showing. Both teams were getting stops on each other left and right, and it came down to a big defensive stop for the Mustangs to ultimate win the game.
By forcing a turnover on downs for the Wetumpka offense, Stanhope Elmore earned two points to break a 17-17 tie and give the Mustangs the 19-17 win.
“We were in a defensive battle with them in that loss,” Woods said. “It’s usually whoever has the ball last is who wins a ball game. With those two defenses, it was whoever’s defense was out there last.
See BATTLE, Page B2
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
After losing the county’s top receiver from a year ago, Stanhope Elmore is looking at an extremely talented, but inexperienced receiving corps.
The Mustangs graduated nine senior receivers from last year’s squad, including Troy signee Jackson Thomas who recorded 73 catches a year ago. The Mustangs have shifted a few players around, including moving
She wasn’t just a pitcher, however, as she hit .512 with 83 hits, 22 home runs, 20 doubles, and 96 RBIs. Campbell played a big part in Holt’s offensive production as she reached and stole bases at an impressive rate this year. She ended her senior year with a .534 average with a .601 on base percentage and 78 stolen bases, which led the state. She scored 90 runs and added 48 RBIs out of the leadoff spot. Her plate discipline was on full display all year as she struck out only five times in 191 at-bats and walked 28 times.
Campbell earned both All-County and All-State honors this year and was named to the Class 6A All-Tournament team as Wetumpka won the championship.
Elmore County football team will
Feast or famine for Elmore County football
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Elmore County football team made the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade last year, and now the Panthers look to reach the postseason in back-to-back seasons. Led by second-year coach Kyle Caldwell, the schedule looks favorable, and last year’s combined record of opposing teams is 45-69.
Six of Elmore County’s opponents had a losing record last season, and two went winless. Out of the four teams that did have a winning record, one was in Class 1A while the three in 5A had a combined record of 26-5 and all reached the second round of the playoffs.
TRENDS
Elmore County opens the season this year against three straight opponents they beat last year by a combined score of 124-38. The Panthers will once again have the chance to start 3-0 but then they face Clay Central to open area play in Week 4. Elmore County has gone 0-5 against Clay Central. The Panthers have also not found much success against rival Tallassee in recent years as they’ve
lost seven straight and 10 of their last 11 matchups. Against Beauregard, Elmore County has also lost five in a row and has not won since 2007.
On the flip side, Elmore County has won four of its last five against Jemison and has won nine of the last 12 games against the Holtville Bulldogs.
GAMES TO WATCH While Tallassee has dominated this matchup in recent history, winning 10 of the last 11, last year’s game was an absolute thriller. It was the first time the game has been decided by one touchdown or less since 2015. This year, both teams return stars on both sides of the ball and it could come down to the last play again.
Valley and Elmore County battled it out last season for the final playoff spot in the region with the Panthers narrowly winning by four. With the game once again slated for the last week of region play, this game could very well decide which team makes the playoffs and which team doesn’t. Holtville and Elmore County had a shootout for the ages last season with the Panthers winning, 63-48, and the game
a few defensive backs to the offensive side of the ball. They also got a big name back who didn’t play last year, and the new group of receivers shined this week in 7-on-7 as they grabbed 10 touchdown catches in five games. The Mustangs participated in the Battle for the County 7-on-7 tournament held at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. They went 4-0 in pool play to receive the No. 1 seed, but fell in the semifinals of the single-elimina-
tion bracket portion of the tournament to Elmore County. “None of our receivers have game experience,” first-year head coach Hunter Adams said. “We don’t have a single receiver who took a varsity rep last year. That group is very developmental. When they played well in pool play, we went undefeated. When they didn’t play their best, it cost us in the last game of the day.”
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Quarterback Jacob Bryant returns for his third year as starter for Stanhope Elmore. Bryant will have a brand new receiving corps catching passes this season.
Wetumpka claims countywide tournament title
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
ABOVE: An Elmore County receiver catches a pass against Holtville in the county 7-on-7 tournament last week.
RIGHT: A Wetumpka player pulls down a reception against Tallassee during the first Battle for the County 7-on-7 last week.
BELOW:The Wetumpka football team celebrates after winning the first Battle for the County 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday night.
Holtville girls basketball sees productive summer
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Holtville girls basketball team wrapped up a productive summer circuit last week.
Holtville is coming off a record-breaking year last year. The Bulldogs won a single-season record 27 wins and reached the playoffs for the first time in program history.
Now the Bulldogs return all but one player for the 2023-2024 season this fall, and they are looking to build on that success.
Holtville coach Jason
BATTLE
Continued from B1
Franklin took his team to seven games this summer, and the Bulldogs went 5-2 across that span.
“The goal of our summer was just to get the girls back together and get them working,” Franklin said. “We have a good nucleus of girls back this year and we were productive in our playdates. It was a good couple of weeks.”
Holtville’s one departure from last year’s team is quite the loss, however. The Bulldogs lost Julie Nekolna, their 6-foot-3 foreign
FILE THE HERALD
Holtville senior Holly Smith returns to lead the Bulldogs after earning All-County honors a year ago.The Bulldogs went 5-2 in their seven summer games. See BASKETBALL, Page B3
But we built off that loss and we had a lot of fun today.”
Stanhope Elmore finished pool play with a 4-0 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the tournament rounds, but the Mustangs fell just short against Elmore County in the final seconds of the semifinals.
STANHOPE
Continued from B1
Three of the biggest names who will take over at receiver this year are Orenthal Martin, DeKameron Jones, and Jamari Coleman. Martin missed all of last season but returns for his senior year in a big way. He will play both offense and defense and showed off his talents on both sides of the ball on Thursday. He caught three touchdowns and also snagged an interception on defense.
DaShaun Caffee will also play in the Z position while
After turning the ball over, Stanhope Elmore gave Elmore County the ball back with around 20 seconds left. The Panthers then connected on a deep pass to set up a short-and-goal, and they walked off the game with a 15-14 win.
Stanhope finished with a 4-1
rotating on both sides of the ball.
“Getting Orenthal back adds a lot to our team,” Adams said. “We have a rotation at that position because they’ll both start on defense and we don’t want to completely gas them playing both sides. They’re going to make a lot of plays for us.”
Two other receivers who have shown their talents in various 7-on-7 tournaments this summer are junior Jamari Coleman and senior DeKameron Jones. Adams said Jones is one of the fastest players on the team, and once he gets con-
record. With the win over Stanhope, Elmore County advanced to the championship before losing to Wetumpka. They finished the night with a 3-4 record. They went 1-3 in pool play before taking down Holtville and Stanhope in the tournament rounds.
Tallassee went 2-3 on the night and reached the semifinals. Holtville went 0-5.
sistent, his speed is going to cause a lot of issues for opposing defenses.
Both caught touchdown passes in the 7-on-7 tournament last week, while Jones caught five in a tournament at Troy and Coleman scored four times in the same tournament the week prior.
“Those two guys are guys we will definitely lean on this year,” Adams said. “They have a lot of work to do. They know what to do on offense, but now they have to learn how to do it and do it the right way. Once they learn that, we have a chance to be pretty good on offense.”
Senior Jacob Bryant leads the offense for his third-straight season, and the Mustangs will look to get back to the playoffs this year after missing the postseason the last two years. Adams likes what he has seen from his team this summer but knows there is a lot of work left to get done this summer and fall camp before the Mustangs open the season against Shades Valley on Aug. 25.
“We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re starting to find some strengths and some things we can build on for the season,” Adams said.
ELMORE
Continued from B1
setting both school’s records for the most combined points in a game. Four of the last six matchups have been decided by two touchdowns or less.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JACORI TARVER, BEAUREGARD RUNNING BACK Tarver showed off his skills last year against Elmore County, and he’s made quite the name for himself in the last year. As he rushed for 1,209 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior, he also picked up Division I offers like Alabama State among others. The Hornets graduated two running backs and their starting quarterback, so look for them to ride the back of Tarver.
JAY HARPER, VALLEY CORNERBACK Harper is ranked as one of the top players in Alabama’s Class of 2024, and the Wisconsin commit proved why with a stellar junior year. He broke up play after play last season and recorded 48 tackles with three interceptions, which led the Rams.
CARSYN COBB, MARBURY RUNNING BACK Cobb has made a big impact the last few years in the Bulldogs’ backfield, and he looks to continue that role leading into his senior year. Despite losing to Elmore County last season, Cobb had a great game where he rushed for 158 yards and one touchdown on a 9.9 yards per carry average.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 – Elmore County at Marbury Sept. 1 – Autaugaville at Elmore County Sept. 08 – Elmore County at Sylacauga Sept. 15 – Central Clay County at Elmore County
Sept. 22 – BYE Sept. 29 – St. Clair County at Elmore County Oct. 06 – Elmore County at Tallassee Oct. 13 – Elmore County at Beauregard Oct. 20 – Valley at Elmore County Oct. 27 – Elmore County at Holtville Nov. 3 – Jemison at Elmore County
THE KELLY HOSTS ANTICIPATED GRAND OPENING
LIZI AROBGAST GWIN THE HERLAD
ABOVE: The Kelly hosted its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
RIGHT: A few friends share a drink at The Kelly’s grand opening reception on Thursday afternoon.
BELOW: The new Kelly, which opened on Thursday afternoon, features a kids art room.
CHASE
Continued from A1
Terrell Dry Jr., 46, of Palmetto, Georgia, the passenger in the 2018 Dodge Ram, and Vaughn, the driver of the 2014 Dodge Ram, were injured and transported to Baptist Medical Center South for treatment, the release stated. Their conditions are not known at this time.
The pursuit initially began in Autauga County, but the first crash occurred near the 178mile marker, the second near the 180-mile marker in Elmore County, and the final crash in Montgomery County near the 173-mile marker.
Nothing further is available as ALEA continues to investigate.
BASKETBALL
Continued from B2
exchange student from the Czech Republic. In her one year on the team, Nekolna earned the 2023 Elmore County Girls Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals per game. That type of production is hard to replace from one player, but Franklin isn’t looking to replace her. He’s looking for his team to take on their own roles and improve their own games.
PARK Continued from A1
here in the summer and other parts of the year. You’ll remember what your time with your friends was, but you don’t just snap your fingers and make it happen.”
Several organizations were represented, including members of the Elmore County Commission, as many people had a hand in securing the grant, installing the equipment and making the whole thing happen.
Crenshaw Park was first established in 1982 when the Crenshaw family donated its land to provide a space for the community.
getting into the education field. He started that part of this career as a coach at Wetumpka Elementary, and eventually moved to be an administrative assistant at Millbrook Middle School.
From there, he worked his way up. He spent four years as the assistant principal there before becoming principal there for three years prior to taking this new position.
“As a formal principal, some of the managerial side of things will be a lot of the same,” Kreauter said. “But some challenges I’ll face
“The thing about last year’s team is that it’s done now,” Franklin said. “That’s in the past now and if we live in the past, we’re going to get beat a lot. So we have to pick up and improve and become better basketball players with our girls we have back.”
A lot of talent and scoring is coming back for Holtville this season. Rising senior Holly Smith, a guard, was one of the top players in the county last year as she averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. Joining her are the top two
Millbrook council holds public hearing on community grant
By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter
The Millbrook City Council opened the floor Tuesday for suggestions on spending potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission appeared before the council Tuesday to seek public input in regards to allocating funds from the Alabama Community Block Grant Program.
Leslie York, a community development manager with the commission, provided some history of grant Millbrook developments which utilized the grant funds.
“The last project that they did using these funds was your senior center across the street so it's a great program that offers a lot of benefits if needed,” York said. “We'd love to hear anything you all might want — council members as well — just anything you might want considered.
City Clerk Lori Davis said the city will initiate an application process ahead of the July 24 deadline.
“We're going to be talking to a lot of people about this in the community,” she said.
The amount of funds allocated varies based on small and large cities, with smaller municipalities having a funding ceiling of $400,000 and large city funds as well as counties having allotments of $500,000. There is a 10% match required in all three funds, but the match is exempt if the total population is a thousand or less.
Not only is Crenshaw Park complete with basketball courts and now brand-new playground equipment, it is also used as the area voting precinct. A new building was donated in 2008, and more upgrades are on the way.
“Speaking of investing, you’re going to see more improvements that are going to come,” Elmore County commissioner Desirae Lewis-Jackson said. “The park will be shut down in October and between now and that time, you’ll see a basketball court and some other improvements that will be coming.”
The new playground equipment included a climbing dome, swings and more.
going from middle school to high school is obviously the curriculum. There are different assessments at the high school level and athletics is a lot more involved at the high school level.”
Another big change will be the sheer size of a place like Holtville.
Although many think of the Slapout as a tiny hamlet, it’s actually quite a large high school and is growing. There are more than 500 students grades nine through 12, and that’s compared to 110 students Kreauter was in charge of at Millbrook Middle.
“The biggest thing will be making sure we have the right people in the right places,” Kreauter said. “We
3-point shooters from a year ago, Ana Brown and Kaila Higgins. Brown made 52 3-pointers last year while Higgins added 50. The two mainly played as catch and shoot specialists on offense, but they’re taking more responsibility this summer.
Smith was already known for attacking the basket, but Franklin said Brown and Higgins both are putting the ball on the ground more this summer and driving to the lane. That’s opening the others up for open 3-point shots, and their shooting percentages increased in sum-
According to York, typical projects could include things such as demolishing dilapidated buildings. The program has also done typical developments including water and sewer extensions, neighborhood and downtown revitalization and street and drainage improvements.
The grant will be considered for the 2023 fiscal year.
Following the hearing, the council also approved an ordinance amending the date and time of regular city council meetings.
City council president Michael Gay said the amended time stemmed from public requests.
“We have an order to accommodate public requests and times. The first council meeting of the month will be a 9:30 a.m. work session on July 11, and the council meeting will be at 10 a.m.,” he said.
The second meeting of each month will still be the same regular time on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. IN OTHER ACTION THE MILLBROOK CITY COUNCIL:
•Approved the purchase of a new ambulance chassis for the Millbrook Fire Department.
•Approved an ABC license request for Bless Wine and Spirits.
•Approved a motion to authorize the sheriff to execute a three-year contract with NCIC Inmate Communications for correctional communications contract.
•Approved an $25,000 budget increase for the city’s building department.
Troy Stubbs, who is a state representative for Elmore County and also lives just 1 ½ miles from Crenshaw Park, said the new addition of playground equipment is great but it’s not just about having fun.
“Playground equipment isn’t what is most important about what you’re doing here at Crenshaw Park,” Stubbs told the campers.
“What’s important is the friends you make and looking after each other. As you get older, playground equipment won’t be as important to you, but your relationships and trusting each other, being a good friend and example to the people around you, that’s what is going to matter.”
also need more room in general.”
During his first full day at the high school last week, Kreauter took a tour of all the facilities and realized the need for expansion. He said the Bulldogs will have to utilize at least one or two portables for this school year.
Although there will be a lot of challenges ahead, Kreatuer said he has a great support system. He’ll be taking over for Kyle Futral, who is also a good friend of his.
“We are pretty close, and he did a great job,” Kreauter said.
One of the things Kreauter admires most about Futral’s accomplishments at Holt -
mer playdates.
“We have three legit scorers coming back with those three,” Franklin said. “They’re putting the ball on the floor and attacking the basket and scoring more ways than just being a true shooter. If all three of them can continue doing that and attacking the basket, it’s going to open up another dimension of basketball for our team.”
The Bulldogs are now done with playdates for the summer and Franklin will turn his sights back towards leading the football season this fall. He liked what he got from his team, and
ville is the Bulldog period, a flex period that allows staff to focus on each students’ individualized needs.
Kreauter plans to do a lot of observing at first but said he already knows he wants to hone in on issues such as attendance and ACT prep support. He’s hoping the fact that he’s already a Bulldog will make this an easy transition.
“You can get a lot of buy-in,” he said. “I’ve been here my whole life, so I go to church in the community and live here. I already know a lot of the teachers, so you get a lot of buy-in and support for things you want to do at the school. I think that’ll be a big advantage.”
he felt like he found a good core to pick back up where they left off when practice begins in the winter. Not only did his returning players improve their game and pick up responsibilities, but he got some younger girls some meaningful minutes.
“This was an overall productive summer,” Franklin said. “I think we’ve gotten 10 who are really going to be able to help us move forward. It was nice getting them all on film and now we can correct the issues and elevate our play some more when we get into November.”
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN THE HERALD Elmore County commissioner Desirae Lewis-Jackson gets the kids excited at Crenshaw Park on Friday.
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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE
WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from RAY E. LONG AND PATRICIA E. LONG (HUSBAND + WIFE) to JIM WALTER HOMES, INC., on the 20th day of January, 1996, said mortgage recorded in the March 25, 1996, in Deed/Mortgage Book 171, Page 2686,cords, said Mortgage having and assigned to U.S. Bank National Association, not in its inTrustee of NRZ Inventory Trust,signed U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual NRZ Inventory Trust, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and
Public Notices
ject to any easements, enthose contained in the records-
tion of all parties entitled thereto ad valorem taxes (including taxsale is made for the purposeas the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee repurchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the inpostponement or cancellation. U.S. Bank National Association, solely as Trustee of NRZ Inventory Trust, 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.
Mortgagee/Transferee 11 N. Water Street, Suite 10290, Mo-SHP-23-01563-1
Jun. 28, Jul. 5 and 12, 2023 212465 PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Matthew L. Ross and Amy K. Ross, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Nationwide Mortgage Concepts, a Limited Liability Corporation, on March 30, 2010, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2010 and Page 13550; the undersigned PHH Mortgage Corporation, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on
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y August 29, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, AlaSubdivision, Plat Number 2, asty, Alabama, in Plat Book 12, Page 100.. Property street address for informational purposes: 115 Allen Drive , Millbrook, AL 36054. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR EN-TIES 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
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entrance to the Elmore county courthouse located at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore July 25, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and in-
BUYERS PROPERTY TO CONSIST OF .5 ACRE LOCATED ON SANDTOWN ROAD, MILLBROOK, AL, ELMORE COUNTY, AL. LEGAL DESCRIPTION TO BE DETERMINED BY DEED OR SURVEY. COMMENCE AT AN IRON PIN AT THE SE CORNER OF LOT “E`` OF AN UN-NAMED PLAT OF LOTS A/F, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE
ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT E AND THE NORTH LINE OF THE SW1/4 OF THE NE1/4 OF SECTION 3, T-17N, R-17E, ELMORE COUNTY, 639.73 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE EAST RIGHT-OFWAY OF SANDTOWN ROAD,
RIGHT-OF-WAY, 75.71 FEET TO AN IRON PIN, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGIN-
259.80 FEET TO AN IRON
FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE AFORE-MENTIONED
ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY, 94.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE SW1/4 OF THE NE1/4, OF SECTION 3, T-17N, R-17E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 0.53 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
3840 SANDTOWN RD, MILLBROOK, AL 36054property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.ed to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Page B6 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023
Public Notices
ggp of the South, on April 23, 2004, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, Asset Company, Inc., as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of Elmore County, Alabama, on August 3, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 10, Township 18 North, Range
Beginning, continue thence North 02 degrees 23 minutes 58 seconds West, 164.89 feet; thence West, 413.71 feet; thence South, 486.58 feet to a point on the North side of as Harris Road; thence East, and along the North side of said road, 423.18 feet; thence South 27 degrees 51 minutes East, and along the East side of said road, 90.10 feet; thence South 89 degrees 21 minutes 15 seconds East, 627.99 feet; thence North 01 degrees 30 minutes West, 398.39 feet to the section line; thence South 89 degrees 40 minutes 35 seconds West, 662.06 feet to parcel of land being in the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 3, Township 18 North, Range 17 East and in the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 and in the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 10, Township 18 North, Range 17 East, and contains 10.77 acres, more or less. Said parcel of land being subject to an easement along the North and a portion of the East side of the above described land and being described as follows: Commence at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 10, Township 18 North, Range 17 East which is the thence North 02 degrees 23 minutes 58 seconds West, 164.89 feet; thence West, 413.71 feet; thence South, 20.0 feet; thence East, 393.71 feet; thence South 02 degrees 23 minutes 58 seconds East, 164.89 feet; thence North 89 degrees 40 minutes 35 seconds East, 682.06 feet; thence North 01 degrees 30 minutes West, 20.0 feet; thence South 89 degrees 40 minutes 35 seconds of Beginning. The grantors retain the non-exclusive right to the use of this easement area for themselves and their street address for informational purposes: 1514 Harris Rd , Elmore, AL 36025. THIS AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS,
THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement Company, Inc., (“Transferee”) Homewood, AL 35223 www. tblaw.com TB File Number: 2304624 23-01179 PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Randal B Ingram And Margaret F Ingram Husband And Wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for MortgageAmerica, Inc., its successors and assigns dated October 28, 2004; said mortgage being recorded on November 17, 2004, in Book 2004, Page 81624 in the of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to
Public Notices
g Nationstar Mortgage LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2022, Page 64018 in the of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Nationstar Mortgage LLCunder and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 3rd day of August, 2023 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 5, Block D, according to the Map of Prattville East Addition Plat No. 5, as recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 11, at Page 80. Said property is commonly known as 1953 Tara Drive, Prattville, AL between the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present 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. The sale will be conducted subject (1) to prohibited under the U.S. Bank-of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 23-04876AL www.foreclosurehotline.net Wetumpka Herald: 23-04876AL
PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2023019
TO: CODY FREE, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE FATHER OF L.B.G. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for -
MICHAEL CHANCE, as Petitioner, for the adoption of -
ELAINE GRIFFITHS on Februto contest this adoption. Be ad-a written response with the Proof this notice. The Probate Court
consider such Petition without JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC
A2023-019
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PEDDLERS LICENSE APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Millbrook City Council for approval of a Peddlers License for Vivint, Inc. for door to door sales. Said application has been set for Public Hearing before the City Council on July 25, 2023, at 6:00p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3900 Grandview Road, Millbrook, Alabama. All persons who desire shall have an opportunity to be heard or may indicate his or her wishes in writing in favor of or in opposition to the above item. The item may be reviewed at the
Public Notices
y Millbrook City Hall, 3160 Main Street, Millbrook AL 36054 or call (334) 285-6428 for additional information. Lori Davis, City Clerk, City of Millbrook
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5 and 12, 2023
APPLICATION/VIVINT
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following motor vehicle has been reported as “unclaimed” Code of Alabama 1975.
MAKE: Volkswagen
or entity in possession of an reporting the motor vehicle as shall send notice to the oner and lienholder of record by receipt requested or electronic motor vehicle may be redeemed upon payment of the following vehicle:
Cobbs Ford Rd.
day
accrue daily. If this motor vehicle is not re deemed by the recorded owner calendar days from the date of shall be considered as aban Code of Alabama 1975. The motor vehicle may then be sold pursuant to the provisions of the Alabama Abandoned Mo tor Vehicle Act as provided for Code of Alabama 1975. in order to redeem this vehicle.
misty@jhcc.com
Wetumpka Herald: AV/18 VOLKSWAGEN
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Wiregrass Construction Co, Inc hereby gives notice of completion of contract with The Alabama Department of Transportation, for construction of Project No: STPMN-2620(259) Elmore County, Widening, reCR-3 (Ingram Road) from the junction of SR-14 Northeast of Millbrook to the junction of CR-7 (Deatsville Highway) in Deatsville. In the County of Elmore, State of Alabama. This notice will appear for four consecutive Wednesdays beginning on 05 July 2023 and ending 26 July at: Wiregrass Construction Co, 1342 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 during this period.
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Eagle Pro LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for renovation of HVAC Renovations for Holtville Elementary School at Holtville, Alabama for the State of Alabama and the County of Elmore County, Owner(s), and havement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Morris Engineering LLC 903 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-269-0329 Eagle Pro LLC 3695 2nd Street Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 256-767-5154
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2023 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR ROOFING CONSTRUCTION BIDS
A MANDATORY PRE-BID
MEETING is scheduled for Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM CST, at Building E, Room E-120 at the Patterson Site of Trenholm State Community College, 3920 Troy Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 at which time potential contractors
removal of existing roofs and new installation of hot asphalt systems at the 4520 Executive Park Drive (Buildings A, B, C, and D) and 2511 Fairlane Drive (Building E), Montgomery, Alabama 36116 sites. SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at Building A/B, at Trenholm State Community College, 1225 Air Base Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36108 until Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM CST for removal of existing roofs and new installation of hot asphalt system at the Executive Park Drive (Buildings A, B, C, and D) and Fairlane Drive (Building
Public Notices
) (g
E) sites. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Trenholm State Community College in (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany bidder’s proposal. Submission of Performance Bond, Labor and Material Payment Bond, and evidence of required insurance are precedent to Contract execution. Bid Documents
Addenda) will be provided at the mandatory pre-bid meeting (solely by Trenholm State Community College) to Contractors with no required deposit. Trenholm State Community College intends to award a single contract to a single contractor. The Owner will accept proposals only demonstrate their experience and ability to perform the work necessary for this Project. Interested General Contractors must submit a Contractor’s
bidders to include but not limited to: 1) statutory licensure requirements, 2) proof, in the form of a letter from a licensed bonding agent, of current bonding capacity in excess of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars, 3) minimum of 5 years in operation as a General Contractor under the same company name, 4) minimum annual volume of 1 million dollars in construction value for each of the past three years and at least (3) construction projects of a similar size and scope to this project completed during the last twenty-four (24) months information to Louis Campbell. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished using the forms included in the bid documents or available online from the Alabama Community College System website (https:// www.accs.edu/facilities/). All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by Trenholm State Community College; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. Trenholm State Community College reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Trenholm State Community College’s judgement, the best interests of Trenholm State Community College will thereby be promoted.
Owner: Director of Facilities Louis Campbell Cell 334.799.6567 lcampbell@trenholmstate.edu
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 BIDS/ROOFING
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2023-170 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES DAVID ALSTON, DECEASED Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JAMES DAVID ALSTON, deceased, having been granted to KRISTEN BARR on the 29th day of June, 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.
KRISTEN BARR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES DAVID ALSTON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: CHARLES L. ANDERSON ANDERSON, WILLIAMS & FARROW. LLC 7515 HALCYON POINTE DRIVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-272-9880
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/ALSTON J.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BENNIE JACK ARNOLD, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-168 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BENNIE JACK ARNOLD, SR., deceased, having been granted to JUSTIN R. ARNOLD on June 29, 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.
JUSTIN R. ARNOLD ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BENNIE JACK ARNOLD, SR., DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: GERALD A.
Public Notices
DANIEL. JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC POBOX 638 MILLBROOK. ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444
Jerrv@GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12 and 19, 2023
EST/ARNOLD, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOAN ELAINE BEASLEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-159 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JOAN ELAINE BEASLEY, deceased, having been granted to BRYAN PAUL CURTIS on June 16th 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.
BRYAN PAUL CURTIS
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOAN ELAINE BEASLEY, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES E. “SAM” JOHNSTON ATTORNEY AT LAW 4371 MARLER ROAD PIKE ROAD, ALABAMA 36064 334-215-7596
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 28, Jul. 5 and 12, 2023
EST/BEASLEY J. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY FRANKLIN CHANDLER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-158 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of JERRY FRANKLIN CHANDLER, deceased, having been granted to CHERYL FREE on June 16, 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.
CHERYL FREE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY FRANKLIN CHANDLER, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JACQUELINE E. AUSTIN ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 908 108 COURT ST WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-4874 jeaatty@aol.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023 EST/CHANDLER, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBY GENE EIDSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-160 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BOBBY GENE EIDSON, deceased, having been granted to EVELYN C. EIDSON on June 15, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
EVELYN C. EIDSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBY GENE EIDSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JEFFREY J. COURTNEY COURTNEY & MANN, LLP PO BOX 100 WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023 EST/EIDSON, B. PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, code of Alabama, 1975 notice is hereby given that Allied Fence Company, Inc., Contractor, has completed the contract for CHAIN LINK FENCE AND GATE INSTALLATION AT STANHOPE ELMORE HIGH SCHOOL for the Elmore County Board of Education, Owner, settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with the project should immediately notify Elmore County Board of Education, 100 H. H. Robinson Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Allied Fence Company, Inc. 7100 Mobile Highway Montgomery, Alabama 36105
Wetumkpa Herald: Jun. 28 and Jul. 5, 2023 NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY T. GIBBONS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-151 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DOROTHY T. GIBBONS, deceased, having been granted to KENNETH H. GIBBONS on June 15th 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.
KENNETH H. GIBBONS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY T. GIBBONS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023
EST/GIBBONS D. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN CHRISTINE HUNT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-166 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CAROLYN CHRISTINE HUNT, deceased, having been granted to JUSTIN HUNT on June 22, 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.
JUSTIN HUNT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN CHRISTINE HUNT, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MICHAEL A. GRIGGS THE GRIGGS LAW FIRM, LLC PO BOX 780452 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078-0452 334-283-2893
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 28, Jul. 5 and 12, 2023
EST/HUNT, C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TERESA S. RICHBURG, CASE NO: 2023-172 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of TERESA S. RICHBURG, deceased, having been granted to MANDERLEY RICHBURG COOLEY on June 23, 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. MANDERLEY RICHBURG COOLEY
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF TERESA S. RICHBURG, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: RICHARD K. VANN, JR ATTORNEY AT LAW P O BOX 347 MONTGOMERY. ALABAMA 36101 334-834-1180
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 28, Jul. 5 and 12, 2023
EST/RICHBURG, T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ENICE HOWELL TURNER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-157 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to ALBERT NEAL TURNER, JR. as Personal Representative on the 13 day of June 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street
Wetumpka, AL 36092
ALBERT NEAL TURNER, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ENICE HOWELL TURNER, DECEASED.
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023 EST/TURNER E. Put your ad here call 256.414.4250
NO: 2023-176 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of THOMAS JEFFERSON WATSON, deceased, having been granted to THOMAS
Public Notices g RANDAL WATSON on June, 29, 2023 by Justin Edwards, Special Judge of Probate Court 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.
THOMAS RANDAL WATSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF
THOMAS JEFFERSON WATSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/WATSON, T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAMS, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-149 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Public Notices OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of CHARLES WILLIAMS, SR., deceased, having been granted to NETTIE WILLIAMS HAYES on June 29, 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.
NETTIE WILLIAMS HAYES
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAMS, SR., DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator:
DESIRAE LEWIS
ATTORNEY AT LAW THE LEWIS LAW FIRM. PC P O BOX 81 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-731-3198
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/WILLIAMS, C.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: BAILYNN TAYLOR CASE No. JU-2022-229.02 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: JESSICA JOHNSON (Mother) You are hereby given notice thatBAILYNN TAYLORhereby given notice that you are -
August 09, 2023, at 2:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama
JU-2022-229.02
Public Notices
yg Landmark Engineering at 334221-9440 or stuart@landmarkeng.com Bidders will be Check or Bid Bond for 5% of bid price (maximum-$10,000) made payable to the City of Millbrook. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 2:00 PM CST at the project site. Attendance at this Pre-Bid Conference is highly recommended for all interested bidders. All bidders must comply with the requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be which a proposal is submitted. Award will be made only to competent and responsible bidders as mandated by Title 39 of the Code of Alabama. All bidders must be licensed under Title 34 of the Code of Alabama. This RTP Grant Public Assistance project utilizes federal funding and as such requires all bidders be registered and in good standing with the U.S. Government via www.sam.gov. The bidder must provide the information necessary to show evidence of license before an award is made. The Contractor shall include the following information with his bid: Name of Company, Address of Company, Telephone Number of Company, Company Contact Person, Contractor’s
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Monday, July 10th, 2023, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE. •661: Tony Cole.1813 Gibbs Circle,Montgomery, Alabama 36108
Contents: Bicycle,boxes
•549:Glenda Gilbert. 205 Willow Springs Road, Wetumpka, Alabama 36093
Contents: Totes, bags, dresser, chairs,
•871:Glenda Gilbert. 205 Willow Springs Road, Wetumpka, Alabama 36093
Contents: Dining Room Set, mattress, tv,boots, curio cabinet, boxes
•832:Kerrell Lynn. PO Box 1087, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092
Contents: Dryer, golf clubs, totes, fan
•204:Lisa Machado. 744 Burbank Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36117
Contents: Tires, TVs, mattress, totes, clothes
•818:Jennifer Scott. 1205 County Road 532, Hanceville, Alabama 35077
Contents: Boxes,Totes, Clothes Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 28 and Jul. 5, 2023 STORAGE AUCTION Do
PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS MILL CREEK RECREATIONAL TRAIL CITY OF MILLBROOK - RTP PROJECT #21-RT-54-06
Elmore County, Alabama
The City Clerk of the City of Millbrook will receive bids for MILL CREEK RECREATIONAL TRAIL CITY OF MILLBROOKRTP PROJECT #21-RT-54-06, until Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM CST, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at Millbrook City Hall, 3160 Main Street, Millbrook, Alabama. The Project is generally described as but not limited to new construction of a recreational trail including civil and utility improvements. Project Location: Intersection of AL Highway 143 (Main Street) & Grandview Road The Contract documents consisting of the Advertisement for Bids, Contractor Bid Form, Bid Scope, Bid Bond Agreement and other associated documents that may be examined at Millbrook City Hall, 3160 Main Street, Millbrook, Alabama. An electronic copy of the same may be obtained by contacting Stuart Peters of
- Mayor, Al Kelley Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 5, 2023 PROJECT #21-RT-54-06
Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.
We didn’t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Tallapoosa and Elmore County Classifieds has customizable programs available to fit any budget.
DON’T WAIT! Call TODAY 256.414.4250
TAKING FLIGHT IN ECLECTIC
Raptor Ridge provides to learn about raptors up close
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
alerie Castanza
Vdidn’t imagine she would be working with raptors when she started to volunteer at the Montgomery Zoo almost two decades ago.
Instead, Castanza thought she would be far from the claws of hawks and feeding raw food to vultures and more.
“When I started volunteering at the zoo 15 to 16 years in the education department, I thought I would like the cute and cuddly but gravitated towards raptors,” Castanza said. “I love these guys. I love their power and presence.”
She also volunteered at the Auburn University Raptor Center.
Fast forward to today and Castanza has six raptors — a red-tailed hawk, a screech owl, a barred owl, two great horned owls and a black vulture as part of her Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education. The idea of the education program started as she and her husband Anthony were looking for property to buy. They lived in
Montgomery but were wanting to move out of town. Nine years ago the Castanzas found property in Eclectic.
“When I saw it, I knew what it could be,” Castanza said.
The couple moved to Eclectic full time in March 2022.
“We sold our house in Montgomery,” Castanza said. “I wouldn’t go back there if I didn’t work there. I have a full time job.”
Raptor Ridge and its volunteers do educational programs in the area.
Castanza does as many as she can but during the week can be challenging with schedules.
In addition to education, Castanza likes to help any bird, especially raptors, but she can’t care for the initial treatment of the injuries.
“I will help with transport,” Castanza said. “I guess I do rescue but not the rehab. I do volunteer work with Auburn raptor center on the rehab.”
Castanza said it is nearly impossible to get injured raptors help currently because of the bird flu.
Anthony is trying
Songwriters corner
to do his part behind the scenes by building some of the enclosures for the raptors. Those enclosures include special perches for each of her different birds.
For instance, the redtail hawk’s perches are lower to the ground because of the amputated wing.
“He can hop up but he can’t fly,” Valerie Castanza said.
Castanza hopes to do more in the future espe-
year's schedule
cially after she retires from work in about seven years.
“The goal is when I retire, this will be my thing to keep me busy,” Castanza said.
Until then Castanza will keep going to as many library programs as she can to share her two loves.
“My goal is to foster a love for reading and at same time develop an appreciation for wildlife,” Castanza said.
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
The much-anticipated Lake Martin Songwriters Festival released the 2023 schedule last week.
Kicking things off is Niffer's Place at Lake Martin on Wednesday, July 26. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Dillon Dixon, Goldpine and Kyle Wilson will bring music to the lake until 7:30 p.m. Then that same night at Lake Martin Pizza in Dadeville, artists Kensie Coppin, Chancie Neal, Brian White and Karyn Williams will be playing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For the second night of the festival, July 27, there will be six venues jamming out. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., artists Charlie Argo and Keith Stegall will be at Fermenter's Market on the Green; Harper Grace and Kyndal Inskeep will be at The Square Downtown; and Zazu's Verandah will host Dillon Dixon, Casey LeVasseur, Brian White and Karyn Williams. That same Thursday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Terri Jo Box and CJ Fields will be at The Local on 41 Main, Clare Cunningham and Goldpine will be at Ocie & Belle's and Martin's at Lake Martin will be bringing in Kensie Coppin, Bridgette Tatum and Emma Zinck.
Come Friday night the songwriters will make their way to the Eclectic side of the lake starting off with The Social at Lake Martin. The Social will host Coppin, William Michael Morgan and Wilson from 5 to 7 p.m. Then The Funky Goat will have Fields, Kelly and D Vincent Williams performing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Plus, Russell Crossroads will be the site of
two music specials that same night. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Crossroads will host the 20 and Under Songwriters Competition.
Next, Russell Crossroads will have Dixon, Goldpine, Brian White, Karyn Williams, Harper Grace, Kyndal Inskeep, Bridgette Tatum, Zinck, Clare Cunningham, LaVasseur, Chancie Neal and Jeffrey Steele as the headliner from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
With the next festival day being Saturday, it is kicking off early at Bay Pines Marina with Terri Jo Box, Morgan and Trick Savage from noon to 2 p.m. Plus, The Social at Lake Martin will have performances by Clare Cunningham, Neal and Zinck from noon to 2 p.m.
For an afternoon of music, Charlie Argo, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Kelly and Zinck will be at Chuck’s from 2 to 4 p.m. Next, Bluff's Daiquiri Bar at Harbor Pointe Marina will have Coppin, Grace and Inskeep playing from 4 to 6 p.m.
Finishing off the night, Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters will have performances by Box, Fields, Kelly, Trick Savage, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Stegall, D Vincent Williams, Argo, Coppin, Morgan, Kyle Wilson and headliner Adam Hood and Band from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
On Sunday the July 30, the festival will finish off with two events. Copper’s Grill will have performances by Cannon-Goodman, Trick Savage, Stegall and D Vincent Williams from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The last performance will be the festival’s newest event, the Local's Stage. At Chuck's, the Locals Stage will bring Kevin Adair, Brown Barnes Duo, Haley Hawkins, Sid Phelps and Josiah Rodda for performances from 4 to 6 p.m.
FILE | THE OBSERVER
A crowd gathers at Copper’s Grille during the second annual Lake Martin Songwriters Festival last year.